Recent Posts

91

Interior / Re: Passenger A/C duct

« Last post by Wallington on April 22, 2024, 06:18:43 AM »

I had a very rude response from them maybe 15 years ago after a simple inquiry. They could have said no, sorry we find it too hard to ship internationally even if you are prepared to pay twice the value in shipping, but was more like absolutely no chance of that happening, must be dreaming to think anyone will do that for you. So I went elsewhere and they did. I seemed to recall it was a guy, if even said at all. Maybe having a bad day but also take the customers and hobby for granted.

92

Interior / Re: Inner access panels for rear TA wheels spoilers

« Last post by roadking77 on April 22, 2024, 06:02:54 AM »

My '79 has the square holes but no plates. My car was pretty much stripped out when I got it so cannot say if they were ever there.

93

Interior / Re: Passenger A/C duct

« Last post by roadking77 on April 22, 2024, 06:01:46 AM »

I will second Franks in California. Being on the wrong side of the country I was hesitant to use them. They have a great inventory updated almost daily. I found a few 'impossible' to find parts for my motor rebuild. Stuff that some parts guys told me I would NEVER find. Every time I call, there is a very nice lady and knowledgeable lady that answers the phone. Shipping is great and I typically get the stuff in less than a week.

Thanks for the reminder Rich.

94

Mechanical / Re: Auto to manual swap question

« Last post by roadking77 on April 22, 2024, 05:58:55 AM »

I think I would use the console as a guide. My interior is out and I can get pics and measurements for you. What kind of transmission are you using and does that make a difference? I dont know I assume you will be going with a 5 or 6 speed?With all of the options out there and the skyrocketing price of a t10 4 speed I think I def. would upgrade. I really wanted to on my car but I feel IF there is any value in my car its in the original drive train.

95

Lobby / Re: Firebird TA inflation

« Last post by roadking77 on April 22, 2024, 05:53:39 AM »

2020-06-06_11-09-41 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Thanks for posting those. Such a great part of the history of these cars and a good insight to when they were new. A lot of us (not me, Im old) may not have had the chance to buy a second gen brand new at this point.

Here is a pic of my 82 firebird (again, hate to dilute/hijack). I never kept anything with cars I bought. Wish I had now. Like I mentioned in another post I bought it new and it was a bit over $9000. The very top of my budget. I wanted a trans am in the worst way but the price was just too high. I said I thought they around 16k but that may have been for a recarro model as I remember they had a black and gold one in the showroom as well as a '83 Daytona pace car trans am. I am thinking that one was close to 20k! Still one of my dream cars if I ever get the chance I will have one

I have no idea what the base price was on my firebird but it was loaded. Other than the v6 motor it had just about every option that your T/A  had. Power windows and locks, deluxe stereo, lockable back floor cargo cover, vinyl pull out cargo cover. It was a hardtop which is what I wanted and the seats were deluxe vinyl.

96

Mechanical / Re: Auto to manual swap question

« Last post by DeCaff2007 on April 22, 2024, 05:39:03 AM »

I actually just did this.  It does somewhat self locate.  That's about all I did, too.  Long as nothing looked overly out of place.  Oh, that, and I did have the shifter there as a guide.  Put it in reverse and see how much space is between the shifter and the tunnel hump.  Same with 4th gear.

Tack weld, seal, and call it good.

97

Mechanical / Re: Auto to manual swap question

« Last post by Wallington on April 22, 2024, 05:37:10 AM »

The measurements are in the manuals, I'll have a browse in a moment.

98

Lobby / Re: Current picture of your project or finished car.

« Last post by roadking77 on April 22, 2024, 05:36:32 AM »

Brian, I could not agree more with you. One of the reasons why I love Trans Ams. They are beautiful cars right out of the box. Can improvements be made? Sure. But do they have to? Absolutely not! The interior is perfect as is, as well as the exterior. I see a lot of cars gussied up to make them a bit flashier but nothing needs to be done to the mighty T/A Although a sister car the Trans Am interior looks so much better than a comparable camaro.

99

Lobby / Re: Current picture of your project or finished car.

« Last post by b_hill_86 on April 22, 2024, 04:57:13 AM »

Thanks. I lucked out that it was in good shape. It’s got a few bad spots on it though. I have a spare I’m gonna have redone to replace it soon

100

Mechanical / Re: Auto to manual swap question

« Last post by FormTA on April 22, 2024, 04:43:14 AM »

I'm interested too. I'll be doing the swap as well to my formula.  When I did my TA when I was a kid, I used a Sawzall and pliers..... no hump... I put it back to an auto years later so it was nice that all of the metal was still there just folded back... Not a recommendation now...