1973 Buccaneer Red TA

[Gene-73]

My '73 build is finally complete after almost exactly 5 years from the date of purchase! 
Here's a link to a gallery of recent photos (FYI looks best on a large screen) - http://grcvisuals.com/pontiac/trans-am.html

Car was originally an Esprit and is now a Trans Am clone. It was a frame off restoration with every single part having been either restored or replaced. I didn't do a build thread so here's a list of the major items that were done.

Sheet Metal/Rust Repair:

• Trunk floor replaced
• Rear seat floors replaced
• A pillar corners repaired
• Rear quarters replaced (skins)
• Rear window channel repaired
• Rear tail panel repaired
• Door skins replaced
• Front fenders replaced with TA version
• Hood converted to TA shaker version
• Front valance replaced with urethane version

Paint:

• Body media blasted and epoxy primed
• High build poly primer and blocked
• Endura bumper repaired and edge re-enforced with steel
• Base/clear Buchaneer Red
• Cut and buff

Engine/Drivetrain:

• Original 350 motor rebuilt 0.03 over
• Original number 46 heads (98 cc) replaced with number 47 heads (83 cc) for 9:1 compression
• Summit Racing 2801 camshaft
• Summit Racing 600cfm carburetor
• Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold
• Aluminum billet accessory brackets
• Ram Air Restorations exhaust manifolds
• Pypes dual exhaust with X pipe and Street Pro transverse muffler
• Original TH350 transmission rebuilt
• Torque converter 2000 rpm stall
• Aluminum radiator
• Dual electric fans and controller
• High power alternator
• Mini starter
• Custom shaker air cleaner
• Optima battery

Suspension/Steering:

• Poly body bushings
• Front subframe and control arms powder coated
• Front suspension components replaced
• UMI front lowering springs 2 inch
• Stock replacement rear leaf springs re-arched 2 inch lower
• Front 1 5/16 inch sway bar
• Rear 1 inch sway bar
• Quick ratio steering gear
• American Racing polished aluminum wheel 17x8 front and 17x9 rear
• Sumitomo HTR A/S Pos2 tires 245/45 front and 275/40 rear

Interior:

• TA dash bezel
• Auto Meter tach integrated into cluster
• VDO oil/water gauges
• Vintage Air system
• Steering column rebuilt
• Grant steering wheel
• Pro Car Lumbar Deluxe seats
• Rear seats recovered
• Deluxe door panels
• Headliner converted from bow type to solid panel
• Stereo with 3" LCD screen
• Secondary fuse panel installed under console
• All new glass (front, rear, sides)
• LED dash lights
• LED dome light
• Noico 80 mil butyl sound deadener
• Cockpit lined with 1 lb. mass loaded vinyl on top of 1/8" closed cell foam

[Jack]

Beautiful car... just Beautiful.

[Steve B]

I couldn't have said it better Jack.  Just beautiful!

[Jack]

The only thing that I would have done differently is a gauge conversion.

[5th T/A]

Very nicely done Gene, it really looks great!

Brings back memories of my 73TA, I purchased new in early 1973. I love early 2nd gen TA’s, with 73’s being my favorite.

[Dreamn2]

Beautiful!

[roadking77]

Gene, car is stunning. Quality is top notch. Fit and finish looks superb. Stance is perfect. Paint looks beautiful. Interior mildly custom but done just right. Engine bay nice and clean. I dont think there is anything you could have done any better. I would love to take a look in person.
Forgot to add, the photo layout is really cool too. I wish I knew more about computers 

[jugalo]

Well done. Cant wait to post a final job done post like yours.

[rkellerjr]

That is gorgeous!  Congrats!

[kentucky yeti]

Love it!

[AirBird1]

Wow!  Beautiful job, I hope my 73 Formula turns out that nice.

O

[BBATCAR]

Gene - Just absolutely Stunning and so Perfectly Done !!  All I have left is body and paint and hope to ever get mine that way.

[Spoon]

Stunning.

[FormTA]

I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Just jealous!

[hakitup]

Looks fantastic, great job

Tom H

[ryeguy2006a]

Looks great Gene, very clean. That stance is perfect!

[Brewster]

Looks awesome and she probably rides even better then she looks. Enjoy it and wish you many happy miles.