Today I...

[77 TA man]

  Yesterday I removed the back seats to remove the rear seat shelf to have it repaired. That's when I realized that one of my speaker covers (insulation) was missing. Also run the wire for the trunk release. Again a day late.

I took my rear seat shelf out w/o removing the seats....

[Spoon]

Today I finally got a check from the insurance company to fix my truck.
July 2nd I had the day off so decided to work on the TATA..........if you have read my post, it has been a struggle.
This was the day I discovered all the damaged push rods and the machine shops horrible assembly.
Frustrated, I locked up the garage, got a shower, and took my wife out to eat to get my mind off the car.
Just to have a pizza delivery boy pull out in front of me and do $7000.00 in damage to my 2012 Dodge Ram.
Needless to say..........it got my mind off the TA for awhile.

 

[Casey]

I didn't remove my rear seats either when removing the shelf to recover it and when putting it back in.

Today I'm thinking about keeping the '79 as the one person to make an offer on the car so far was just rude.  Well then there was Jonathan on here that offered his '91 350 Camaro which was a good offer, but if I'm going to stay auto I'd just rather fix the '79 somehow.  Which I had a thought maybe with a properly rebuilt trans it'd get better mileage since technically it did nothing but slip the entire time...  I keep hearing about how 4-speed swaps are cheap for Chevy motors but I went looking and all of the Muncie and Borg Warner 4-speeds weren't much cheaper than a T56.  A truck transmission from what I can find is really just a 3-speed with a granny gear, so that's not much use either.  Which that still doesn't solve the no A/C issue, so probably just better off selling it and getting a fourth gen like planned anyway.

[77 TA man]

I didn't remove my rear seats either when removing the shelf to recover it and when putting it back in.

Today I'm thinking about keeping the '79 as the one person to make an offer on the car so far was just rude.  Well then there was Jonathan on here that offered his '91 350 Camaro which was a good offer, but if I'm going to stay auto I'd just rather fix the '79 somehow.  Which I had a thought maybe with a properly rebuilt trans it'd get better mileage since technically it did nothing but slip the entire time...  I keep hearing about how 4-speed swaps are cheap for Chevy motors but I went looking and all of the Muncie and Borg Warner 4-speeds weren't much cheaper than a T56.  A truck transmission from what I can find is really just a 3-speed with a granny gear, so that's not much use either.  Which that still doesn't solve the no A/C issue, so probably just better off selling it and getting a fourth gen like planned anyway.

200-4R maybe? Not a stick but better than a TH-350. You'd have to update the factory shifter to work with the OD trans but better MPG although I dont know by how much. Whats you rear end gear Box?

[Casey]

My concern with the automatic overdrives(4L80 excluded) would be my motor blowing it up.  That and for what it'd cost and the hassle(TH200-4R excluded) I rather just do a manual conversion anyway.  I tried finding the code on the axle tube, but going by the rotations of the driveshaft and rear wheel it's a 2.41 final which would need changed with every manual trans except for maybe the ST-10 used in early 80's Camaros and Corvettes that had a 3.42 first gear.

Still no A/C, and I need A/C with this heat and humidity.  Though I could use it as a Fall and Winter car perhaps.

[PARTSMAN76]

The company I work for is a distributor for Performance Automatic transmissions.
They offer a couple different 200r4, 4l60e, & 4l80e.
From 355hp rated up to 770hp rated.

[rkellerjr]

Lots more done to the car, almost done...

http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=68069.200

[Ok-TA1977]

Actually Saturday, on my 44th BD. Went to look at a 1980 TA, I may purchase.
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][URL=http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Two_Hawks/media/1980%20White%20TA/Mower%20and%20Hunting%20194.jpg.html][/url]
][URL=http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Two_Hawks/media/1980%20White%20TA/Mower%20and%20Hunting%20193.jpg.html][/url]
][URL=http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Two_Hawks/media/1980%20White%20TA/Mower%20and%20Hunting%20191.jpg.html][/url]
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And yes that decal is correct, it's not a 6 cylinder in it. We tried to get it to fire up but no go. Going to see what kind of deal I can get since it doesn't run.
The second pic of speakers is the door panel. Third pic of speaker is where the rear seat should be.. The audio system doesn't function either.

[DeCaff2007]

Actually Saturday, on my 44th BD. Went to look at a 1980 TA, I may purchase.

I'm right behind you.  Just turned 36.

[Casey]

Happy belated birthday!  Also the links got messed or something as it just says the images aren't available.

[Casey]

The company I work for is a distributor for Performance Automatic transmissions.
They offer a couple different 200r4, 4l60e, & 4l80e.
From 355hp rated up to 770hp rated.

I'd just redo the TH350 at least if I had somewhere safe to lift the car to get the transmission out, but I don't.  That's ok I'm too poor to try and make the second gen into something it's not, and in this particular case the direction the previous owner was going compromises what I want.  The motor sucks down at least a gallon every 30 minutes of idling, at least in park anyway.  My original plan was to get an all original 301 car for peanuts and then drop in a LT1/T56 out of a totaled 4th gen or C4 Vette.  If it was a weekend only car the terrible economy and lack of A/C(originally led to believe it was only the compressor) wouldn't matter so much, but I'm stupid and decided to use it as my only car.

[Ok-TA1977]

Anyone else having trouble see the pics?

[Pats TA]

Anyone else having trouble see the pics?

YES

[77 TA man]

Today I found that we do not have 200-4R on the Transmission wall.That Sucks, now I have to go find one....

[Casey]

Today I found that we do not have 200-4R on the Transmission wall.That Sucks, now I have to go find one....

Good luck with that, they're a bear to find and when you do it's not cheap usually.  That and depending on how much power you're pushing it'll need built up to handle it.  If you're mostly city driving it won't really help anyway, if you are doing mostly highway just use the TH350 and pop a 2.41-2.73 ring & pinion in the back.  Knowing what I know now even with the transmission falling apart mine had no problems getting up and going with the 2.41 rear, it still takes off like a scalded dog in reverse which is 1.93 versus first which is 2.52 if that says anything.

[77 TA man]

Today I found that we do not have 200-4R on the Transmission wall.That Sucks, now I have to go find one....

Good luck with that, they're a bear to find and when you do it's not cheap usually.  That and depending on how much power you're pushing it'll need built up to handle it.  If you're mostly city driving it won't really help anyway, if you are doing mostly highway just use the TH350 and pop a 2.41-2.73 ring & pinion in the back.  Knowing what I know now even with the transmission falling apart mine had no problems getting up and going with the 2.41 rear, it still takes off like a scalded dog in reverse which is 1.93 versus first which is 2.52 if that says anything.

yep, I am now reading into a 700R4 conversion behind the 400. Not a big fan of changing the rear end gears. I'll figure something, I've still got time before it hits the road and Hopefully most of my driving in the '77 will be highway with as little city as possible.

[Casey]

Probably would still looking at building it up.  From what I've heard the 700R4 isn't that strong stock either.  I know the 4L60E is garbage, I lost count how many my father's stock LT1 Camaro went through and he was the second owner after buying it from an older gentleman with some 60K miles on it and at the time it was only 8 years old.  I know he put in at least two within the time he bought it and the time it died again for the last time at some 170K miles.  They were whatever that big company that does all the GM motor and trans rebuilds too...starts with a J I think?  Either way it was ridiculous as even though he'd get on it once in awhile he was using it for daily use 60 miles a day all highway/interstate.

If it were me I'd just go ahead and look into the 4L80E as it's more or less a modern TH400, especially since you have a Pontiac that's on the torquier side.  They make standalone computers these days, not only would you get the benefit of overdrive but you'll also get a lockup converter further improving economy.

[Casey]

Jasper, that's the one.  Just hit me out of the blue when I wasn't thinking about it.

[DeCaff2007]

Yesterday I...

Went to work at my second job.  I went out to install a batter in a customs vehicle and saw two underage african americans running from the store next door and attempted to proceed to a get away vehicle.  They failed.  The clerk chased after them.  Cops showed up 45 minutes later. 

I have two things to say about this: 

1.  That's the last time I leave my personal protection device at home while I'm at my second job.

2.  The customer I was helping came out with a hilarious one liner that I'm still laughing about.  Not sure I can post it here as it was borderline racist.

My point is I'm getting VERY, VERY sick and tired of hearing about all the drugs and crime where I live.  Granted, I live on the outskirts of the city where it's mostly calm and quiet...  But cripes, one doesn't even feel safe walking the streets (inner city) in the DAYTIME!

4 more years and I can sell my house....

[roadking77]

.....and then you can move to Baltimore, gotta be one of the safest cities in the country 

[Casey]

Move down to rural Alabama, the town I'm in and the surrounding areas have the lowest crime percentages and the crimes we do have are non-violent offences.

[SMFS_Fear_Mii]

Today I got my new fuel tank and sending unit coated with por15. Man that stuff doesn't like to stick without an adhesion promoter. Anyways here's how she looks.

[DeCaff2007]

Today I... finally went to get bloodwork done.  Dr. has been bugging me about it for months.  I get there (after fasting 12 hours, only getting 4 hours of sleep, and having to take some sick leave from work) only to have the female dog receptionist tell me the paperwork is wrong!  OHHHHHHHHH I was PISSED!!  In my rage, I accidentally left my drivers license and insurance card behind.  Gotta go back tomorrow and get them (and tear that lady a new one).

[mrbandit]

Let it go Decaff, they messed up...it happens.  I mess up...do you?  Life is too short.

[DeCaff2007]

Let it go Decaff, they messed up...it happens.  I mess up...do you?  Life is too short.

LoL I messed up one day in 1979 and it's been Hell ever since!

Hehehehehe I did call that B**CH back and I hope her ears are still ringing.  She swears she gave me my license back.  I checked my coat pocket and there it was....    

[SMFS_Fear_Mii]

decaff doesnt that remind you of the days in the service? somehow the paperwork is ALWAYS messed up lol

[DeCaff2007]

decaff doesnt that remind you of the days in the service? somehow the paperwork is ALWAYS messed up lol

Oh for sure! 

Especially on my discharge papers.  I had just spent a year overseas and the paperwork said zero. 

[SMFS_Fear_Mii]

today i bent a pushrod. seized lifter. i never get a break

[Casey]

I know that feeling.  I'll trade my transmission issues for your motor issues.

[SMFS_Fear_Mii]

haha no thank you, at least i know an engine, transmissions im just lost 

[Casey]

Be that way.

I still keep waiting for a manual transmission to magically install itself, and it's not happened yet.

[Ok-TA1977]

Stopped by the little old lady's house about the 1980 TA, to give her a price I would be willing to pay her for it. (Pics are a few post back). Keep in mind the motor won't turn by hand or with juice to it, needs paint, can't get fuel to the carb ( why it was parked in the first place), and the stereo system doesn't work. General TLC also.
 She said she'd call me back after she talked to her three boys.

[roadking77]

Stopped by the little old lady's house about the 1980 TA, to give her a price I would be willing to pay her for it. (Pics are a few post back). Keep in mind the motor won't turn by hand or with juice to it, needs paint, can't get fuel to the carb ( why it was parked in the first place), and the stereo system doesn't work. General TLC also.
 She said she'd call me back after she talked to her three boys.

After checking the auctions that car has got to be worth at least 60k

[Ok-TA1977]

Stopped by the little old lady's house about the 1980 TA, to give her a price I would be willing to pay her for it. (Pics are a few post back). Keep in mind the motor won't turn by hand or with juice to it, needs paint, can't get fuel to the carb ( why it was parked in the first place), and the stereo system doesn't work. General TLC also.
 She said she'd call me back after she talked to her three boys.

After checking the auctions that car has got to be worth at least 60k

No way..It doesn't even run.

[Casey]

He was being sarcastic given what recent "Bandit" cars have brought at auction.

[Pats TA]

 replaced 2 courtesy lamp bulbs and dome light bulb on the TA. And they worked. I can't believe all 3 were bad but  they were.

[Pats TA]

put my rear window louvers on. All though I need to take them back off to be repainted. But wanted to see how they looked on the TA.

[Casey]

I was wanting to do rear louvers too.

Anyhow trying one more time on eBay, if no one buys it this time I'll try and find somewhere safe to either repair or convert the transmission. The easiest thing to do would be to just buy a used transmission for $200 or so and then swap them in a couple of hours, but then I'm rolling the dice on a used most likely original components transmission. If I did that I'd only do it for the TH-350C which has a lockup converter that I'd wire in manual control and that'd help with fuel economy on the highway. The cheapest option would be buying the ATP master kit for $75 shipped off Amazon, with the way I drive a fresh o.e.m. rebuild would probably be fine anyway. Plus from what I read by one guy he was saying if it were streetable and you weren't racing it all of the time you don't need the higher performance frictions and steels anyway. Even then the top end Alto master kit with red frictions and kolene steels is $220 shipped off eBay.

[79merlin]

Those Louvers look really nice.

[DeCaff2007]

AHHHHH!@#$  . Where do I begin?

Friday morning: woke up around 7 am, ready to be out the door and on my way to the beach by 8.  It was supposed to be the start of a few days of beer,  boobs, and beach.   Yeah.. ok.... I go out to start my car and there was a strong gas smell. I look underneath and there's a puddle of gas under the tank.  I had just filled it the night before,  too.  Not taking the Camry, AGAIN  .

The tank was leaking so bad I had to pull the car to my back yard and drop it.  Then siphoned the remaining gas to the woman's Jeep.  That set us back 3 hours (took awhile to find a new tank and it was $300!!!)  There goes half my beach money 


So we load up the Jeep and halfway to the beach a POS Chevy van pulls out in front of me and I had to SLAM on the brakes.  Good news is that Jeep is well maintained and slid to a straight, smooth stop.   No collision.   Bad news is I'm sure I took 500 miles off those tires from skidding like that. 

Finally get to the hotel,  have dinner,  and go see a band we knew would be there.   Now, guys, I can down about 10 beers no problem and be FINE the next day (albeit very hungry all day).  I had a mere 3 beers and ONE shot...and OH MY GAWD did I pay for that the next day!  Worst hangover of my life.  I guess I'm done for good with hard liquor.  Nothing like vomiting twice in the middle of the street. 

Ok so that's over. .. but then we had to go scream at the hotels owner because the maid never cleaned our room.

BLAHHHH it's been a great vacation so far...