My Tenth Anniv.

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, you do such a nice job on your restorations! Everything looks fantastic, keep up the good work.

[FormTA]

Looks great! I wonder which is better? I really don't know. I found a copper one from somewhere as I was afraid to try the aluminum. The copper one was in the car so that's what I put back (as I didn't want to have to do it aging on my lifetime). They make aluminum radiators so they have to be good, right? This is purely a thought I ponder not a bash on you putting in an aluminum unit.

[5th T/A]

Heater box looks better than new. One less thing to worry about!

Regarding what material is better or best, I don’t know! I actually thought they used to use copper tubes and brass fins. I do know all modern high efficiency radiators are made of aluminum. I have heard it could be cost factor but also that long life antifreeze doesn’t like copper. Forever AC evaporators and condenser coils have been made out of aluminum.

[sreta]

I don't know about aftermarket unit, but original heater core has copper core and the rest is brass.

[roadking77]

The one I took out was copper. In all fairness I think the $130 part from Ames is said to be copper. My car doesnt get that much use in the winter so honestly I could care less if the heat is efficient or not. It doesnt even work in my black car and I have gotten along just fine. I had the same thought regarding the fact that radiators are aluminum but then I wondered is that because there is more heat loss to make it more effective! Not what you would really want for a heater core. In the end, its still the same hot water flowing through, with the air moving across the fins so I cant see it making any difference. No one will ever be seeing it so Im not afraid to loose a point in judging

[roadking77]

20240425_141626 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Under dash duct had a hole in it patched up with duct tape. I had a few free minutes so I figured I would try to fix rather than get a new one (I looked on Franks website and they have nothing currently). I thought I had a full set of duct work but after a search around the shop I came up empty. Fortunately the pieces broke off fell inside the part so I was able to patch it back together and then I fibreglassed over. It was kind of messy, so I followed up with some flex filler, then fillable primer from Rustoleum, then some rustoleum satin black. I then used SEM clear satin on top. I was surprised the SEM didnt react with the Rustoleum. Its not perfect but once its tucked up under the dash I think it will be fine.
20240427_121156 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20240427_140929 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20240427_140929 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20240428_173138 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[roadking77]

20240427_165641 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Next up is brakes. Bench bled the master, got things hooked up and started with the fronts. No problem. Then it came to the rears Slight hiccup, once thats figured out I will post my findings.

So in the meantime it was time to take a break
20240428_173714 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20240428_172637 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Burn up some sticks from the back yard and cook some smores with the grandson.

[ryeguy2006a]

Great work Kerry, keep it up. Love camp fires!

[rkellerjr]

Lookin good!

[5th T/A]

Nice job on the AC duct. It should be good for another 45 years, maybe  more.

[81Resto]

Awesome job on the heater duct repair.  The whole project looks to be coming out great!

[TATurbo]

Congrats on all the progress.  You're practically finished!
This TATA is going to be a beaut!  Sounds sweet too.

[roadking77]

I knew after waiting for a gazillion years to have my motor rebuilt I should have named this car 'Patience'. But Im not one of thos that name cars. Now I am reconsidering Or maybe just PIA
Front brakes all fine. I could not get a vacuum on the back to save my life. After a few unsuccessful tries I decided to check that my fittings were tight. I DID NOT HAVE THE MAIN LINE HOOKED UP TO THE SPLITTER AT THE REAR END
So, hook that up and still no vac. Trip 2 lets look at the fittings again. The line input to the caliper was nice and tight, however the line moved freely in and out of the caliper, like it was missing a stop/washer ferule or something? With some advice and looking around I could not figure how to remedy the situation without a complete hodge podge. I called FbirdCentral where I bought the calipers (years ago now) and found they are for someone doing a disc brake swap onto a drum car. The fitting is accomplished with a banjo bolt and flex line much like the fronts. Rather than going through a bunch to make things jive, I found a set of rebuilt original calipers and placed an order. Hope they work!

[roadking77]

Rear Brake saga continues. I got a set of 'rebuilt' calipers (not cheap) but they are basically the same thing as I bought from firebird central. They are NOT originals rebuilt but a replacement. I still have the same problem, getting the line attached to the caliper itself. After getting some pictures in another thread from a kind member here I can finally see the problem. There is as described in the service manual a 'block' that attaches to the caliper with a banjo bolt that the brake line threads into. THIS is the part I am missing. SO, I started to think about it and I can vividly remember tearing my original caliper apart and refinishing it, I even bought a rebuild kit. I found the rebuild kit but no idea where the caliper is after an exhaustive search. I figure, 'hey, I might have made a post about rebuilding the caliper  '. I went back to page one of this thread and BAZINGA, right there on page 2, dated June 16, 2021 is pictures of the rear caliper before and after a cleanup. NOW ALL I HAVE TO DO IS TEAR MY SHOP APART TO FIND IT. I never throw any car part away, I cant imagine I would have gotten rid of this.

[roadking77]

20240507_174435 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
After digging through every box I had in the shop, and thats a lot I had given up. I knew I did not throw them away but got to the point that there was nowhere else I would have put them. THEN, I saw my flare kit peeking out on the corner of the shelf. I wondered, is there a chance................?  I have looked over that spot multiple times during my search as I KNEW the only thing there was my plumbing and electrical tool kits. However with all other spots coming up empty and nothing to loose there IT WAS
Got the block off, and of course the fitting on my brake line was not compatible. Luckily I had one in my pile of parts, got the flare kit out and new end put on. Got everything hooked back up on the car, gave the bleeder a few minutes of pumping with my vac tool but wore my hand out (minor case of arthritis) so I will get some help today to do some pushing on the brake pedal. Hopefully that will be quicker and easier.
20240507_174657 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20240507_182012 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20240507_182059 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr20240507_182203 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

[5th T/A]

Nicely done Kerry, I knew you would find them. In your quest for the calipers did you find anything you weren't looking for? Gold nuggets or a valuable baseball card? It seems whenever I am searching for something, I find everything but what I am looking for.

You are getting close to having a driver. Many years ago, when I was doing my 19975 TA, I slowly drove it up and down the alley without doors, hood or a front clip. All it proved was it could move and stop, but I was excited anyway.

[roadking77]

I did find a lot of stuff I either forgot or didnt know I had. When I bought this car it was literally packed full of boxes of trans am parts. I was joking with my son the other day that I should get a spot at Carlisle and sell it off. I found a lot of fasteners I did not know I had, some of the small parts I will be needing soon as well. I organized a bit, and took the stuff I think I may need and put it in one box. I am not a seller, but I really should do something with all I have. Once the 79 is finished I may do a purge.

As for driving, I have 2 sets of seats (did I mention the car came with a lot of extras ) and I put a black hobnail in there temp. The TATA seats are shredded wheat, not toast. Once I get the brakes straightened out I hope to put the front sheet metal back on. At that point hopefully it will be a short time before I can take a spin around the block. I have all of the interior except the seat covers. For the last couple of years I have been waiting on Legendary to have a sale. Its about to the point that I need to pull the plug and get them ordered. It should be the last big expense to get this car finished. When I did my 77 it was 99% finished before I put it on the road. With this one as soon as I am at a point that I can get it insured I will get the tags.

[FormTA]

I'm glad you're not losing it. Every time I search for something I know I had, I begin to think I'm going crazy and I sold it, gave it to someone or loaned it out. It really messes with my head.

I have the same flare tool, but I haven't used it yet.  I hear they are pretty cool.

[roadking77]

Yes I was beginning to wonder if I had given/sold them to someone. The flare tool works pretty well. This line was stainless so it took a bit more muscle, bends like a breeze with the nicop.

[wheels78ta]

Got a little more done over the weekend. I had a few loose bolts from the install so I went back and made sure everything was socked down good and tight. I got a new pair of 'correct' battery cables and got those installed.I got a new pair of 'correct' battery cables and got those installed. I was going to get those from napa but they have let me down with parts as of late so I chickened out and spent the big bucks I think at this point all of the electrical connections are done I am getting a grasp on the vacuum crap. Still looking for a few parts for that. Fuel lines hooked up. Refinished the gas pedal and got a new cable installed. Need to place another order for some more parts, probably wont be in until the end of the week. I am planning on going to the AACA convention towards the end of the week so I wont get much accomplished.

The positive battery cable should be the same for 78-79....#8097031.  Is the negative the same for the 78-79?  Do you have a part # for the negative cable?

[roadking77]

Let me check on the cables, I will get back to you. I bought them from Firebird Central if that helps. They were about twice the price of NAPA but I wanted to make sure they were correct.

[wheels78ta]

No hurries....And thanks for checking.

I have a NOS positive cable.

The negative cable from Firebird Central has the # 12000152 FL code.  Just making sure that is the correct one.

[roadking77]

34382 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
This is my neg. bat cable and the marking. I got it from Firebird Central.

I have been struggling both physically and mentally with my brakes. After exhaustive searching I finally found the correct banjo bolts from an online supplier of brake fittings. These parts replaced the brass block that is on the stock brakes. Unfortunately the fitting I had on the hard line I had already installed in the car was not correct. So, I had to take that off and put a new fitting on. THEN, the fitting that came with the new banjo bolt was correct in thread, but it was too long on the end with no threading. There was not enough to seat into the banjo bolt. So, back to cutting the tubing and putting a correct fitting on. After changing the line twice, and replacing the fittings a couple of times I finally got it!!
20240507_182203 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Original brass block for brake fitting.
20240515_173116 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
New banjo bolts I bought online.
20240518_121532 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Fitting that came with banjo bolt. After I installed I found there wasnt enough thread to grab the fitting.

20240518_121623 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
New fitting installed. This one worked.

[roadking77]

At this point I am very tempted to put the front sheet metal on. But, I think I will get the underneath stuff finished first. I had my shop put the u joints in my prop shaft and its ready to go. I put the front back on my cribbing to get some underneath clearance and will do the rear once I know the brake lines are not leaking anywhere. Underneath stuff that needs to be completed is the prop shaft, the exhaust and the parking brake. I am still debating whether to get sub frame connectors. My 77 does not have them and creaks and rattles worse than my knees in the morning. Not sure if they would help that situation. I figure as long as I have this one up on blocks it would be easy enough to install. I think at that point I can set the car back down. I am pretty sure I am going to get a new ac compressor and I would like to get all of that hooked up before the front end goes back. I have most of the stuff to finish so its just a matter of me getting out to the shop and putting in some hours.

[wheels78ta]

Thanks for the negative battery cable information, Kerry.

More money to spend....

[5th T/A]

At this point I am very tempted to put the front sheet metal on. But, I think I will get the underneath stuff finished first. I had my shop put the u joints in my prop shaft and its ready to go. I put the front back on my cribbing to get some underneath clearance and will do the rear once I know the brake lines are not leaking anywhere. Underneath stuff that needs to be completed is the prop shaft, the exhaust and the parking brake. I am still debating whether to get sub frame connectors. My 77 does not have them and creaks and rattles worse than my knees in the morning. Not sure if they would help that situation. I figure as long as I have this one up on blocks it would be easy enough to install. I think at that point I can set the car back down. I am pretty sure I am going to get a new ac compressor and I would like to get all of that hooked up before the front end goes back. I have most of the stuff to finish so its just a matter of me getting out to the shop and putting in some hours.

You have been a busy man Kerry, especially fighting your rear disk brake challenges. Glad you can move on to other things. On the bright side you got good use out that fancy flaring tool.

It bugged me having to pay a real muffler shop to finish my exhaust because my over the axel pipes had the wrong radius and just didn’t fit. But, they did a really nice job, so I am happy.

I think you are smart in getting the AC sorted out before bolting the front fenders on. Why risk scratching that beautiful paint anymore than you have to. I would suggest you flush the condenser and evaporator and test for leaks before putting the fenders on so you don’t have to take them off again, especially the evaporator. Probably want to consider replacing the accumulator and rubber hoses too if those parts are original.

[FormTA]

I thought  I posted this already buy
..

If I had to do it again, I would definitely install the PTFB subframe connectors and solid body mounts. They really stiffed up my car.  I would really be interested to see what the ride would be like if I didn't have the GT, Hotkis springs and low pro tires. I think it would be great. (The low pro tires and tighter suspension doesn't soak up the rough roads in my area). Is it bad, no, just a tiny bit rougher but still a pretty great ride.

[roadking77]

Thanks Luke, I am leaning more towards getting the connectors. IF nothing else just because. My black car isnt  bad and Im not putting out more than 400hp AND I dont race or even drive crazy. Overall it feels pretty solid. But I have been thinking about them for years and right now is the easiest time to install them on the 79. Just another expense and more time
I really do want to get this car finished sooner than later, I promise.

[FormTA]

Ya, I know. But what are friends for, besides peer pressure?

[5th T/A]

I thought about installing the subframe connectors but decided against it. I have never driven or even gone for a ride in a TA with the connectors, so I am looking forward to a comparison.

[roadking77]

May have to wait awhile for my road test   I found out the other day that in order for my Pypes exhaust system to hook up with the correct splitters is another $200.  Parts ordered, hopefully will be here soon. So the sub frame budget just imploded   I can always add them at a later date easy enough. Maybe we will have our lift by then
I am about an hour away from Pypes and thought about taking off and make an afternoon on Friday to pick them up and take the wife out to dinner for her Bday. However, they had a special and a code which pretty much turned into free shipping, so it would have cost me money to go pick them up by the time I take an afternoon off of work. Being self employed is great and bad at the same time, LOL.

[ryeguy2006a]

I haven't checked in for a while Kerry, looks like you are making some good steady progress! Love it.

[FormTA]

 

Funny thing,  I installed my pypes kit and then realized the same thing. I order the parts and never installed them. I still have the elbow hangers and tips in boxes.... you have now reminded me of another project I need to do on my car... Thanks a lot!

[roadking77]

I had the shop install the same exhaust on my 77 so I really didnt know what was needed. I figured at least the last outlet pipe would be ok and only needed the splitters themselves. I did have the extras for the straight pipe in my barn though as leftovers. I finally gave them away a couple of months ago. Looks like I have another set to take their place hanging on the wall!! Just when I thought I was getting rid of some junk it re-materializes Maybe Im not a pack rat after all, perhaps I do throw stuff away but it re-appears

[roadking77]

Still patiently waiting on parts from Pypes to arrive

[roadking77]

After a week I gave up waiting so I called Pypes. They informed me the 'offshore' made parts are scheduled to be ready for shipment at the end of this month!! I was dissapointed in a few ways. One, I guess me being naive but I thought they made their stuff. I have been to their place before and thought for sure they did their own production but they said they only do R & D now. Then I was a bit miffed that they took my money and no further information. They could at the very least sent an email saying the parts were on back order. Not very good on the customer service end. I had everything ready to go with the exhaust and prefer to finish one project before I move on to the next, but I suppose I will have to punt and find something else to work on until the exhaust shows up. After all there is plenty to do.

[5th T/A]

Depending on the supplier, sometimes customer service is a thing of the past. A couple weeks ago I ordered a new tire for one of my motorcycles, through the internet. As soon as I click the final purchase button I get a message due to Covid, orders typically take four days to process. I figured oh shoot, here we go again. But with ground shipping I had the part in three days. About a month ago I ordered a shock mount for my daughters Mazda from Rock Auto. I placed the order Friday night at 9:00 PM, it was delivered to my house Saturday afternoon, again with ground shipping. So you just never know. I always go with the cheapest shipping. It does seem that when you need or want something quickly it can take forever to arrive. You would think with technology today that any supplier can give you a heads up when a part is not in their warehouse or is on back order.

[FormTA]

Kerry, I found my pypes parts in stock somewhere. I didn't go through them directly.  Maybe you could find it in stock somewhere?

[roadking77]

I thought about that Luke. Most places have the tale pipes but I have found no one has the splitters. I still have a place to look though. The other thing is that Pypes sent me email blast for mothers day of all things, and they had a 25. off plus free shipping. With the discounts the sum total was less than buying both parts. IF I go elswhere I will most likely take a 50.-75. hit
Nothing with this car has been fast (I at least hope the finished car will be,lol) so I figured may as well keep the theme going and be patient I do have other things to do, but typically I like to finish one big thing before I move on to the next.

I too will never hit the express shipping. Very few things I order do I need the next day. I did order something recently (cant remember what it was) and they offered free shipping and had 3 day shipping for some stupid amount. I used the free and still got it in 2 days. The other thing that amazes me is my wife will order something on Sat evening and by 7am Sunday its on my porch!

[N PRGRES]

I bought two box fans yesterday and both were made in the USA, I about fell over.