1979 Trans-Am Restoration - South Africa (Reboot)

[DeVilliers]

This is what the back of the mould looked like. The top half
IMG-20191122-WA0008 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

Thought I'd post a random photo of the motor in the car

2022-02-01_12-59-59 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

still some tiding up to do

[silver78]

you've overcome lots of hurdles and the car looks great.

[roadking77]

x2, wishing you the best of luck and hope this is the last time you have to do the work and can start driving and enjoying the car.

[scarebird]

Certainly puts any build over here in perspective!

[5th T/A]

Great to see your new motor in the car. I bet you can't wait to put some miles on it.
Enjoy!

Forgive me because you said you still have some things to take care of. I noticed the fuel line coming off the pump is pretty close to the harmonic balancer and pulley. I assume that might be one of the things on your punch list.

[DeVilliers]

It does look close, but it's not too close.

I was looking at it the other day, and I'm not sure where to go with it. Fuel pump does not allow for it to come out any other way. Tying it to the bottom radiator hose is probably one option, but not a good one.

My other issue is the cable from the battery to the starter, which runs under the motor. There I have some space between the cross member and the oil pan, so I think I'm going to tie it on top of the cross member.

[DeVilliers]

I managed to fit the lights. Some new imported hardware included.

2022-02-10_01-20-41 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

So, why is is chopped? Interesting story
With the fibreglass front, there is no more flex like there was with the old rubber one. I had to cut the backing plate in half to get if to go inside the bumper.

New grills going in.
2022-02-10_01-20-05 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

So now I need some help.
While back, I imported all the door and window seals.

I think these are Metro if I remember correctly. Problem is, they don't fit 

It looks like the ends are too long? What to do?
Am I missing something?

These are the window seals running along the top of the roof, where the glass seals up.
The front:

2022-02-10_01-21-03 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

The back:
2022-02-10_01-21-16 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

So, how do I fix this, or is my installation wrong? I don't think my install is wrong.

I was thinking of cutting them shorter and then superglue the rubber end to get the correct length?

Assistance will be appreciated.

[roadking77]

Kinda hard to tell,  but it looks like in the top picture that the end you are showing should be at the back of the door. Still doesnt explain why it is so long though.
As for cutting, and gluing together,  be careful. I had to do that such thing with my 77 because I have C n C tops. I am not sure of my brand  but it was not solid rubber. Mine had a foam core with rubber on the outside, was darn near impossible to join them together. I used 3 m cement and it only half worked. Its one of those spots on my car that is sub par that drives me crazy.

[DeVilliers]

Yeah, it's kinda difficult to explain with photos.
This is the rear of the door.

The top corner is right in there and can't go anymore.
2022-02-11_10-35-20 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Then the rubber follows the channel to the front.
Then you end up with a long piece that goes no where.
2022-02-11_10-35-37 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[Wallington]

I'd install each end where there's a known fixed point, then compress the rubber together from one end until it hopefully all fits in the channel. Do it by test first if you intend to use sealant, many don't bother.

[roadking77]

I agree with Wallington, it def looks like it will compress on the back (b pillar) but the front looks way too long! Of course there should not be a hard joint like the  90deg at the top back of glass so you should have the entire length of the window to make up the diff.

[Jack]

I remember mine being short and I had to leave them outside under the hot sun to shape in place. I did a dry run before using sealant. I also used the window to compress them in after installation and for better alignment.

How old are they? I've had issues with cheap eBay ones but never with Metros.   

[DeVilliers]

I remember mine being short and I had to leave them outside under the hot sun to shape in place. I did a dry run before using sealant. I also used the window to compress them in after installation and for better alignment.

How old are they? I've had issues with cheap eBay ones but never with Metros.

About a year old, since imported, but fresh out the box.
I'm going to fit the glass, before cutting anything. Both sides are the same.

[Wallington]

Did you try jamming it right up into the roof corner, then working your way back from the door front? The fact that both match says something, not sure what though.

[DeVilliers]

Did you try jamming it right up into the roof corner, then working your way back from the door front? The fact that both match says something, not sure what though.

I did and I can't get it to go further in.

[DeVilliers]

Hi all,

Still at it. Slow progress, but I feel like I'm getting there.

Fitted the hood. Took some tries, but it gapped out nice.
IMG-20220423-WA0007 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
IMG-20220423-WA0009 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I do have a question. Does the hood sit flush with the front edge of the fender, or is it set backwards for the gap between the hood and front clip?
If option 2, how far back? 3mm, 5mm??

[DeVilliers]

As a side note, what mission to get the hood springs in.

Also got both inner fenders fitted, after getting the hood on. More parts out the way!
IMG-20220423-WA0004 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Also made some progress on the interior.
Got the rear panel trim in and the sail panel trim. Was also busy under the hood with some custom designs.
Not sure if any will recall, but the car had no air of A/C and all ducting was just about gone. So I made my own fittings for the air vents and connected flexible hosing to it. Driver side and center is done. Still need to do the passenger side and then tidy up everything under the dash.

I'm also trying to get the carpet in. It's just a universal piece that I started cutting and fitting. Glued down a few bits, but it's a pain to get the folds out.

Oh, and it looks a bit like a car
IMG-20220424-WA0000 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[roadking77]

Looking great. The hood alignment can be about as big a PIA as anything else dealing with the front end. Yours looks great! It should probably be offset from the front of the fender edge just a bit as the nose piece should be tight at the location. I think I would fit the front before I messed with the hood though in case its close enough how you have it. Just dont slam it shut the first time 

[5th T/A]

DeVilliers,

Good to see your car going back together.

While it looks great, I agree with Kerry on putting the nose on first. Once you carefully close the hood it will tell you if everything is square and if you have adequate clearance.

Attached is a page from the Pontiac service manual on how to adjust rear hood height if you need to. It's not uncommon to see them sit high at the back of the hood.

IMG_3186 by Lawrence Alexander, on Flickr

[DeVilliers]

Hi all,

Hope everyone it out and about, enjoying their rides.

I'm still at it. Really pushing every weekend I can.
Fitted some dome interior lights, headliner is in, together with all the trim and new hardware.
2022-07-27_10-09-18 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Sail panels in and rear armrest panels also.
I've been struggling with the carpet, but it coming together slowly.
2022-07-27_10-01-19 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

All glass is now fitted. I ended up having to cut the seal shorter. No matter how I compressed it, or leaving it in the sun. It would not go. Heat gun assisted a little, but still ended up cutting about 4 inches out of the seal.
I've also cleaned up all the wiring under the hood and dash. No pics though.

I'm so close to the end now, I can feel it.

Took is outside for a wash. First one in 16 Months.
2022-07-27_09-56-21 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2022-07-27_09-56-41 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[ryeguy2006a]

Beautiful!! Nice update right there. How's the progress on the new nose piece?

[roadking77]

Perseverance pays off. I know you have been at this a long time and cant wait to get it on the road. Looks like you will be there in no time now. Car looks fantastic!!

[DeVilliers]

Beautiful!! Nice update right there. How's the progress on the new nose piece?

Still putting it off
I really need to tackle it though. Perhaps this coming weekend.

[DeVilliers]

It's on!

IMG-20220827-WA0000 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Just look as that badge!
20220827_131619 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[Jack]

Looking good.

[5th T/A]

New nose looks great!

[tajoe]

Thanks for re-posting.

[FormTA]

I am really impressed with the mold making and part making. That is some pretty amazing work for a one off part. Came out great! Look just like the image you posted on the first page at the top.

[DeVilliers]

Hi all,

Small update.

When I got the car the original gauge cluster was long gone, and the previous owner has some nasty auto gauges stuck directly to the bezel 

So waaaaaayyyyyy back, when all this started, I imported this kit.
https://www.intellitronix.com/product-page/firebird-70-81-led-replacement-gauge-panel
https://www.intellitronix.com/

The kit was installed long ago, so I can't remember if there was a pic on the old thread.
2021-08-02_10-33-22 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

This was all I had of the original bezel (after a clean):
2022-10-14_09-57-19 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I managed to find a set of original bezel rings on eBay and some other bits. A lick of paint, and I got back to this:
2022-10-14_09-58-09 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Before bezel install:
2022-10-14_09-58-30 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

After:
2022-10-14_09-58-42 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

I like it! 

[roadking77]

I like those, they turned out nice. My only criticism would be the fuel. Is that showing litres? Im too simple thinking for that kind of stuff, I need a graduation between empty and full, LOL.

[DeVilliers]

I like those, they turned out nice. My only criticism would be the fuel. Is that showing litres? Im too simple thinking for that kind of stuff, I need a graduation between empty and full, LOL.

I'm not too sure myself, as I have never filled the tank.
My gut feel is, it's a percentage. i.e 48% so half tank. I also don't see any fuel light on these. Time will tell how many times I'll run out, haha.

[tajoe]

Make sure you have a 5 gallon gas can in your trunk, just in case.

[RamblerRacer]

Very nice build. The color is great and I’m also impressed with the work to create the nose.

[Jack]

I love the gauges, very nicely done.

[DeVilliers]

Hi all,

So, I hope this restoration is now nearing it's end, because I'm also at my end.

I'm still having brake issues. Rear brakes lock up completely, and if they don't I have zero brakes. Trying to solve this big issue is like hitting a brick wall. I'm out of solutions at the moment. Lines are good, calipers and cylinders are good, master was rebuilt. I just don't know anymore.

Anyway, small updates.
Got the scoop installed. Ended up making a bracket to fit the air cleaner. need so final touches, but it seems to be working. It's not functional, unfortunately.

2022-11-21_09-54-58 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr
2022-11-21_09-55-36 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Also got my 500million year old sill plates installed. These were one of the very first parts I imported way back when.
2022-11-21_09-56-44 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[scarebird]

It sounds like the rear brakes are assembled wrong.

Is there slop in the pedal push rod?

[DeVilliers]

It sounds like the rear brakes are assembled wrong.

Is there slop in the pedal push rod?

Gone through re-assembly, which was guided by another thread. I'm pretty sure they are correct.

Regarding the pedal. It's a soft pedal, until the rear brakes bind.
I measured the pushrod depth and there is clearance between that and the master. 

[Wallington]

Rear discs?