Author Topic: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA  (Read 9309 times)

Gene-73

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1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« on: June 03, 2021, 04:15:35 PM »
My '73 build is finally complete after almost exactly 5 years from the date of purchase!  :D
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
« Last Edit: August 03, 2021, 07:01:59 PM by Gene-73 »
Gene


Jack

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  • 1971 Esprit TA Clone W72 1972 Formula 68 350 HO
Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2021, 04:50:58 PM »
Beautiful car... just Beautiful.




Regards, Jack

Steve B

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Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2021, 05:20:39 PM »
I couldn't have said it better Jack.  Just beautiful!
Steve
1980 Trans Am, 400, TH400 auto

Jack

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  • 1971 Esprit TA Clone W72 1972 Formula 68 350 HO
Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2021, 07:08:22 PM »
The only thing that I would have done differently is a gauge conversion.




Regards, Jack

5th T/A

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Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2021, 08:15:46 PM »
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.

1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2021, 08:15:46 PM »

Dreamn2

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Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #5 on: June 07, 2021, 02:22:40 PM »
Beautiful!
79 Fire Am
79 Macho #26
79 Solar Gold W72 TA

roadking77

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Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #6 on: June 07, 2021, 05:18:16 PM »
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  :shock:
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

jugalo

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Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2021, 07:19:01 AM »
Well done. Cant wait to post a final job done post like yours.
1980 Turbo Trans Am Restomod (in work)
Fiero Bronze 400/200-4r

rkellerjr

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Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2021, 11:26:23 AM »
That is gorgeous!  Congrats!

kentucky yeti

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Re: 1973 Buchaneer Red TA
« Reply #9 on: June 08, 2021, 04:27:57 PM »
Love it!
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
2012 Mustang

AirBird1

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Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #10 on: August 26, 2021, 07:58:40 PM »
Wow!  Beautiful job, I hope my 73 Formula turns out that nice.

O

BBATCAR

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Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #11 on: October 06, 2021, 09:54:00 PM »
Gene - Just absolutely Stunning and so Perfectly Done !!  All I have left is body and paint and hope to ever get mine that way.
1975 Trans Am 4 Speed Car
Upgraded to TKO 600 5 Speed
400 Pontiac build by Kauffman, Stroke 462 ci
KRE Heads, Roller Cam, Holley 870 Street Avenger
Ride Tech Stage 2 Pro Tour Suspension
Vintage AC/Heater, RTX Dakota Gauges
Wilwood Brakes, 17" Pontiac Wheels
Flickr Page
https://flic.kr/ps/3QPYFx

Spoon

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Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #12 on: April 28, 2022, 01:50:26 AM »
Stunning.

FormTA

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Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #13 on: April 28, 2022, 04:14:58 AM »
I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. Just jealous!
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

hakitup

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Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #14 on: April 28, 2022, 09:30:58 AM »
Looks fantastic, great job

Tom H
"I don't know what you call it, I only know the sound it makes when it lies!!"

Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #14 on: April 28, 2022, 09:30:58 AM »

ryeguy2006a

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Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #15 on: April 28, 2022, 10:27:17 AM »
Looks great Gene, very clean. That stance is perfect!

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

Brewster

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Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #16 on: August 21, 2022, 05:55:26 AM »
Looks awesome and she probably rides even better then she looks. Enjoy it and wish you many happy miles.

Re: 1973 Buccaneer Red TA
« Reply #16 on: August 21, 2022, 05:55:26 AM »
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