Now that you understand what I want to create I’m going to do my best to create my dream car right on these pages. I will also do my best to document every step of the way and share the pitfalls and celebrations along the way. If you would like to take part in this project please check out my topic in the TAC forum project section for discussions, comments and complaints. Without further delay here is the official start of this project blog.
In November of 2009 this is a 1979 Trans Am followed me home. This bird started its life as a code 19 starlight black with black standard interior. The current color was a deviation of Nocturne Blue, which I plan to go back with and received a roof swap to add ttops. Overall the body is very solid with the only exceptions being the doors that have suffered from a lack of window sweeps. The drivetrain in this bird is the desirable W72 400\4spd option. As was the norm in 79′ the W72 option was ordered with the WS6 suspension. This option came with a larger rear sway bar, close ratio steering, stiffer springs, lower sub-frame brace and 4wheel disc brakes.
When I say this TA followed me home I really mean it. Here is a shot with my two boys standing on the tow dolly that brought this bird home.
What a great adventure it was. We were able to visit a great friend, spend some time and see some new places. I’ll never forget our dinner stop off on the way home that night. We were discussing the car and the things we could do and I was talking about how the car was in such good condition. It really is, but to a 7 year old they don’t quite understand. My son looks at me and says “are you talking about that car, because I don’t see it”. We had a good laugh and headed on home. The only close call of the trip was when a tire strap came loose and only one tire was holding the car on the dolly. I don’t know how far we drove like that, but I sure am glad we stopped for dinner.
Being the start of winter the bird sat for a few months before we could start disassembly. Just before Summer the boys and I began to tear into and we had a lot of fun. I actually let the two of them take everything apart to get some experience working on cars and they loved every minute of it.
After the picture above this bird was placed in the barn while I acquired all of the parts to reproduce the Fire Am suspension. Since the above picture was taken we’ve removed the drivetrain and are in the process of removing the subframe.
Stay tuned for updates….