Zabo's 2000 Trans Am 'Phoenix' build thread!

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by dmginc

there was a 98 BPM for sale on ebay a couple weeks ago..if i had the money i would have bought it.

I take it went for over 30K? Sometimes I feel like I'm shelling out as much to bring mine back from the brink.

But it'll be worth it in the end. At least she can make it to Nats in August.

[Zabo]

Bump for new spindle and most body repairs done. What's left needs primer. Should be primer'd by tomorrow or Saturday. Also, cockeye'd headlight from the '05 hit is finally fixed.

All that's left:

Fiberglass repair cure time
Paint
Reinstall door
Reinstall Bumper
Reinstall Front Bumper Cover
Reinstall Front Right Fender
Reinstall B pillar cover
Reinstall Interior (w/ rebuilt drivers seat)
Rear end blues..

Soo.. it could be July 5th, or 15th if the axle shaft wasn't the only thing that gave.

[dmginc]

hurry up slacker! but seriously...im not sure i would have gone through all this work...i think i would have bought another TA...

and in case you haven't noticed...i gave up on guessing the color of those parts.

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by dmginc

hurry up slacker! but seriously...im not sure i would have gone through all this work...i think i would have bought another TA...

and in case you haven't noticed...i gave up on guessing the color of those parts.

That was an option but two car payments were no bueno, actually cost the same at this point to buy a T/A and pay back the remainder of my loan.

So we just decided to fix it.

Oh, accents are Sport Gold Metallic and a CETA mod.

[dmginc]

You need this...i would if i didnt have the ram air hood.

http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/transam/9802fbta.htm

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by dmginc

You need this...i would if i didnt have the ram air hood.

http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/transam/9802fbta.htm

Not feeling it for the car.

Just got to see the SGM emblems in person, I can attest that with no light, they almost look bronze. I'm pinstriping the car in SGM next time I get the cash.. holy crap.

Oh, and can you spot the weld point?

[dmginc]

looking good!

[Zabo]

Anyone want some 16" BF Goodrich G-Force T/A used rubber? Actually gonna post them unmounted soon on LS1tech because I had them inspected (and will have them reinspected w/ signed affidavit if someone wants it..) and they're still good.

Probably pick up 2 more PA6 rims and mount blizzaks on them once everything is blasted and resealed underneath for the winter.

[dmginc]

my rims are 17 so no good for me. updates? is it painted? does it run?

[Zabo]

Knew you had the 17"s so it's no biggie.

As for updates:

Does it run?
- Yes, and drives. Even with the bent axle and bent spindle. All we did was throw two tierods on and see if the thing leaked. Not a drop.

As for the rest of the car?

- Seat is actually salvagable as is without the need for a frame. Turns out it bent where/like every other seat always bends after 10 years of use. Just needs to be 'forced' back via the seat shop

- 300 saved from the seat covered the remainder of the fiberglass repairs, so we're technically still in budget. Fiberglass is also mostly done (skirt and rear bumper still need prep)

- Wet sand and primer probably tomorrow (June 30th) morning at the earliest. Paint could be done by Friday (July 1st)

- Mechanic inspected the axle, diagnosis is obvious bent right shaft, no obvious gear problems. Crack the rear open Friday (July 1st)? probably after the paint is done/Prior to assembly to see what's what.

- Safety first: Replacing PHB, upper PHB support bar, PHB Mounting bracket, and Trailing arms with factory parts.

- July 5th-9th: Final assembly and adjustments.

Delivery: July 12th?

Oh, and pics of the 99% done fiberglass:





It totally finally truly dawned on me seeing all this glass, wire, and piecey-parts laid out: WHOLESALE RESTO!

[Zabo]

Bump for update:

Rear axle and lube is in, gonna try to source the suspension components used rather than spend 400+ on all new OEM parts. Car is currently in paint, interior/donor door skeleton first after the car gets a final block and wet sand.

All told, looks like I should have it back end of next week.

[dmginc]

sweet! now dont go power sliding it into things mmmmk!

[Zabo]

No shi*.

Updates: Paint is now going on. Probably have her back by the middle of next week since the rear axle is probably gonna be a piece of cake and no more than 3-5 hours work. Just painting, unbolting, and bolting stuff back in now.

In the mean time I get to play with a slapstick Mazda 3 since the Milan got smoked by 2 idiots. Pretty quick considering the slapstick, but it's less than half an LS block. Also see the allure of an LS powered Miata, considering the engine in the rental is similar to one available on Miatas.

[dmginc]

i see lots of rx-7's with ls1's in them tho...the rotary is a sick engine!