Roll call and progress report.

[FormTA]

I know we have done something like this in the past like " current state of your car". But man. It's been like crickets here and pretty much everywhere. So here goes it.

I'm here. I still check in like 5 times a week or more if I posted something to see the replies.

I haven't done anything to my 1979 LS swapped Trans am except I started to wax it the other day and only got one fender and a door done. I really need to get my air shocks on (heard they really help the rear (my car has KYB gas shocks and GT leaf springs). I also need to paint and install my wheel flares.

I bought a new ST10 for my 79 formula which I have replaced all of the sheet metal on. It's sitting in my pole barn and my son really wants to get it out and get it back on the road as he loves manual Trans cars.

I was busy this winter working on my 1949 ford F1 truck build . Summer comes and my mother in law is sick so things real slow down around now. Our 6 acres, pool and yard work get in the way and we are at the lake just about every weekend.  Bought a new jet ski last year and another new one this year. (I have/had many jet skis, sitting on 5 now. I'm just as bad with snowmobiles.)

My 67 camaro is still dormant as it has been for over 15 years. Really should get it running. All new sheet metal except roof, new 350 engine and 700r4, never fired, may be junk as it's been sitting all these years.

69 charger. Tons of new AMD sheet metal. Bought 2, 2006 chargers to do a body swap on. I love driving the 74k miles mint Daytona. Really going to be hard to chop it up but that is years away. See all the previous projects.

Oh, and helped my 15 yo son revive a 76 Ford f100 that's been in the family since the 80s. Was parked over 20 years ago. Now he drives it just about every day. Passing along my love of old iron and how mundane cars are today.

Hope others follow and let us know your here and how your projects or cars are doing.

Have fun out there!

[b_hill_86]

I’ll play. I try to check in a few times a week but haven’t had much interesting to post. I did score something decent on marketplace that’s reminiscent of Ryan’s CL post so maybe I’ll try to post a thread on that if I have a chance tonight.

As for the car, not a lot to report. Struggled with some clutch linkage binding and pulled the trans for what feels like (and could be) about the 10th time to replace the TO bearing again. So far so good. Fingers crossed.

My original air group AC sprung a leak over the winter apparently. After attempting to charge it myself a few times over the years I found a local trusted shop recommended by some other Firebird owners. Turns out both shearer valves were leaking oddly enough. Got those swapped out and the system recharged. I’m worried they may have overfilled it slightly but it does seem to work better than it ever did so i probably got air into the system on my attempts. I got caught in the rain on the way home but it cleaned up pretty quick.

As for future projects, I need to pull my interior and weld a small patch in a spot I have forming on the drivers side floor. I also have new lower door panels and rear seat panels that need to go in. Last year I started working on changing the body mounts but unfortunately both nuts by the firewall spun so I have to pull the inner fenders which is also making me consider pulling the brake booster for a re-plate.

Im sure there’s other things on my list I’m forgetting.

[scarebird]

No Second Gen stuff, just more minor drama with the 71 Lemans.
 
 A month ago I had to have it inspected for registration here in PT.  It cleared but came back with an exhaust leak - seems they pulled the X pipe off for some damm reason and could not get the bolts back in.

Given the capricious nature of getting this done I let it pass.    Yesterday it was noted to me that now PT wishes all cars of a certain age be registered with "Classico" plates, another €220 over normal cost.  A silver lining is these plates only require inspection every 4 years vs. yearly for normal plates.  And they look cooler too... (example below)

[FormTA]

That's crazy that they can actually touch/disassemble parts of your car at an inspection! I guess that's one thing Ohio has going for it. No inspection or emissions testing. Just take your title in amd get plates, insure it and your on the road.

I did find it a bit hard to insure a new driver on an old 76 ford truck. My normal car insurance was requiring me to get it mechanically inspected and certified before they would insure it (liability only). Scanden and Scelly  (my classic insurance for my TA) would insure it but only for drivers with over 10 years of driving experience.... Ended up using Progressive (my boat, snowmobile and jetski insurance company). I guess they insure anyone or anything.  Not a big problem bit they won't cover collision as it's a classic but at least he's covered.

[kentucky yeti]

I’m here 3-4 times a day.  Mainly blocking scammers who bombard the site daily trying to become members.   My brother died in February and I am spending a lot of time online researching and then selling his coin collection, one coin at a time.  That takes up a lot of my time right now, but I’m about to get to the bottom of the box.  Otherwise, I am heading to FirebirdFest in a couple days.  I made a thread about it a few days ago.

[N PRGRES]

I'm here, progress report is on my thread.  Yes Ohio is nice we don't deal with the money making emissions/inspection scams other states do

[FormTA]

Sorry to hear about your brother Mike. My father in law passed away a year ago. He had a semi large coin collection as well. Fpr now we are planning to just divide it among the grand kids as they all think the old coins are cool. I know nothing of coin value but like everything else I know condition is everything. I'll have to go looking for your thread on the show. The sites unread post button seems to work intermittently so I miss things.

[b_hill_86]

There are actually a few counties in Ohio that require some emissions testing. I forget where exactly.

Luke, as for the new replies button, it has t worked for me in a long time so I go to the bottom of the page. There’s a “most recent posts” button I use.

[N PRGRES]

There are actually a few counties in Ohio that require some emissions testing. I forget where exactly.

Luke, as for the new replies button, it has t worked for me in a long time so I go to the bottom of the page. There’s a “most recent posts” button I use.

I know Cuyahoga Co might or maybe its Summit, so I stand corrected.

[N PRGRES]

Who here in in Ohio?  Canfield Ohio Here

[FormTA]

Brian and I are in the Toledo area but a few towns apart. Met through here.

[apfstg]

The garage floor is warming up nicely so doing the projects on my car that I’ve picked to head the list are becoming reality .i ordered new seat covers and foam from legendary and the covers came this week . I hope my tinkering will come out as good as the seat covers look (black hobnail cloth)

[rkellerjr]

I'm here several times a day and comment here and there. Haven't done much to the car in a while. It needs the new gauges replaced with new gauges. The ones I bought just suck at working right. They look good but that's all they have going for them. I even sent the car to a local restoration place that has a great reputation and I know the owner personally, spent lots of money and they couldn't get them to work right either. So, I'm down to spending lots of money for new gauges again   and no, they are no longer under warranty, that's another long story, my fault. At this point I should have AC in the car but these darn gauges have me in a fluster. Anyhoo, the car runs good, looks good, and still puts a smile on my face.

One thing I've been lacking to do is take pics at cruise ins and shows and then post them. I'll try and do better

[FormTA]

The garage floor is warming up nicely so doing the projects on my car that I’ve picked to head the list are becoming reality .i ordered new seat covers and foam from legendary and the covers came this week . I hope my tinkering will come out as good as the seat covers look (black hobnail cloth)

Dang, that's cool. I'd like to see the pictures of your seat rebuild. I bought new covers from PUi which I know are not 100% correct but the pice of legendary was so much more at the time. My covers look pretty good but I have legendary door panels and they are awesome.  All of which is still in the boxes as they are for my formula (red) interior.  Please post up the pictures of your project when you get to it!

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

This has been a very bad year for me so far, but (mostly) nothing to do with my '79.

I've had to take a lot of days off from work for mental health, as it's an incredibly stressful job (ER nurse in a very overpopulated city with just my hospital around to service it). Because of that, I've been sick a lot with various colds, stomach bugs, etc. Lots of financial blows; legal fees from a probate we've been going through for 100% of an estate left to my mother by a deceased friend of her's who died back in January. It'll be great for us when the probate finally ends, but in the meantime it's been very stressful, and the legal fees have to be paid as they come in rather than taken from the estate when it's distributed. Then, yesterday I discovered I have a roof leak which honestly I'm surprised it's taken this long since my roof is 23 years old in South Florida, so that's going to be an easy 7-10k for a roof replacement for just a single wide manufactured home...

AAAAAND on top of that, my mother died on the 29th of last month. So that's been an emotional rollercoaster, and now I'll probably end up becoming the executor of this probate for her friend that she was managing until she died.

Nice little cherry on top regarding my T/A, while at a local Cars and Coffee this past Sunday, I kissed a palm tree while backing up and it cracked the rear spoiler center section and driver side outer spoiler piece, as well as chipped/scratched the paint on the rear bumper. So the rear bumper will need a repaint and those spoiler pieces will need replaced and painted. Great!!

And this year isn't even halfway done.

[FormTA]

Well, hopefully it doesn't get worse and things get better the rest of the year for you.

Rich, I looked for your thread on the gauges but couldn't find it. What brand are those?

[b_hill_86]

Hey Nuk, sorry to hear about everything lately. I’ve got a few 79-81 spoiler ends if you’d like a set. I can send you some pics of what I have and you can decide if you want them. Shipping is all I’d ask for. Let me know.

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

Hey Nuk, sorry to hear about everything lately. I’ve got a few 79-81 spoiler ends if you’d like a set. I can send you some pics of what I have and you can decide if you want them. Shipping is all I’d ask for. Let me know.

Thanks man, I appreciate it. And yeah, that would be great. Just sent you a PM.

[N PRGRES]

Brian and I are in the Toledo area but a few towns apart. Met through here.

Ok, I am from Sandusky but spent my senior year of high school in Woodville and a few months in Perrysburg

[FormTA]

Ok, you were close. I always say Toledo because people have heard of that. I'm in Whitehouse, grew up in Waterville. So ya, Perrysburg it just across the river and I live the drive along it on the Perrysburg side.

[kentucky yeti]

This has been a very bad year for me so far, but (mostly) nothing to do with my '79.

I've had to take a lot of days off from work for mental health, as it's an incredibly stressful job (ER nurse in a very overpopulated city with just my hospital around to service it). Because of that, I've been sick a lot with various colds, stomach bugs, etc. Lots of financial blows; legal fees from a probate we've been going through for 100% of an estate left to my mother by a deceased friend of her's who died back in January. It'll be great for us when the probate finally ends, but in the meantime it's been very stressful, and the legal fees have to be paid as they come in rather than taken from the estate when it's distributed. Then, yesterday I discovered I have a roof leak which honestly I'm surprised it's taken this long since my roof is 23 years old in South Florida, so that's going to be an easy 7-10k for a roof replacement for just a single wide manufactured home...

AAAAAND on top of that, my mother died on the 29th of last month. So that's been an emotional rollercoaster, and now I'll probably end up becoming the executor of this probate for her friend that she was managing until she died.

Nice little cherry on top regarding my T/A, while at a local Cars and Coffee this past Sunday, I kissed a palm tree while backing up and it cracked the rear spoiler center section and driver side outer spoiler piece, as well as chipped/scratched the paint on the rear bumper. So the rear bumper will need a repaint and those spoiler pieces will need replaced and painted. Great!!

And this year isn't even halfway done.

Sorry to see that your mom passed away, on top of all the stress you were already under.

[N PRGRES]

Ok, you were close. I always say Toledo because people have heard of that. I'm in Whitehouse, grew up in Waterville. So ya, Perrysburg it just across the river and I live the drive along it on the Perrysburg side.

We plan to make a cruise to Sandusky this year, maybe we should do a meet up of some TAs in the area

[scarebird]

I hope you Ohio boys are making the Tri-Power Nationals.

I am flying in from PT to make this among other things.

[FormTA]

Ok, you were close. I always say Toledo because people have heard of that. I'm in Whitehouse, grew up in Waterville. So ya, Perrysburg it just across the river and I live the drive along it on the Perrysburg side.

We plan to make a cruise to Sandusky this year, maybe we should do a meet up of some TAs in the area

Ya, that would be cool.

I'll have to look uo the tri power nationals.

Edit **** I see this is the Pontiac Nationals. This is the event that I took my 98 to in pieces (the donor car for my LS swap). I sole the whole thing that weekend for over $6500  which I kept thw drive train, brakes and a bunch of other parts. It was a great show and that was back 5 years ago.

[b_hill_86]

I’d be down for a meet if the car isn’t apart and I’m not working.

Scarebird, im 2 hours north of Dayton and never been to the trans am nationals and about an hour or so from Norwalk and haven’t been there either. I need to though.

[stros]

Nuk and Mike - my condolences for your losses.  This year has been rough.

I’ve not been as active here or working on the Trans Am since my mom passed in Jan.  Been focused on situating my dad down closer to my house and visiting his memory care facility as he has dementia.  It feels like having an 84 year old kid now, but at least the facility seems nice.  It’s been rough as he doesn’t always remember my mom is gone and I have to come up with creative stories on the fly to explain why she’s not there (so he doesn’t go thru grief 100x).

I did have a chance to show my dad the Trans Am a couple weeks back as he hadn’t seen it in a couple years.  He wanted to get into the car and go for a ride too but he is very immobile now after recently breaking his ribs, so that proved to be impossible. 

The Trans Am is driving well, but I need to drive it more often. 

[tinpusher]

I’m here , usually 1-2 times a week.  I have been a Air Traffic controller for 35 years and finally at that point where it’s no longer enjoyable, mainly because of all the OT and time away from the garage.

My 94 year old father, still driving and independent requires my attention usually a few times a week for various issues, grateful he’s still around. 

My third and last kid just graduated this week from Texas A$M , so the wife and I are looking to move to the country, (North Texas) get a few acres and finally get the shop I always wanted… hopefully buying the land next month.
I was able to finish a 79 400/4speed TA  and a 74 455/auto TA between shifts and from the help from everyone on this site. A 1968-69 GTO is somewhere out there with my name on it for my next project …. So if anyone knows of one that is reasonable…….

Oh.. and 4 grandchildren are all within a stone’s throw away/around, only one is interested in old cars, working on the other ones.

[FormTA]

Sorry to hear everyone's misfortunes.  My FIL passed  away last year and no my MIL needs daily care. It's really running us ragged so I feel you guys pain. It's tough caring for your parents and tough to see them in this state but we'll all be there one day. Being compassionate is all you do.

It's great to hear from everyone even if some are in a tough place.

[kentucky yeti]

Stros and FormTA: I'm sorry to hear of your families' losses too.   Seems like 2025 has started out tough for a lot of people.  Here's hoping for better days for all the TAC gang.

[rkellerjr]

Well, hopefully it doesn't get worse and things get better the rest of the year for you.

Rich, I looked for your thread on the gauges but couldn't find it. What brand are those?

NVU or New Vintage USA.
https://newvintageusallc.mybigcommerce.com/70-81-firebird-cfr-red/

Here's the thread, page 2
https://www.transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=83919.40

[N PRGRES]

Ok, you were close. I always say Toledo because people have heard of that. I'm in Whitehouse, grew up in Waterville. So ya, Perrysburg it just across the river and I live the drive along it on the Perrysburg side.

We plan to make a cruise to Sandusky this year, maybe we should do a meet up of some TAs in the area

Ya, that would be cool.

I'll have to look uo the tri power nationals.

Edit **** I see this is the Pontiac Nationals. This is the event that I took my 98 to in pieces (the donor car for my LS swap). I sole the whole thing that weekend for over $6500  which I kept thw drive train, brakes and a bunch of other parts. It was a great show and that was back 5 years ago.

We will be in Norwalk at the Pontiac Nationals with the TA

[ryeguy2006a]

I'm here, but haven't been checking in as much as I'd like recently. Been busy building a porch at the same time as finishing up my car, so I've been splitting my time. Hoping to button up the last few things soon so I can drive it again.

[5th T/A]

First, my condolences to those who have lost loved ones. My sympathy to those who are dealing with health and other issues. Being a member at the upper end of the age group I know what it’s like to lose close family members, friends, and fight health issues. For those who are not facing a crisis, we never have to look far to count are blessings. To my friend Kerry (RoadKing77) who recently lost his house in a fire, my thoughts are with you all the time. Hope all can get past the tough times and enjoy life, their family and cars.

Luke, thanks for kick starting this thread!

Realistically my car is done, lately more time driving it than playing around. Last December I picked up a 3.08 ratio differential to replace the 2.41 my car came with. I need to media blast it, paint, replace the seals and replace the gear lube. Maybe get this done by end of June?

I read TAC almost every day but am guilty of not contributing much since I got my AC finished about a year ago.

Thanks to all those who do contribute on a regular basis.

[N PRGRES]

I read TAC almost every day but am guilty of not contributing much

You can always just make things up lol

[kentucky yeti]

Loading up and heading to FirebirdFest in the morning.

[FormTA]

Oh that's cool Mike! Car looks clean! How far of a drive for you?

[5th T/A]

Loading up and heading to FirebirdFest in the morning.

Car looks sharp, hope you have a great time. Also love the license plate!

[kentucky yeti]

Oh that's cool Mike! Car looks clean! How far of a drive for you?

A lot closer than the Nats!  This trip is only a little over 3 hours.  When we go to the Smokies/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for car shows or for vacations, that is 5 1/2 hours.  The Nats ride is between 6 1/2 and 7 hours.

[kentucky yeti]

Car looks sharp, hope you have a great time. Also love the license plate!

Thanks!  And thanks for pointing the plate out!!!  That could be trouble if I got pulled over.  That is actually my magnetic show plate.  This is my legal plate.

[FormTA]

And you drive that car the whole way? The bug collection on the front end must be crazy by the time you get there.

That is totally awesome that you really drive it like that.