77 Trans Am updates
 

I have gotten much done on my newly purchased '77. Here are some shots. More to come! :nerd:



http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1460981435

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1460981521

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1460981563

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1460981608

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1460981742

Maybe in a couple years mine may look that good!

Thank you. I have a NOS Delco master cylinder and brake booster to replace the incorrect parts on there right now. I also need to install the heat stove for the air cleaner.

That is a sharp T/A!

77 Canamman, Nice TA! Remove the headers and your ready to race at the Pure Stocks if the motor is stock(-ish)! Do you have more pics of the car?

Dennis

Pretty sharp!

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1461281706

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1461281706

Ames sourced reman tilt column:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1462068498

Heat stove and tube installed:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1462068521

Also, I figured out the reverse lights. I used a switch setup from a '63 Vette, since they used a BW T-10 trans. I made a harness that plugged into the connector on top of the steering column, and ran it through the firewall down to the connector on the transmission mounted switch.

With the 4 tube headers, using the original backdrive linkage was not an option.

Here is a later 60's Vette with a Muncie, but this is extremely similar to the setup that is on my BW ST-10:

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...66-reverse.jpg

http://www.567chevyclub.com/images/T...kup_switch.jpg

NICE!

Is engine stock?
Is that one of those battery covers w/ caps?
Look'n Good!

The W72 is stock other than the headers and rejet/recurve. The topper is one I made from an original R89WP battery I found in a parts car I purchased

Very nice rick. Car is great looking.

Just wondering. THe engine paint looks nice!

The whole car looks fantastic - congratulations. Like the new master cylinder & heat shield. Really coming together. You may have already checked, but I believe the 1977 vacuum line diagram shows the correct color vacuum lines. Not sure how what level of accuracy you are after, but it looks pretty OCD to me which is my style as well.

Good luck and have fun.

That paint is from Bill Hirsch. The color is really close, but it is too glossy as compared to the original lacquer based engine paint.Still looks far better than a rusty mess!

I want the overall appearance to be as close as possible to factory. I will look further into the vacuum lines. I know the yellow striped on the air cleaner is correct. I referenced John Witzke's '77 and another very low mile '77 for my inspiration.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1462200024

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1462200040

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1462200081

Seems like the paint on mine was a tad lighter. In fact it seemed real close to the non metallic light blue used in the early 60's.
Being original is cool, not sure why vacuum hoses have to be perfect...to each their own...

Here is the vacuum hose diagram for a 1977 Manual Trans W72:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1462235582

I replaced the incorrect worm gear clamps with the Wittek tower type, and positioned them like Mr. Witzke's car:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1462235690

They don't, and you are right, that's what makes America great. I like them that way and so does 77Canamman it appears. I appreciate that in him, but don't begrudge you if you feel differently. The beauty of this forum is finding people you have things in common with, and not being an ass to those you don't.

Nice work 77Canamman. What's a shorter name?

Bentwheelbob,

My name is Rick.

Reminds me of how my 78 looked years , and several motors, ago! Nice work!

Thank you all. One question: I have a nice new booster. I have worked on a lot of vehicles, and I think the F body booster is the most difficult to remove/replace. Any tricks short of removing the hood/fender?

Ratcheting Wrench

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-2...p-00946820000P

That project is as much fun as front springs or a heater core !!!!!!

I agree with the ratcheting wrench, but I suggest getting the ones with a flexible head, like these: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-pc-me...set-61710.html

I bought some specifically for that booster r & r job.

The pair at a recent show:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1467478003

:3gears:

Rick it looks as though the car is setting up a little high. Is it suppose to sit that high or does it have new springs in it. Car looks real good otherwise. I really like the wheels shined up like that.

Legendary seat covers installed. Only bitch was the 90 day wait for them upon ordering. The seat backs are from The Parts Place. They fit perfectly and the grain was spot on. The trim is the molded repro trim from Ames. Again, perfect fit and appearance.


http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1472299958





Winter projects to include new repro GR70-15 rwl Goodyear Steel Belted radials on the original 15"x7" snowflakes, and a new brake booster.... Otherwise, this car is done!

Good to hear about the quality of the replacement parts. Thanks!

Rick, There aren't any tricks other than those you mentioned.
It is really hard working around hood hinges etc.

Larry

Since you're trying to be correctly detailed, the shaker seal doesn't look original. And the ends of the seal are supposed to join at the rear of the shaker, not at the front, according to the assembly manual. I'm not being critical, since the car looks great, but it's a detail you might like to know about.

Yes. That worked correctly.

However, all was not 100% with this column as delivered.

1. The key buzzer switch and clip were MIA. NOS parts were sourced at the cost of $40. Key buzzer now works.

2. The cancelling cam was a cheap replacement, and was not produced with the groove casted into the end of it to retain the horn wire assembly. A NOS cam was purchased at the cost of $25.

3. The lock plate plastic cover was not included. I was able to carefully remove it from my original column.

Now for the positives:

1. The finish was superb. This goes for all of the exposed metal parts and the satin black finish.

2. Tilt function is tight, and no noises

All in all, it was better to spend the $400+$65 for this one that take a chance on a $200 as pulled column.

I am 99.9% sure the seal is factory installed. It is glued to the shaker versus the common GM replacement that forced you to drill holes and snap it on the shaker with those annoying nylon push pin clips.

My car was produced 12/7/76. Another well known low mile 1977 Trans Am owned by John Witzke also has the shaker seal ends at the front too..

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...7&d=1356662373

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...8&d=1356662394

Another '77:

http://www.78ta.com/images/P5160010.JPG

This 400 mile '77 T/A has the seal end in the rear, so it appears that they were produced both ways:

http://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/2...w-manifold.jpg

My 78's seal was glued and joined at the rear. The replacement seals I bought for a few years did not have the pins in them for drilling holes in them like they did later on.

It's winter, and the car is in storage for the next few months. I would like to replace the exhaust system with a super high quality performance mandrel bent, 2.5" pipe with preferably a transverse style muffler with black chrome splitters. The car has Hooker Super Comp tube headers already. Any ideas or recomendations?

I used the Pypes system. The quality was really good and installation straightforward. I went with dual mufflers instead of a transverse. What are you going to do for manifolds? If you use ram air mani's I have 2.5" Pypes down pipes for the ram air manifolds. Ordered by mistake and never used. I'll make you a deal on them.


http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9thtmhrq.jpg

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...pshrwt04lv.jpg

Thanks, Bob. I was thinking of retaining the headers, since the coating is in very good condition, and they don't leak yet.

Sweet!!!
 

Had two '77s...wrecked the first and bought another one just like it. Only had the first one two months. Love to get another. I never had a 4-speed. Are the bell housings really orange on those cars? Anyway...looks like a really nice one you snagged there. Enjoy!

Who did you source the fuel tank through, what brand and how was the fit compared to stock?

Bob, I will PM you on those PYPES

BentwheelBob:

I like the looks of your system. Did you buy this as an all inclusive kit, or did you have to order the tailpipes, splitters, and X pipe separately?

I have ordered the SGF70 Pypes system with the transverse muffler and X pipe, and black chrome tips from RAMC. More to come..

I'd like to see pictures of that!

I've never seen a shajesprvseal with the joint in the front. Crazy. Even back in the day.

granted:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1487810207


http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1487810207

Are those catalytic converters?