[mgarblik]

Finally, an update on this project! I know it's been a long time since I updated this thread. I have been working on the car whenever I have a small block of time to do so. It is taking much, much longer to get it back together and in running condition than expected. Other than time constraints, low quality replacement parts have been a major time consuming issue putting the car back together. I have been blessed to have received this car with a treasure trove of NOS parts with the car. Most of these parts were purchased in the late 1970's when still available from the dealer and as expected, all of them install and function perfectly. The aftermarket stuff has been another story. Almost without exception, every part has some type of flaw or issue that renders it completely non-usable or requires extensive modification to make it look correct or function.
I will admit up front that I loath doing interior and trim work. But it's a necessary part of the project of course.

First major snag that slowed things down was the attempted installation of new carpet. The purchased carpet was so poorly molded that is just looked terrible. Spent over 30 hours trying to work it out and get a decent fit in the footwells and around the transmission hump. Bought additional Jute backing to try and "crutch" it together to look proper and fit nicely. Had an interior expert come over and work with it for several hours as well. Finally decided it was a no-go. Took it all back out, cut it up and threw it away. Ordered a second set direct from ACC. It was much better quality than the first set, with tighter loop and more dense backing. Also a slightly less intense shade of black. (different vendor of dye lot?). Anyway, it did install much better and looks good after about 20 hours of additional fitting. I give it an honest 8 out of 10.
The next major snag was the headliner. Like many people, I purchased a complete, ready made headliner, perforated vinyl, foam backed glued to plastic backing. Let it lay out for many months after unrolling it from small box it was shipped in. I had 2 people helping me with a combined over 100 years of experience. After 5 hours trying to make it fit and contour properly to the roof interior, we finally had to give up. We had the front half fitting pretty darn good but the rear section would not fit the contour of the roof no matter what you did with it. We tried everything. In a best case scenario, the headliner would still droop in one area or 2, bad enough that I could not except the results. We removed it and ended up cutting it in pieces for the garbage man to take away.
Fortunately, I kept the original fiberboard backing and will attempt to cover it and install in the next few weeks.
So between the carpet and headliner I have thrown about $600.00 in the trash. Not the end of the world, but not great either. Learning experience fee, I guess.

After spending some time at the Trans Am Nationals looking at every 2nd generation TA I could, I am not the only one with headliner installation issues. That made me feel a little better about my failures. I fully understand why the reproduction pieces are made the way they are. They can roll them up and ship then in a small box or a tube. If they were made full size and properly molded, it would probably cost $400-500 to ship them in a giant box and even then probably be damaged. So I get it. Once the recovered headliner is finally installed I can move under the hood and get the engine back in the chassis.

Still hoping to have it running before the snow flies this fall/winter. Will post some pics soon of where the progress is now and in the near future. Appreciate the help and advice from members on this forum. I am mostly a mechanical guy so help with trim/interior has been very useful. Trying to do this car as correctly as possible.

I do have the entire braking system installed and verified no leaks and working. The combination valve was particularly difficult to rebuild. Most of the seals are not available and one tiny interior spring was rusted in 3 pieces. I was able to work with Lee spring and come up with a replacement. same wire diameter, length and hopefully spring rate. The aftermarket replacement combo valves are brass and don't look anything similar to the original. I assume they would function in a pinch I guess. I have the NOS package shelf installed, rear speaker, original rear seat and upholstery installed. Also dash and wiring. So some work is being accomplished. Stay tuned.