[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Bentwheelbob

Thanks. The harnesses are new from M&H. Everything on them has fit great with the exception of the two wire plug that connects to the windsheild washer pump. These wires should come out right near the firewall at the same location as the connection for the brake indicator light, but on the M&H harness they had it exiting about 20 inches further downstream toward the front of the car. Approximately over the front wheel centerline. MPD and I fixed it without a lot of issues, but it would have been nice if it was correct from the box.

I called M&H today and tried to explain the error, but they kept insisting that was the way it is shown on the original GM print. I tried to explain that if they would think logically they could understand that it would make no sense to have these wires located over the front wheel. I don't think I made a lot of headway, but I did get an email address that I will send pictures to of the original harness and where the wires connect. I have also offerred to send them the original harness and stressed that it would be good for them to get it right so customers don't have to redo what should have been right the first time. We'll see.

That problem, however, doesn't take away from the fact that their product is very nice.

I appreciate your efforts on this Bob...you'd think by now someone would have pointed this out to M&H...as what, Pontiac "only" mfg 90,000+ Trans Ams in 1978 & another 117,000+ in 1979?

[Bentwheelbob]

A few random things...

First, I got the original charcoal canister cleaned up and reinstalled. At first I was worried that I would need to try to find a replacement. Then I thought, well maybe I can just re-spray it with some SEM paint. However, the original ended up cleaning up great and has now been reinstalled. Below are some before and after pictures. Note that the top right hose has a blue stripe. I am sure that it is original and will be replaced with a new blue stripe hose. If anyone needs a replacement charcoal canister, there is one for sale on Ebay for $25 that looks really good.

I also received the new front sway bar collars and bushings from Inline Tube today. Wow - they are dead nuts on. You always worry that you'll have an experience like the OER fail thread in the Lobby, but these things look great and were priced right at $27.00 for both collars and bushings. The new collars are on the left side of the below picture.

[dreamn69]

Bob,

One thing I have heard to be cautious of is the failure of the Charcoal canisters over time. they can release the charcoal particles into the vacuum line going to the carb. If you expect any problems with it, here is a nicely detailed thread for restoring the functionality while maintaining the stock appearance.

http://transamcountry.com/community/...2503#msg572503

[Bentwheelbob]

We're just about out of parts. The wheel assemblies are back together with the dust shields, hubs and brake calipers now installed. It's been pretty nice so far that almost all original pieces have been able to be restored and reused. The only exceptions so far have been the brake booster/MC, the balljoints and bushings, and the wiring harnesses. All that is really left before the motor assembly becomes the main focus is the master cylinder and new brake lines. Other than that their are just a few odds and ends. I am beginning to see a dim light at the end of a pretty long tunnel...

Here's a few pictures.

[Alvin]

Ok Bob - you're making us mere mortals look bad with your "reality show" type "it's easy" to obtain parts and the results you have. Many countless hours, equipment, wing-man, etc. not fully shown to the real effort and knowledge it takes to get to where you have.

To avoid any confusion: That - above - is all meant as a compliment by the way.

If you get a chance could you please post an image or more of the incorrect area of the wiring harness that you guys had to splice please?

Reason: I'll have to pull out my same brand engine harness I bought @ STARS or TA NATS and look for that specific area before replacing my '78 or '79...and plan on ordering another one in near future - 2 cars, one harness for now...

I'd appreciate that.

Also, final tiny Favor: Could you please ship me your complete garage facilities, equipment and help? . JK

[Judge273]

That's creating a new class? A cleaned up survivor?

It needs a catchy name...

Really, having a set of clean parts to start with original to car is a big plus.

[RamAir]

Lord have mercy! What a work of art

[68ragtop]

Originally Posted by Judge273

That's creating a new class? A cleaned up survivor?

It needs a catchy name...

Really, having a set of clean parts to start with original to car is a big plus.

My 79 T/A-T/A is in the same boat. 41K mile survivor, that needs detailing to be really nice. Unfortunately my 79 has the dreaded silver paint delamination so it needs repaint too.
I am having a hard time to bringing myself to do anything with it as it is still so original.

[starlightblack]

Originally Posted by Judge273

That's creating a new class? A cleaned up survivor?

It needs a catchy name...

sur-revivor?

[Judge273]

Like it!

[Held for Ransom]

I can see it now, a re-vivor class.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by Alvin

If you get a chance could you please post an image or more of the incorrect area of the wiring harness that you guys had to splice please?

Reason: I'll have to pull out my same brand engine harness I bought @ STARS or TA NATS and look for that specific area before replacing my '78 or '79...and plan on ordering another one in near future - 2 cars, one harness for now...

I'd appreciate that.

Also, final tiny Favor: Could you please ship me your complete garage facilities, equipment and help? . JK

Alvin - Thanks for your comments. I'm a lucky guy, but I am also OCD and not afraid to work for what I want. I have always believed that there is nothing that anyone else can do that I cannot also do. I have had many passions in my life that I have attacked with this same vigor and attitude, however, none up to this point have been as enjoyable. I would be remiss if I didn't also mention how lucky I am to have a friend like MPD to hold my hand and help me along, and a child bride that is understanding 75% ( 3 of every 4 weeks) of the time.

Below are a few pictures that show the original forward lamp harness, the location where M&H had the wiper assembly wires coming out (I am pointing to it with my finger), and lastly the installed M&H harness with the corrected wire location. I sent a bunch of pictures and a couple of explanatory emails to M&H so I guess we will see if they give a sh_t. So far I haven't heard from them.

I've also attached a few pictures from UK/Arkansas game we attended this afternoon. UK took them to school...

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by 68ragtop

My 79 T/A-T/A is in the same boat. 41K mile survivor, that needs detailing to be really nice. Unfortunately my 79 has the dreaded silver paint delamination so it needs repaint too.
I am having a hard time to bringing myself to do anything with it as it is still so original.

Yeah, I understand your dilemma. On the Gold Car the underhood area is the only place I really plan to "restore" and it started out as a mission I couldn't avoid and then expanded a lot. On the rest of the car the paint is original, the interior is all original except for the gauge lenses and center vents, the trunk is pristine, and the underbody had the undercoating removed.

However, underhood it was a mess with red heater hoses, rusted replacement MC and waterpump, two tone engine paint, and leaking front and rear seals. I couldn't stand to have such a great looking car on which I didn't want to open the hood, and I wasn't willing to accept wiping down the floor pan every time I drove it to remove he oil slick The exhaust was also shot and had to be replaced and was upgraded.

Here's a couple original pictures along with one after the new exhaust was installed and undercoating removed. Not the rags to catch the oil that flowed freely from the rear main seal.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by Held for Ransom

I can see it now, a re-vivor class.

Yeah I love the "Revivor" name, but I can see all the bickering and arguments about whether a car qualifies for another class or not.

[Alvin]

Well Bob, Thxs to your thread here, I took advantage today of time away from work and actually fired up our '78 Martini W72 4-spd...after replacing the 800+ CCA battery of course . Next is all four tire replacement, then...aww shat, I can already feel the $$$ pit pull from mission creep...

TY for posting the wire harness FUBAR pix

[roundportponchos]

Here, wishing, to have his look that good, can't afford, or have any help. Found local shop to do mtr pulling, etc. W72, mtr in Dallas, almost done, then getting g it shipped back. Our , hope was to look maybe a 1/4, is good, as Bobs, but getting it mechanical sound, 1st, is what we are able to afford.
I have tons of nos, it should be pretty correct.., being a nevada car , super clean, has orig exh too..
Bob's car look great, he has knowhow, great home shop too, unfortunately, neither here lol.

[Bentwheelbob]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Well Bob, Thxs to your thread here, I took advantage today of time away from work and actually fired up our '78 Martini W72 4-spd...after replacing the 800+ CCA battery of course . Next is all four tire replacement, then...aww shat, I can already feel the $$$ pit pull from mission creep...

TY for posting the wire harness FUBAR pix

That's great Alvin, I hope you had fun. You need to post up some pictures and think about starting a thread on your car.

[Bentwheelbob]

A few things got done today in the garage. The new brake lines are in, as is the master cylinder. I got a complete brake line set from Inline Tube and it fit like stock. I got the standard steel lines and shot them with some Eastwood Diamond Clear. The master cylinder is part of a complete aftermarket kit. but I sent the MC off and had it powder coated. I also did the prop valve bracket in black powder coat after seeing several threads that suggested that this bracket originally was painted black. The original bracket had traces of black paint on the back so I followed the thread.

It's about time to start getting the engine together, so I got the heads out and painted the exhaust side of the heads with POR 15 exhaust manifold paint. This will keep the heads looking good once the engine paint burns off due to the exhaust heat. I'll give the heads a second coat tomorrow.

Here's a few pictures.

[muscle_collector]

bob I am amazed at your handi work and progress. are you retired? if not how do you find the time to get so much done on it?

[78 TA KID]

Bob your doing an awesome job !!!! Seen a lot of people with restoration thread no buddy restores them correctly until your thread job well done Bob do you plan to bring this car to the Trans Am Nats you will kick a$$