[costpenn]

Various completed pieces for my white/white W72 4 speed. Body itself is in paint jail.

[costpenn]

Some more goodies

[costpenn]

Just a few more

[77 TRASHCAN]

New evap core???
Who did your carb?

[78Macho]

Costpenn-

Your work is impeccable! I have seen several of your posts, but I don't have the complete story on the car. Can you please share it? Was this your dad's car he purchased new?, Options, etc....

Thanks,
jim

[costpenn]

Hi.

Evap core is original. Had it pressure tested at the radiator shop.

Carb was done by Carb Junkys in Georgia. Absolutely spot on finishes

[costpenn]

Some more rando parts.

[costpenn]

Subframe progress

[provocating]

Originally Posted by costpenn

Subframe progress

What is coating the frame?

[nUcLeArEnVoY]

This has to be one of the most satisfying continuation threads on this forum...

[Poncho Dave]

How did you refinish the driveshaft? Looks great

[costpenn]

Originally Posted by provocating

What is coating the frame?

Hello - it is "Railing Black" powder coat. I know it should be that flatter watery looking asbestos black paint, but I plan on driving this one after doing some shows.

[costpenn]

Jim, thank you for your kind words.

This car was originally purchased in Addison Texas in late June of 1977 by my father. He ordered a 77 Z28 from a dealer in Carrollton Texas, but when it didnt come in after 6 weeks he got his money back and went to the Pontiac dealer less than five miles where I still live and told them he wanted a white 4 speed TA with no hood bird and no t tops. They had this car in stock and Dad bought it on the spot. In 1986 Dad bought a Buick Grand National, so he sold the TA to my high school best friend who had it for 3 years until it got rear ended, so he sold it to some guy in Tennessee. I had been trying to find the car and buy it back since the late 90's but had no luck until 2023 when I hired a PI and he found the car in eastern Tennessee. I bought it back and am doing a concours resto on it myself with the goal of unveiling it at this years MCACN show. It has needed pretty much everything but it still had some identifying marks on it from when my Dad owned it. It is actually a pretty rare car - W72, loaded with every option possible except block heater, rear console, t tops, and hood bird. Is white with white interior with Buckskin appointments. Most difficult part to have had to find has been the decklid mount factory CB radio antenna.

[costpenn]

Originally Posted by Poncho Dave

How did you refinish the driveshaft? Looks great

Thank you Dave. I just sanded it with 220 grit after I identified where the original stripes went. I then coated it with Boesheild. Dont know how long it will last looking like that but I can easily pull it and redo if the rust really gets a foothold. Made a contraption to apply the stripes so as to look more like the way it was done at the factory.

[costpenn]

More goodies!

[costpenn]

Front and rear seats done. I did all the tracks and frames, Preston's Upholstery in Irving did the recovering with the Legendary covers.

[78Macho]

Costpenn-

Thanks for the story. I can't imagine why a dealer would have had a car sitting like this in their inventory other than if someone had special ordered it and then didn't follow through and purchase it? So unusual with the options, sans the hood bird at that. I can't say I have seen many white interiors with Buckskin appointments? Typically the white has the red dash, carpet etc...

How bad was the rear end damage? Assuming you are putting it back with the 7" snowflakes? How is the timeline coming for MCACN?

Jim

[Skip Fix]

This car was originally purchased in Addison Texas in late June of 1977 by my father.
Man even in 1977 Addison was a SMALL town separate from Dallas and out in the country. Lots of open land, horn barns, small airport. Horse vet I worked for in college before I graduated was on Beltline and had 20 acres there!

Mine was ordered no Bird! Just about a month late for an auto and the W72.

[provocating]

I just do not have the words for this thread. It is possible this will look better than factory somehow. Also, I am envious of anyone having this much room to work. Toward retirement I may build a large shop, just depends on the funds closer to that time. I need another raise.

[78Macho]

Costpenn-

Just got my 2025 MCACN magazine. Excited to see your car is in the lineup for unveilings at the show! Congrats!!!

So, obviously we can't see any after pictures before the show. Why don't you post a few before pictures of the car, please? Also, can you please share how you were able to track this car down that your dad had originally purchased new?

Is the car done and ready or is it going to come down to the wire?

Jim