[transam1972]

just to convince myself (& maybe everyone else) I have had a set of N.O.S. blue stripes (2 sets, I loved that blue stripe and thought if I owned my car forever it would be a good idea to have extras as I KNEW there could not be many left..this in 1981)..in fact if I recall I ordered 2 trunk stripes and only got 1..the last one?...for a number of years when they were no longer available (along with a 72 H.O. intake manifold)..I felt special..then came the reproductions...which is a good thing...so I get a 72 and figure I want white to replace my crashed 1976 T/A (that I had added a blue stripe, the 2 sets were "spares")...needs a total repaint plus I got the stripes..anyway until I joined the P.Y. forum (and even after) I wanted white...but the forum is right and I embrace Lucerne blue..in fact really looking forward to it as I have never owned a blue TRANS AM (ESPECIALLY AN EARLY ONE)...so time to get rid of the blues (stripes that is)..I even wondered who would want them considering repos are available...point of this story is that thru the want ads I got a chance to speak to 2 forum members...you get to kind of know someone thru there posts but to actually talk to someone is so different..and it made sense who got the blue stripes..WERANC55..he can definitely appreciate N.O.S. and its just a confirmation of his attention to detail in his projects..in fact he even explained that the repos are not 100% exact (like I would think)..the thickness, etc..so it was cool to talk TRANS AM with you and the stripes are on the way!..and after you get them and you feel its all good (we are counting on atleast one good full blue stripe, after all I have owned these since I left home 34 years ago))..you did mention something about a check?!!...just joking..I will use that money to get the replacement tach. that I need..NORWOOD taught me this..sell what you have to buy what you need...but I have parted with some things just for good karma (NORWOOD again)...so thanks also to 3TAS4ME for looking out for me and getting me a tach. and CERIBUS can get the full set of gauges he needs (1974 to boot)..and it was cool to talk with you and I have always enjoyed reading both your posts but neat to actually talk to TRANS AM guys..by the way..3TAS4ME sent me a photo of his dash (you need to really post more pics! or maybe I just miss them)..I am telling you his 1971 dash bezel pic blew me away!..and the chrome bezels!...so cool to see the attention to detail (that rivals my own)..yes I am jealous of members with complete cars!...anyway cool week and thanks!!

[SD73]

Hey Glenn, you may be sitting on a fortune. Maybe not. From what I understand the reproes weren't getting the coloring right and the shape was off. I'm not sure if they've corrected them by now. The NOS we know is right, but I've heard adhesion may be a factor after all these years.

[transam1972]

Originally Posted by SD73

Hey Glenn, you may be sitting on a fortune. Maybe not. From what I understand the reproes weren't getting the coloring right and the shape was off. I'm not sure if they've corrected them by now. The NOS we know is right, but I've heard adhesion may be a factor after all these years.

..hey SD73!..my rambling was so long I was adding and you jumped in!..actually they are sold and I know they go to a good cause...I try to never over value parts as we need to help each other out..I suppose its because I remember what parts originally cost and it does burn me to see parts out of reach to those who did not live the era...remember the thread is the poormans garage..but somehow he will get the parts he needs & the work that needs done...

[transam1972]

the Walker tail pipe and n.o.s. extensions fit like a glove!!

[transam1972]

I CLEANED THE FRAME RAILS AFTER 30 YEARS...just were dirty...looky at the lovely Lucy blue I found!!

[transam1972]

the front pipes are original with the WALKER MUFFLER that OL PINION HEAD himself suggested.I was blown away that it was that simple and the tailpipes made from the factory blueprints and after adding the n.o.s. tips the exhaust exited and fit 100% dead on...I have seen some bad tip installs..I believe its right how the factory installed..any opinions on my tip install..any "tips"..will post some rear valance shots

[transam1972]

I wonder if the the exhaust system was ever replaced in the 14 years (58k miles) that the T/A was on the road...could these be the original head pipes?

[bird72]

so what is "on the road" goal? (I know, it is always an ever changing playing field plus $, like me)..... I was just thinking of what a fun day that will be on this board....... I want to see you sitting in that thing done, so git on it

[catc]

exhaust appears to fit GREAT!!!!!......The Trans Am is coming along nicely Glenn, you're doing it right....

[roundportponchos]

Git r done

[transam1972]

....thanks for the words of encouragement...one day at a time...I like to think I will surprise myself and get it done..my P.O.V. has been influenced by the forum (note the now de-trim ringed honeycombs...very minor things to do on this car...a top paint job and we could call it a day

[transam1972]

it was nice finishing off the exhaust..the tail end really comes together now...I cannot wait to spew fumes in a smokey burn out!....another delay as when I pulled my tank and then sending unit (car has not been started in well over 10 years)...rust..these are scrap and a new tank and unit are on the list...rust never sleeps and will this ever end?...and note the "before" photo of the "dirty" frame rail...it never occurred to me to clean them after 30 years...I don't get it though, it appears as though some sort of undercoat was sprayed on and then the Lucerne blue was sprayed..check out the"after" photo to see what I am talking about..anyone know about this?..my car also has sound deadner on the front and rear wheel wells...nothing on the under carriage..and yet the exposed bottem of the gas tank had sound deadner

[Formulabruce]

Your tips sit very nice!! Amazing how well good stuff fits and works !

[transam1972]

some photos to document the spacers and bolts used on a 1972 455 H.O....

[transam1972]

I am glad that I did this inspection as I discovered a missing slotted nut on the back of my power steering unit...fortunately I had a repop replacement nut and I did not lose the spacer that is used

[Formulabruce]

Great pictures!!. The missing nut or spacer can always drive ya crazy. I have 3 that I "think" "one" of is the correct one for the back of the 80 amp bracket!! Thanks for posting

[transam1972]

so feel free to click on any photo...oh what have I done?!!..I found this memory card of a "lost project" that I wanted to document all the bolts (lengths etc.)..and the spacers and the sizes...it was to be complete with "talking pictures"..actually words with bolt sizes and the parts laid out..like the early Bob Dylan/INXS video...alas I will try to salvage/commentary on the photos after they are posted...hey, I took my stuff apart for this!

[transam1972]

along.long time ago I removed my intake manifold out of curiousity..to see inside the motor really...I must have used an AMES new stud and large washer kit to reinstall..anyway I have reinstalled the original studs and fat washers on the passenger side..note the diffeance between the original and repop...the drivers side parts were used to document Pontiac blue...those first set of bolts with washers are used for the aluminum power steering bracket...the other is for the alternator..my car got lock washers where the assembly manual calls for flat washers

[transam1972]

a man and his camera and his Trans Am....it is starting to even confuse me with these photos

[transam1972]

anyone care to share there bolt photos?...so we can compare??!..this was my idea for the ''talking photos''...