#1  
Old 04-20-2021, 04:18 PM
8453johng 8453johng is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 155
Default 1980 trans am differential and diff cover

I have a 1980 pace car trans am

my question is this:

Was the rear differential fully painted from the factory and if so was it a 60 degree gloss black (basically satin gloss black now) ???

Was the pumpkin cover painted at all ??? If so same color as the differential

  #2  
Old 04-20-2021, 10:29 PM
RedDirtRoad RedDirtRoad is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 869
Default

I am currently restoring a 1978, 26k mileage TA
I am documenting the whole process and finding a lot of parts are bare metal or plated
Not much is painted.
It’s funny you just posted this thread because I am cleaning and restoring the rear axle, leaf springs and all suspension
I will post those pics in my thread in the next few days

  #3  
Old 04-21-2021, 11:33 AM
8453johng 8453johng is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 155
Default thanks

thanks

  #4  
Old 04-21-2021, 01:50 PM
TAKerry TAKerry is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North Eastern MD
Posts: 1,146
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RedDirtRoad View Post
I am currently restoring a 1978, 26k mileage TA
I am documenting the whole process and finding a lot of parts are bare metal or plated
Not much is painted.
It’s funny you just posted this thread because I am cleaning and restoring the rear axle, leaf springs and all suspension
I will post those pics in my thread in the next few days
Would love to see before pics. I try to look at as many low mile originals as possible.
Yes, def no paint. There are paints out there that are supposed to replicate the bare steel look but they are just not quite right. What parts I am taking to bare as per original I am coating with 'shark hide'. Its a clear thats suppose to prevent rust and stay clear. We'll see how long it lasts.

  #5  
Old 04-22-2021, 08:14 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Bare steel and cast iron, any black would be from overspray or weather coating. If I was redoing mine I'd just do it all satin black instead of the mixed cast iron and steel powdercoat that isn't terribly convincing, none is seen, just diff cover.

  #6  
Old 04-22-2021, 09:31 AM
Skip Fix's Avatar
Skip Fix Skip Fix is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Katy,TX USA
Posts: 20,541
Default

Blasting my 81 rear there was traces of a big letter in paint on the cover. I'll try an dig out the pictures.

__________________
Skip Fix
1978 Trans Am original owner 10.99 @ 124 pump gas 455 E heads, NO Bird ever!
1981 Black SE Trans Am stockish 6X 400ci, turbo 301 on a stand
1965 GTO 4 barrel 3 speed project
2004 GTO Pulse Red stock motor computer tune 13.43@103.4
1964 Impala SS 409/470ci 600 HP stroker project
1979 Camaro IAII Edelbrock head 500" 695 HP 10.33@132 3595lbs
  #7  
Old 04-22-2021, 09:42 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

A large G or a 4 were common

  #8  
Old 04-22-2021, 05:03 PM
Skip Fix's Avatar
Skip Fix Skip Fix is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Katy,TX USA
Posts: 20,541
Default

Here they are I was wrong it was top and bottom-probably a G. But I swear I saw one on a rear cover.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	rear axle marking bottom.jpg
Views:	88
Size:	51.9 KB
ID:	565209   Click image for larger version

Name:	rear axle marking top.jpg
Views:	90
Size:	53.3 KB
ID:	565211  

__________________
Skip Fix
1978 Trans Am original owner 10.99 @ 124 pump gas 455 E heads, NO Bird ever!
1981 Black SE Trans Am stockish 6X 400ci, turbo 301 on a stand
1965 GTO 4 barrel 3 speed project
2004 GTO Pulse Red stock motor computer tune 13.43@103.4
1964 Impala SS 409/470ci 600 HP stroker project
1979 Camaro IAII Edelbrock head 500" 695 HP 10.33@132 3595lbs
The Following User Says Thank You to Skip Fix For This Useful Post:
  #9  
Old 04-22-2021, 09:14 PM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Mine had the large 4 on the cover, not as neat as some. 1978 W72 Auto 3.42.
Also, the various inspection squiggles and dabs in different colours on the casting and leafspring perches. You'll also notice at some point a coating of black underbody spray, basically along the rear of axle tubes and cover where they waved spraygun under car.

Diff cover inspection paint 342 78 manual by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

342 posi 1978 unrestored1 by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

diff inspection paint 342 4speed 78 by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

And this is how it turned out after I rebuilt it. As you can see the bare steel areas came out the wrong colour and almost alloy in shade.

Diff restoration complete axles drums 3_12 10 by Aus78Formula, on Flickr


Some original low mileage vehicles. Top is a '78 W72 Auto TA. Bottom is a '79 TATA w/403. Has a blue G under it.

78 Trans Am 342 diff W72 twin mufflers sway bar chassis original by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

79 TATA 403 low miles original suspension diff valve cover label (5) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr


Last edited by Aus78Formula; 04-22-2021 at 09:27 PM.
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:13 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017