Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981
The Trans Am and Firebird were distinctly different than their cousin, the Chevy Camaro, and many Trans Am and Firebird models became stand-out muscle cars of their era. In fact, when the high-performance wars in Detroit subsided in the early 1970s, the Trans Am remained as the sole surviving muscle car. Some second-generation Pontiac F-Body cars are affordable while others are extremely rare and valuable. In particular, the 1970–1974 Pontiac Super Duty Trans Ams, 1970–1973 Firebird Formulas, and 1976 Firebird Limited Editions command high sale prices while the 1970s Trans Am 6.6 "Smokey and the Bandit" cars are still affordable and appreciating in value.

Melvin Benzaquen of Classic Restoration Enterprises has restored dozens of these cars. In this revealing guide, all crucial aspects of restoration are covered, including engine, driveline, interior, trim, electrical system, brakes, steering, and suspension. A special focus is placed on performing common body restoration procedures. Chapters also include VIN decoding, planning, preparation, tools, and painting techniques. Step-by-step photos accompanied by in-depth and detailed captions explain how to perform each stage of the restoration process.

Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am owners are loyal and dedicated to the preservation of these storied high-performance models and therefore demand an accurate and faithful restoration. The magnitude and variety of work in the restoration process can be overwhelming and that’s why a complete restoration guide by an acknowledged expert is so important. Now, in this authoritative and comprehensive guide, you have the tools you need to get started on your Trans Am or Firebird restoration.

1300503700
Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981
The Trans Am and Firebird were distinctly different than their cousin, the Chevy Camaro, and many Trans Am and Firebird models became stand-out muscle cars of their era. In fact, when the high-performance wars in Detroit subsided in the early 1970s, the Trans Am remained as the sole surviving muscle car. Some second-generation Pontiac F-Body cars are affordable while others are extremely rare and valuable. In particular, the 1970–1974 Pontiac Super Duty Trans Ams, 1970–1973 Firebird Formulas, and 1976 Firebird Limited Editions command high sale prices while the 1970s Trans Am 6.6 "Smokey and the Bandit" cars are still affordable and appreciating in value.

Melvin Benzaquen of Classic Restoration Enterprises has restored dozens of these cars. In this revealing guide, all crucial aspects of restoration are covered, including engine, driveline, interior, trim, electrical system, brakes, steering, and suspension. A special focus is placed on performing common body restoration procedures. Chapters also include VIN decoding, planning, preparation, tools, and painting techniques. Step-by-step photos accompanied by in-depth and detailed captions explain how to perform each stage of the restoration process.

Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am owners are loyal and dedicated to the preservation of these storied high-performance models and therefore demand an accurate and faithful restoration. The magnitude and variety of work in the restoration process can be overwhelming and that’s why a complete restoration guide by an acknowledged expert is so important. Now, in this authoritative and comprehensive guide, you have the tools you need to get started on your Trans Am or Firebird restoration.

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Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981

Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981

by Melvin Benzaquen
Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981

Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981

by Melvin Benzaquen

Paperback

$32.95 
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Overview

The Trans Am and Firebird were distinctly different than their cousin, the Chevy Camaro, and many Trans Am and Firebird models became stand-out muscle cars of their era. In fact, when the high-performance wars in Detroit subsided in the early 1970s, the Trans Am remained as the sole surviving muscle car. Some second-generation Pontiac F-Body cars are affordable while others are extremely rare and valuable. In particular, the 1970–1974 Pontiac Super Duty Trans Ams, 1970–1973 Firebird Formulas, and 1976 Firebird Limited Editions command high sale prices while the 1970s Trans Am 6.6 "Smokey and the Bandit" cars are still affordable and appreciating in value.

Melvin Benzaquen of Classic Restoration Enterprises has restored dozens of these cars. In this revealing guide, all crucial aspects of restoration are covered, including engine, driveline, interior, trim, electrical system, brakes, steering, and suspension. A special focus is placed on performing common body restoration procedures. Chapters also include VIN decoding, planning, preparation, tools, and painting techniques. Step-by-step photos accompanied by in-depth and detailed captions explain how to perform each stage of the restoration process.

Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am owners are loyal and dedicated to the preservation of these storied high-performance models and therefore demand an accurate and faithful restoration. The magnitude and variety of work in the restoration process can be overwhelming and that’s why a complete restoration guide by an acknowledged expert is so important. Now, in this authoritative and comprehensive guide, you have the tools you need to get started on your Trans Am or Firebird restoration.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781613251720
Publisher: CarTech, Incorporated
Publication date: 09/15/2015
Pages: 176
Sales rank: 164,123
Product dimensions: 8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Melvin Benzaquen started and operates Classic Restoration Enterprises, one of the largest restoration facilities in the country. He has performed many Firebird and Trans Am restorations and has guided his staff as they have performed dozens more. He has managed the paint, mechanical, electrical, and interior work of a body shop, along with the overall operations of systems. In addition, he has penned many articles for Hemmings Motor News and Muscle Machines.

Table of Contents

About the Author 4
Acknowledgments 4
Introduction 5

Chapter 1: Models and Numbers 6
Model Search 7
VIN Tag Decoding 11
Firebird and Trans Am Values 15

Chapter 2: Getting Started 21
Type of Restoration 22
At-Home or Professional Shop Restoration 22
Restoration Process in a Nutshell 24
Evaluating the Car 24
Buying Parts 25
Organize Your Parts 27
Tools and Equipment 29
Basic Disassembly 30

Chapter 3: Bodywork Part I: Body Panels 39
Safety 40
Preparation 40
Tools for Bodywork 40
Quarter Panel Patch 40
Trunk Extension 42
Rear Body Panel Sectioning 48
Patch Panel Fabrication 51
Fenders 55
1970–1973 Front End Removal 63
Engine Accessories and Related Component Removal 64
Basic Techniques 68
Sheet-Metal Stripping and Fiberglass Application 68
Fiberglass Resin Application 69
Shaping and Sanding 71

Chapter 4: Bodywork Part II: Doors, Spoilers, Bumpers and Wheel Flares 73
Door Panel 73
Door Glass 75
Interior Door Panel Installation 79
Endura Bumper 80
Rear Spoiler 86
Wheel Flares 87
Panel Alignment 92

Chapter 5: Painting 95
Environmental Laws and Safety Considerations 96
Paint Job Types 97
Painting at Home 99
Selecting the Right Shop 100
Panel Sanding and Cleaning 102
Masking 102
Paint Type and System 103
Prime Time 104
Color Coat Process 105
Clear Coat Process 107
Wet Sanding 107
Polishing and Hand Glazing 108

Chapter 6: Engine Rebuilding 109
Through the Years 109
Engine Identification 110
Rebuilding Considerations 111
When to Rebuild 114
Original Appearance Is Key 117
Procedure Overview 117

Chapter 7: Transmission Rebuilding 121
Manual Transmissions 121
Automatic Transmissions 124

Chapter 8: Drivetrain 126
Differential 126
Clutch 126
Driveshaft 131
Rear Axles 131

Chapter 9: Brakes 135
Front Disc Brakes 135
Rear Disc Brakes (1979–1981) 140

Chapter 10: Suspension 144
Inspection 144
Frame-Off Preparation 145
Front Suspension 145
Rear Suspension 151

Chapter 11: Electrical System 154
Electrical Harness 154

Chapter 12: Interior 158
Documentation and Damage Assessment 159
Interior Carpet 159
Dash 164

Chapter 13: Other Systems and Components 170
Cooling System 170
Fuel System 171
Wheels and Tires 172

Source Guide 176

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