Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970 1/2 - 1981by Melvin Benzaquen
~ Published September 2015 ~
In this restoration guide, all crucial aspects of restoration, including
engine, driveline, body, interior, trim, electrical system, brakes,
steering, and suspension, are covered. Step-by-step color photos accompanied
by in-depth and detailed captions explain how to perform each stage of
the restoration procedure.
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. 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:
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
Softcover. 8 1/2x11. 176 pages. Color photos. BRAND NEW!
COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL EBAY 2015
PLEASE NOTE: PHOTO IN THIS AUCTION IS A STOCK PHOTO OF THE BOOK. YOUR BOOK IS BRAND NEW FROM THE PUBLISHER, NEVER READ, NEVER SHELVED.
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