1979 Trans Am Is It Worth Saving???

[@michaeldowling5590]

Ws6 and 403. Rear disc on a 79. Seats ragged ot it is more like 121,000 miles. Still good to restore

[@frogdayb1763]

This is not a 21k mile car. It is 121k or 221k miles unless it was parked at the bottom of the ocean the the last 40 years. Once they hit 99,999.9 they start over. Everything about this screams high mileage...cheap repaint, ripped to shreds seats, exhaust has been changed, missing interior pieces, and on and on. So many red flags.

[@bigjohnson7415]

Agreed!

[@slow_restoration]

I understand it's tough to tell from a video, but in real life it's easy to tell it's a low mile's car. It was moved outside after the original owner got sick and sat for decades. Looks like under a tree. It was almost covered up by leaves and debris. The doors have zero play in the hinges, factory chalk marks everywhere, no noticeable wear anywhere. The car is 98% complete with just a few small parts missing. It's a shame it was neglected!

[@mopargm9329]

Agreed. 121k or 221k not 21k you mentioned EVERYTHING I noticed. Not a chance only 21k. But being a WS6 she's very worth restoration. The floor pans are two piece between the trans tunnel and are about $300 a piece

[@wlc1980]

A perfect candidate for a rotisserie. Save it!

[@thud9797]

Right, to think this car averaged less than 500 miles per year is pretty funny.

[@jess4metoo]

Knowing nothing about the mechanics of cars, your evaluation fascinated me. Think you were in my homepage for loving these cars. If I had your talent, I’d restore it.

[@slow_restoration]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@my1vice]

You have to look at the sway bars to determine if it's a true ws6, unless you have a build sheet. Both the 4w discs and the snowflakes with 225s were individual options... (Codes J65 and N90, respectfully.)

[@ddelong1000]

You're right, because my 79 had those options and it wasn't WS6

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

I think that's definitely worth restoring; like you said, you'd have to put some money in it, but it'd be very nice & worth A LOT when it's finished!

[@slow_restoration]

I totally agree!

[@caseycassidy-k4z]

Not sure about that. For me, I'd want at least something to be good. Good engine & drivetrain, or good body. There is really nothing you can say is good on this car. Even the rear frame rails are shot. Not easy to replace. Welded to the body. Interior also rough. You can buy almost everything new repo, but nothing is cheap. Too much work and money to make something out of it. Find one with a solid body for 10 to 15 K

[@MitchGrooms]

@@caseycassidy-k4z I agree with you, the rails and subframe did it for me.. I have an 81 TTA and I was worried about a small hole in the rear floor but not now..

[@DarthVader1977]

@@caseycassidy-k4z That would not be good for making videos. This project is capable of producing far more videos.

[@ddelong1000]

I would agree...@@caseycassidy-k4z you could get a better example to restore, I would say. The only reason this thing is hanging together is force of habit.

[@The_Phoenix_Saga]

She definitely looks like she's flown a little more then 21k mate. Wherever she was left to rust, certainty took it's toll. But if you've got the cash and the passion to bring her back through the flames - this firebird definitely is worth it. I know i would. Restore and mod her - specifically her music box. Always wanted a 79. What a magnificent piece of engineering.

[@jpdriver1967]

Nice thing about a 79, as long as you have a good subframe, everything else can be sourced, to include the rear subframe rails. Currently restoring a one-owner 76 that was a complete car. Will spend more than it will be worth, but it is not about the money.

[@Skeeterpfr]

cmon man, you know that car doesnt have 29K miles, more like 229k

[@stephenflowers8516]

You would have to be insane to not restore a 2nd generation Trans am with 21,000 miles. Unfortunately this thing was stored somewhere with lots of humidity. The first thing I'd check is the rear frame rails.

[@brianjoy3407]

So im looking at a 77 TA and 1 of the rear rails is shot the drives side looks good. 1st venture into the 2nd generation cars but is this a terrible repair? Seems a common thread with these cars

[@craigpierre2765]

You seem to be spot on with that car except the mileage.. looks like it has been around the block a few times. I have the match to your car(color and all) in my garage right now going through restoration. The undercarriage is in better shape in that it’s been sitting in a dry garage for about 30 years. Just on the mechanics part right now and I have it running nice and smooth. I have 2 years to get it ready for my daughter’s prom. Thanks for the vid.

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

The car has so much potential.

[@slow_restoration]

It's a beautiful car!

[@shannonshepard5047]

It’s 121000 miles. The mileage rolls over at 99999 back to 00000. You were taken.

[@slow_restoration]

No one was taken. It was stated believed miles, but not guaranteed. It may be hard to see on video, but in real life, it's obvious it's a very low miles car, In rough shape, yes but from sitting outside, probably in the woods. There's no real wear on any of the normal spots. The seats are just dry and coming apart from age and neglect.

[@vf101jay]

Moisture/rust inside areas like the gauges would spook me quite a bit, looks like it is rusting from the inside out and with the frames that bad you would be looking at a full nut and bolt tear down of the entire car. I would bet that almost everything from brake calipers to the carb are seized from rust and would need replaced because they would be beyond reconditioning. If the engine and transmission are rusted internally, I’m not sure a 403 is worth the cost or effort it would take to bring it back. I agree that there are some good salvageable parts there but if it can’t be brought back numbers matching I can’t imagine the restored car being worth near the cost of restoration. If there is no emotional attachment to it, it might be best used as a donor. That said, if you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket and are planning on using it as build content, I say go for it! I’d definitely watch and love every minute of it. Great vid by the way.

[@countryroadautopartsusa6466]

The TA you have needs extensive restoration, except the dash. It will be expensive to restore this TA. The original 403 always takes a backseat to the 400 Pontiac motor and in my opinion, I would take a true Pontiac 301 V8 over the Oldsmobile supplied 403. The 225/70R15 tire was standard OEM tire size for all 1979-1981 Trans Am, WS6 or not. Good luck.

[@jonathanmercer7109]

Over here in UK, Yorkshire Car Restoration have stripped and rebuilt Mat Armstrong's BMW635 and to be honest it made that TA look mint. Fabricated frame rail sections and heaven-knows what else. They got it there, and that was being done as a business for a customer (not being aware what side deal might have been cut based on publicity value). On the hand, the x-member, the rear rails... on the other hand good around the rear window, sills look fairly decent etc. Some floor pan fabbing to do... It's a big job but it's deffo worth it. Would put the engine on some deep breathing exercises too, to make the exercise really worthwhile.

[@ddelong1000]

Why was it repainted after 21000 miles? 121000 miles, maybe.

[@NotAGarage]

I saw a Trans Am, I clicked!! Without watching it yet, YES!!! It is worth saving!!! Please sell it to me. Edit: I subscribed.

[@slow_restoration]

I can make that happen!

[@NotAGarage]

​@slow_restoration I miss my old ones. I had two 79 10th anniversary Trans Am's, a 79 Firebird, and a 79 Berlinetta Camaro. If you decide to sell it please post it on here with a price. Thanks! I'll be watching! 💪

[@MitchGrooms]

WOW, I was all into saving this until I see the subframe and rails, the car is about to fold up like a taco. Great video though. You do know these cars well.

[@mopargm9329]

A good Pro tip for dealing with a locked engine is pull the heads off of it and soak the cylinder bores in Marvel Mystery Oil overnight go out in the morning and try to crank it about 85% of the time it will unseize the engine as long as it's not blown and the crank bearings are still good and true. Also i don't buy the 21k more like 121k or 221k

[@speedfiend925]

Power Antenna was not the default for these cars. They were all equipped with the Antenna in the windshield. That would make the power antenna aftermarket. Honestly I prefer the windshield antenna as it looks cleaner although admittedly they had issues. It looks rough but with enough money it could look a lot better. 😁

[@ThumperHit]

There is no way the 21600 miles is only original mile on the car. First red flag, why would anyone repaint a car with only 21600 original miles. Second flag, driver seat is worn out compared to the passenger and rear seats. If the car has been sitting with only 21600 miles then the seats would all have the same wear. Third flag, molding around hood scoop completely removed. Again, why? Forth flag, thermostat or hose replaced. Not necessary for so few miles. More than likely, the car has either i121600 miles or the car or the speedometer was disconnected.

[@grand73am]

Yes, you corrected yourself...those are Snowflakes. Honeycombs are not the same, being different looking, since the holes in them are honeycomb shaped, hence the name. Honeycombs were used until the end of the 1976 model year. Even though Honeycombs looked like aluminum, they were actually a urethane honeycomb "face" bonded to a steel wheel, and painted a special silver/aluminum color to simulate aluminum appearance. Then the aluminum Snowflakes replaced them in 77. Standard Snowflakes are 7" wide wheels. And it wasn't until 78 that 8" Snowflakes became available and used in the WS6 package from then on. Also, the tire size was 225-70-R15 on all 79 TA's, so that tire size on the door sticker isn't proof of a WS6. It's on all 79 TA's, whether WS6 or not. Of course your rear disc brakes and 8" Snowflakes are indicative of WS6. More proof would be a 3/4" diameter rear sway bar. A standard TA rear bar is 5/8". So, you could measure that. Concerning the steering box, it would be a constant 14:1 ratio box for a WS6. It was quicker than the variable ratio box that came on the standard TA. And as you said, those lower control arm braces are proof as well. Hard to give an opinion on whether it's worth fixing. Maybe if you didn't give much for it to begin with. Swapping the subframe won't be hard, but those rusted out rear body frame rails will be a pain to replace and keep it all straight and true. I'd be tempted to look for a cheap 79-81 Firebird donor body in better shape, and then you'd have everything to replace that rusty metal, including the subframe and radiator support, etc. I'd think it would save you a lot of money and labor versus having to buy new or replacement parts and panels individually and having to do a lot of cutting and welding.

[@SimonM-63]

Full restoration 👍

[@slow_restoration]

It would be beautiful!

[@dpmesse]

An original ws6 like that if it was me id restore it piece by piece and keep it like that. You can find v6 or already modded cars to make customs. Originals are hard to find

[@slow_restoration]

Agreed!

[@phillipanderson2607]

Its a shame its not a T/A 6.6 big block with 4 speed. But these cars are bringing more money now. I would save it 😊

[@DanielLopez-me9mh]

Its totally worth the restoration of this ws6 trans am

[@Tiffany.1970]

Every trans am is worth saving but saying that it depends on the overall condition of the body and underside rust is costly especially if it's badly rotten main bad area trans ams rust is rear of back window flitch panel and bulkhead area and floorplans .... And inside the trunk area .... Also they rust by the front windscreen other than that it's down to the person who has to weigh up what's it worth once done after spending money best advice see what they sell for once done .....my advice is buy a trans am already restored in the long run might. Be more cost effective that's my thoughts anyway ..👍

[@ernieagent6728]

The hinge pins wear out not the hinges,an easy fix probably 121000 miles nice car

[@stevevandemark7169]

You should have showed the brake and gas pedal better,that usually gives a good indication of mileage

[@lawnboy5166]

Absolutely restore it, l miss my 75 ta.

[@shannonshepard5047]

If you got the money and time, restore it. You going to have to pull the motor, so you have the opportunity to build it up. The 185 HP was really not on the performance side. Good luck.

[@DarthVader1977]

You're* going to

[@jonathanmercer7109]

The 403 in standard trim was fairly ho-hum, but I've seen them fairly readily tuned to give properly impressive performance.

[@timczifrik]

still my favorite car...!!!

[@slow_restoration]

They're timeless!

[@timczifrik]

@@slow_restoration yes..!!! it was also my first car. i wish i still had it

[@bradlybaldwin9564]

There all worth saving

[@slow_restoration]

Not necessarily, if the cost of the restoration far exceeds the value, it may not make sense.

[@CROIXsather]

Man, it didn't look too bad until you showed the undercarriage. haha. Thats a lot of metal work and replacing parts.

[@vannjunkin8041]

Yes its worth restoring

[@ddelong1000]

Who painted this thing?? Maaco???

[@Skeeterpfr]

look behind passenger seat back for factory build sheet

[@gutsblack8084]

my 1980 firebird formula turbo, starlight black, is in the shop being resorted with a budget of 20k. wish me luck fellas

[@jasonmushersee]

core support fire wall floor pan frame rails 6+ months i did a rear collision damaged 1991 z34 complete rear section took me 3 months at a time you could get parts 2 days later proud to say no windshield leaks with pressure washer blasting it point blank no door wind noise @ 65mph but i worried about it the whole build

[@slow_restoration]

Nice! Always good to see them get saved!

[@erniepruett710]

YES save it!!!

[@DanielLopez-me9mh]

Try some pentrating fluid or a liquid that can free the pistons seized in each cylinder

[@DanielLopez-me9mh]

Most van nuys 2nd gen F bodies if it was an Oldsmobile 403 v8 with the hood scoop reading 6.6 litre and automatic trans if you had the 400 from pontiac it would read as T/A 6.6 with a manual trans most of the 403s were cailfornia cars because the olds engine was more emissions complient vs the 400

[@grand73am]

Actually, for 1979, the 403 Olds was the standard TA engine nationwide, not just California. So, plenty of 403's came out of Norwood too. The 403 only came with an automatic, which most people wanted at the time, so the vast majority of 79 TA's came with 403 Olds automatic. Of the 117,000 TA's in 79, about 95,000 were 403/auto. The Pontiac 400's for 79 were built and leftovers from 78, so only about 8300 were available for 79, and they only sold those last 400's with 4 speeds. I believe the 400's were all sold out by around May of 79. The remaining balance of 79 TA's had 301's.

[@DanielLopez-me9mh]

Awesome 👌

[@24run]

Save it

[@Tiffany.1970]

Question is what's it worth once done ..... You might not recoup the money back if your planning on selling it ....... I'd rather buy a trans am already restored...... But hey it's done to the owner .... To make it a show winner it has to be done right or unless you want a daily driver that's just a runabout trans am

[@randybryant9936]

It like a time capsule

[@slow_restoration]

It really is!

[@johnweeks5614]

Cool cars that is for sure I like the TTOPS ones better but I believe camaro copied off them or they copied off camaro but either way yeah it would be a nice car after a lot of money and time

[@thud9797]

Who copied who? You do realize the Camaro and Firebird were built on the same assembly line with many of the same parts right?

[@loucad1802]

too much rust on the body and the suspension. You can sandblast all day and still have that heavy pitting on the rear end and suspension parts. Hardtop 403 cars in very nice condition can be had for much less than what it would take to bring this car back to life.

[@tonidmc]

the fact that its a 79 auto doesnt mean 403 car. dont forget that the credit option 301 4barrel was available both in manual and auto. 1979 Trans Am production: 94.773 403olds, 8.326 400pontiac and 14.009 301 pontiac.

[@thud9797]

That is true except for California where the only certified and required engine/transmission combination available for Trans Am was the 403 automatic.

[@DarthVader1977]

needs to* be* restored

[@shannonshepard5047]

Was the car left in a field. So much rust.

[@slow_restoration]

Unfortunately, it was outside for a long time parked.

[@ericpeters4170]

a '79 WS6 car would have rear disc brakes and a larger diameter rear sway bar.

[@thud9797]

They did have production shortages throughout the year so possible a WS6 car could come with rear drum brakes and the RPO would show WS7 to reflect that.

[@thud9797]

Some cars even given to you for free are not worth messing with.

[@dh87990]

Time and money can save this beutifuel trans am, i say save this car for the furture. I have 2 generation Pontiac firebird trans am 455 7.5L engine, with 4-speed manuell gearbox (borger warner super t-10)🚔🚔

[@brickmason4410]

Man that was an extremely hard.. hard... 21,000...

[@slow_restoration]

It wasn't the miles, it was the sitting outside in the woods. Unfortunately when the owner got sick, the car got pushed out and neglected for years.

[@gutsblack8084]

Y E S

[@markwestbrook8547]

Don't think it's a true TA alot of things wrong. No TA exhaust tips no bird small sway bar no decals. Just saying 😮

[@newyorkrican7387]

I have an 81 and I bought from Michigan and has lots of rust but this one in the video is terrible, mine has 229,000 miles and next to this one is night and day, I almost didn't restore mines and had way less rust, the one in the video I wouldn't get into restoring 🤔

[@thud9797]

Except for special editions, the hood bird was optional.

[@raymondschuman1705]

If you don't want to save it give it to me I will save it.

[@randyjones7818]

Not bad..maybe more miles on it..lots of rust on it ...gonna cost a lot of money..to fix..20k car..it's just not gonna bring the dollars...good luck ..I'd fix it. In any shape.

[@barnhousegarage]

It doesn't really make sense to restore these cars unless you plan on keeping it .A person would never make a dime doing a full restoration on something like this,l have a 78 I'm restoring and it was a texas car l have 15k in it and it's just now ready for paint l figured l have another 15-20k to go before it's done

[@Firebird400]

I don’t know man that car needs a lot of work. Even doing everything yourself you’d be into it for more than it’s worth. It’s definitely doable and you can do it as your budget allows but to pay someone else to do it just go buy something done . It’s not a real desirable car with no t tops and a 403 .

[@SUPERHAWKWS6]

Not worthy of restoration. It's not a SE and rust repair is always a deal breaker on any car restoration I have 3Ta in my collection I built all rust free. Find another one 🙏 please. Enjoyed your video

[@slow_restoration]

I agree rust is a big issue, but it’s all about the car and what you want to build. Thanks for watching.

[@commonsense2574]

Great car for somebody else to restore or pound it as is. Full resto, too far behind the 8 ball IMO,

[@bradlybaldwin9564]

These backyard restoring guys dontbhave the capability of doing thaes jobs.go by one that's already done and let the restoration guys take on these projects so there not needlessly parted out

[@slow_restoration]

I have the ability! just getting opinions on what others would do. This is a cool car, but in my opinion it's borderline worth putting all the effort and money into.

[@ericpeters4170]

So much rust inside this car I would bet it's been under water.

[@DarthVader1977]

need to* be* replaced

[@DaRealRoachDoggJr]

No. Because trans

[@slow_restoration]

Not worth saving because it's automatic?

[@DaRealRoachDoggJr]

@@slow_restoration wish it was a manual with a modern ls dropped in it

[@mikee2923]

Putting an LS engine in it would kill its value.

[@MrHaps-yq3nu]

Wrong engine.

[@eddiesimmons9828]

Fix her up

[@slow_restoration]

It needs a second chance!