Full Build: 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Bandit Tribute

The team transforms a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am into a 500hp tribute black bird! Plus, the Bandit himself, Burt Reynolds talks about the first time he saw the iconic Firebird Trans Am.
*Sweepstakes has ended*
0:00 - Intro
1:13 - Finding the Project
4:19 - Getting A Baseline
11:15 - Salute to the Trans Am
15:37 - Restoration Overview
22:04 - Engine Construction and Install
41:43 - Suspension Makeover
1:08:54 - Exhaust Install
1:24:32 - Paint and Decals
1:39:01 - Interior Upgrade
1:59:33 - Final Dyno Pull
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[@jacobfleetwood4314]

i miss Burt Reynolds Straight up icon and legend

[@andrewthompson6192]

I really enjoyed watching them do a total breakdown and rebuild of this iconic 78 TA. Just absolutely beautiful !

[@AudiophileTubes]

Absolute STUNNING build! I'm 60, and remember lusting after the T/A 6.6 and Formula 400's 'back in the day'!

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Well, you should have bought one back in the day,---because we can't afford a new car today.

[@AudiophileTubes]

@@EarthSurferUSA Well, back in the day, I was taking care of elderly parents and a special needs, autistic brother, full time. And yes, new cars today are rapaciously (good word, eh?) expensive!

[@hectorsoria850]

I found and 81 with a new 6.6 for 10k runs and drives should I take up the offer?

[@lovasky]

@@AudiophileTubes zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@AudiophileTubes]

@@lovasky I see the lobotomy worked!

[@glenncampbell9126]

Congratulations for using a Pontiac engine

[@JuanSanchez-oi3wv]

Yes sir amen 🙏 🙌 👏 beautiful black paint cool 😎

[@aochokidar7009]

Will never get bored of watching you guys bringing new life to old wheels🔥

[@gazvlogs7459]

I love having these videos play in the background when I'm rebuilding my motorcycle!

[@zednott]

love these full build, all in one videos.

[@camarossdriver]

My wife and I drove 3 hours south last Saturday just to LOOK at a Trans-Am..the car was nearly IDENTICAL to this one that you are building. Right down the the paint…decals…tan interior…hardtop…and Year One Wheels! Well…it’s being delivered to my garage later this week. At first I thought THIS WAS MY CAR! Congratulations on an AMAZING build! 😉

[@kevinfultz1908]

This was my first car. I bought it when I was 16. I'm 45 now. I wish I would have never sold it. ☹️. I'd give anything to find another one to restore with my son. A true classic! Thx for the video. Brings back some great memories.

[@Eremon1]

I bleed Pontiac red. My first car was a regular beat up 83 Firebird. My next car was an 89 Trans Am. I still miss that car. Smokey and the Bandit, Rockford Files and Knight Rider hooked me as a kid.

[@ecleveland1]

Mine was a 1979 "Bandit" Special Edition with the T-tops. Like you, I would give anything to have that car back. Maybe we can replace our cars one day but that youth we had is long gone. The girls back then loved to go for a ride in that car. I only let two drive mine, the first got a ticket on her only drive. The second one stayed around for a few years until the end of high school. I remember packing them in on Friday and Saturday nights.

[@jbuckley2546]

@@ecleveland1 Bitter sweet memories.....

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@ecleveland1 I was too shy and did not date much in HS. But I know if I had this car in 1980, I would not be dating the Junior High school gals. You ever get in trouble for that? lol

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Still have 3 'orphaned' Pontiacs... '77 Astre Formula Safari (Kammback) Station Wagon, '85 Fiero, '87 Trans Am GTA in black...

[@SD70ACE-]

This is the best-looking car built in 1978 for sure, I love the touches you guys put on it.. keep the videos coming..

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Too bad most 1970's engines were slugs...

[@MaximRecoil]

I would say that it was the second best looking American car of 1978 (after the 1978 Corvette). There wasn't much competition at the time. The 1978 Ford Mustang II was a glorified Pinto; Chrysler had nothing other than the ho-hum Aspen/Volaré, and AMC's 1978 lineup was even worse looking than Chrysler's. Globally speaking, in 1978, the Ferrari 308 (GTB or GTS), Ferrari BB 512, Lamborghini Countach, Porsche 911, BMW M1, De Tomaso Pantera, and Maserati Bora are all better looking than a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am in my opinion.

[@im3phirebird81]

Best looking car to this very day, coming from a european

[@KazK-vi6xn]

that old man has a really soothing voice

[@roddueck]

Some great tips that sadly I've forgotten over the years. That's how bad habits start. Thanks.

[@ryantokar4426]

Favorite Pontiac of all time

[@bmstylee]

I really liked this gen of Firebird and Camaro. But as a larger individual the full size cars are more my jam. More room for cruising and CID. And generally more affordable given that even 80s and 90s cars are now getting outrageously priced.

[@chrisland169]

Burt Reynolds died the 6 september 2018 and this video been done way before, nice iconic car !

[@zdravkogeorgiev6388]

Brilliant job folks! (-: I'm born the same year with the Pontiac! (-: God Bless American Car Builders of the '60, '70 & '80! Those decades Car Manufacturing Worldwide was a PIECE OF ART!!!

[@vanillagorilla9841]

Whoever won this all I have to say is ….. you lucky bastard!!!

[@acottonshirt]

Nice to bring Turd ferguson on the show!

[@MachineDr.]

Tommy is the man! Both entertaining and knowledgeable. Not an easy combination. I know this is old but I still enjoyed it.

[@marvinwalls6176]

66 and about to retire, I plan on trying my hand at auto restoration. I learn a great deal watching and taking notes. Thank you!

[@thundercricket4634]

I'm only 33 and I wish I'd spent the past 15 years going into Auto work instead of Information Tech.

[@johnmichaelrichards]

Don't see many of these in the UK but back in the 70s and 80s I used to see a beauty every day on my trips to Liverpool - Jet black with gold birds. Turned my head every day.

[@scottfilseth331]

Loved this build! Huge thank you for keeping it Pontiac powered too!! Good job Butler!

[@wendellhobley7558]

Hey guys. I want to first say thar I love the work you do. I have watched a few classic build shows and I have to say that you're one of my two favorites. I also watched "Overhaulin" religiously. Now a little bit about me. I'm a 64 year old retired, 100% disabled Army Veteran from Houston, TX. I fell in love with the 1970 Chevelle SS when I was 19 years old. I had opportunity to drive one to a job interview. This is a true story. The interview was about 30-45 away from where Iived. The interview was scheduled for 3pm and it was 225pm. I made it in about 15 minutes. I was in love at point... The closest that I have ever come to owning one was 1970 Malibu I bought in 1980. I lost to an accident. Fast forward July 1988. I had just finish Basic training and came home got married before heading overseas. I retired in 2009 after 21 years. Body beat down and broken but still full of life. Without finding one at a dealership so I could naked payments, I probably would not ever be in a position to own one before I close my eyes for the last time. I said all that to say this, I never won anything worthwhile. A few hundred dollars playing bingo. So here's my question to you guys. Please keep me in mind if you ever decide to give away my dream car. What will I need to do to put myself in a position for that possibly happen. Keep up the awesome work you guys do!

[@CaptainCrunch4817]

Thank you very much for your services in America. I love this country, and I really thank you for protecting it! You're an amazing person to beat yourself up for our freedoms. I hope you do receive your dream car really soon. Thanks again.

[@user-wo8ie7wh1w]

You did Real good job building this car

[@gregkeating4206]

This was a great build from start to finish, enjoyed it all the way through.

[@jonathanbowles2577]

Absolutely Fantastic. Two of the most Professional and Lovely Gentleman you both are. I really do enjoy watching your videos. Such Beautiful American classic vehicles You Restore and bring back to Life again. Very Well Done to you both. Kindest Regards from Jonathan.

[@user-wy5ud8fy9b]

Amazing work Congratulations ! This car was fantastic ! Better than now , real cars , real good people ! Made in the USA God Bless You all , God Bless America ! Friends and Brothers from Greece 🇺🇲⚔️🇬🇷

[@geraldhartley]

I'm not a car guy, but I watched this whole restoration. What a beauty! My high school math teacher had one of these back in 1981. He even had a sweet mustache.

[@KevinKnapp-qk4nj]

79 Was a Really good year for Trans Am.....Keep up good work....

[@Fultonfalcons86]

I dated a woman in the early 90's who had a black Bandit trans am it was in excellent condition and really nice handling car

[@libertyc4486]

Sweet ride.Amazing work.❤

[@MRRANDOM1]

I’m about to start working on one just like this. Nice build! Much better shape than mines that’s been sitting outside over 30yrs. Thanks for sharing, keep up the great work!!

[@70sport37]

Perfect upgrade ! Can’t imagen how incredible that T/A feels to drive .

[@pats3473]

LOVE these full build videos!

[@Cmm4626]

Id like to see the behind the scene struggles and dirty work that we all know they had to go through. Although I do love how the video presentation makes it look like they're doing it as clean and precise as surgeons!

[@E85_STI]

I always think that as well like where’s all the cuts and grease under the nails for working for hours on end but someone else finishes the builds I’m sure.

[@Woaddy..432Hz]

Ha! Yea, they only do what u see them do.

[@jonmyers8046]

Agreed. I'm a seasoned auto tech and worked in the resto field for years. A lot was omitted, and I noticed mistakes made the they probably figured most people wouldn't notice

[@marygallagher2184]

(William Gallagher) As a lifelong musclecar/Pontiac fan and a professional mechanic I know exactly what you're saying. I've had my share of builds,resto-mods,race cars , restorations, and they never g

[@picklefish74]

I don't know what that woman was thinkin' that car needs to be black with gold.

[@robertjones1655]

It's a beautiful car. This would be anyone's dream car. I really admire the work you guys do and the dedication you take to restoring vehicles. Thank you for keeping us entertained while providing others with an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime.

[@boobtronic9000]

Ugly ass car

[@codybieker4924]

Love the trans am and how awesome is it that you guys used my customers 73 Cuda with the sidepipes at 6:24! I had to rewind it and pause it just to make sure I wasn't seeing stuff. Al ordered that Cuda before he went to Vietnam and has had it ever since. Awesome car and an even more awesome person.

[@Shirazzikkdh]

Well memed on the hood scoop sfx. Editor needs a raise.

[@KevinRay_man]

This is awesome. It's like I'm twelve again watching tnt on Saturday morning. Powerblock with trucks! With Stacey David, horsepower TV and, man, those were good times.

[@drmckinley]

I lost out. At 80 I however owned a 1966 442, a 1968 442 convertible, and a 1985 olds 442. . But I have to admit this Pontiac is hot. I sure would have loved to have won it. But I'm a year late and a dollar short.. you guys rock! Thank you so much.

[@maxhenry1977]

Wow, what a beautiful car. Great job Tommy n Joe!

[@user-gt8pb9bw7l]

Same great machine my friend had back in 78… however your build is a monster!! Boy your video brought back a lot of fond memories!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@elvisdunbar8636]

I enjoyed this Video. It was fantastic, watching your installed a new Engine from scratch, plus rebuild the car suspensions, and torqued it to it specifications. New sway bar link, control Arms, coil shocks, rotors, brakes, shift cable, differential, pinion gear and seal, C clips, modified floors, new tie rod ends, logos, nice painted transmission, new u joints, new mufflers, oxygen sensors, alignment using toe in and toe out. 55 Engine block, new valve springs, new pistons and Rod, new cylinder head, and gasket, nice intake Manifold, and etc... it was a wonderful video because your explained it in a understandable way. Thanks Detroit Garage!

[@Gooseo2000]

Saw one in my moms best friends driveway....fell in love......just bought a 1980 cant wait to fix up.....gj on this build guys some good ideas

[@Matthew-21_22]

PLEASE! More about the giveaway of this beauty. Oh my, great job on this car.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Old show rerun, car given away years ago...

[@vickypratamaputra4363]

1978 Pontiac Firebird 18:42 with Butler Performance 1:08:54 Exhaust Installment 1:11:49 1:17:27 Defacing Decals & Wire mesh Swap

[@CaptainCrunch4817]

That's one gorgeous muscle car I'd love to own and make to be my daily driver! It's really a beautiful machine, with awesome upgrades to it. It would look really nice sitting next to my two first-generation Pontiac Firebirds! I own a 67 with a stock matching numbers 400 Pontiac engine under the fake 400 ram air hood. The other car is a 68 with the 400 engine but no matching numbers on the 68. Our 68 is purple with ghost scallops in the front, and my 67 was orange-red with yellow, white, and orange flames on the hood and fenders! I truly wish that I could give that gorgeous Smokey and the Bandit look-alike a wonderful new place to live in my garage!

[@JerryDLTN]

The fastest car I've been in. A friend owned it. He drove ~140mph in a 40mph zone on Henpeck Lane in Franklin

[@sinjhguddu4974]

Pure dream! Great job guys.

[@MichaelOwens1972]

Eastbound and down. Love this build. Nice work!

[@ronaldputty9008]

Already watched this once it was a while back I applied the win for this car but you're showing it again love the car

[@mrfatbobrider1969]

Yet another fantastic build on yet another fantastic episode.. And I just love the color , MASSIVE 👌

[@Ccampbell23]

LOVE IT! Thank you for this. So amazing, and nostalgic.

[@diesel5411]

Love that blue block excellent color choice 👌

[@patgamble3217]

Hi I still watch this movie yet today 1978 I was 15 today they old man is going to be 60 in Sept. Of 2023 .and I only owned one ta in my life .1980 white with white interior. She was a looker .a lot of people liked. Her .6.6 letter. But enough of me .I don't think we do have anyone left from they show. Thank you for being beautiful fans of they show .👍 .

[@bluepete1913]

All that work and they didn't replace the milky dull drivers side headlights! Jokers!

[@voltimetennessee4052]

Y’all do great work. Beautiful car.

[@bobgrob4]

Joe and Tommy - the best of the best right here.

[@bruceh92]

Good build, good video. Thanks guys 👍

[@geraldstanley9692]

Nice build as always, guys. It’s incredible how a movie will “make” a car. No offense at all the the Firebird, I love that car and have since the early ‘80’s, but let’s remember the many cars that were as good if not better, that didn’t have the good fortune of making it to the movies. Just for reference, my Ginetta G15 with a 1228cc engine makes more than 120hp. At 1250lbs, the 1973 Ginetta will leave your Firebird in the dust on a straight and out of sight after a few corners. The Ginetta (you never heard of because it wasn’t in a Hollywood movie, but is an incredible car from the 70’s) is one of those cars that deserves as much credit as this beautiful Firebird. Love the show. Keep up the good work.

[@ronmac1832]

Loved watching this build. Glad they used a Pontiac over an LS, but you sure have work for the hp!

[@Draconfury1]

Man ive dreamed of owning one of these my whole life

[@LongShlongMcBong]

Gorgeous car,great work!

[@BajaShine]

I 've rod in a 442 Olds & a 68 Camaro SS both when they were less than a year old & they were great as well as strong! Never rode in a Trans Am but am sure it would"ve been great as well!!! Nice them muscle cars, I'm 72, born the year Nascar was born & still have the passion for them deep in my heart!!

[@lucid484]

$8,500 for that is a killer deal! I woulda snagged that up in a heartbeat!

[@Ripsaw17]

One of best cars Pontiac put out

[@fasnuf]

Nice job. 2:00:57 I think new headlights would've gone a long way on finishing the appearance.

[@charlespeakjr2168]

Beautiful job. I also agree that new headlights would have completed the makeover.

[@mik3ymomo]

That first set of dyno pulls is the definition of the Italian tuneup. Went from 110hp to 136hp as you continued to clean out the carbon.

[@hiteck007]

They didn't call it OLD SMOKEY for nuthin. LOL

[@santanarodarte6080]

This is my most favorite KZbin channel they always rebuild the most difficult cars 🚗 and the most popular

[@ramonrivera5467]

I really like the way you brag that car back to life the black paint decals upgraded rims add a bit more power also the interior came out great throwing some t-tops and I'll take it no looks great like that Happiness to the winner.

[@jerrybrown66]

Love the blacked out trim.

[@cromBumny]

Rip Burt Reynolds...thanks Burt for the memories!

[@AR-pm9nv]

Another thumbs up for linking these all together.

[@user-dz2qm8mo2q]

Wonderful guys ... Wow. Amazing talent on display.

[@NFL1976]

Burt looks AMAZING for a dead man!

[@robertsereno791]

My dream car great build I could watch this video over and over thanks

[@square_crab62]

im glad i saw this pop up as i just bought my first car, an ‘85 trans am, love the car and now know where to find some parts 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@parisienii6522]

Nothing better that the old tyres with the white marks

[@williamortscheid932]

Love watch you guys make these classes

[@paulb4uk]

Stunning build.

[@jasblick9984]

My first car was a 69 firebird with a 350 and a turbohydromatic trans. Paid 600 bucks. Being a disabled vet. Owning this TransAm would be a dream come true.

[@luizcomet]

This car lives in mi dreams, it's a most beatiful than one car can be.

[@libertyc4486]

I realy enjoy what hing the car taken apart and put back to perfection.❤

[@CarguyEd5150]

I went to Butler Performance back in early 2019 to finish the details on my 505 Pontiac Stroker they were building for me at the time. I was talking to Rodney Butler, who's in this video, about this build while there and he mention that show for whatever reason, decided on using a very restrictive exhaust system that actually choked the power output. To this day I never understood why, especially when you have an awesome Butler Performance engine under the hood. Butler is great company to deal with, good people work there, and they know their stuff.

[@hiteck007]

That's Insane, why would you willingly do that to such a good engine. That's just Stupid. But just on seeing that system in the show my first thought was that exhaust system is RUBBISH. I'm no expert but I do know what works in performance & that is a long way from it. I've seen and experienced what an Expansion chamber can do & it's effect is Not limited to 2 strokes, let me assure you & no that does not make them louder but holy Muther of god does it wake them up to yet another level of Power you never knew you had.

[@markthomas2436]

Fantastic job guys!

[@vernonfellows9193]

We all did a very good job on that transam when that car was made I was 20 years old like all the upgrades you guys did to that muscle car

[@AndrewNation13]

What a legend!!! Thank-you sooo much

[@jasonstewart8973]

Man I grew up watching the bandit over and over and over and over. 50 now an watched it 9 times this year. Heck I'm gonna watch it now. Not by myself gotta 11yr old boy that has die-cast models all of em ha ha .he drives my truck an camero.hes a pontiac guy though bandit ta all the way

[@ronwhite6719]

I owned a white 77 ta, but without the eagle. Who knew how much it would be worth now. Oh, how I miss that car. Nice build, Joe and Tommy

[@malan828]

Man this trans am brings back memories of my childhood

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

My best friend has an original 97 TA Bandit edition in his garage with some light front end body damage on it. If this show would not motivate you to get out there and start turning wrenches on it, nothing would. Great series and a beautiful car.

[@moacyrgomesfilho]

Wonderful Congratulations!

[@OutlawEST1987]

I did a complete restoration on a 1978 Y82 Bandit Trans Am for my mom about 7 years ago, everything original except for a little patch in the trunk and paint, this was around when Richard Rollings did his bandit episode

[@ibrocn]

Well that was a blast to watch! Great video Gents!

[@libertyc4486]

Love Smoky and the Bandit.Burt Renalds was rite pick for the movie.

[@ricblic901]

breaker breaker, that CB was a must, good job, gets a thumbs up from me

[@dodiendalgety8908]

Wow, my dream car, thanks, guys we'll done That was awesome thanks

[@joseduranjr4963]

My grandpa had one and I always wished I would’ve inherited the trans am. I love those T/A’s

[@scottaremillardgmail]

That’s one of the best cars made. My favorite car ❤❤❤ ever. You are Blessed.

[@raypakay7630]

That's a keeper. Good Buddy

[@YoungHeartedSoul]

Love these cars. I have a 73 and is such a fun car