My very last restoration!!!

[newsatten]

Hi guys it’s been a tad over two years since I sold the Challenger,
Honestly thought I was my last yank,
However the fickle finger of fate pointed me in the direction of a car that I’ve wanted for over 47 years,
And now I’ve one sitting in my garage!
It’s not a Mopar so apologies if this a problem!

1970 Ram Air 111 Trans Am 4 speed
Obviously requires a complete restoration but it’s totally sound and requires almost zero welding work

[Mark B]

Wow, what a car. Looks in original condition. Good luck with the resto.
.

1970-Pontiac-Firebird-Trans-Am-Ram-Air-III-Lead.jpg (96.17 KiB) Viewed 16850 times

[sublimemike]

Bull nose manual , unmolested. That will be amazing when done. What a find

[mygasser]

that looks a great project
there is a section for this sort of 'non mopar' called alternative muscle on here. my nash gasser build is there
neil.

[Derek]

Looking forward to see how this comes along, I wouldn't say no to it.

[newsatten]

Haha cheers guys,
yeah i'l do a bit of a blog as i go through the car, and use the non Mope section,
Back in the mid/late 70's a guy that worked for my Dad had this very model a 70.5 400 Ram Air 111 4 speed, one brief spin up the Thanet Way and i was hooked!
oh my days, the thing pulled like a train, that was almost 50 years ago, finding and owning my own has been a bucket list wish seemingly forever!
But the day's finally arrived and i haven't stopped smiling since!

the cars soooooo original its scary, totally virginal and untouched, matching numbers , engine,trans, axle ............
built 1stMay 1970, supplied to a dealer in Manhattan on the 19thMay 70,
its unusual as it was ordered with black basket custom interior and a factory radio and separate 8 track,
according the the history ive received from Pontiac Historic Services, in the US its one of 9................

Its going to get the full Monty, and ill keep working for now { was going to retire} so one i can afford to do it properly and two i'l need full use of my spray booth at work!!!

[Blue]

I assume you brought it in, be amazed it that was sitting over here that intact.

[newsatten]

It’s been here since the mid 70’s
Had one repaint in 1980 or 81 , was stored following a house fire and been in storage since !!
The guy I brought it form has had it over 20 years
58000 miles which apparently is genuine!
Absolutely un messed with and zero welding to the shell which is remarkable well persevered,
Stripped the roof and rear quarters and tail panel
Uncovered 3 small areas that will need patching
The hoods rusted through at the front and the front quarters have some corrosion to the inner supports
So depending on fit may replace the front sheet metal

[Blue]

I’m amazed it’s never been modified and that it’s not rotten as a pear, great find!

[Stu]

I like it.

[Matt74]

That's awesome.
I'll be following along!

[newsatten]

Nothing much to report as this time,
Still waiting for my V5 from DVLA, as it’s been off the radar for over 40 years I’ve had to start from scratch
Verifications etc, Nova through a shipping importer
VAT to HMRC, all sorted now just got to wait to see if DVLA wants it inspected before issuing my Historic V5
So been unable to pull the car apart and start the process of restoration
Removed some paint but that’s about it till it’s all completely UK legal again,

So I’ve been using the time to put some useful tools together that I can use at home , small media blaster,
Super duper electronic DA sander etc,

[newsatten]

Ok so I’ve now got my V5, Historic status, and my registration number,
So that’s a worry over !
So I’ll make a proper start from this weekend,
I’ve already done some work, the trunk lids done,as is the rear duck tail, completely repaired the Glass tail panel,
And done some bits like locks and strikers,
The shell is 80% bare metal now but couldn’t go any further till it had been inspected and the V5 issued,
I’ll put a bit of a blog on Alternative Muscle shortly

[newsatten]

ok bit of an up date, and apologies as its not a Mopar,
car TA is now fully undressed and in fabulous unmolested condition, got some upper cowl corrosion, not bad at all but ive a replacement panel on order, its got a small hole at the bottom of the bulkhead, and a small amount of corrosion behind the reaer wheels ate the rear quarter drop off's
thats it, the complete floor is utterly perfect, as is the trunk floor, rockers and inner sills are perfect, its probably the best F body shell anywhere!

Every nut and bolt came out without drama, its going to make a stunning car, and comparing this to my Challenger the GM is hugely better from a build point,
Given ive almost no rust to contend with its not going to take me long to get it ready for paint....................

[newsatten]

Being a front subframe car helps as the body tub is not to big so ive a bit more room in my very single garage!
obviously not had the motor running but having had a look inside everything looks ok !

I realise this is the Dark Side, but thought some of you would be interested in seeing come back to life, This club is full of proper car guys and girls
and genuine Yank and muscle aficionados........................