Introduction
A 1978 Pontiac Trans Am, which had been abandoned for 10 years due to the owner’s health issues, was discovered by a group called “Turnin Rust”. They went to see the owner, who was willing to sell it along with some additional parts, and made an offer of $1,800, which he accepted.
The car was in good condition, with only minor rust, and had its original engine, transmission, and rear end. The owner had kept it covered when it wasn’t in use.The car had T-tops, which the owner had always wanted in a Trans Am. The Turnin Rust group planned to restore the car and get it running again.
Restoring a classic car is a labor of love that takes time, effort, and dedication. It’s about more than just bringing a car back to life; it’s about preserving a piece of history and paying tribute to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. In this article, we’ll explore the story of the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am and the restoration project that Turnin Rust took on to breathe new life into this classic vehicle.
The Discovery of the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am
When Turnin Rust heard about the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am, they knew they had to check it out. They had heard rumors about the car for years but never thought they’d actually have the opportunity to see it in person. When they arrived at the owner’s property, they were amazed by what they found. The car had been sitting under a tarp for over a decade, but it was still in good condition. There was some minor rust, but overall, the car was in great shape.
The Negotiation and Acquisition
When Turnin Rust approached the owner about buying the car, he was hesitant at first. He had owned the car for over 20 years and had always planned on restoring it himself. However, due to his declining health, he knew that he would never be able to work on the car again. After some negotiation, Turnin Rust was able to make an offer of $1,800, which the owner accepted.
The Beginning of the Restoration
Once the team at Turnin Rust had brought the car back to their shop, they got to work right away. They first had to remove the years of dust and debris that had accumulated on the car. They then removed the seats, carpet, and headliner, which had all been damaged due to the years of neglect. The dashboard and center console were also in need of repair.
After assessing the car’s condition, the team determined that the engine and transmission were still in good shape, but some other parts, such as the fuel system, brakes, and suspension, needed to be replaced. They ordered new parts and began the process of restoring the car to its former glory.
The Restoration Process
The team at Turnin Rust had their work cut out for them as they began to restore the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. Here are some of the steps they took during the restoration process:
- Replacing the Fuel System: The car’s fuel system had deteriorated over the years, and the team had to replace it entirely. They installed a new fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel lines.
- Restoring the Brakes: The car’s brakes had seized up due to the years of inactivity. The team replaced the brake pads, rotors, and calipers to ensure that the car could stop safely.
- Fixing the Suspension: The car’s suspension had also deteriorated over time, and the team replaced the shocks, struts, and other parts to ensure a smooth ride.
- Replacing the Exhaust System: The car’s exhaust system had rusted and was leaking, so the team replaced it with a new exhaust system.
- Repainting the Car: The car’s original paint had faded and cracked over the years, so the team sanded it down and repainted it with the original color.
- Reupholstering the Interior: The car’s interior had been damaged by years of neglect, so the team reupholstered the seats, replaced the carpet and headliner, and repaired the dashboard and center console.
The Finished Product
After months of hard work, the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am was finally restored to its former glory. The car looked and sounded amazing, and the team at Turnin Rust was proud of their work. They took the car for a test drive and were thrilled with the way it handled on the road.
The car’s new owner was also delighted with the restoration work. He couldn’t believe how good the car looked and sounded. He took it for a spin around town and turned heads wherever he went. He was grateful to the team at Turnin Rust for bringing his dream car back to life.
The Reveal
After months of hard work, the 1978 Pontiac Trans Am was finally ready to be revealed to the world. Turnin Rust had worked tirelessly to restore the car to its former glory, and they were excited to show off their hard work. They held a reveal party for the car, inviting friends, family, and fellow car enthusiasts to come and see the finished product.
Discover the story of a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am that was abandoned for 10 years due to the owner’s health issues and the restoration project that Turnin Rust took on to bring it back to life.
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