lasher_350

Hey guys, just wanted to post up some pics of a little project of mine. I'm just working on it little by little, and I hope the end result is awesome. My 87 GTA has what appears to be a dealer installed vinyl decal on the hood, and after 20+ years it has faded and cracked. Also, the color scheme to start with felt wrong for the car, so I'm going a different route. All comments welcome, just keep in mind that I know GTA's shouldn't have the hood bird on it, but it was there, and I've grown fond of it. Hence the freshening up of it.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

You can't fix the decal. Maybe you could take pics, remove it and then have it airbrushed back on. Look on Phoenix Graphics website. Maybe it was stock for another year.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I just checked my Phoenix Graphics catalog and that decal sure looks a heck of a lot like the stock bird for a 1981 Trans Am. They show a white TA in the catalog with a decal on the hood with the same exact colors as the one on your car.

Maverick H1L

iTrader: (8)

While it's aftermarket, it's NOT for a second gen. The head of the bird above is pointed towards the left (when looking at it) and has 3 crests on the back of the head. The second gen bird points to the right and has 2 crests. It may have been from another company that either went out of business or doesn't produce them anymore, but it's definitely 3rd gen specific.

OP, you're doing a fine job. However, the decal WILL continue to degrade and as it does, the paint or whatever it is you're applying to freshen it up will come off with the decal. Best bet is to get it freshened up the way you want it, take a pic, and go to a shop that makes these things to see if they can make one up for you so that the one you have can be replaced. If you do get it decent, it may be worthwhile to put a clear coat over it to protect it from further damage.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Some of the second gen birds have the head pointed the opposite way. I seriously doubt that phoenix Graphics reproduced the decal with the head pointed the wrong way. I have no knowledge of Second Gen decals, but it is there, in their catalog.
http://www.phoenixgraphix.com/transam/1981ta.htm
I think the decal he has is a dealer added option. The one in the catalog is definitely a close match. The only issue would be the size of it. The second gen hoods are huge.
BTW - you are doing a nice job repainting it, but as was stated, it appears the decal is degrading.

lasher_350

It is in my plan to get it painted the way I want and then to clear coat it. It should last long enough that way to enjoy it before I pass it down the line!