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Hello y'all. I've never done this "forum" stuff, so apologies if I posted this in the wrong place, or shouldn't have posted it at all. I was planning on purchasing an '84 Trans Am from a guy near me, but after digging into this site for a couple of weeks, I've gathered that '84 parts were pretty much nonexistent at this site's conception, and even more so as time went on. Is it even possible to replace parts such as GFX and dash pads anymore, going into 2024? Is there someone with a secret treasure trove of '84 parts I can contact?? Am I just screwed???
Are parts for these cars easy to find, no. I mean you can't just run down to Autozone and get a fender, but there are still a lot parts available. What area of the country are you in? There are a few salvage yards that specialize in f-bodies scattered across the country. You can find a decent amount of stuff available on Facebook marketplace as well. Classic Industries offers a lot of parts for classic cars and Hawks Third Gen specializes in f-bodies (though some of their prices are a little high.
One warning, though, it will cost more than you think to restore on of these cars and way more to hot rod one.
I have an 82. It is a little more difficult to parts for 82-84 trans am/firebirds in general. But the parts are around. You just need to look and sometimes pay! The dash/console parts are unique and less common. Some of the headlight stuff is a little different. None of it is too crazy and I wouldn't let it stop me from getting one. I feel like it's easier to get Camaro stuff but the grass is always greener in general.
Last edited by Firechicken82; 12-21-2023 at 09:36 AM.
It can be hard to find certain trim and body pieces and switch gear.
On the good side, when I bought my car in 2018, I was talking to my nephew who is an aircraft mechanic and does all of his own work on classic cars, including swapping out engines or transmissions. He can pretty much fix anything (and I wish he lived nearby). I was a little worried about buying a then 30-year old car. He said not to sweat it. These cars are nothing exotic. The mechanicals are common and easy to find and there's no reason you can't keep them running forever. Although, you might need to keep your checkbook handy. I've been lucky. My car was well-maintained and I've had no issues in my six years with it. It has performed as you'd expect for a car that still has only 44,000 miles on it.
Phoenix Graphix can do your decals, Hawks Motorsports has reproduction dash pads. You won't run into any parts availability problems with the running gear (e.g. brakes, engine, transmission, rear end) but year-specific interior or trim parts might take some searching or overspending. How complete is the car and what does it need? Members here can probably evaluate how difficult it is to get the car where you want, but you'll probably need to provide pictures and more details about what you're trying to do.
She's pretty well off, project car wise. Interior is missing some pieces from the dash but I believe the current owner said he had them, just hasn't put them in. The engine bay looks empty compared to pictures I've compared it too, but she runs, and would drive if the brakes weren't screwed.
I know its missing the windshield washer reservoir, but I'm still new to cars so i can't tell what the missing hoses and things are. It also looks like some of the parts are aftermarket, but again, I'm not an expert.
Not the worst interior, but I'm scared of what the previous owners couldve done to the wiring.
Missing the hatch keyhole.
Several layers of paint according to the current owner.
Headlights turn on but wont go up. This is the problem I've researched the most on this forum.
I know it would cost me an arm and a leg replacing any parts on this bird, but I've already accepted that. I don't want to get any monetary value out of her. I fell in love the moment I saw her, and just want to return her to her former glory, yknow?
Last edited by DonFrijole; 12-21-2023 at 03:12 PM.
Reason: Improving image spacing, spelling
Yea, that's why I chose this car over all the other ones on marketplace. Great starting point all things considered, just have to deal with the mess left behind by everyone who had it before. I want to focus on getting it to be reliably drivable (as much as a 40 year old car can be, at least), but don't wanna miss out on a blink and you'll miss it deal for those year period correct cosmetics.
I feel like it's easier to get Camaro stuff but the grass is always greener in general.
Man, I swear if I am looking for a specific firebird part, I will find five Camaro versions of whatever I'm looking for. Sometimes I wish I hadn't fallen in love with the Firebird and had chosen the ****** machine instead.
The headlights may be as simple as the switch or may be more complicated. The motors/solenoids do fail. The dash and console parts you can likely get from hawks. They have those parts used.
Man, I swear if I am looking for a specific firebird part, I will find five Camaro versions of whatever I'm looking for. Sometimes I wish I hadn't fallen in love with the Firebird and had chosen the ****** machine instead.
This has been my experience as well, but hey, somebody has to love em, right?
Originally Posted by Firechicken82
The headlights may be as simple as the switch or may be more complicated. The motors/solenoids do fail. The dash and console parts you can likely get from hawks. They have those parts used.
I'm hoping it's just the plastic gear or bushings, because from what I've read, if it's something like a relay, nobody anywhere makes those parts anymore.
The motor relays are standard relays. The isolation relay has been reproduced by Rodney Dickman his website has a bunch of light motor repair kits also.
The motor relays are standard relays. The isolation relay has been reproduced by Rodney Dickman his website has a bunch of light motor repair kits also.
Thank you for this information! Every thread on this issue I've read is 10+ years old, which is one of the reasons I decided to start this one.
Welcome aboard DonFrijole. I think you will find this site (and the forum format in general) very helpful for search, and for reading a complete "story" end to end Vs. say a facebook or something more in the social media line.
Looks like your '84 has an '85 and later center console and radio pod?
Thank you for the warm welcome!
Does it? I'm still trying to figure out how much this car has been Frankensteined. According to the engine bay thread I started, the bay is a complete mess, to the point where I might be better off passing this car up. Hopefully, by tomorrow, I'll have more pictures of the dash and console for anyone interested in helping me identify how bad that is too.
I'll let one of the guys that owns an early 82-84 car say for sure. But as far as I know, all the early birds (got the worm? No) got the same center console and radio trim as the Camaro (though no center console clock on the Firebird).
The soft touch vinyl covered console you have there, with separate radio pod, was introduced on Firebirds in 1985, and was not shared with Camaro.
As you and another member noted above, Camaro parts are easier to find. Hopefully another member can confirm for you that the Camaro console parts will swap in, if that's the way you want to go.
Yes, I saw your other thread. The air cleaner is an easy fix, if you want to go back to stock. Nothing "wrong" with what you have. I prefer an intake that draws it's air from outside the engine compartment ala factory, but there are just a few hundred thousand or more hotrodders out there running an open element air cleaner under their hoods.
I don't know what carb is hiding under that air cleaner. Is it running good? As pointed out, if all of the CCC (Computer Command Control, more commonly called a feedback carburetor) components have been removed in a brutal fashion (computer gone, harness cut up, etc.), then restoring it to a full CCC system with a factory feedback carb, computer and harness...that's a bigger project and more work, but not insurmountable if you can find a good donor. Which way are you wanting to go?
It appears your a/c compressor and hoses have been removed. Not uncommon when they become inoperative, and when a hotrodder wants to loose a little weight from his car. Does this bother YOU? Did you buy the car with the expectation that you would get the a/c working again? If not, no loss. You might want to finish the job by removing the remaining components, just for a cleaner look. But functionally, there's nothing wrong with what has been done that I can see.
You already know (I think) that you can get a remain washer fluid bottle, or a good used one from one of the several people parting cars in out forums For Sale section.
Etc., etc. etc. Nothing I have seen so far makes me want to run for the hills. But it IS a project, and you have to be honest with yourself about what you want, and what you are willing to take on yourself Vs. paying to have done.
Yeah, that's an 85 console. I had friends that swapped them like this back in the day. They did that and the gauge bezel. You can work w what you have or source the proper parts. Between used and reproduction you can get all the stuff.
Dude, I wish the Camaro parts swapped in. They're a little different. I was close to attempting it. They look similar but they attach to the dash a little different. The console/dash is 82-84 specific. 2 years ago I almost attempted getting the Camaro parts and cutting. But hawks had all the parts I needed Used.
I appreciate the detailed reply. I was hoping to get it as close to stock as I can before I start tinkering with it, and learning how to do it myself. I'm sure I can figure out the simpler things like changing out the headlight motor gears and such, but I'd have to go to someone else for the wiring. I would like to restore the A/C if that's not the impossible thing to do. I'll see if I can get the owner to figure out what the carb is, and how bad the CCC has been damaged.
All in all, I knew this was gonna be a money pit going into it. My mentality was as long as I didn't go over around 15k just trying to make it run well, I was getting a deal. Even if I went up to the upper limits of that imaginary budget, I'd be getting the experience of working on a car, which is something I've always wanted.
If what you truly desire is a bone stock car, start with a complete bone stock car. Then all you have to do is follow the factory service manual for whatever is wrong. If you wanted a Trans Am to hot rod, make your own, mess around with and not worry about it, that car could be good. It's not an ideal first timer car imo because it shows evidence of being monkeyed with everywhere.
I have probably commented more than I should already. But, here I go again!! Check the floor/toe panels for rust. If it's clean, cool. If you see light, run.
Sometimes spending more up front is equal to spending less in the long run. If you're going to start with just a roller body then you would be better off finding a roller that is already shiny and good looking. They aren't that much more money to be honest.
Everything I look at on that car rings the cash register to fix.
kaching!
kaching!
kaching!
Welcome aboard! You, like most of us here, found a weakness for these particular vehicles. We all must appreciate the poor GM build quality issues yet love these cars non the less. If you have DEEP pockets, then buy a low mileage survivor (in many cases this is probably CHEAPER than what most of us are spending on our cars to "restore"). If that is not the case, then I would say pick the '84 (if there is not substantial rot/rust). The 85' has can't move under its own power at the moment, so a big outlay of coin would be needed just to get to that step. Pull the T-tops off and gently pry back the weather stripping. Rust bubbling up? Check around the wind shield molding, any surface rust? Floor pans next, toe boards, rocker panels, wheel well. Seeing the common denominator? Rust sucks! Not saying that it can't be tackled but a rust free (if there is such a thing) or almost rust-free body is one of the best ways to decide on the purchase.
I figured as much. But this one and the '84, which I'd be paying at least 2k for, are the only options around here. Everything else is a completely rotted rust bucket.
If the 84 has no(minimal) rust and runs it may be the better deal. The roller is less but you're gonna need all the engine brackets and accessories in addition to engine to get it running. You likely will need to tackle the brakes. Less the missing pieces on the 84, the interior looks relatively clean. The body also looks pretty straight. Unless the 84 is a ho it has no fuel pump in the tank. So you may not need to drop it and deal w all that. If you put a carb or EFI in the 86 you'll likely need to deal w the tank. All that quickly makes up the difference between the prices. I know the 84 needs brake work but I'm sure they both do. It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want to invest minimal cash and be able to drive it soon, go w the 84. If you want to buy an engine and go a little crazy w it over the next few years get the roller.
these cars are money pits. Every thing I do on mine turns into more of a project because I want it the way I want it. Then things get added on to each project and it snowballs. I'm always happy w the end result but it's always an ordeal!
I really don't want to give up on the '84. I know it's a money pit and I know it'll take effort, but if it's not the hardest project in the world, I'd like to give it a shot. I'm not going to disregard what everyone's been saying though, if it has a decent amount of rust I might have to give up and walk away. Hopefully another opportunity comes along, but I have low hopes.
For now, I'm just gonna get as much information on it out to yall so I can figure out if it really is worth any time.
trom where i sit,(cannot look over the rust situation) both of those cars have lots of potential-especially the '84 since it is an early bird For the 85, missing engine/trany shoud be an easy fix and oportunity for a nice upgrade to 350 or 383 . These are old cars now-if it was 2009 and these were '69 Camaros people would be all over these,,,, (my 69 Camaro-in 1987-was bought in about same shape as that '85)
Going up to look at it again next weekend. Will update then about any rust. If anything comes up between now and then, I'll put that here too. And thank you guys for being super helpful and welcoming! My cousin is trying to fix up his crown vic and their forums seem to be filled with alot more negativity, so I'm glad you lot are pretty chill.
Other than what's already been listed, is there any spots I should really keep an eye out for rust? Any areas where if there's rust, it's an instant no go?
12-21-2023, 02:44 AM
For the 85, missing engine/trany shoud be an easy fix and oportunity for a nice upgrade to 350 or 383 . These are old cars now-if it was 2009 and these were '69 Camaros people would be all over these,,,, (my 69 Camaro-in 1987-was bought in about same shape as that '85) 