1979 Pontiac Trans Am

Manual

A few notes right at the top: Please only bid if you intend to buy the car, and have first discussed your intent to buy with your wife, husband, significant other....whomever you need to concur with your purchase; If you have questions, please ask before bidding. I check my email when I can, and will also entertain phone calls if you are a real potential buyer at two zero three nine one five nine zero zero five. My name is Andy I have listed the car elsewhere, including online. So I reserve the right to end the auction early. There is a reserve, and I will not disclose it. I have 100% feedback since January 2000 (over 12 years!), and intend to keep it that way. Almost 150 high resolution pictures can be found by simply going here: 79se400(dot)shutterfly(dot)com Please be certain to copy this link, add it to your browser and click enter. Once at the site, click "Pictures & Video"; "View album" (to the lower right of the first 12 pictures; "Slide show" (just above the "1979 Trans Am...."). You can also click "Full Screen" thereafter if you want to super size. On to the car: My Trans AM is absolutely a real, heavily documented Special Edition/Black & Gold (Y84), T/A 6.6 Litre/400 cu.in. (L78), performance package (W72), 4 Speed Manual (M21), Special Performance Package w/4 wheel disc brake (WS6) Trans Am. I note each of these features in one breath because they make for quite a rare, very special Trans Am. If you are looking at my car, you probably know this, but I will say it anyway: This car is rare. It is one of only 1,107 made in 1979. Total 1979 Trans Am production was over 117,000!. This car was special in 1979. It is special and coveted now. What you see is a correct, actual-miles odometer car. No games. The car has been loved, cared for, and maintained. So it looks, smells, runs, feels and drives almost as new. An unscrupulous person could easily change the odometer and convey this car as a 50k or less mile car; it honestly runs, looks and drives that well. That said, it has 100,148 actual miles as of May 6, 2012. I do hope that you can actually come and see it in advance of bidding; you will see that the miles mean nothing on this car because it has been so well maintained and repaired when needed. So a visit will only help me and you as it is a fantastic, miles-documented (partially), awesome driving SE Trans Am. If you want a semi-affordable, awesome, almost-like-new-driving and running, real, numbers matching '79 Black and Gold SE, Pontiac 400 cu. in., 4 Speed, WS6 car with no stories, I believe that your search is over. Important additional highlights about the car before you dig into my very complete description and tons of pictures: All steel car, in wonderful condition Numbers matching engine, transmission, and original rear axle Original power steering pump, alternator and carburetor Original Interior (except for carpeting and rear deck) Runs, sounds and drives like a gem. Seriously. Quite unusual in that this particular car was very lightly optioned, equipped only with all of the performance hardware options and the SE package (and a couple of other minor items). This car is a lightweight T/A: The GVW on my car as it exited the factory was 4597 pounds, whereas most were at least 250 pounds heavier! Binder full of 2”+ : receipts; records; service history; and documentation Full PHS documentation and report Cowl Tag conforms with all documentation Actual build sheet (including pictures from when my youngest son and I found it). My first thought when I saw it: “Man that's in great condition... That confirms the car really was taken care of and most likely garaged through the years” Sticker Price (Monroney) Label Title trail for the past 3 owners Service history since 2003 Factory Owner's Manual and Maintenance Schedule 1979 Pontiac Brochure Built on November 27, 1978 to customer special order at the Norwood, Ohio GM facility, and shipped to Clarksburg, Maryland All helping to confirm that this car is the real thing, and has been cared for. If you are not excited at this point (like I was when I found this car), you probably don't need to read on. A Few Points About Me (know your Seller) I want you to know who you are considering a purchase from. Please understand my passion for and knowledge of this car. I also want you to know that I am not a dealer. I am an adult father of 3. I am member of transamcountry.com, a great resource for these cars. I am an engineer and an attorney. I have been on eBay since January 2000, and if you check my always-100% positive feedback, you will see that I have sold a few cars through the years on eBay. I am a pretty particular, detail-oriented car guy. So the description below is, perhaps, overly candid. My reason is simple: I do not want to waste my time or yours. To own a real, Pontiac-motored 4 speed SE has been a dream of mine since the SE option was introduced in 1976. By the end of the big block run in 1979, I decided I would someday own a '79 SE T/A 6.6 4 speed. Had to be a WS6 car too, as I wanted the 4 wheel disc brakes and handling package with the 15”x8” snowflakes (I loved the extra wheel lip in '79, and still do now). As time went on, I graduated college and gained a bit of cash as we all have. I got to the point where I could afford a used SE, but was more focused by then on newer hardware. 'Still desired the SE, but couldn't own one AND the newer toys I then wanted. Over the decades I have owned Porsches, Maseratis, Lotus, BMW M-cars, and on and on. But I always still wanted the SE with 4 speed: Timing and garage space always seemed to be a prohibition. Then the stars aligned one day, and I bought this car. My wife is still puzzled, but that's her problem. So here are the car's full details and nitpicks too :) Build Sheet (I will only note the options, but I have included clear build sheet pictures showing the full details): L78 - 6.6 Litre (400) 4bbl V-8 Pontiac engine GU5 – 3.23 rear axle G80 – positraction rear W72 – performance package K81 – 63 amp alternator Y84 - Special Edition Black & Gold Trans Am CC1 - T-Top D53 - Hood Applique WV6 – Gold Graphics 55P – Gold wheels WS6 - special performance package with 4 wheel power disc brakes J65 – 4 wheel disc brakes N90 - aluminum wheel B84 – black bodyside molding CD4 - controlled cycle windshield wipers C49 – electric rear window defroster M21 – close ratio 4 speed 62R – Camel Tan Vinyl Interior 62X – Camel Tan interior Driving the Car Now one is supposed to say the car drives awesome when they sell a car. As you read on below, you will see the full extent of my nitpicks and review for you. My approach to be overly candid and very critical is probably something that is rarely seen. That said, the thing just runs, drives, steers, stops and cruises perfectly. As you can see in the records, this is likely attributable to maintenance, upkeep and new parts. The car pulls, cruises and accelerates evenly and with even firing. It steers around sweeping turns as you would expect a WS6. The front end was rebuilt. You can take your hands off the wheel, and it will track laser straight. It stops hard and evenly with no pull right or left. Most of the braking system has been rebuilt. The car honestly has virtually no squeaks or rattles. It did originally have a few, but I went on a campaign to eliminate funky noises. I tightened everything inside the dash; put new seals in place, adjusted the inside trim. The car is now tight and has the audible feel of a new car due to its almost complete lack of rattles and no squeaks. I amazed myself. So what I am saying is the car is just fantastic to drive. Below you will find a full, very cynical review. I may have gone overboard, but I do not want anything missed. The car was just at a cruise night on May 6, 2012, and people were crawling all over it...even its underside. They went nuts. Read on for a tedious bit of scrutiny :). Mechanicals Engine Specifics My Trans AM has it's original, numbers matching engine (400cid Pontiac) Engine. This was the high performance engine in 1979, and the last of the big blocks. Get in for a cold start, pump the throttle three times to set the choke, and turn the key (two key sets, one is the original!). Fires right up and the engine is properly choked. Let it warm up or “kick it down”, and the carburetor does what it's supposed to (high idle is released). Drive away, and away it goes. Pulls evenly with no misfires; just awesome, linear, even torque. Side note: Always be careful not to accidentally spin the tires off idle as you let the clutch out!.... In your driveway..... In front of your wife and kids (including your soon- to-be-driving 15 year old, influential male son)..... Yes, it runs that well, but my wife was not pleased with me. I honestly was not abusing the car or trying to spin the tires...She will never believe me though. Anyway.... No engine noises. None. No valve taps. No rod noise. No squealing pulleys or bad accessory bearings. Park it, and jump in later with it warmed up. It will fire up straight-away as you hit the key, and immediately settle to the perfect, even idle . Awesome. Of Positive Note: If you look through the pictures you will see a few shots I snapped when I had weeping valve cover gaskets changed. There you will see the rockers, valve springs, and pushrod tips. They are barely even tarnished! There is no sludge. When the drive belts and PCV valve were changed (approx. 500 miles ago), I looked in the block valley with a flashlight: Again clean and no sludge. This is all consistent with records showing overly-frequent oil changes, but it is still amazing and comforting to see. Helps explain why the bloody thing runs so well too. The block and heads were touched up proper Pontiac Blue where needed. The color is spot-on original. So much so that if it were not for new versus old texture seen by a trained eye, I would challenge you to determine what is OEM and what is new. The engine is a gem. So for the numbers/originality, here are the important tidbits: “PWH” stamped in block at upper passenger side cylinder bank “Z9N124313” stamped in lower part of block near water pump/lower radiator hose “6X” forged into each of the heads Rochester QJ carb #17059263 Alternator stamped 63A with its part number (forgot to write down : check pictures) Exhaust Specifics This is my car's weak link, or an asset depending upon your perspective. I promised candor, so here are the details. The factory's constricting 2 into one; into further restricting pelletized-bed catalytic converter; out to duals have been changed. This was, and still is, a common modification to these cars. Some view it as blasphemy. I am in the OEM camp, so it is a noteworthy item for me. The factory rear stainless pipes and axle-overs with “walrus tusk” tips DO remain. And they polish and shine wonderfully (as you can see). I bought the car this way and do not have any of the original parts. From the outside it all looks and sounds pretty normal and slightly louder than stock. Slightly, as cats are always sound deadening. There are a bunch of pictures wherein you can see all the details. However... FAULT or ASSET (for you to decide): Two minor points here: a) The car has non-stock exhaust headers with an H pipe and one catalyst for each bank connecting with the stock, original rear, proper pipes and exhaust tips. b)A couple of the header down tubes have small cracks which are covered over with patches. If you keep the headers, you may want to be neat and clean up/weld the cracks closed if you are particular. I just never bothered, as the leaks are non-obtrusive with the patches and I am an OEM -kinda guy. So I saved the welding money as I always figured I would pick up the proper exhaust manifolds some day. Your call here. Transmission & Clutch Specifics My Trans Am has it's original, numbers matching 4spd Borg Warner Super T-10 transmission with correct factory-installed Hurst Shifter and original Pontiac knob. The shifter is rust free, beautiful chrome, and the knob is a new replacement. It shifts perfectly through its well defined gates. Just like in 1979. All synchros work, and the thing does not grind, clash, or make strange noises at all. Seriously. The transmission and its shifting are an awesome throwback, and just as you remember when new. The clutch has even take-up and engagement, with NO slippage. But... FAULT: If you are quick on the clutch release, it will chatter a bit. Not always, it depends upon how you drive it. But the possibility is there and I promised candor. As for the numbers/originality, here is the important transmission tidbit: “Z9N124313” stamped on driver's side of transmission case. Suspension Unlike many Trans Ams, my car does NOT sag, and has what appear to be it's original springs at all four corners. The records show no spring changes and I do believe they are original. There are NO helper shackles, and it is all Pontiac OEM. I can even see the part number label around the rear leaf springs with rustproofing sprayed over it.... Pretty cool! Of Positive Note: The shocks were replaced at all four corners approximately 8,000 miles ago in April 2004. Front End The car tracks as straight as an arrow at all times and does NOT tramline. Does not pull at all, even under hard braking. It corners hard and evenly, with no leaning, jitters, wallows or otherwise. It handles like a WS6 Trans AM should, and did when new. Of Positive Note: a complete front end rebuild with brand new, out of the box MOOG parts approximately 500 miles ago in March 2012. Alignment was done at same time. Specs: Left Right Front: Camber -0.3 -0.3 Caster 0.5 0.2 Toe 0.12 0.12 Rear (nonadjustable, but shows how straight car is): Camber -0.4 -0.3 Toe 0.05 0.08 Brakes For a car built in 1979 and weighing this much, it stops really well! There is absolutely no pulling side to side or any which way; no pulsation; and no squealing. The brakes simply do what they are supposed to do. Well. Of Positive Note: Both front calipers and the master cylinder were replaced within the past 1000 miles in May 2012. Body All Steel As I noted above, this car is all original steel. The car has clearly been rustproofed, and I do not believe it was aftermarket (there are no holes drilled anywhere). Rather, I believe what I see is the factory applied undercoating that is in all the nooks and crannies that were reachable from underneath the car (even the back of the tail light assemblies and fuel filler area (check all the pictures). I reckon the overzealous line worker combined with the care the car has received over the years is why it has survived without rusting. I have taken care to show all the details in the pictures to reflect same. Note the fenders; hood , trunk, trunk floor, doors, door jams, etc. I even took pictures of the rear fenders just behind the door when the rear flares were removed for repainting (discussed below)....I didn't stop with the exterior: As there are two nuts on the inside of the fender to hold the flare on, I also took the time to take pictures of the inside of the rear quarters ahead of the rear wheel.... NO rust! FAULT: Only one note here: The passenger side front fender has 4 or 5 tiny rust bubbles down very, very low and just ahead of the door. This could be as simple as road rash that went unattended too (no touch up paint), or it could be from the inside and mushroom over time. I do not know. For right now, it's almost invisible. I know it's there and I am an honest guy so now you know too. There are pictures showing this. Paint This is an original Special Edition (Black & Gold). So the Cowl Tag shows “Y84” for the that limited production, special edition. All were paint code 19, which is “Starlight Black”) The car shines and has a deep, rich black luster. People go crazy over the car, and, of course, the first thing they see is the exterior. It really is a stunning car. People get more excited when they take a peek under the hood or inside. As is normal for paint back in the day, by 2003 the car's paint was not a deep, rich black. So it was repainted. Specifically, the car received a full repaint and new decals/regalia on July 7, 2003. The paint has held up well and is still a nice black. That said, I am ridiculously particular about paint, and anything less than a present-day- factory quality original finish is always noticed by me. This car was not done to a high, factory quality standard: All the same, it was not a junky repaint either. It looks great, yet I wish it was new: Most people call me crazy when I show it. I am just saying that it is a 9 year old, driver-quality repaint. If you are like me, this is a driver quality paint job. Of Positive Note: All the proper decals/regalia are present and the car turns heads. The rear flares on the car were repainted earlier this year due to stone pecks; a common issue made worse by my car's 255 width tires (instead of 225 width). You can see the before and after in the pictures. As I just noted, I am quite particular about paint, so I didn't want just a quick respray over the pecks. Before the flares were repainted, they were stripped; prepped, primed and then repainted code 19 Starlight Black. They look great now. FAULT: Four things to be beyond candid/do a walk around as though I were your eyes: a) As I just mentioned, the paint is 9 years old, and what I will call driver-quality repaint. It is not flawless and it is not bad either. It is just a good looking paint job that is perfectly presentable. I am VERY particular about the paint on my cars, and I just want to be clear, to the point of perhaps unintentionally scaring you. The car looks great, it's just not new paint; b) the driver and passenger doors each received a ridiculous vintage lock-area key/scratch protector. I hated them as they were not stock, so I removed them.....Bad choice. Even though I heated them, upon removal each applique' some paint and primer were removed. I touched it up, but I see these as flaws that should be noted. The darn appliques are included with the records for you to do as you wish; c) over the past 9 years, the car has had touch up paint applied to places where the paint was chipped; peeled; dinged whatever to enhance the car's appearance. Not repaints, just brush touch up stuff as needed so the car looks nice; and d) the driver and passenger door jams were not prepped well when the car was repainted. So they look okay but are not great. Body Panels New seals were recently placed on each of the doors and the trunk; I couldn't stand to see the occasional rip or tear on each seal. The pictures show the nice, new seals. You may also note that the doors and the trunk are slightly off on their fit in a couple places. This happened when I put the new seals on. You can leave it as is, or have a panel expert realign these for a few dollars. I may yet have it done by the time the car is sold: Just not sure of my time. Of Positive Note: The doors are not sagging as with most Trans Ams. They close properly, but please note that once I put the new door seals on, they need a slightly hard shove to close. This should change as the door seals break in (I guess). Interior The interior of this particular car has held up to 33+ years amazingly! I will not say it is flawless, but look at the pictures; it is just amazing for its age! The car is unusual in that it was ordered in “Camel” (tan) and the base interior trim which is vinyl but looks like leather. One of the cool things about this configuration is that most Y84 cars also have a black interior. This one doesn't, right down to its camel steering wheel and steering shaft cover, Very neat. The seats have no rips or tears: NONE. The seats do have a few areas of slight color fading on their side/tops, but not too bad and hardly noticeable. Have a look at the pictures; it's very minor but I am being overly candid. The interior trim and plastics all appear nice; even the factory-installed coat hangers and painted trim screw caps are in place. The door sills are original and still shiny! The T-tops fit into place and the seals are great. The headliner is as new and not drooping. The car is equipped with manual windows, and they scroll up and down properly and seamlessly. The cranks and the inside door releases all work and are not broken in any way. The gold dash and all black trim were refinished, as the SE-specific gold had faded (a typical issue on all of these SE cars). I took before and after pictures, and you can see the gold that was shielded from the sun after all the years by the black trim rings around each gauge; pretty cool. All lenses are remarkably unscratched; the SE (gold) Firebird in the dash upper right is awesome; and the “RTS” plaque is also the original one and in great shape. Anyway, it looks fully as-new now! It's just fantastic. The front half of the dash closest to the window is in (unusually) fantastic shape. This goes right down to the factory overspray in the cowl area (happens before they put the windshield in place in the factory. FAULT or Asset (you decide): Only two minor things that must be mentioned a) the car was built with camel (tan) carpeting, but new carpet was installed in black (also on the rear package shelf). This keeps it clean. If you don't like it non-stock, you can replace with the proper color for less than $150 (e.g., from Classic Industries; YearOne; etc.); and b) the original dash top is in wonderful condition, but is just starting to lift up on the passenger side and has one small, fillable spider crack on the drivers side (see pictures). I refuse to add a dash cover up, as the original is just great. Electrical All the electronics work right down to the second hand on the clock. Inside and out. Everything. The speedometer, turn signals, all dash lights (and dimmer), the vents and blower motor, wipers, rear defroster, high beams, and on and on... all work. All the exterior lights function and are the proper hue with great condition lenses. The headlights are even properly aimed. The only caveat here is that the reverse lights do not go on as the interlock has been removed (so that you can park the car in any gear rather than only reverse). As a part of this car's order with no luxury items, it came with no radio. Along the way a high performance sound system has been installed and tastefully integrated. For those who may be interested, the equipment includes a power antenna; a Clarion head unit with CD player and a removable face; a 300 watt amp; a graphic equalizer; Eclipse front speakers and Sony rears with separate, additional dedicated tweeters (manufacturer unknown). Frankly, this is of little interest to me, but it works and sounds fine. Not up to my BMW M5's optional sound system quality, but it works and is far better than the stuff that I recall back in 1979. FAULT: Three items of note: a) The tach has stopped working, but I anticipate that I may have it working by the time there is a sale (Note: I do not want to simply replace it as the clear lens and graphics are almost as new, and the clock works perfectly right down to the second hand). So I plan to try to fix the original tach; b) the interior dome light does not work because the connectors at the bulb have fallen off the wires; a known and absolutely common issue. If time permits, I will have this resoldered by the time you pickup the car. I know the door switches work, as even the door open/key in ignition buzzer works; and c) The reverse lights do not go on as the interlock has been removed (so that you can park the car in any gear rather than only reverse). FAULT-ish On June 4, 2004, the speedo cable was burned by the header and both upper & lower cable halves were replaced. Apparently there is a different gear in the cable or something to that effect, because the speedometer KMH reading (yellow) is the actual MPH reading. Regardless, the odometer properly reads off miles, as checked with highway markers; a timer; and consistent with the speed reading. It's weird, but everything syncs. I just want to point this out. In Summation This is probably one of the finest, original examples of a rare 1979 Trans Am on the market. I say that in consideration of its numbers matching, the rarity of its options, the way it drives, and the way it looks. If you have read the above you will see why I make this statement, and feel comfortable bidding. I would also look forward to discussing the car, and real potential buyers can reach me at two zero three nine one five nine zero zero five. My name is Andy. Thanks for looking! On May-11-12 at 09:22:27 PDT, seller added the following information: ********************************** Updates as of Friday, May 11, 2012******************************** I am still driving the car on nice days. So the mileage is now 100,198 miles I have received a number of questions and had many positive phone conversations over the course of the week. To that end, I figured that I would highlight a few, significant questions and answers for all to see: Q: Will you ship the car? A: I am happy to ship the car at your expense. That said, if you would like, I am happy to help you coordinate and deal with the logistics. I have done this in the past, and have had good experience with a couple of shipping companies. Q: What is the condition of the rear pan? A: Like the rest of the car, it's just fine. I have added a picture taken today to the Shutterfly picture section. Q: At what price are you offering it elsewhere? A: The "high" offer price in other locations is kind of irrelevant at this point. Based upon my reserve, phone calls and the interest, I think the car will sell. Q: Can I come see it? A: Of course! I have already shown it. I would enjoy showing/discussing if you are a real buyer. Plan to Snipe? You may well miss itWith these things now also in your mind, if you want the car, please don't wait to try to "snipe"- bid the car. While it's obviously not fair to me or other buyers, you may very well miss the opportunity to buy this car. I may be wrong, but: I think the car will soon sell. I am not trying to "hype" the auction: I am just issuing a fair warning.... So if you think you might want my car, please call me or email your questions, and don't wait to bid right at the auction's end. Thanks so much for the interest, questions, conversations and the bids. It's all been a very interesting experience for me. The car is the real deal, and you will enjoy it! Good luck! Andy On May-13-12 at 06:22:33 PDT, seller added the following information: *********************** UPDATE May 13, 2012 Mother's Day*************************** A couple of updates: A) I was just informed that my link to the picture page is missing the (at) symbol. It is actually not. It's a direct link BUT..... Here is the proper link: (http://)79se400(dot)shutterfly(dot)com You will need to replace the dots with periods, and eliminate the parenthetical around http Sorry but this is now the only way to provide a link in my description. Thanks so much for the question and opportunity to clarify! B) We are now VERY close to the reserve. With very mixed emotions, I can tell you that someone will likely own my car by the auction's close. On May-13-12 at 18:31:06 PDT, seller added the following information: ************************ UPDATE 5/13/12 Mother's Day Evening ************************ 'Done with the Mother's Day goings-on. I see my reserve was met earlier today. I have barely driven the car since the last mileage update; the mileage is now 100,203 miles. I also do not plan to drive the car before the auction close as the reserve has been met. NOTE TO Auction "SNIPERS": Without a reserve, now more than ever, if you plan to snipe the auction you may very well just miss out. So please bid fairly to yourself and others involved. I look forward to speaking to (and hopefully meeting) the new owner(s). Thanks again for all the comments, input and bids. Truly appreciated. Good luck bidding!Andy