Took the TA out Saturday and Sunday. The first start of the day, it takes some effort, then, it drives beautifully. I still can't get over how easy the handling is.
I went out on the highway and took it to a little over 70 MPH at one point, but didn't want to go any faster. Yet.
It was funny b/c you could tell a lot of drivers wanted to drive close and take a look--and they did. I've never been surrounded by so many cars with so little traffic.
I mulled going to one of the cruise-ins this weekend: Year One in Braselton, Locust Grove, or Canton, but ended up not going. I might see what's up next weekend. Liza's got Sunday School teacher training all day Saturday, so maybe I can convince her to come to a cruise-in after that. There's one in East Point and another in Griffin (which would be a haul).
I tried to fix the headliner with some rubber cement. Bad idea. I did some research and tried to find a particular type of adhesive. Well I went to AUP (an auto parts chain) and MC (a craft store chain) and AH (a hardware store chain) with no luck.
Finally I wised up and went to Firebird Nation for info and advice. Within a few hours, I had several suggestions, including where to get the adhesive I was looking for.
Off I went in the TA to a nearby Autozone. Sure enough, the adhesive was there. But I couldn't stop at that, and ended up with about $85 worth of "stuff" (somehow I managed to already have WD-40 and Armor All):
Armor All Ultra Shine Wash and Wax
Armor All Triple Action Wheel Cleaner
Armor All Extreme Tire Shine
Detail brush set
sponges; a bucket
shop rags (I don't have any "old" t-shirts other than my old concert tees, and those will go up on EBay at some point, a victim of my approaching 40 which could be age or nearly my waistline)
gloves
hand cleaner (the salesguy, a master of upselling or whatever you want to call it, said I could "have" it for .99. I bit)
Unfortunately when I got home, I couldn't find the rubbing alcohol I thought we had, so that's another trip. This was the gunky adhesive remedy I felt comfortable trying--as opposed to another suggestion, lighter fluid.
Since it's been, oh, 100 degrees or more for most of the week (make that month) I haven't been in a hurry to actually fix the headliner although I'm tired of it flapping around.
Two thumbs up while driving around: one from a guy who looked like he was a TA owner in high school, and the other from a guy who looked like he is in high school.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
You Knew You Weren't Going To Hear From Me, Right?
Ok, so it took a few days (a few?!) to get back here after the TA arrived. What did you (I?) expect?
The TA got here Wednesday morning, earlier that the driver estimated. Actually he came in around midnight, but stayed at the big strip mall shopping center parking lot nearby. I knew this in part because Liza called me on her way to work, past the center, called and said,
"Your car's here!"
The driver called and we arranged for HIM to drive the TA the mile to my house. I waited...and waited...and waited...finally, he came around the bend with THE BEAST!
(ok, maybe beast is not so accurate. But it's more beastly than anything I've ever owned)
Jeff the Driver was about three or four times my size, I noticed, as he squeezed himself out of the driver's seat. Checking everything, it looked like it had survived the trip just fine...no bottom falling out, no new dings or scratches to my eyes. The only thing that looked like it didn't survive was a corner of the headliner, in the back seat passenger side. An unsightly mess of old adhesive was showing.
Jeff the Driver had taken a long time b/c the car wouldn't start the first few times. "You need a tune-up", he announced. Hmmm...that, and according to my Owner's Manual, Jeff, there's a way to start a cold engine on one of these, unlike the other newer vehicles I saw on the truck when I dropped him back off.
First stop: the city police station for a VIN check. The female officer who came out to check could not have cared less about the fact that a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in great condition was in her presence, but one of her fellow officers did. I must have spent 15 extra minutes at the station answering his questions and the city maintenance workers' questions about the car. So if you live in my town and got robbed around 9:45am or if your garbage was not picked up, now you know why.
Next, it was off to the dreaded nearby tax office to register. After doing all my internet homework, I thought I had all my ducks in a row. Yah, except now they no longer accept the actual insurance card, only the binder!
Luckily no one else knows this either, so they have a setup where you can call your insurance company and have them fax a binder to the tax office.
The clerk gave me a hard time about wanting a "Hobby/Antique" license plate. I would have given HER a hard time, except she was one of those people for whom figuring out their age is a challenge. So instead I told her the car was over 25 years old, and that qualifies it as an antique no matter how old SHE is.
It was a cheap trip: $18 for the title and $20 for the tag. No taxes, etc. I wasn't even required to title it, but I did it anyway.
Next, it was off to Nathan the Local Classic Car Restoration Guy. I pulled up amidst all the 1950s and 1960s cars. He came out and we had a nice conversation. He said he usually doesn't do any work on babies like mine, but since it was in such good shape, he'd be willing to do bits and pieces of restoration if I wanted it, or general maintenance.
He looked at the car closely and was under the impression that it had been painted AND that the Bird wasn't the original bird.
I pointed out the headliner and he said his guys up the street, who do all of his upholstry/interior work, could fix it. I went there and the guy said he couldn't. I decided to do a little research myself and then figure out what I wanted to do.
Finally, with the Georgia heat in full effect (the TAs welcome to Georgia? 102 degrees!) I took it to the house and into the garage that I had painstakingly un-cluttered on one side to be able to get the TA in there. Basically this is moving one mess from one side to create a bigger mess on the other.
I lifted the hood to cool the engine and went inside to (try to) work.
Welcome to Georgia, baby!
The TA got here Wednesday morning, earlier that the driver estimated. Actually he came in around midnight, but stayed at the big strip mall shopping center parking lot nearby. I knew this in part because Liza called me on her way to work, past the center, called and said,
"Your car's here!"
The driver called and we arranged for HIM to drive the TA the mile to my house. I waited...and waited...and waited...finally, he came around the bend with THE BEAST!
(ok, maybe beast is not so accurate. But it's more beastly than anything I've ever owned)
Jeff the Driver was about three or four times my size, I noticed, as he squeezed himself out of the driver's seat. Checking everything, it looked like it had survived the trip just fine...no bottom falling out, no new dings or scratches to my eyes. The only thing that looked like it didn't survive was a corner of the headliner, in the back seat passenger side. An unsightly mess of old adhesive was showing.
Jeff the Driver had taken a long time b/c the car wouldn't start the first few times. "You need a tune-up", he announced. Hmmm...that, and according to my Owner's Manual, Jeff, there's a way to start a cold engine on one of these, unlike the other newer vehicles I saw on the truck when I dropped him back off.
First stop: the city police station for a VIN check. The female officer who came out to check could not have cared less about the fact that a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in great condition was in her presence, but one of her fellow officers did. I must have spent 15 extra minutes at the station answering his questions and the city maintenance workers' questions about the car. So if you live in my town and got robbed around 9:45am or if your garbage was not picked up, now you know why.
Next, it was off to the dreaded nearby tax office to register. After doing all my internet homework, I thought I had all my ducks in a row. Yah, except now they no longer accept the actual insurance card, only the binder!
Luckily no one else knows this either, so they have a setup where you can call your insurance company and have them fax a binder to the tax office.
The clerk gave me a hard time about wanting a "Hobby/Antique" license plate. I would have given HER a hard time, except she was one of those people for whom figuring out their age is a challenge. So instead I told her the car was over 25 years old, and that qualifies it as an antique no matter how old SHE is.
It was a cheap trip: $18 for the title and $20 for the tag. No taxes, etc. I wasn't even required to title it, but I did it anyway.
Next, it was off to Nathan the Local Classic Car Restoration Guy. I pulled up amidst all the 1950s and 1960s cars. He came out and we had a nice conversation. He said he usually doesn't do any work on babies like mine, but since it was in such good shape, he'd be willing to do bits and pieces of restoration if I wanted it, or general maintenance.
He looked at the car closely and was under the impression that it had been painted AND that the Bird wasn't the original bird.
I pointed out the headliner and he said his guys up the street, who do all of his upholstry/interior work, could fix it. I went there and the guy said he couldn't. I decided to do a little research myself and then figure out what I wanted to do.
Finally, with the Georgia heat in full effect (the TAs welcome to Georgia? 102 degrees!) I took it to the house and into the garage that I had painstakingly un-cluttered on one side to be able to get the TA in there. Basically this is moving one mess from one side to create a bigger mess on the other.
I lifted the hood to cool the engine and went inside to (try to) work.
Welcome to Georgia, baby!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
13 Hours And Counting
The truck driver called me tonight and said he'd be "a little early" and he'd have it here by 9am! It couldn't be early enough!
The plan: take it to the local police station for a verification check, then off to the tax office to register!
The plan: take it to the local police station for a verification check, then off to the tax office to register!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Being admitted to being out of my element
Today I went to the local Tech college and got admitted. Due to the massive construction going on at the campus I had to park next to what ended up to be where I'll be spending some time over the next few months--the automotive tech department!
Walking through those halls/shops, I saw lots of guys working, and suddenly I felt like, what am I thinking??!!
Walking through those halls/shops, I saw lots of guys working, and suddenly I felt like, what am I thinking??!!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Let's Talk About Specs
While we're waiting on the arrival of the TA, let's talk more about what we are actually getting.
The basics according to the VIN number are:
Pontiac Trans Am Sport Coupe
403 Engine (also known as the Olds engine as opposed to a Pontiac engine) cid, 4BBL, V-8. I only know what about two-thirds of this means (what's 4 BBL? what's cid?);
Built in Van Nuys, CA;
Number 101, 672 of, I believe, all TAs built for 1979.
Automatic transmission; t-tops; air conditioning; power windows, power steering.
Oyster (white) exterior with orange decals. The primary decal color for white TAs was blue, so this may have been a special order. I do not know how many 79 TAs were produced with the orange graphics; John said that he had seen some previously. Personally, I do like the orange.
Oyster (white) seats with red carpet, dash and accessories. Sherry was right in a comment she made to me yesterday after she saw the photos. The white/red combo is really eye-catching!
About 27,500 miles. Mileage in 6/85: 4021; mileage in 5/02: 24,897.
Two solid owners with an in-between owner. The original owner (1979-2002) in Racine, Wisconsin; a Milwaukee-area mechanic (a few months in 2002); PTTH/MTS of Greenfield, WI from 2002-8/07, and me.
Known to have been replaced in 2002: exhaust system, tires, spark plugs, some belts, washer pump & nozzles, oil pressure sending unit, valve cover gaskets, choke pull-off. (about $1700 total).
When this work was done, the previous owner had brought it in because the exhaust system was hanging off; the start-up was a bit rough; the wipers were not working, and the oil pressure measured high.
What does it mean to "shim" the starter? This was also done in 2002.
Regular oil changes by previous owner, who also replaced the front arm rests with new, red ones (the originals were oyster, but I think the red ones look good) and fixed a small tear in the driver's seat.
Assumed replaced but date unknown: battery.
Minor appearance issues: a few paint dings throughout, a loose rear panel above the trunk (trunk panels and trunk lid do not quite align); a bit of silver stripping on one door/interior is peeling; hood shaker seal could use replacing; one driver's side headlight has some moisture in it causing it to appear a bit darker than the others.
The basics according to the VIN number are:
Pontiac Trans Am Sport Coupe
403 Engine (also known as the Olds engine as opposed to a Pontiac engine) cid, 4BBL, V-8. I only know what about two-thirds of this means (what's 4 BBL? what's cid?);
Built in Van Nuys, CA;
Number 101, 672 of, I believe, all TAs built for 1979.
Automatic transmission; t-tops; air conditioning; power windows, power steering.
Oyster (white) exterior with orange decals. The primary decal color for white TAs was blue, so this may have been a special order. I do not know how many 79 TAs were produced with the orange graphics; John said that he had seen some previously. Personally, I do like the orange.
Oyster (white) seats with red carpet, dash and accessories. Sherry was right in a comment she made to me yesterday after she saw the photos. The white/red combo is really eye-catching!
About 27,500 miles. Mileage in 6/85: 4021; mileage in 5/02: 24,897.
Two solid owners with an in-between owner. The original owner (1979-2002) in Racine, Wisconsin; a Milwaukee-area mechanic (a few months in 2002); PTTH/MTS of Greenfield, WI from 2002-8/07, and me.
Known to have been replaced in 2002: exhaust system, tires, spark plugs, some belts, washer pump & nozzles, oil pressure sending unit, valve cover gaskets, choke pull-off. (about $1700 total).
When this work was done, the previous owner had brought it in because the exhaust system was hanging off; the start-up was a bit rough; the wipers were not working, and the oil pressure measured high.
What does it mean to "shim" the starter? This was also done in 2002.
Regular oil changes by previous owner, who also replaced the front arm rests with new, red ones (the originals were oyster, but I think the red ones look good) and fixed a small tear in the driver's seat.
Assumed replaced but date unknown: battery.
Minor appearance issues: a few paint dings throughout, a loose rear panel above the trunk (trunk panels and trunk lid do not quite align); a bit of silver stripping on one door/interior is peeling; hood shaker seal could use replacing; one driver's side headlight has some moisture in it causing it to appear a bit darker than the others.
My First Cruise-In (Non-Participant)
So Saturday night we went to a nearby town to see its monthly (April-October) cruise-in on the town's Main Street. All the proceeds go to the town main street restoration project, which is really cool.
Liza, Noah and I got there around 5:30. I knew the heat (temps have been in the 100s all week) would beat us but I also knew that Noah would be in meltdown stage at the time we really wanted to go (around 7pm).
We saw a nice array of muscle cars (Novas, Cudas, Chevelles, Vettes, even an AMC, late model Mustangs and GTOs) older classics (older Impalas, a Bel Air--which, btw, a convertible Bel Air is one of my dream cars--a 210, an Austin-Healy, and a couple of 1920-1940s cars). No TAs. I would have gone and showed mine--but next month for sure! The owners were male and older, save for maybe two older ladies (older, like mid-50s).
Noah really liked a Chevelle. At least it wasn't the Mustang!
I picked up a flyer for a muscle car weekend in Commerce, GA in the middle of September. I'll have to ask John, George, or one of the other folks from ACFA if they know about it and if it would be worth the hour drive. Right now those guys are focused on the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, OH, the Holy Grail of Trans Am lovers.
More cars were arriving at the cruise-in as the evening got "cooler" (term used loosely) but Noah managed to get a good scrape on his knuckles from a fall, and after the nice folks at the town "soda fountain" gave us some meds for it, we decided this was enough for today.
We stopped at the nearby custard shop, where Noah ended up with a chocolate goatee. Then it was off to one of my favorite hot dog places (no, not that one!) for a birthday dinner of slaw dogs and cold beer.
Overall, a good Saturday night of a birthday weekend. Wow. Must be something in the water here in Georgia. ;)
Liza, Noah and I got there around 5:30. I knew the heat (temps have been in the 100s all week) would beat us but I also knew that Noah would be in meltdown stage at the time we really wanted to go (around 7pm).
We saw a nice array of muscle cars (Novas, Cudas, Chevelles, Vettes, even an AMC, late model Mustangs and GTOs) older classics (older Impalas, a Bel Air--which, btw, a convertible Bel Air is one of my dream cars--a 210, an Austin-Healy, and a couple of 1920-1940s cars). No TAs. I would have gone and showed mine--but next month for sure! The owners were male and older, save for maybe two older ladies (older, like mid-50s).
Noah really liked a Chevelle. At least it wasn't the Mustang!
I picked up a flyer for a muscle car weekend in Commerce, GA in the middle of September. I'll have to ask John, George, or one of the other folks from ACFA if they know about it and if it would be worth the hour drive. Right now those guys are focused on the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, OH, the Holy Grail of Trans Am lovers.
More cars were arriving at the cruise-in as the evening got "cooler" (term used loosely) but Noah managed to get a good scrape on his knuckles from a fall, and after the nice folks at the town "soda fountain" gave us some meds for it, we decided this was enough for today.
We stopped at the nearby custard shop, where Noah ended up with a chocolate goatee. Then it was off to one of my favorite hot dog places (no, not that one!) for a birthday dinner of slaw dogs and cold beer.
Overall, a good Saturday night of a birthday weekend. Wow. Must be something in the water here in Georgia. ;)
Saturday, August 11, 2007
My first ACFA meeting
Today was the monthly meeting of the Atlanta Camaro and Firebird Association. I had debated whether or not to go b/c I don't have the car yet, but after a gentle nudge (ok, who am I kidding...make that a shove) from Liza, I went for the 45-minute drive to McDonough.
John the president greeted me and introduced me to the others, many of whom I recognized from the web site. I got to tell a bit about my TA and the meeting got down to business of making some decisions about their annual Veterans Day show. I volunteered for a show task, which prompted an evil grin from Jennifer, one of the members. I think I had "sucker" suddenly stamped on my forehead! :0
Anyway, I felt welcome and they were impressed by the TA's story and the discolored photos I'd brought. They invited me to the post-meeting lunch but I had to run. Next time...and with my TA!
John the president greeted me and introduced me to the others, many of whom I recognized from the web site. I got to tell a bit about my TA and the meeting got down to business of making some decisions about their annual Veterans Day show. I volunteered for a show task, which prompted an evil grin from Jennifer, one of the members. I think I had "sucker" suddenly stamped on my forehead! :0
Anyway, I felt welcome and they were impressed by the TA's story and the discolored photos I'd brought. They invited me to the post-meeting lunch but I had to run. Next time...and with my TA!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
The T/A will be here in about six days. The week has flown by as I'm training a new employee, but it can't get here fast enough!
The new guy is a car enthusiast (who wants a 65 Mustang) so on our road trips we've spotted several classics throughout metro Atlanta--including a green Firebird convertible. Stopping in, it's a 1967 FB, 83,000, some rust, a decent interior, ps/pw, power top, for 12K.
A slight (very, very slight) appeasement was the arrival of my Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual and The Classic Muscle Car Illustrated (!) Restoration Guides-Trans Am and Firebird Formula 1970-1981 (thanks Performance Years Pontiac for your fast service!).
Also got the approval to take the Auto class at the local tech college. Off to read.
The new guy is a car enthusiast (who wants a 65 Mustang) so on our road trips we've spotted several classics throughout metro Atlanta--including a green Firebird convertible. Stopping in, it's a 1967 FB, 83,000, some rust, a decent interior, ps/pw, power top, for 12K.
A slight (very, very slight) appeasement was the arrival of my Pontiac Firebird Owners Manual and The Classic Muscle Car Illustrated (!) Restoration Guides-Trans Am and Firebird Formula 1970-1981 (thanks Performance Years Pontiac for your fast service!).
Also got the approval to take the Auto class at the local tech college. Off to read.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Parting IS such sweet sorrow
It was rainy in Milwaukee all weekend, which kept the TA indoors. Bummer, because it would have been a hoot to drive it to Liza's 20th HS reunion Saturday night, the bird matching Liza's dress notwithstanding.
A better time was had than we thought we'd have, and unlike my 20th reunion last year, they actually played all music from the era (even if it was canned). A few too many (famous but yucky beer that has the naming rights to a stadium in Milwaukee) did NOT help, however, when the automated travel reminder call came in at 4:30am reminding Grandpa Fred about his early Sunday flight! This is what happens when the beer is free and the wine is $5.
Today, Sunday, was dreary. I spent much of the morning in the garage with the TA. I put the T-tops back on, cleaned the covers and put the car cover on the front seat for Grandma Joan to deal with next week.
I felt really bummed. I so didn't want to leave the car. I felt like it had taken so long to get everything settled: the sale, the insurance, the paperwork...and now we were being separated again! (here's where you can come in and suggest I get my head examined).
We're back in Atlanta. The car's in Milwaukee. I miss it already.
A better time was had than we thought we'd have, and unlike my 20th reunion last year, they actually played all music from the era (even if it was canned). A few too many (famous but yucky beer that has the naming rights to a stadium in Milwaukee) did NOT help, however, when the automated travel reminder call came in at 4:30am reminding Grandpa Fred about his early Sunday flight! This is what happens when the beer is free and the wine is $5.
Today, Sunday, was dreary. I spent much of the morning in the garage with the TA. I put the T-tops back on, cleaned the covers and put the car cover on the front seat for Grandma Joan to deal with next week.
I felt really bummed. I so didn't want to leave the car. I felt like it had taken so long to get everything settled: the sale, the insurance, the paperwork...and now we were being separated again! (here's where you can come in and suggest I get my head examined).
We're back in Atlanta. The car's in Milwaukee. I miss it already.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Third Day With My New Trans Am
Up at 6am of course (Noah is so consistent). Got a bright and early email from the nice gal at Grundy telling me she got the pics I sent (wasn't the bank supposed to send pics???) and she just needed me to fax her a form saying that no one under 25 would drive the car (if only she knew how far away I am from that quarter century mark--more like the dark side of 35!) a Georgia insurance thingy, and another form stating that the car was for hobby use and not for things like, um, drag racing. No, I'll save that for the company Charger coming up around October!
Grandma was nice enough to send the fax while we were at breakfast with friends, and the policy is OFFICIAL official finally!
Went to an auto parts chain and bought a car cover to possibly use for the car's truck transport to GA. Had no idea what most things in the store did, but I had the feeling as I walked through there that I'd know in the future.
Took it out tonight for a drive up and down the interstate. It would not catch without applying some gas. Well, MTS did say that the start wasn't the best. Liza and I took off back and forth on the interstate with the T-tops off this time. It was a beautiful night for a cruise. I'm concerned about the rough start but there was no problem driving it. We'll see. Got it back in the garage and popped the hood again to cool things down.
This time I notice that a small back panel near the trunk is kind of loose. No wonder the panels don't exactly line up with the trunk door. The car still has the dealer stamp on the back---Steamer Motor Co. of Racine, WI.
My body is still recovering from the Milwaukee Brewers game I attended with Linda and her granddaughter Jaden yesterday. Miller Park is really nice and kid-friendly, and since I'm a former stadium operations director I of course geeked out on all the operations stuff.
As we approached the stadium we were greeted by a statue of Robin Yount, which was cool because the glove I've had since 1983 or 1984 is a black Rawlings Robin Yount. Did me lots of good in my playing days!
The other most exciting thing was that I got to see Willie Randolph (Mets manager and former Yankee star) in person! Randolph was one of my heroes back when I cared about Major League Baseball. Other than that, yesterday I just felt old.
Grandma was nice enough to send the fax while we were at breakfast with friends, and the policy is OFFICIAL official finally!
Went to an auto parts chain and bought a car cover to possibly use for the car's truck transport to GA. Had no idea what most things in the store did, but I had the feeling as I walked through there that I'd know in the future.
Took it out tonight for a drive up and down the interstate. It would not catch without applying some gas. Well, MTS did say that the start wasn't the best. Liza and I took off back and forth on the interstate with the T-tops off this time. It was a beautiful night for a cruise. I'm concerned about the rough start but there was no problem driving it. We'll see. Got it back in the garage and popped the hood again to cool things down.
This time I notice that a small back panel near the trunk is kind of loose. No wonder the panels don't exactly line up with the trunk door. The car still has the dealer stamp on the back---Steamer Motor Co. of Racine, WI.
My body is still recovering from the Milwaukee Brewers game I attended with Linda and her granddaughter Jaden yesterday. Miller Park is really nice and kid-friendly, and since I'm a former stadium operations director I of course geeked out on all the operations stuff.
As we approached the stadium we were greeted by a statue of Robin Yount, which was cool because the glove I've had since 1983 or 1984 is a black Rawlings Robin Yount. Did me lots of good in my playing days!
The other most exciting thing was that I got to see Willie Randolph (Mets manager and former Yankee star) in person! Randolph was one of my heroes back when I cared about Major League Baseball. Other than that, yesterday I just felt old.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
1st & 2nd Days With My New Trans Am Pt. 4
The second day has arrived, August 2.
I spent a relatively sleepless first night debating whether or not I wanted to stick with my original plan to drive the car back to Georgia.
There's nothing wrong with the car that I am aware of, and nothing it did or didn't do has made me think that it would break down during the drive. BUT...the cautious side of me says not to chance it. I had done earlier research on how much it would cost to have the car trucked to GA, and it's not an awful number, but it's doable.
MTS had indicated that he had not driven the car a lot (indeed, about 3k miles!) and so I knew the TA would not be used to such a drive of around 13 hours and/or somewhere around 800 miles.
After research that included checking the Better Business Bureau, I go with a nationwide company with a local office in Milwaukee.
Al is a nice, seemingly older fellow who is a bit hard of hearing, but eventually we hammer out the details. The only thing their insurance doesn't cover is if the suspension falls out. I pray that this exact thing does NOT happen to my TA.
Unfortunately he cannot take the car until around August 13, with delivery around the 15th, which means that the car will not be physically in my possession on my birthday or the day before when I was planning to go (with the Trans Am) to my first meeting of the Atlanta Camaro and Firebird Association and then to a cruise-in in a nearby town. I'm sad, but there will be other meetings and cruise-ins.
Joan will take care of making arrangements with Al while I am back in Georgia.
I'm nervous about the whole trucking thing, about how none of this will be in my control. I'm worried about damage, etc. I hope this decision turns out to be the right one!
This morning Joan took me over to the nearest DMV to get a temporary Wisconsin tag. The well-meaning clerk asked the model of the car, and I replied, "Firebird Trans Am" to which she replied, "It can't be both"...to which I said, "well, actually..." and explained that the Trans Am was a version of the Firebird. And if I'm wrong, well, she won't know.
In the meantime I'm hoping to have this insurance thing done by tomorrow, Friday. I'm quite certain now that when the bank said that my insurance papers were "en route" it meant they were putting them in the mail Monday, which was the day I called and fussed at them. I'm cranky about the runaround I've gotten, but all should work out in the end.
No driving today, maybe tomorrow.
I spent a relatively sleepless first night debating whether or not I wanted to stick with my original plan to drive the car back to Georgia.
There's nothing wrong with the car that I am aware of, and nothing it did or didn't do has made me think that it would break down during the drive. BUT...the cautious side of me says not to chance it. I had done earlier research on how much it would cost to have the car trucked to GA, and it's not an awful number, but it's doable.
MTS had indicated that he had not driven the car a lot (indeed, about 3k miles!) and so I knew the TA would not be used to such a drive of around 13 hours and/or somewhere around 800 miles.
After research that included checking the Better Business Bureau, I go with a nationwide company with a local office in Milwaukee.
Al is a nice, seemingly older fellow who is a bit hard of hearing, but eventually we hammer out the details. The only thing their insurance doesn't cover is if the suspension falls out. I pray that this exact thing does NOT happen to my TA.
Unfortunately he cannot take the car until around August 13, with delivery around the 15th, which means that the car will not be physically in my possession on my birthday or the day before when I was planning to go (with the Trans Am) to my first meeting of the Atlanta Camaro and Firebird Association and then to a cruise-in in a nearby town. I'm sad, but there will be other meetings and cruise-ins.
Joan will take care of making arrangements with Al while I am back in Georgia.
I'm nervous about the whole trucking thing, about how none of this will be in my control. I'm worried about damage, etc. I hope this decision turns out to be the right one!
This morning Joan took me over to the nearest DMV to get a temporary Wisconsin tag. The well-meaning clerk asked the model of the car, and I replied, "Firebird Trans Am" to which she replied, "It can't be both"...to which I said, "well, actually..." and explained that the Trans Am was a version of the Firebird. And if I'm wrong, well, she won't know.
In the meantime I'm hoping to have this insurance thing done by tomorrow, Friday. I'm quite certain now that when the bank said that my insurance papers were "en route" it meant they were putting them in the mail Monday, which was the day I called and fussed at them. I'm cranky about the runaround I've gotten, but all should work out in the end.
No driving today, maybe tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
1st & 2nd Days With My New Trans Am Pt. 3
The moment of truth has arrived. It's time to go.
The futzing I had seen MTS and PTTH doing was the guys putting air in the tires and doing last minute checks, and not fixing any catastrophic thing. PTTH did a battery load test at my request (all clear) and all was ready.
I thanked them both (hopefully I'll remain thankful) and told them I'd take good care of the car.
(I haven't decided if it's a he or a she, so unfortunately for now it's "the car" or something similar.)
They seem to be good folks, and I'm glad at this point that I did business with them. I make a mental note to let them know when the car has reached Georgia. We shake hands, wish each other luck with our new vehicles (MTS has a new truck), and I climb in.
I look for the lever to pull the seat forward. The first thing I notice is how LOW to the ground I feel--more than usual that is. Man, I am sitting low and have to look over the dash.
The car starts, a bit rough but ok. Fred and Jerry are waiting up the block.
I pull out, hoping to NOT hit MTS's new truck on the way out. All is good. I'm backed out now and put the car in drive for the first time, and gently push down the gas pedal.
Off we go! It's definitely noisier than anything else I've ever driven, save for a beatup pickup and another vehicle I can't recall, both driven in South Carolina by boyfriends sometime in 86-87.
The steering is easy, a straight drive, good power. We drive through two streets before getting on the interstate.
Because I'm driving without a plate (but I've got the title and insurance binder) I decide to take it easy and let the minivans cruise past me. Not to mention we saw speed traps on the way there, naturally. The ride back is noisy and relatively smooth. I wish I had taken the t-tops off. Despite this, I feel glorious.
When we arrive back, we get to eat a late dinner before I take people out for a ride around the neighborhood. Joan and Fred let me use their third parking space, and the VW van gets the boot outside.
It is hot under the hood! Did any of my other cars ever get this hot? Or did I just not care? Most likely. I raise the hood and decide to leave it up overnight to help the engine cool faster and I leave the garage door open for awhile.
I think a small car seat could fit in the back seat ok. Not optimal--Noah would have to sit on a side and not in the middle because of the hump in the center of the seat--but I think it's workable. I think he'd enjoy it and I make a note to find his sunglasses.
I spend a humid half hour or so just being with this machine. I am now the owner of a classic Trans Am. I'm happy.
The futzing I had seen MTS and PTTH doing was the guys putting air in the tires and doing last minute checks, and not fixing any catastrophic thing. PTTH did a battery load test at my request (all clear) and all was ready.
I thanked them both (hopefully I'll remain thankful) and told them I'd take good care of the car.
(I haven't decided if it's a he or a she, so unfortunately for now it's "the car" or something similar.)
They seem to be good folks, and I'm glad at this point that I did business with them. I make a mental note to let them know when the car has reached Georgia. We shake hands, wish each other luck with our new vehicles (MTS has a new truck), and I climb in.
I look for the lever to pull the seat forward. The first thing I notice is how LOW to the ground I feel--more than usual that is. Man, I am sitting low and have to look over the dash.
The car starts, a bit rough but ok. Fred and Jerry are waiting up the block.
I pull out, hoping to NOT hit MTS's new truck on the way out. All is good. I'm backed out now and put the car in drive for the first time, and gently push down the gas pedal.
Off we go! It's definitely noisier than anything else I've ever driven, save for a beatup pickup and another vehicle I can't recall, both driven in South Carolina by boyfriends sometime in 86-87.
The steering is easy, a straight drive, good power. We drive through two streets before getting on the interstate.
Because I'm driving without a plate (but I've got the title and insurance binder) I decide to take it easy and let the minivans cruise past me. Not to mention we saw speed traps on the way there, naturally. The ride back is noisy and relatively smooth. I wish I had taken the t-tops off. Despite this, I feel glorious.
When we arrive back, we get to eat a late dinner before I take people out for a ride around the neighborhood. Joan and Fred let me use their third parking space, and the VW van gets the boot outside.
It is hot under the hood! Did any of my other cars ever get this hot? Or did I just not care? Most likely. I raise the hood and decide to leave it up overnight to help the engine cool faster and I leave the garage door open for awhile.
I think a small car seat could fit in the back seat ok. Not optimal--Noah would have to sit on a side and not in the middle because of the hump in the center of the seat--but I think it's workable. I think he'd enjoy it and I make a note to find his sunglasses.
I spend a humid half hour or so just being with this machine. I am now the owner of a classic Trans Am. I'm happy.
1st & 2nd Days With My New Trans Am Pt. 2
The half hour to the home of Matt the Seller (from now on known as MTS) seemed like an eternity. We drove down his street to the end, where I recognized the cul-de-sac where the TA pics had been taken.
In the driveway...there it was...along with two guys futzing with the tires and other things. Oh oh, I thought (while trying to appear calm to Jerry and Fred)...what's wrong? Did MTS not describe it accurately? Now he decided to try to fix something he didn't tell me about? Am I going to look and feel like a fool when I try to drive away and the thing collapses? Now would be a good time for a cocktail...except if it doesn't break down in MTS's cul-de-sac, I'm going to have to drive it back!
We pull the Prius (lol) into MTS's driveway, right behind the TA. My heart is pounding...what is up with me?!
Introductions all around. MTS is a young guy, I'm guessing early or mid-20s. The other guy doing the futzing is the father of MTS and the actual titleholder of the TA. We'll call him Perry The Title Holder (PTTH for short). PTTH is wearing a t-shirt with a red TA iron-on. I guess '76 and he tells me '74; said car is sitting in the garage behind us, and later I ask for a look. PTTH has put a lot of effort into it. No wonder he wears it proudly on his chest. Nice!
My TA truly is as MTS described it--it looks indeed like it has been stored away for a number of years. A few minor paint nicks as had been mentioned, the shaker seal isn't as bad as I thought, under the hood and in the trunk look good as does the interior. There are things on the dash that I have no idea what they do. But DAMN it looks good!
MTS points out all of the fluid locations. Later I realize I've forgotten to ask him where the fuse box is, but that info will have to come from the 'net or from a future purchase of an owners manual.
Knowing that Jerry and Fred have seen enough of the car, I make a motion to get the papers signed. We go inside the house, but not before I am attacked (in the nicest possible way) by the family's two large dogs. I think it's all a conspiracy to delay my getting the TA. I'm nice to the dogs, and eventually they allow us to conduct paperwork business at the kitchen table.
PTTH fills out the title; I put the appropriate info on the checks; we both sign a bill of sale, and I add the 1.01 extra that wasn't on the checks. MTS and PTTH both laugh.
While filling out the paperwork, it comes up that MTS has been away for awhile, and I learn that MTS was over in Iraq but was sent home early due to a hand injury.
It's odd sometimes when people tell you they had been deployed to Iraq. I'm not sure how they feel about it, and I wonder, if I thank them, will they be offended, like what the heck do I know about it? Anyway, I shook his hand (gently) and thanked him.
MTS and PTTH gave me a modest folder of receipts for service. All work at a garage had been done when the car was purchased in 2002. Any other work such as oil changes was done by these two car-knowledgable folks.
The folder also contained the original owner's information about how it came from an estate of a man in Racine, WI, and at the time of sale it had about 24k miles on it.
Next: my first ride, and a new chapter for this TA
In the driveway...there it was...along with two guys futzing with the tires and other things. Oh oh, I thought (while trying to appear calm to Jerry and Fred)...what's wrong? Did MTS not describe it accurately? Now he decided to try to fix something he didn't tell me about? Am I going to look and feel like a fool when I try to drive away and the thing collapses? Now would be a good time for a cocktail...except if it doesn't break down in MTS's cul-de-sac, I'm going to have to drive it back!
We pull the Prius (lol) into MTS's driveway, right behind the TA. My heart is pounding...what is up with me?!
Introductions all around. MTS is a young guy, I'm guessing early or mid-20s. The other guy doing the futzing is the father of MTS and the actual titleholder of the TA. We'll call him Perry The Title Holder (PTTH for short). PTTH is wearing a t-shirt with a red TA iron-on. I guess '76 and he tells me '74; said car is sitting in the garage behind us, and later I ask for a look. PTTH has put a lot of effort into it. No wonder he wears it proudly on his chest. Nice!
My TA truly is as MTS described it--it looks indeed like it has been stored away for a number of years. A few minor paint nicks as had been mentioned, the shaker seal isn't as bad as I thought, under the hood and in the trunk look good as does the interior. There are things on the dash that I have no idea what they do. But DAMN it looks good!
MTS points out all of the fluid locations. Later I realize I've forgotten to ask him where the fuse box is, but that info will have to come from the 'net or from a future purchase of an owners manual.
Knowing that Jerry and Fred have seen enough of the car, I make a motion to get the papers signed. We go inside the house, but not before I am attacked (in the nicest possible way) by the family's two large dogs. I think it's all a conspiracy to delay my getting the TA. I'm nice to the dogs, and eventually they allow us to conduct paperwork business at the kitchen table.
PTTH fills out the title; I put the appropriate info on the checks; we both sign a bill of sale, and I add the 1.01 extra that wasn't on the checks. MTS and PTTH both laugh.
While filling out the paperwork, it comes up that MTS has been away for awhile, and I learn that MTS was over in Iraq but was sent home early due to a hand injury.
It's odd sometimes when people tell you they had been deployed to Iraq. I'm not sure how they feel about it, and I wonder, if I thank them, will they be offended, like what the heck do I know about it? Anyway, I shook his hand (gently) and thanked him.
MTS and PTTH gave me a modest folder of receipts for service. All work at a garage had been done when the car was purchased in 2002. Any other work such as oil changes was done by these two car-knowledgable folks.
The folder also contained the original owner's information about how it came from an estate of a man in Racine, WI, and at the time of sale it had about 24k miles on it.
Next: my first ride, and a new chapter for this TA
1st & 2nd Days With My New Trans Am Pt. 1
I am finally the owner of a classic Trans Am.
The person subbing for my account rep at the bank managed to get the incorrect date on the insurance rider changed after I tried SINCE MONDAY to get it fixed. Alas, she was out on Tuesday and no one working on Tuesday was helpful. So on Wednesday morning in came the corrected rider on email. At last, I could get the car!
I called Matt the Seller and left him a message on his cell, knowing that he wouldn't be able to pick it up until after 5pm. Wednesday was our relaxing day with nothing on the schedule until dinner guests Jerry and Cindy arrived, so it was a lloooooooonnnnngggg day.
(Did I mention it was a long day?!)
Around 5:30pm Matt the Seller called and we arranged to meet at his house in a Milwaukee 'burb later that evening. Jerry and Cindy arrived, we chatted for a while and then I broke the news that we were picking up a new car!
Jerry, ever the adventurist, immediately volunteered to drive, although it was decided that Grandpa Fred would drive and Jerry would go along for the ride.
I made sure I had all of my papers in order. I had been checking the Wisconsin and Georgia DMV web sites like mad the last few days, and I'm quite certain that the internet people at the Wisconsin DMV thought I was nuts, but you know, I just wanted to be certain!
I must have double and triple-checked for the checks as Fred was hollering it was time to go.
Driving along Interstate 43, I managed to engage in the conversation, but my heart and stomach felt like they were back in my youth baseball days or in the moments before getting picked up for the prom. Oh my, what's this--I'm nervous?! My hands were actually sweating. This could actually be a good sign for the future?!
Who knows. Even though I had seen pics of the car, it was like driving to pick up a blind date for the prom...I knew a little bit about my date, but not much. And according to the bank, this date was going to have to last at least five years!
Another good sign (or bad?)...oh my, while on the interstate we passed a crazy plum purple Cuda. Couldn't tell you much else about it, but I enjoyed telling Jerry and Fred what I knew about it--which wasn't much but was more than them. Oh, and there were speed traps on either side of the road. Great!
Next: At Matt the Seller's house
The person subbing for my account rep at the bank managed to get the incorrect date on the insurance rider changed after I tried SINCE MONDAY to get it fixed. Alas, she was out on Tuesday and no one working on Tuesday was helpful. So on Wednesday morning in came the corrected rider on email. At last, I could get the car!
I called Matt the Seller and left him a message on his cell, knowing that he wouldn't be able to pick it up until after 5pm. Wednesday was our relaxing day with nothing on the schedule until dinner guests Jerry and Cindy arrived, so it was a lloooooooonnnnngggg day.
(Did I mention it was a long day?!)
Around 5:30pm Matt the Seller called and we arranged to meet at his house in a Milwaukee 'burb later that evening. Jerry and Cindy arrived, we chatted for a while and then I broke the news that we were picking up a new car!
Jerry, ever the adventurist, immediately volunteered to drive, although it was decided that Grandpa Fred would drive and Jerry would go along for the ride.
I made sure I had all of my papers in order. I had been checking the Wisconsin and Georgia DMV web sites like mad the last few days, and I'm quite certain that the internet people at the Wisconsin DMV thought I was nuts, but you know, I just wanted to be certain!
I must have double and triple-checked for the checks as Fred was hollering it was time to go.
Driving along Interstate 43, I managed to engage in the conversation, but my heart and stomach felt like they were back in my youth baseball days or in the moments before getting picked up for the prom. Oh my, what's this--I'm nervous?! My hands were actually sweating. This could actually be a good sign for the future?!
Who knows. Even though I had seen pics of the car, it was like driving to pick up a blind date for the prom...I knew a little bit about my date, but not much. And according to the bank, this date was going to have to last at least five years!
Another good sign (or bad?)...oh my, while on the interstate we passed a crazy plum purple Cuda. Couldn't tell you much else about it, but I enjoyed telling Jerry and Fred what I knew about it--which wasn't much but was more than them. Oh, and there were speed traps on either side of the road. Great!
Next: At Matt the Seller's house
Intro to a Novice Trans Am Owner (why am I doing this?)
The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was a popular car amongst what I call the "free spirited" set during my high school days of the early-mid 1980s. These were the kids who were average students (or below) who were known as partiers into heavy metal (with some rock such as the Stones thrown in) who skipped class, hung out in the smoking lounge and snuck off school grounds for lunch at the nearby McDonalds. In other words, they did things I didn't do but sometimes wished I had the you-know-whats to do.
I found myself curious about them. I always wondered what it was like to be one of those girls who didn't seem to have a care in the world, who sat on the hood of their (or more likely, their friend's or boyfriend's) Trans Am or other muscle car, drinking Budweiser.
(If you want to get an idea of what this crowd was like, rent "Heavy Metal Parking Lot"--at least one person I went to HS with was in this 1986 documentary. See it for nostalgia and for the TAs in the footage!)
I didn't belong to that crowd nor did I have a Trans Am. I was a jock with good grades and a decent social life, I drank Michelob and drove drove a 1983 Datsun 200SX, a car my parents bought out of necessity after their 1974 Volkswagon Dasher was totalled. I thought my parents were pretty cool for buying the Datsun. My crowd drove Mustangs (60s or 80s) or BMWs.
In the summer of 2007, on the brink of my 39th birthday, this spouse and mom of a toddler began to develop an interest in classic cars. I don't know how it happened or why, but I imagine I'll address this in future posts and discover as I go along.
After a short stint of research, I decided that I didn't have to *wonder* about sitting on the Trans Am any longer, I could just buy one! Of course it wasn't quite as nonchalant as this: I will be picky about my beer selection, and I really don't plan on sitting on the hood!
In 8/07 I purchased a 1979 Trans Am and started this blog to record my journey as a new owner of a classic Trans Am and, more importantly, as an owner with little to no car knowledge.
I don't pretend to know anything about cars. I hope to share my journey with others, to take them on this long drive from know-nothing to knowledgeable classic car enthusiast.
On the way we'll have some laughs as I will be very honest about my lack of knowledge and my concerns. We'll learn some things, share knowledge, stories and good memories of a bygone era. I've just gotten started so I hope to add photos and other fun stuff soon.
I hope you'll join me!
I found myself curious about them. I always wondered what it was like to be one of those girls who didn't seem to have a care in the world, who sat on the hood of their (or more likely, their friend's or boyfriend's) Trans Am or other muscle car, drinking Budweiser.
(If you want to get an idea of what this crowd was like, rent "Heavy Metal Parking Lot"--at least one person I went to HS with was in this 1986 documentary. See it for nostalgia and for the TAs in the footage!)
I didn't belong to that crowd nor did I have a Trans Am. I was a jock with good grades and a decent social life, I drank Michelob and drove drove a 1983 Datsun 200SX, a car my parents bought out of necessity after their 1974 Volkswagon Dasher was totalled. I thought my parents were pretty cool for buying the Datsun. My crowd drove Mustangs (60s or 80s) or BMWs.
In the summer of 2007, on the brink of my 39th birthday, this spouse and mom of a toddler began to develop an interest in classic cars. I don't know how it happened or why, but I imagine I'll address this in future posts and discover as I go along.
After a short stint of research, I decided that I didn't have to *wonder* about sitting on the Trans Am any longer, I could just buy one! Of course it wasn't quite as nonchalant as this: I will be picky about my beer selection, and I really don't plan on sitting on the hood!
In 8/07 I purchased a 1979 Trans Am and started this blog to record my journey as a new owner of a classic Trans Am and, more importantly, as an owner with little to no car knowledge.
I don't pretend to know anything about cars. I hope to share my journey with others, to take them on this long drive from know-nothing to knowledgeable classic car enthusiast.
On the way we'll have some laughs as I will be very honest about my lack of knowledge and my concerns. We'll learn some things, share knowledge, stories and good memories of a bygone era. I've just gotten started so I hope to add photos and other fun stuff soon.
I hope you'll join me!
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