72 TA : New Project

**markinnaples** · #1 03-09-2010, 04:59 AM

Looks great, can't wait to see it completely finished.

**Dave Rifkin** · #2 03-10-2010, 12:58 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Looks great, can't wait to see it completely finished.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can; that will mean this thread is over and we don't get to see what other tricks Steve has up his sleeve for making things fit better than factory.

**njsteve** · #3 03-10-2010, 02:12 AM

Another random helpful hint: I used some of the extra 3M clear protective material and placed a 1 inch tall by 10 inch wide strip in the exact area when the base of the license plate frame would rub the fiberglas panel. I also used several washers under the two mounting bolts for the license plate assembly hinge to space it out about 3/8ths of an inch from it's normal position. This allows the license plate and original dealer frame to clear the fiberglas tail panel without gouging it when I fill the tank with gas.

**njsteve** · #4 03-14-2010, 08:55 PM

Got the rear spoiler installed today. Took a while to get the three sections lined up with each other while also fitting properly on the rear quarters. The key is to use a small circle of body dum-dum on each mounting pad so the sections can compress the dum-dum and settle properly instead of just riding directly on the quarters and trunklid.

It also took a while to get the center section of the stripe measured and lined up correctly prior to installation. Measure twice and apply once is the rule... except when you measure ten times and the math just doesn't work out. That was, until I figured out that the top of the center section is about 1/2" wider than the base. DUH!

Nice rear end!

I always liked the look of the 70-73 'birds. Pontiac got the look just right.

So now at least the back end of the car is finished! If only I could get the shaker, hood, nose, valance and front spoiler painted and installed, then the car would be done. And then I can crown the acheivement with the installation of the restored steering wheel that has been sitting in my closet for 4 years now...if I can still find it.

**mockingbird812** · #5 03-14-2010, 11:17 PM

Very nice Steve. She's got a nice arse, she does!!

**njsteve** · #6 03-15-2010, 12:08 AM

Not much junk fits in that trunk!

**KevinW** · #7 03-15-2010, 04:00 PM

Looking great Steve! I think you will have fun re-installing the nose on this puppy. According to my friend (69 trans-am), Pontiac loved to add extra braces, blind screws and many more screws than necessary to install the parts. Luck!

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