If you’ve ever kicked yourself for not buying a Trans Am when they were dirt cheap, this could be your second chance. The seller of this 1979 Pontiac Trans Am project is only asking $3,500 here on eBay. It was found in a barn, is mostly complete, has a title, and is currently located in Marlette, Michigan. There is a catch though.
Rust. Lot’s horrible rust. We hate that word here at Barn Finds. It’s a nasty thing that can turn a seemingly great car into a nightmare. Some parts of the country are harder on cars than others. High humidity and road salt are the enemies and I’m guessing this poor car has suffered from both. The floors and rockers are toast. Looks like it may have worked its way into the doors a little too.
Luckily, a new floor pan is included in the sale. It will take a lot of work to cut out the old metal and weld in the new. The future of this car is going to depend on the passion of it’s next owner. If it’s someone who has always wanted one since high school, it might just see the road again. Projects like this are more of an emotional decision but that’s okay because some of our best memories are made when we take those uncertain paths.
This one has been parked for over 20 years and they haven’t tried to start it, so it’s anyone’s guess what you might get mechanically. The engine could be free and you might be able to get it running with a couple hours of work. Fresh fuel, oil, and a battery might be all it takes. Or it could be a seized up chunk of steel that would be better used as a boat anchor.
The black over red color combo is great. The interior is going to need completely redone, but that’s not the end of the world. Used and new parts are easy to get and I’d much rather recover a seat than repair rust or rebuild an engine. So this area is the least of your concerns.
If it were mine, I’d focus on getting that engine running first. If that goes well and the compression is decent, then I’d focus on the rust. I’m picturing more of a patched up beater than a pristine show car though. What do you think?
An inexpensive pile of rust where the seller put in the time and effort to clean and vacuum. I hope he’s rewarded by a hassle free sale when a buyer comes along.
Steve R
Cars rust bad in michigan. Brother had a 04 Ram from there. So rusty I kicked a hole in it by accident and one of the shock mounts rusted loose… Cant image what 25 years more there would do to a car… Good 4 Parts, maybe?