Trans AM For Sale

There are four magic works that when worked in combination cast a spell that no car enthusiast can resist: Trans Am for Sale. Place a Trans Am with a glistening red and white For Sale sign in the window on your front lawn, and watch it work its magic like a siren's call. If you sell it, they will come.

Perhaps you're on the other side of this equation. Have you dreamed of owning a Trans Am for as long as you can remember? You're not alone. Count yourself among the many who have been coveting this car since Pontiac released the Trans Am specialty package of their Firebird way back in 1969.

So, you've thought about it for years, and you've finally decided to go for it, but you might not be prepared for what awaits you. Do you think you're going to buy a fix-it-upper on the cheap? Think again. It's been four decades since the Trans Am's inception, but these vehicles aren't getting any cheaper. If you pay $6,000 for one in decent shape, consider yourself fortunate. You might pay that much for one that needs quite a bit of work, and you could pay $50,000 or more for a fully renovated Trans Am.

Are you still interest in a Trans Am for sale? All right then, there are several things you should know about these fabled F-bodies before taking the plunge in order to maximize this investment. Let's focus on the Trans Ams sold between 1971 and 1981 because these are the most popular models with enthusiasts. The key here is to not get overly excited, and buy the first Trans Am you come across. Be patient, and be selective. Consider your mechanical skills, and be willing to pay more in order to limit the big jobs.

Like all older cars, the Firebird is prone to rust, and this should be an area of focus for all potential buyers. The rear frame rails and the rear axle kick-up are particularly fragile. Pay particular attention to the leaf spring connections and the box supports. The trunk floor is also another problem area especially if the car was in a cold or salty climate. It's common to find Firebirds with the trunk completely rotted out. The gas tank, the lower quarter panels, and rear fender splats were also quite prone to holding mud and salt.

Is rust a deal breaker? How much bodywork are you willing to take on? These are important considerations because any Trans Am for sale that doesn't have a five-digit price tag is going to involve some rust, and this type of bodywork is not a simple process, especially for the uninitiated.

Keep in mind that by the time you see rust, the body is in bad shape. Perform a thorough inspection. Don't assume that just because you don't see it, it isn't there. When we find a Trans Am with rust, it's common to see crude repairs performed with Bondo. This is your cue to walk away from the purchase unless you are very skilled with bodywork. This type of prepare may work in one sense, but it makes it dramatically more difficult to get the body up to car show caliber.

As mentioned earlier, the key to this process is patience. With enough of it, you will find that Trans Am for sale in the right condition at the right price. If you're working on a tight budget, then stick to the private sellers where you'll have more room to negotiate. You'll have more options through the auctions and dealers but a lot less flexibility.