Another 73 TA restoration with questions
 

Seems like alot of 73's being restored. GOOD! These 73's are a one-off deal. I am still trying to decide whether to pull the front sheet metal off and remove the front frame. What if I can't get it aligned again? Here are the Pics I promised
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...on/TransAm.png
This is before I went crazy.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/DSCN2839.jpg
This is after I pulled the engine (71 HO flowed heads, Cliffs carb, HEI, 068 cam, 1.6 roller rockers, and Tri-Y headers)

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/DSCN2792.jpg
Do I drop the front frame or not?

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...n/DSCN2833.jpg
Turns out I have to pull the nose off anyway to replace this crappy radiator support grommet. Can I leave the fenders bolted on and still drop the fame?

WOW!
An admiralty Blue 73.

Looks pretty good in that color.

If the sheet metal lines up OK now,then it will go back that way.

Sheet metal alignment problems are almost always a result of poorly repaired previous collision damage.

if you're doing new bushings (core support, subframe, door hinge rebuild etc.) I'd dismantle the front end because it will definitely go back together differently shim-wise.

I agree with 2manyT/A's, that car looks good in admiralty blue. Are you going to keep it that color?

Don't be worried about removing the subframe. I got mine back in, aligned and torqued up in a little over an hour....by myself, with two floor jacks, a pair of home made 5/8" rigging pins and a tape measure.
Wasn't as hard as you'd think. Get the frame measurements from the workshop manual to help.

Nice to see another 73 under the knife!

I was hesitant to remove the subframe too, but so glad I did!
It does fall under the "might as well" tasks and does add a few more things to do when its out, but in the long run, much better to go all the way.

Good advice but I would add this: Take several measurements prior to removing the subframe, especially diagonal dimensions. Check your 5/8" dowel fit prior to removal. Never assume that the factory followed the manual to the letter.

The previus owner did a very nice bare metal repaint in a 1967 Cadillac color. I would have preferred the original Brewster Green. My plan is to drive the hell out of it and during the next restoration... it goes green!

The body is straight as an arrow. I am calling you if I can't get the panels back on. :)

I would leave it alone if its the only TA you have. If you are going to restore the car later and repaint it then do the subframe. Enjoy the car as is. Its very easy and fast to take the car apart and sometimes you never know when to stop. I bought a 70 in 05 and decided to rebuild the motor and one thing lead to another and now its had the frame off and the car is getting repainted. What was suppose to take me a winter has turned into 5 years. Even worse when the car is finished it will be to nice to drive and before I took it apart it was a very nice driver.

It looks like you've got some Brewster Red paint on the tops of your fenders (under the hood).

Color changes were a common thing on these cars back in the day.

On the panel alignment,I've seen some shops that will drill 1/8" pilot holes beside critcal body bolts to make sure original panel alignment is retained on re-assembly.

It couldn't hurt to take pictures of your door hood & fender gaps & don't forget to tag & bag the shims you remove.

It ALL helps when you are putting it back together.

Wow,I too have never seen a 73 done in Admiral BLue,looks good,but if redoin,I'd go with original BG.

Well as said the gang stated they would go to the orignal color..... I think it looks beautiful in the Blue and unless restoring to factory correct,,, I wouldn't change away from what is obviously a beautiful color on the car.... Heck you've got a rare TA just because of the wrong color,, but it sure looks nice that way....

I've never heard of "brewster red", what is the paint code for that one?

I have decided to get this baby detailed, upgraded, and back on the road as soon as possible in the cadillac blue color it has now. Like Jay Leno say, "restore... drive the hell out of it... restore again. Perhaps in another lifetime.

Good for you,,,enjoy the car that's why they built them...

Hows this 73 doing??

She is getting her engine re-installed. Then we put in the Vintage air, insulate the interior, and install the sound system. Then on with the fenders, nose, exhaust and frame brace.

Update pictures please, Brewster Green is a killer color but the blue looks good too. Bottom line stay within budget and make sure you keep it enjoyable.

update on blue 73 TA - need detailed pictures of original engine compartment
 

Engine is back in the car but I screwed up. I should have taken pictures BEFORE I pulled the engine and accessories. Does anyone have an original 73 engine compartment I could take pictures of?

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...O/DSCN3168.jpg
She barely fits in my garage

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...O/DSCN3171.jpg
This a 1967 cadillac blue. The wheels turned out nice.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...O/DSCN3173.jpg
Where do all those other parts go?

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...O/DSCN3175.jpg
Don't those RAIII manifolds look nice?

Looking Stellar!! :)