What did you do with your Trans Am today?

[Whamhammer]

You could always put a dash cover over it, and no one would know the difference! Save you about $375. Unless you're just bored and have nothing else to spend your money on!!!

I figure that if I am going to do something, I should do it right.

I found the one below, I think its what I need...

https://www.firebirdcentral.com/1997...p/das-364r.htm

[herculesrider1]

I totally understand! That is a really good price, considering a GM piece is double that!! I am the same way. I don't like to do anything half way. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right.... the first time! My recommendation was a temporary fix, just in case you were short on money!! Good choice!!

[SMWS6TA]

With the stupidly high price of those pieces and that in 6 months they'll crack again, I've been reading up on how to make fiberglass molds so that I can try to make a carbon fiber one. I'm in the acquiring the equipment phase of my adventure.

[herculesrider1]

Awesome Scott. Go buddy! One way to guard against cracking is to get a heat shield cover that you install and uninstall to protect against UV rays. I use one every time I am out and the sun is shining while I'm parked. Otherwise, it's in the garage with no UV. My dash is not cracked, and it's 20 yrs old. The secret is keeping UV rays off of it....

[SMWS6TA]

I had a one and also a dash carpet cover and it still cracked. Pissed me off so bad the couple next to me at a light could hear me It literally cracked in front of me at the light.

Bad thing was I just replaced it not 3 months prior.

[herculesrider1]

Wow. That would get me smokin hot mad too. They just don't make things like they use to. But still charge an arm and a leg for them. Hope your efforts to make a carbon fiber dash cover will be successful...

[Whamhammer]

This is the dash pad replacement that I am looking at, anyone have an opinion?

https://www.firebirdcentral.com/1997...p/das-364r.htm

[herculesrider1]

From the pictures, it looks like it has some kind of covering on the plastic dash pad. The underside pic looks like the top of the pad is covered with some kind of material. You might call them and get the details and perhaps ask about whether or not the plastic has a covering on it. Looks good in my opinion and for $300 less than a GM original, you can't beat it...!!!!

[DarrenWS6]

I have been fortunate my dash top is still perfect. I'm almost afraid to do cam and poly engine mounts for that reason alone lol!

My WS6 has been flawless for the last 5yrs of ownership as far as repairs needed ( 5-08-20 made 5yrs! ) but now at 108k shes finally wanting a little maintenance. I did an AcDelco outer tie rod and it has had a belt squeak for about a year. Its doing it all the time now so I have had it and am going to replace the serp belt and the idler pulley by the power steering pump that makes noise when spun and looks rough.

Figuring on going with AcDelco of coarse. But wondering if anyone has any better suggestions? I can get CarQuest parts heavily discounted but still prefer to put OE back in my vehicles. I was reading about a year ago the Goodyear Gatorback seems to be the go-to for these engines when replacement time arrives.

[sjgreen6]

I've always used Gates belts and parts with no problems. Very nice belts made in the USA and priced just under AC Delco usually. Rockauto even has a Gates kit for our cars that includes the belt, tensioner pulley and idler pulley all in one kit. At your mileage it is good practice to go ahead and replace the pulleys or chances are you will be going back in later to do them when you find out that was where the noise was coming from. While you are in there be sure to spin your water pump shaft to check for wear.

[Whamhammer]

From the pictures, it looks like it has some kind of covering on the plastic dash pad. The underside pic looks like the top of the pad is covered with some kind of material. You might call them and get the details and perhaps ask about whether or not the plastic has a covering on it. Looks good in my opinion and for $300 less than a GM original, you can't beat it...!!!!

Its supposed to be a full replica of the OEM, after having to drive the last few days with the cracked dash, and with it expanding new cracks, I pulled the trigger and ordered it.

We will see how it is! I need to find some sort of UV protection treatment, so it stays protected.

I guess I did OK with 18 years before it totally self destructed, I got a small crack in the vent part a few years ago bit it never expanded.

[herculesrider1]

It probably wouldn't hurt to get a HeatShield UV protector to keep that from happening again. And not only will it keep the UV rays off of your dash, it will keep the interior cooler and allow the A/C to ramp up and feel cool faster. The A/C system will not have to fight overcoming the intense heat that is absorbed by the dash before it blows cold! Even if it reduces the interior temp by 10-20 degrees, that is just that much less time you will start feeling the A/C!!! HeatShields are about $35. I keep them in both of my TA's.

[Whamhammer]

It probably wouldn't hurt to get a HeatShield UV protector to keep that from happening again. And not only will it keep the UV rays off of your dash, it will keep the interior cooler and allow the A/C to ramp up and feel cool faster. The A/C system will not have to fight overcoming the intense heat that is absorbed by the dash before it blows cold! Even if it reduces the interior temp by 10-20 degrees, that is just that much less time you will start feeling the A/C!!! HeatShields are about $35. I keep them in both of my TA's.

Is HeatShield UV Protector a brand?

[sjgreen6]

If you are going to invest some money in a good sunshield I highly recommend the Covercraft UVS100 series. These things are actual folding hard board, very thick, and fit perfectly unlike most of the flexible shields. They are a bit pricy but they last practically forever and insulate from the sun like nothing else.

[herculesrider1]

Is HeatShield UV Protector a brand?

Yes Scott, it is a brand. I just checked online for a 2000 Trans Am, and it lists for $39.95. It's heatshieldstore.com. They are very thick and have a reflective side and a white side, and roll up like a scroll and held in place with velcro. I have always had one, and have never had a cracked dash.

[Decadence75]

Haven't had the time to actually do anything to the car lately due to putting out fires like living in the deep south without air conditioning for 2 weeks. But decided to make this last night to represent when I do go out in public.

[SMWS6TA]

finally started on something I've been putting off for other stuff. I pulled all the gauge wiring out to redo and put a bigger pass thru hole.

Also found why oil pressure gauges wasn't working, trying to figure out why the wide band isn't working either.

[herculesrider1]

finally started on something I've been putting off for other stuff. I pulled all the gauge wiring out to redo and put a bigger pass thru hole.

Also found why oil pressure gauges wasn't working, trying to figure out why the wide band isn't working either.

Why was your oil pressure gauge not working?

[OhTwo]

Swapped out the original GMMG I-Pipe with a new one from Madhammer. Absolutely amazing quality and perfect fit. I had some customization done for the new I-Pipe and the turnaround time was super fast and cost was very reasonable - still stainless. Excellent product and service!

[SMWS6TA]

Why was your oil pressure gauge not working?

Meant Oil Temp gauge....broken wire at the harness connector.