Classic body to modern chassis

[76TA]

I am interested in exploring the possibility of putting my '76 Trans AM on to a 200? GTO chassis. It may be a pipe dream, but since I have no idea what it would cost, so I can't say for sure. I know this will require some frame, body and interior customization, but I don't know what the wiring portion of the job would be like since most of the hardware will be ported over. Is there any local shop that has already done something like this?

Here are the specs for the two cars (from Carfolio)

76 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am dimensions & weight
Wheelbase 2746 mm 108.1 in
Track front 1554 mm 61.2 in
rear 1532 mm 60.3 in
Length 4999 mm 196.8 in
Width 1854 mm 73 in
Height 1260 mm 49.6 in
Length:wheelbase ratio 1.82
Ground clearance 135 mm 5.3 in
Kerb weight 1701 kg 3750 lb
Weight distribution
(Front) 57.00 %
Fuel capacity 76.5 litres 16.8 UK Gal 20.2 US Gal

GTO

2004 Pontiac GTO Automatic dimensions & weight
Wheelbase 2789 mm 109.8 in
Track front 1570 mm 61.8 in
rear 1570 mm 61.8 in
Length 4821 mm 189.8 in
Width 1842 mm 72.5 in
Height 1394 mm 54.9 in
Length:wheelbase ratio 1.73
Ground clearance
Kerb weight
Weight distribution
(Front) 55.00 %
Fuel capacity 70 litres 15.4 UK Gal 18.5 US Gal

[arsrac]

At westcoast customs they put a '68 Camaro body on a GTO chassis so it can be done but I bet you have to have really deep pockets.
Check this out
The World Famous West Coast Customs® » Camaro

[76TA]

That show is what got me interested in doing a body swap. I actually checked with WCC and they mentioned a pretty hefty sum which is out of my league. I'd like to find someone local who could do it and what they would charge.

What is reasonable for the Tampa market for that kind of customization? 10k? 30k? 130k? For what WCC charges, I could get a Year One Bandit (if my wife wouldn't beat me to death!).

[sireal]

What did they quote???? Ive always been curious. Did you see the corvelle episode? (old chevelle on new vette)

[351coupe]

Damn dude,you'll ruin two nice cars and pay enough to buy another new car.Lol I guess if you got it like that its nice.

[76TA]

They said they *begin* at 100k. I expect it's a big job to do, and since they are such a big name I didn't think they'd be cheap. But I was still hoping for less than that.

It's probably a pipe dream anyway...

I haven't seen that show but I will definitely keep an eye out for it!

That show is what got me interested in doing a body swap. I actually checked with WCC and they mentioned a pretty hefty sum which is out of my league. I'd like to find someone local who could do it and what they would charge.

What is reasonable for the Tampa market for that kind of customization? 10k? 30k? 130k? For what WCC charges, I could get a Year One Bandit (if my wife wouldn't beat me to death!).

[76TA]

I wouldn't do it if the car was numbers matching and reliable - and comfortable. I think these two cars have opposite problems, the GTO is a fantastic car with bland looks and my bird is a great looker in need of a modern performance and comfort.

I don't know if there are shops around who can do it or what it would cost. I probably can't afford it, but if I can, woohoo that would be a helluva lot of fun and a great advertisement for whoever can do it.

Whatever happens, she still needs that paint and body work we talked about!

[redteggsr]

so why not put a custom corvette suspension under ur ride? it can be done for alot cheaper

[Punished240]

so why not put a custom corvette suspension under ur ride? it can be done for alot cheaper

351coupe

Damn dude,you'll ruin two nice cars and pay enough to buy another new car.Lol I guess if you got it like that its nice.

^ what they said
then go Ls1+
enegy susp bushing set
Have 351 coupe complete the paint work
I dub thee ~West Coast florida custom ... "TRANS/ Fire chicken "
G/l

[351coupe]

I'm with this guy^.Do a bad ass Lsx motor and vette suspension,have a shop do a custom interior with all the modern comforts,and leave the poor gto alone,lol.I never got a call so I figured something came up,I'm down to glass it out when ever your ready.

[76TA]

I am going to drop the GTO underpinnings - the conversion for that is too expensive. For the record, I was only looking at salvage GTO's. I wouldn't wanna ruin a 'good' car for my crazy, either. I plan to keep an eye for a decent salvage GTO or LSx T/A so that I can use the engine, dash and all the other 'little' components that nickel and dime you to death.

I ended up putting it in to Dixie Paint & Body to get the body work done, the rust removed, and a primer coating. I hear that this is backwards from the 'normal' restoration process, but the body is in pretty good shape and I want to keep it that way.

I wanted a place where I could swing by on occasion and get some photos of the process, and I live just too far away from you. That will probably be it for this year for work on it (depending on if my wife increases my budget). I am still undecided on sticker's or paint and will get with you on that for a cost. From what I gather, I'm looking at around 6 to 800 for the stickers and having them put on. If I can get them painted for somewhere near that, I would be in. I'll let you know when I'm ready to seriously look at that.

[Hellfire_Studios]

what a cluster fuck.

[351coupe]

I am going to drop the GTO underpinnings - the conversion for that is too expensive. For the record, I was only looking at salvage GTO's. I wouldn't wanna ruin a 'good' car for my crazy, either. I plan to keep an eye for a decent salvage GTO or LSx T/A so that I can use the engine, dash and all the other 'little' components that nickel and dime you to death.

I ended up putting it in to Dixie Paint & Body to get the body work done, the rust removed, and a primer coating. I hear that this is backwards from the 'normal' restoration process, but the body is in pretty good shape and I want to keep it that way.

I wanted a place where I could swing by on occasion and get some photos of the process, and I live just too far away from you. That will probably be it for this year for work on it (depending on if my wife increases my budget). I am still undecided on sticker's or paint and will get with you on that for a cost. From what I gather, I'm looking at around 6 to 800 for the stickers and having them put on. If I can get them painted for somewhere near that, I would be in. I'll let you know when I'm ready to seriously look at that.

No problem dude,hit me up if you decide on the paint.Stickers are not a problem,base coat,lay them out then clear,that way there protected.Painting them is gonna cost some money though.