Super rare features like this...
Super rare features like this rear center console add even more interest to the near flawless restification.
A definitive compression ratio number was unavailable at press time but given the heads, block, and piston choice it should be in the area of 9.3:1.
Parma Transmission of Parma, Ohio, provided Jerry with what they call a "bullet-proof" Turbo-400 transmission with a stock torque converter against the stock flexplate. After a slight repositioning of the crossmember and installation of an adjustable Lokar electronic transmission kick-down kit and homemade driveshaft loop, the remaining drivetrain components were installed.
Fine Lines stainless brake and transmission lines, a new master cylinder topped off with silicone brake fluid, PST Polygraphite suspension bushings, powder coated suspension components, and new stock brake components were installed before the Bird was ready to come home.
For 3 more months Jerry was...
For 3 more months Jerry was without his new Pontiac as it sat at the dealer waiting for parts. "The damage amounted to a little over $2,000 [$5220.50 was the original selling price], including the replacement of the front fender, door, and windshield."
Towing back home a finished rolling shell, with drivetrain, Jerry jumped into the interior by reinstalling all the parts that he had been collecting such as the rear console, 8-track cassette player, and power accessories. All seals (door, trunk, etc) were replaced with Soffseal products from Warpath of Cleveland, Ohio.
After spending nearly all of its life sitting around waiting for parts, this gorgeously restified Bird was ready to ruffle its feathers and strut its stuff by the time 1999 rolled around. That year Jerry came home with First Place finishes at the Tri-Power Pontiac Nats and Trans Am Nationals. During the 1999 winter, the rearend gears were upgraded from the factory 2.41 to a Richmond Gears 3.42 ring and pinion. He used an HPP tech feature to help recalibrate the speedometer reading.
Jerry takes the first step to recovery from his obsession by admitting, "Since the T/A was 5 years old, I have done something to it each year." This still holds true even after the brilliant Pontiac has been restified.
The obsession begins. An already...
The obsession begins. An already clean, low-mileage Trans Am being stripped for a restoration. Notice black paint STILL on the rear drums and springs and rust-free bottom door edges.
The 2000 show season earned Jerry an Ames Performance Pontiac Nats Best of Class and the honor to be displayed in the T/A Nats Winner's Circle since he had won in 1999. 2001 garnered a First Place win at the Ames Perf. Nats. In 2002 the coveted HPP Editor's Choice award was presented to him at the T/A Nats.
Still not content, Brushaber replaced the parking brake cables with OEM style stainless cables in 2002. Keep in mind, this car is still driven about 1,000 miles a year on weekends and/or for fun.
Ready for 2003, the Firebird swooped off with one more Ames Performance Nats First Place finish and displayed in the T/A Nats' Winner's Circle. Would you believe Jerry is content with the T/A for now? YEAH, RIGHT. This coming cold season he will adorn the Bird's appearance with new wheel spoilers and a powder coated air cleaner. Oh yeah and a set of Rapid Fire spark plugs.
Here's Jerry's disassembly...
Here's Jerry's disassembly of the T/A before it hit the painter's.
Some people like their Pontiacs. Others love their Pontiacs. And then there are those like 46-year-old Jerry Brushaber who reminds us one last time, "Selling the car is not in my plans! My plans are to hand the car down to my [18-year-old] son when I can no longer drive it. Hopefully, this will not happen for many years to come. Remember that it's an obsession."
About The Restification
Ironically, 2 weeks after taking delivery of the Pontiac, a drunk driver hit Jerry and his new T/A. Fortunately Jerry, his fiance, and brother-in-law-to-be were not seriously injured. The same could not be said for his ride. We're guessing the early brush with disaster instilled a lifelong appreciation for this Trans Am. Notice the hood decal was not present when Jerry first bought the T/A.
Taking it all off for the...
Taking it all off for the camera! Here is the all-original sheetmetal stripped bare.
Shown is the stripped and...
Shown is the stripped and sanded undercarriage in 1997 ready for painting.
A Parma-built Turbo 400 trans...
A Parma-built Turbo 400 trans from a '77 A-Body is positioned properly on the relocated Turbo 350 crossmember.
This is the result of all...
This is the result of all of that chassis work, the finished (for now) undercarriage while on the alignment rack. The original stabilizer bars were powder coated and bolted in with new GM GasMatic shocks. Standard Lift Truck of Lorain, Ohio, made a set of custom rear leaf springs. PPG Deltron acrylic urethane paint covers the undercarriage.