TA Hatch and TA Rims

[PontiFireFalcon]

I'm still new to cars so these might be stupid questions.
I might be getting a Trans Am hatch with the high rise spoiler for my Firebird and I wanted to know:

1) Is it simple to install by myself? I have a copy of Chilton's guide to the Firebird and Camaro.
2) Do I need any other parts besides the TA hatch? Like any special screws or anything to get it on that I wouldn't already have from my low rise hatch?
3) Should I get one any color or spend extra time finding one in Navy Blue Metallic so it'll match my car without the hassle of repainting all the parts of it?

Also, I was thinking of picking up a set of Trans Am rims for my other set of tires. And I would like to know:

4) If the 17x9 rims from the Trans Am are compatible with the wheels that my 16x8 Firebird rims used to be on?

Thanx in advance.

[Gatt9]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

Can't answer most of it, but...

3. Even if you find a Navy Blue Metallic, there's no guarantee of a match. If one car was garage kept(Most likely if it was a T/A), and the other was outside, there's a good chance of weathering/sunlight differences in the colors. There's also some variance in shade between "Paint lots" as it's impossible to maintain an exact shade across countless mixtures, it could be imperceptible, or you could get it on to discover it's noticable. You might find that all the extra effort is wasted. It's up to you, but I myself would just get a hatch and have it repainted to match.

4. I don't have any idea, but I have to comment that at least the V6's have an odd offset, at least in my year. I've been beating my head against a wall trying to find replacement rims, and at this point I'm just going to start searching to see if I can find an OEM rim that matches. So be carefull when looking for Rims, as with everything else on these cars, it's not as easy as every other car.

[FirebirdPhil]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

1) Becauseo f how big the hatch is, I would advise getting a second set of hands, last thing you want is to get the Firebird hatch off, go to put the TA hatch on and then it drops and gets a nice gouge.
2) Try to find a deal that comes with all the hardware and wiring for the brake light and you should be good to go.
3) See Gatt9's reply. I'd advise get the hatch, and save up for a paint job, then when you're ready to get painted install the hatch.
4) No, unless I'm mistaken you will need to get new tires.

[JumpInTheFire.com]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

u can use the brackets off your firebird hatch to put on the t/a hatch if it doesnt come with them. takes one person to hold it up while u put the nuts on the bolts.

[LarryMow]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

I'm still new to cars so these might be stupid questions.
I might be getting a Trans Am hatch with the high rise spoiler for my Firebird and I wanted to know:

1) Is it simple to install by myself? I have a copy of Chilton's guide to the Firebird and Camaro.
2) Do I need any other parts besides the TA hatch? Like any special screws or anything to get it on that I wouldn't already have from my low rise hatch?.
3) Should I get one any color or spend extra time finding one in Navy Blue Metallic so it'll match my car without the hassle of repainting all the parts of it?

Also, I was thinking of picking up a set of Trans Am rims for my other set of tires. And I would like to know:

4) If the 17x9 rims from the Trans Am are compatible with the wheels that my 16x8 Firebird rims used to be on?

Thanx in advance.

1:No, youll never be able to change it out by yourself without tearing something up or scratching the crap out of it. Me and a friend changed mine and to be honest, a 3rd pair of hands wouldve been better. Also, I left the hinges bolted to the car, and removed the hatch from the hinges, that way I wouldnt have to worry about a torn gasket or water leaking into the car.

2:No

3:That's entirely up to you...it just so happens that I lucked up and found one that was the same color and in good shape

4:Should be...I've got 17x9.5 Corvette replica wheels on mine without any problems

[PontiFireFalcon]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

Thanx for your guys' help. I have another question for you guys.

3.5) Should I worry about the interior color of the TA hatch? If they don't match can I just switch the interior plastic from my Fbird hatch into the TA hatch easily?

[Smoke Panther]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

^yes.

[PontiFireFalcon]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

^yes.

yes? to which part? Yes ,I should worry because if you get the wrong interior color your life is over, or yes it'll be easy to switch the interior plastic so don't worry?!

[blindeyed]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

yes? to which part? Yes ,I should worry because if you get the wrong interior color your life is over, or yes it'll be easy to switch the interior plastic so don't worry?!

The plastic panels just pop off, so you can easily switch it out.

[PontiFireFalcon]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

Check out what I just got!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...TODAY.m238.lVI


for my. . .
http://www.fquick.com/PontiFireFalcon

Also, just a little hint when it comes to searching for those on ebay, try using the terms rockers, spoilers, and flares. Some people don't know the proper term is "ground effects" so you may get lucky and find a good deal that way. That's how I got mine for a good price, the guy had them listed as "Trans Am Side Rocker Spoiler Flares"

That tip really worked!! The seller had this item listed as "Trans Am Liftgate". I had spent a ton of time searching for "Trans Am Hatch" and only found damaged wrong color hatches. This one I am told is in near perfect condition and I got a good deal. $299 on the part with $165 shipping and handling. They're both Navy Blue Metallic with the Pewter (Light Grey) interior and stock bluish-green window tint!! Whaddya guys think?! How'd I do??

[unvmyrs]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

the trans am hatches really make the firebird hatches look like doodoo. good job. next you should get some rims.....I know you mentioned it...but DAMN, that car needs black c6's with the chrome lip. 18's or bigger.

[blindeyed]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

Check out what I just got!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...TODAY.m238.lVI

That tip really worked!! The seller had this item listed as "Trans Am Liftgate". I had spent a ton of time searching for "Trans Am Hatch" and only found damaged wrong color hatches. This one I am told is in near perfect condition and I got a good deal. $299 on the part with $165 shipping and handling. They're both Navy Blue Metallic with the Pewter (Light Grey) interior and stock bluish-green window tint!! Whaddya guys think?! How'd I do??

The auction says that the reserve wasn't met.. which means the seller doesn't have to sell it to you since the auction never reached the price he was wanting to sell for.

[PontiFireFalcon]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

The auction says that the reserve wasn't met.. which means the seller doesn't have to sell it to you since the auction never reached the price he was wanting to sell for.

After that auction, the seller e-mailed me and we managed to work out a deal. Rest assured, that hatch belongs to me now and it's in the mail now on its way to me. :)

[blindeyed]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

After that auction, the seller e-mailed me and we managed to work out a deal. Rest assured, that hatch belongs to me now and it's in the mail now on its way to me. :)

Awesome! You got one heck of a deal then!

[PontiFireFalcon]

Re: TA Hatch and TA Rims

Is there a write-up anywhere on how to install this?