considering 99 TA with 96k..any thoughts?

**ddw350** · 10-17-2012, 04:34 PM

been looking at a 99 trans am convertible to play around with in the nicer weather[now that winters comin..] white with a white top.looks nice,paint appears decent and body overall nice.has ls1 with 96k on it. askin price is 6900,supposedly is a 3 owner car all local and one was a woman. anything particular i should go into detail about when givin the car a really good going over.im not real familiar with the trans am so im not sure what goes wrong with them alot. did have a 02 camaro that had the ls1 and 70k and had rear end probs and stereo was garbage! thanks for any info!

**excrider121** · 10-17-2012, 06:57 PM

Check for t-top leaking...Seems to be a major issue with lots of them (mine included)

**Mean Green Z28** · 10-17-2012, 08:18 PM

usual fbody issues, which are few and none are major, most are just cheap build lol. Check to see it the headlight motors are original or need attention use to grinding/etc. Check power antenna.

The only place I've seen rust really start on these cars is between rear floorboard the LCA bracket attachment points

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-18-2012, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by excrider121

Check for t-top leaking...Seems to be a major issue with lots of them (mine included)

He's looking at a vert.....

Op, these 2 threads should help you...

http://www.ls1.com/forums/f6/guide-buying-fbody-118628/

http://www.ls1.com/forums/f6/differe...y-years-27512/

Now with a vert I'd look hard at the rear qtr panels for any signs of body flex, make sure the top cover motor works well and check for any tears. Motor and tranny you should already know from previous experience.

if you do pick it up and it has no SFC's my first investment would be 3 point SFC's That way you'll have no worries of body flex.

Asking price doesn't seem to far off. I make the 3rd owner of mine and got it for $6500 with 108k miles 3 yrs ago.

**ddw350** · 10-18-2012, 02:25 PM

thanks for the info,i never thought of the headlight motors,not used to them flipping,seems like that is a breakdown waiting to happen! im sure the pinion seal is wet,all i ever seen has been anyway,not that concerned about that really,unless its leaving a puddle..body flex should be pretty obvious as stated in the guide to buying a F body,i didnt see anything noticeable. it appears to be completely stock as well,not even a k&n filter..which is probably a good thing knowing it wasnt modded and had the crap run out of it! hey smws6ta...any issues at the mileage your at?

**transamtom** · 10-18-2012, 03:15 PM

I bought mine with 120,000 on it 2 years ago for $6200.

Best $6200 I have ever spent,I have had a blast with it

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-19-2012, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by ddw350

thanks for the info,i never thought of the headlight motors,not used to them flipping,seems like that is a breakdown waiting to happen! im sure the pinion seal is wet,all i ever seen has been anyway,not that concerned about that really,unless its leaving a puddle..body flex should be pretty obvious as stated in the guide to buying a F body,i didnt see anything noticeable. it appears to be completely stock as well,not even a k&n filter..which is probably a good thing knowing it wasnt modded and had the crap run out of it! hey smws6ta...any issues at the mileage your at?

currently has 166k miles and still running strong. Knock on wood....... Of course I've done a "little" mod work with mine

see signature. In addition to my 8.8 rear project I have a LQ4 short block in storage that is my next major project. I plan on keeping the LS1 and look for a classic car or truck to throw it into.

If I ever get a Vert I know I wouldn't be doing all that I have on this one. A vert would be my cruising car.

If you do get her, I strongly suggest the SFC's.