More new members on a trial basis.

[gcsprayjr]

Hi, We are Betty and Charles Spray. We are both nurses and live just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in NC. I work at the Tribal hospital belonging to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. We are here on a trial basis, and if it is a good fit for us, we will join as full members

I am a car fanatic from the days as a child in the 1950's. My first car memories were of my father's 1954 Starchief in butterscotch color. Our family did not always own Pontiac cars, but we did own several over the years. In 1966 mom's DD was a 1966 Bonnieville coupe. The car was burgundy with a white interior. The most memorable thing about the car is that it came factory with a 421 and three duces. It had a turbo 400, power steering, power brakes, and factory air. One goal on mine is to track down the numbers built of this model with these options. Sadly the old Bonnie went to the junkyard in the mid 80's after sitting/rotting in our hay barn for 10 years. This is probably the one that got away. Nothing would have made dad happier then if I had restored the old car and kept her as a classic.

In the late 60's, Dad drove a 67 GTO vert with a 389, three duces, auto, and factory air. That car was traded on a Buick in 1970, and we have no idea if it still survives. I can only hope that it found its way to a collector and is a restored beauty today...

My current Pontiacs are an 82 WS7 Trans AM and an 86 WS6 Trans AM. Both cars are original and survivor cars. Not classics compared to the vintage beauties on this site, but worth keeping none the less. The 82 is original down to the OE tires, and has 24, 257 actual miles on her clock. Not to shabby for the worst model TA probably ever built. The 86 is 95% original and has 29,800 actual miles on her clock. She is one of the few TPI cars that came with the 215HP engine. Most 86 cars were detuned to 190HP. She is beautiful in bright blue with T-tops and has some unusual options. The 86 is a five time Class Winner, in the 100 point shows of course. She is a weekend cruiser and a very good number two. Both cars live for the 100 point shows, and ride around in an enclosed trailer to events. At some point we may move up to the 1000 point shows, however I realize that both cars will need some work to compete on that level. It may not be worth the effort for thirdgens. Besides, the 100 point shows are a lot of fun, more laid back, and like a weekend street party. We do drive the cars some, but are trying not to run the mileage up too quickly.

That brings me to the reason that I am insterested in a historical based Pontiac site. We are members of several sites where the focus is on street rodding. While that type of site is fine, it is not a perfect fit for us since we are focusing on originality and preservation. The problem with preserving a couple of thirdgens, is that is that few people are saving the throw-away cars. Even though the production numbers were quite high, the majority of those cars are modded. A lot of these models have been neglected and abused, and many are hitting the junkyards every year. Eventually the original survivor cars should begin to generate some interest.

Charles

[Larry]

Hi Charles,

Sounds like you have a long history of some very nice family Pontiacs. Too bad some didn't get saved, but hindsight is at least 20-20.

Your 3rd Gen Trans Ams sound great. Very nice original cars. I wouldn't worry too much about where they might fit into the popularity scale. Just enjoy them. Actually, like everything, they move up the scale as the years pass. And, better for you if others aren't saved, or at least kept original... just makes yours that much rarer.

If you would like to share your stories with us on the T/As as one of our monthly "Cover" Car Features in our On-Line Magazine, I would be happy to give you a free two-year PontiacRegistry.com membership- one for each car.

[gcsprayjr]

Hi Larry, Thanks for the warm welcome and for the wonderful offer.

Sorry for the delay in reply. We have been on the road all day today and are visiting family in Florida this week.

Thanks again for your offer, however I will feel weird taking a freebee.

As for sharing the stories on my two thirdgens, I am honored to share the stories. It surpises me that those of you are are interested in preservation of the classic and muscle car years of PMD might be interested in a couple of old turdgens. It is all cool though.

The only reason that I joined on the trial basis was to look around your site and see what is inside. Your site is very impressive, and historically significant. I went ahead and joined up for real for one year. You have a terrific website and obviously invest many hours of hard work and devotion to the preservation of the Oakland/Pontiac line.

The 86 has a unique and interesting history tied in with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of NC. It is a true REZ car with a famous historically significant, and very colorful original owner. There is quite a story with that car.

The 82 has a less colorful history, but is will documented.

I have pics of both cars on Photobucket. How and when do you want these submitted?

Charles

[Larry]

Hi Charles,

Yes, we have built what I believe to be the biggest single source of Pontiac information, services, and entertainment there is... and much more coming.

The '86 has my curiosity peaked! I think you will be amazed the interest in your Gen T/As. I also think you will see nothing but respect from and for all Pontiac lovers as concerns ALL Pontiacs.

I can check your Photo Bucket to see if I am able to download photos from there if you tell me where to look.

BTW, we have an On-Line Photo Gallery where you can post as much as you like. And every one can view, even if not members (friends, families, etc.

Thanks,
Larry

[super]

You will enjoy Larry's website. It is has wealths of information and all Pontiacs are welcome.

Your '82 is significant. The first of the third gens. These cars are very nice drivers and have tons of potential. It is great to see them preserved. I always enjoy seeing them at car events. They are generally rare sights, so it is great to see individuals showing them to future generation car people.

[gcsprayjr]

Wow, a 74 Super Duty! That's my favorite car!

Thanks for the warm welcome. This is a great website! With the expert layout, easy use format, and loads of information membership will certainly grow in the future. Thanks to Larry and all people who have made and continue to make this valuable resource possible.

The 82 model does fill the void between the last of the 2nd gens, and the begining of the thirdgens, and they do have lots of potential. That potential screams at me to mod the car and make it into a real screamer. Install a ZZ4 crate engine, 700R4, 9 bolt diff, and it would come alive... That's probably why few originals exists today.

Don't worry, my 82 is safe from mods. Since my 82 is an original car with 24K actual miles it should remain original. Maybe one day we will get the chance to attend one of your events in Rhode Island. You can take a spin around the parking lot in the 82. It's so lacking of performance, that it's good for giggles. Even though it is a 305 V-8, it reminds one of a V6 80's GM mid size cars, that looks like a Trans AM. When I do drive the car, someone, usually a kid, will ask me if it is fast. I tell them, sorry but it is stock, (145 HP LG4) so no it is not fast.

I'd love to see your Super Duty. that has to be the best Trans AM ever built...

Eventually I may find a high mileage thirdgen that is still in solid condition, to use to build a street rod, but will cross that bridge later.

Charles

[gcsprayjr]

http://s288.beta.photobucket.com/user/gcsprayjr/library/1982%20Trans%20AM

[gcsprayjr]

http://s288.beta.photobucket.com/user/gcsprayjr/library/8%2015%202012%2082%20Trans%20AM%2086%20Trans%20AM

[gcsprayjr]

http://s288.beta.photobucket.com/user/gcsprayjr/library/Tail%20Of%20the%20Dragon%2011-13-10%20%2086%20Trans%20AM

[gcsprayjr]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll171/gcsprayjr/Tail%20Of%20the%20Dragon%2011-13-10%20%2086%20Trans%20AM/Picture029.jpg

[gcsprayjr]

Some pics of both cars in the above links