86 TA WIW

[TaKid455]

Got a line on an 86 TA. 5sp, T Top, red/ gray cloth. Faded paint and possible seized engine. Body looks OK from the pics I was sent. Interior seemed OK but not perfect.

Any love for these or is China the best place for it to go at this point?

[BonzoHansen]

A lot of folks like third gens. Sounds like a 500-1500 car just based on your description.

[NastyEllEssWon]

If its a 5 speed, T-tops and G92 RPO code for the 9 bolt rear you'd have a real nice car to resell if you put some work in it

[1320B4U]

3rd gens are gaining momentum in price as of recent...25+years now for most of them. What are your plans for the car. This sounds like a parts car or complete redo for race/track use. You can still pick up a running/driving mid-third gen for 2-3k though..the price of this one should reflect that.

[NJSPEEDER]

Depends what it has on it. Check the RPO codes or sways/springs to see if it is WS6, not all were. which engine I believe 86 was LG4 or LB9 in the TA (I'm sure the internet can confirm if 85 was the last year of the L69 or if it was still available) Check the axle codes, G92 posi and a good gear set is always nice to have, as mentioned above see if it is the more desireable 9 bolt, which transmission it came with is the big one as the 5spd set up alone basically doubles the value of the car.

Scott is dead on about the price range, figure LG4/auto is the most common and least desirable at the bottom of hte range and T5/LB9 with 9bolt rear and WS6 package is the top for a car needing resto. Even if it is really a $500 car you can double your money parting it out.

[TaKid455]

Depending on what all it has optionwise and condition, it would be a beater/ flip car. Don't need another project, but I do enjoy saving and returning cars back to the road if possible & economically feasible. Other option would be if someone wanted me to build the car for them but the group that is willing to put respectable $$ in a 3rd gen is kinda small. However, it is growing. Anyone want an LS swapped 3rd gen? haha Aside from shop projects, I am returning a 77 TA and a 47 Ford back to the road currently. Not restos but just taken from sitting dead cars to fully sound, functional & respectable appearing vehicles.

Current personal project is a 72 TA infused with some modern enhancements. Similar to my 78 TA but more stock appearing. This is a nut and bolt, full works build.

Going to check out the 3rd gen this week sometime and decide what to do from there. I'll report the outcome, specs, ect.

[NastyEllEssWon]

on the plus side of things, if you do decide to pick it up...most things are cheap and plentiful...if not one then the other