Barn Find Smokey & The Bandit Trans Am: A 34-Year Abandoned Resurrection Attempt

Discovery and Initial Assessment

• 💡 A Smokey and the Bandit style Trans Am is discovered after being abandoned in a barn for over 25 years, with hopes it's the rare special edition.
• 🎯 The car is confirmed to be a special edition with the distinctive gold bird decal, T-tops, and shaker hood, though its mechanical condition is unknown.
• 🔑 The original title from 1984 is found, detailing the car's purchase for $3,000 plus a trade.

Barn Extraction and Detailing Prep

• 🚀 The Trans Am is carefully winched out of the barn, surprisingly rolling well despite its age and a significant sidewall tear in one tire.
• 🧼 Collaboration with WD Detailing is highlighted, with their enclosed trailer used to transport the car to their shop for cleaning and assessment.
• ⚠️ Initial inspection reveals significant dirt, hay, and animal droppings, with the car's true color obscured.

Mechanical Inspection and Engine Woes

• ⚙️ The car is confirmed to have a Pontiac 400 cubic inch engine, either the L78 or W82 variant, with headers and a Quadrajet carburetor.
• 🔬 Boroscoping the cylinders reveals surprisingly clean walls and pistons with minimal carbon buildup, a positive sign.
• 💔 However, upon removing the valve covers, a damaged and collapsed lifter and a bent push rod are discovered, indicating significant internal engine damage.
• 🔒 The engine is found to be completely locked up, with multiple lifters frozen in their bores, suggesting a major rebuild is necessary.

Cleaning and Cosmetic Restoration

• ✨ WD Detailing begins the cleaning process, removing vast amounts of hay and animal waste, revealing the car's black paint.
• 🧼 Pressure washing and clay bar treatment begin to bring back some shine, though significant rust is noted on many panels.
• 🌟 New replica 17-inch snowflake wheels are introduced, a significant cosmetic upgrade for the car.

Sale and Future Restoration

• 🤝 The Trans Am is sold to Hussein and his father from Forza Automotive, who specialize in Bandit Trans Am restorations.
• 💰 The car is sold for $5,000, with the understanding that it requires a full restoration, including bodywork and engine rebuild.
• 🚗 The new owners plan to document the restoration on their YouTube channel, continuing the car's journey.
• 🎉 The video concludes with a look at the buffed-out car, showcasing its improved appearance despite the underlying mechanical issues, and the presenter taking a small piece of the car as a memento.