The Fourth Generation Trans Am is a menacing-looking musclecar, but you'd have to stretch your imagination to see the similarities between it and the famous Bandit-era Second Generation Trans Ams of '77-'81. Whoever you ask what they remember about the T/A, the first words out of their mouths will most likely be "the Screaming Chicken." More than 35 years after its 1973 introduction, the Bird hood decal still defines the Trans Am, both for Pontiac hobbyists and the general public.
One question we hear from HPP readers is, "Why doesn't somebody create a GM-quality hood bird for the Fourth-Gen Trans Am?" After much thought, we came to the conclusion that we didn't have to reinvent the Bird to reunite the Fourth-Gen Trans Am with its fine-feathered friend. Instead, we just had to figure out how to modify the Second-Gen hood decal so it would correctly fit on a newer Trans Am, and look like a factory option that left St. Therese on T/As produced in the '98-'02 era.
The project was easier than we thought and will work on any non-Ram Air '98-'02 Fourth-Gen. (It may or may not work on a Ram Air T/A, or the earlier '93-'97 Firebird-T/A hood.)
Follow along as we modify and apply a Second-Gen hood decal onto a Fourth-Gen Trans Am at Dick Norris Buick-Pontiac-GMC in Palm Harbor, Florida. Body Shop Manager Robert Bomson enlisted the talents of Kevin Fawcett, decal specialist, to handle our install. Let's see how it turned out.
High-Tech Installation Aids
Slide-On Application Gel and Slide-Over UV Protectant & Conditioner are two new products available in the '08 Phoenix Graphix catalog to make your decals install perfectly and remain great-looking
According to Phoenix Graphix, "Slide-On is the best insurance against having to purchase another decal because of an application mistake. In addition to allowing graphics to hydroplane above the surface until squeegeed, Slide-On creates a vacuum beneath the graphic whereby air is not allowed back under it, thus preventing bubbles and air pockets, making it far superior to simply using old-fashioned soap and water. Slide-On is exceptionally well received by customers and our feedback has been all praise." Slide-On Application Gel, PN SOAG, $19. (Includes application squeegee and instructions.)
"Our second new product is called Slide-Over. Long ago, Phoenix Graphix recognized the value and importance of maintaining vinyl stripes and graphic decals. Although our products are of the highest quality, Slide-Over will protect your vinyl from nature's elements and the aging that go with them. It restores lost color and luster; repels dust, dirt, oils, tree sap, smudges and stains. Treated vinyl stays cleaner and cleans up easier and protects your decal from ultraviolet rays. Slide-Over is not oily or greasy, it does not attract dust, and, most importantly, unlike petroleum distillates, it does not suck the moisture from your vinyl, rubber, fiberglass, plastic, leather, or tires. It is an excellent low-cost investment to extend the life of your decals." Slide-Over UV Protectant & Conditioner (PN SOPC) costs $19 and is available from Phoenix Graphix.
