For Sale by Private Owner and DKM (Mecham Design) Macho Trans Am enthusiast.
Click on pictures to make them larger and see greater detail.
403 cubic inch engine, Turbo Hydromatic 350 automatic transmission, WS6 handling package with original issue Koni Shocks, this car is a complete Frame-Off restoration. DKM made just 97 Macho Trans Ams in 1979, this is number 24 of those 97.
I've been involved with Macho T/As, owning and working on every facet of these cars inside and out, for nearly the entire 30 years that the Macho Trans Am has existed. I invested more than a year on the Frame-Off Restoration of this particular car, 1979 DKM Macho Trans Am #24.
This Macho T/A has Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Trunk, Tilt Wheel, Pioneer SuperTuner stereo, factory speakers and grills.
A big part of the time invested in this project was spent getting the lines on this car tight and accurate.
Classic Car enthusiasts understand that 1970's Quality Control (where it existed at all) was nowhere near what it is today.
Look at the lines on this car. If you know your Classic Cars, you'll recognize that the tight lines we accomplished on this car are something special.
This car is beyond "clean", it runs and drives like a dream and it is a rare DKM Macho Trans Am.
Exterior Work:
I started with the frame off and installed all new Poly Urethane frame bushing's and all new Poly Urethane suspension bushings along with all new steering components, inner & outer ties, center link, upper & lower ball joints and sway bar bushings.
I disassembled the entire rear end, replaced all seals and reassembled with 3.23 gears and 4 wheel disc brakes and yes the power booster and proportioning valve have been changed along with new 'e' brake cables to complete the install.
I even changed out all interior pedal pads to match the 4 wheel disc cars along with replacing the 4 wheel disc inserts in the door handles.
Great attention to detail and a bunch of desire to accomplish a restoration that would return this car to its original glory was invested in this restore because the Macho TA (and classic car restoration) are among my passions in life.
The Turbo 350 Auto Tranny has been completely freshened up with shift kit, modulator valve & new converter. The drive shaft was cleaned, repainted and new u-joints installed.
The original #'s matching 403 engine was removed and entirely rebuilt with new oil pump, bearings, moly rings, .030 over pistons, true roller double chain and a new comp 268 hi-energy cam with comp lifters. Complete valve job with new matching comp cams dual springs installed. The Quadrajet was completely disassembled and rebuilt with new gaskets etc. and the Mecham installed metering rods.
The HEI distributor was taken completely apart, rebuilt and recurved to achieve Mecham's original curve. A new distributor cap, wires and rotor were installed along with new plugs and something that the TA enthusiast will appreciate: The notorious fan and heater core (that no one ever wants to change) were also replaced along with all new hoses and a brand new 4 core heavy duty radiator.
The engine bay was thoroughly detailed and painted before the rebuilt numbers matching 403 engine was put back in along with a rebuilt A/C compressor and receiver dryer. The system was flushed, evacuated and charged.
All new belts were installed, new Hooker Headers and a completely new exhaust system with dual only catalytic convertors, a cross over tube and no mufflers just as this car left new from DKM.
I also relocated the battery to the trunk, an option on many Machos for better weight distribution & handling, installing a remote mount Optima battery in a custom manufactered aluminum hold down with 2 gauge copper battery cables.
The original spare tire and accessories is also here.
Interior work:
The interior was gutted, dash removed and I started from scratch with a very nice back East dash. I completely removed all of the gauges, cleaned them and all bulbs were replaced. The selector switch for AC/Heat were cleaned and re-greased for like new feel. The dash bezel was sent out for a complete make over, it shines now, like the day this car was born. Everything is functional except the clock.
All new carpet was installed and all of the panels were completely detailed and reinstalled, including the backs of the seats. The front seats have Pui Hobnail covers but the backs are original GM.
I found, after much searching and some good fortune, a very nice set of black seat belts (which those knowledgeable of the Macho TA will realize are very hard to come by) and installed these.
A really nice center console with a new lid and box were installed along with DKM Macho Plaque.
I added Power Windows (which I must say operate better than new). I also installed a Power Trunk Release and the courtesy lighting group for a nice evening entry appeal.
The tilt steering column was refinished, all switches are functional and DKM center button installed.
The door panels were reconditioned and I replaced the arm rests.
The paint on this car is a very nice clear coat base coat and it has the "Screamin' Eagle" just as it did when new.
The color is original in and out and the attention to detail on the two tone Mecham paint scheme is fantastic. The paint was very methodically done with beyond great attention to detail, its absolutely striking.
The 8" wheels were refinished, the original round (not “hex type") center caps were polished and new bird emblems installed.
I had 4 brand new BF Goodrich TA Radials installed, 255 60's on the back and 245's on the front so there is no interference with the wheel wells. This car sits just like new and man the unique visual this makes for the eye is only outdone by the drive. This Macho handles phenomenally and the motor runs strong. I can say this car is an absolute blast to drive and boy does it get the “wide-eyed” looks and comments!!!
If you've paid attention to Macho Trans Ams for any length of time you've seen the price these cars sell for steadily rise.
The value of true and authentic, verified and documented Limited Edition collector cars such as this car is going to skyrocket in the years to come. Those whose loved Trans Ams when they were kids and young adults are getting to an age where their many years of hard work have gotten them to a place where they can finally have their Dream Car.
I have the original Mecham work order that was created at DKM on January 8th 1979, to document what was done on this car, who worked on it and how much time each individual spent working on the car (VIN is blocked out for privacy.)
I also have, from Pontiac Historical Society, laminated reproduction of the original window sticker for this car.
DKM Macho Trans Am #24 of the Limited Edition of just 97 Macho T/As created by DKM Design and Performance of Glendale Arizona USA, in 1979.
Don't miss out on the chance to own this unique part of American Muscle car history.
Gary (480) 818-2168
Mesa Arizona
