Ep 8. Bandit Body Building

In PowerNation: Detroit Muscle season 1 episode 8, titled "Bandit Body Building," hosts Marc and Tommy tackle the challenge of restoring a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, famously known as the "Bandit" car from the classic film "Smokey and the Bandit." The car in question is in rough shape, with significant rust and damage to the body, making it a perfect project for the car enthusiasts.

The episode begins with the hosts providing an overview of the iconic 1979 Pontiac Trans Am and its significance in the car world. They explain that the Bandit car is an essential piece of American muscle car history that car enthusiasts continue to admire and desire to this day.

The first step in the restoration project is to strip the car down to its bare bones. Marc and Tommy dismantle the car, removing all damaged and rusted panels. They also take the opportunity to inspect the car's frame for any damage, which they find and repair using precision welding techniques.

After the frame repairs, Tommy and Marc get to work fitting custom-made panels for the car. The panels used in the car are fabricated in-house by the team using advanced metalworking equipment. The team makes sure to focus on the details, taking extra care to maintain the car's original character.

One of the most exciting moments of the episode comes when the car's iconic "Smokey and the Bandit" decal is applied to the car's exterior. The decal is a challenging and intricate process that requires precise measurements and careful placement. Tommy and Marc carefully apply the decal, making adjustments and modifications along the way.

Next, the team moves on to start restoring the car's interior, which is in terrible shape. The seats are ripped, the dashboard is cracked, and the carpet is worn out. The team starts by installing a new carpeting kit, and Tommy starts working on reupholstering the seats to match the car's original design.

To finish off the project, the team installs an upgraded engine and performance transmission to give the car added power and performance. Once the engine is in, Tommy and Marc fire the car up and take it for a test spin around the block.

In conclusion, PowerNation: Detroit Muscle season 1 episode 8, "Bandit Body Building," is a thrilling and informative episode that showcases the restoration of an iconic American muscle car. The talented team of hosts showcase their expertise, taking an old and damaged car and turning it into a beautiful and powerful machine. Whether you're a classic car enthusiast or just interested in learning about the process of restoring a vintage car, this episode is sure to entertain and inspire.