My dad's '65 gto restoration

[Later-A-body]

I am starting this build thread for my fathers '65 Tempest (GTO Clone). This is a car that I have been familiar with for close to 25 years. It was owned by a very close friend of mine. We have known each other since high school and have both built high powered Pontiacs while comparing notes about each others cars. My father has been into cars his whole life, and owned a lot of cool cars back in the day when they were new. Since I have built a few cars over the years, we always had the car thing in common. Last year my dad started asking me questions about this muscle car he saw here or there, and thought maybe he wanted to get something for himself. So after a few months I asked him how serious he was. At the same time my friend was telling me he was putting the GTO up for sale. Meantime my dad is telling me about a Nova, Chevelle, Mustang, etc. he saw online or at a local cruise night for sale. I wanted him to get a good car that was pretty much all there but not break the bank. Since I have always been into Pontiacs, I personally would rather see him get a Pontiac, so I told him about the GTO. It had everything that I would have considered mandatory, a fresh low mileage well built roller cammed 455, TH400, 12 bolt with 3.36's and the most important thing...no rust. A real solid car (and fast as hell) that needed some TLC and cosmetics. My buddy Steve had already put all the factory GTO equipment on the car years ago before most of the reproduction parts were available. So my dad struck a deal to buy the car. It had not been driven regularly for quite a few years, so it needed some work done. My dad and I put a plan together to restore the car rather than spend the money needed to get it roadworthy just to take the car apart anyway. So we started a few months ago. The motor and trans are out and the exhaust is cut out. Since I have done a body off restoration on my Grand Am twice, I felt comfortable taking this car on. We have power washed the undercarriage and I planned to clean, primer and paint the frame, replace the body bushings, and undercoat the floors and wheel wells. My dad is familiar with the attention to detail I have on my GA and all the powdercoating of the frame and other parts. So we have now decided to just take the frame out and powdercoat it along with all of the brackets, core support, inner fenderwells, etc. This a one time deal and I want him to have no regrets. My father travels quite a bit so a lot of the work will fall to me, but I am happy to do it which gives me more time to spend with him and my younger brother who is a car guy as well. Since it is not a real GTO, we are changing the color to a Toyota color called Aloe Metallic Green. It is a beautiful color, sort of close to an original GTO color of Palmetto Green. Interior will change to Parchment, and probably go with a medium to dark green carpet. The motor just needs to be freshened up with a paint job and some gaskets. So the plan is to get the frame and all the parts sent out for powder in the next few weeks, then the car into pant in August. I plan to have my GA back together by the end of year as well as the GTO, then the plan is to go to all the local car shows and events together next year. One last detail, we are doing this whole project in his one car garage!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/52x0mlp3wnsp4lv/2012-09-14%2017.23.44.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ojeb7juoh6p6pq9/2012-09-20%2016.28.36.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2uqsw22un0jtkfi/2013-02-28%2017.25.06.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i4j4mags0vbc75y/2013-02-28%2017.24.17.jpg

[Later-A-body]

Here are some other pictures. The interior was in OK condition, but the seats were shot. No support, springs were worn out. Really uncomfortable to sit in. I suggested we go with something more modern and comfortable. He agreed. We looked at some aftermarket seats, but since we plan to go with a Parchment interior, anything we buy has to get re-upholstered, so that would be a waste of money. So I told him I could find him some modern seats in the local junkyards that could be re-upholstered and save a ton of money up front. So I came up with a set of front buckets from a 2000 Saab Aero Coupe that I pulled out at local wrecking yard. Total cost $90.00. Very nice seats. Fully adjustable as well. Again since this is not a real GTO, we are not going to worry about 100% originality. This project will be a mild Pro-Touring build, and the modern interior will work well into the theme.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yfzfaxc78rom7m3/2013-02-28%2017.25.19.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pwvnd8yfvi43r9f/2013-02-28%2017.27.39.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ig9mx424dyyihor/2013-08-06%2016.24.31.jpg

[Later-A-body]

Last month we started disassembling the car. We pulled out the motor and transmission. Motor is a .030 over 1972 455 with ported Edelbrock 72cc heads, CR is 10.9:1. Cam is an Ultradyne hyd. roller, .590 lift, 230/238 duration, on a 112 LSA. Modified Holley 800 DP, Edelbrock Perf. RPM, forged internals, windage tray, etc. Total mileage on the motor is only 2500 over the last 8 years. We are pulling the heads and replacing the head gaskets for insurance. Then we will repaint the motor to give it a fresh look.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/aide92bclys44f4/2013-05-19%2015.09.27.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qrqelwsijwm6hho/2013-05-19%2015.09.35.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1lb34ujf4afs3ap/2013-05-08%2016.00.59.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y0k32l7pd8rlf5c/2013-08-18%2013.50.12.jpg

[Later-A-body]

The next part of the teardown was the suspension and rear end. All of the pieces have been removed, and the 12 bolt was taken out. The three of us, myself, my dad, and my younger brother worked on it together. One benefit of this car is that it has a lot of upgraded parts to begin with. Hotchkis upper A-arms, and rear upper trailing arms were already installed before he bought the car. We are also planning to replace the rear lower trailing arms with new Hotchkis parts. The 12 bolt has late model F-body disc brakes, and the front has upgraded 12" disc brakes. we got started on cleaning and repainting the undercarriage. My dad power washed the entire chassis and undercarriage. Best part is there is no rust anywhere to be found in the floors. My brother and I got started on cleaning and repainting the undercarriage. We used a spray on undercoating followed by a coat of low gloss black. See photos. As you can see by the look on my face on the first picture, I was thrilled to be under the car getting really filthy on a 95 degree day!! We all had a great time working together, which is the whole point of transforming this car into a beautiful project my father will be excited to drive. Totally worth it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2ltjrl7hr9d6xa7/2013-07-14%2019.08.38.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kb477pvjjiins1k/2013-08-13%2017.01.50.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lrtgr2gy1e62dww/2013-08-13%2017.01.40.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s0ji9c0xqw78xvw/2013-08-13%2017.02.09.jpg

[Nicks67GTO]

Was that 65' for sale on PY for a while? It looks firmilar. If its the one Im thinking of, I remember thinking that would have been a great car for my Dad had it been even remotely close.

[Later-A-body]

Yes, it is the same car that was on PY for sale.

[Later-A-body]

Here are a few updates to our '65 GTO build. We received the frame back from the powdercoater. The frame is installed and aligned. I installed a complete urethane body bushing kit from Energy Suspension. The kit is for '64-'66 Chevelles but everything fit perfectly. My dad primed and painted the firewall. We purchased new stock reproduction front lower control arms from OPGI, as well as getting the Hotchkis upper front A-arms powdercoated. Hotchkis has a Delrin bushing upgrade that we installed in the upper arms after having the rubber bushings removed. We got the front arms installed, and next we will be installing the springs and shocks. My dad also decided to purchase the Hotchkis rear lower control arms as well. We already have the Hotchkis adjustable upper rear arms that were installed on the car. I hope to get the rear end and all the rear suspension installed this next weekend.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o7z911003g2lul5/2013-10-14%2017.38.39.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/eu0i29ejb3z1uf9/2013-10-18%2018.57.10.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2uo7flps1k5fp5b/2013-10-18%2018.56.37.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ume25yjwxbvh4b/2013-10-18%2018.56.20.jpg

[Nicks67GTO]

Here are a few updates to our '65 GTO build. We received the frame back from the powdercoater. The frame is installed and aligned. I installed a complete urethane body bushing kit from Energy Suspension. The kit is for '64-'66 Chevelles but everything fit perfectly. My dad primed and painted the firewall. We purchased new stock reproduction front lower control arms from OPGI, as well as getting the Hotchkis upper front A-arms powdercoated. Hotchkis has a Delrin bushing upgrade that we installed in the upper arms after having the rubber bushings removed. We got the front arms installed, and next we will be installing the springs and shocks. My dad also decided to purchase the Hotchkis rear lower control arms as well. We already have the Hotchkis adjustable upper rear arms that were installed on the car. I hope to get the rear end and all the rear suspension installed this next weekend.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o7z911003g2lul5/2013-10-14%2017.38.39.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/eu0i29ejb3z1uf9/2013-10-18%2018.57.10.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2uo7flps1k5fp5b/2013-10-18%2018.56.37.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ume25yjwxbvh4b/2013-10-18%2018.56.20.jpg

Interesting on the ES body mounts. I was told that the Energy Suspension fit on these early A body kits were terrible, a lot of shimming had to happen and they didnt come with hardware. Did your set come with hardware?

[Nicks67GTO]

The next part of the teardown was the suspension and rear end. All of the pieces have been removed, and the 12 bolt was taken out. The three of us, myself, my dad, and my younger brother worked on it together. One benefit of this car is that it has a lot of upgraded parts to begin with. Hotchkis upper A-arms, and rear upper trailing arms were already installed before he bought the car. We are also planning to replace the rear lower trailing arms with new Hotchkis parts. The 12 bolt has late model F-body disc brakes, and the front has upgraded 12" disc brakes. we got started on cleaning and repainting the undercarriage. My dad power washed the entire chassis and undercarriage. Best part is there is no rust anywhere to be found in the floors. My brother and I got started on cleaning and repainting the undercarriage. We used a spray on undercoating followed by a coat of low gloss black. See photos. As you can see by the look on my face on the first picture, I was thrilled to be under the car getting really filthy on a 95 degree day!! We all had a great time working together, which is the whole point of transforming this car into a beautiful project my father will be excited to drive. Totally worth it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2ltjrl7hr9d6xa7/2013-07-14%2019.08.38.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kb477pvjjiins1k/2013-08-13%2017.01.50.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lrtgr2gy1e62dww/2013-08-13%2017.01.40.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s0ji9c0xqw78xvw/2013-08-13%2017.02.09.jpg

What undercoating did you use? Was it easy to prep and spray? Did you need your own gun to do it or did the kit come with a gun?

[TEMP GTO]

Nice build. I also have 65 Tempest that I bought from Cali. I will be watching your progress. I believe my plan is to go with the Palmetto Green but things have a way of changing down the line. I have mine all apart now and in a holding pattern until I can gather up some funds to start working on it again.

[Later-A-body]

The body bushings went in without any issues. They fit perfectly. Good instructions and all the hardware was included. As for the undercoat, we used about 5 cans. Cant recall the name but it covered very well and was easy to apply. I painted over the undercoat with a light coating of low sheen black.

[Later-A-body]

We've had the 455 at our local engine builder here in town to do some freshening up on the top end. The heads were removed in order to replace the head gaskets since the motor was built about ten years ago, and had very limited use. I felt it was better to be safe. We also had the valve springs replaced. The motor was repainted with a spray gun. I had the intake cut into two pieces to allow for easy manifold removal. The carb was also rebuilt. Looks like a brand new motor now compared to what it looked like when we pulled it. We plan to drop it back in this week or weekend.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pmc7c0twuz71vf7/2013-11-04%2012.17.39.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tu5200w1y08wtrz/2013-11-04%2012.18.03.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/la2g5ee1pszqjgc/2013-11-04%2012.18.45.jpg

[analyte]

Nice looking engine. Great project for your Dad!!

[Later-A-body]

More pictures of the motor. Got the top end finished. New Comp valve springs, new head gaskets installed, and the existing Harland Sharp 1.65 rockers. Cam lift is right at .600 lift.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8bryrsx3lnd3662/IMG_5249.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cd4lo1i57pu18pa/IMG_5247.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/aqxixmuo1y7u62q/IMG_5248.jpg

[Later-A-body]

Have not posted updates in a while. Here are some pictures of the progress made in the last few months. It is a rolling chassis again. We were able to reinstall the 455/TH400. After sitting down with my dad and going to a few local car shows, he decided he prefered the engine to look more stock with everything painted the factory Pontiac blue.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/p86e6bjinhc489d/wCKF25Ok-l
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/d256hcdrnj297gk/qIwo-rh74E
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/6web12o2zfdr8h1/GAtEWPWp8M
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/hw3wlnb9oeqmvn7/I5r6TXgv9v

[Later-A-body]

The car made the trip to the paint shop back in late November. We had made arrangments to have the car back in late January/early February. Well great plan, but as many of you know, the body shop does not always follow through. So after wasting a month of our time, we pulled the car out of the original shop and delivered it to a new shop. This was a big disappointment because we were planning to attend Jim Wangers 50th. Anniversay of the GTO event here in So. Cal in March.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/w2b2e09fxmpn4nu/tfm0_Ujhyq
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/4nvk7ffblgoj0jr/smm3K6XZIo
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/05ufmcdzdhd28qy/vQdbGKkGir

[Later-A-body]

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/se0pq1757d9itk7/iwyICU6Cnh
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/059agfhhx4uc60k/gUAI45Ai2I
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/26j8ky68gn8cqhj/sC6wN3LW1H
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/s48w93xgzevo1bx/yX24AnIxqJ