Progress on the 69 GTO Judge

[Roger Poirier]

Its been a while. However, this car should be ready for Detroit Autorama 2006.

To some of you this is a poser car. If so, its ok by me. I don't care. This is what I envisioned and have brought to reality. Long live Posers!

LOL

R.P.

[Andrew McBride]

Great detail R.P. Poser or not, I like it soo far!
Hows the body coming along?

[Travis B]

Looks nice.....lots of chrome :drool:

[LS1Bandit]

Looks great:firefire:

[trapin]

Awesome Roger! What are the prospects for Autorama in '06? You gonna make it?

[Roger Poirier]

Trapin,


Thats still the game plan. The key is not just to have it at the Detroit Autorama, but a premium 20x20 display area. I have sent in all the right photos and proper application forms and have made a couple of phone calls. I should know my location sometime after December 1st.

R.P.

[trapin]

Awesome. This should be a fun Autorama. Frank Serafine is supposed to be there with Prodigy. We should try to talk Bill into bringing Billygoat too.

[TUBED]

Looks great Roger. What size are the Nitto's front and rear? The reason I ask is for knowledge only I'm not picking at your ride, I have some Nitto 255/45 18"s and 295/45 18"s for a 68 Chevelle and need some feedback.
Thanks,
Gerald

[Roger Poirier]

Tires: Nitto 555 Extreme

Front: 235.40.18

Rear: 275.35.20


These tires work with no problem. Check tire section for comparison on your tires.

R.P.

[Bill Howell]

We should try to talk Bill into bringing Billygoat too.

LOL, Two poser Pontiacs there at one time might be too much for everyone to handle. The car is looking great Roger, I can not wait to see it finished. Chromed drag link, :hmm: , I never thought of that.
Is the body out of body shop hell? March 3-5 is fast approaching, you better get busy. Of coarse, with long winter days ahead, what else we got to do right.......

[Roger Poirier]

LOL, Two poser Pontiacs there at one time might be too much for everyone to handle. The car is looking great Roger, I can not wait to see it finished. Chromed drag link, :hmm: , I never thought of that.

Is the body out of body shop hell? March 3-5 is fast approaching, you better get busy. Of coarse, with long winter days ahead, what else we got to do right.......


Paint should be completed by the end of DEC 05. Blocked and in primer are the doors, hood, trunk and spoiler. The fenders and body are next. Then they will put it all back together again to match once more and then tear apart to paint. Then reassemble.

There is so many misc items to attend to. I figure 1-2 months, being Jan. and Feb. just to put all back together again in working order.

I plan on taking it to the Detroit Autorama, bring it back to MCS and work out any misc bugs and have it completely ready for spring. Everyone tells me it going to be a trailer queen. Funny thing is I don't own a trailer, nor do I plan on buying one.

All the chrome on that car is approx 25-30 years old and it still looks like the day it came out of the chrome shop. I'm trying to structure the look of the car to be reminiscent of the muscle car era and yet have todays features and a modern day paint scheme. Thats why all the chrome.

In reference to Detroit Autorama. We need more Pro-touring cars. This is primarily a original muscle car, hot rod and pro street town. Lots of old school. We need to shake things up! You guys are more than welcome to come on up. I even have an inside place for you and Frank to work on your cars prior to the show. You can even dyno them. Of course I'm speaking of www.motorcitysteel.net (http://www.motorcitysteel.net). Thats were my car is being worked on.

R.P.

[Roadrage David]

Awsome looking so far great to see a real goat!!!! got a 69 GTO myself witch will be the neckst project atfher the 68 bird is finished in about 4 months . so i might pic your brains at some point lololol ...

[Martin71RS]

Very, very nice work Roger!! I sometimes whish I had a full frame car...makes working on it a lot easier (IMO) then with a subframe...

keep up the good work!
Martin

[TPI Monte SS]

Roger, like you said in my thread, it's all about what makes you happy! Your details are killer, and the chrome adds a great touch throughout the car. Good luck with it!

[colt zantop]

very nice!! us "posers" can unite! LOL...im sure im in that classification also..but who cares..right! :)

[protouring70]

Roger that is coming along nice. Can't wait to see final product!

[datsbad]

Looking good Roger! keep us updated . i like it alot . i have a soft spot for these goats!!!

[Roger Poirier]

Fact: My game plan for this car was put together after finding this site and lurking for a period of time. Then I came across some projects by G-Force Design on their web site. I was impressed!

G-FD match the project to the style of car they are doing. I have tried to follow the same path. I have learned from them to create a theme, style, budget and stay focused on the project.

I feel my own project is an outside extension of one of their cars. I like who they are, their web site, the way they do things, and the professionalism they show you when talking with them. They have been very inspirational in my own build.

R.P.

[Little Bob]

Awesome detail. More photos please

[Roger Poirier]

Awesome detail. More photos please


See below:

[datsbad]

Fact: My game plan for this car was put together after finding this site and lurking for a period of time. Then I came across some projects by G-Force Design on their web site. I was impressed!

G-FD match the project to the style of car they are doing. I have tried to follow the same path. I have learned from them to create a theme, style, budget and stay focused on the project.

I feel my own project is an outside extension of one of their cars. I like who they are, their web site, the way they do things, and the professionalism they show you when talking with them. They have been very inspirational in my own build.

R.P.


ROGER THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS!!!

Look for some updates on our projects soon.

[Steve Chryssos]

Looks like all the right hardware is there anyway. That car is no poser.

Excellent work Roger.

[Roger Poirier]

Looks like all the right hardware is there anyway. That car is no poser.

Excellent work Roger.


Thanks, Streetfytr68


For those that are wondering, yes I have bought all top of the line products.

There is three reasons why I have off the shelf items. Maybe not what a true P/T car is by some on this forum, however it works for me.

1st Reason: I'm a rookie, ask me to put in spark plugs, change the oil, tune the car, no problem. Tear an engine down? I don't think so. Do I still love cars? Yes, I have had this one for over 30 years.

2nd Reason: Even if I had ample knowledge and skill. Why would I for what I'm trying to build, which is street car. Haven't these brake, trans, and suspension companies done all the R&D for me? Plus I spent a lot of my time on this forum learning from the pro's.

3rd Reason: Some of you may not be aware. I have had 3 back and 3 intestinal surgeries within a 7 year period. As of last Dec. 04, a little less then a year ago, I could not walk with my cane more then 25-30 feet without taking a brake from exhaustion. Pain will do that to you! Yet my last back surgery was almost 3 years ago.

I have what you call, multiple large drywall screws in my back. I felt it was time to push myself. By working on my car from home, then the shop I have been able to do all the detail work on the GOAT. Although I'm far from a complete recovery. I have been able to strenghten my back and body, plus my endurance is way up. However, there is no way I could ever do the physical end of this project. Thus I had to hire it out.

R.P.

[datsbad]

Roger i can only hope your pain leaves your body and you continue to improve . I remember this from when i talked to you sometime ago . hope all is well ! now go crack the whip on those guys working on the GOAT , LOL!!!!!!

I cant wait to see it . I have my eyes on one but cant seem to get it . just this weekend i missed a nice rust free 69 GTO for 3,000 DAMN !!

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks, Streetfytr68
......I have been able to strenghten my back and body, plus my endurance is way up.......
R.P.

Good for you! Hot rod therapy. I like that concept.

[Roger Poirier]

Everyone is working real hard to get this car to 06 Detroit Autorama.
Currently three guys have been working 7 days a week for the past 3 weeks on the body and paint. We are getting close, however, a lot more to do yet.


These are pics of the firewall. When I first took these shots I thought they looked cloudy. Nope, it's the reflection from the firewall.


R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

After the car is completed for fit and finish the car is ready for primer.

Get this, the guys start by blocking the entire car with 100 grit, then 220, 320, and wet sand with 400. Then the goat is ready for paint.


This takes days upon days.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

These are pics of parts just out of the paint booth. What you are looking at is the underside of the hood and or trunk. The painters then follow up with 600 wet sand, 800 wet sand, buff/polish, 1200 wet sand and then buff/polish again. Wow, will it finely be fihished?

This wet sanding process gets ugly. More pics to come....

R.P.

[Bill Howell]

What you are looking at is the underside of the hood and or trunk.

R.P.

If that last picture is the underside of the hood, they have sanded and polished a bit too much.......lol
Could not resist. Everything is looking so good, I am getting worried though, you now have what, less than 28 days?????? Nothing like a little added pressure.....lol
I look forward to seeing it at Autorama. :twothumbs

[steemin]

Roger,
Looking good.
Talk about attention to detail :cool:
I hope that you are able to get it done in time.
I am anxious to see the car!
Scott

[BMF Machine]

Looking very nice Roger, very NICE:drool:

Is the Detroit Autorama open to the public?
Can tickets be purchased at the door?

Thanks in advance,

Kevin:smoke:

(Still trying to convence my wife that a 1982-85 Ferrari 308, is a REAL good investment?:confused: )

[Roger Poirier]

Yes the show is open to the public. My understanding is a couple hundred thousand people will attend the three day event. March 3rd-5th. Tickets are available at the door only. I believe the cost runs $10 - $12 per person.

[BMF Machine]

Yes the show is open to the public. My understanding is a couple hundred thousand people will attend the three day event. March 3rd-5th. Tickets are available at the door only. I believe the cost runs $10 - $12 per person.



Thanks, that was Fast!

Kevin

[bowtieguys]

Roger, the car looks absolutely fantastic! I have been looking forward to an update on your car. Great job!:twothumbs

[Roger Poirier]

Wet sanding process. Its like an ugly duckling before it turns into a swan.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Thanks for the compliments everyone. I will make it to the show with no time to spare! I just hope the engine runs and we can drive it into Autorama.


R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Progress for sure. My these deadlines beat the hell out of you.

The firewall is covered three times over.

1st Dynomat Extreme
2nd Dynomat Liner
3rd Factory Insulation

R.P.

[Bill Howell]

Progress for sure. My these deadlines beat the hell out of you.

The firewall is covered three times over.

1st Dynomat Extreme
2nd Dynomat Liner
3rd Factory I0nsulation

R.P.
Remember the old saying Frank and I had a while back?


SEMA is tommorrow.


Autorama is tommorrow, what you doing wasting time here......lol
You are so right though, the deadlines are killer. I will be there March 3, Looking forward to seeing it and meeting you.

[Roger Poirier]

Progress for sure. My these deadlines beat the hell out of you.

The firewall is covered three times over.

1st Dynomat Extreme
2nd Dynomat Liner
3rd Factory Insulation

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Remember the old saying Frank and I had a while back? SEMA is tommorrow.

Autorama is tommorrow, what you doing wasting time here......lol
You are so right though, the deadlines are killer.


I'm resting Bill, resting. Give me sleep baby, thats all I know for sure.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Where I'm I? What day is it? Is it morning or night time? I have been working like a mad dog earlier in the day!

R.P.

[parsonsj]

Roger,

You're killing me with these little photos! I love this car! I need bigger photos, please!

jp

[Roger Poirier]

I'm working on it. Darn computer, or it maybe its just me. Go to lateral-g. I have a lot more photos posted. I'm too tired tonight. Will work on it soon. Lots more pics to come....

JP, how do you like the cost of nice paint job? I'm with the car every day. It takes hundreds of hours of body work to make it look right. Heck spraying the car is the easy part.

R.P.

[stewy]

Wow! What a work of art! Gee even the bottom of the hood is polished!!! Now that's what I call perfection and attention to detail. Almost too nice to drive.

[parsonsj]

how do you like the cost of a nice paint job?Well ... mine cost more than I expected, but you're right about the hundreds of hours. Road Killer did mine, and they worked their ass off getting it done.

And yes, spraying is easier than the bodywork, but there is still a difference between the job an amateur (like me) can do and what a real pro can do.

Anyway, keep after it, I'm digging it!

jp

[protouring hero]

I'm confused. Are you painting the car, or are you paying somebody to paint it? Sounds like they are letting you help? you sound like you know so much about it!

[Roger Poirier]

Wow! What a work of art! Gee even the bottom of the hood is polished!!! Now that's what I call perfection and attention to detail. Almost too nice to drive.

The underside of the hood and trunk have not been polished. Thats the way it came out of the paint booth with clear on it. Its all in the prep and sanding.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

I'm confused. Are you painting the car, or are you paying somebody to paint it? Sounds like they are letting you help? you sound like you know so much about it!

I'm hiring the paint out along with the labor. I'm the R&D and detail guy. Yes, I live at the their shop. Thats how I know whats going on.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Wow! What a work of art! Almost too nice to drive.


I plan on driving it as I don't own a trailor.

R.P.

[Bill Howell]

I plan on driving it as I don't own a trailer.

R.P.

trailer,trailor
whatever, us pontiac guys drive our junk :3gears:

[Roger Poirier]

Thats how tired I'am. I go back the next day and I wrote what? :dunno:

LOL R.P.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I'm confused. Are you painting the car, or are you paying somebody to paint it? Sounds like they are letting you help? you sound like you know so much about it!

Roger, it is obvious this guy is being mean spirited or sarcastic at best. I personally have been very impressed with your physical contribution to your project, especially in light of your disability you mentioned.

And for the record, I know you do not claim to be a expert, but any technical conversation that you have participated in that I have seen always sounds like it is coming from a seasoned veteran. It shows your obviously learning from this building experience.

[parsonsj]

No worries about our "hero". Take note of his post count and user state.

jp

[speedster]

The undersides look unreal.
You're doing an awesome job Roger !!
Hey, since you can afford to have someone else paint it, why not ? Most of us do the same. I personally have no choice - with my painting skills, people run away almost as fast as the paint running down the side of the car... fast ! :hammer:

[Roger Poirier]

Thanks for looking out for me. No worries here. When you get to be Bill Howell's and my age you take things with a grain of salt. In my case one day at a time.

Here are some pics of the load of skids the company allowed me to bring in.

Frank, for the type of cars you take in from out of town, parts and all, you must charge storage? LOL

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

The first pic is of the Hydrobooster. I try to hide that thing by painting it all balck. Lines for it still need to be installed.

The fenders still need to have the Judge decals put on them. In my case we will be spraying them on and then clear coating them after.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Here is couple pics of the hood. This is not the finished piece. We tried to come up with a custom color to match close to the interior color of the car. I will end up changing the color red. The red stripe shown is just a tape line.

The lesson learned. Keep it simple stupid. I went back to an original Dupont color. I will have more pics next week.

R.P.

[ProdigyCustoms]

That hood looks hott!

[67Sally]

I love it! Thanks for sharing the entire build Rodger.
W.

[mikey]

The hood graphics look awesome. Also are you going all red interior?:twothumbs

[Roadrage David]

Rogier thats looking awesome . as said befor when my 68 bird project is done il be pikking some of your brains, for tips!!!...............

[Roger Poirier]

The hood graphics look awesome. Also are you going all red interior?:twothumbs


Wait till you see the finished hood. Even I say WOW!

Interior will be all red. Factory original with console.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

12 days to Detroit Autorama.

Latest progress on the goat. Exhaust has been mocked up and sent out for electro plating. Listed are some pics of the underneath of the car. There is one thing I did plain jane and thats the trunk. See below.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Hood and trunk paint are complete.

R.P.

[speedster]

Roger -
That goat is lookin' spectacular. Man, you could eat off of that undercarriage. Are you going to drive this ?

[speedster]

Hey Roger -
Shoot me if someone already asked this - Is the paint that you used on the undercarriage some kind of epoxy paint or a special urethane or regular paint or something else ?
Thanks.

[Roger Poirier]

Roger -
That goat is lookin' spectacular. Man, you could eat off of that undercarriage. Are you going to drive this ?

One thing I know for sure, yes I will be driving it. I just hope I don't get caught in the rain. LOL

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Hey Roger -
Shoot me if someone already asked this - Is the paint that you used on the undercarriage some kind of epoxy paint or a special urethane or regular paint or something else ?
Thanks.

The under side was painted single stage urethane. I looked into powder coating, however, it chips to easily. This way I can do touch ups. The inner wheel wells were painted in satin black.

R.P.

[Colin Frolick]

nice to see your car coming together, congratulations.

where'd you get those headers? they look like they give alot of ground clearance. are they available for round port heads?

[speedster]

Thanks for the info Roger.
Can't wait to see that done and in a magazine on a shelf somewhere...

[Roger Poirier]

nice to see your car coming together, congratulations.

where'd you get those headers? they look like they give alot of ground clearance. are they available for round port heads?

They are Hooker Headers. I have Ram Air IV heads on the car which are round port heads. I had to have them sent out to a local fab shop for ground clearance purposes. I lowered my suspension 3". Stay with 2" and you might save yourself a couple thousand. I also had to change my oil filter location. I will have pics of that shortly. I love how we engineered that item.

I hope this helps.

R.P.

[Hammered]

Roger,

You must be running on the adrenaline from seeing this come together so fast. I really love the hood treatment and may have to try something similar on my 'bird. Great job!

John

[Roger Poirier]

Roger,

You must be running on the adrenaline from seeing this come together so fast.

John

Exhaustion is more like it. I get out of bed, take a whrilpool bath then take two darvacet. Go to the shop around 8:00 - 9:00 am. By 12:00 - 1:00 pm I take another two darvacet. I work until 6:00-7:00 pm at least the last couple weeks anyways. I come home eat dinner, take a whrilpool bath and once again take two darvacet. Collapse on the bed until the next day.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Roger,

I really love the hood treatment and may have to try something similar on my 'bird. Great job!

John

This is the coolest part of the project, PAINT. Once the car is together I will have more hood shots. Listed is birds eye view of the hood. Thats dust on the hood giving it that grayish look to it. Take note of the fade at the front of the hood. It actually starts at the beginning of the nose, not shown.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Seven days a week, 10-12 hours per day. Where is my medication?

Check out the exhaust and the relocated oil filter. A little different location then most, yet still easy access.

R.P.

[Roger Poirier]

Every one is working like a mad dog! The GOAT under construction.

R.P.

[Bill Howell]

See Ya Friday! :bananna2:

[TUBED]

It looks great, the red OE interior install gives it a nice touch.
Gerald

[GTOConno]

Beautiful job. Tastefully customized. Chip Foose call your office! I can't wait to see your finished car.
I only hope my GTO comes out half as nice.

Good luck
Conno

[Roger Poirier]

Beautiful job. Tastefully customized. Chip Foose call your office! I can't wait to see your finished car.
I only hope my GTO comes out half as nice.

Good luck
Conno

It is all in the detail work! You can do it.... All it takes is time and energy.

P.S. Chip is my hero. :geek:

R.P.

[rocketman]

that's sweet.awesome job,good luck at the autorama

[Roger Poirier]

See Ya Friday! :bananna2:

Bill I will be easy to find. These stupid indoor shows make you buy carpet to set your car on. I will be bringing my pillow from home and sleeping on the floor next to the car. I hope I get to shower before the show or management is going to think I'm a free loader catching some zzzzzzz. Sleep baby, thats all I need. :sleeping:

R.P.