Project Ponti-X 1967 A Body Build

[jschmidt97306]

Brought home a very clean (rust freeish) 1967 Pontiac Tempest out of NorCal. The car was previously set up as a street / strip hot rod with a cool 400 tri power engine. Plans are to completely disassemble, sell of frame and drive train and set his car on a full chassis and LS power.
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[jschmidt97306]

The dirty work. Car will be disassembled and all body parts dipped to clear nearly 6 decades of grime, paint and sealers. As usual Benny is excited to help out.
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[jschmidt97306]

Made some wood blocks that fit the contour of the rockers.
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[carter_eng_fab]

Amazing build! Sharing the build plan really let's us peak behind the curtain.

19x12's! That's going to look awesome

[jschmidt97306]

Amazing build! Sharing the build plan really let's us peak behind the curtain.

19x12's! That's going to look awesome

Yeah, I like to plan for worse case. I usually shave quite a bit off with bargain hunting and work arounds. Hope I can cut 20K but we will see. Many people don't understand the prices paid at legit shops for full builds. When I go to Barrett and watch a full chassis build go across the blocks at 150K I think they just got a steal. Just ad up the materials and then ad shop time at $150 (or more) per hour. I am going to track my hours this time, out of curiosity. I had 46 hours in deconstruction and prep for dipping, that would be $6750 of labor at a shop and it isn't even really started.

Certainly there are many very high end / sweet cars without a full chassis. But it takes lot's of fabrication hours to do it right. Those with the skills can pull it off, but if you take it to a shop get your check book out.

I have great respect for all different ways to go about a build. This way to approach a project is not right or wrong it is just my preference.

[carter_eng_fab]

Yeah, I like to plan for worse case. I usually shave quite a bit off with bargain hunting and work arounds. Hope I can cut 20K but we will see. Many people don't understand the prices paid at legit shops for full builds. When I go to Barrett and watch a full chassis build go across the blocks at 150K I think they just got a steal. Just ad up the materials and then ad shop time at $150 (or more) per hour. I am going to track my hours this time, out of curiosity. I had 46 hours in deconstruction and prep for dipping, that would be $6750 of labor at a shop and it isn't even really started.

Certainly there are many very high end / sweet cars without a full chassis. But it takes lot's of fabrication hours to do it right. Those with the skills can pull it off, but if you take it to a shop get your check book out.

I have great respect for all different ways to go about a build. This way to approach a project is not right or wrong it is just my preference.

That all makes sense. I'm sure some people don't add up the receipts and just live in denial too ha.

I am on the modest budget end of things because it's what I can afford/justify. I definitely have a lot of respect for all different builds as well.

[jschmidt97306]

They came back factory fresh. Just a couple little dings.
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[ryeguy2006a]

Really cool project, and I love the name.

[jaybee]

Looks like you've got a great starting point for your project. Looking forward to seeing more.

[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

Waiting for Chassis. Working on panels and brackets. 217767217768217769217770

[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

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[chevyz240]

Looks like it is going to be a nice high end build, albeit expensive, Jeff! :)

I am happy that I never made a budget before starting my project, because then I don't think I would have started it... I do however, keep track on all costs, down to the penny. It is interesting to see how big a part of the total cost is made up of the myriad of small, cheap things, and also how much all the consumables like gloves, tape, degreaser, gas for the welder and so on cost. Anyhoo, best of luck with the project!


The plans include Art Morrison Sport GT Chassis, Wegner LSX 441, GearStar 4L65 level 5 Transmission. I include my rough budget and plan worksheet below. These chassis projects are expensive, but it is what I like to build.


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[jschmidt97306]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/03W9sJ_Xe-U

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[AngryBird75]

Those welds are perfection.

[jschmidt97306]

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[ryeguy2006a]

That frame looks amazing! Looks like you are making solid progress on the body too.

[jaybee]

I was thinking the same about the frame work, that's beautiful.

[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

I good time to get some HushMat in those hard to reach areas while on the rotisserie. This product lays down nice and stays put.
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[jschmidt97306]

Process: Chemical Dip Body, Wire Wheel, Degrease, 80 grit Sanding, POR 15 Degreaser, POR 15 Metal Prep (Etching)

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[jschmidt97306]

New ride height.
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[ryeguy2006a]

Looks great! You work quickly

[Bob in St. Louis]

This is incredible, thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[vanguard]

What do you think of the chemical dipping ? I've got a 70 challenger with quite a bit of rust. Debating on media blasting or dipping.

A few shops have told be the chemicals seem to drip out over time. Whats been your experience with this car ? thanks Eric

[jschmidt97306]

What do you think of the chemical dipping ? I've got a 70 challenger with quite a bit of rust. Debating on media blasting or dipping.

A few shops have told be the chemicals seem to drip out over time. Whats been your experience with this car ? thanks Eric

I have not seen any evidense of left over chemicals. Takes some careful prep prior to body work but you start with a clean slate. Other builds I had blasted have sand dripping out for years.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F77hvJT0gHA

- - - Updated - - -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F77hvJT0gHA

[jschmidt97306]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F77hvJT0gHA

[jschmidt97306]

Great Parts ready for Install DeWitts, Aeromotive, Ron Francis, IDIDIT
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[jschmidt97306]

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[slazisme]

Early Christmas in November? Someones been in Santa's good books. Moving forward on this build with lots of nice parts!
Just one thing........some of the pics need to be rotated as to avoid me getting a sore neck.
One Christmas I asked my wife to get me a gift card for Tirerack after my LS conversion.......you're gonna need one.

[jschmidt97306]

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[ryeguy2006a]

Very nice work on the inner fender!

[jschmidt97306]

@ididit column fit perfect in factory brackets. #Aurorarestomod #PontiX #Carbuff #Forgelinewheels #Wilwood #Aeromotive #Dakotadigital #Dewittsradiator #Ronfranciswiring #Ididit #Hushmat #POR15 #Artmorrison #Wegnerautomotive #Gearstar219090219089219091

[jschmidt97306]

Knocking mock up stuff off list before paint.

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[jschmidt97306]

Speaker Frames


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Aeromotive EFI Tank
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Ridetech Triple Adjustable
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[jschmidt97306]

Installed reservoirs
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[jschmidt97306]

3" system will be coated and wrapped
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[jschmidt97306]

New @Forgeline wheels soon.
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[TerryH432]

Wow! I love these cars. Had a 400/4 speed '67 back in the day. Excellent body of work you've done on this. Looking forward to seeing more!

[jschmidt97306]

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[ryeguy2006a]

That's a nice touch. I like those subtle mods.

[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

Hit the car with high build epoxy for blocking. Repeat this a couple more times than the car comes apart for fine tuning panels.

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[Raszaron]

Fantastic Pontiac build! Love seeing these old Pontiacs get new life! Looking forward to seeing this project being updated here!

[Bob in St. Louis]

Loving the pics!

[jschmidt97306]

Forgeline builds an awesome wheel.

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[jschmidt97306]

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[ryeguy2006a]

Your gaps and fitment look amazing!

[Rucumn]

Which epoxy did you use and how does it sand? I have been away from the painting scene for half a dozen years and these high build epoxies are being used more and more but I have never tried. Few questions:

- How does it build? Comparable to a good 2K? How would it compare to a polyester?
- Economics and time of using? Traditionally I use Epoxy as a sealer and base then immediately fill and polyester over the epoxy to do my block down work. Once I have done a couple passes I will spray 2K for a final block down getting out all sanding scratches.

Thanks for sharing your process & great work! I love these 66-67 Pontiacs.

[Bygblok]

Man this is looking great! Love seeing another A-body coming together. Wish mine was that nice!!

[jschmidt97306]

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[jschmidt97306]

Super Clean and Light Aero Brakes from Wilwood. Installed like a dream.
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[Bob in St. Louis]

Not too many photos make me slow down, soak in, and really appreciate the time, love, and craftmanship as these do.
I tip my hat to ya, well done. I can "feel" the work done here.

[jschmidt97306]

Not too many photos make me slow down, soak in, and really appreciate the time, love, and craftmanship as these do.
I tip my hat to ya, well done. I can "feel" the work done here.

Thank You Bob!