'72 GTO - Project 'Just-A-Driver'...

[gto406]

I haven't provided project updates since joining as I was sorting out the direction for this project, and how to proceed.

I decided to reincarnate the car as a 'clean driver' - a car with decent ability to go, steer, and stop while remaining true to the original car that Pontiac built.

This car had a frame-off in 1991, but I never finished the body and was not happy with the final product.

After moving, I had a double garage not fit for working in. First step was to get the garage in shape (strapped walls, insulation, wiring, drywall, paint/trim) followed by electrical (110v panel), air-lines, etc.

In the past few months where/when I have time (as I travel for work) I have been working (with some help) to get the body off. It was a little farther than I originally thought I would take the car, but I believe it will be easier to assemble the chassis and give me a better result. We built a body jig (which moves) out of wood, after I realized a full steel rotisserie was just over the top for my needs. Plans are to reuse this on a couple of cars a friend of mine has - that we will work on next.

Frame and underside of car were blasted in 1991 so I am not going that route again, I am just cleaning up 'rough spots'. The frame was painted in a rust-oxide primer, followed by an acrylic enamel. Plans are to weld up the frame, add some support (box the rear parts of the channel), primer/sealer then shoot it with a Nason chassis black. Also, where applicable I am using a corrosion converter on some of the frame. Got my Miller 210 a couple of weeks back, and after some re-orging in the garage, I have begun work on the frame.

Also managed to get the front window, and interior out of the car.

I will have to stagger my build a bit (next step once frame is ready is 'tuck' it under the jig and switch to the body. Tasks include sanding the car down to bare metal (with a D/A) and then pulling those doors off (to replace them with my clean California doors I purchased two years ago). Following that, we will cut out and repair any rotten metal. So far, it looks like the quarters are our only bad spot (I have one small metal patch to put in the firewall). Suprisingly clean for a 30+ year old Canadian car.

Hope you enjoy the pic's :)

Will start with a 'before' pic when I had the car on the road back in 2001.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://www.pro-touring.com/forum/%3Ca%20href=%22http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=GTORQtr0801.jpg%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3 E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/GTORQtr0801.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%2272%20 Before%22%3E%3C/a%3Ehttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/GTORQtr0801-1.jpg

Cheers,
Brian.

[gto406]

Some additional snaps of the body lift and where we are at currently:

Lifting body:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC06231-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC06236-1.jpg

On the cart:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC06239-1.jpg

Welding frame seams:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC06316-1.jpg

Box plate driver/side (ready to weld-in):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC06318-1.jpg

[gto406]

Suspension components include:

- Global west tubular upper/lower ctrl-arms w/Del-A-Lums
- Global west lowering springs (frt+rear) 1" drop (frt) .75" drop (rear)
- Global west tie-rod connecting sleeves
- 4 wheel disc-brake (Right-stuff/Matt's Classic system)
- AGR Billet 12:1 fast-ratio steering box
- Metco Racing rear upper/lower control arms
- Will be running stock frame bushings
- Plan is to run stock 15" Honeycomb wheels with a BF-Goodrich or possibly Dunlop GT Qualifier radial (likely a 235 in the front and a 255 or 265 out back)
- All new front steering tie rods, centre-link, pitman and idler arm

- Original 72 Numbers match 400 (punched .030) with a Comp-Cams P-280H
- Pontiac #62 castings, mild port work with an Edelbrock aluminum P4B, and a Quadrajet carb

[CruizinKev]

very nice project! looks good :twothumbs

[Code Red]

good luck on the goat

[gto406]

Many thanks CruizinKev and CodeRed. I appreciate it!

[1971CHEVELLE]

nice project

[novaracer_2000]

Looking good,can't wait to see more pics!

[gto406]

Thanks guys, one more update pic I forgot to add...

Interior OUT, and front windshield removed:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC06319-1.jpg

Novaracer_2K, I plan to go a little different route, and box the rear part of the frame with some knee braces (of 11 ga. hot-rolled steel sheet). I plan to mimic what Lou Santiago (formerly of Muscle-Car) did to that '67 Lemans frame, they built. I am trying to leave enough space for the exhaust system, brake cables and driveshaft. With nothing currently attached to the frame, I guess I am getting a bit paranoid in terms of causing an unforeseen problem when I re-assemble. I should have taken better measurements of the existing exhaust/cables etc. when I was taking it apart. A learning experience for sure 8^)

Cheers,
Brian.

[acegto]

Any updates??? Doing a 72 lemans myself and could use some inspiration...

[gto406]

Hi acegto,

Yes! Pics to come soon (unfortunately I am in Europe on business).

We have finished boxing the side frame rails, and also added some supporting welds to the bottom front portion of the frame (right under the cowl area, where the body mounts are located). We also plasma cut the rear snubber plate, and have welded in a gusset for the snubber.

As far as doing the 'box welds' for the rear frame section (a-la Muscle-Car '67 Lemans) we abandoned this and plan to go with a home-made trailing arm-brace (similar to what Novaracer_2k installed on his frame).

We also got the rear window out, and removed all remaining wiring (rear trunk harness, and the wiring for the interior dome light). The body is now completely stripped down.

Our next step is to finish weld everything, do a final clean-up on the frame, and paint it. We then plan on switching to the body to sand out the bondo on those rear-1/4's to see what is really hiding up in there.

I will hopefully have some more pic's up the week of April 27th.

Cheers,
Brian.

[gto406]

Small update - still working on the frame! Sanding, welding, sanding, more sanding. Decided to take the frame back to bare metal. Also decided to try and fill some of the pitting left by the previous media blasting we did on the car back in the early 90's. This is adding a lot of work (and additional time) to complete the frame.

We finally flipped it over the other day, and I got to work sanding/filling the top. I still have to weld in the snubber plate but hopefully that won't take too much additional time.

The grinding/sanding/filling seems to be what takes hours/hours. Hopefully I have this much energy left when I get to the body. When I really get sick of sanding on the frame, I move over to the body and continue to try and remove/sand off more paint. It is starting to disappear as well.

A couple of photo's to whet your whistle.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC06331-2.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC06333-2.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC06334-2.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/DSC06336-1.jpg

Cheers,
Brian.

[Code Red]

looks like fun ;-)

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

good to see more goats...

[ponchopwr70]

Nice love the pontiacs, your doing iot the right way keep us posted.

[ProMav71]

Nice project. IM partial to that body style since a 71 Lemans 2dr hardtop was my first car.

[gto406]

Another update: been working away (yes still!) on the frame.

- Grinding/welding (more grinding/welding)
- Metal fill/sanding (more sanding)

Also got a great deal on a set of rear trailing arm braces (PMT Fab) off e-Bay, as well as stock replacement body mount kit (with hardware).

Hopefully, I will be priming/painting the frame this week and chassis assembly can begin (whoa-whoa)!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/DSC06429-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/DSC06430-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/DSC06431-1.jpg


Cheers.

[jackfrost]

what are you using for metal filling?

[gto406]

Hi Dave,

I am making use of metal - to metal (http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=35068&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=FIB889&utm_campaign=googlebase_18u).

I am keeping it very 'thin' (i.e. most of it is ground off). It is just helping to 'fill' some of the pits left on the frame from the surface rust/sandblasting I did many moons ago (i.e. back in the early 90's).

It won't be perfect, but it has smoothed it out alot more. Note, I had a gap in the rear snubber plate and had to throw a little more of the filler than I would have liked. I welded the gap up using a technique I read about on one of the welding sites - i.e. running a bead down either side of the gap, then doing one time spot-welds over the gap and finally one last pass. However I just couldn't get it 'smooth' in the end so I added some filler. Photo's added above.

Hope this Helps,
Brian.

[gto406]

Ok, finally got the frame painted! A few shots to whet your whistle:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC06437-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC06443-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/DSC06442-1.jpg

Next step is to get the body mobile and shoot it out of the garage (perhaps for body, metal-work and paint). I can then center the frame in the garage, and begin getting parts ready to install.

Feels good to be going forward again, after going backwards for so long. The Nason chassis paint, while not being 'orig' leaves a nice hard glossy finish, and was a breeze to shoot with the HVLP. The HVLP had barely any overspray either.

Cheers,
Brian.

[gto406]

Small update:

Decided to focus on the body first, and finish stripping the paint, and doing the metal work on the body (lower rear 1/4 panels, etc.).

The frame was wrapped in foam/poly, and with alot of help (thanks Lukas!) we managed to hoist the frame to the ceiling using a set of tow straps.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/FrameOnCeiling-1.jpg

The body is now centered in the garage, and the sandblast cabinet I ordered is built and hooked up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/Sandblast_cabinet-1.jpg

The last few days have been spent cleaning small parts (including the stock Poncho honeycomb wheels I will be running).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/SmallPartsBlasted-1.jpg

Also have been using the chemical stripper to take off the last coats of paint/primer (albeit that is slow going).

I just may have to revert to grinding the rest off (or biting the bullet and sending the car out for a media blast).

Cheers,
Brian.

[gto406]

Bump for pics I added, enjoy.

[gto406]

Small update...

Stripping body using chemical and following with mechanical (i.e. sanding w/36 grit 3M green disc's). Painful and slow (and smelly!) but makes room in budget for new wheel/tire combo :look:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/th_NewDubs-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=NewDubs.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/th_WheelsNewPic1-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=WheelsNewPic1.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/th_WheelsNewPic2-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=WheelsNewPic2.jpg)

Cheers,
Brian.

[LSXZ28]

Lookin good!

[gto406]

Thanks LSXZ28!

[gto406]

Another minor update, pics should be up over Xmas.

1. Body has been completely stripped (had to resort to glass beading to clean-up spots around the rockers that were simply too difficult to get with either chemical stripper or mechanical. And yep, garage is now a 'beach' (literally and figuratively) 8^)

2. Friend has given me access to his schools shop (he is a technology teacher) so I have media-blasted all the parts at the school. In the process of repairing the rad-saddle. Other parts just need priming painting (fortunately he has a small paint-booth at the school)!

3. Just received my parts from Tamraz (great to deal with). Parts include:
New repop trunk-lid
New repop bumper (re-chroming was more than 3X the cost of this repo)
New set of full quarter skins (not the full)
New set of outer wheel-houses


I thought I had ordered the 'full quarters' but I may just try and work with the skins. They aren't as poor (in terms of quality) as I thought they would be (just have non-stock features behind the wheel opening - toward the back of the car). I have to 'keep reminding myself' it is just a driver. Breaking all the spot-welds and pulling the full quarters could be painful.

Overall, a very nice Xmas present 8^)

Happy holidays!
Brian
'72 GTO.

[wmhjr]

Good luck with the quarters. I'm not real familiar with the quality of the skins on the 68+ GTOs. Hopefully they're much better than on the '66. Glad to see you're continuing to make progress!

[Brad1970]

Lookin forward to seein some current pics....

[gto406]

Thanks gentleman,

Not a lot of progress (unfortunately) as work (and work-related travel) has impacted available time on the GTO.

I have managed to finish blasting the window channels, trunk rear filler panel, and the interior (including the rear passenger foot wells and the front passenger foot wells). I am sure I will have more to do, but sick of grinding, sandblasting so I began a bit of metal-work. Only problem is I ran out of 'autoweld' so I tried welding some small holes and a small patch in the rocker using .030 flux-core. You will see the results are not great. I now have .023 and autoweld gas so my hope is I can close up these holes (need to get a brass or copper backer).

My mechanic (who will be helping me on the project now to speed things up) dropped by, and we fitted up the rear quarter. He is suggesting we go right up/over the top and attach it (using a lap joint) on the top/flat surface (close to the trunk opening). This way we won't see the cut-line, and with the lap weld it should be a bit stronger.

We were speaking today, and it is likely I will let him finish the metal work, while I start assembling the frame. I have all the parts now to make the frame a roller, and it will likely take me as long to finish putting the frame together as he can do the metal work ;^)

I also include a shot of the front driver/side fender I picked up from a friendly gent in PA. The part is still down there, but my hope is to go to Spring Carlisle and bring it home at that time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/th_NewFender1-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=NewFender1.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/th_dsc07061-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=dsc07061.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/th_dsc07062-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=dsc07062.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/th_dsc07064-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=dsc07064.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/th_dsc07065-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=dsc07065.jpg)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/th_dsc07068-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=dsc07068.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/th_dsc07069-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/gto/?action=view&current=dsc07069.jpg)

[1971CHEVELLE]

wow awesome project so far

[gto406]

Apologies - been a while since I provided an update to PT.
Pictures to follow:

- Completed stripping the body shell;
- Began metal work on body (repairing pass-side door-sill, and lower front windshield)
- Wont be starting 1/4 panel repair until car back on the frame
- Drove to Spring Carlisle and picked up the following:
- engine parts (e.g. chrome dual-snorkel air cleaner)
- all my window-felts, seals, interior/exterior bolt kits
- clamp/brackets for the brake/fuel lines on frame
- front driver/side fender (see previous picture above)
- Pulled apart rear end and ordered new Richmond safe-t-track, 3.36 gears, and T-A BOP/10-bolt cover
- blasted and repainted the housing (using Bill Hirsch miracle paint - gloss black)
- blasted and repainted front/rear sway bars (again w/Bill Hirsch miracle paint - g.b.)
- blasted and metal-working front rad-saddle, and inner fenders (almost ready to paint/prime)
- sent frame, rear-end and all chassis parts to my mechanic (given we need a rolling frame to drop the body on, this has become first priority)
- sent engine off to my engine guru (we swapped out intakes to the Performer RPM, cut the exhaust-manifold mating surface, and he is installing a new timing chain, and going to town on the head porting) - hope to pick the mill up by mid-September

Realized the car wouldn't be ready, so I got a bit anxious and grabbed another ride. Car has been in the southern US most of it's life (very clean). Plan is to drop a date-coded (1969) Poncho motor (406 CID) with #13 ported polished heads, and a custom ground Comp-Cams camshaft. Will be running a KRE North Wind intake. Car should hopefully run in the 10's :)

If all goes well, the Firebird should hopefully be on the road by the fall of this year (mid-October).

[Jeffrotech]

Thanks for the update.

I also have a '72 off the frame. Hope to get to a point where I can start my own thread on here.

Funny enough, I also have a Firebird ('68) - which has been a slight distraction from the GTO!

Keep at it!

[gto406]

Thanks Jeff, I saw your posts (on other threads) and was going to contact you (as you had the combo I have always dreamed of - a 72 GTO with a first-gen Bird). Now we are in the same boat!

What plans do you have for your GTO?

I am migrating mine from a red-light terror to more of an all around comfortable, well-handling/stopping machine. The Bird will fulfill (at least for now) my drag-racing sickness, lol!

Please feel free to post some pics or info in this thread on your ride. Would be interesting to have two '72 Goats being restored/restified at the same time to compare notes 8^)

Cheers,
Brian
'72 GTO (project underway)
'69 Firebird (hope to be hearing the V-8 rumble soon).

[Jeffrotech]

Brian,
Cool stuff. Well, I don't really want to hijack your thread with my crap... but you asked for it.

I've had the GTO since I was 17 (my 1st car)... 20 years ago!!! Shortly after getting it, the SBC that was in it blew, so I found a really good built 350 locally and swung it in... and I drove it for about 5 years. She'd top out at 140mph and was stable as a rock! I knew I needed to upgrade the brakes and suspension, and fix a couple body mounts, so the the body came off! I had the frame sandblasted, then fully boxed the frame and painted it inside & out w/ POR15. Since then, I've bought a house, got married & had our 1st kid. The wife is really looking fwd to the day where she can ride in the car, so I've got her support (pretty damn important in this hobby).

Plans: I have Global West control arms for the front, along w/ '79 Z28 spindles. I also have some huge Brembo rotors (14" and 12") - and I think the Cayanne calipers will be a perfect match. The frame will get a few cool tricks, which I will cover when I start my own thread. Most likely a 9" rear, watts link, with a more-or-less stock geometery. My biggest dilema is wether or not to narrow the frame! I think I will notch it a little w/ mini-tubs, just so I can fit something large (ideally a345/35/19). I have a set of 305/30/20s that I will most likely run for now. Why so big? Because without a big sidewall, most tires just get lost in these wheeltubs. 28" dia just seems right! It's a big car with a big back end. Other plans: full cage, welded to the body, reinforced body bolt sections (tied to cage), gutted doors, lexan windows. Yes, it will have a radio: iPhone, amp & speakers - that's it. Motor: balanced, blueprinted 400 Poncho built for boost; h-beams, forged pistons, 7.5:1 (will change to 8.2-8.5:1 down the road when I upgrade to Edlebrock heads) - only missing component is the Whipple. Trans: Richmond 5 speed (cause that's what I have "in stock"!). Body: I bought a one-piece fiberglass nose YEARS ago, and I plan on using it - and I'll reinforce it w/ carbon fiber. Lots of aero mods planned, too!

Firebird: bought it from the original owner! Old friend of my dad's... the first (and only) old car he TOLD me to buy. 49k miles when it got it, has 69k miles on it 14yrs later. Took my wife on our first date in it - and she says I can't sell it. No arguments from me. Only mods are Dougs headers, flowmaster exhaust, 16" Jaguar (BBS) wheels - LIGHT!, 4bbl carb & intake. She's a nice driver, but will get the 'treatment' if/when the GTO is done. This one will stay as stock looking as possible!

I hope to participate on here with an actual thread of my own... I just want to be able to piece together enough stuff to justify it. Soon...

[gto406]

Hello all!

I realize it has been a while since I have posted on P-T. I had moved the project over to PY-Forums, but after two+ years posting there (in the 70-72 GTO/Lemans section) it seems there is a strong interest in completely stock/unmodified vehicles.

I am all for originality, however I still firmly believe that most 'pure examples' have already been restored and are available to be viewed in your favourite classic-car museums (e.g. Floyd Garret's). With that in mind, I have decided to re-home the project build thread back on P-T. The goal being to gather more feedback, and hopefully help/inspire other folks with GTO's (or A-Bodies) to work/modify their cars.

Alot has transpired since my last posts here (in August 2010) - wow that is just over 3yrs ago! Let me try and bring folks here back up to speed on where we are at:

- Took my frame down from the ceiling, and all gathered parts - and handed it off to my mechanic to assemble.
- he assembled the rear-end, and put together my front/rear suspension as well as steering box
- I also brought the engine down, and we coated the top-end (lifter/cam, push-rods) in assembly lube (motor was already broken in) - after buttoning this up I masked and painted the motor the correct 72 Pontiac Blue (# escapes me at the moment)!
- once I repaired one minor area on the driver-side floor-pan, I re-seam sealed, primed and repainted the underside of the GTO, I had the body (on the cart) sent down to be joined up with the frame (fall 2011)

Some photographs to give you an idea of this work:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_march2012235_zpsdf14b0fd-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/march2012235_zpsdf14b0fd.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_20110116120522-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/2011-01-16120522.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_march2012241_zps03846e0a-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/march2012241_zps03846e0a.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_20110523150931-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/2011-05-23150931.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_20110523150914-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/2011-05-23150914.jpg.html)

More to follow...
Brian.

[gto406]

Here is a few photo's of the body going back onto the frame (note we also put on some primer to protect the metal from rusting):

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_march2012237_zps693f00e6-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/march2012237_zps693f00e6.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_march2012247_zps3011b76f-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/march2012247_zps3011b76f.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_march2012248_zps9389d5f7-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/march2012248_zps9389d5f7.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_march2012251_zps58d3ba48-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/march2012251_zps58d3ba48.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_march2012253_zpsc57cc883-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/march2012253_zpsc57cc883.jpg.html)

Further updates coming...

[gto406]

Once the body was fastened back on, the car came home - and sat for almost 9 months. I was 'burned out' from trying to work on this car, and put the motor in the Bird. For posterity, here is a shot of the Bird and the motor we installed, etc.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_dsc07101-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/Bird/dsc07101.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_dsc07102-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/Bird/dsc07102.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_20110116120544-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/Bird/2011-01-16120544.jpg.html)

Here is a brief video of the car/motor running. We ended up having some issues and had to pull it back out. However, I think ultimately it turned out to be a sweet little street terror:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_video20110828131630-1.jpg (http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/gto400_album/video-2011-08-28-13-16-30.mp4)

Back to the Just-A-Driver GTO...
BR/Brian.

[gto406]

Once I got back onto the GTO, the next big question was 'what to do?'. Do I work on the quarters or get the motor hooked up, and sort out any small issues with the chassis?

Well I decided to focus a bit on getting everything hooked up. Having a colleague (Howie) helping me, we began working on finish installing components on the car, including:
- oil filter housing/oil-filter (done)
- headers re-coated with Bill Hirsch hi-heat (2000degF) paint and re-installed (done)
- brake lines, including getting fluid into the lines, and bleeding the brakes (done)
- fuel lines, including the main (-6 A/N) fuel-line, a 5/16" return line, and also a vent-line (all but vent-line done)
- fuel tank (clean out old, coat and acquire a new sending unit)
- after trying dilligently to save the 'old tank' we got a new one (and a new sending unit)
- new tank was coated (internally) and then clear-coated with 3 coats of clear (straps re-painted)
- sorting out heating and ventilation (acquired a Classic Auto-Air flex-fit A/C+heating system)
- acquired and installed a new Powermaster 100amp alternator, and a CVF 3pulley system (I am not a fan of March)
- had to fix some minor holes in the floor (didn't notice these when I did the floor - unsure if bolting down the d/shaft loop may have opened these up) - seam-sealed and primed the floor
- rebuilt/repainted my rad-saddle and inner fenders (required some metal-work, lots of filling/sanding)!
- installed hushmat and mocked up block-off plates (home fabricated) on the firewall.

Some additional pics:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_IMG_00000126_zpsed269ae5-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/IMG_00000126_zpsed269ae5.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_IMG_00000127_zps330f5b8b-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/IMG_00000127_zps330f5b8b.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_IMG_00000117_zps72a5e9c2-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/IMG_00000117_zps72a5e9c2.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_IMG_00000029_zps14392e8e-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/IMG_00000029_zps14392e8e.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_DSC07151_zps68056de6-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/DSC07151_zps68056de6.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_IMG_00000032_zpsb7686465-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/IMG_00000032_zpsb7686465.jpg.html)

Still more to come...

[gto406]

A couple of the tank (after coating) the gas tank straps, and the FAST EZ-EFI with the stock dual-snorkel air cleaner (and an old brand-new Cdn-Tire air-filter I had for an old truck, which fit perfectly)!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_20120701180356-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/2012-07-01180356.jpg.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/2012-07-01185708.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

We re-installed the doors and the repro deck-lid (aka trunk) and I have lined up everything nicely (thanks 400 4spd on PY-Forums for the guidance!). Have been working on the exhaust system (I picked up a 3" stainless Magnaflow kit for this year of A-body), and I have everything lined up from the muffler right up to the header collector.

I have to modify the d/shaft safety loop (the loop is becoming a pain!) and re-fit it underneath the car, and once I do that I will likely tight up everything put it on the ground and get some shots of the muffler system. Our plan is to then transition to the rear-quarters and light metal work. I wish I had the room to be able to take-on/off the body from the frame - but am working in the best way I can (given what I have at my disposal).

More pics to come shortly!

Thanks for your interest,
Brian.

[LSXZ28]

Love that Bird!

[gto406]

Thanks LSXZ28! Hope you like the GTO as well?!?

Note, I am going to be transitioning into final metal-work (replacing all or a portion of my quarter panels) once I get the bulk of this Magnaflow exhaust in-place. I picked up some 304 (??) stainless to make a transition from the over the axle Magnaflow into the proper '72 GTO tips (Pypes reproductions). I also aligned the doors and lid for proper alignment/gaps in anticipation of the metal-work to come.

I wanted to share some color choices I have been considering. The first is a snap of a stock '72 Goat with the Brasilia gold (and a very nice vinyl roof). This car belonged to a PY-Forum member (who has since sold it). The car has very nice paint, but it just doesn't have enough depth (e.g. metal-flake/color change) for me. My car is a 57:57 (no vinyl roof Brasilia gold) GTO. However, I wanted to add some interesting aspects 'in the paint'. Including the possibility of putting a 'faux vinyl' roof on the car - with the use of a deep/rich gloss black paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_Pic6_zps8dc52d691-1.jpg (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/Pic6_zps8dc52d69-1.jpg.html)

I played around with some of the color samples on the HOK site and have come up with a couple of options. If anyone has any input or thoughts that would be greatly appreciated. Not entirely 'settled on these colors' just playing around to see what could be done. I also think if I go 'faux' so to speak (black upper) to put a nice silvery/chrome parting line (hand painted) to split the lower metallic color from the black. It would simulate that lower chrome moulding.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/th_ColorComboOptB_zps80bb0076-1.png (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/ColorComboOptB_zps80bb0076.png.html) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s211.photobucket.com/user/gto400_album/media/gto/ColorComboOptA_zpsd679d5aa.png.html)

Cheers,
Brian.

[gto406]

Project is not dead, it was only side-lined for 4yrs - a move near Detroit, MI for a new job put this on hold. Long story short, after changing cities, jobs, and moving 4times in less than 1.5 yrs; back on this harder than ever. This time I have help - Drag-U-Down Customs (Tilbury, ON.) helping to get this car wrapped up - while I work on my other project '69 Firebird.

First, a pic of the Goat, the day DuDC's came to pick the car up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0519-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/nAm3sn)

DuDC - tearing into the body-work:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0560-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/noEOsn)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0555-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/gE3SJS)

After they rolled in the curves on the skins, and welded in the new outers - the skins are in place. They then cleaned up the doors I got from Memory Lane, in California.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0574-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/guAPyS)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0578-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/gziYsn)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0584-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/cfEHJS)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0565-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/dzv7JS)

Car was then sealed in epoxy primer, before they began blocking/aligning front-fenders, etc.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0608-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/gpicJS)

Car currently has front-end on, is fully wired and DuDC is working to get the Goat running again. Plan then is to blow it apart for paint, and make it pretty.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0736-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/cddGCn)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0618-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/imTuyS)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0735-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/gapHJS)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/03/IMG_0616-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/jkdBdS)

Thanks for looking,
Brian.

[badolds]

Coming up on a decade bro, glad you did not give up along the way.

Dan

[Ripper]

Coming up on a decade bro, glad you did not give up along the way.

Dan
Nice to see that there are others with long time projects... I started mine May 2010...


Too bad the early pics in this thread doesn't work anymore. I wanted to see what it looked like from the start. :)

[gto406]

Thanks Anders/Dan,

I am embarrassed to say this project started in 2005 (intake vacuum leak precipitated the tear-down lol).

It took me a while to sort out what I wanted to do, and part of that time was rejigging my garage in TDot (Toronto). I got tired of looking at this beautiful car in parts and said to my wife - I want to enjoy this car again! I don’t want to keep putting this on the back-burner.

I will try and repost some of the original pics. Interestingly enough my buddy (technology teacher) took the body cart I made/used to hold the body, and re-purposes it as a mini wind-tunnel for his classes/students! Gotta get a pic of that for sure. ��

More updates to come, including a panel sample of the selected color.

BR/Brian.

[Ripper]

Wind tunnel? THAT I want a picture of!

Don't be embarrased - you should be proud of actually finishing it off after so long time. Most people I know would probably fail and sell it in pieces instead.

[gto406]

Thanks Anders. More recent progress on the '72 GTO...

Car is getting final tweaked for first startup with the FAST EZ-EFI system. Includes checking all the Painless wiring (now installed), dialing in the Distributor (w/Pertronix cap/rotor set) and buttoning up the exhaust system. Car will have the stock-style GTO tips (got those many years ago from Pypes). DuDC also managed to get side-windows (front and rear) back into the car - and get the power window kit I picked up working.

Hopefully have a video of it roaring to life at some point in the near future!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/65306_BDC_37_FA_4_A2_C_B1_DA_5_DBB5_ED0_-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/fyDp8d) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/A9_D5616_C_64_BB_41_CB_BEA0_8_AC92_A6257-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/csFQgy) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/D46_B45_D9_AE91_485_B_B25_F_2994_DD227_A-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/eJ5Qgy)

Cheers,
Brian.

[jetmech442]

Power windows...AC...livin the good life! I hope you get it all tuned up and enjoy it before the snow hits! From what I've heard the FAST is a nice system to tune. Good luck man, and post a vid boiling those massive rears once it's ready!

[gto406]

Power windows...AC...livin the good life! I hope you get it all tuned up and enjoy it before the snow hits! From what I've heard the FAST is a nice system to tune. Good luck man, and post a vid boiling those massive rears once it's ready!

Thanks jetmech442

Car has progressed quite a bit - not burning rubber just yet!!

- more blocking and panel alignment
158546.
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- working on colours (we finally chose a Lambo/Audi colour - Javabrown). Drag-U-Down got busy painting the car:
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158549

- some more pics...
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My current issue is the ride height. I put Global Wesr drop coil springs on it (3/4” drop in rear and 1” drop in front). My assumption is that now that the sag is gone, the car doesn’t appear lower.

Any inputs greatly appreciated!
BR/Brian.

[andrewb70]

You still have 2-3 hundred pounds of stuff that will be added to the car, plus the springs will settle a bit over time.

Andrew

[gto406]

Thanks Andrew!

Yes, I think we will let it settle with everything installed.

I am pretty heavy 295lbs of butter-ball so the GW coils will hopefully work well.

Appreciate your feedback - your ‘70 has always been a source of motivation for this project!
BR/Brian.

[67GTO4SPD]

Cool GTO! Glad to see one stay with Poncho power!

[andrewb70]

Thanks Andrew!

Yes, I think we will let it settle with everything installed.

I am pretty heavy 295lbs of butter-ball so the GW coils will hopefully work well.

Appreciate your feedback - your ‘70 has always been a source of motivation for this project!
BR/Brian.

Thanks Brian! Looking forward to updates.

Andrew

[gto406]

We are edging closer to complete. The front valance is on, and the interior and wiring being finished. Also some custom touches to try and bring the interior up to date - carbon fibre/3point front & rear seat belts...

We went to BMR front/rear coils - the GW springs have been on the car for a couple years and were not dropping - albeit I have them as backup 8^)

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Thank you for allowing me to share.

BR/Brian.

[andrewb70]

Looking good! I don't know how I feel about those fender stripes, but that's a personal taste thing. Should be having fun by spring!

Andrew

[gto406]

Looking good! I don't know how I feel about those fender stripes, but that's a personal taste thing. Should be having fun by spring!

Andrew

Thanks Andrew! I am giving the guys at Drag U Down Customs creative freedom. The stripes are definitely a talking point. I like the fact it invokes feedback from folks! Definitely different.

Cheers,
Brian.

[gto406]

More recent pic - almost done. We revised the frame (extra bracing and a UMI front a-body brace) and bit the bullet on lowering front/rear coils (car had been sitting on the Global West springs for 4yrs and were not relaxing). We will try these and if the car ends up too low, I can always swap the GWs back in.

Some shots of the dash pieces - some carbon fibre included (Dakota gauges). 162237162238162239

[OLDFLM]

LOVE the color... earth tones are in and will be timeless... LIKE the interior updates...

BUT the fender stripes and trunk lid graphic ruin it for me...

[gto406]

LOVE the color... earth tones are in and will be timeless... LIKE the interior updates...

BUT the fender stripes and trunk lid graphic ruin it for me...

Thanks for your feedback!

[boostedcc5.3]

I think the car turned out fantastic. cant wait to see the final interior completion.

[gto406]

I think the car turned out fantastic. cant wait to see the final interior completion.

Thank you boostedcc5.3!!

I do really appreciate feedback (good or otherwise)! I know the stripes (to some) are controversial.

Most important thing is that the car causes a reaction (in either direction)!

I shall send some pics this weekend, as the car is going into the London (ON) hot rod/custom show.

Cheers,
Brian.

[gto406]

A couple more pics of the cars unveiling...

162920162921

[gto406]

Some additional pics of the car. We showed it at 2020 Autorama (late Feb) before all the COVID madness began. Car was well received!

Driving line picked the car as 1 of their top 5’s

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/autorama-detroit-2020-five-favorite-customs/

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I need to get some better pics from someone with a decent camera!

Cheers
Brian.

[ProTouring442]

I would never in a million years have chosen that color... and it looks fantastic!! Beautiful job and great vision!

[gto406]

I would never in a million years have chosen that color... and it looks fantastic!! Beautiful job and great vision!

Thank you! Very much appreciate the positive feedback!

Cheers,
Brian.