Pro-touring 1969 GTO Judge tribute

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

This car was found in Tuscon Arizona, a rust free survivor, but as you can see it was in ragged condition. Media blasting confirmed the rust free and basically untouched sheet metal. Most of the external sheet metal was such that we just decided to replace it. This will be a top drawer pro-touring car. We had the talented guys at Street Rod Garage build this awesome chassis which will lower the ride height materially and give it track ready performance. The chassis incorporates drilled and slotted large Wilwood brakes with stainless steel lines and polished calipers connected to Wilwood pedals and boosters. It also includes a polished Curry rear differential, polished stainless tank and lines, and a narrowed rear (three inched on each side) allowing us to mini-tub the rear. The mini tub will allow up to 15 inches of clearance. The experts at Butler Performance Engines built the fuel injected powerplant, a mere 650 HP and 640 lbs of torque, that will be backed by a Tremec six speed transmission. Custom fabrication includes mini tubs, smoothed firewall, fabricated floor tunnel to make space for the six speed, a hand made custom fiberglass from bumper, and lots of other mods you will see as this build progresses. Naturally we will work every body panel so the gaps are perfect, something we always do and something you simply won't find on a stock muscle car. Paint will be much like a traditional Ram Air IV Judge (carousel red) but of course, like all ISRC builds we will add the awesome touches that make all of our builds stand out.
Weve been working on this project for about a year now. Ill start by posting some of the beginning pictures and then post the progression. 75830758447584575846758477584875849758507585175852 75853758547584375842758317583275833758347583575836 758377583875839758407584175855

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

75860758677586875869758707587175872758737587475866 75865758597585875857758567586175862758637586475875

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

75878758897589075891758927589375894758957589675897 75888758877588675877758767587975880758817588275883 758847588575898

[69*Goat]

WOW!!!!! Nice Frame!!!! What Fenders did you guys use? Are they the new ones out from Golden Star? I am about to place an order for two new fenders, and a hood, and the Dynacorn stuff is junk.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

NICE Work!

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

WOW!!!!! Nice Frame!!!! What Fenders did you guys use? Are they the new ones out from Golden Star? I am about to place an order for two new fenders, and a hood, and the Dynacorn stuff is junk.
Haha, think we actually talked yesterday on the shop phone. Good luck with those fenders!

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

NICE Work!
Thanks Ron!

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

76158761717617076169761687616776166761657616476163 761627616176160761597615776172

[72BBSwinger]

I applaud you for keeping it Poncho powered, it gives it a soul.

[CruizinKev]

oh nice!!! looks awesome!!

[69*Goat]

Haha, think we actually talked yesterday on the shop phone. Good luck with those fenders!

I got lucky and actually found two used factory fenders. $800.00 for both. 1 has a very minor spot of rust, and 1 door ding, and the other has a small dent between the wheel well, and the rear of the fender.

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

I applaud you for keeping it Poncho powered, it gives it a soul.

Thanks,

The guys at Butler Performance Engines built the fuel injected powerplant, a mere 650 HP and 640 lbs of torque, that will be backed by a Tremec six speed transmission.

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

oh nice!!! looks awesome!!
Thanks a lot, Monte Carlo is looking nice as well!

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

I got lucky and actually found two used factory fenders. $800.00 for both. 1 has a very minor spot of rust, and 1 door ding, and the other has a small dent between the wheel well, and the rear of the fender.

Oh great, glad you got what you needed

[Bobby326]

That is beautiful. Keep up the great work.

[Buryingthesun]

Metal work looks fantastic! I love the rockers

[shortrack]

All out build, whoa

Tastefully done

I take it, its going to be orange?

[Zanie]

.......carousel red

[robbie9999]

please take the the kit off the car that bottom stuff your doing makes the ride look weak, I am not an old school or pureist by any means, it just takes away from the original body and the wheels your going to put on please don't thing I am being neg in any manner

[Zanie]

kit? thats funny.
that is killer metal work!

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I'm going to put some more pictures up today

Also.........

.......carousel red

Yep, of course, carousel red
And.........

please take the the kit off the car

kit? thats funny.
that is killer metal work!

Haha that is funny, thanks for setting that straight Zanie

[compos mentis]

I applaud you for keeping it Poncho powered, it gives it a soul.

X2. :twothumbs

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

76564
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

this is going to be pretty cool

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

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

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

I cant decide if we want to keep it orange..or if it takes away from the motor. So I might go dark grey like the rest of the engine bay. The orange just seems to be a little over the top.

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


Here are how the stripes turned out


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

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

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

[deadend1970]

Great job on a beautiful car!!! What wheels are you using?

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Great job on a beautiful car!!! What wheels are you using?

Thanks a lot deadend, it's almost finished, we just got it back from the interior shop, pictures will be up tomorrow.

Our wheels we used are Budnik, here's a picture:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[PonchoJohn]

I cant decide if we want to keep it orange..or if it takes away from the motor. So I might go dark grey like the rest of the engine bay. The orange just seems to be a little over the top.

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


Yup, too much orange. That's a really cool creation, just needs to be a complimentary color to work w/ the engine.

[PonchoJohn]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
That is SO beautiful!!
I liked the rocker extensions when you were building them, but was unsure of the nose extensions... Now I'm like "Ooohh... if only it were a little more exaggerated!"
LOL!! Very nice build!

[gbledsoe3]

My son and I are doing a 'garage-built' 71 Cutlass Supreme and plan to have a 'clean' firewall. Quick question about the three master cylinders. I assume this will be a manual brake car, with one for the fronts, one for the rears and the other for the hydraulic clutch. Are those off-the-shelf master cylinders? How is the pedal linkage setup inside to depress two of them for braking?

Thanks in advance, just looking for 'tricks of the trade' for us home-builders...

--GaryB

[qnitro]

That is an awesome GTO.. Great job

[Smitty68]

Very cool Build!! Keep the pics coming..

[cdorhout]

Wow! Mind blowing! I love everything about it. The rockers look great IMO.

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

My son and I are doing a 'garage-built' 71 Cutlass Supreme and plan to have a 'clean' firewall. Quick question about the three master cylinders. I assume this will be a manual brake car, with one for the fronts, one for the rears and the other for the hydraulic clutch. Are those off-the-shelf master cylinders? How is the pedal linkage setup inside to depress two of them for braking?

Thanks in advance, just looking for 'tricks of the trade' for us home-builders...

--GaryB

You are correct, they are front brake, back brake, and hydraulic clutch. The adjustments for the brakes are on the wilwood brake assembly. Hope that helps.
-Darren

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Thanks for all the encouragement and support you guys.

Here is a gauge shot, we are going with JudgeMental for the car name.

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

Here are some interior pictures

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

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

now stitched up with leather
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

interior door shot, minus the interior handles
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Air conditioning lines hidden. All the inner fender liners are hand fabricated, as well as all underhood panels and firewall are all hand fabricated by our shop fabricator Eddie Peck

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

[SShep71]

Awesome work!

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Yup, too much orange. That's a really cool creation, just needs to be a complimentary color to work w/ the engine.

Thanks PonchoJohn, I appreciate the feedback. I am really leaning towards the grey like I said, nice to hear a similar opinion. I dont want under the hood to seem like we're trying too hard, the engine alone should do the 'attention getting' by itself instead of some bright orange paint.

[csouth]

Damn this is SWEET! Those wheels are the perfect mix of new school fitment with an old school muscle look.

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Went to the charcoal color for the airbreather rather than the carousel red we had before.

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

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Here is a shot of how the front seats and dash came out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Just before it left cutters custom stitchin interior shop
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Grim]

Went to the charcoal color for the airbreather rather than the carousel red we had before.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
So that cleaner lines up with the hood scoops? Where did that come from?

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

So that cleaner lines up with the hood scoops? Where did that come from?

Made from scratch. It is fiberglass. Made the mold for the fiberglass out of sheet metal.

[Nicks67GTO]

Several points to make....

-I like how you didn't deviate away from the main look of the GTO with some wild paint scheme

-Staying Pontiac powered is always a great decision

-The wheels are a great choice and still say "muscle car" to me

-Im not usually one for custom interiors. I think many times they look hokey. This is not one of those times. That is a fantastic interior.

-This car is a 10

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Several points to make....

-I like how you didn't deviate away from the main look of the GTO with some wild paint scheme

-Staying Pontiac powered is always a great decision

-The wheels are a great choice and still say "muscle car" to me

-Im not usually one for custom interiors. I think many times they look hokey. This is not one of those times. That is a fantastic interior.

-This car is a 10

Thanks, Really appreciate your words. We debuted the car this past weekend at the Columbus, Ohio Goodguys 16th annual PPG Nationals and really had a great turn out. I will post some finished pictures of the car real soon.

[69*Goat]

This thing is just stunning. I hope mine turns out looking half as good as this one.

[cactuss4]

Stunning.

[67speedfreak]

Love this car ! Can't wait to finish my own. Nice work !

[bhcustomdesigns]

I saw this car at Columbus GoodGuys this past weekend it looked Awesome you guys done a excellent job on this build!

[csouth]

I saw this car at Columbus GoodGuys this past weekend it looked Awesome you guys done a excellent job on this build!

X2 Definitely show material

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Thanks guys


I saw this car at Columbus GoodGuys this past weekend it looked Awesome you guys done a excellent job on this build!

That's great you got to see it in person. What a show, that was our first time to the Columbus show and we were blown away at how many showed up and the amazing weather we had. We will be in Louisville for the NSRA nationals and Indianapolis for another Goodguys.

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Here are some pictures of airbreather up close
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Finished and with shadowing

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

Here are pictures from the Columbus, Ohio Goodguys show

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

[SShep71]

What width rear did you go with? What tire dimensions are you running in the rear? I noticed that you guys tubbed the rear but was it necessary for the wheels or just to run a wider wheel.

[Alain V.]

wow,,, I mean WOW!!! , no make that a WOW!!!

That is a work of art you have built there!......and keeping it Pontiac powered a perfect choice!
:cool:

[mikes2nd]

that's fairly similar to the Bob Wagner cars, very similar side skirts. Is that one of the failed big 3 projects?

Why the fiberglass front nose? original was junk?

You guys know Pontiacs run LS engines? :)

[Gratefuldiver]

That is just amazing work. Thank you for keeping it Pontiac power, I hate seeing an LS engine in a beautiful Pontiac. Nothing personal against you LS guys its just a pre 78 Pontiac should stay Pontiac.

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Hey guys sorry for the late responses. We have been really busy with car shows. We just got back from the Louisville NSRA Nationals, we were there for 5 days in the (DuPont)Axalta Hot Hues booth. It was an awesome show. Happy to also announce that the GTO JudgeMental was invited to the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Looks like we may be going to Vegas in November.


What width rear did you go with? What tire dimensions are you running in the rear? I noticed that you guys tubbed the rear but was it necessary for the wheels or just to run a wider wheel.

Hey Shep! shortend ford 9 inch currie, 3.5 inch tubbed on each side and 20x14 wheels. And yea we had to tub in order to fit everything.


that's fairly similar to the Bob Wagner cars, very similar side skirts. Is that one of the failed big 3 projects?

Why the fiberglass front nose? original was junk?

Hey Mike. It is a fresh build, finished about 3 weeks ago. Not sure what you are referring to with the 3 failed projects. If you notice on the Wanger gto, they have no extended rockers or qtrs. The front valance has been modified. All original noses are old and usually have problems w/cracking, and just being very brittle, because of age. These fiberglass noses we build are very thick and solid with the brackets molded in with the ability to cut down and get that nice snug straight fit.


That is just amazing work. Thank you for keeping it Pontiac power, I hate seeing an LS engine in a beautiful Pontiac. Nothing personal against you LS guys its just a pre 78 Pontiac should stay Pontiac.

Thanks Gratefuldiver, glad you and others appreciate the Pontiac. I will post some pictures of the Louisville show soon, looked nice indoors under the lights.

[compos mentis]

ozdgWAMMMxI#at

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

GTO JudgeMENTAL at the Louisville NSRA Nationals.
(DuPont) Axalta Booth
Background: Jeff Gordon's race car on the right &
Darren Nickleson owner of the GTO's build shop; Indy Street Rods and Classics
talking with Darrin Cutter owner of the interior shop that made the GTO's interior; Cutter's Custom Stitchin
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

Here are a couple pictures we took just because it was such a nice clear day outside.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[AusMarty]

Um.
wow.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/imagesqtbnANd9GcTYurqkS4DG4Yc4ANcEKX2Rhk-1.jpg

[IndyStreetRods&Classics]

We are all packed up and the GTO is on its way to Las Vegas! Hope to see many of you out there. The car will be just outside on the main entrance of the SEMA show.

[GTOJason]

No offense, but why in the world didnt you use that existing metal?? It looked fine?