69 GTO Build

[Fastmonty]

Eric,

It's been a while... I'm sure you're still making progress. I finally finished the front end, and the electrical system. Today, I got my new wheels. I'll post more pics when I get rubber and mount them on the car...

Mike

['71cutlasluvr]

Mike that paint is making me jealous, how many hours of sanding and buffing do you think?
I don't have much of an update, feeling like a slacker.
But I did weld up a frame dolly over the weekend, does that count?

Attachment 90749

Hi Eric,
Not sure why but my auto response notification for posts added to this thread was not working. Just got one today when fastmonty posted. Geez! Sorry I've been away so long.

Also sorry to hear you lost your job a while ago. You have so much talent and experience, I can't see you being on your "hiatus" very long.

Well, my oldest daughters married as of May 24th, many $ later and tons of planning, but worth every penny. I have done my first autocross with my little Miata and loved it, and will do more, but in between autocross events and track days, it's time to get back to project 442 Kone Kilr.

I need a frame/body dolly and don't have a lot of $ available for obvious reasons. Did you build your's with a set of plans, and if so, are they available somewhere? or did you wing it, which wouldn't surprise me, considering your skill set.

I have some reading to catch up on here. Glad you be back in the mix. You guys do some great stuff here and I can certainly use the ideas for my olds street/track car build.
ATB.
Gus

[ekmxryda]

Hey Mike,
Looks good you are getting close to a test drive, nice work! I like the wheels what size / brand did you go with?

Hi Gus,
Sounds like you have been keeping busy, congratulations on your daughters marriage. Have you brought the Miata out on the new Thompson road course yet?
http://www.thompsonspeedway.com/track-layouts
Thanks for the kind words, I have been keeping busy doing freelance industrial design work and I like the flexible hours and short commute.
Yeah the dollys I built from leftover tubing, I could make up a drawing with some dimensions and post if that helps?
Looking forward to seeing progress on your build.

I have been bouncing around on things as you can see, not much finished but still moving forward.
Decided to go with a new roof, the old one was going to be way to much work. Pulled a nice inner support off one of my parts cars (that people keep stealing parts off)



Nice factory weld, from the days before drug testing!



Sprayed the underside of the roof with LizardSkin Ceramic Insulation.



Working on setting gaps for the flush glass, want to go with stock glass to keep costs down, this is going to take a while!



Made up some wheel offset fixtures to work out backspacing just in case I run across any deals along the way. Going to try and fit 275/35-18 on 10" W. fronts

['71cutlasluvr]

Hey Mike,

Hi Gus,
Sounds like you have been keeping busy, congratulations on your daughters marriage. Have you brought the Miata out on the new Thompson road course yet?
http://www.thompsonspeedway.com/track-layouts
Thanks for the kind words, I have been keeping busy doing freelance industrial design work and I like the flexible hours and short commute.
Yeah the dollys I built from leftover tubing, I could make up a drawing with some dimensions and post if that helps?
Looking forward to seeing progress on your build.

Yup, too busy but things normalizing finally. Thanks for the congrats. She's very happy and deserving.

Glad to hear you can do the freelance thing. Very cool.

Our club has a track day scheduled for Monday July 14th at TMP. So looking forward to it. Have a wider set of wheels/tires all ready to go since my little Miata was swinging her rear end around on the autocross course once I got comfortable with the layout, so now traction is an issue. 225/45-15's Nitto NT01's on Advanti Storm 15x9" are as wide as I can go but should perform well for a fast day at the track and future autocross events. Did I mention I placed second in novice on my first (and only so far) autox event? Surprise myself and quite a few others.
Thanks for the offer of the plans, but I've decided to spend the $ and buy a cart from accessible systems, who I bought the rotisserie from. As I have seen many times over the years, either I don't have the $, but plenty of time, or (almost) enough $ and very little time... the latter applies here. The wheels are interchangeable so i save a few $ not replicating the wheel set. Must be able to move the body between garages and I have a gravel driveway.. not conducive to hard casters, so the tall rubber wheels that came with the rotisserie will work nicely.

Next step on Konekilr is body on cart for minitubbing, cleaning up the firewall and rear lower quarter panel replacement as well as frame narrowing using a kit from ABC performance. I have been warned not to rush the welding of the plates since warpage will ruin every thing if I don't keep the metal cool enough to touch. If I keep that in mind I should be ok. Patience is the key, as always.

Here is my latest rendering update. almost done.
Your project looks fantastic. Probably said this before, but I wish I had a modicum of your talent.....the learning curve wouldn't be nearly as steep!

Hopefully the forums auto notifier will keep working and I won't get lost again.
Always look forward to you posted progress.

g

[ekmxryda]

Hey Gus,
Good choice on the cart, it will make your life easier. Thanks again for the compliments, you guys keep me motivated. As everyone always says, the PT forum is such a good place for inspiration and gathering ideas for your own build, I have spent so many hours going through all kinds of builds and I am always learning (stealing) something from all the great builds.
Cool to hear you are a natural behind the wheel, the Miata is a great way to get track time and experience, I hope to be able to keep up with you when we get our monster A bodies out on the track!
Doing the mini tub is worth it to be able to run the big tires, have you checked out Brian's frame work on his 69 GTO? He did a great job bringing the whole frame rail in on both sides by narrowing up the cross members. Just another option to confuse you. We need an update from him too!
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...01#post1057801

In between graduation parties today I was able to clean up some parts that still had the original 1/8" of undercoating on them. Brought back fond memories of laying on my back in my Mom and Dad's driveway 28 years ago, scraping the whole undercarriage with a little putty knife and using Kerosene to loosen it.

[Fastmonty]

Gus,

I have the same issue... I'm subscribed to this thread, but rarely get notified of new posts. Regardless, I absolutely love your rendering. Can't wait to see the final results...

Eric,

As usual, I'm thoroughly impressed with the amount of work you're doing. And like Gus said, I wish I knew half as much as you, which would be 10 times more of what I currently know... Not sure if you're aware of this tool, called a Wheel Rite. I used it to size my wheels. I too was surprised at how wide of a wheel and tire will fit inside the front fender well. The issue is suspension travel while turning. I removed my shocks/springs, put a bottle jack under the lower A arm and lifted the knuckle about 3", attached this tool and turned the wheel from lock to lock and figured out exactly what offset and tire size to use. The issue on our car is the slope of the inside of the fender well, where it meets the fender. For example, if we're making a hard right turn... the left wheel will be fully loaded, and the inboard rear corner of that tire will hit the fender, because of the shallow slope, of the fender/fender well attachment point. I know you'll modify it to get it to work... ha, ha... can't wait to see your project finish up.



As for my wheels, they're USMags, with custom backspacing, rear bolted centers, and chrome lips (not polished Aluminum)... I took some better pictures. The fronts are 19x8.5 which will have 245/35-19's, the rears are 20x10 which I'll start with 285/30 -20's, but can most likely end up with 295's. (I'm frankly shocked how wide and bitchin looking these 20x10's are) I made the PMD center caps, and found the original Rally II lug nuts at AMES. They have both threads... 7/16-20 for the rear studs, and 1/2-20 for the Willwood Front studs.

Anyway, I have some debugging to do on the electrical system and hope to fire it within the next two weeks.

Talk soon, Mike

[robbie9999]

Hi Mike

I want a exact set up these is there a contact you have for them please. I am running 19x8.5 and 20x10 in the rear Asanti. Do you have any pictures of the wheels and tires on your car please. I have a 66 GTO

Robbie

['71cutlasluvr]

Hey Gus,
Good choice on the cart, it will make your life easier. Thanks again for the compliments, you guys keep me motivated. As everyone always says, the PT forum is such a good place for inspiration and gathering ideas for your own build, I have spent so many hours going through all kinds of builds and I am always learning (stealing) something from all the great builds.
Cool to hear you are a natural behind the wheel, the Miata is a great way to get track time and experience, I hope to be able to keep up with you when we get our monster A bodies out on the track!
Doing the mini tub is worth it to be able to run the big tires, have you checked out Brian's frame work on his 69 GTO? He did a great job bringing the whole frame rail in on both sides by narrowing up the cross members. Just another option to confuse you. We need an update from him too!
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...01#post1057801

In between graduation parties today I was able to clean up some parts that still had the original 1/8" of undercoating on them. Brought back fond memories of laying on my back in my Mom and Dad's driveway 28 years ago, scraping the whole undercarriage with a little putty knife and using Kerosene to loosen it.

Pulled the paypal trigger. Cart is on the way. Adjustable Cart w/o casters was $320, but $141 shipping from TN to CT! Sheesh!!

Well, not sure if I'm a natural, but I've always driven kinda fast (ask my wife) and autox allows me to really stretch my legs and feel the car, so maybe there is a little innate ability there, but only in it for the fun. Don't care about trophies and points. The faster, the better, but smooth is the rule. Seems to work for me so far. I can send you a pm with a gopro vid of my first run (kinda boring since I was cafeful) but everyone who sees it laughs when the instructor (cause i was in the novice group) came up to get in and I didn't have the pass seat installed, and he asks if I've autox before.... yup, lied through my teeth but I've been driving for over 40 years, must've have learned something by now.. just took it easy and stayed smooth. The biggest help of the day? The prez of our club let me take his crappy mountain bike to "walk" the course. Really helped rather than walking it. Never hit a cone, never went off course... many others did. Let me know if you'd like a good laugh and I'll pm you the vid.

I think your a-body is going to be waay faster and a better handler than mine so I may stick with "Mia" when you bring your beast!

Checked out Brians project (thanks for the link) Just another gearhead who knows waaaayyy more than me!!
He's really taking the narrowing thing to a whole new level with the stock frame. Hope it all lines up when he's done. I'm sure I wouldn't be so lucky.

That's some serious undercoating. Man, that's tedious work, aint it?
Keep the updates coming Eric. Really helps my motivation.

['71cutlasluvr]

Glad you like the Rendering Fastmonty. It's an ambitious project, but the result should be worth the time and $. Sad thing is I could have purchase FOUR sets of those Jason Rushforth rated X wheel sets with what we spent on my daughters wedding, but the smile on her face when I walked her down the aisle was worth every penny.

Man I just LOVE those PMD big wheels. I would consider an Oldsmobile style wheel in those sizes. They look killer on your Goat. btw: Did you decide on the sizes because of appearance and stance, or maximum traction? I read somewhere that 19's and 18's are a better choice for track days and autox... just curious....

I have a wheelrite in my "save for later" list in my amazon account. I'm probably closer than I think to needing it, but not before spending the wheel $.........

Can't wait to see the tires mounted and on the car. More motivation for me!!

[Fastmonty]

Robbie,

The only pictures I have, are above... I bought them through a dealer in Southern California. Where are you?

Gus,



Thanks. I was going for looks, as well as some performance. I'll occasionally do autocross, but more for street driving. I agree, if it were a dedicated track car, 18/19's would be better... however, 18's (In this style) would not fit over my 14" brakes, on the front. I went as wide as possible without modifying the tubs, etc... Maybe the next project??/ ha, ha... Good luck with your build!

[Bonhomme]

my original dash was stolen when it was sitting out back. Plus I want to do something custom so the metal dash gives me a good starting point.

How about a 2006 GTO Dash? I just happen to have one I'm looking to get rid of.

[ekmxryda]

Hey Mike, the wheels look great, I am with Robbie, I want a set now too! Bummer the 18's won't clear the front caliper? Yeah I was going to get a Wheel Rite tool but then I liked the Wheel Fit tool but they are a bit pricey, and yes I will be cutting up the front wheel wells to take advantage of the extra RS frame clearance to run the 10" wide front rim. Any RS people out there feel free to chime in...
http://www.wheelworksinc.com
Gus I forgot to mention how cool the rendering is looking, that must keep you motivated. This is my first big project and some days I get overwhelmed and just step away, but if I can break things down into smaller tasks then I can keep myself going. It sucks working alone too but having everyones support and guidance really helps.
Thanks for checking Bonhomme but I am sticking with the Frankensteined Impala dash.

[robbie9999]

Mate, I am in Toronto just completed my 66 GTO build not trying to high jack your tread but dying to see the 19 and 20s you have, here is pick of mine went with 19 20 asanti not that great

Robbie

[Fastmonty]

Eric, the fact that you now want the same wheel, is a huge compliment. Thanks. Here's the link to their website... http://www.mhtwheels.com/mht-luxury-...el.cfm?id=2782 MHT is the same manufacturer for FOOSE. So, they can't be that bad. Ha, ha...

As for measuring, I almost went with that same measurement tool from wheel works, and choked on the price. The Wheel rite worked for me. But, now that I think about it, it won't work for you... your rear wheels are just too damn wide. Ha, ha... It should work fine for figuring out your front though. Just make sure you take accurate measurements during a mock turn in. I would hate to hear you made a hard turn and tore your fender off.

As a heads up... these are around $1200+ each. (Mine are two piece, rear bolt) But, they can also do three piece, where the price just gets higher. They can do backspacing in 1/4" increments. Notice they don't have 19x8.5" listed, I got a call from their Sales Manager and he and I worked it out. (He has an engineering background, thank god. Unfortunately, I don't have his contact info, he called me.) Anyway, if either of you hit any road blocks, I can try and go through my dealer for contact info, etc...

As for fitting 18" wheels... don't quote me. My comment was more in relation to the location of my control arms. I'm using 2" drop spindles, which doesn't change the control arm location, hence a 19" wheel is recommended. Give me a week or so, and I'll mount the front wheels on and take some pictures of the caliper clearance, etc... for reassurance.

[Fastmonty]

Robbie,

Your Goat looks great! The wheels look great too! Are you just looking for a change? What size tires are you currently running?

Mike

[Roger Poirier]

This is the most universal Pontiac thread I have read. Who's who? Whats what? I have no idea any more.
Enjoyable reading though... LOL R.P.

[WallaceMFG]

Working on setting gaps for the flush glass, want to go with stock glass to keep costs down, this is going to take a while!

Are you putting in the flush glass yourself? Or have you found a shop that can do it? I have a 69 Chevelle and want to using flush glass, but can't find much info.

Thanks,
Nelson

[ekmxryda]

Robbie must be nice having your GTO in the show, looks great.
Hey Mike more good info on the wheels, thanks.
Roger I am glad you are keeping track of things, at least we are in good company!
Hi Nelson I have no idea what I am doing on the flush glass! On the job training as usual, and like you said not much info for the best way to go about it.
Did you check out the Judge with the flush glass that Mike took pictures of (back on post #150) done by G3 Rods Rapid City, SD they did some nice work.
I e-mailed them and they said they brought the glass up 1/8", I am going to weld in filler strips for the sides of the windshield and back glass. Bent up a sample today to test the shape.



Back, I will be shooting for a 1/8" gap

[Bonhomme]

Eric,

Not sure if this helps as you're a genius in figuring these things out, but here's a link to the musclecar episode when they flush mounted the back glass in an olds:

http://www.powerblocktv.com/episode/...3#.U5kI8G_D85s

Kris

[mikes2nd]

I did something similar, I moved the rear window up and cut and moved the channel up from the bottom.

I am filling in the front also, its moved up also