'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.





Cheers,
Brian.