... PICTURE SET CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE CLICK->
Andrew continues, "We started disassembly over Christmas 2003. The engine that was in the car turned out to be a 350 and the transmission was an automatic TH400. The auto shifter had a Firebird logo on it so that made us think that the original engine was blown up and this Firebird drivetrain was put in. The Pontiac Historic Services information that we received said that this car was originally a 4-speed car with the base 400 engine."
Pontiac Historic Services is at http://www.phs-online.com CLICK->
The frame is separated from the body and taken outside to be pressure washed. CLICK->
The frame is then painted with a coating called Por-15. Andrew has also installed the new brake and fuel lines. CLICK->
Andrew works on the engine. He explains, "I purchased a 1967 400 short block out of a Catalina on eBay. It had been rebuilt 30 over with a standard cam. It also has an arma-steel crank so I thought it was a good find. The heads are 1967 670 heads that were rebuilt and are in good shape. You can see the frame in the background under the tarp and the body hanging from the rafters with come-alongs and chains." CLICK->
Andew gives it a first test run after getting the car back from the bodyshop. The engine and M20 transmission are installed and runs great. CLICK->
The fenders, doors, and endura bumper are test fitted. The bumper and inside of the doors and fenders are painted in its final color. CLICK->
Andrew and his Dad installed a set of headers that lead into the Pypes Performance 2 1/2 inch X-pipe exhaust. CLICK->
Midnight Blue 1968 GTO hardtop, engine view. Andrew adds, "I know that this air cleaner is not correct for the 68 but I like the way the open element air cleaner looks." CLICK->
Midnight Blue 1968 GTO hardtop, interior view. CLICK->
Midnight Blue 1968 GTO hardtop, right rear view. Andrew continues, "The car was painted at L&M Autobody in Ulysses, Pennsylvania. The rear spoiler was on the car when I purchased it and I decided that I wanted to keep it. The Rally IIs are 14x7 and were painted using the paint and mask kit from Eastwood. The rear bumper and door moldings are reproductions but all the rest of the stainless has been polished." CLICK->
Midnight Blue 1968 GTO hardtop, left front view. Andrew concludes, "The front valance chrome pieces are still at the chrome shop. The hide-away headlights work perfectly (new bushings, actuators, springs, and hoses). When we bought the car the actuators were missing and the covers were held up with wire. We could not be happier with the way the Endura bumper, hood, and fenders lined up after all the frustrations of this step. In the background you can see the beautiful Potter County, Pennsylvania countryside." CLICK->
Andrew's Midnight Blue 1968 GTO hardtop taken in front of a covered bridge in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Andrew adds, "This was taken while on one my clubs (SVGTO Tigers) car cruises. I have really enjoyed getting involved with my local club." CLICK->
Andrew in his Midnight Blue 1968 GTO sitting in front of the Pennsylvania Memorial on the Gettysburg Battlefield. CLICK->
Andrew tells us, "This was from the GTOAA Eastern Meet in New Jersey [2007]. My car placed first in the 68 popular vote class. This was a real shock as all the cars were very nice. That is what makes the car hobby fun and makes all the hard work worth it." CLICK->
Verdoro Green 1968 GTO hardtop owned by Jim Taylor from Cypress, Texas. It has a Jim Butler 426 under the hood. Jim also owns the Torrid Red 2006 GTO behind it. PICTURE SET CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ...
Here's a comment from a recent visitor...
Says Kenny Palmer - "It's a great community place, and as a 16 year old, I have learned a lot from this page."
