... PICTURE SET CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE CLICK->
All the interior floor pans are replaced. Wow! That is a lot of work! CLICK->
The panel seams were sealed and everything was primed. CLICK->
Here the interior of the car has been painted. This looks new! CLICK->
The interior and top is masked off for painting the exterior. CLICK->
The dash area is detailed. This looks 100% better than before. CLICK->
Meanwhile work starts on the frame half. The rear cross-member was not useable and a replacement was acquired from Frank’s Pontiac Parts in California. Many parts were found on eBay and some at Carlisle and Hershey swap meets. CLICK->
Joe adds, "After sandblasting and painting, the frame/suspension/steering/rear end were re-assembled with rebuilt or new components. We had to remove the Chevy motor mounts that had been welded to the front cross member; the car most recently been powered by a small-block Chevy. The rear end was built by Danny’s Transmission in Windsor with a gear set from Drive Train Specialists in Warren, MI. Most of the suspension, brake and fuel system components came from Ames Performance. The fuel tank is from Qantas." CLICK->
The body is back on the frame. The front clip is reinstalled. CLICK->
Joe continues, "The car was painted with poly base/clear in the original Nordic Blue. The Ivory vinyl top was installed by Paul from The Trim Shoppe in Windsor." CLICK->
Can you see the car coming back to life? The GTO has been transported back to Joe's home for re-assembly. CLICK->
Awesome. Vacuum Actuated Exhaust (VOE). CLICK->
Joe's set of Rally II wheels are all ready for rubber. CLICK->
It's done! Joe comments, "I registered the car to be judged in the 'Concours - Restored' category at the 2009 GTOAA Nationals. First time out, the car was judged at the 'Silver' level. The tough question is: Should I drive it or spend the time and effort to get it to 'Gold'?" CLICK->
Nordic Blue 1968 GTO hardtop, front end view. CLICK->
Close-up of the grille and fixed headlight set. PICTURE SET CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ...
