... PICTURE SET CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE CLICK->
Another shot of Tom's blue 1969 GTO hardtop. Tom changed from fixed headlights to hideaways. CLICK->
Donnie Hildreth built this 1969 GTO hardtop into a Judge. Donnie adds, "It has a complete Hotchkis suspension and 4-wheel disc breaks with cross drilled and slotted rotors. I changed the car from an AC to a non-AC and from an automatic to a 4-speed Richmond super T10. I still have all the original parts including the number matching 400. The last three numbers of the VIN are 455 (how sweet), so I called Bruce Fulper (of Rock-n-Roll Engineering) and ordered a King Street 455 with 600hp and 620ftlb. It is way more than this frame needs but I love every ft-lb of it." CLICK->
This is how it started. Donnie explains, "I bought the car in Phoenix Arizona in April 2005. It was all orginal with numbers matching 400, AC, auto, ps, pb, standard headlites, and front disc brakes. I started the restoration the day it was delivered. I took the car completely apart every nut, bolt, and clip." CLICK->
The frame is removed from the body. CLICK->
The body is placed on a rotisserie. CLICK->
Donnie continues, "I stripped the under side and applied two coats of high-build primer and three coats of Eastwood black. The car was 99.999% rust free thanks to the 36 years in the desert of Arizona." CLICK->
Donnie concludes, "All body work and final paint was done by John Kavadas. The body was painted with 10-12 coats of DuPont ChromaPremier Single Stage and sanded with 1200/1500/2000 and finished with 2500 grit." CLICK->
Black 1969 GTO hardtop owned by Dan G. from San Mateo, California. Dan tells us, "I have had this about eight years now. I got it running good - got 10.5 first time out. It is a cruiser. I had a heart attack in it last year while I was tinkering with the stereo - you might say I put my heart into this car. It's my son's car to drive on weekends. He is 16 and spoiled, but he does appreciate and enjoys working on it with me. I want him to have the experience of what it was like back then, 'GOOD TIMES'." CLICK->
Black 1969 GTO hardtop, front end view. CLICK->
Black 1969 GTO hardtop, right side view. Blacked out windows and big chrome wheels. CLICK->
Riding high in the rear. It has exhaust tips routed out the sides just behind the rear wheels. It also has a rear sway bar. CLICK->
Here is a peek under the hood. CLICK->
The interior looks great. CLICK->
Donnie Gosa is restoring this 1969 GTO hardtop. Here is the FRAME! CLICK->
The engine block is held over the frame. PICTURE SET CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE ...
Here's a comment from a recent visitor...
Says Joe Arcadi (joseph.a.arcadi.@owenscorning.com) - "You are the Elvis Presley of GTO's!!!! Thank you Thank you very Much!!!"