The Ultimate Pontiac GTO Picture Site
by Sean Mattingly.
There's no bigger GTO image collection anywhere!
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FRAME-OFF RESTORATION GALLERY
Added 6/01 Let's do a frame-off on a 1968
GTO hardtop In
words and pictures.
Frank Rinaldi (gtofrank68@yahoo.com) from Watertown, Connecticut did
a frame-off on his 1968 GTO hardtop. He documented the 5-year process
with photos.
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Frank Rinaldi from Watertown, Connecticut did a frame-off on his 1968 GTO hardtop. He documented the 5-year process with photos. The whole set can be seen in the frame-off restoration pages. This is what the car looked like to start with. It's got some dents and rust. It was originally Solar Red, but Frank chose to restore it using the 1968 color of Flambeau Burgundy. That was the color of a '68 GTO his cousin bought new when Frank was a child. He always wanted that car, so 25 years later he duplicated it. CLICK->
The rear of the car showing some wear. Note this California car has a vinyl top.
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He started the restoration by first making the body solid for removal by replacing the trunk floor that had been rusted by water leaking from a hole under the back window. The trunk area shows the typical rust caused by a leaking rear window. The rainwater trails down one or both inner wheelhouses. The water settles on the low spots in the trunk and rusts it out.
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This "before" photo of the engine compartment can be compared to the "after" photo later.
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The interior was well-enjoyed before Frank tore it out. CLICK->
The frame shortly after it was removed.
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The lower lip under the chrome trim piece was rotted on both rear quarter panels. So, along with the fact that both panels were dented, he made the decision to change both panels.
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Chop, chop. The rear 1/4 panels and outer wheel houses were changed. Frank did all the body work first so the body would stay aligned and square before removing it from the frame.
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This shows what the car looks like after you chop off a panel.
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This shows what it looks like when you put a new one on.
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You are looking at the left front of the car.
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He removed the front A-trays and suspension and sent it off for sandblasting along with the front bumper. When it came back, it was painted with black epoxy primer. The ball joints, inner and outer tie-rods and idler arm were replaced.
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The front and back brakes were replaced, along with the oil in the rear end, and new axle bearings. The car also got new front wheel bearings.
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This is where the rebuilt engine will be set in place.
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This is where the rear passengers could sit if there were any seats.
Here's a comment from a recent visitor...
Says Don Zappone - "I only discovered your website by accident a few weeks ago (right before I submitted my pictures) and it has become my favorite and most often visited site. You have done a masterful job!"
