[gpsonthebrain]

for sale. It has a 455 motor and 3speed auto. Car is in kinda rough shape, but it can be mine for $800.00. Don't know much about these cars or their value. And what about replacement parts, are they had to find? I will try to post some pics in the next day or two if that may help. Just wondering if it would be worth it.

[Grand73Am]

Sounds like a good deal to me. Parts aren't a big problem. I bought a 73 GTO junker last year and have been able to find what I need for it on eBay and on www.abodysite.com . Some parts are the same from other 73-77 a-bodies and g-bodies, Lemans, Grand Prix, Chevelle, Cutlass, Century. New weatherstripping is available too.
Go to http://www.showrods.com/73gto/00.gto_home.html to see "Dave's 73 GTO Odyssey" for some inspiration. He has a great story of buying his nice 73 GTO and driving it back home cross country.

[gpsonthebrain]

Yeah, I did a Yahoo search and found his site. Went through the whole thing. Funny thing is, I am just 10 minutes south of Memphis, TN in MS. I wonder if he still lives in Memphis? When I first saw the car, I was not very interested. But the more I look at them the more it is growing on me. I will have to go look at it again and will post some pics.

[billygoatii]

Originally Posted by gpsonthebrain

Yeah, I did a Yahoo search and found his site. Went through the whole thing. Funny thing is, I am just 10 minutes south of Memphis, TN in MS. I wonder if he still lives in Memphis? When I first saw the car, I was not very interested. But the more I look at them the more it is growing on me. I will have to go look at it again and will post some pics.

Dave is now in the Milwaukee, WI area I believe. I too think that $800 sounds like a good deal. The 455 by itself has quite a bit of value. Post the pics and let us see it. Thanks.

[pete315]

if the car has all 4 chrome wheel well moldings, it's a good buy. those rear chrome moldings (1 year only) are gold!

[squirejohn]

Originally Posted by pete315

if the car has all 4 chrome wheel well moldings, it's a good buy. those rear chrome moldings (1 year only) are gold!

aint that the truth.

For $800.00 with 455 and 3 speed.
If that car has a NACA hood. buy it! Hoods go from 300.00 up.
The fender moldings are a c note plus just for one. NOS ones go for 600.00 plus.

[billygoatii]

Looks too far gone to restore from the pics. I agree with Squire, buy it and part it out. People that need the parts will be happy to buy them and you can make some profit.

[Pontiacmuscle]

Feel free to send me the hood....Ive been looking for one. Put me on the list if you decide to sell that.
Neat Car....I parted one years ago....

[gpsonthebrain]

Ok. I have gotten some interest in this car. I am working on getting the car and when I have it I will post it so whoever needs something off of it can let me know. I have already gotten PM's on the hood and RR wheel well opening trim. Those who PM me first will get first shot at the parts they request. I will then post better pics of those items for them to see. I am ONLY interested in the motor and transmission. All else will be for sale. Thanks.

[md1twal3]

Other than the rear window, what is so unrestorable about it? Seems a shame to part it if someone would bring it back to life....

I'll keep looking, but somewhere I read where someone was looking for a 73.

[gpsonthebrain]

Originally Posted by md1twal3

Other than the rear window, what is so unrestorable about it? Seems a shame to part it if someone would bring it back to life....

I'll keep looking, but somewhere I read where someone was looking for a 73.

md1wal3, I too don't like to see another Pontiac taken off of the road. Believe me, it really does bother me that some people dismantle a perfectly good restorable car only to sell the parts. Here are some more pics that I took of the car and I will examine it closer once I can get it on some concrete. I do know that the drivers side window is missing and the interior has been exposed to the elements for well over a year and maybe 2. I didn't know of the availability of parts for this car so that is why I posted the pictures to get the opinions of those who might know. Take a look and see what you think.

[gpsonthebrain]

to see

[Grand73Am]

Yes, it could be restored, but it is rough, and the question is whether it is worth restoring? Unfortunately, they barely bring enough money when they're in good condition to justify a restoration. So I think you are doing the right thing. If you don't pull it out of there, it'll just sit there and rot anyway.

[gpsonthebrain]

Grand73Am,
thats what I thought as well. I have seen these cars on e-bay not bring too high of a price. I have nothing against the cars. I would drive it myself if it was worth the money needed to repair it. I just don't see this one being a good candidate for a restoration. I am sure that the floor pans and trunk pans are totally rotten as is the interior.

[Judge273]

That is a cool car, and money should play a role too. The prices are bound to rise. I hope it doesn't stop someone for having the passion to restore a 455 73 GTO.

My cousin just bought one, and it is a beauty.
His is a 4-speed, and was restored by previous owner.

[Laguna454s3]

With only 544 455 cars made it should be saved.

I'm sure someone is looking for one. Probably the best thing to do is to find a decent Lemans body and put it onto the chassis for the GTO. Then swap the VIN plate and cowl tag legally.

John
74 Laguna 454 4 speed (one of 362)
74 Laguna 454 THM 400
76 Laguna 400 Dealer Promotion Car
75 Hurst Olds W30 455 (one of 1130)

[Ron Landis]

it will come into it's own one day soon. A 455 with that color combo...rare indeed! I know...folks don't like greeen, but that is one of the more desireable colors of thet era. Would be Citrus Green on a Z-28, which jacks the value considerably. Anyway...sad situation.

[Pontiacmuscle]

Originally Posted by Laguna454s3

With only 544 455 cars made it should be saved.

I'm sure someone is looking for one. Probably the best thing to do is to find a decent Lemans body and put it onto the chassis for the GTO. Then swap the VIN plate and cowl tag legally.

John
74 Laguna 454 4 speed (one of 362)
74 Laguna 454 THM 400
76 Laguna 400 Dealer Promotion Car
75 Hurst Olds W30 455 (one of 1130)

John,
Exactly how is that done legally?

[md1twal3]

Originally Posted by Pontiacmuscle

John,
Exactly how is that done legally?

I was waiting for this question to come up

[Grand73Am]

Originally Posted by Pontiacmuscle

John,
Exactly how is that done legally?

Don't tell anybody.... .

I like the Golden Olive color. Maybe after pulling the engine/trans, someone would buy the rolling body. Worth a try, considering what it is. Hopefully it's not too rotten underneath. Some rust holes in the floor pans wouldn't be too bad since you can buy new pans. Hopefully the frame's still good. That rust at the back glass would be a difficult fix, but not impossible. Just depends on how much more rust is there, I guess. I was also thinking it may take another body to fix that one, so would it be worth buying another car? You'd have to do it for the love of the car I think.

I'm not against the idea of restoring it. I myself bought a rolling junk 73 GTO, original 400/auto car, but without the engine/trans., because it was cheap($450 hauled to my house) and pretty straight and mostly solid. Another $200 for a 455/T400 from the junkyard. It doesn't look much better than that green car, but a little better condition I think. I could see the potential to at least make it a fun driver. And it's fun just to have a GTO. I can do the work myself, which makes it feasible. If you have to pay somebody else to do it, it gets too expensive. Here's a pic. The rust around the back glass isn't as bad as the green one and the deck lid is excellent. Good floors too. So it's ugly, but pretty solid. And yes, I have the hood too :