[lcoz31]

I recently bought a 66-389 Tri-Power. Mechanically its in good shape.

New Parts: brakes, ball joints, shocks, wheels, tires, bumpers, grills, moldings, etc.

Needs engine rebuild and paint. Has some rust on body, frame, & trunk.

Can anyone give me an idea what the price range would be for a frame off restoration in this condition?

Also, Does changing the original color lessen the value?

[lcoz31]

I recently bought a 66-389 Tri-Power. Mechanically its in good shape.

New Parts: brakes, ball joints, shocks, wheels, tires, bumpers, grills, moldings, etc.

Needs engine rebuild and paint. Has some rust on body, frame, & trunk.

Can anyone give me an idea what the price range would be for a frame off restoration in this condition?

Also, Does changing the original color lessen the value?

[Jerry H.]

It's all according to what kind of frame off you want to do. To do an every nut and bolt, concours, every paint dab, all correct shades of paint, etc; new glass, etc. You could spend 40, 50k to restore your car. I have seen some so called 'frame offs' that were not as nice or detailed as many others.

[carbking]

A "frame-off" or total restoration would mean keeping the original color. You cannot change the color in a "frame-off restoration".

You could obviously change the color, but the result would no longer be a restoration. Color change and restoration are mutually exclusive. Color change would definately hurt the value at this level of work. Those who spend high dollars for restored Pontiacs are looking at cars matching PHS documentation, with possibly additional "dealer installed" options (whether they were installed by the "dealer" or the "restorer").

Color change is less likely to hurt value (and may even help) on a "driver".

Jon.

Good carburetion is fuelish hot air.

[bigpop]

Jerry and Jon are absolutely right on in their advise.The one thing I could add is that 4 speeds are a little more valuable in the muscle car market,eventhough there were less auto/tripower cars built(a slight rarity issue).Seems 4 speeds will always be more valued as I have price guides from 20+ years ago and they refect a higher premium for 4 speed cars,just like the recent car value guides. Bigpop

"salivate like a Pavlov dog"

[Brad B. Hillebrand]

Tough question because there as so many variables. One of the most expensive parts of the restoration is the body. If the body is straight and panels not rusted you will save a TON on the body work. If you want a perfect paint and super straight body, means many many hours of block sanding = lots of cash. Paint jobs go from 6K-15K. You can do for way less depending on how much detail you want.

If you do most of the work yourself you will save a ton of cash. Refinish, refab and rebuild your own parts and you will save again.

Engine can be done for about $1800 for stock stuff rebuilds, trans add another $750.

It all depends on the condition of what you have now.

Can you explain what you have as far as the body, interior and engine? One of my cars is a 67 GTO and I did the work myself except the paint and engine so I can provide some estimates.

The big deal is time to do it all!!!!

Brad

"It's the last thing I'll ever say, I promise"

[Bob with the 66]

Your better off not even keeping track on what it cost.

Just dive in and enjoy being broke and spending every night out in the garage wrenching.

I think the word "Suicide" was created by the first guy that added up all his bills after a restoration.

All good things are worth waiting for. "Yeah right", I want them now!

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity".

[Rugratman]

Don't forget the new rule.
Estimate X 50% = cost.
Time to it X 2 = actual finish time. ( if ever )

Wife finding your receipts = Long night on the couch + one hell of a Valentines gift $$.

Don't add, just to it.

Send us some photo's, we are all restoring our cars to some point and would be helpful with info and ballpark cost.

[Brad B. Hillebrand]

Yeah, I have a couple baggies full of receipts that I'm afraid to log. I just keep putting it off. When I need to sell, I might add up. I know for fact on my 67 GTO I'm in the 55k+ range. Insanity and a waste but worth it in some weird way....

Brad

"It's the last thing I'll ever say, I promise"

[Old-Goat]

I just bought a 67 and it is my first attempt at a restoration. It sounds like you are starting with a much better car than I am. have a lot of rust to deal with. Good luck.

To the group, a question, what I have right now is a YZ HO engine with an automatic. It appears now that after many false starts that the numbers do match (all but the carb which is a 65). If I put a 4 speed in the car but save the auto and console etc, would that hurt the resale valuem at some future date?

[lcoz31]

Thanks for your replies. I'm gonna post a few pictures soon.

[slgenge]

I purchased a clean 66 gto 4 years ago.389 4bbl,air,power windows, auto tran.The car was nice,original paint ,original interior,but the car was tired.I drove it until 2 summers ago motor went, needs to be rebuilt.Pulled the engine went to a good mechanic (CHEVY) and it cost me $5000.00 to still be broke. I am from Canada so i looked for a top notch pontiac builder and i picked SD Performance out of Abbotsford BC.With the help of Dave Bisschop of SD Performance and 02 Hawk PY member,Dave is building me a 421 engine to fit my 66.I wanted something period correct.Dave has done some nice mods and i look forward to recieving it in the next month.The colour of my GTO was Martinique Bronze,( I hate the colour,but to find a 66 GTO up here is hard, trade tarrifs of the 60s).I have decided to paint it Iris Mist a 1965 colour,I have purchased a new interior and changing it to black,pulled the super turbine 300 and I am replacing it with a Turbo 400 and a his and her shifter.I have purchased a set of disk brakes,Hood Tach.Ram Air Hood Scoop,Ram Air Pan and seal,New Rad (Rodney Red).Purchased a new 3inch exhaust system from Pypes.New set of Dougs Headers and other goodies .So far Iam in for 25,000 including the car with about 8k to go.But it is worth every penny when some poor sap with 3 kids in a mini van pulls up to me and says "Man I wish I had you wheels" It puts a smile on my face.
I will try to post some pics of my restoration and how every thing is going my goal is July 1st and God willing it will happen.

I would like to thank every one who has given me help on the forums the past 2 months

Shawn

[slgenge]

Trying to post pics

[slgenge]

more pics

[slgenge]

GTO before Restoration

[slgenge]

Here are some more pics from the front end

Shawn

[Brad B. Hillebrand]

I wish my 67 was that nice when I started....looks great!!!

Brad

"It's the last thing I'll ever say, I promise"

[slgenge]

Thanks Brad, I am trying to put a start to finish on my resto i now it will look great I was happy to find a realy clean car makes every thing alot easier.

Shawn

[scotts66goat]

Hey Shawn,
Thanks for emailing me the pic. Are you going to keep the t300 tranny?

The only stupid question you ask, is the one you don't. Learn at least one thing everyday.

[slgenge]

Scott my car is # matching so iam keeping all the original equipment.

Shawn