[SD455DJ]

As we wait our turn for the body work and paint to happen at Scott Tiemanns, I took the opportunity to 'refurbish' the replacement dash. The original that we removed last fall was severely cracked like a dry lake bed and the new one, while much better, has a few cracks and small shattered depressions that I used a little vinyl repair goop on them and then gave the pad a couple coats to Rustoleum Vinyl Paint that is supposed to be flexible...we'll find out this summer if that is true. This wasn't meant to be a 'restoration' to 'like-new', but just a way to make the pad look more presentable. The pad was decent, but very faded and looked more medium gray than black. Now, I admit that the flat black doesn't quite look right, but it's better than it was, and the crack repair isn't the greatest work on my part, but I hope it stabilized the cracks from spreading further (probably won't).

I'm going to paint the upper core support next week since it is too rough looking compared to the rest of the engine compartment. I'm going to try to save the original 455HO emission sticker, but ordering a repop just incase I ruin in the process.

Dennis

[lamans71]

Maybe not a concourse winner but the new refurbished dash is a huge improvement.

[SD455DJ]

It's been exactly a month since my last update and, sadly, there is nothing new to report. We had to let another car take the place of the GT-37 and Dan's '68 428HO Catalina in order to get done for the GTOAA Nationals. So, mid July we're back in the shop, but I'm letting the Cat go first since it will be unveiled at this years MCACN show in November. That means the GT-37 will probably be in the shop for paint in late August...bummer.

Dennis

[SD455DJ]

I did get a chance to go work on the GT-37 today, so the top of the radiator support got a much needed 'scuff & shoot' with some semi-gloss black paint...a little too glossy IMHO, but it looks reasonably better. I also painted the nose support brackets in front of the radiator along with the horns, hood latch bracket & pull lever, which were all in light gray primer. Lastly cleaned up the original hood latch and left the old plating patina. The original emissions/tune-up decal was so brittle I couldn't save it, so I installed the repop which isn't quite the same quality (blurry text/out of focus looking?) smaller font lettering and the graphics are sub-par, but, it went on anyway.

We are trying to get the heater blower motor/fan to work, but haven't been successful yet. We both are not electrical guys and not sure where to start looking and testing (I did check the fuse and it was good). We also replaced the fan switch on the dash controls, the resistor block on the suitcase (former A/C car with AC Delete kit installed), the hi-blower relay, and blower motor. We didn't check the in-line 30 amp fuse in the harness near the alternator (just thought about that). If you have any ideas, we're all ears...

Dennis

[SD455DJ]

Original 'PM' emissions decal vs. repop...wrong font sizes, no Pontiac Crest, and generally not as crisp in the details...

Dennis

[iceman411]

Dan, did you run a separate wire from the blower case(metal) to the firewall for a ground? The fiberglass housing stumped me once before...

[SD455DJ]

iceman411, That is a great thought - thanks! The AC Delete case is fiberglass and I can't recall if there was a separate ground back to the firewall...wait, I do recall there is one and we did screw it to the firewall. We're going to have to check for continuity at all the connections to see if we find the open circuit. I just hope it isn't in the wiring harness.

Dennis

[SD455DJ]

Well, we moved the GT-37 to the 'inactive' project storage barn yesterday, so the progress is going to stall for a few months while we put Dan's 428HO Catalina on-deck when the GTOAA Nationals are done next week. The hope is after the Catalina is done (2 months - end of August) then it's the GT-37's turn to get painted. Most likely it'll be next summer when this thing is finally street worthy. At least it's a running/drivable car now, so it's easy to move around.

Dennis

[Jack Peters]

I have been to that location. Visited Scott while there also. Nice pole barn.
Still working on mine.

[455HOGT37]

Its been a while. How are things?

[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by 455HOGT37

Its been a while. How are things?

Hi Mike! We just had 16" of snow over the weekend, so it'll definitely be a white Christmas around these parts. We're just waiting our turn for the paint booth at Scott's shop. Dan's '68 428 HO Catalina was a priority, but a couple of other projects 'slipped' in before the GT-37...it'll happen this summer. It's a running and driving car now with the rebuilt 455HO and B/W ST-10. I'm hoping to get some original white door panels (cards), at least the driver's side anyway. We have a new headliner to install and will get the front seat reupholstered. I really like to have a nice interior to drive in regardless of what the car looks like outside.

I hope you are doing well too!

Merry Christmas!

Dennis

[KSZR]

Originally Posted by SD455DJ

Hi Mike! We just had 16" of snow over the weekend, so it'll definitely be a white Christmas around these parts. We're just waiting our turn for the paint booth at Scott's shop. Dan's '68 428 HO Catalina was a priority, but a couple of other projects 'slipped' in before the GT-37...it'll happen this summer. It's a running and driving car now with the rebuilt 455HO and B/W ST-10. I'm hoping to get some original white door panels (cards), at least the driver's side anyway. We have a new headliner to install and will get the front seat reupholstered. I really like to have a nice interior to drive in regardless of what the car looks like outside.

I hope you are doing well too!

Merry Christmas!

Dennis

Neat car! Have you ordered your seat upholstery yet? Was told 10-12 months for seat covers recently.

How much less does the bench weigh than buckets?

[SD455DJ]

KSZR, I haven't ordered any vinyl as the upholsterer will most likely order something with a similar grain as the morrokide vinyl. This GT-37 was ordered with the optional all-vinyl seats (upper left item on the PHS - code TRM) along with the custom foam cushion (code 571 which is heavier foam padding in the seat bottom), so no fabric to deal with. The bench is probably about 20 lbs. lighter than a pair of bucket seats.

Dennis

[KSZR]

Originally Posted by SD455DJ

KSZR, I haven't ordered any vinyl as the upholsterer will most likely order something with a similar grain as the morrokide vinyl. This GT-37 was ordered with the optional all-vinyl seats (upper left item on the PHS - code TRM) along with the custom foam cushion (code 571 which is heavier foam padding in the seat bottom), so no fabric to deal with. The bench is probably about 20 lbs. lighter than a pair of bucket seats.

Dennis

Great options, PS, PB, 455HO, AC, Hood Tach, Honeycombs!

[RamAirBirds]

Dennis, I have been following this thread for awhile. I have not yet said it but I simply LOVE this car. So cool and very special. Just a little motivator. I should have come to look at it when I dropped the Blackbird off a Scotts several months back. It is very deserving of everything you are doing and going to do to it.
Ross

[HWYSTR455]

Following!

.

[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

Following!

.

Unfortunately, there hasn't been anything to follow since July of 2021...pretty sad. I have too many projects and the 'new' '69 Custom S 350 H.O. 4-dr sedan I got a year ago received all the attention during 2023 but was worth it. There is a thread on this car in the 68-69 forums.

This year is to hopefully focus on rebuilding the RAIII engine in the '70 Formula 400...maybe. I need to find more funds for that project, and not doing very well at that yet.

Thanks for following though!

Dennis

[HWYSTR455]

Oh I get it, believe you me! I'm pushing to get the judge tribute drivable because the 'bird is almost done with body & paint! And need room to assemble that!

The 442 has been sitting a while as well, it needs attention. But my daughter has two young ones, so I have a little time.

I have a pile of parts for my truck that needs to get installed, as well as a pile of parts for my dual sport bike. Whew.

Anyway, I will go over to the 68-69 section, and follow that one too.


.

[SD455DJ]

I hope this is the link to it:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=863735

Dennis

[HWYSTR455]

Cool, thank you!

.