[72projectbird]

Well, small setback. The car is essentially ready for paint, but the shop wasn't happy with how the quarters were shaping up. The previous owner had skins put on, but whoever welded the skins warped the hell out of the panels. The shop was fighting constant high and low spots to the point where the filler was getting a little too thick for the quality we're shooting for.

Sooooo....

One quick trip to Ames later, and we have two full quarters and a new dutchman panel. The driver side has already been cut off and the new one mocked up.

[vertigto]

Awesome build...will be doing my 70 soon also.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by vertigto

Awesome build...will be doing my 70 soon also.

Thank you!

It's been a longer process than usual, but we really wanted the end product to be perfect.

The car should assemble rather quickly once I get it back. The interior is all new, waiting to be installed. Got the graphics in waiting too.

After the car is reassembled, I think the winter project might be a set of aluminum heads and a roller cam. Nothing set in stone combo wise, but I'd like to be able to leave the short block alone and just do the top end.

[steve v]

Good call on going with the full 1/4's, no issues down the road with that 8 foot long seam coming back to haunt you.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by steve v

Good call on going with the full 1/4's, no issues down the road with that 8 foot long seam coming back to haunt you.

Yeah, it was the right move in the end. The skins looked good, but once they started working them it was clear the panels were warped pretty bad. The car is going to be black as black can be, so every panel needs to be straight as an arrow.

[shaker455]

Hey Ryan,
Is this the latest on the GTO?

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by shaker455

Hey Ryan,
Is this the latest on the GTO?

For the most part, yes. Progress has been a little slow, but it's coming out very nice.

Right now it looks like it'll be painted and done within a few weeks. There's no reason it shouldn't be, almost every panel is new and required very little body work, and the fitment is very good.

[72projectbird]

Both quarters are on. A little lead work will be done where they meet the roof. The new trunk lid and dutchman panel fit very good.

[6804gto]

Quarters look good. Did you have to replace the outer wheel houses also?

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by 6804gto

Quarters look good. Did you have to replace the outer wheel houses also?

They were replaced beforehand, along with a full trunk floor and trunk drop offs.

When it's done, it'll essentially be a brand new 1970.

[72projectbird]

It's been a long road (too long), but it's almost out of paint jail.

Here's a little teaser:

[72projectbird]

Finally back from paint! The first order of business was getting the Rally 2s back on with the new tires, center caps, and lugs.

It's hard to take pictures that show how black it truly is. The last pic is the reflection of the garage in the quarter panel.

[69gtocv]

They did a great job on getting that nice and flat!

[Greg Reid]

Beautiful!

[Hammertime Mike]

Awesome paint !!

[72projectbird]

Thanks guys!

Now the fun part of reassembly begins. Probably start with the inside and work outward. I'll make sure to take plenty of pics along the way.

[72projectbird]

Got the headliner, visors and rear view installed. It's much easier to do with the glass removed!

Also switched out the steering wheel to a Formula wheel I've been saving for a car like this.

[72projectbird]

Was a pretty productive day. Got the striping all laid out, measured and installed. I think it really wakes the car up, and helps break up all the black.

[Greg Reid]

Yeah, those stripes really compliment the black. Awesome looking car.

[getmygoat]

Wow, that does look great!