[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by 66sprint6

So I searched the internet last night and I don't know what's happened in the last couple of weeks, but prices have gone way up. ...

As hinted at, around USA-Thanksgiving prices generally go up, and stay up for everything car related, and they generally settle back down in the new year.

If you haven't been to it, there is another Canadian-Pontiac community that might be worth checking out;
Members there are constantly scanning Kijiji ect for cool car postings.

https://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/

[66sprint6]

Actually...

[66sprint6]

So since we’ve turned towards effecting a rebirth of this car, I thought that I’d keep it going and update from time to time as it takes shape. Although we got another car, it’s still painful to see this red on red example reduced to what it is.
I went out to the storage facility to finally get a proper assessment in daylight of what I’m looking at. Here’s a few better pics of the interior and the car as it sits. I was bummed that even the dash bezel was destroyed, along with the original and near mint dash pad. I was going to try to see if I could start it, as the dome light was working, but then I saw that the fuse block was destroyed as well. So we’ll have to pull it out and get it on a stand. Today I’ll head out there again and start a bit of a deconstruction and replace the hood with a spare that we happen to have. so that it will at least sit somewhat flat. It will attach at the hood hinge on the passenger side. That will have to do. Then it’s going to have to sleep for the winter and we will continue to acquire parts in the meanwhile.

[66sprint6]

A few more pics. Hopefully not too depressing for you! I’m not sure about trying to pry the driver’s door open today. I’m worried that I won’t get it closed.

[1965gp]

I think I would get the car to a frame shop and let them pull on it until they get it straight. Once it’s straight you can start the deconstruction of it,

I know lot of us would like to see the car put back together, I know I would donate some parts from my 66 build. I probably have the dash harness and the old dash bezel off my car

[dataway]

Yep, I think I maybe have some 67 trim and parts (not sure if it's the same as 66) that I have zero use for that I could donate.

[mgarblik]

Next time you are out there, do whatever you can to disable the battery. Cut the negative battery cable if you have to. Having live circuits with all that damage and as you pry and move things around, you may have a smoldering fire and ruin parts you need. Be careful.

[66sprint6]

Thanks for the offers, guys. I will definitely take you up on those. Here’s a few more pics for your enjoyment. I finally got the inner fender out. It was literally folded in with the cowl and the fender in places, like a letter in an envelope. Now that it’s out you can really see the carnage. The body bushings came right through the frame and the frame itself is completely separated under the front door jamb.
For today I jacked it up, put one of the original wheels back on, pulled a few things so that it resembles a car, switched out the hood, and covered it for a winter’s sleep. It was 50 degrees and sunny today but that’s going to change real soon and we probably won’t see a day like that for a while.

[66sprint6]

Couple more. I have to remember to take these pictures with the phone horizontal so I don’t get these sideways pics.

[77 Canamman]

The body shell is probably salvageable. The frame appears to be toast.

[GT182]

I agree with 77 Canamman. The frame is toast, so it would be best to find another frame. 65 thru 67 will work. Save the original serial number of section behind the left rear wheel of this frame. You could section it in if you want, but don't get rid of it.

[Firedup6975]

Wow! Sad for everyone involved. find another and you and your Son work on it together. It might help heal the pain and re build confidence and a new respect for how quickly things can go South.

[66sprint6]

If I can't find a Pontiac frame, what other GM frame will work? I've heard a few different answers but I think after everything that the only other frame that works is from a Buick A-body. I don't have the resources or inclination to rework another brand. If I can't find one locally, then it's off to Searchtempest. I did see a company in Texas, I believe, that has a stack of frames. So with such a wholesale change, maybe I'll put a convertible frame under it, if I can find one.

[GT182]

Don't quote me on this but I don't think one from a Buick would work. Pontiac only would be my unknowing for sure guess.

[Chris65LeMans]

That frame is salvageable (the point where it broke, I learned, is a common failure point in crashes), but it may be cheaper/easier to put a new one underneath - especially with that additional wrinkle in the arch.

When I was doing research for an accident repair, I learned that '64 to '67 frames will interchange. Chevy frames are shorter, but I believe that the Buick and Olds will work. I found a few Pontiac candidate frames, so they don't seem to be rare.

To do so - you'll need a good frame guy (who are fewer and farther between every day).

Are you doing all the work yourself, or paying someone to restore it?

[post toastie]

have you seen this car on craigslist https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/c...278963601.html

[tempest1964]

Yeah, I think that company in Texas is called Gary’s...if you decide to go that route. I just looked. They have both convertible and hardtop frames. Here is the link: http://www.garys-classics.net/gtolemans.html. Fairly reasonable too.

[66sprint6]

Yes these are great examples of cars and parts. There were a couple of smokin' deals that I had to let go too, so as not to see my wife finally crack with 3 cars.
Right now our Tempest sleeps, to the tune of 100.00/mo. at the storage facility. But we don't mind. We're mostly happy that we got the LeMans that we recently acquired as a replacement, rather than a rebuild for now. It's an amazing car, loaded with options. We're also enthused about the V8. So maybe that's the silver lining that will make the bookend to this thread. But be ready for the great epic Tempest rebuild project that definitely will move forward, albeit slowly, after we get the LeMans sorted out.

[GT182]

66sprint6, I'm glad you kept it, That Tempest Custom body is kind of rare and special for a 66 Sprint. I saw that the one in Duval, WA wasn't a Custom. Just hang in there, she'll be back on the road again one of these days. I'll keep an eye open around here for parts for ya.

[imposter]

that steering wheel/column is making me nervous