[4GTOSplus]

Working on a possible project for an upcoming Pontiac convention. Looking into assembling a 66 GTO hard top. The question is, How long do you think it would take in hours? Every piece would be restored and ready for assembly, laid out in order from bare frame to last emblem. All tools required on site with a maximum of about 20 volunteers assisting at one time in build area, All Pontiac enthusiasts with varying amounts of skill from novice to expert.
A few thing would be pre assembled.
Motor
Rear end
All paint done and buffed to finish but not assembled.
headliner installed most likely
seats restored and ready for install
So basically its like putting a model car together like we all did when we were kids but on a real life scale.
Send me your thoughts. Remember up to 20 people would be helping at a time. How many hours? Thanks, Mark

[400 4spd.]

Sounds like any car "build" show that is done in one hour. My honest opinion is this. If all 20 (or 17 or 12) people are working on assembly at the same time, and are not heavily experienced and in tune, you are inviting disaster. Do you have a team leader who knows every aspect of building a car, who can orchestrate this? Assembly has to be done in order/steps.
For instance, carpet is in and someone installs the rear interior before the doors are hung and rear side glasses are fitted to door glass. Hang doors and align vent frame to roof rail seal. Door glass is now too far back and top edge is striking divider channel. Quarter glass stop lets it go too far forward. Gut rear interior. Adjust quarter glass. Put interior back.
Assemble front end and find that hood gaps are too tight on the sides near the cowl. Move fenders outward at the top. Now doors don't flow with fenders, so doors are bumped out slightly at both hinges. Vent window frame does not seal to A pillar. Take door panel off to correct. Roof rail channel screw holes are slotted, and roof rail is inboard too far. Remove seal and adjust stainless roof rail channel outward. Quarter glass needs to tilt out at the top to meet door glass.
Guess what? You are going backwards.

[4GTOSplus]

[Working on a possible project for an upcoming Pontiac convention. Looking into assembling a 66 GTO hard top. The question is, How long do you think it would take in hours? Every piece would be restored and ready for assembly, laid out in order from bare frame to last emblem. All tools required on site with a maximum of about 20 volunteers assisting at one time in build area, All Pontiac enthusiasts with varying amounts of skill from novice to expert.
A few thing would be pre assembled.
Motor
Rear end
All paint done and buffed to finish but not assembled.
headliner installed most likely
seats restored and ready for install
So basically its like putting a model car together like we all did when we were kids but on a real life scale.
Send me your thoughts. Remember up to 20 people would be helping at a time. How many hours? Thanks, Mar

400 4 SPD you are correct in your response. Thanks, Looks like you could be one of 20. I do have 40 years experience in Pontiac restoration so its a good start. That makes you and I and a dozen experienced people from my car club. Anyone else??

[400 4spd.]

Where do we meet?

[Greg Reid]

It would drive me crazy trying to work with 20 people on one project at one time. Your organizational and leadership skills must be stellar!

[Cardo]

It can definitely be done, but there can be only one boss. As long as the leader is well versed in assembly and sub assembly order, and all sub assemblies are ready, i would guess 280 - 400 man hours. Where you'll really run into trouble like 400 4spd pointed out is if you have to take anything back apart and reassemble. Assembly order is absolutely KEY! I've worked in automotive assembly for 30 years, nothing kills time more than having to back track.

[Andre]

It really depends on who you have helping, and what is their ability.. 20 people are too much in my opinion.

[Mike Davis]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

It would drive me crazy trying to work with 20 people on one project at one time. Your organizational and leadership skills must be stellar!

Agree, I get in my own way sometimes!!!

[ZeGermanHam]

Agreed. With that many people involved, there is sure to be some details that are overlooked. Even with good leadership, that's just too many cooks in the kitchen. I don't think anyone would ever want a personal car of theirs built in that manner. That's how you end up with a car that is "slapped together" versus built to a decent standard.

[4GTOSplus]

This is a thought for the 2021 POCI convention in Connecticut. Is going to be held at Mohegan Sun casino and resort. Same place Barrett Jackson hosts the New England auction. There should be 600 cars and owners at event. How many do you think out of that pool have experience to assist in this possible project?
I am thinking average of 15 people over 2 - 10 hour days. Might be able to stretch to a 3rd day, but I think 300 man hours is more than enough time to assemble. Nearly anyone that owns a classic car has skills. I am thinking we may have to slow down.

[Jerry H.]

I can speak from experience here. But only with 5 or 6 people at a time. Several years ago we were getting a car ready for a GTOAA convention. The 65 hardtop was painted on a Sunday morning, cut and buffed late Sunday and delivered to us then. We worked some on Sunday night, then long days on Monday and part of the day on Tuesday it was finished and at the Convention on Wednesday afternoon. There were only about 5 working at one time, with one leader. We had specialists working in the interior, electrical, sheet metal and final trim. BTW, the car won Best of Show!

[66sprint6]

I hope that if you do this, you will live stream it or something so we can follow along.