Long term 68 Meridian Turquoise GTO
 

Hello to all. I have poked around the site for a little while now and decided to post up a project I have finally started back on. Thought you guys might also help me verify I have decoded this thing right.
To start with I have had this car for 16 years. It was given to me when I was 14 by family in Albuquerque New Mexico. My folks and I drove out there just after my 15 birthday and drug it back to TN. When I receivde it the car had a 455 olds in it (original engine had swallowed a valve and was gone). I started collecting parts (and parts cars) at that time and started tearing this one down. By the time I had the front end off, suspension cleaned, and front frame clean I had collected a pretty good selection of parts (YZ block 16 heads and intake, the car was not originally a H.O., but I had planned on putting it back together as one) Great set of front fenders, complete hideaway set up, interior parts ect... It was as this point my dad pointed out that just a few more bolts and I could set the body off and do this thing right. I decided that is what I would do, but that also took the wind out of sails. Being a Junior in High school my interests started in another direction and the car has set (moved locations twice) since then.
Fast forward 16 years and I now have the desire to finish the car again. I have decided this is not the main priority in my life, but will work on it as time and money allows (anything is better than nothing) As you can see I have some fine helpers now too.

VIN 242378R206672

Body Tag
07C126
ST 68-24237 BT13414
TR 22D KK

Welcome, and glad to see you getting back into it.
The kids are just the right age to become Pontiac lifers after they see this slowly take shape.

Hello and welcome,


Now that you have the desire again and along with your helpers I'm sure this will be a worthwhile project for you.

Do what you can when you can and enjoy the project.

Dave

Is that a mouse your boy is holding? lol
Welcome. I'm kind of partial to Meridian Turquoise '68 GTOs in need of restoration myself. ;)
Been working on this one for several years...This is an old picture. Car is in primer now and almost ready to paint.

Welcome to PY That is the color my 68 came with also, Good Luck Randy.

Real nice the kids are out there with you.
My son and grand kids are coming today.
We are going to partially disassemble my son's 406. Check bearings, valve springs.
Little Scotty, 6 years old, will be out there with us. It will be a fun time.
David

Nice.....auto with A/C

A Meridian Turquoise 68 hideaway GTO is one of my dream cars. Has to be among the most beautiful cars ever made. Enjoy it!

Welcome and great to see that after all the years you have had it it'll be worth it when you get it done. It'll be something that you and family can all enjoy.

Nice car and great you have folks to help you

welcome to the code K group
Im glad to see the little ones helping
just make sure they know to sand the car BEFORE its painted not after
dont laugh it has happened
good luck and keep us posted with pics and updates

Tried to buy such a 68 circa 1982-83 but the Seller kept getting cold feet. Seems I convinced him to keep it. The color is stunning.

Welcome and I admire that fact that you kept it all these years even with moving it twice! Most would sell it off as a project but you clearly have attachment to it. I love the '68s and that color.
Way to go and keep us posted on the progress.

Another fan of Meridian Turq here. Looking forward to seeing the progress on this one-

Welcome to py My 68 lemans was originally meridian turq. I hope to change it back one day.

Although I own a 71 my dream GTO is actually a 68. Meridian turquoise would be one of the colors and hideaways of course.

Can't wait to see the finished product!!!

Glad to see that your priorities are in order. Having a nice car is cool, having one with a brigade of small helpers, is the best!!!

Thanks for all the replies. I guess the fact it was a gift has helped keep the "I'll just get rid of it bug". I still have the 72 Ventura I had in high school, and have actually listed it for sale once, but luckily no takers. So I am thankful I still have it to. I got to work on it a little last night and have the interior pretty much stripped. Dug a little on each quarter panel. Both sides have been bumped and repaired (30 years ago). Passenger side has about a quarter size rust place and minimal filler. The driver is a little rougher, but nothing time and a lot of work (and of course $) wont fix.

The first night the kids and I worked on it pulling the sound deadening mat out we found a new GM key stuck between it and the floor pan.
Last night I found a gas receipt down beside the defroster duct. It was dated 1969 from a FINA station in Dallas City, TX. I am assuming the original owner possibly. Filled up the car for 5.00 (.299 a gallon). Coolist part was the guy's name is David. The same as myself.:)

(Theme from the Twilight Zone playing...)
 

Awesome project. Keep the thread updated on your progress.

Did a little work today. Usually Sundays busy with church, but with a wife and a daughter not feeling well, we actually had to leave church early today. Most of my time was spent putting up some more lighting. I did dig around on the drivers quarter with a sharp wood chisel and hammer. The filler must have been 1/4 to 3/8 in the worst parts, but I think I can save it without a skin. It will need a couple of patches for rust behind the wheel.

Also what do you guys think about this dash pad. Is it salvageable?