[JLHarper]

I heard there was a fair amount of rare cars sold out of GA in early 80s (?)

[bulletpruf]

Gramps -

Great car and great story! Welcome!

Scott

[fvgramps]

Hi,

First off, thank you all for the warm reception to your "world" and I enjoy browsing through all the subjects/threads.

Steve and Eric, you've done a fantastic job with the "Registry".

Now a question.
Most all of the the pictures of the engine compartment of the '71 455 HO's I have seen, have the 455 HO (red/white/black) decal affixed to the breather top and some have another 455 HO (white/black?) decal on the RH side/rear vertical side wall of the breather assembly.

To the best of my recollection, I do not remember seeing either one on our's, nor is there any evidence of any glue residue in either location. Was this common to not have the decal or was it originally meant to be present. Should I install one or not?

FYI, a current pic of the chassis to date w/tires.

[Judge273]

The 455 HO decal R/W/B on top is correct, and surprised it wasn't on your car. But, since it doesn't hide well, and you are the original owner I believe you. The other decal on the side is a delco sticker. You should check of the latest HPP for a nicely restored Lucy Blue 71 Judge hard top. FWIW, I would install the both decals if it were my car. Wishful thinking..

The frame looks great! Hope to see more progress as it goes along!

Do you remember if those were the correct mfg'r tires that was on car originally?

Hard to tell from the before resto picture/frame resto picture, but they look like the black centers?

I believe stainless steel cap are correct for 71 GTO/Judges with rally's if you were looking for an opinion?

But, since you're the original owner, and the car's history is known mostly by you. Which could be a great debate to restore it just like you received it back in Sept '70. What was the build date on the data plate? 08D or earlier.

I think 08B was the earliest 71 Judge recorded to date, but don't quote me as I'm not an expert just going off what I remember to be true!

[fvgramps]

Hi, Mike,

Yes, those are the original mfg/style tires as supplied.

The centers were removed on the original resto pic. The current centers are correct, w/the Pontiac logo.

The car was ordered in Sept '70 and we took delivery in Jan '71. Our plate code is 12A, which I beleive is the first week in December. Not the first built but somewhere around the 4th , 5th, or 6th, we believe. There was a GM strike in effect during Aug-Nov '70, if I have my time range correct.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Judge273]

fvgramps, Thanks for the info. That strike must have been frustrating, but more exciting to get vert car closer to spring. Is there a spring in Maine or was it top down and a lot of heat for 3 seasons?

FWIW: I was talking black center "lugs" were correct for 69-70, and in 71 the stainless steel caps lugs were correct according to what I heard?

[fvgramps]

Ooooh, we have maybe two weeks of summer during August !!!

It was -34 degrees yesterday AM, -27 degrees this AM, -7 degrees last time I looked at noontime, more snow tomorrow, but temps in mid 20's ... brrrr!

[Sport71]

Welcome On-Board Gramps!

What a fantastic story and car. The frame is looking great. Do you think you'll be able to bring it to the Co-Vention in Dayton this July?

[feb69judge]

Can't wait to see your restoration progress pictures! Thanks for sharing.

[Andretti]

It's wonderful to see you kept your car all this time.

The first "after restoration" picture I want to see is the smile on your face when you get to drive it again! I'm sure that will be a happy day.

Thank you for sharing all this with us.
Carlos

[fvgramps]

Just a brief update pic ... been working on the many individual parts and assemblies. Body paint is near complete now and will be going onto the chassis shortly. Things are really happening fast now.

We're still very confident for a Co-Vention debut. Gotta get back to work ...

[The Boss]

Nice work Gramps, but you're just teasing us with one picture!

[feb69judge]

Wow, Looks terrific! Thanks for the update on your rare Judge.

[fvgramps]

Sorry to have been so stingy ... just been so ... naw, that's just an excuse ... getting really anxious now that it's starting to come together ... here's some updated pics.
Will send in multiple posts ...

[fvgramps]

And some internal stuff ...

[The Boss]

Great looking car Gramps, thanks for posting more than one pic this time!

[fvgramps]

and some of the most recent ...

will fire the heartbeat Fri afternoon for the first time (in the car, was run on the dyno to break in the cam, etc., but no pulls ... :-( ... sorry) ... the interior is next on the list, have everything just need to put together.

FYI ... my resto guys are the greatest!!!

[johnta1]

Thanks for the pics.

Fantastic looking convertible.

[gregsgtos2]

will be nice to see it at the co-vention.

[OVERULD]

Gramps,
The car looks awesome! I'm planning to make it to Co Vention and yours is the first one I want to find and look at. Looking forward to meeting you.

BJ