[Greg Reid]

I might just clean mine up and go with them as they are. I mean, they are already mismatched...why pay money for another mismatch?

[GT182]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

Seat backs are black though.

Greg, just get the correct SEM paint and you'll be all set. 1 can should be enough but 2 would be better. I repainted both of my seat backs Trim Black, and one can did the job.

[Greg Reid]

Ok...so, what's the correct SEM paint? If you know, please tell SEM.
That's the whole reason for me mailing them the sample (at their suggestion).
Here is the result-

"I received your sample and I have some bad news. I am not able to develop a formula. I have tried all possible combinations but the problem is our green is a green shade blue and our blue is a red shade blue. So everything I mix is too red and blue. I even tried using the green paste pearl as a top coat but did not have any luck.
I am sorry that we were not able to assist you with this color. I will return the swatch to you today.

Thanks"

[GT182]

That really sucks. Sounds like you might have to use the paint code for the body, or the code for the lacquer used for the top inside of the doors. I'm surprised there's no match with SEM.

[charles bledsoe]

Phil, your wheel looks great!! Would you mind posting a few close up pictures of the front and back? I would like to see the wood grain pattern. I am going to try and re-dye/stain mine. At least if it turns out really bad I know I can always send it in to be fixed. I figured I might as well give it a try.
Thanks.

[fyrffytr1]

Here are the best pics I could get. The back side ones were taken through the windshield.

[fyrffytr1]

Nothing new to report this week. I am going to the Moultrie Swap meet next Friday and Saturday. But, there is nothing I really need so I will just be looking.

[charles bledsoe]

Thanks Phil, great photo's! Man your wheel really turned out NICE!! Don't think I will be able to replicate that. Does the wood grain have a rough feel to it or is it slick? I had been told that I could take a dremal and make nicks in the wheel and use a stain, but I have a hard time letting myself do it. My wheel looks good, no cracks, it's just lost all color and any wood grain pattern. Thanks again for the pics!!

[fyrffytr1]

Mine has a smooth feel to it. I don't know how many coats of clear were applied. To me it is well worth the money to get the wheel restored. However, PY is now quoting up to 6 months to get it done.

[fyrffytr1]

Well, I have some work to do now. I bought an original 14x6 rally II wheel that looks like it has never been on the ground. The finish on it is an 8 out of 10. I plan to use it as my spare. But, being original the backside is a different shade of gray than that on the wheels I restored. So, before I put the new tires on them I will repaint the backside to match the OEM finish.
I drove my car to the Moultrie Swap meet yesterday but didn't buy anything for it. I did talk to a stereo guy and got some ideas about speakers and locations. The speakers I put under the front seat can't be heard and the ones I put in the trunk can only be heard when the top is up.
I guess I could take the trunk speakers and put them on the backseat while cruising and then remove them if I show the car.
I guess I am just looking for something to do since the car is done.

[fyrffytr1]

Didn't do anything last week. Took my first of 6 physical therapy sessions Wednesday then left for Pigeon Forge, Tn. on Thursday. We were supposed to stay until today but came home yesterday. It was cold and my back started hurting to the point that I was just miserable. We did cram a lot of sightseeing into Friday and took in a show Friday night. By Saturday morning even my wife was ready to come home.
And, for anyone who has been to Pigeon Forge knows, the traffic is a nightmare. The main drag is four lanes in both directions and from about 10:00am until 10:00pm it is bumper to bumper. It took me over an hour to go less than two miles.
Oh well, enough griping. I ought to be thankful I was able to go and I am. Y'all have a good one.

[fyrffytr1]

I think it is time to pull the plug on this thread. I still have a few things to do but they are minor and really don't have a bearing on the restoration. So, with that being said here is my final tally on the cost to do this project. I will not reveal the actual cost of the car but will say that all told the total price will push $60,000!
If I ever think about doing another restoration I will reread this thread. That ought to make me think long and hard about starting something else!
I want to thank everyone here for your help and guidance. I know I would have given up a long time ago if it weren't for this forum and the great folks here.

My labor @ 545 hours.........$10,900
Parts...................................$18,382.45
Outside Labor......................$18,484.00
Gifts......................................$3,263. 25

Total...................................$51.029.70

[Greg Reid]

Well done Phil. I can't think of anyone else who's done this publicly and it really gives an idea of just how much it takes to do a car to this level. And folks should keep in mind that you started out with a pretty solid car.
Now think about those rusted out hulks so many people refuse to sell because they are 'gonna fix it up one of these days'.


PS- Thanks for the SEM/TCP Global tip. I finally got a quart from them.

[67gtospud]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

Well done Phil. I can't think of anyone else who's done this publicly and it really gives an idea of just how much it takes to do a car to this level. And folks should keep in mind that you started out with a pretty solid car.
Now think about those rusted out hulks so many people refuse to sell because they are 'gonna fix it up one of these days'.


PS- Thanks for the SEM/TCP Global tip. I finally got a quart from them.

I agree! This thread is simply amazing and should be a must read. I know if I were to restore my car to this level i would have much more than this invested! Phil, you did an excellent job from start to finish! What are you going to do with all your spare time now?!

[fyrffytr1]

Originally Posted by 67gtospud

I agree! This thread is simply amazing and should be a must read. I know if I were to restore my car to this level i would have much more than this invested! Phil, you did an excellent job from start to finish! What are you going to do with all your spare time now?!

I may look for a 2000-up Trans-Am or an 85-88 Fiero to use as a daily driver. Maybe a Solstice, who knows. Right now I have a 93 Ford Ranger 4.0, 5 speed but I'm a diehard Pontiac fan.
And, I will continue to tinker on the GTO. I have a 66 rear end that i may refurbish and install so I can run the YearOne Rally II rims.
For the time being I'm just going to enjoy the Goat and take a wait and see approach to any future projects!
I know I don't want to take on another 7 year project like this turned out to be.

[charles bledsoe]

Thanks for everything Phil!! I appreciate all the help and advice you gave me while you were doing this project. I really learned a lot from following your thread. Everytime I went to the 66-67 section I looked to see what you had done next. Almost hate to see it finished. Good luck on your next project, but why don't you make it a 70-78 Trans Am

[Tempest]

What a great post, and what a great looking car that came out at the end.
Thank you for sharing your restoration project with us, much appreciated.

Time to enjoy your GTO. Well Done.

[fyrffytr1]

OK, I seem to be having restoration withdrawal problems! I am so used to posting a reply here on Sunday that I can't stop! What can I do to cure my sickness?

[charles bledsoe]

Start on a new restoration project?

[fyrffytr1]

Originally Posted by charles bledsoe

Start on a new restoration project?

Charles,
I don't think I can do another one. That's the reason I am not considering an early T/A. I could get an 01-02 and ride while I cleaned it up. I would consider a 85-88 Fiero but only if it was in very good condition and needed little work.
With that being said I am not going to say no to anything right now. I did have a chance to get a 50 Henry J a month ago but passed on it. All the mechanicals were 99% complete but it needed floor pans and rockers. I am not a welder! I would have made a rat rod out of it if the body work had been done!