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#1
08-02-2017, 02:40 PM
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10-year project driven for the first time - 1968 GTO ragtop
Happy day yesterday, I drove my 1968 GTO Convertible (factory 4-speed) on public roads down to the DMV and got my temporary registration sticker on. I first found the car in 2007 and it was delivered once our (then) new house was finished.
In that time I did a frame off restoration, including putting the body on a rotisserie and sandblasting the frame. I figured I would also teach myself how to weld in panels and did everything to the car myself other than machine work to the block including transmission & rear end rebuild, and body & paint work. It could have turned out nicer had I not painted it in my garage but I like it. It is still not finished but this thing drove beautifully, and this is fun to shift compared to the SM465 in my 1970 chev. Car was painted in BC/CC in meridian turquoise which was as-delivered, and also sports redlines with rally I wheels and is factory. I changed the upholstery from black to parchment as I don't want to have any part of sitting on black vinyl in all the hot sun we get here with the top down. The car also features hidden headlights and rallye gauges. Originally a manual brakes and steering car, I have added power steering and power disc brakes. Of course it isn't "done" but I can still drive it while I "finish" it. The trunklid needs repainted, scoops painted and installed, and rear interior panels finished and installed. I'll have a top installed this fall sometime.
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-Jeremy 1968 GTO 4-spd convertible, console, factory gauges, hidden headlights, 3.90:1 posi, AM/FM radio. 1962 Catalina convertible, Starlight black w maroon interior & white top. |
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#2
08-02-2017, 03:18 PM
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I'd say you made great time doing it all yourself, looks great so far and the finishing touches will really make it outstanding.
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73 T/A 455, 4speed |
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#3
08-02-2017, 04:27 PM
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Can't wait for my "next" drive day ... the last time I drove it was 35 years ago.
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#4
08-02-2017, 04:47 PM
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Great job, beautiful car. Wise choice switching interior colors.
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#5
08-02-2017, 05:44 PM
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Congratulations.
There is nothing like getting behind the wheel for the first time after a complete restoration. All the blood, sweat and tears suddenly seem worth it.
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69 Judge convertible........clone! Carousel red, parchment, hideaways, TH400, 10" Continental 3200 stall, 12 bolt with 3.42, 469 c.i. with ported #48's, ported cast iron intake, Cliff's Q-Jet and ported 2-1/2" Ram Air manifolds. |
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#6
08-02-2017, 06:51 PM
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Congrats, nothing like some time behind the wheel! Yours was a long time coming! That color combo is awesome and I think the Rally Ones look fantastic on the 68s.
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Chris D 69 GTO Liberty Blue/dark blue T400, 9" w 3.50s, 3905lbs 461, 850 Holley, T2, KRE 310s, Comp HR 236/242D .572/.594L, RA manifolds, 11.53@114, 1.55/60 The spare: 467, 850 Holley, T2, Edelbrock Dport 310cfm w RA manifolds, Howard HFT 245/251D .561/.594L, 11.59@ 114, 1.57/ 60' |
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#7
08-02-2017, 07:32 PM
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Looks like you did an awesome job!
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1979 Trans Am: Y84 WS6 400/4spd 1967 YS 400, 670 heads, Summit 2802 cam, long tubes, ST-10 trans. McLeod hydraulic clutch conversion. |
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#8
08-02-2017, 09:18 PM
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I've always been a sucker for '68 and '69 Goats in Crystal Blue Turquoise....very nice!
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“It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.” Dr. Thomas Sowell |
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#9
08-02-2017, 09:21 PM
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Looking good Jeremy, first row though the gears I'll bet you had a grin ear to ear!
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'68 GTO '69 Corvette '75 Cadillac Coupe Deville TOM |
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#10
08-02-2017, 09:57 PM
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Thanks all. I should have also mentioned that in the time I have I owned it I went from 0 to 2 children, including the most recent one this past June.
Kinda scared to think about how long the Catalina will take but it doesn't need near as much work. |
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#11
08-02-2017, 10:22 PM
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Very nice! Congratulations on such a sweet GTO.
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#12
08-03-2017, 12:46 AM
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Congratulations and good work.
I know how hard it can be to shoot clear coat in a garage. My friend did it in his garage for years and I helped him wash the floor & manage the exhaust fans numerous times. I hated the smell of the CC fumes. At least he provided me with a respirator. |
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#13
08-03-2017, 12:50 AM
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Nice job, love the rally I's on it.
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Practicing social distancing for 65+ years |
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#14
08-03-2017, 01:38 AM
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BEAUTIFUL!
Thats gotta be exciting for you after all that work. |
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#15
08-03-2017, 04:48 AM
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Sweeeeeeeeet !!
Lookin' great
nice choice on the rally I's .... being its the last year for 'em ....... congrats on the youngest one ..... and the growing family ..... is the Catalina a wagon ?? sounds like you may need one soon ....... just sayin' ..... the maiden voyage ........... havent felt that in a while ......... but then ......... aw never mind ....... and 90 degree plus heat !! nice !!! Scott |
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#16
08-03-2017, 11:53 AM
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Quote:
If it was just 90s I'd be fine with that.. we got low to mid 100s for a solid week! Oh and 2 is plenty, heck one was, but this is IT!! Catalina is a ragtop too. |
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#17
08-03-2017, 01:26 PM
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I know the feeling. Mine took 10 years also and the first drive ever beyond my street was 50 miles to the 2014 BOP show.
I never knew you had Rally Ones on that car. Funny thing is that I just recently decided to sandblast and paint a set that I have here with plans to put them on mine as a change from the steelies and poverty caps look. Congratulations! It looks really good!
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Greg Reid Palmetto, Georgia |
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#18
08-03-2017, 02:01 PM
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Nice work! My first GTO was a 68 Rag top 4 speed. Yellow with a black interior with a chrome front bumper.
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“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” ― Calvin Coolidge |
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#19
08-04-2017, 10:16 PM
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Beautiful color combo and great stance. Many happy miles Jeremy!
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#20
08-05-2017, 11:00 AM
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I like everything about that car, it is a great combo of everything, option and color wise. I like the 68 vent window vert look, with more windshield wrap around. Nice job!
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72 Bird |
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