[pontiacstogo]

Finally - some (Cameo) white stuff...

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Getting closer...




Parts waiting to be fitted to the car;



Core support and front wheelhouses are off the car being prepped and painted - then reassembly can begin.

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Reassembly progressing slowly;

[kingbuzzo]

Looks really good

[chuckies76ta]

Looks beautiful.. Car will be brand new when done. I would remove that big rubber under the hood when done on the cowl. Let the hot engine air escape in the hot summer months.

[pontiacstogo]

Bumpers painted - should be going on today;

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by chuckies76ta

...I would remove that big rubber under the hood when done on the cowl. Let the hot engine air escape in the hot summer months.

nope - that keeps the hot air and engine smell from getting into the cabin via the cowl vent.

[71GP76TA]

Looks like a very expensive renovation...

[chuckies76ta]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

nope - that keeps the hot air and engine smell from getting into the cabin via the cowl vent.

What engine smell? This is a Pontiac engine!! LoL
Seriously, I removed mine when I restored the car some 15 years ago.. Drive the car in summer months with the windows down anyway. There is no engine smell that I've ever noticed. Just a preference that's all.

[kingbuzzo]

Wow those bumpers look flawless...did you have any cracks before?

[jhein]

Looks like high quality work. Did you do anything with the motor?

[KS circutguy]

Beautiful.

[pontiacstogo]

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

Wow those bumpers look flawless...did you have any cracks before?

My car was always a 10 footer and there were minor stress cracks on the corners both front and rear. The front bumper had a split through one of the bumperettes that was not very visible, but required repair to be nice. I know there was a good number of hours getting the rear bumper looking like it does now.

[pontiacstogo]

Originally Posted by jhein

Did you do anything with the motor?

When I first bought the car (20+ years ago) I replaced exhaust manifold gaskets, timing chain, belts, hoses, plugs, filters and water pump. I had Cliff rebuild the original quadrajet.

Other than regular maintenance since then (oil, plugs, filters etc.) it's not had any major work done to it and as far as I can tell, it has never been out of the car. It's only left me stranded once, and that was when the HEI module died. I bought some parts before the move; new reproduction plug wires, 'correct' radiator hoses, tower clamps, washer bottle, belts and radiator overflow bottle. I'll fit all of that stuff once the car is home - I also have a rebuild kit for the OEM Hurst shifter that I need to install.

It runs really well, but the engine has 70K miles on it now, so it could probably do to come out and have a freshen up at some point - but (hopefully) not for a little while.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by chuckies76ta

What engine smell? This is a Pontiac engine!! LoL
Seriously, I removed mine when I restored the car some 15 years ago.. Drive the car in summer months with the windows down anyway. There is no engine smell that I've ever noticed. Just a preference that's all.

Every GM I have owned has those seals, even my 1966 442.

[pontiacstogo]

Front bumper, header panel, lower valance, spoiler and fender flares all fitted;




And I just have to throw this out there - I hate dealing with fender flare welting.

[Tempest]

Thank you for sharing the pics and your 'experience' with us.

This will truly be better than new when completed, absolutely amazing.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Your car is really turning out beautiful.
Although it has been a long and winding road , at least the shop you chose is delivering fantastic results.

[Heybuck]

I'm impressed with the degree of access the panel shop is giving you obviously on a regular basis. All too often some shops start quoting public liability restrictions not to allow you in too close to your car without a shop employee hanging over you.

They clearly are a "car guys" type of shop doing multiple (and top quality) restorations. I can see a Cadillac Eldorado, Jaguar, an early Dodge, Chev etc in various pictures as you document the restoration trail on your car.

I'd say it looks like a good, well run and friendly shop.

Ian

[chuckies76ta]

That front end looks beautiful.. Fit and finish better than factory.