[OG68]

Picture of the Erickson & James dealership from about 20 years ago. They sold GMC and Buicks too, as well as being a Standard Oil (Chevron) gas station.
I'll have to stop by on my next trip north to see if it's still standing.

From the City of Yreka Historical Society
http://yrekahistory.blogspot.com/200...es-garage.html

[necdb3]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

That car is looking great! Can't wait to see it in triple red.
The pic with Grandma's cat is an interesting illustration of what factory paint looked like back then.
For steelies, try a user by the handle of 'toyswedo'. Last I was in contact with him he had some at a time that I was looking for some wider than the 6 inchers I was running back then.

Just saw this thread for the first time today. Your comment about the paint quality is the very first thing I thought of. They really weren't very nice, hence the reason the paint only lasted a handful of years. My first car, 72 formula 455 Cardinal red, that I bought in 79 had been repainted in 77. The original paint lasted only 5 years!! Maybe the red was worse than other colors.

Dave

[John Eiseman]

Yes, my 69 GTO HT came from the same dealer ,Erickson & James. Another Fremont build of course. Cool history of the dealership Ed . Thanks for.sharing this.

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by OG68

Picture of the Erickson & James dealership from about 20 years ago. They sold GMC and Buicks too, as well as being a Standard Oil (Chevron) gas station.
I'll have to stop by on my next trip north to see if it's still standing.

From the City of Yreka Historical Society
http://yrekahistory.blogspot.com/200...es-garage.html

Next time you're in Yreka. Look up TNT auto body. The owner is heavy into Pontiacs.

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by OG68

The El Camino is a 70. Mostly stock with day 2 modifications and a UMI suspension.
It is for sale.

Ah, mine was a '69.

[OG68]

Well, after a 7 year restoration, I finally got my GTO on the road. It last ran in 1992. Lots of setbacks along the way but it's all but done.
The wife and I did most of the restoration work. I had the first engine build, rear axle, and paint done by professional shops along with some small items such as the carb, steering wheel, etc

I started off this project planning to keep the car as original as possible. That changed...
Original rebuilt engine was bored 40 over, 14 cc dished ICON pistons, forged RPM rods, 068 cam and stock '16' heads were used. 9.65 calculated compression. Cliff built the Q-Jet.

During a test stand break in, the engine ran great. I took it home and pulled the pan and discovered the 2-3-4 cam bearings had melted. Engine would not bar over without excessive force.

Obviously a second rebuild was in order. Mick (Lust4speed) helped me install new cam bearings and shaved them for clearance. The second time around I decided to go with Edelbrock 72 cc D port heads, Crower 62042 cam with Crower SS enduro rockers and "Cam Saver" lifters. I know I left power on the table by not increasing the compression but given the quality of gas here in California, I prefer not having to worry about it. This time I built the engine with lots of advice from Mick.

Second break-in went well and engine was installed last Sept. Reinstalled the front fenders, bumper and hood and finally started it up last weekend and drove around the 4 mile neighborhood loop. Lots of small hills to help seat the rings. Engine feels and sounds great!

Still a few items to complete, finish painting the grills, final tune, and AC charge. Looking forward to the New Year!

BTW not my house lol

[1_Wild_Cat]

Great result. Congrats - it is definitely a marathon not a sprint. 10 yrs into my project - so I sincerely get it.

[OG68]

More photos

[1969GTO]

I bought my 68 in August 2025 from an out of state dealer, Big Mistake on my part. GTO was allegedly ready to drive at 45000 original miles
Well I drive it and right away it ran like crap, I put less that ten miles on the car and took the engine out to find a jumped timing chain and a wiped out cam
I priced a rebuild WOW about ten grand, it's a numbers matching engine, so now I have a long term project too

[will slow gto]

Beautiful result on the 68 Ed, and the house you parked in front of isn’t too shabby either. Is that the vintage air Mark IV under the dash? Please share an under hood photo with the compressor and hose routing when you get a chance.

[73LeMans]

I love the update! The car looks amazing and you gotta be proud of the kickazz results. Well done!

[muscle_collector]

great job, looks beautiful love the red/red also love the period correct add on ac unit.

[michaelfind]

Congratulations!

[OG68]

AC Photos

Pro6Ten compressor from Old Air products
MKIV and condenser from Vintage Air

I used AC compressor brackets from a 69 LeMans. Replaced the water pump and crank pulleys to 68 AC versions.
Original 4 row PC radiator with new copper core.



Adapted the Vintage Air wiring to 68 AC wiring. Power for the MKIV and compressor come directly off the alternator through a relay



Didn't need a dipstick extension.





Refrigerant hoses to the MK IV are directly below the heater box.

[1969GTO]

All looks perfect, I want your air cleaner assembly for my 68.

[muscle_collector]

does the ac work good

[OG68]

Don't know yet. It needs to be charged.

[will slow gto]

Looks clean, thanks for sharing!

[7t4mula]

Congrats on completing this fantastic restoration project! I’ll bet this feels so fulfilling!

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Really wild and unique to have a GTO your Mom bought new when you were 16 .
Extra Cool
Looks really sharp and great results making it like new again.