[Jimbobeast]

Getting close to the finish line on a 20+ year project. The decals went on yesterday. I've got to install the Joe Vigil refurbished 8-track, touch up a few nicks and then wash, wax and off to Mecum Kissimmee Jan 2025. Thanks to all the forum members who offered invaluable advice.

[242177P]

Originally Posted by Jimbobeast

Thanks to all the forum members who offered invaluable advice.

Redo the black out, gloss black is completely wrong.

[muscle_collector]

is it a real ra4 judge

[Jimbobeast]

242177P, you may be right, but at this stage of the game I'm not about to dismantle the entire underhood Ram Air system just to repaint the hood inserts. Too much work. I' would have done it in my 50"s but 20 years later I don't bend that way and I would have to remove the hood, so, no, gloss it will remain. It was supposed to be 60 degree black but it came out glossier. I like the look anyway.

And no MC, it did not start off as a Judge. I have had 5 1970 GTO convertibles over the last 40+ years, several real Judge 'verts (RA III), won some national shows, been on magazine covers, etc, but I always wanted what I considered the ultimate 1970 - a RA IV, 4-speed Judge convertible. Orbit Orange, naturally. Unfortunately, as soon as I would track one down, some guy named Chuck would buy it up, so I decided to build it myself. This project started in the early 90's and slowly I collected the RA IV drivetrain, block, heads, etc. and all the options I wanted (PS, PB, tilt, hood pins, PDL, PW, Power Flow-Through Ventilation, Power Seat Back Release, Power Trunk Release, door moldings, AM/FM with 8-track, front shoulder harness belts, deluxe belts as well as the wing, Hurst T-Handle and the Judge stuff.

This is my last restoration. It is correct down to the insignia on the bolts (OK, maybe the hood scoops are too glossy) and is my best effort to date. I still have my red 455 6-speed Judge convertible (if I knew back then what they would be worth now I would never have modified it, but it is MUCH more fun to drive). Modified cars are way easier to work on than bone stock.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

A lot of work over the years.
And you are about to sell it. Good Luck at the auction.

[locomotivebreath]

You built your vision of the ultimate GTO , exactly the way you wanted it , scoured the earth for 30 years for the correct RA parts , probably found nos 1970 air for the tires - all for some other clown to enjoy ? What’s the sick thrill here ?

[Mr_GTO]

Very nice. I live close to ya. Would love to see it before it goes to Auction.

[Jimbobeast]

Originally Posted by locomotivebreath

You built your vision of the ultimate GTO , exactly the way you wanted it , scoured the earth for 30 years for the correct RA parts , probably found nos 1970 air for the tires - all for some other clown to enjoy ? What’s the sick thrill here ?

Fair question. The short answer is I got old and the thrill of driving/maintaining a 54 year old stock vehicle is gone. I still have my modified 70 Jusge convertible to play with. It is much more civilized with upgraded suspension, 4 wheel discs, Corbeau seats, 6-speed, low profile tires, fuel injection, better radiator, digital stereo and AC. That car is a blast to drive.

The Orbit Orange car is bone stock. Compared to anything recent, it is a miserable drive. No AC with RAIV, so no driving in Florida for 4-5 months. 1970 suspension sucks and you slide all over the seat. 3.90 gears means it is really winding at anywhere near highway speeds. The brakes are less than optimal with the variable vacuum of a RAIV cam. It does have "Wow" appeal at stop lights and gas pumps, but at this level of restoration any amount of driving risks paint chips, discolors the engine and exhaust, etc. and ultimately diminishes the collector value. Sorry to say it but I much more enjoy my 2022 TRX. It goes faster, stops faster, turns quicker and is much more comfortable and reliable than any 1970 vehicle could ever be. And it's a TRUCK! That's just reality.

My red car was built to drive, the OO will hopefully end up in a collection somewhere for generations to appreciate.

I have been a passionate GTO lover for over 40 years. I have tried to give back to the hobby a fraction of the joy I received. But let's face it, we love the cars we grew up with and the GTO generation is aging. Younger people grew up with modified Hondas, not musclecars. I hope that this great hobby continues but I fear it will go the way of the 57 Chevy. Nice cars no doubt, but nothing I'd be interested in.

Just my $.02

[Tempest]

Congratulations on the project,

It looks stunning !

[Jimbobeast]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

Very nice. I live close to ya. Would love to see it before it goes to Auction.

Anytime. Send me a PM and we'll get together

[kingbuzzo]

amazing...what auction house are you considering and can we watch?

[Jimbobeast]

Mecum, Kissimmee, January 2025

[kingbuzzo]

Ok cool...good luck!

[Skidmark]

At least you finished it. Many here including myself can't say that.....yet. Congratulations for seeing it through.

[Jimbobeast]

Well, finished is a strong word. Are they ever really finished?
I just got the 8-track player and AM/FM radio installed. God I hate sliding under the dash. Joe Vigil (JVRestorations@gmail.com) in Monrovia, CA did a spectacular job refurbishing the 50+ year old technology in a speedy manner, replacing capacitors and fixing cracked circuit bords along the way. Joe gets 5 stars from me. If you need any radio/tape player work, Joe is the man.