#1  
Old 02-03-2023, 05:07 PM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default Progress on the GT-37

I just bought this 71 GT-37 the other day. Floors, trunk, frame seem to be solid. Just one small hole in trunk and lots of surface rust on frame. The body is pretty rough. It needs passenger lower quarter and both front fenders are totally rusted out (probably braces too) down low behind the tires. Rear pan under bumper is totally rusted out and front pan under bumper is mashed in.--.probably not salvageable.

It is a base GT-37 with 350 and 3 speed manual on the floor. I am the third owner. It has been sitting in garages since 1992. Right now it doesn't run. I plan to replace the gas tank, line and possibly rebuild carb if I need to just to get it running and see what I've got. Engine does turn and as far as I know has 187,000 miles on it. Also needs cap, points, rotor and plugs... But first I need to redo the brakes as it has none!

I will be posting progress here on this long-term project.
I am not that familiar with Pontiac engines so when I get that far I will definitely need some advice I also need info on Pontiac parts sources. . I guess that's all for now. Hopefully I will figure out these pictures so I can show where it's at here the outset. My plan at thai point is to rebuild the car stock/original...but we'll see.


Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	6970543819202076914.jpg
Views:	342
Size:	59.4 KB
ID:	606581   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_155852135.jpg
Views:	272
Size:	66.9 KB
ID:	606582  


Last edited by 79 Phoenix; 02-03-2023 at 05:15 PM. Reason: add pictures fix gram
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to 79 Phoenix For This Useful Post:
  #2  
Old 02-03-2023, 05:40 PM
Shiny's Avatar
Shiny Shiny is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Centennial CO
Posts: 1,898
Default

Congrats on your new project!

  #3  
Old 02-03-2023, 06:07 PM
mysticmissle's Avatar
mysticmissle mysticmissle is online now
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: rhode island
Posts: 3,716
Default

awesome

__________________
1969 carousel red firebird 455, richmond 5 speed
1964 540 gto
1971 lemans sport convertible
1972 Maverick under slow construction
  #4  
Old 02-03-2023, 07:41 PM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is online now
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

Great find! This would be a neat car to upgrade the engine to a 400 4-bbl or 455HO! Good luck with the build!

Dennis

The Following User Says Thank You to SD455DJ For This Useful Post:
  #5  
Old 02-04-2023, 08:01 AM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SD455DJ View Post
Great find! This would be a neat car to upgrade the engine to a 400 4-bbl or 455HO! Good luck with the build!

Dennis
Thanks! That thought has crossed my mind... We'll see how things go.Here are some more pictures.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_153237470.jpg
Views:	217
Size:	56.8 KB
ID:	606611   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_153300630.jpg
Views:	223
Size:	60.5 KB
ID:	606612   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_153338243.jpg
Views:	229
Size:	78.6 KB
ID:	606613   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_153425392.jpg
Views:	223
Size:	71.1 KB
ID:	606614  

  #6  
Old 02-04-2023, 08:05 AM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shiny View Post
Congrats on your new project!
Thanks!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_153454749.jpg
Views:	202
Size:	38.7 KB
ID:	606615   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_153313491.jpg
Views:	201
Size:	78.9 KB
ID:	606616  

  #7  
Old 02-04-2023, 08:07 AM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mysticmissle View Post
awesome

Thanks! Here is a picture of the one I had just before I sold it 42 years ago...
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	GT-37.jpg
Views:	232
Size:	64.1 KB
ID:	606617  

  #8  
Old 02-04-2023, 08:58 AM
KSZR KSZR is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Iowa
Posts: 148
Default

You don't see many in this color combo. Good project!

  #9  
Old 02-04-2023, 10:47 AM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSZR View Post
You don't see many in this color combo. Good project!
That's true...I read somewhere that the black/gold is a very rare combination they came up with the last half of 71 (,although I'm not sure that's true.). I like the black paint/gold stripe better than the gold paint/black stripe I had years ago.

Here's a current picture of the trunk...
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20230203_153136651.jpg
Views:	247
Size:	76.9 KB
ID:	606618  


Last edited by 79 Phoenix; 02-04-2023 at 10:52 AM. Reason: add info
  #10  
Old 02-04-2023, 12:12 PM
'ol Pinion head 'ol Pinion head is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: INJUN Territory, Red State Merica!
Posts: 9,568
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSZR View Post
You don't see many in this color combo. Good project!
Quezal Gold/w red & black stripes as well as Quezal Gold & the black reflective stripes were fairly popular colors on GT-37's. The two different golds, Cardinal Red, Limekist & Tropical lime, along with the white/blue (as 71 1/2's), IMO, were very popular ordered colors.

Rosewood is IMO, the rarest ordered color all year. Nordic Silver was also quite rarely ordered. The Starlight Black/Gold sword stripe combination was ordered more than the often repeated rumblings from Mr Sawruk. Have to keep in mind, his casual observations were from a limited period of time, at one assembly plant. Thats where the "50" comment came from, versus the actuality of close to half of all GT-37's built that year were built as 71 1/2's.

Pontiac A-body's were built at 5 assembly plants for '71 w Pontiac & Fremont cranking a ton of them out. Through actively compiling the GT-37 Survey in the late 80's-mid 90's, along with actual GT-37's that have ran across since then, have info on over 800 '71 & 71 1/2 GT-37's.

__________________
Buzzards gotta eat... same as worms.

Last edited by 'ol Pinion head; 02-04-2023 at 12:22 PM.
  #11  
Old 02-04-2023, 12:17 PM
'ol Pinion head 'ol Pinion head is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: INJUN Territory, Red State Merica!
Posts: 9,568
Default

79 Phoenix, In a few of your darker lit pictures, your new '71 1/2 almost looks likes a Wilderness green (very dk green) '72. Had to blow up the pictures & look much closer

__________________
Buzzards gotta eat... same as worms.
  #12  
Old 02-04-2023, 02:45 PM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head View Post
Quezal Gold/w red & black stripes as well as Quezal Gold & the black reflective stripes were fairly popular colors on GT-37's. The two different golds, Cardinal Red, Limekist & Tropical lime, along with the white/blue (as 71 1/2's), IMO, were very popular ordered colors.

Rosewood is IMO, the rarest ordered color all year. Nordic Silver was also quite rarely ordered. The Starlight Black/Gold sword stripe combination was ordered more than the often repeated rumblings from Mr Sawruk. Have to keep in mind, his casual observations were from a limited period of time, at one assembly plant. Thats where the "50" comment came from, versus the actuality of close to half of all GT-37's built that year were built as 71 1/2's.

Pontiac A-body's were built at 5 assembly plants for '71 w Pontiac & Fremont cranking a ton of them out. Through actively compiling the GT-37 Survey in the late 80's-mid 90's, along with actual GT-37's that have ran across since then, have info on over 800 '71 & 71 1/2 GT-37's.
Thanks for the info. Wish I had a lot more! Who is Mr Sawruk?

  #13  
Old 02-04-2023, 02:55 PM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head View Post
79 Phoenix, In a few of your darker lit pictures, your new '71 1/2 almost looks likes a Wilderness green (very dk green) '72. Had to blow up the pictures & look much closer
I can't seem to figure out how to post the pictures larger. I format them with Microsoft Paint. Then load them with the attachment button (paper clip) and they show up as thumb nails that you have to click on to view larger. BTW if you blew the picture up larger you maybe saw how bad the qtr panel is.

  #14  
Old 02-04-2023, 05:00 PM
trishieldchief's Avatar
trishieldchief trishieldchief is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 989
Default

Nice GT-37 project car you have ,Black with with Gold sword stripe is really sharp.

__________________
Rich Johns

Owner/Operator of Pure Stock Auto Restorations Inc.
www.purestockauto.com

1969 GTO Judge Ram Air IV M21 4 speed 3:90
1970 GTO Judge Ram Air III M21 4 speed 3:90 Oshawa Built
1970 GSX Stage 1 M21 4 Speed 3.64 # 67 of 678 Original Paint
1970 GSX Stage 1 Auto 3.64 # 603 of 678 12.44@109.73 mph 2011 Buick GS Nats Pure Stock, 12.71@110.64 mph PSMCDR 2011
1970 GS Stage 1 Convertible Auto 3:64 12.71@109.15 mph PSMCDR 2009
1970 GS 455 M21 4 Speed 3.42
1987 GN Astro Roof
  #15  
Old 02-04-2023, 05:01 PM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is online now
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

John Sawruk was a PMD engineer and historian later in his career. He special ordered a new 71 1/2 GT-37 as a young engineer that was black with the gold stripes, 400 4-bbl, TH400, 3.55 Safe-T-Track, PS, PDB, Formula wheel, and the H-D frame. Scott Tiemann of Supercar Specialties restored it back in the 1990's and was the car that put the spotlight on the little-known GT-37 at the time.

These pics should serve as inspiration for you as you restore yours.

Dennis
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Sawruk GT-37 Before Restoration.jpg
Views:	393
Size:	56.9 KB
ID:	606661   Click image for larger version

Name:	71GT37a.jpg
Views:	386
Size:	150.7 KB
ID:	606662  

The Following User Says Thank You to SD455DJ For This Useful Post:
  #16  
Old 02-04-2023, 05:02 PM
KSZR KSZR is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Iowa
Posts: 148
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 79 Phoenix View Post
Thanks for the info. Wish I had a lot more! Who is Mr Sawruk?
He worked for Pontiac back in that era. Bought a new 71.5 with the same color combo as yours. Was his family car, then sold, bought back and restored. He used to come to POCI convention and often spoke. Neat guy, very smart. Has passed away.

The Following User Says Thank You to KSZR For This Useful Post:
  #17  
Old 02-04-2023, 05:10 PM
SD455DJ SD455DJ is online now
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 3,253
Default

I'm also in the throes of a "refurbishment" of an early (12C) GT-37 that is the opposite of yours when it comes to the option list. It's Canyon Copper with white guts and the red/white 'eyebrow' stripes. I have a thread on it that...https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...d.php?t=790693

I'll be watching your progress with interest!

Dennis
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	71 455HO GT-37.jpg
Views:	235
Size:	83.9 KB
ID:	606663   Click image for larger version

Name:	71 GT-37 PHS.jpg
Views:	172
Size:	123.3 KB
ID:	606664  


Last edited by SD455DJ; 02-04-2023 at 05:21 PM.
  #18  
Old 02-04-2023, 06:53 PM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by trishieldchief View Post
Nice GT-37 project car you have ,Black with with Gold sword stripe is really sharp.
Thanks!

  #19  
Old 02-04-2023, 06:56 PM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SD455DJ View Post
John Sawruk was a PMD engineer and historian later in his career. He special ordered a new 71 1/2 GT-37 as a young engineer that was black with the gold stripes, 400 4-bbl, TH400, 3.55 Safe-T-Track, PS, PDB, Formula wheel, and the H-D frame. Scott Tiemann of Supercar Specialties restored it back in the 1990's and was the car that put the spotlight on the little-known GT-37 at the time.

These pics should serve as inspiration for you as you restore yours.

Dennis

Thanks for the info and the pictures. Gives me something to shoot for!

  #20  
Old 02-04-2023, 06:57 PM
79 Phoenix's Avatar
79 Phoenix 79 Phoenix is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 362
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSZR View Post
He worked for Pontiac back in that era. Bought a new 71.5 with the same color combo as yours. Was his family car, then sold, bought back and restored. He used to come to POCI convention and often spoke. Neat guy, very smart. Has passed away.
Thanks!

Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:33 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017