the start of my 62 GP restoration

[stucky2947]

These are some pictures of my restoration project. The ugly one is how I got the car and the other is the body off the car going to media blast. All the rust was removed and either filled with weld or had metal patch panels welded in. The trunk floor, the part of the rear fender behind the drivers door, and, of course, the rear lower quarters were replaced. The rest of the car was in good shape. The frame was perfect and got blasted and sprayed with DP90. New stainless brake and fuel lines were installed before the body was put back on. The front end was completed redone with new everything. The picture in my "car profile" is how it looks now. I will try to update as things progress, but as you all know, a frame off restoration takes a lot of time and money. I have the time, it's the money I'm waiting for. My wife, bless her, is very supportive in "our" project. Her truck endured many nights out of the garage, so I could work on the GP. She even donated a room in our house, which we now call "the car room", so I can store all the parts for the car. Ain't she great!!

[Stu Norman]

So far it looks great!

Keep us posted on your progress.

Stu

[super]

Made any more progress on your car?

Jeff

[stucky2947]

No, the car pretty much looks the same. The weather here has been either bitter cold or way above normal. (which is when I would piddle around with it a bit.) Still working on getting the $ together for that paint job. In the meantime, I am getting the details finished. I took all the accessory brackets and ground the flash off, bead blasted them and painted them. I went through all the instuments and controls and cleaned them up. I took the inside vents out, scraped all the sealant off, repainted them, and put them back together. My next mini?? project will be the chrome and stainless trim. Getting the dents and dings out and polishing it up.

[Stu Norman]

Yes - it's been cold.

Still, keep us posted.

[stucky2947]

Well, most of the body work is done so it's off to the body/paint shop for finish blocking and PAINT!! I am going to get the jambs (both doors and body), underside of the trunk and hood, inside of the doors, inside of the fenders and the interior painted. Then it's back to my house to be put back together. FINALLY. When it gets back from paint, I'll post some pics.

[Larry]

Save some good pictures of this process and then get us some good pictures of the finished car... sure looks like a nice "Cover Car" Feature and Calendar too. How about a "Collectible Art" piece also.
Everybody loves a '62 GP!
Thanks,
Larry

[super]

Glad to hear you are making good progress on your Grand Prix. Nice meeting you this weekend. Sorry I did not get the chance to talk to you.

Did you get a chance to check out some of Selden's rare Pontiacs? He has several old Pontiacs. About 15 miles away from where you were there are even more Pontiacs.

Good luck. Look forward to seeing another cool Pontiac on the streets in Missouri!!

Jeff

[super]

Hope Ben was in an O.K. mood when he spoke to you. He had a pretty full plate with everything going on in his life. Ben is usually a great guy. He was not his normal self Saturday. He is a great guy I have known for over 30 years.

Good luck again with the '62. My favorite Pontiac of all time!!

Jeff

[stucky2947]

No Jeff, I didn't get out to Seldens. I would like to. Could I have the info? Name, phone number, directions? Thanks.

[stucky2947]

Well here she is in all her glory: Don't get too excited, I had only the jambs, door jambs, underside of the trunk and hood, ashtrays, glovebox door and dash painted. But it is the start of the reassemble!! It was final blocked, sealed with Dupont dark gray sealer, painted with two coats of Dodge Patriot Blue, and cleared with four coats of Dupont clearcoat. I am picking up the TH400 and converter this Friday and will have it in the car this weekend, well maybe next weekend with this one being Memorial Day. I already have the ashtrays, glove box and door, side floor vents, e-brake with new cable, accelerator linkage through the firewall, and the brake pedal. More to come! Pics coming soon, trying to figure out how to do it.

[stucky2947]

Engine and tranny are in. Anybody know what kind, style, manufacturer of headers will work? Also, need help with the speedo cable and shift linkage. Thanks.

[64catdroptop]

WOW!! It looks great!! I love the valve covers, and was thinking of adding them to my '64 when I get to the restoration. Love the color too. Really,.... I'm jealous, because I want mine to that point.

The guys at Fabcraft can help you with the linkage. There are also detailed pictures on PontiacParadise.com.

Headers I can't help you with.

What is your speedo cable question?

-r-

[stucky2947]

Since I have a TH400 and not a slimjim, will the stock speedo cable work?

[64catdroptop]

Stock speedo cable will work just fine, but with the gearing difference the speedo may be a bit (5 mph) off.

-r-