[Greg Reid]

Mine, the one in the thread , had the original glue on it. It wasn't overdone but I dreaded trying to get it off for years while it sat in my parts stash..
Turned out to be not nearly the problem I had built it up to be in my mind. Dampened it with various solvents like urethane reducer and later, regular Goof Off that you can get at the hardware store. It became soft rather quickly and I was able to scratch it off with a stiff parts cleaning brush and a fingernail.
Be a good winter project for you since the car is kind of out of commission without the dash.

[6 Grrrs]

A friend of mine told me about the spaz stix. He used it on his 1970 charger and it came out great. I used mrgs when i did mine and it wasn't cheap.

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by 6 Grrrs

A friend of mine told me about the spaz stix. He used it on his 1970 charger and it came out great. I used mrgs when i did mine and it wasn't cheap.

If the manufacturer knew the potential in the full size car hobby, they'd probably quadruple the price.
Sorry for the hijack John....
Ok,

[PurplePackFan]

No problem, Greg, all good information. Actually now I wish I would have went that route, yours looks really good. I did use the original instrument panel and used Bare Metal Foil, also from the model car hobby, to brighten up the chrome areas. It was easy and cheap, not sure how durable it will be. The wood/vinyl insert is from Performance Retsorations. The knobs and bezels are either originals that I had or obtained that were in good shape, just cleaned them up.

Hotrodrx-Right now I haven't added any protection to the starter cable, but after re-thinking I ordered some foil heat insulation tape and I will go back in and wrap the cable and possibly the solenoid. I have a heat shield for the solenoid, but for the life of me I couldn't get it to fit right and get it installed so I left it out. The starter is awful close to those exhaust manifolds.

Another update-A friend noticed that I previously wrote about trying to hide or disguise the switch for the exhaust cutouts. He pointed out that QTP make a wireless controller for this system on a key fob. Way cool! So it is on order.

Check it out here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quick-Time-P...-/310887974014

[Old Blue 66]

Originally Posted by PurplePackFan

No problem, Greg, all good information. Actually now I wish I would have went that route, yours looks really good. I did use the original instrument panel and used Bare Metal Foil, also from the model car hobby, to brighten up the chrome areas. It was easy and cheap, not sure how durable it will be. The wood/vinyl insert is from Performance Retsorations. The knobs and bezels are either originals that I had or obtained that were in good shape, just cleaned them up.

Hotrodrx-Right now I haven't added any protection to the starter cable, but after re-thinking I ordered some foil heat insulation tape and I will go back in and wrap the cable and possibly the solenoid. I have a heat shield for the solenoid, but for the life of me I couldn't get it to fit right and get it installed so I left it out. The starter is awful close to those exhaust manifolds.

Another update-A friend noticed that I previously wrote about trying to hide or disguise the switch for the exhaust cutouts. He pointed out that QTP make a wireless controller for this system on a key fob. Way cool! So it is on order.

Check it out here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quick-Time-P...-/310887974014

I had a hell of a time with heat and the stock starter. Cant remember which starter you said you went with. I went with a mini starter. And I havent even put on the hear wrap on it yet. Problem solved.

[PurplePackFan]

I'm using a stock GM starter. We'll see what happens...

[Old Blue 66]

Originally Posted by PurplePackFan

I'm using a stock GM starter. We'll see what happens...

I'd put a heat wrap around it just to be safe. It may help keep it a bit cooler. The minni starter just sounds so cool when the car cranks. And it starts instantly.

[hotrodrx]

I put a mini starter on a 67 hardtop with dougs headers and had no issues with it. The stock starter as you know can be a handful.

[6 Grrrs]

Originally Posted by hotrodrx

I put a mini starter on a 67 hardtop with dougs headers and had no issues with it. The stock starter as you know can be a handful.

Agreed. I wish there would have been a nose available for the OEM GM Mini starters to use on a Pontiac. I tried the 3.8 V6 nose, but it wouldn't mount properly.

I use an OEM mini on my 454SS, a Chevelle I did a bunch of work on , and it is standard on my 2500. Never had an issue with any of them. Plus they are cheap.

[PurplePackFan]

Well today was a big day. My last report described installing the instrument panel which was a big step to get further work done. I haven't had a lot of time to work on the GTO as of late, but I did get some done this week. I got the clutch linkage in last week and Friday I got the steering column in. So yesterday and today I was determined to spin the engine and then hopefully get it started in the car. I know it will run as I have already dynoed it, but I wanted to verify the wiring harnesses and connections to make sure it will run in the car. I installed the PS pump, alternator, fan, fan clutch, core support and radiator along with a battery. I checked for power at the coil with key "on" and that was good so I tried cranking it and it turned over. So the next logical step was to try and start it. I filled the center carb float bowl with fuel and cranked it over. Started right away. Then I filled the radiator and put some fuel in the tank and she started up and ran like a charm. I put it in gear and let out clutch, rear axle spun, all is good so far. Next I installed tires and put it on the ground. It moved for the first time in however many years(probably 20+) under its own power. Drove it back and forth in front of house a couple times and felt really good. I have a LONG way to go, but reaching this milestone felt really good knowing how far I have come.

Looked good out in the sunlight for the first time since its trailer ride home.


Fan, alternator, PS pump, hydroboost, radiator installed.


Looks mean and sounds great with Pypes exhaust system and Stump Puller cam.

Temporary interior.


I was also able to confirm rear tail lights, brake lights, backup lights, oil presure, water temp, speedo and tach all work. A very good day overall.

[Old Goat 67]

Looking pretty good PPF.

Charles

[Greg Reid]

Excellent. To avoid going back through the entire thread, I'll ask....What color is that? Looks like Plum Mist.

[PurplePackFan]

Greg

The color is a "tribute" to Plum Mist. I like the dark purple but wanted more "pop" so I went with Ford's Medium Aubergine Metallic which is a dark metallic purple found on mid-90's Rangers which stands out a little more than Plum Mist. Going with contrasting Parchment interior.

[Greg Reid]

Stunning combo.

[Old Blue 66]

Great build. Love this thread.

[67gtospud]

Looks awesome! I'm going to have to stop by to check it out again!

[nodwyer]

Love the color and the hurst wheels and the seats. BAM

[Gator67]

Car looks fantastic. I'm impressed with how you've stayed on track with the original vision.

[6 Grrrs]

Car looks great. I know the feeling of your accomplishments as I was there about 5-6 years ago. You'd be surprised how quick it goes from here on out.

[Nicks67GTO]

NICE!!! Iv'e always been on the fence with the repop big diameter hurst wheels but those look great! A couple questions for you if you don't mind.....

-Any chance you can get some detailed pics during the vintage air install? I'll be doing one myself and it would be nice to see what i'm up against.

-What size are your rear tires? In the thread it says 255/35/17's but the sidewall looks tall. Was that a typo?