[SD455DJ]

Originally Posted by 70Steve

Just found this...maybe something, maybe nothing? I don't know...seems interesting the mention of a bypass code. Quick Dennis, rip a head off!LOL. Geez Pontiac were good, hiding 400's as 350's.
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...ht=factory+ads

70Steve, I never heard that one before, but I would like to know more about it if it's true. I wonder if they were all automatic equipped cars. Yeah, I should pull a head to see what we have. That would be so cool if that happened. The car does seem quicker than I thought a 350 would be, but maybe I'm not giving them enough credit or respect. We still might make a '70 version of the '69 350 HO (I know, I know they didn't make one in '70) if the motor is as tight is it seems to be, since it would be easier to not have to pull the block out and just swap the heads, top end, and add dual exhaust.

Dennis

[J GLASGO]

Originally Posted by gloryrestoparts

almost.

John, that was the first time I've ran the car with the new engine. Installed it a week ago and the first run down the track was 13.43 at almost 106 spinning all through first and starting to get a little sideways before I let off. I didn't want to t-bone the 72 455HO GTO in the next lane. Not to mention I really had no idea what to expect the car to do. I'll be racing at POCI if you or Paul happen to make it down to KY

12,s should be in the future! Runs real good! We wont be able to make Ky unfortunately.It is a shame we cant do it all.I have not even unbagged either of the GTO,S yet. Hope you boys have fun!

[SD455DJ]

Hey John,

Do you or your brother have any info on the Magnum 400 Tempests beyond what has been published in the magazines, like when they were ordered and available for sale? Did they special order any customer cars, or did they order all 50 cars with the same options, but in different colors, etc.?

Thanks, Dennis

[SD455DJ]

Well, it's been a little while since I last posted on progress....[LIST]
The 455 motor is done and installed (different Thread)

• The 12-Bolt rear end (3.08 posi) is ready for installation

along with new boxed trailing arms and factory .875" sway bar and 1.125" front sway bar

• The front & rear bench seats have been reupholstered (not quite to factory original)

New headliner, package shelf, ear muffs and sun visors installed

• New carpet ready to go in after a little floor repair

[Lloyd-TX]

What a transformation Dennis! Looks nice!

[SD455DJ]

Thanks Lloyd,

The white seat is jsut temporary as are the Honeys & Radial TA's. The new seat has the LeMans vinyl insert changes to '62/'63 Tempest/LeMans fabric that the upholsterer had for a job that didn't happen. It looks incredible and is a heavy fabric that should last a long while. I'll have to downsize the pictures I have and post them tomorrow.

Dennis

[unruhjonny]

Wow!

That's a cool car!!

[SD455DJ]

Here are the pictures. The seats were done at LA Trim in Lowell, MI. Dale does a great job and installed the headliner, muffs, parcel shelf, and visors too. He mimiced the original vinyl pleats pattern exactly and created nice contrasting inserts with the '62/'63 cloth he had on hand which matches all the different shades of blue the factory installed on different components. I kknow it's not factory correct for the year, but that material was so interesting and priced right, I couldn't resist doing it. Most people won't know or care and it should be more comfortable on those hot summer days.

Dennis

[Lloyd-TX]

Originally Posted by SD455DJ

Here are the pictures. The seats were done at LA Trim in Lowell, MI. Dale does a great job and installed the headliner, muffs, parcel shelf, and visors too. He mimiced the original vinyl pleats pattern exactly and created nice contrasting inserts with the '62/'63 cloth he had on hand which matches all the different shades of blue the factory installed on different components. I kknow it's not factory correct for the year, but that material was so interesting and priced right, I couldn't resist doing it. Most people won't know or care and it should be more comfortable on those hot summer days.

Dennis

VERY nice. Sure wish we had a decent upholstery shop here in the Houston area . . .

[SD455DJ]

Dan just finished up the carpet install. We had to order two sets, one for a 4-door A-body for the rear seat area, and the other for a 2-door A-body floor shift to use for the front. Door panels, armrests, various plastic panels/covers, dash cap, and glove box door get redyed next. I have the correct repro black shifter ball to install later on.

Dennis

[2002Z4CSS]

The office is going to look sweet!

[Engine-Ear]

Great to see progress on this!

Thanks for posting details of the interior upgrades. BTW, the early inserts look right at home there.

[Diego]

Wow, it's been 4 years since the purchase? I would have guessed last year!

[SD455DJ]

Thanks for the kind comments Engine-Ear and 2002Z4CCS. I must be out of my mind making this car more presentable and fun, but I kinda dig four doors now that I own a few.

Diego, yeah, I can't believe I've had it 4 years already, but it will be driveable soon. I'm debating which car to drive to the GTOAA Nats...the 400 Tempest, the 4-speed LeMans, or the '74 GTO?

Dan swapped in the 12-bolt rear end that we had rebuilt with new everything and 3.08 gears and posi, along with new boxed lower trailing arms, repro frame reinforcement brackets, and the big '72 rear sway bar.

Dennis

[SD455DJ]

This should help the handling a little bit. I had an NOS '72 WW5 rear sway bar that we got along time ago, and a front bar from an parted out '70 GTO now installed on the LeMans. It looks like I've got to rattle can spray the rear bar to match the poorly painted rear end.

[SD455DJ]

Here is the new back seat installed along with the redyed door panels and plastic trim pieces, new carpet and headliner. The front seat area is next along with new door weather stripping, then an improved dual exhaust system to replace the tiny 2" system on it now.

I can't wait to drive it! Dennis

[Ben M.]

Almost looks too good, like factory literature photos. Very nice work.

[The Boss]

Dennis, you are the only other guy I know who just "happened" to have an extra WW5 rear bar hanging around!

Great car, coming along very nice!

[SD455DJ]

Chris,

I actual have two. The other is on the Judge, so no more lying around to use.

Here are a couple more shots with the front door panels installed. Don't look at the dash too closely, its the next big project for over the winter. Front seat and bigger exhaust go on tomorrow.

Dennis

[Jack Peters]

Ah, yessss. A three pedal car. Love'm.
Looking good.
Will have to come visit you all again, one of these days. Need a customer to help pay my way, though or plan vacation going through there.