Fitzy's GP is back!

[Wrongway]

Thanks Fitzy

[Fitzy]

Can you believe it - I still haven't gone for a drive. I was fiddling with the car all day and time just ran out. I fitted a hidden kill switch that interrupts the circuit that goes from the coil negative to the points. Switch off - car won't start. I fitted a secondary kill switch that cuts power to the fuse box so that if anyone does manage to drive it, they'll have no electrics like lights, indicators, wipers, etc. Once I fit the battery isolater, they'll be so busy trying to sort through the various walls I've thrown up, it'll give me ample time to load my gel blaster with ball bearings and brandish a baseball bat.

Will defo go for a drive tomorrow. 

[64 kiwi boni]

1 hour ago, Fitzy said:

Will defo go for a drive tomorrow. 

about time!!!! 

On 2/11/2022 at 8:28 PM, Fitzy said:

Will you guys pass the hat around and bail me out when the cops see a big red Yank Tank with Cal plates tooling last them?

nope... we will laff out loud and send you a get out of jail free card from out monopoly set 

Edited February 12, 2022 by 64 kiwi boni

[Fitzy]

Yesterday afternoon, I applied for & received my Unregistered Vehicle Permit. This morning I checked all the fluids, looked at the tyres and crossed my chest in St Christopher fashion in order to ask for safe keeping on my imminent initial foray into the wild. Started the beast, loaded the other beast (missus) into the passenger seat whereupon she was confused as to how the retractor seat belts work. I explained to her that it was simply a formality to belt up, as there is no way those things are ever gonna do anything in a major accident. With her confidence brimming we hit the road. First problem: auto is reluctant to upshift. Once revs are up auto will upshift but it takes some provocation. Car drives really nicely BUT I should have toughened up the springs. Goodness me, how things have changed. Once upon a time, a wallowing cushioned ride was something to aspire to - now it's a liability! Plenty of power from the 389 - I didn't think it would be so eager but to go for extra cubes seems utterly superfluous. Ample power: period. The steering wheel is off centre but a professional wheel alignment will correct that. I also experienced some missing & backfiring on occasion, but only when attempting to provoke the auto into upshifting - I'm sorta thinking fuel pump isn't up to the task.  Brakes are fine but nothing spectacular. Light pedal pressure, but you always know you got drums all around. I am confident that with a little fine tuning and perhaps the auto governer & fuel pump replaced, she'll be a sweet thing to drive. Lots of admiring looks and thumbs up from startled motorists wondering who let that big red car out. It looks f@#$%ng great on the road!!!

I am a happy man.

[Fitzy]

I forgot to mention this: part of the conditions of the permit are that the car has it's number plates removed. There was no way I was going to remove those cool period correct 1965 Cal plates I have. I took the car out for 2 drives. The second time I went out I was solo. I get to the end of my street about to turn left and a police car goes past me. Really? We NEVER see police here. I gingerly execute the left turn and with an eye on the cruiser, I prudently make a right and go an alternate way. I make it to the highway and get her up to speed and she's as smooth as silk. I make a right and trundle down a little used road that I know. At the bottom of that road there's the same police cruiser doing random roadside breath tests! I turn left and head home. It's okay - I was sober and had a permit but who sees a police car in this neck of the woods on a Sunday??? Anyway, I'm still a happy man!

[64 kiwi boni]

That is so cool Fitzy 👍 well done!!! its those little trips that iron out all the little stuff

AND it gets YOU  used to driving a 1965 Pontiac !!! thats the other part of the test drives!!

until you get her out and up to speed your really guessing as to how they are supposed to behave !

Edited February 13, 2022 by 64 kiwi boni

[Wrongway]

Way to go Fitzy!!! Congrats bro!!! 

[Fitzy]

Thanks boys. It was a 2 year wait and I finally got to take her out on the road. It'll have to go to an auto specialist next week, so once that's sorted it can go for it's Safety Inspection then an alignment. The issue with misfiring under load, I think will either be the fuel pump or perhaps a carby adjustment - perhaps the float levels need to be tickled. If I can't work it out, I'll get it dyno tuned and that should be that!

[Last Indian]

On 1/10/2022 at 10:07 PM, Fitzy said:

Hey Y'all. Flew home this morning from work and just in time too. We had a cyclone (hurricane in the US) heading our way (here in Cairns) but it changed tack and is now headed directly for Groote Eylandt which is where I work, about 1500km due west. I hope it flattens the joint - more Pontiac time!

Anyway, I came home to an unexpected treasure trove of purchases and gifts. All my  car crap turned up (wheel bearings, neutral safety switch, TH400 pan gasket, thermostat gasket, wiper switch) and there's more stuff coming BUT look what Frosty sent me. He sent me a coupla beautifully crafted emblems (courtesy of Gary aka Last Indian) which will adorn my GP one day - just gotta find a good spot! Look at the depth of material and the fine workmanship. I can only dream of doing things like that.

Frosty Man, once again thank you so much. Kiwi & I are defo coming over there once the politicians and big pharma have all taken their cut from this covid crap and we're going to buy you a beer. ONE beer, but it's gonna be a big one. Then we'll go to the nearest lobster shack and probably finish up at Hooters. That'll be Day One.

I have been trying to think of some suitable Aussie paraphernalia for your Garage Mahal but am struggling. I'm afraid when it comes to cool cars, the Yanks beat us to it, but I shall continue to ponder the conundrum.

Many thanks once again. I am not a man who openly weeps but came pretty close when I opened that satchel! Excuse me, there's something in my eye...

I’ve been WAY!! behind, for about a year and a half! Anyone tells you to retire; smack’em right in dah mouth! Glad you’re pleased with Frosty’s generosity. The Indian Head is new, but the arrowhead is one that use to adorn the front nose of the Last Indian!

[Fitzy]

Vote Required. Hey Guys, I can't decide and am interested in what the wider tragic Pontiac community think: rear wheel spats or not? Personally I think it looks good either way but it seems a pity to partially cover those Torq Thrusts. I'm pretty sure the wheel arch trim is available just in case I decide to do a proper job of it. Any alteration will be 100% reversible. Thanks in anticipation of your vote.

[JUSTA6]

Gotta have em.  If you've seen the fronts....you've seen em all.

[64 kiwi boni]

oh my god Fitzy!!! you sound like my boss!! ............. "does this skirt make me look fat?" 

MATE ! it looks bloody cool BOTH ways!! so my vote is for both!!! top one says... street rod, bottom says sleeper.

Edited February 23, 2022 by 64 kiwi boni

[Fitzy]

Do these skirts make my Pontiac look fat? Oh, how I laughed.

Early days yet, but already I am surprised at the reaction. With them on, the car looks a little 'feminine' but here we are in 2022 and they really stand out as a blast from the past. The fact that the car is SUPPOSED to have them attached also weighs heavily in keeping them on. Let's wait and see what other peeps think.

JustA - you are correct. Seen one mag wheel, seen 'em all. Love it!

[JUSTA6]

11 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

oh my god Fitzy!!! you sound like my boss!! ............. "does this skirt make me look fat?" 

MATE ! it looks bloody cool BOTH ways!! so my vote is for both!!! top one says... street rod, bottom says sleeper.

[Fitzy]

I ordered a new fuel pump through RockAuto last Thursday whilst I was at work and bugger me - it was delivered to my door yesterday! If it had come from Sydney, I'd still be waiting for it. Car is off for it's inspection this coming Tuesday and I wanted to fit that pump beforehand BUT another skin cancer had to be removed today. This time from my forearm and I am under strict instructions to not lift anything, except a glass of beer. So, I sit here, crippled, sore and slowly getting bored. Is this what retirement is like, coz if so, count me out. I've got one more on my foot that has to go and then I should be right until my next skin check. Being an older gentleman, I know how reluctant us chaps are to go to see a doctor, but take it from me - man up and go, even if it's just once a year. You'd never not look at your car for more than a year, would you? This is my version of a public service announcement.

[64 kiwi boni]

well done mate

[Ringo64]

Best of luck to you, Fitzy. Hope things turn out well. 

[JUSTA6]

Good luck my friend.

[Frosty]

As a sucker for both old school cars and custom lead sleds, the fender skirts stays.

Now I can appreciate you are bored at the moment, look at the bright side Fitzy, you can STILL DRINK BEER! You can still go out on the internet and do the automotive porn thing (like rubbish like this) all day too. So while you can't be wrenching on the Crimson Tiger, you can be staring at what you love. Beer, pizza and cars. 

[Wrongway]

Get better soon ol'bud. Hell yes to the skirts!

[Fitzy]

Great response - thanks everyone. Looks like I'll put those skirts back on. I really was torn between the two scenarios but I guess it's those skirts and a few trim pieces that define the GP from a Catalina. After it's inspection, I'll reattach them.

Poor old forearm is not so sore today. If I look after it, it'll heal nicely. That pic was a bit too large and probably a bit too gruesome to post, but I wanted to make a point. I'm a total sooky la la when it comes to anything medical, but it didn't hurt and the level of care was excellent. At least when the GP gets on the road, it's battle scarred owner will match the car's patina, in much the same way as dog owners and their pets start to look alike! The car and I will simply morph into one worn out battle weary and much scarred mass.

[JUSTA6]

2 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Great response - thanks everyone. Looks like I'll put those skirts back on. I really was torn between the two scenarios but I guess it's those skirts and a few trim pieces that define the GP from a Catalina. After it's inspection, I'll reattach them.

Poor old forearm is not so sore today. If I look after it, it'll heal nicely. That pic was a bit too large and probably a bit too gruesome to post, but I wanted to make a point. I'm a total sooky la la when it comes to anything medical, but it didn't hurt and the level of care was excellent. At least when the GP gets on the road, it's battle scarred owner will match the car's patina, in much the same way as dog owners and their pets start to look alike! The car and I will simply morph into one worn out battle weary and much scarred mass.

Yea but the skirt will be the real standout!   Nice rims too.

[Fitzy]

Let me be clear: although the car and I will start to look the same, only the car will be wearing it's skirts and I don't even wanna think about the rim reference! I daresay it's rims will look heaps better than mine.

[64 kiwi boni]

49 minutes ago, Fitzy said:

Let me be clear: although the car and I will start to look the same, only the car will be wearing it's skirts and I don't even wanna think about the rim reference! I daresay it's rims will look heaps better than mine.

oh stink!!! i wanted to know what color skirt you where putting on!!! hahaahahaha

mate what drugs do they have you on for that flesh wound ????? 

[Fitzy]

Nothing! I have to brew my own. Actually, I dropped a Panadeine last night and it knocked me out, but nowhere near as much pain today. I'll remove the bandage tomorrow and give the wound a chance to breathe, which of course has NOTHING to do with Pontiacs. Unfortunately I can't do anything right now, so no Poncho news. I might try and do some very light tinkering tomorrow. I do NOT know how retired people and the chronic long term unemployed do it. I have spent ONE day being inactive and I've had enough. I don't want to end up sitting on the couch sporting a 3 day growth watching Ellen & Dr Phil surrounded by beer cans and pizza boxes. Noooooo....!