Hi folks, frame off restoration in progress, purchased from original owner with 92k.  California car moved to NY in the 80's.  All original, already purchased PHS documentation.  At a crossroad.  Wondering if its time to progress this car that is currently a 455 with turbo 400 to a modern manual transmission with a hood tach and rear disk, or, should I just keep it all original?  Currently the body is on a Derek weaver rotisserie and the frame has already been restored sealed in a 2 part epoxy. Painted factory correct and motor and tranny set in. New bushings, springs, shocks, motor freshened up with all new correct paint, top end with a butler performance cam, lifters, springs and gear / chain.  Added a high volume oil pump and new anodized dual exhaust.  Posting this to get feed back from the community.  Putting this back to original has been as you all know, time consuming for a wrench turner as myself.  I enjoy the reward of bringing something back that was in need, however, here is where it gets cloudy.  Will I be doing a diservice to this part of Pontiac history by modernizing it is subtle ways or will I be doing it a compliment by making it a more user friendly machine?  Ultimately I know its about what I want as a final piece, but, I would like to expand my thoughts and mindset with others that have a common goal to bring the classic back to the modern for others to appreciate and keep with the appreciation of a good ole classic car.  In this day and age that has so many restomods, and I do value what it takes to that, I also appreciate the original.  Thanks for reading and am looking forward to comments and suggestions.   Yes, I have plenty of pictures of before and after of what's been done so far and will share.

38 minutes ago, Dan 71GP said:

enjoy the reward of bringing something back that was in need, however, here is where it gets cloudy.  Will I be doing a diservice to this part of Pontiac history by modernizing it is subtle ways or will I be doing it a compliment by making it a more user friendly machine?

First off,

Sounds like an amazing build you’re doing! Can’t wait to hear more and see pics!

To answer your question above, just depends on your own goals and tastes really. If you are going for an original feel that reaches concourse expectations, that’s your goal. If you want a classic car with some modern safety and touches, that’s good too.

I hang on to my cars for quite some time so if you don’t plan to sell it or do anything that needs to be down to the steel original, do what you want  . Our crew here won’t tell you are doing Pontiac a disservice. Well, unless you do something crazy like drop a 2JZ in it 😂

You can keep er stock looking (as I've done with my GTO) and let the person checking out the car try N pick out what I've done.  You can respect the people that find LIL things, then take it a step further and point out stuff they missed. Car Show good times!!!  You've hit it with the best of everything so far, can't see you installing something like a Chevy cowl hood or donk rims N tires.  Make it yours bro.  We do like pic's....Justa sayin.😁

Edited August 8, 20223 yr by JUSTA6

Welcome Dan, can't wait to see the pics bro. We love pics around here. I personally love looking at all the old technology, the things they built and the way they built them. That said, safety first bro, so if you want disk brakes then do it. Nobody will fault you man. If you want a modern trans then drop it in bro. If somebody does say something justa don't give them a ride in that bad a$$ Grand Prix! I think most people will justa enjoy seeing your classic Pontiac, whether at a car show or a McDonalds bro and not care about the subtle additions that you added to please yourself. Justa my thoughts bro.

Dan, I was more than happy to 'embellish' my own GP with some subtle mods that I personally liked. Unless the car is truly significant and must remain unmolested, you go your own way. Leave the stripes & flares for the young-uns.

welcome Dan !!!

i completely agree with what the guys have said above, your car, your way. thats what is soo cool about what we do!

make it your own !

 

did any one mention we love pictures around here ? 

52 minutes ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

welcome Dan !!!

i completely agree with what the guys have said above, your car, your way. thats what is soo cool about what we do!

make it your own !

 

did any one mention we love pictures around here ? 

Why yes....I did mention we like pic's.

Thanks so much everyone for all the kind words and motavational thoughts!  A few things that make this one kinda rare is a factory cassette tape, 12 bolt posi, one owner and it is in amazing shape for the age.  I just finished the last of chassis takedown and it still has factory speakers front and rear although I will not be putting them back hahah.  In a few weeks its heading to the local sandblast shop to get stripped down.  I stripped the frame myself.. getting the undercoating off was a serious chore.  Still on the fence for restomod, but, leaning towards it.  Here are some pics of progress so far. 

More pics

Dan, I think everyone has conveyed that the most important thing is it pleases you first & for most! 
That said, for me there are very few cars I have ever driven or seen or even owned that I didn’t feel could be improved! Power, handling, braking or subtle interior or exterior looks, but that’s just me! 
I have built everything from full race to full custom & even a couple 100% original! To me all of them take the same amount & level of work, detail & effort!

Dan, bro,,, that frame looks amazing! Like candy, good work bro!!! 

Thanks Wrongway, although I am in no way a painter, I just had it in my head that the frame is the base and must be done right for the long haul so I put my all into it.  Appreciate the compliment!  I may opt to do the floor pans and underside myself as well to save $, not sure I will be able to tackle the exterior though.

I will be moving this to the progression place on this site, not sure if an admin can move this or I will just start a new thread there.  Thanks for all the support ponchos , I will be keeping this build going until it is completed.  Ideas I have currently is to have the saddleback interior upgraded to leather, keeping the console the same with a conversion to manual, ( will share what I have planned to do that later), and going to led lighting all around.  Baja Gold is the original but I am thinking a darker shade, closer to the saddleback interior.

40 minutes ago, Dan 71GP said:

will be moving this to the progression place on this site, not sure if an admin can move this or I will just start a new thread there

Let me know what you want to do. I can move this or if there is anything above you want to detail further, feel free to make a new topic. 

Sounds great Dan, I can't wait to see your progress!

5 hours ago, Dan 71GP said:

Thanks Wrongway, although I am in no way a painter, I just had it in my head that the frame is the base and must be done right for the long haul so I put my all into it.  Appreciate the compliment!  I may opt to do the floor pans and underside myself as well to save $, not sure I will be able to tackle the exterior though.

Dan, good work mate!

 do as much as you want and dont be scared to go further ! .... thats the fun, you learn as you go.

 this day and age there is soo much info on line if your not sure, but its all really easy, justA dont over think its all. 👍

oh and dont look at the whole job and feel over whelmed !

break it all down, and bit by bit it will all get done

Kiwi's right. When i started my rebuild, my wallet emptied. Then I lost all my hair. Then my missus left, but I wooed her back with my stellar good looks. So, break it down and suffer one setback at a time.

Of course I'm just being silly. What all the guys said is the way to go. You're another one who is doing a slow, careful, outstanding quality job.

1 hour ago, Fitzy said:

Kiwi's right. When i started my rebuild, my wallet emptied. Then I lost all my hair. Then my missus left, but I wooed her back with my stellar good looks. So, break it down and suffer one setback at a time.

Of course I'm just being silly. What all the guys said is the way to go. You're another one who is doing a slow, careful, outstanding quality job.

Awww and look at your 65 now aye !

wasn’t it alllll worth it ! 🍻

Awesome job Dan.  Thankz for all the eyecandy pic's.  Look forward to watching your build. Keep us up to date.

13 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

Awww and look at your 65 now aye !

wasn’t it alllll worth it ! 🍻

Yes it was. Although I hobble about dressed in rags and subsisting on instant noodles, the car goes well.