Hello Pontiac Folks! I am looking for a little help in purchasing my first Pontiac although I have been around classic cars for 40 years owning several GM and Ford products. I grew up in Western New York and used to hang around with a few guys that were driving Pontiacs, a 1957 Star Chief 2 dr hardtop, a 1962 Catalina 2 dr hardtop, a 1964 2+2 ragtop 389 4 speed and a 1958 Bonneville Tri-power. I just sold my 1972 Olds Cutlass 442 and am looking to find a nice 1964 GTO. I don't want a trailer queen but a sweet unmolested #2 driver hardtop (no post) or ragtop, tri power or single 4 barrel with a 4 speed. I like original mechanics but can accept an engine swap (same displacement) as long as it's done right. I see a few on the web but before I pull the trigger I need some divine guidance from the folks that know. I know there is all kinds of aftermarket add-ons line Dakota digital dash, Hothkis suspension, etc. but have no experience with them. Here's what I need help with:

1. Anything in particular on 64's to be aware of?

2. Any classic dealers that you have had personal experiences with to STAY AWAY FROM?

3. Any good websites to check listings on?

4. Anything in general from your experience?

There is one car in general from the following dealer in MN that has caught my attention:

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/2078224/1964-pontiac-gto-for-sale-in-annandale-minnesota-55302

It is a replacement 389 (1965), PHS certified GTO, California body done about 10 years ago. Has a digital dash and what looks like an aftermarket console, and knock off Keystone wheels. If anyone would care to give the website a look and give me some feedback on your thoughts I would appreciate it. After checking the dealer reviews out I have mixed emotions about how these guys operate.

At any rate, thanks for allowing me in the group and hope to hear good stuff soon!

Dan in NH

Definitely look out for rust or a rust repair done poorly. Let's see if there is a member here on this site that can go look at the web site car above. Floor pans, trunk pans, inside the rear and lower corners of the trunk, bottom rear corners of the front fender, lower windshield glass sheet metal . . . all are prone to rust.

If nobody here can go look at it, I urge you to go look at it BEFORE spending any money. This is the only way to know if you like it.

Dakota Digital gauges? What does the oil pressure gauge say? Temperature gauge after 20 minutes of idling? Can you get video of it running? Does the exhaust smoke? Does it shift well?

I could go on and on but let's see what the usual suspects around here say.

Rick