Hey guys and gals, how is everyone doing? Well, it's my first time posting here, so I will give you guys my story.
My name is Tony and currently in the USMC (Semper Fi!!!), but this story is not about me. This story is about my father and his 1969 GTO. He came to America (from Mexico) in the early 70's. He didn't have much money and he needed to buy a car to get to work and back. Luckily he found someone selling the aforementioned car for cheap. Well, since that day in the early 70's, he has had it. He met the woman that would later be his wife (my mother) while driving in that car. They still tell me stories of their dates and what not...and always the GTO (with the 8-track) is mentioned. Well, family came before fun and my dad had to put the Goat to the side and get more family oriented cars. Over the years the GTO went from driven every weekend, to every month, almost never. We moved to a new city and didn't have the garage space to store it inside, so it spent a lot of time covered outside (in Southern California). We didn't have much money when I was growing up, so when I turned 16 my father gave it to me. Problem was I was expected to keep all my AP courses and continue playing sports...while paying for insurance. Needless to say that did not happen. The very same year that the title was signed over in my name, the city I lived in told us that we had to move the car...so it went to a family friend's garage in LA.
I would go and see the car from time to time, but as I progressed further and further into my studies in high school and eventually college...I went less and less. Well, I decide to go visit the car and I find a huge surprise. The car has been raped (dash taken, seats all messed up). Turns out that friend of ours had a few enemies and they thought that the Goat was his...so they had a field day messing it up. Luckily they left the body alone, but like I said, the interior is completely messed up. Because of this, my parents end up buying me a Civic for graduation (which now has 315 whp on pump gas
), and we put the GTO in storage yet again (this time we pay for it). Well, I have been doing pretty good for myself...and now it is time for my master plan...however I need help.
I want to get the car back into driving shape, and give it back to my father. I have discussed this with my mother (who knows that this is a secret) and she has all ready put the GTO back in my name in the will. So needless to say, the car will eventually be mine...and since it belonged to my father...I never plan on selling it (I'd sell my civic first...and I doubt that will ever happen). So original restoration really isn't that big of a deal for me. I know that if I ever chose to sell it...having all Pontiac//original parts would sell better...but let's just assume I will never sell it. Here is what I am thinking of doing...and the questions that follow them (where you guys come in).
I am thinking of powering it with a 454. I have read posts on people dropping all types of different combinations in...as a ball park figure, how much will this run me (not counting the engine). Full custom interior (new dash, seats, everything...like I said...all the old stuff is trashed). And finally, the minor body work to get the dings and scratches out...and some new paint (I am thinking a Judge color...but haven't made my mind up yet). I would like to put a modern touch to it...so the car can be taken out as more than a cruiser (A/C if possible, mp3/cdplayer, PS). Now here comes the biggest problem. Right now I am stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, and the car is in Southern California. Does anyone know of any reputable shops (for all three, engine, interior and exterior) that would be familiar with this car? I did some asking around when I was on leave last time, but I never got a solid vibe from any shop that I went to.
I thank you for reading my story, and for any advice, and future advice that you all may offer to me. If this is in the wrong section I apologize. I am open to all suggestions, and even to some flaming (if my ideas manage to piss you off). Thank you again.
Tony
