My 69 Grand Prix Restoration - 3

By: Charles E. Giannetta




September 13, 1998

I now have the new starter and battery cables installed. Had some rusty flakes fall on my face, but were OK. I drained the old oil, and installed a new filter. I took the valve covers off, and it looks like the engine never stopped running. There is oil still sitting up on top of the heads. I poured 3 quarts of oil over all the rockers. I'll let that soak for a while and add the other 2 quarts when I get ready to fire it up. Next is the fuel pump and carburator rebuild.

September 26, 1998

I went down to my In-laws to get some parts off of my other 69 GP. I removed the Heater/AC switches for a friend of mine. Shed a little blood in the process. Had to remove the AC duct and then the radio to get at it from behind the dash. My back is feeling a bit sore. Also took off some other parts that I needed.

February 7, 1999

Well, its been a few months since I actually did any work to the car, but, during that time I have decided to do a ground up restoration, at least on the front end. I purchased almost all the parts, that I could, from a local auto parts store to redo the front suspension. I was surprised on how much was still available, however, there are some parts I need to get from a Classic Pontiac Supplier.

I have also purchased an older, heavier duty, engine crane and stand. I plan to remove the front end and then pull the motor and trans out. Then, I will be able to redo the engine compartment. I'd like to start this phase the beginning of April. I have lined up an auto body shop and interior shop. My schedule is to have it to the body shop by the end of May.

February 20, 1999

They said we were going to have a big snowstorm today, but, it is sunny and pleasant out, Oh Well??!! I found a place to get my front and back bumpers rechromed at a very reasonable price. So, I got the front bumper from some guys parts car I found, and started to disassemble it. There is a lot of steel reinforcements and brackets that I had to remove from the actual bumper to get rechromed. I was told it would be about 8 to 10 weeks for the rechrome job. I had to use a nut splitter on a few of the bolts. They don't make bumpers like that anymore. "HEAVY"!! I then took off the rear bumper.

February 27, 1999

I just received my 1st order of Parts from AMES Performance on Thursday. It included the wheels, trim rings, and black center caps, along with many other parts to numerous to mention. Today, I put some rubber on those wheels. A complete set of BFGoodrich Radial TA's, P245/60R14's. I mounted the center caps and trim rings and they look sharp.





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