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For the Love for my Father, My 69 GTX Restoration

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Now if only we could get the aftermarket to make parts the right way after the judges point out the flaws with their re-manufactured parts.
 
themechanic said:
Now if only we could get the aftermarket to make parts the right way after the judges point out the flaws with their re-manufactured parts.
Click to expand...
The infamous phrases we have been saying for years......

Unfortunately, our end of the hobby is not profitable enough to perform that.....Now is the time for anyone building a project to buy anything they need for their project. This is in relation to reproduction parts. These previously large runs of parts are dwindling away and the vendors are not doing reruns......
 
Through time people always expose themselves for who and what they are.......Some are better than others at hiding their true feelings and intentions......

For the ones here for the right reasons, I personally thank you through this journey.......aka Roger @themechanic etc etc...

From the start of our Chicago trip. Mario @MarPar took off several days of work to be our resident host. He dedicated his time, his home, vehicle and his helloing hand. He and Kiera were an absolute pleasure to spend time with. It was wonderful to be at his home and to see Mario's world. He has a badazz garage and some beauties staying warm and toasty, cars that is, lol.....He also made the mistake to show me all of his goodies parts, I made mental note bro I may hit you up, lol......Mario I cannot thank you enough bro....

Darrin @Big D A12 was instrumental to the score I achieved. His knowledge and criticism poured into the details of the X. Along with a fair amount of critical key parts on the car. It was great to finally meet you in person and an honor to have you in part of the unveiling.

@69bfan Richard One person I cannot thank enough....He was also instrumental in the build of my GTX. The time we spent together will be memories forever. The parts he provided for the GTX and the help....Who lends someone a set of correct factory line shocks? Well, he did....That is a genuine friend and a great person! Thank you Richard!

Anthony @CompSyn for the conversations behind the scenes and for creating the restoration thread links! Thank you my friend!

Mark @Richard Cranium no matter what I say you will have something smart to say in return....Oh well here it goes. Guys Mark flew in to the show to be part of my experience. Who does that? A real friend does....Even though he saw some "other" rides, lol....He is a true friend and a fine gent! Hence, is why he too was part of the unveiling....

Tim @69 GTX it too was a pleasure to finally meet you as well. To see my fellow Iowa guy broke away from hunting and his car to see the X and the rest of the show. Wish we got to spend some more time together but I thank you for being a part of the X!

Dave @64BEL is was great to meet you in person at the show and to converse with you about our cars. Also, thank you for being there during the unveil. Stay in touch my friend!

Lee @moparlee you and your wife were a joy to meet and to talk about our cars. I look forward to seeing your sweet ride at the Gilmore and at that time we will talk more about cars, be prepared, lol.....

Gary @plowman It was a pleasure to meet you as well finally in person. I know it was a tug and war at the moments we chatted at which I apologize but I enjoyed our conversations. Especially, with the guy about chrome and his GTX. Thank you for everything in relation to the Gilmore and the process.

@Penstarproject JW and Angela I cannot thank you guys enough for the help and parts you have provided. Such wonderful people and pleasure to know.

@Moparparts Don thank you sir for all the high quality parts you provided for my project. A very honest seller with high quality parts.....

@TONYMOPAR Tony D thank you for the high quality parts you have provided for my project. Top notch Sir!

@Bill Meerholz. I thank you sir for all the top notch parts and parts you restored for me. Talking to you about the history of factory processes and correctness was a joy.....

I save the best for last.......The paw crusader..... @TUFCAT
Tom....you were the man bro......The stellar help you provided from beginning to the end was second to none. You sir are top notch and a joy to be around.....My mom has asked about you btw......She calls you Tomcat...lol...
Bro I cannot thank you enough...True friend!

To the many others at the show that are not members, names I won't list....Some I haven't seen in years and some I just met for the first time but knew them for years....Thank you for your help, your knowledge and being part of my journey!

THIS IS WHAT AND WHO WE ARE....A BROTHERHOOD!

To the site owner and the moderators: A special thank you for allowing me to showcase my build thread and journey here!
@Joeychgo @kiwigtx @conv67bdere @Cranky
FBBO is the number Mopar forum abroad thank you Joey for providing this access and having the BEST crew in place overseeing your forum.

To everyone reading...a very important scripture to me is in 1st Corinthians...

1 Corinthians 14:2

I know.......
 
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It was great meeting you and the rest of your FBBO crew, Justin! Hopefully we'll have time to visit more another time, but I'm glad I could be there to watch the festivities. Neat story about how you were able to get that original floor mat in front of your car from the original selling dealership. Thanks to Mario for texting me your location - making it a lot easier to find you. For those who haven't been, it's a great show to attend. I enjoyed talking with Mark (Richard Cranium) a little bit, too. Really cool that he flew out for it at the last minute.
I posted these pics on another thread, but thought you might like them here, too. I still haven't gotten my pics on my computer, yet - maybe this weekend.

IMG_4624.jpg
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IMG_4635.jpg
IMG_4636.jpg
 
64BEL said:
It was great meeting you and the rest of your FBBO crew, Justin! Hopefully we'll have time to visit more another time, but I'm glad I could be there to watch the festivities. Neat story about how you were able to get that original floor mat in front of your car from the original selling dealership. Thanks to Mario for texting me your location - making it a lot easier to find you. For those who haven't been, it's a great show to attend. I enjoyed talking with Mark (Richard Cranium) a little bit, too. Really cool that he flew out for it at the last minute.
I posted these pics on another thread, but thought you might like them here, too. I still haven't gotten my pics on my computer, yet - maybe this weekend.

View attachment 682104 View attachment 682105 View attachment 682106 View attachment 682107 View attachment 682108
Click to expand...
Thank my friend!

Great pics....thank you for posting those....If you have more of the car feel free to post them!
 
I save the best for last.......The paw crusader..... @TUFCAT
Tom....you were the man bro......The stellar help you provided from beginning to the end was second to none. You sir are top notch and a joy to be around.....My mom has asked about you btw......She calls you Tomcat...lol...
Bro I cannot thank you enough...True friend!

To the many others at the show that are not members, names I won't list....Some I haven't seen in years and some I just met for the first time but knew them for years....Thank you for your help, your knowledge and being part of my journey!

*****************

Thanks man, but I think you got it wrong. Helping you was an honor and pleasure. Anytime you need a helping paw, just ask. You've helped me with knowledge.
 
TUFCAT said:
I save the best for last.......The paw crusader..... @TUFCAT
Tom....you were the man bro......The stellar help you provided from beginning to the end was second to none. You sir are top notch and a joy to be around.....My mom has asked about you btw......She calls you Tomcat...lol...
Bro I cannot thank you enough...True friend!

To the many others at the show that are not members, names I won't list....Some I haven't seen in years and some I just met for the first time but knew them for years....Thank you for your help, your knowledge and being part of my journey!

*****************

Thanks man, but I think you got it wrong. Helping you was an honor and pleasure. Anytime you need a helping paw, just ask. You've helped me with knowledge.
Click to expand...
Well you are my brother from another mother..........

Thanks Tom!
 
moparnation74 said:
Through time people always expose themselves for who and what they are.......Some are better than others at hiding their true feelings and intentions......

For the ones here for the right reasons, I personally thank you through this journey.......aka Roger @themechanic etc etc...

From the start of our Chicago trip. Mario @MarPar took off several days of work to be our resident host. He dedicated his time, his home, vehicle and his helloing hand. He and Kiera were an absolute pleasure to spend time with. It was wonderful to be at his home and to see Mario's world. He has a badazz garage and some beauties staying warm and toasty, cars that is, lol.....He also made the mistake to show me all of his goodies parts, I made mental note bro I may hit you up, lol......Mario I cannot thank you enough bro....

Darrin @Big D A12 was instrumental to the score I achieved. His knowledge and criticism poured into the details of the X. Along with a fair amount of critical key parts on the car. It was great to finally meet you in person and an honor to have you in part of the unveiling.

@69bfan Richard One person I cannot thank enough....He was also instrumental in the build of my GTX. The time we spent together will be memories forever. The parts he provided for the GTX and the help....Who lends someone a set of correct factory line shocks? Well, he did....That is a genuine friend and a great person! Thank you Richard!

Anthony @CompSyn for the conversations behind the scenes and for creating the restoration thread links! Thank you my friend!

Mark @Richard Cranium no matter what I say you will have something smart to say in return....Oh well here it goes. Guys Mark flew in to the show to be part of my experience. Who does that? A real friend does....Even though he saw some "other" rides, lol....He is a true friend and a fine gent! Hence, is why he too was part of the unveiling....

Tim @69 GTX it too was a pleasure to finally meet you as well. To see my fellow Iowa guy broke away from hunting and his car to see the X and the rest of the show. Wish we got to spend some more time together but I thank you for being a part of the X!

Dave @64BEL is was great to meet you in person at the show and to converse with you about our cars. Also, thank you for being there during the unveil. Stay in touch my friend!

Lee @moparlee you and your wife were a joy to meet and to talk about our cars. I look forward to seeing your sweet ride at the Gilmore and at that time we will talk more about cars, be prepared, lol.....

Gary @plowman It was a pleasure to meet you as well finally in person. I know it was a tug and war at the moments we chatted at which I apologize but I enjoyed our conversations. Especially, with the guy about chrome and his GTX. Thank you for everything in relation to the Gilmore and the process.

@Penstarproject JW and Angela I cannot thank you guys enough for the help and parts you have provided. Such wonderful people and pleasure to know.

@Moparparts Don thank you sir for all the high quality parts you provided for my project. A very honest seller with high quality parts.....

@TONYMOPAR Tony D thank you for the high quality parts you have provided for my project. Top notch Sir!

@Bill Meerholz. I thank you sir for all the top notch parts and parts you restored for me. Talking to you about the history of factory processes and correctness was a joy.....

I save the best for last.......The paw crusader..... @TUFCAT
Tom....you were the man bro......The stellar help you provided from beginning to the end was second to none. You sir are top notch and a joy to be around.....My mom has asked about you btw......She calls you Tomcat...lol...
Bro I cannot thank you enough...True friend!

To the many others at the show that are not members, names I won't list....Some I haven't seen in years and some I just met for the first time but knew them for years....Thank you for your help, your knowledge and being part of my journey!

THIS IS WHAT AND WHO WE ARE....A BROTHERHOOD!

To the site owner and the moderators: A special thank you for allowing me to showcase my build thread and journey here!
@Joeychgo @kiwigtx @conv67bdere @Cranky
FBBO is the number Mopar forum abroad thank you Joey for providing this access and having the BEST crew in place overseeing your forum.

To everyone reading...a very important scripture to me is in 1st Corinthians...

1 Corinthians 14:2

I know.......
Click to expand...

Also a huge shout out to Natalie - Justin's cool wife. She's Justin's BIGGEST FAN and was super supportive about the project. It's awalys nice to see a guy's wife and family showing support at a car show. As a husband myself, I know our wives have to endure the troubles and expenses that come along with our hobby.
 
TUFCAT said:
Also a huge shout out to Natalie - Justin's cool wife. She's Justin's BIGGEST FAN and was super supportive about the project. It's awalys nice to see a guy's wife and family showing support at a car show. As a husband myself, I know our wives have to endure the troubles and expenses that come along with our hobby.
Click to expand...
Natalie was the best choice I made in my life..........Thankfully, she agreed......

She was the only helper I can trust.....I didn't tell anyone till now but when she was around the car at the show. She was watching people like a hawk....She's Italian and doesn't play around. I would be talking to someone and she would say, "J, J they are getting close to the car." One guy pissed her off because he took a picture of the VIN tag and the fender tag.....He got the nasty, "What you doing" look.....

Expenses, lol...I just routinely bought her something so she could "foregggeeettt bout it." I will say she was over the build of the car but when the show happened it was back on.....

One part she enjoyed doing was the blast cabinet....Not on this car but for some reason she loved doing that.....

My family was in full support from my father in law(my second dad), Nat's uncle, sister, niece and brother in law......
 
moparnation74 said:
Natalie was the best choice I made in my life..........Thankfully, she agreed......

She was the only helper I can trust.....I didn't tell anyone till now but when she was around the car at the show. She was watching people like a hawk....She's Italian and doesn't play around. I would be talking to someone and she would say, "J, J they are getting close to the car." One guy pissed her off because he took a picture of the VIN tag and the fender tag.....He got the nasty, "What you doing" look.....

Expenses, lol...I just routinely bought her something so she could "foregggeeettt bout it." I will say she was over the build of the car but when the show happened it was back on.....

One part she enjoyed doing was the blast cabinet....Not on this car but for some reason she loved doing that.....

My family was in full support from my father in law(my second dad), Nat's uncle, sister, niece and brother in law......
Click to expand...
Funny about Natalie being your security crew....and good family support. Yet another reason I love MCACN so much. Always good times!
 
My curiosity gets the best of me - I’ve never been to a big time judged show like this one. Why are the dishes sealed and in the trunk vs. being on the X?
 
GetX'd said:
My curiosity gets the best of me - I’ve never been to a big time judged show like this one. Why are the dishes sealed and in the trunk vs. being on the X?
Click to expand...
The dog dishes and the antenna were sealed in factory like packaging. That is the way the car left the factory and once arrived at the dealer they were installed. So the GTX was being represented as a car that arrived at the dealer.

The reason. why the factory did it was so the caps and antenna were not stolen, lost or damaged during transport. Also, to note the rear license plate hardware kit was another dealer installed item. They were stowed in the glove box.

If the car came with the floor mat option, which it did not. That is another item that was placed int the trunk from the factory.

As far as judging goes installed or in the trunk they are judged the same. However, the less you have on the more areas the judges can pick on. So with these in the trunk I create more room for the judges to deduct points. As the judge noted, he said are these "L" hand lugs and nuts. He whipped out his flashlight looking for one particular detail. Which they had that detail if not I would get deducted. Also they can see the finish on the hubs and the front dust caps. Including the left hand and right hand lug nuts.....Also, the steel wheels stampings behind the caps....many areas to pick on.....

I was contemplating on removing the wheels on one side exposing the correct hardware but why give them an opportunity to find things. Even though they would not but you never know.....
 
Geez - amazing the detail that has to be accounted for. It’s rather mind boggling the research you had to go thru to complete the car - and equally so on what they look for in the judging. I guess my X will never make it - I changed to all right hand lugs during the ground up ....lol. Sacrilege I know.....
 
GetX'd said:
Geez - amazing the detail that has to be accounted for. It’s rather mind boggling the research you had to go thru to complete the car - and equally so on what they look for in the judging. I guess my X will never make it - I changed to all right hand lugs during the ground up ....lol. Sacrilege I know.....
Click to expand...
The research was a collaboration of many experts probably equating to 20-40 years experience for each person involved.

What people have to understand is this level of restorations are for preservation of history.......I dont care what Joe Schmoe does with his car.....The competition at this level is SOLELY between the owner/builder and the car. I have restored over 10 cars and my first example was in the bottom 2 in points and over 20 years later my last so far scored 995....Thats progress and many years of research, blood, sweat and many tears...lol....

If you think "lugs" are picky...Consider a wiper motor.....Right finishes, correct pn, correct date for spd, correct harness, harness wrap, correct harness plug, correct nuts, are the bolt threads worn from screwing the nut on or did someone make the mistake and touch it up......

Thats one part....How may parts can they see and touch? Hmmmmmm

I did it in my garage, no lift, cheap tools, jack stands, rattle can paint.....If you put your mind to anything, anything can be accomplished.....Just a matter of choice of what your happy with...
 
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I was pinged a couple of points for a slightly rusty staple in my Owners Handbook at a Concours event. After that, everyone was rushing to their cars to check and clean the staples. :rolleyes:
 
Got some wonderful intel today.....From Gary @plowman ...........Thank you my friend!

The GTX made it to the Gilmore Museum and is placed in its display spot......I am truly at a loss of words and in a whirlwind of emotions....

The Gilmore Museum is a class act....Job well done!

Better pictures to come soon when we see the car live in person......


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