For the Love for my Father, My 69 GTX Restoration

[moparnation74]

This car is amazing Justin. I remember back when I rebuilt mine (I will not say restored, as that term is possibly wrong in comparison to what you are presenting to everyone here) the bodywork took nearly 3 years to come together with paint, ready to buff. I allowed myself a 2 week period off work for the final assembly. Granted, I did have some parts sitting there waiting to place on the car, but no where near the extent you have gone to. I take my hat off to your workmanship and skill, and your obvious amount of patience to achieve the final goal of perfection.
My two-week stint got real tight with the last 3 days being sleepless before arriving at the Concours Show in 2002 with some very obvious flaws and missing items....luckily very few were discovered by the judges. I guess presenting some classic American Muscle at a predominantly British car show was always going to throw a spanner in the works. Never mind...ended up placing 4th by a mere 14 points to the winner - and 13 of those were due to age points - to my disadvantage obviously. I'll take a technical second thanks.

If I knew then what I know now....I would probably have taken 3 months off work to perform the same tasks. I mean, we only fired the engine for the first time less than 18 hours before driving the 10 miles to the show.....and the front and read windscreens only went in on the Friday before (2 days). Wheel alignment was done with a set of vintage manual gauges in my garage on the floor, by an expert aligner. The interior coat hooks above the doors were upside down (thanks to my brother) - but that wasn't spotted by any of the judges.
The judges did spend a lot of time looking down the panel work....and they spent more time on my car than any other - it showed with an extremely high score in that area. They were baffled as to how such a good finish could be achieved on such a hideous American piece of trash.
I suspect we turned their thinking upside-down that day.

Keep it going, and don't ever compromise time for the finished look. You only get one chance to be perfect now.

Roger

Beautifully put my friend....Thank you for the sound advice. So very true....

I can only imagine the wise cracks between you and your brother on the coat hooks, lol.....it is also interesting to hear how they run a judges event over there and they spent more time on your car.....How could they not, for one it is a GTX and two it is PLUM....that is like a got chick with a nice rack and a nice azz.....They were baffled by it's beauty and an aggressive look in one.....

Your are absolutely correct this stage is when the light at that end of the tunnel is close and naturally we want to speed up...Awhile back I said this phase is when I slow down and for those reasons you noted above. Actually, I haven't even touched the car for 3 days, ok that's a record. Tomorrow I am on vacation and no car action til next Wednesday.....that's if my dash vents are back from IS.....

I was going to start on the seats in the interim but decided it is best to wait. Mainly, because I don't have to move them around due to storage....

So your post was very beneficial and I thank you because I decided to slow down even more.....that's very important to do at this stage!

Plus I can finish a list.....I plan on doing that when I get back btw. I had to wait to finish the column for that tool you need and to save you some bones on it...

Thank you

Justin

 

[TUFCAT]

I spent time catching up to your latest posts. I was blown away.

I can't think of anyone else providing this type of photographic detail and knowledge at such a high level. I've seen a lot of build threads over the years. Another thread that come to mind is "Keepat" over at dodgecharger.com..... However he's building a restomod.

Your detail toward factory accuracy is exemplary. Not many regular individuals have ever completed automobiles to this extreme high level of judged OEM status. I know of just a few guys.

I'm not talking about crazy arrogant people with more money than brains. You've shown the Mopar community lots of respect with your professional and upbeat responses.

Personally, I think your GTX is going to set a new high standard when its done.

 

[moparnation74]

I spent time catching up to your latest posts. I was blown away.

I can't think of anyone else providing this type of photographic detail and knowledge at such a high level. I've seen a lot of build threads over the years. Another thread that come to mind is "Keepat" over at dodgecharger.com..... However he's building a restomod.

Your detail toward factory accuracy is exemplary. Not many regular individuals have ever completed automobiles to this extreme high level of judged OEM status. I know of just a few guys.

I'm not talking about crazy arrogant people with more money than brains. You've shown the Mopar community lots of respect with your professional and upbeat responses.

Personally, I think your GTX is going to set a new high standard when its done.

Tom

It is very nice to see you around my friend! We have missed your presence.....

Thank you very much for the kind words and compliments, much appreciated...Coming from you that means A LOT, bro!

Pat's bullit charger resto mod is second to none IMHO.....His skills are stellar and it shows in his restoration....

The X shows that you do not need a fancy name, a TV show, nor a massive shop loaded with tools to perform an OE correct restoration.

All the credit for this thread goes mainly to the members here....Without their interest, personal stories, comments, compliments and criticism it would be a thread that would filter away. Those things are what give me the drive to get my azz in the garage working on the car, taking time to explain things, getting the best pics etc....and to slow down as well...

To the members posting and the silent crowd....I thank all of you....this thread has seriously helped me dealing with a loss....

Justin

 

[themechanic]

The X shows that you do not need a fancy name, a TV show, nor a massive shop loaded with tools to perform an OE correct restoration.

Agree, it does take lots of time, research, effort and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

All the time reading your posts in the back of my mind I'm thinking of all the "restored" vehicles out there, not just Mopars, that are sold at super high prices claiming they have been restored using terms like, "frame off, body off, rotisserie, nut and bolt, etc.". However, we all surely know, as in the case of my Coronet, most of these cars are not 'like new from the factory' restored like yours. More like 'good enough for the builder' restored. I would say most classics are freshened up with new paint and new re-manufactured and/or aftermarket parts like mine. Cars like yours that actually are in showroom condition when finished should fetch the highest prices when sold. However, those other cars labeled as excellent condition that have not undergone a true restoration should not be allowed to receive the same price as a factory restored car.

 

[moparnation74]

Agree, it does take lots of time, research, effort and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

All the time reading your posts in the back of my mind I'm thinking of all the "restored" vehicles out there, not just Mopars, that are sold at super high prices claiming they have been restored using terms like, "frame off, body off, rotisserie, nut and bolt, etc.". However, we all surely know, as in the case of my Coronet, most of these cars are not 'like new from the factory' restored like yours. More like 'good enough for the builder' restored. I would say most classics are freshened up with new paint and new re-manufactured and/or aftermarket parts like mine. Cars like yours that actually are in showroom condition when finished should fetch the highest prices when sold. However, those other cars labeled as excellent condition that have not undergone a true restoration should not be allowed to receive the same price as a factory restored car.

Yeah, the money thing Is a given. it's an expensive choice in this hobby....

I think you nailed it well! The term restoration is like the term organic....you have to research which one is correct...

I appreciate your post btw and very well put my friend....

 

[oldbee]

And looking at Justin's journey makes me wish I had documented all the "paint dabs",etc that were on my car before they were covered up with paint,undercoat,replacements parts. But that's what we all did "back in the day". Truly a trip back in time, thanks. Jeff

 

[moparnation74]

And looking at Justin's journey makes me wish I had documented all the "paint dabs",etc that were on my car before they were covered up with paint,undercoat,replacements parts. But that's what we all did "back in the day". Truly a trip back in time, thanks. Jeff

Jeff

I cannot tell you how.many super nice original cars I could have documented in the past. Just as you said the thought process was different then towards restorations....

Markings vary per plant. So a charger built at Ham will have some different markings than a GTX at Lynch Rd.. They also have some similar markings.

The car itself tells the story. So if markings are gone than adding markings is in the category of "maybe.". Well documented markings are a given because enough cars have shown a trend to have those. On my X there are a couple markings that the critics would debate but my information led me to add those.

The hardest thing with markings is applying them in a way as an assembly line worker would do in 69. Markings we're done quickly and messy....For example a tie rod nut and Carter key. Would they sit there and cover the whole nut, key, and threads with yellow paint? Or would they take that brush and swipe over it fast but with poor coverage? I tried my best to apply them in that manner. In reality I will know it but most will never notice nor think of it....

The X will be a possible "Day One" condition like....

Justin

 

[Paul Boucher]

This thing is not a showroom restoration...I would put it in a class of Museum quality restoration! This is on a whole other level! Top class my friend! Next time I hear "nut and bolt restoration" I am just going to smile, think of your car, and then walk away laughing!

 

[moparnation74]

This thing is not a showroom restoration...I would put it in a class of Museum quality restoration! This is on a whole other level! Top class my friend! Next time I hear "nut and bolt restoration" I am just going to smile, think of your car, and then walk away laughing!

Paul

I really appreciate your post above...thank you for the kind words and compliments. My mom came in town a few days ago and the last time she saw my dad's car it was in primer. Of course I sent her pictures along the way but it is different in person.

She couldn't believe it and a 77 year old women crawled all around the car from top to bottom. She took a bizzillion pictures to show her coffee group, lol...

Her exacts words, "This is exactly what your dad would expect his GTX to be like". "He would be proud". Then she immediately went back to his 67 GTX and stories when he drag raced it. Some tears, memories and a car....it was great to say the least for the two of us....

Maybe a museum might want to display it....who knows....but anyone is welcome if you are in my area to come by my little museum in North Dallas....We can sit back in chairs drinking a beer and talking Mopar.....if you don't drink beer well we have anything you want, lol...

Justin

 

[eldubb440]

I bet ya Mom is itching to go for a ride!

 

[moparnation74]

I bet ya Mom is itching to go for a ride!

That is correct! It will happen...

 

[daytona kid]

I need to go back and read the 1st of this thread, I missed too much. Your story about the X and your dad made me think about my dad and our 70rr. I was 14 when I talked him into buying it for me, I mean him, yea right.. It was June of 1970, it had 20k miles on it and we/he paid $1600 for it. A month later we were spectators at the 1970 Daytona 400 and saw all the superbirds and daytonas loose to a ford. Our 70rr was a base/basic, 383, 4spd, bench, no options, but had big letter Goodyear bluestreak stock car tires and black stock steelies. Dad drove it for a year or so then gave it to me. I bought 2 more after I ignorantly ragged out that one later in the 70s. My dad was not as into the racing as much as yours, I'm thinking. And later he didn't really care for the RR and my racing interests. 40+ years later, I wanted a charger for some reason instead of another RR. Dad has only seen my charger a couple of times but I show him progress pics that he appears to find interesting. I'm sure he'll enjoy a ride in it also if that ever happens. I kinda envy you in the way that you have something to honor your dad with. My 1st RR ended up looking like this one except I had cragars and no scoop.

 

[moparnation74]

I need to go back and read the 1st of this thread, I missed too much. Your story about the X and your dad made me think about my dad and our 70rr. I was 14 when I talked him into buying it for me, I mean him, yea right.. It was June of 1970, it had 20k miles on it and we/he paid $1600 for it. A month later we were spectators at the 1970 Daytona 400 and saw all the superbirds and daytonas loose to a ford. Our 70rr was a base/basic, 383, 4spd, bench, no options, but had big letter Goodyear bluestreak stock car tires and black stock steelies. Dad drove it for a year or so then gave it to me. I bought 2 more after I ignorantly ragged out that one later in the 70s. My dad was not as into the racing as much as yours, I'm thinking. And later he didn't really care for the RR and my racing interests. 40+ years later, I wanted a charger for some reason instead of another RR. Dad has only seen my charger a couple of times but I show him progress pics that he appears to find interesting. I'm sure he'll enjoy a ride in it also if that ever happens. I kinda envy you in the way that you have something to honor your dad with. My 1st RR ended up looking like this one except I had cragars and no scoop.

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DK

Thanks for sharing your story and enjoyed the short read.....All of us true Moparians as I say we all have a great story in relation to these cars or past cars.....expressing them is very beneficial to the hobby IMHO.....

DK don't be envious my friend, no need(I do appreciate what you mean btw)...just do this as I am sure you do, spend some extra time with your pops. You never know what tomorrow may bring.....

Justin

 

[threewood]

Justin, this epic project just keeps getting better and better. There is so much thought put into every small detail that it blows my mind the time that it takes to accomplish putting small parts back into factory condition. Heck, I cannot even fathom the man hours involved because I am an impatient man and llike to get things done immediately lol.

I'm glad your Mom takes pride in your work as well. The GTX is such a great tribute to your Dad and it seems she takes pride in your work as well. If I'm ever near Dallas I will take you up on that beer offer my friend!

 

[moparnation74]

Justin, this epic project just keeps getting better and better. There is so much thought put into every small detail that it blows my mind the time that it takes to accomplish putting small parts back into factory condition. Heck, I cannot even fathom the man hours involved because I am an impatient man and llike to get things done immediately lol.

I'm glad your Mom takes pride in your work as well. The GTX is such a great tribute to your Dad and it seems she takes pride in your work as well. If I'm ever near Dallas I will take you up on that beer offer my friend!

Mark

You are welcome anytime my friend! She does take pride in to these cars one for the memories and she flat out loves them.

The man hours are mind boggling and I try to ignore that. It always amazes me how much time you can spend on one part that will not be seen.....crazy, probably but it is what it is.....I say Mopar Crazy and that makes it better, lol

Trust me there are times I say "F" it just be done with it....then I set it down, walk away and resume later or the next day.

Again, thank you for the compliments and support....

Justin

 

[drobertson]

I can only imagine how big of a smile your dad has in heaven, as he looks down at his former GTX. Fantastic work, I am astounded at your attention to detail.

 

[moparnation74]

I can only imagine how big of a smile your dad has in heaven, as he looks down at his former GTX. Fantastic work, I am astounded at your attention to detail.

My friend thank you for you post, much appreciated!

Some day I will be able to tell him all about it...

 

[moparnation74]

Took a short break over the Holiday weekend and went to Las Vegas to see one of my fav's George Straight...It was a phenomenal concert and time in Vegas...Did the helicopter ride to the grand canyon, Hoover damn and over the strip...If you have never done that, Do IT! It is worth the 4 helicopter ride...Went to almost all the casinos...Did the gondola ride in the Venetion for the boss.....Other highlights was Counts Cars and the Pawn shop and Ricks BBQ house...Did a few slots but no real gambling its not my thing. Lots of eating and drinking but man the scantly clad women were everywhere....Sorry, no pics of those due to the boss eyeing me like old eagle eye here...

 

[moparnation74]

More pics...

 

[moparnation74]

More Pics...