My love affair with Pontiacs began in 1974 with my brothers first car, a 1968 GTO. Just two brothers enjoying the 'rep' of the fastest car at our school. My love, then grew deeper when I bought mine in 1976, a 69 Firebird. I didn't know it at the time, but it would become one of the longest relationships and best friends I would ever have. Memories of drive-in movies with my first girlfriend, my first engine install, my first street race, first 1/4 mile drag race (at the old Beeline dragstrip near PHX AZ) and the first beer I ever shared with my father, (now passed away) driving under a cool night's desert sky to canyon lake AZ to share the experience of my first broken heart. Many were the miles, and many were the times we shared, that ol' 69 and me. She's had many different engines and many more transmissions. Yes sir, we broke some parts together. Many other cars came and went. Three other 69' Firebirds a 67'and 68'. also 65, 66, 67 and 72 GTOs, along with many others. Many people as well, have come and gone. But somehow this lil' bird has always remained. And always got me home. She has not stopped in her providing of memories. My son learned how to drive a 4 speed in this car. He learned the smell of burning tires and got to see what he calls "dad being 19 again". And now he is a Pontiac fan in his own right. She was not the nicest car I've ever owned, nor the most expensive and certainly not the most economical. But in my heart she will always be the best. Though all that has come into and out of my life, this one thing, this one relationship, this one friend, has been with me longest. She's been with me 41 years now, and still, continues to inspire.
Why am I sharing all this now? Because tomorrow I'm sending my old friend away to frame and body "jail" for 6 weeks. It's the first time since we've been together that she will have ever been out of my sight! Needless to say I'm feeling vulnerable! I think my lil' bird is too! Like I'm letting someone else take my girlfriend home from the prom.
I just thought if anyone could understand you guys would. And share some of your own memories. ron Cme469
PS: Do I need therapy?
PSS: Has love made me crazy?
Picture #1: My '69 back in 1983 (note the '65 and '67 GTO's - left side of photo) Picture #2: My '68 and '69 400 cars (note turquoise '67 GTO in center of photo, in 1984) Picture #3: My '65 GTO with 455 auto in 1984
Nah, not crazy. A bit obsessed maybe. But if obsession was a crime you'd have lots of company in Pontiac prison. We just passed our 38th anniversary( my bird and me). I never really thought about it but its never been out of my possesion in all that time. Ive gone away for weeks at a time but i always knew where she was and what she was doing. She's not the sweet young thing she once was either. She's a cantancorous old broad these days especially when i dont treat her right. But [censored] if she can't streach those legs when she gets the chance.
Hey bill, thanks for your comments on the pictures! The interior is in the garage but there's a .030 over 400 all finished under the hood. I drove her out of the garage to the tow truck. She started right up after sitting several months. Don't ya just love the sound of a cam in a Pontiac! We are all so blessed! Ron
Firebob, thanks for sharing some of your, and your cars history! I really like what you said about "knowing where she was and what she was doing". I'd love to hear more histories from other 'bird lovers' too! Ron
My first car was a blue Ford Escort as seen in the background of your 1984 picture of the red GTO. The romance didn't last long.
1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top 1968 400 Convertible, verdoro green, black top 1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto 1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver)
Thank you for your comments, Man, you have really had yours a while! Love the pix of that 68 in the same spot after all those years. I'll bet you've got some stories to tell!
1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top 1968 400 Convertible, verdoro green, black top 1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto 1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver)
When I purchased my '69 (in 1976), there had been some previous damage and repair. The car looked pretty good but the repairs inside always bugged me, as I saw them as imperfect. So, I'm finally doing it, in a way that I consider right. The deconstruction is mostly complete and the right wheelhouse has been installed. I'll be replacing entire right quarter, with striker post, wheelhouse, tail panel, deck lid, and filler panel below rear glass. It's an anxious process, but with some excitement. We've been together 41 years now, and even I've never seen her this naked!!!
Well it's taken far longer than I expected, but my bird is starting to look like she may someday fly again. All the panels have been welded in place. Door and fender adjustments are next, then body work and finally, paint. Been going back and forth on color. I always loved the car in the brightest GM white, but as we all know Pontiac white in 69 wasn't that bright. I saw a 69 TA clone a while back and it was beautiful, but I'm not sure without the stripes that it would look as nice on mine. Leaning towards the bright white at present. Suggestions? Once paints done so much will still be left to do that I wonder if I'll live that long! So I'm feeling lucky to have the photos from you guys that are farther along to encourage the next stage (and the next) but as we all know so well, it is, a labor of love.
Ron you are on your way to a nice looking bird,just remember it does take time .It has taken 5 to 6 years to get mine almost done.I think the satafaction you will get when it is done is well worth it.Jim
Thanks Jim, Ya know I bought this car in 76 and had very good times, but after the kids came (95 - 98) she took a back seat. Not that I'd do it any different, it just seemed like every time I started on the car something would come up. Now that they are adults my wife and I are rediscovering each other and our former passions. Its really been fun. Seeing your new paint just added to the looking forward process! Enjoying all the folks I've met on FGF Thanks, RON
Well, the 6 weeks my 69 was to be in paint and body "jail" has turned into more than 7 months. Not that she got more time for bad behavior, it's just I kept wanting to go "a bit" further. Repeating over and over "take your time." Anyway, she'll be home in about three more weeks. How long did the rest of you guys spend in paint? What's normal? Always did my own painting back in the day. Also found lots of bird parts while cleaning my empty garage over and over again. Did spend some time in a chair sitting in the middle of that empty space! Lol
I think that may be normal, depending on who does the work and how good/particular they are.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
I just read the posts here starting with your original one from last spring. When I read about the car being at the body shop for 6 weeks I thought to myself "should I tell him now or let him find out for himself". It does look like things are moving along at a steady pace though. I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Thanks Hank, yes, things have been moving along steadily. Remembering how much time it took me to do my own body and paint on past projects, I guess I knew the reality. Just thought it was funny that l was told "6 weeks" at the start. Saw the car this week, and am glad time and care have been taken. Remember the movie 'Money Pit' ? Lol
Thanks Hank, yes, things have been moving along steadily. Remembering how much time it took me to do my own body and paint on past projects, I guess I knew the reality. Just thought it was funny that l was told "6 weeks" at the start. Saw the car this week, and am glad time and care have been taken. Remember the movie 'Money Pit' ? Lol
Nice progress Ron. I am in the same boat as you right now with my car....stuck at the body shop and it has been almost 8 months now...blah....but I would rather they take their time and do it right the first time then rush and screw it up!
Agreed!! That's about as long as mine has been away. What kind of odds could we get on whose is done first? Pictures?
Ha ha.....a yep. Your odds are probably more favorable since it looks like they have done more to you car in that time period then mine. While the people doing my car come highly recommended, they only work on one classic car at a time and only work on it when they have down time or the insurance business is slow.
I was forced to use a reproduction bumper for my '69 build. Problem was they aren't available with the holes for the 400 car arrowhead.
USMC_Ordy put me in touch with the only guy who I could find who had the emblem. He also dug out his 400 bumper and provided me with the measurements of where to cut the two 3/4" holes, and suggested the use of a step drill. It worked perfectly. Thanks again, Ordy!
I was forced to use a reproduction bumper for my '69 build. Problem was they aren't available with the holes for the 400 car arrowhead.
USMC_Ordy put me in touch with the only guy who I could find who had the emblem. He also dug out his 400 bumper and provided me with the measurements of where to cut the two 3/4" holes, and suggested the use of a step drill. It worked perfectly. Thanks again, Ordy!
Although the progress sometimes seems slow, or to have stopped, the time has pasted quickly. The fact that love has not driven me crazy quite yet, does not exclude the possibility that before this process is over, I may, yet go crazy. Been a busy year and have plenty of other projects to keep me busy but finally have some progress to report on the 69 build. The body of the car is now painted and ready for reassembly. I'm sure to be spending another year or two trying to remember where all the pieces go before I can drive her again. But at least she will be home and I will, to quote Firebob: "know where she is and what she is doing." Sorry, can't get the pix in straight. How is this done?
YES!! LOL... And I thought it was just me. Coming home from body shop...
Mine, bought in '79. Cars came and went through the years - I always wanted to do this one. Got older, career, family, etc. Quit fooling with cars for a long time. Nearly gave up and sold her then found garage time a complete respite from the riggers of the corporate world. Extremely difficult to ship her off to an "unspecified timeline" paint deal. Paint jail from 4/4/15 - 5/20/16. Sadly, nearly two years later and I still have interior to finish. Elderly parents and work travel severely impacting garage time but I'll get her done eventually even if it's a couple hours at a time!