HOW TO RESTORE YOUR PONTIAC GTO: 1964-1974

The photos in this edition are black and white.Starting life as a hopped-up Tempest, the 1964 Pontiac GTO featured a 389 V-8, heavy-duty suspension, quick steering ratio, dual exhaust, and a floor shifter. Equipped with this performance package, the GTO set itself apart from other pedestrian coupes of the same era, and it made history. Many regard it as the first muscle car. As muscle car wars reached fevered pitch, the GTO would establish itself as one of the most prominent performance cars of the era, and from 1964-1972, more than 500,000 GTOs were built.You are shown different levels of restoration and afforded the information to select the right type of restoration for your particular car. This book covers how to verify the authenticity of your particular car, the most desirable models to restore, and option information. Like our other Restoration Series books, this new entry focuses on the actual hands-on, how-to procedures for restoring a GTO to its original condition. Each chapter illustrates the key procedures for completing a specific portion of the restoration project with detailed captions and color photographs.How to Restore Your Pontiac GTO covers all aspects of restoration - engines and drivelines, bodywork, interior and trim, suspension, brakes, chassis, and steering. The book provides guidance to assess your facilities, ability to do the work, and then determine the best course for completing the work. Sourcing and selecting the best parts for your restoration is also covered. If you are restoring any GTO of this time period, this book will be a valuable resource for years to come.

Tabel Of Contents:

About the Author

Acknowledgments 

Introduction

Chapter 1: Selecting a Project

What Are Your Goals?

Level of Restoration

Rarity, Condition and Originality

NOS, Used or Reproduction Parts

Evaluating a Project Car 

Club Benefits 

Use the Internet to Your Advantage

Some Friendly Advice

Chapter 2: Disassembly 

Planning, Tracking and Budgeting

Get Organized 

Workspace and Tools

Getting Started

Body Off or On?

Repair or Replace?

How Deep Are You Going? 

It’s Really a Parts Car—Now What?

Safety

Chapter 3: Bodywork 

Typical Rust Areas 

Paint Removal

Repair Patches 

Floorpan and Trunk Floor Replacement

Quarter Panel Replacement 

Quarter Patch Panel Preparation

Rust Preventers 

Dent Removal 

Filler

Body Tags 

Collision Damage 

Prepare Body for Painting

Chapter 4: Painting 

Selecting Paint

DIY or Professional? 

Safety

Choosing a Body Shop 

What Can You Do Yourself? 

Spray Gun and Compressor Setup 

Masking the Car 

Painting

Chapter 5: Engine

Time for a Rebuild? 

Identifying an Engine

Choosing a Machine Shop 

Repair or Replace?

Detailing the Engine

Engine Disassembly and Inspection 

Engine Assembly

Chapter 6: Transmission 

Rebuild or Replace?

Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 

Automatic Transmission Upgrades

Super Turbine 300 to Turbo 350 

Overdrives 

Manual Transmissions 

Muncie 4-Speed Disassembly 

Muncie 4-Speed Assembly

Chapter 7: Suspension 

Restore Safety, Functionality and Appearance 

Inspection and Evaluation 

Paint Finishes 

Upgrades

Chapter 8: Brakes 

Repair or Replace? 

Check for Condition 

Aftermarket Systems

Master Cylinders, Proportioning Valves and Lines

1964 Rear Drum Brakes

Chapter 9: Interior 

Disassembly and Evaluation of Components 

Authentic Reproductions 

Mix and Match? 

Vapor Barriers

Carpet and Sill Panels

Carpet Installation 

Door Panel Installation 

Deck Package Installation 

Dash Pad Restoration 

Pedal Assemblies 

Steering Wheels 

Seat Belts 

Kick Panels 

Console 

Seat Installation

Chapter 10: Body Assembly and Alignment

The Process 

Surprises

Door Alignment 

Front Fender Fitting and Alignment 

Hood Installation

Bumper Installation

Chapter 11: Electrical 

Inspection of the Wiring 

Harness Replacement 

Trouble Spots

Upgrades

Specifications:

Pages: 176

Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches)

Format: Paperback

Illustrations: 398 b/w photos

Publisher: CarTech

ISBN: 9781613253083

Product Code: SA218P