Mid Engine Ecotec 2.2 Conversion in a GT - Page 4

jeff denton · 01-16-2005

There is one for sale here in Kalispell for half that much. It runs, drives, owner has just gotten the interior fixed up. Primer gray, decent trim, and a pickup load of extra parts. He was at the racetrack one Saturday freaking out on Speedway GT, brought his to my house the next day for me to check out. Wish I could buy it...

Tire Fryin GT · 01-16-2005

Originally Posted by jeff denton

There is one for sale here in Kalispell for half that much. It runs, drives, owner has just gotten the interior fixed up. Primer gray, decent trim, and a pickup load of extra parts. He was at the racetrack one Saturday freaking out on Speedway GT, brought his to my house the next day for me to check out. Wish I could buy it...

The last one I looked at was $1500 and the guy said it had "No Rust". He was right there is no rust on it. What he didn't tell me was that 3 of the 4 quarters were all bondo from accident repairs. The steering columb was smashed out. The windshield was broken. And numerous other problems. It was a $200 car at best.

jeff denton · 01-16-2005

Mine was $150, was fairly complete but beyond trashed. No rust though. Bondo was only an inch and half thick on one rear quarter! Basically, it was all the worst parts of two cars, the second one got all the good parts and I got the trashed ones. Which was fine, we gutted it all out anyway.
I think to make a cool custom GT you don't need a good car to start with, in fact, if you start with a nice one the purists will call you a butcher. Were I to build one for the street I'd use the fiberglass front end and the neat body kits I see in the OGTS catalog. The primo bodies need to be preserved and restored, right down to the numbers matching cigarette lighter...

Sorry, I just can't help it, I still get a kick out of all that fuss last year about the ash tray on E-bay...

GTJIM · 01-16-2005

Originally Posted by Tire Fryin GT

The last one I looked at was $1500 and the guy said it had "No Rust". He was right there is no rust on it. What he didn't tell me was that 3 of the 4 quarters were all bondo from accident repairs. The steering columb was smashed out. The windshield was broken. And numerous other problems. It was a $200 car at best.

..The price is going up because people crash, trash and race them!

At least there is more than one or two "roughies" over there - five in the whole country here ( and no one wants to sell! ). Just as well I have 20% of the GTs here.

Tire Fryin GT · 01-18-2005

I think I have found the GT for my project. It is a 1972 and currently has no motor or transmission in it. It comes with a running engine and tranny. It was running last year until it "dropped a valve" the guy says. I have had him take extensive pictures of the body in all critical areas. It looks like there is No Rust on the car anywhere except the common battery tray and belly pan. The rockers and fenders look to be in Great condition. There is a little bondo in the rear drivers side quarter, but it looks like it is a dent repair. Overall I'd say the body 95 percent. The only issue now is the 1554.1 miles between me and it.

Tire Fryin GT · 01-22-2005

Originally Posted by Tire Fryin GT

I think I have found the GT for my project. It is a 1972 and currently has no motor or transmission in it. It comes with a running engine and tranny. It was running last year until it "dropped a valve" the guy says. I have had him take extensive pictures of the body in all critical areas. It looks like there is No Rust on the car anywhere except the common battery tray and belly pan. The rockers and fenders look to be in Great condition. There is a little bondo in the rear drivers side quarter, but it looks like it is a dent repair. Overall I'd say the body 95 percent. The only issue now is the 1554.1 miles between me and it.

I did not find my GT for the project

It was too much for its current condition. Made an offer but I don't think he will take it. Compounded with transportation costs, it just didn't make sence.

namba209 sent me some nice pics of the inside of his GT. It looks like the flipback will be pretty easy. While looking for the Right GT for my project I think I will concentrate on finding a junker GT for mockup purposes.

Anyone know where there is a cheap (poor condition) GT in the New England area PLEASE send me the information.

jeff denton · 01-22-2005

Now that he's on the right track would somebody please donate him a hulk so he can get started? My $150 one was even better than what he needs, let's figure out where a free one is that needs a new home. In fact, I just know there must be a gt lover's wife out there who would pay him to come and get one of the parts cars out of the back yard. He could use that money to build the chassis jig, if he's listening to advice yet...

Just joshing ya, tiresmoke. Hope this helps. One will pop up, believe me.

greensmurf20 · 01-22-2005

if you dont mind a really rusty POS i got one you can have for mockups, just come get it. its been stripped of all parts, just a shell so it'd save you alot of stripping of the GT.

jeff denton · 01-22-2005

There ya go. Just like that. Within a week you'll know about a dozen of 'em, one will be only twenty miles away for all ya know.
Have you got shop space ready, and the Ecotech donor car?

Tire Fryin GT · 01-22-2005

Originally Posted by jeff denton

There ya go. Just like that. Within a week you'll know about a dozen of 'em, one will be only twenty miles away for all ya know.
Have you got shop space ready, and the Ecotech donor car?

Yes I have had a couple offers .. most far away and one in boston. I have space for it and I have someone looking for a 03-05 totaled cavalier with a good drivetrain. Only problem with the free body's is that is all there is and really I need a whole car .. front suspention and rear suspention for measurements and weights. The body's will be ok for developing the flip rear but not for engine fitment and weight ratio's

jeff denton · 01-23-2005

I just have this feeling that if you start with a worthless hulk you'll soon see what I mean when I say all you need is a basic chassis and body. When the fabrication is done there won't be much of the original car there, it will all be custom built frame/rollcage with some of the floor, the firewall, and front clip being original.
When the doubters see it get that far they will help you find what you need to trim it out. There wouldn't be much need for all the coveted parts like wiring, gauges, etc. Why get picky about all that on a non-stock, modified hot rod? You might as well go all the way, slightly customized doesn't hold a candle to extremely customized.
To get a decent running GT you now know that you'll be paying more than you want to and getting less than you expect. And our friends here at gt.com are likely cringing at the thought of a viable car going into Dr. Frankensteins laboratory. How many such patients survive the ordeal? Remember the outcome of Sid's transformations in Toy Story?
Not to mention a running car most likely will become the basis of yet another wild crash/fire story, looking at your history

.
Be patient, it will all come together. If you do it right I'm sure you will find a lot of help and support, or at least interest, here at gt.com.

Tire Fryin GT · 01-27-2005

Today I was reading a local classified and came across a 69 GT for sale. I called the guy and asked him about the car. He said that it was in a barn for the last 20 years. I asked about the rust condition and he seem to think that it didn't have any. But it has some body repair in the rear panel he said it was from light damage. He was unsure of the motor size.

On Saturday I am going to check it out. I will bring the camera and get pictures. The asking price is $2500.

Tire Fryin GT · 01-30-2005

Originally Posted by Tire Fryin GT

On Saturday I am going to check it out. I will bring the camera and get pictures. The asking price is $2500.

Well I went and looked and it seems that everyone in Maine with a GT for sale thinks thiers is the Only one left in the world and therefor is worth a kings fortune.

The guy wanted $2500 for this GT

Tire Fryin GT · 01-30-2005

additional pics

jeff denton · 01-30-2005

Bummer. Compared to the one I bought for $150, I'd guess this one is worth $300 unless it runs at all which I doubt, then maybe $500.
Call him back in a month and offer him $400.

Tire Fryin GT · 01-30-2005

Originally Posted by jeff denton

Call him back in a month and offer him $400.

I offered him $200 for the car and told him to call me when he wants it. He said if he couldn't sell it that he would call. I figure for parts it is worth $200.

GTJIM · 01-31-2005

That is one sad '69 - the funny looking console around the gear lever is an ARA Air Conditioning system part. There does not seem to be an a/c compressor mounted on the motor - which has a Manta or Kadett rocker cover BTW.
Surely NOT worth $2,500 plus the body work has severe and costly issues.
Not worth the candle - just leave the owner in Fantasy Land - with his GT!

StephenM · 02-04-2005

It's sad to contemplate, but the most valuable part on that GT may be the locking gas cap, which is good for $50-$75 on eBay depending on chrome condition and whether or not he has the key. I suppose the engine and tranny may have some "core" value as well, but as others have said it's a $200-$400 car at best.

-StephenM

benncojr · 02-04-2005

The A/C console can go for around $150 to $300 if it is in good condition (that one is not!).

I would belive it is worth about $300 to $400. It has a lot of work to do to get it on the road but for what you want to do it would be great.

01-18-2005	#80 (permalink)
Tire Fryin GT Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 137 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I think I have found the GT for my project. It is a 1972 and currently has no motor or transmission in it. It comes with a running engine and tranny. It was running last year until it "dropped a valve" the guy says. I have had him take extensive pictures of the body in all critical areas. It looks like there is No Rust on the car anywhere except the common battery tray and belly pan. The rockers and fenders look to be in Great condition. There is a little bondo in the rear drivers side quarter, but it looks like it is a dent repair. Overall I'd say the body 95 percent. The only issue now is the 1554.1 miles between me and it. Last edited by Tire Fryin GT; 01-18-2005 at 12:44 AM..

01-31-2005	#92 (permalink)
GTJIM 4246 Post Club Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,524 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Yep - A '69 That is one sad '69 - the funny looking console around the gear lever is an ARA Air Conditioning system part. There does not seem to be an a/c compressor mounted on the motor - which has a Manta or Kadett rocker cover BTW. Surely NOT worth $2,500 plus the body work has severe and costly issues. Not worth the candle - just leave the owner in Fantasy Land - with his GT!

01-16-2005	#76 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,774 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	There is one for sale here in Kalispell for half that much. It runs, drives, owner has just gotten the interior fixed up. Primer gray, decent trim, and a pickup load of extra parts. He was at the racetrack one Saturday freaking out on Speedway GT, brought his to my house the next day for me to check out. Wish I could buy it...

01-16-2005	#78 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,774 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Mine was $150, was fairly complete but beyond trashed. No rust though. Bondo was only an inch and half thick on one rear quarter! Basically, it was all the worst parts of two cars, the second one got all the good parts and I got the trashed ones. Which was fine, we gutted it all out anyway. I think to make a cool custom GT you don't need a good car to start with, in fact, if you start with a nice one the purists will call you a butcher. Were I to build one for the street I'd use the fiberglass front end and the neat body kits I see in the OGTS catalog. The primo bodies need to be preserved and restored, right down to the numbers matching cigarette lighter... Sorry, I just can't help it, I still get a kick out of all that fuss last year about the ash tray on E-bay...

01-22-2005	#82 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,774 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Now that he's on the right track would somebody please donate him a hulk so he can get started? My $150 one was even better than what he needs, let's figure out where a free one is that needs a new home. In fact, I just know there must be a gt lover's wife out there who would pay him to come and get one of the parts cars out of the back yard. He could use that money to build the chassis jig, if he's listening to advice yet... Just joshing ya, tiresmoke. Hope this helps. One will pop up, believe me.

01-22-2005	#83 (permalink)
greensmurf20 OPEL-LESS!!! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gobles michigan 49055 Posts: 2,110 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	if you dont mind a really rusty POS i got one you can have for mockups, just come get it. its been stripped of all parts, just a shell so it'd save you alot of stripping of the GT.

01-22-2005	#84 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,774 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	There ya go. Just like that. Within a week you'll know about a dozen of 'em, one will be only twenty miles away for all ya know. Have you got shop space ready, and the Ecotech donor car?

01-23-2005	#86 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,774 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I just have this feeling that if you start with a worthless hulk you'll soon see what I mean when I say all you need is a basic chassis and body. When the fabrication is done there won't be much of the original car there, it will all be custom built frame/rollcage with some of the floor, the firewall, and front clip being original. When the doubters see it get that far they will help you find what you need to trim it out. There wouldn't be much need for all the coveted parts like wiring, gauges, etc. Why get picky about all that on a non-stock, modified hot rod? You might as well go all the way, slightly customized doesn't hold a candle to extremely customized. To get a decent running GT you now know that you'll be paying more than you want to and getting less than you expect. And our friends here at gt.com are likely cringing at the thought of a viable car going into Dr. Frankensteins laboratory. How many such patients survive the ordeal? Remember the outcome of Sid's transformations in Toy Story? Not to mention a running car most likely will become the basis of yet another wild crash/fire story, looking at your history . Be patient, it will all come together. If you do it right I'm sure you will find a lot of help and support, or at least interest, here at gt.com.

01-27-2005	#87 (permalink)
Tire Fryin GT Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 137 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Today I was reading a local classified and came across a 69 GT for sale. I called the guy and asked him about the car. He said that it was in a barn for the last 20 years. I asked about the rust condition and he seem to think that it didn't have any. But it has some body repair in the rear panel he said it was from light damage. He was unsure of the motor size. On Saturday I am going to check it out. I will bring the camera and get pictures. The asking price is $2500.

01-30-2005	#90 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,774 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Bummer. Compared to the one I bought for $150, I'd guess this one is worth $300 unless it runs at all which I doubt, then maybe $500. Call him back in a month and offer him $400.

02-04-2005	#93 (permalink)
StephenM Opeler Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 27 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	It's sad to contemplate, but the most valuable part on that GT may be the locking gas cap, which is good for $50-$75 on eBay depending on chrome condition and whether or not he has the key. I suppose the engine and tranny may have some "core" value as well, but as others have said it's a $200-$400 car at best. -StephenM

02-04-2005	#94 (permalink)
benncojr 1000 Post Club Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,268 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	The A/C console can go for around $150 to $300 if it is in good condition (that one is not!). I would belive it is worth about $300 to $400. It has a lot of work to do to get it on the road but for what you want to do it would be great.