johnwitzke

Started the BMF process.

Added the unique 1973 Ram Air under-hood ram air pan. I am in the process of fabricating the air cleaner lid as well

So I have been doing some additional research and have found out some interesting facts about the Hi-Performance Cars Magazine 1973 Car of the Year GTO. A good friend of mine that knew Joe Oldham confirmed that the 1973 Pontiac GTO with a SD-455 motor was in fact Florentine Red. It was also thought to have been a 4-speed car. The GTO was an engineering development test mule. This was a 1 of none car as the SD-455 motor was only available in the 1973-74 Firebird Trans Am and Formulas. Like the SD GTO, Pontiac also built one 1973 Grand Am with the SD-455 engine and was also an engineering development test mule. It was a white car with burgundy interior with an automatic transmission. Unfortunately the car doesn't exist anymore but the engine does. After the press review was completed and the journalist left, Joe was asked to stick around while Pontiac brought out the SD-455 GTO for him to view. Other than Joe Oldham, no other car journalist seen it, nor do any photos exist. While not 100% sure of the interior color, we do know it exterior was Florentine Red. So with that said, I have decided to make the 1 of none 1973 SD-455 GTO. I had another interior tub made along with a bench front seat. it will have a burgundy interior. I will put a correct style 4-speed shifter add the proper number of pedals and transmission.

Decals have arrived. GTO on the fenders and trunk lid will be white. the body stripe will be applied. There are various interior and under hood decals that I will use.

Polished Florentine Red. No clear coat. Trying to replicate a factor finish. Next will be the masking off the engine compartment, front wheel wells and interior roof and side panels for semi gloss black paint. Work continues on the interior detailing, it will be time for the cardinal red carpet. I will post a photo of the completed interior later.

Golden Olive is a great color and a good choice.

Interior color was changed to Black with red accent carpeting. This was a factory option. Paint used was MCW semi gloss black lacquer.

So here is an update. Final color coat on the car. I will let this set for a couple of weeks to allow it to gas out. Then it will be hand polished to replicate a factory finish. I used Scale Finishes 1973 Pontiac Florentine Red.

I have this picture and one other. However, my understanding is none of the orange cars have been accounted for.

Couple of photos od the body prep. These take quite a bit of clean up work. Have to very careful not to alter the body panel lines. Still a couple of of imperfections that need to be sorted out before paint. Sine I cannot validate not have seen one of the orange Can Am's I have decided to go with Cameo White with Buckskin interior.

Yes complete interior. Steering wheel is either the Pontiac custom sport wheel or the standard custom three spoke wheel

Yes. Here is a photo of the kit interior in primer

Who did you order it from?

Once I have the paint work completed I will show all sides