I'm considering a nice 62 Pontiac Gran Prix Sport Coupe. It has the 389, Slim Jim Roto #10 Hydra Matic, 8 lug wheels, bucket seats, console floor shift and a tach on the console. I would really appreciate any opinion or info on these cars both pro and con. If I got it I would have to reduce the herd so any info would be appreciated. The seller claims the car drives very well. I'm going to take a trip maybe tomorrow and have a look.
First year for the GP and the best looking one! Early 60's Pontiacs (all GM cars) was the best ever produced and only increase in value. In short buy it! My '63 Catalina Ventura.
I agree the '62 Gran Prix is a very attractive car, one of my all time favorites! And I particularly like the 8 lug wheels. That said, I believe the wheels are an area of concern. As I recall, the wheel center is also the brake drum. It is a cast aluminum shell with and iron liner, much like the Buick finned aluminum drums. As such, the condition of the iron liner is of particular importance. If they are worn and/or cut beyond the diameter limits, it is at best an expensive matter, and at worst they may be unavailable. There may be reproduction wheels centers in the market, I just don't know. I confess I haven't followed this subject closely in recent years, but suggest you do some research on that subject before committing to buy. Best wishes, Ray
For a lot of my youth, I was a Pontiac guy.........had a couple of GTO's and a 63 Bonneville convertible. Tripower 389 and I converted it to a stick setup. Pontiacs of that era are absolutely wonderful cars, well built, powerful, stylish and great riding/driving cars. No downsides at all as far as I am concerned. You will love that car. The one I wish I had back is the Bonneville convertible. I surprised a lot of cars on the street with mine. Don
Ray makes some very good points, if the 8 lug drums are bad you are into some serious bucks. The only other downside is that slimjim trans, a poor "upgrade" from the old tough as nails hydromatic in my opinion.
A few years ago I was at the platers picking up some parts for my '40 Chevy and there was a customer dropping off a set of 8 lug wheels to be polished. He had paid $800 each for them was happy just to have found them. If you buy the car keep your eyes open and when a part comes up buy it and put it away for later. Later always comes. I had a 1964 Catalina and it was a great cruiser, white with red interior. Console with buckets and 'Wonder Bar" radio.
Friend is doing one now, VERY expensive, lots of chrome to re-plate and the steering wheel restore, wow you think the brake drums are high! Way Cool Car though, 389 4 speed, 3 2's Can't wait to get a ride with him.
They can reline the 8 lug drums, I believe in the $400 range, but could be wrong on the price. A friend of mine has a 63 GP that he upgraded to a 350 transmission. He made a plate adapter himself. We had to make the tunnel a little bit wider but that was hidden under the console.
Looks like I'm entering the catch 22 of married middle cl*** traditional hot rodding. I have my lifetime collection 2 really good vehicles. They are not the greatest, and not in perfect condition but they are keepers. Every now and again something like this pops up, something real special and affordable. It's doable. I can get the money back out of my present cars but I cant do it overnight. The wife says sell and buy. Past experience shows that any car I have sold....she or family, usually some BS... eventually gets the money and my car is gone and so is the money. Dang it! this is doable but not justifiable. So close yet so far. This car looks like it needs nothing and it's affordable.
Just call these guys and ask how much to do drums, as worst case? http://www.jgrelining.com/#!services/crfi
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