We are pretty far along on this build but I will share our experience. The car started out as a '73 GTV that I bought about 8 years ago. It was a nice car with low miles but had been stored in a barn and had a fair amount of rust to the outer rockers, quarters, floor boards, A pillar, and rear fender well openings - pretty typical stuff.
Along the way I replaced the Wheels and tires:
With Toyo 205s on Rota 15" wheels:
Replaced the '73 grille with a '69:
Replaced the interior with flying buttress seats:
And replaced the rear seat with a shelf (in progress picture):
I also had a number of motors in and out of the car over the years.
I used it as a summertime semi-daily driver for a number of years but realized that not addressing the rust issues was not doing it any good. At the same time, the value of GTVs had taken a serious hit and I couldn't justify spending the time or money to bring it back stock. So it sat for the last few years.
About a year and a half ago we were approached by an Alfisti on the west coast that was interested in doing a street GTAm build. At first I was hesitant since I've never done anything like that before but the more we talked the more it sounded doable. The project would be challenging but my (correct) impression was that the guy knew his stuff and knew what he wanted but was willing to listen to reason when things had to change. The overall objectives being:
It was a daunting task and I was happy when he was willing to include Mike Besic in on the project. He knows more than I ever will and is more than willing to offer his advise on any number of areas. No way could we have succeeded without Mike.
Along the way I replaced the Wheels and tires:
With Toyo 205s on Rota 15" wheels:
Replaced the '73 grille with a '69:
Replaced the interior with flying buttress seats:
And replaced the rear seat with a shelf (in progress picture):
I also had a number of motors in and out of the car over the years.
I used it as a summertime semi-daily driver for a number of years but realized that not addressing the rust issues was not doing it any good. At the same time, the value of GTVs had taken a serious hit and I couldn't justify spending the time or money to bring it back stock. So it sat for the last few years.
About a year and a half ago we were approached by an Alfisti on the west coast that was interested in doing a street GTAm build. At first I was hesitant since I've never done anything like that before but the more we talked the more it sounded doable. The project would be challenging but my (correct) impression was that the guy knew his stuff and knew what he wanted but was willing to listen to reason when things had to change. The overall objectives being:
- GTAm widebody for the street that could be run on the track.
- Fiberglass fenders (originally steel but we decided against that).
- Small tailights, '69 GTV grille, '69 GTV dash (fiberglass).
- Full roll cage with reasonable egress.
- Comfortable cabin with carpet and passenger seats.
- Air Conditioning (later deleted)
- Twin Spark motor.
- Tilton brakes
- Panhard rear end.
- Lots of other details.
It was a daunting task and I was happy when he was willing to include Mike Besic in on the project. He knows more than I ever will and is more than willing to offer his advise on any number of areas. No way could we have succeeded without Mike.