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Projects & Restorations => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:21:49 PM

Title: Reynolds Tribute Project - Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:21:49 PM

Hi Guys,

I am pleased to announce that my restoration shop American Muscle Car Restorations, Inc. in Rhode Island will be building a replica of the original Reynolds Buick 65GS Drag car.

Furthermore, if anyone would like to assist us finance the build via dontations (be it parts, etc), we would graciously accept. We have big plans for this car hitting the show circuit upon its completion. We already have many of the original people involved with this car on board!

I will be posting progress pics throughout the build, so stay tuned!

-Mike Mancini

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:29:23 PM

The donor car, sitting quietly in an Arizona junk yard for the past 25 years. A real deal 65 GS Post Coupe. Built Jan. 65 (early model with the rectangular grille emblem) (Just like the real car!)

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:36:18 PM

Starting disassembly

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:40:56 PM

Disassembly continues

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:41:31 PM

Chassis

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:42:11 PM

Rotisserie set-up

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:42:54 PM

Rotisserized!

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on May 24, 2010, 10:48:38 PM

Off the the media blaster

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: WkillGS on May 25, 2010, 08:46:35 PM

Looks like a perfect candidate! :thumbsup:
A couple of questions:
-Fremont built car?
-Is there any factory undercoating on the floor, or just behind the rear wheels?
-Does the rear axle appear to have been painted? What about front end components?

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: Chris on May 25, 2010, 09:35:07 PM

Great to see this project underway.

Please list out the parts you are needing and I'll begin the search for anything I might have worth donating.

Can't wait to see this in person!   :icon_thumright:

Chris

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on June 02, 2010, 09:43:12 PM

Back from Media Blasting

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on June 02, 2010, 09:44:37 PM

Prepped bare metal and ready for epoxy primer.

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on June 02, 2010, 09:57:53 PM

Some of the parts we are needing for this project are listed below. Anyone willing to help supply any of the needed parts will be recognized when we showcase the car at all the major Buick events. Thanks in advance.

1) 65 Dated LR engine
2) Switch pitch 300 transmission & converter
3) Automatic console
4) Automatic shifter set-up
5) Posi unit
6) Cheater slicks
7) Misc. trim
8) Bucket seats, rear seat assembly
9) Etc. Etc. Etc. (Anything that will help)

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: Chris on June 03, 2010, 04:30:58 PM

Mike,

I find great pride in seeing this project come to life and I'd like to offer up the first donation in the name of the 65GS.com website and 65GS registry members.  I'll encourage the other members on the site and registry to please follow suit and try to help this project along if you can.

I will provide these parts from my GS stash (getting smaller and smaller everyday  :sad1:)

- GS 300 Tranny
- Floor mount console and shifter
- New Parking Lens set w/ gaskets

If you'd decide to go the "option delete" direction, I have some really hard to find parts that I'd prefer to keep for myself however I'll donate them to the Reynolds project if you agree to use them on the car.

= Radio Delete panel
= A set of reverse light delete housings (will need replated but really cool!)

Are you planning a trip to Ohio this year (BPG event?)  If so, I could bring this stuff down and pass it onto you at show time.  Honestly I prefer not hassling with shipping these parts.   :laughing7: 

I'm curious why the need for the LR motor?  Didn't the car have an engine that could be reused (maybe I missed this).

I have a bunch of loose parts from the many Skylarks and Specials I've parted out of the years that I can go through if you can provide some details on exactly what misc. parts you are needing.

Thanks,

Chris

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: GSDavid on June 14, 2010, 01:04:57 AM

Very cool project.
It's going to be fun to see this come together!

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: option B9 on June 22, 2010, 10:37:59 AM

     Hi Mike
  Nice to see the project started, and from the photos that you posted this GS is being restored to better than new condition. I tried to buy that GS when it was in Speedway Automotive in Arizona back in 1989 but the owner said it was not for sale ! I may still have the photos of it sitting next to a pile of other Buicks, If I do I will send it to You.
   I looked at the list of parts that you need and yes I can help with the project, this is what I have...
   
        65 Dated LR engine and air cleaner.
       Posi rear.
       Front & Rear bumper.
       Grille.
       Radio & speeker bezel.
       Tailights.
       Wheelwell mouldings.
       and many other parts, if you can send me a list I can go thru my parts and check off what I can donate.
   Sorry I do not have any NOS parts, just used stuff from many years of parting out Specials & Skylarks.. so keep posting those restoration photos, they look great !!

                                                                       Tony
     
       

       
       

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on June 24, 2010, 07:56:53 AM

Thanks guys for the offers! We really appreciate it. We are putting a lot of love into this project. We want to make it a show stopper. Alot of great people are very excited to see this happen and we are happy to make it happen.

Tony, I pm'd you.

-Mike

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on July 31, 2010, 08:05:48 PM

Before I post more pics. I just want to say THANK YOU to Tony Gatta!! We paid him a visit a little bit ago and he donated some real great parts to the project!! We can't thank you enough! :notworthy:

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on July 31, 2010, 08:06:50 PM

Body after epoxy primer

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on July 31, 2010, 08:09:19 PM

Hammer, dolly, glaze putty

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on July 31, 2010, 08:10:48 PM

Suspension parts blasted, primed w/ epoxy

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on July 31, 2010, 08:13:02 PM

High build primer & guide coat

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: MikeMancini on July 31, 2010, 08:14:46 PM

Fenders blocked out for 2nd prime

Title: Re: Build Pics
Post by: Chris on October 10, 2010, 09:06:15 AM

Mike,

Any updates on the project?

I know you guys were trying to meet an October deadline for the Reynolds event.

Chris