Tom Cheatwood switched to Pontiacs in 1987 when he purchased and began restoring his 1968 GTO. Later on he acquired a real project car, a 1962 Pontiac Tempest from his brother-in-law. The old Tempest had seen life as a passenger car and later as a race car powered by a 421 mill. Tom planned on returning the car to drag racing form, this time with a larger displacement 455 Pontiac engine.
The photo to the left was the condition of the engine bay and old mill. |
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Here's a photo showing the poor condition of the Tempest's interior after sitting for 15 years. Clearly, Tom had work ahead. Well...time, money, inclination and tender loving care paid off. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As you can see, the Formula steering wheel, new upholstery, carpeting, 5- point roll cage, Hurst line lock makes the interior sparkle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 455 awaits installation (above); 455 installed in its new home (below). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exterior color is Torch Red--painted by the owner. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||