The owner recently acquired this fun 1967 Ford Galaxie Convertible and is eager to transform it into a dependable and stylish family cruiser. While the car’s interior and bodywork, completed 5-6 years ago, are in satisfactory condition, he has a vision for several upgrades to enhance its performance, comfort, and safety.

Under the Hood Enhancements

The current 390 engine is experiencing leaks, prompting the owner to consider replacing it with a Ford crate engine. He’s leaning towards a new 347 stroker engine, aiming for a horsepower range of 300-400, while maintaining an automatic transmission. To improve fuel efficiency and reliability, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team will be installing a Ford 4R70W overdrive unit.

Focusing on Comfort and Safety

Since this Galaxie is intended for family cruising, the priority is to create a comfortable and safe driving experience. We’ll be adding Vintage Air air conditioning for enhanced climate control, along with a new radiator and heater core to address any existing leaks. Upgrading the power steering pump and lines is also on the list, ensuring a smoother driving experience.

Addressing Electrical Concerns

The V8 team has noticed that the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals appear dim, requiring some updates to the system.

Enhancing the Look and Feel

For a touch of classic style, the owner desires a new vintage-looking steering wheel. He’s also open to recommendations for suspension upgrades, aiming to improve the car’s handling without compromising its original character.

A Work in Progress

The owner acknowledges that the pictures he’s provided are just a starting point, and he’s open to further suggestions as the project progresses. With a clear vision and the assistance of qualified professionals, his Galaxie is well on its way to becoming a reliable and cool cruiser for the whole family to enjoy.

What’s In Your Garage?

Let us know how we can help morph your old car into a fun family cruising experience! Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to start the journey.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Logo

This iconic 1963 Corvette rolled into the V8 Speed and Resto Shop with a the fiberglass body needing some TLC. It’s riding on a custom chassis, and the owner enlisted our team to repair the cracked and damaged original fiberglass body with a new front section, perform other required bodywork, and give it a great looking new paint job.

What’s in store for this Corvette Roadster?

  • Fender Repair: We’ll meticulously address the fender’s imperfections, ensuring a seamless and like-new appearance.
  • Gap Adjustment: We’ll fine-tune the body panel gaps to achieve consistent and aesthetically pleasing spacing.
  • Stripping & Repainting: The old paint will be removed, revealing a clean canvas for a stunning new finish. Brad, have you decided on a color yet? We can’t wait to see it!
  • New Engine & Transmission: We’re adding over 500 HP of LS3 V8 power to make this Corvette Sing!

Stay tuned as we transform this 1963 Corvette into a beautiful roadster that is as pleasing to the eye as it is stirring to the soul. We’ll share progress photos and updates along the way, so you can witness the magic happening right here!

In the meantime, let us know in the comments below:

  • What’s color would you paint this cool Corvette?
  • What is your favorite generation of Corvette?

Follow Along with Build Photos and Videos Below!

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Logo

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team has a body shop job opening! We are hiring an Auto Body Technician for Restoration and Custom Cars at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL!

Are you an experienced auto body repair technician? Are you passionate about breathing new life into classic cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a skill set that transforms vehicles into automotive masterpieces? If so, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop with a great Team culture, competitive salaries, and outstanding benefits. We are seeking a talented and experienced Auto Body Technician to join our dynamic team.

Auto Body Technician Job Description:

As an Auto Body Technician specializing in restoration and custom cars, you will play a vital role in transforming vintage vehicles into works of art in our body shop. You will be responsible for a range of tasks, including bodywork, panel installation and fitment, minor ding / dent repair, fitting of trim, block sanding of fillers, and primers, and body assembly. Your expertise will help preserve the timeless beauty of classic cars while adding custom modifications to meet our clients’ unique visions. You will be a critical member of the team working to perfect our customers’ dream cars!

Technician Responsibilities:

  • Perform top-notch automotive body restoration, including body filler application, sanding, panel fitment, and installation on classics, customs, and muscle cars.
  • Test fit, modify, and perform final assembly on body panels, trim, and other exterior items.
  • Collaborate with our passionate team to ensure every project meets our high standards of quality.

Auto Body Technician Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements:

  • Proven experience as an Auto Body Technician, with a focus on restoration and customization.
  • In-depth knowledge of automotive bodywork and repair techniques.
  • Proficient in welding, metalworking, and fabrication for vehicle restoration.
  • A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently on projects.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for overcoming challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach.
  • Passion for custom cars and the automotive culture.

Join Our Enthusiastic Team!

If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to elevate automotive restoration and customization, we want to hear from you! At V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.

Fill Out Online Job Application Below!

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Auto Body Technician like you to our team!

About The V8 Speed and Resto Shop:

We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:

  • We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
  • We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
  • We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:

  • To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.  

Values Statement:

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:

  • Happiness
  • Quality
  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Loyalty
  • Teamwork
  • Passion
  • Innovation

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:

  • To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
  • To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.

LINK: ABOUT THE V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP

This Auto Body Technician job opening requires experience. This is not an entry level position.

  • This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude.
  • This is a full-time position. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
  • This job opening provides many benefits. We provide paid health insurance – PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off starts accruing on day 1. Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
  • Competitive salary based on experience.

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.

If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you! We are hiring for this auto body shop job opening now.

Fill Out This Job Application To Schedule An Interview Today!

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The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

This 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL rumbles thanks to a 460+ cubic inch 428 fed by two four barrel Holleys on top, and is shifted with a 4-speed manual transmission. The car came to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for some basic maintenance, as well as bodywork and a repaint . Follow the progress here!

 We are thrilled to be working on the restoration of a very cool 1969 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Roadster. Our talented team has completed the bodywork, and we’ve just applied the first coats of primer. The next step? A stunning custom metallic blue paint job that will make this beauty truly shine! 🌟 Stay tuned for updates on this extraordinary project as we make this classic Corvette far nicer than it was when new.  Follow along with us as we breathe new life into this iconic American sports car!

#Restoration #Corvette #V8SpeedAndResto #ClassicCar

See the restoration photos: https://v8speedshop.com/1969-chevrolet-corvette-jl/

The Prep before the Paint. Today Jeff is preparing this slick 1969 Chevrolet Corvette roadster for Spies Hecker HS Primer Surfacer to complete the body tub. This will allow for a nice even surface to be wet sanded to ensure the paint is as smooth as glass. It’s all in the details!    See more of this car: https://v8speedshop.com/1969-chevrolet-corvette-jl/

#v8speedandresto   #1969corvette  #paintprep  #v8speedshop  #corvette 

1967 Pontiac GTO: From Swamp Thing to Showstopper

This 1967 Pontiac GTO wasn’t always the head-turning classic it is today. When it arrived at V8 Speed & Resto Shop, it was a far cry from its former glory. Rusted and neglected, it more closely resembled a “swamp thing” than a muscle car. However, our team of experts wasn’t fazed by the challenge. We were determined to transform this relic into a showstopper!

A Complete Frame-Off Restoration

Our restoration process for this 1967 GTO was a complete teardown, or “frame-off” restoration. This meticulous approach ensures that no area of the car is overlooked. Here’s a closer look at some of the key improvements we made:

  • Chassis Strengthening: The GTO’s chassis received a thorough inspection and repairs were made to the body mounts and other critical areas. We then applied a protective epoxy primer and industrial-grade paint finish.
  • Suspension Upgrade: We replaced the original suspension system with a high-performance tubular setup from BMR Fabrication. This upgrade enhances handling and performance without sacrificing a comfortable ride.
  • Bodywork and Paint: The GTO’s body was media blasted to remove rust and imperfections. Our fabrication team then replaced rusted panels, repaired the dashboard, and built a custom firewall. Once the body repairs were complete, the car was painted in its original Tyrol Blue with a stunning two-stage finish.

Taking the Interior Up a Notch

The interior of the GTO wasn’t spared our restoration magic. Our team reupholstered the bucket seats and refurbished the door panels, dashboard, headliner, and carpet. We also added some modern touches, like a new sound system from Custom Autosound and Dakota Digital gauges.

The Finishing Touches

The final step involved installing a Magnaflow stainless steel exhaust system to unleash the power of the Pontiac 400 V8 engine. New wheels and tires completed the transformation, giving the GTO a truly aggressive look.

A Near-Perfect Score and a Dream Realized

The culmination of our hard work was presenting the finished GTO to its owner at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show in Chicago. The car was a huge hit, scoring a near-perfect 997 points in the Street Modified class!

Watch the complete build video and award-winning reveal in this video!

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COMPLETE 1967 PONTIAC GTO BUILD PHOTO GALLERY