Words: Tommy Parry
26 years ago, Ken inherited this family heirloom: a ‘67 Pontiac LeMans. Though it sat, mostly collecting dust, for nearly two decades, Ken decided to commit to its restoration in 2011. Within a short time, he’d put together quite a spectacular machine. Considering the condition it was in, that’s no small feat.
After pulling the 326 and the two-speed attached to it, he divorced the frame from the body and began strengthening the frame. The frame was boxed and gusseted and the transmission crossmember was cut to length and rewelded. It was the first step of many, but with a Ridetech suspension on the way, he had plenty of motivation to keep chugging along.
He turned his attention to the drivetrain. With a rebuilt 4L80E starting off the show, he grabbed an LS376/480 GMPP Crate Engine, a modern motor with more than enough punch to keep the relatively light car pushing along at freeway or autocross speeds.
The installation process was a trifle tricky, with an oil pan that didn’t fit with the space offered by the Auto Kraft engine mount brackets. By replacing the brackets with Doug’s swap brackets and putting the engine stands back in their original location, he remedied the issue and still had five inches between the motor and the firewall.
Moving to the rear of the frame, which he powder coated, Ken attached Ridetech’s Strongarm upper and lower control arms, the Muscle Bar, an Airpod system mounted in the trunk area and the 12” rear.
All went smoothly except for the driver-side upper control arm. Ken had to clearance the inside lower part of the mounting bracket, which interfered with the differential housing and would not line up, to get the bolt through. It was time to call in Mr. Grinder.
Up front, he complemented his recent work with a set of Ridetech Shockwaves, an AGR 12:1 steering box, another Ridetech Muscle Bar and KORE3 big brakes. With both axles detailed and ready to support the body, he could focus on sheetmetal and aesthetics.
The body came next. First, Ken finished removing the remaining dash, steering column, accelerator and brake pedals, AC/heat system, doors, all the wiring and all glass.
Ken is planning the dash layout with Autometer Cobalt gauges, including the tachometer, speedometer, water temp, oil pressure, voltage meter, fuel and trans temp. In addition, he plans to add new round A/C vents, push-to- start button and Ridetech’s E3 controller and Select Series shock mode button. With a set of modern GTO seats to provide some modern swish and support, he was well on his way to crafting a clean interior. However, lately he’s been considering replacing them with Dakota Digital gauge clusters with an OBDII input so he can retain the OEM sensors and sending units. Either way, it will be a feast for the eyes.
And with that, Ken lowered the car onto the frame and installed a set of Rushforth wheels.
Next came the ancillaries, including a set of Doug’s headers, a Cold Case HD Replacement Radiator and a Tuff Stuff 9″ Dual Diaphragm Power Booster mated to a Wilwood master cylinder. Finally, he was able to get the motor purring sweetly.
Now, Ken’s ready to “get serious” with the body — as if he hadn’t already shown some great work. As paint is outside his skill set, he’ll leave that to the local shop. While that’s being completed, Ken will start collecting new parts for the interior, including the carpet, the headliner, weatherstripping and seals, the HVAC system, the steering column, a new steering wheel, wiring, lighting and all new glass.
Once it’s completed, Ken plans to drive it regularly with occasional autocross and drag strip appearances. If he can swing it, his greatest aim is to participate in the Hot Rod Power Tour and Drag Week. With the skill and determination shown so far, he’s going to achieve those goals.
To keep an eye on Ken’s progress, you can visit his build thread here.
