The 1965 Pontiac GTO: The full story, restoration, and details on this car for the last 30+ years

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This is the full story of my 1965 GTO that I've owned for 23 years. At the age of 14, I started doing body work on this old goat before it went under an extensive, professional restoration at Coachman's bodyshop.
Coachmans Bodyshop
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I received this 1965 Pontiac GTO on my 14th birthday back in 1997. Since then, the car being a rust bucket from Illinois has undergone an extensive frame off rotisserie restoration. The 1965 GTO was and still is a legend of the muscle car era. Know by many as the great one or the goat, this ole poncho has a new lease on life with a tremec 5 speed transmission, large, cross drilled and vented disc brake conversion, and other modern factors that increase the GTO's ability to perform. Every nut and bolt has been removed, refinished or replaced. Even the drive shaft and the shocks have been painted body color. The restoration work all completed by Coachman's body shop out of Machesney Park, Illinois is astounding.
The Tempest model line up, including the GTO, was restyled for the 1965 model year, adding 3.1 inches (79 mm) to the overall length while retaining the same wheelbase and interior dimensions. It had Pontiac's characteristic vertically stacked quad headlights. Overall weight was increased by about 100 lb (45 kg). The brake lining area increased by nearly 15%. Heavy-duty shocks were standard, as was a stronger front antisway bar. The dashboard design was changed, and an optional rally gauge cluster (US$86.08) added a more legible tachometer and oil pressure gauge. An additional option was a breakerless transistor ignition.
The 389 cubic inches engines received revised cylinder heads with re-cored intake passages and high rise intake manifolds, improving airflow to the engine. Rated power increased to 335 hp (250 kW) at 5,000 rpm for the base four-barrel engine; the Tri-Power engine was now rated 360 hp (270 kW) at 5,200 rpm. The 'S'-cammed Tri-Power engine had slightly less peak torque rating than the base engine 424 lb⋅ft (575 N⋅m) at 3,600 rpm as compared to 431 lb⋅ft (584 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm. Transmission and axle ratio choices remained the same. The three-speed manual was standard, while two four-speed manual transmissions (wide or close ratio) and a two-speed automatic transmission were optional.[11]
The restyled car had a new simulated hood scoop. A seldom seen dealer-installed option consisted of a metal underhood pan and gaskets to open the scoop, making it a cold air intake. The scoop was low enough that its effectiveness was questionable (it was unlikely to pick up anything but boundary layer air), but it allowed an enhanced engine sound. Another exterior change was the black "egg-crate" grille.
Car Life tested a 1965 GTO with Tri-Power and what they considered the most desirable options (close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, power steering, metallic brakes, rally wheels, 4.11 limited-slip differential, and "Rally" gauge cluster), with a total sticker price of US$3,643.79. With two testers and equipment aboard, they recorded a 0-60 miles per hour (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.8 seconds, the standing quarter mile in 14.5 seconds with a trap speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), and an observed top speed of 114 miles per hour (182.4 km/h) at the engine's 6,000 rpm redline. A four-barrel Motor Trend test car, a heavier convertible handicapped by the two-speed automatic transmission and the lack of a limited slip differential, ran 0-60 mph in 7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at 89 miles per hour (142.4 km/h).[citation needed]
Major criticisms of the GTO continued to center on its slow steering (ratio of 17.5:1, four turns lock-to-lock) and subpar brakes. Car Life was satisfied with the metallic brakes on its GTO, but Motor Trend and Road Test found the four-wheel drum brakes with organic linings to be alarmingly inadequate in high-speed driving.
Sales of the GTO, abetted by a marketing and promotional campaign that included songs and various merchandise, more than doubled to 75,342. It spawned many imitators, both within other GM divisions and its competitors.

[@tonywalker2334]

Denny Wilson man what a cool guy to hear his story from jail to successful business owner who gave back. Godspeed to Denny

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks for your nice comment. Not too many people like him around. He was a good dude.

[@Eliweaver04]

I’m only 16 years old at the moment and my uncle owns a 1964 Pontiac gto 389 with tri power and a 4 on the floor! What happen is he rebuilt the motor in 1980 but do to an engine fire he took it out and left in sitting 40 years later now it’s 2020 and we are just now putting it back together it sat in the garage for 40 years and is in mint condition oh man I cannot wait to see all my friends reactions when they see a 16 year old driving practically a brand 1964 GTO not to many people even know what the GTO is. After all it started the muscle car war! Great video man I wish there where more kids my age still hold the classic car culture up! Muscle car or not a classic is just flat out awesome:)

[@ModernGreaser]

Dude! Probably the best comment on any of my videos! So good to hear the next generation like yourself interested in muscle cars. 64 is a GREAT year! When I was 15, this Twix commercial came out of a kid getting his license and driving a GTO. Looks like that will be you soon!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/poK5dqqNir2DlcU

[@Ezwizerd]

My grand father gave me a 65 LeMans that I’m planning on making a GTO out of. It was a graduation present and I’m super excited! I grew up around GTOs and they are always gonna be the best hot rod on the road!!

[@greglouch]

Great Build and Great Story.

[@mongolikechewchew2475]

What a great story! Sorry to hear of your friends passing just as the car was ready to b hauled to you!! When I was a little kid in 1979-80, my friend 4 houses down,his dad owned and I think he was the original owner, a 65 GTO,same color as yours,( Lemans blue)? It was a 4 speed,389 tri power, black interior,all original. She was garage kept and also won a ton of trophies at the car shows he entered her in! I got a few rides in her,sitting in the back seat. They moved in the mid 80's to a diff town on Long Island, NY, and we lost touch. But I'm positive that my friends dad wouldn't have ever sold her,and must have given his only son the car. Wow,thanks for bringing back some childhood memories of my own! I actually thought it was their GTO in ur video,for a second! She's gorgeous. Only thing I would do diff is put the stock rims and headlight bulbs on her. God Bless,and hope you have another 25+ yrs with her in your family!! Sry for long response. Lol

[@ModernGreaser]

Glad it brought back some memories and you enjoyed it. Took her out for a ride today with my 2 year old son. Fontaine blue is the color of mine. They had another color Bluemist slate that is similar. I do want stock rims as well, just had to have the larger wheels to acomodate the larger disc brake conversion for safety. I miss not having stock wheels. Thank you for watching. I have a few other videos of the car on my channel. This one is great, taught my Mom how to do burnouts in it haha kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqpYXiJh86Jnrc

[@mongolikechewchew2475]

@@ModernGreaser lmao,that's awesome!! Mom dumping the clutch!! Haha. After making my first comment, I went and looked up the diff color choices available for a new 65 GTO. Didnt realize there were several different shades of blue,and also you were able to as a option, get a color from any of the other GM made cars. Would love 2 b able 2 go back in time with a bunch of money and buy some cars new,65 GTO,69 Camaro & Chevelle COPO,70 Cuda Hemi in B5 blue,68 Charger. The list is long! Lol.

[@johnmathias9137]

What a great story of resurrection. Congratulations!

[@ModernGreaser]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate you watching and the kind words!

[@DougsCars]

LOVE hearing these stories.

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks man! It's great to have someone cool like you that knows cars and is watching the channel!!!

[@DougsCars]

Modern Greaser Totally, thoroughly enjoyed this video!

[@ToonTatto]

The basketball hoop with the scoop is better than any car i ever seen

[@ModernGreaser]

Haha thanks man. Your shout out is in the upcoming video :)

[@clickableadventures4169]

This is my favorite video! What a great tribute to your tribe!

[@ModernGreaser]

Awe shucks, thank you!!

[@BrendaGarcia-vi8og]

Wow what a great video! As Denny's big sister, it brought me to tears. The car was there forever. Great history! You kids are amazing and made your dreams work. Also, I had 3 similar experiences with Pandora and the radio and Fortunate Son. So your story at the end of video really freaked me out.

[@unclerobby]

Awesome Car and History

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks brother, I appreciate it!!

[@TheVideopreneur]

What a great story, video and amazing car. Thanks for posting this!

[@ModernGreaser]

Glad you enjoyed watching it. Hopefully some more old, cool car content to come :)

[@blofty8061]

Good story! I remember all the fun times with that car. Makes miss my Big Blue.

[@ModernGreaser]

Remember the time you got pulled over driving your truck with Kevin and I in the back of the galaxie you were towing on a trailer haha I Love Park. By a state cop of ALL people haha

[@blofty8061]

@@ModernGreaser Hahaha oh yeah, he was not too happy about that.

[@Jaybizzy33]

Great story! If you have a moment I have a great story to tell about my 65....if your interested...thank you again

[@connorpauley]

Awesome video.

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks man! I have sunburn on my arm from tig welding btw haha. Who knew the shielding gas from mig welding helps protect you from ultraviolet light. Tig does not. Tig has a learning curve haha have to cover up next time!

[@connorpauley]

Yea that’s no fun get them all the time. Lol

[@GreaserthoughtsGarage]

DUDE this is a sick story what a sick car !!

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks dude! I have some MAJOR catching up to do on your channel. I keep seeing you posting awesome stuff. Love all the collaborations you're doing! Keep up the good work man. You're name is going to be in lights before you know it!

[@GreaserthoughtsGarage]

@@ModernGreaser yeah bro just grinding cant wait to make a collab with you one day

[@memoalonso3317]

This really well done! Thank you for taking the time to share this. By the way I had a '65 326 Tempest, same color and I Always wanted to have a GTO. All the best to you!

[@ModernGreaser]

Thank you for the kind words. 65 Tempest! Nice! I recently sold a white 65 Tempest hardtop with a 326 last year. It had bad frame rust. Great car though. Thanks for sharing!

[@kend852]

Wow what a story👏🏾

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks homeskillet!

[@cktheman4060]

That's a great story

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks dude!

[@purepontiacgarage2286]

Sharp car, but you need to swap the front seat covers, they are on the wrong side, the pattern should match the rear seats.

[@LegendaryPontiac]

CertifiedBadass indeed! #FamilyGoats

[@ModernGreaser]

Thanks man!!!!!!!!

[@lonewolf604]

1:17 you son of a....I mean....LOVELY, can we trade lives please?! xD

[@lg-up2lx]

I got the same car

[@ModernGreaser]

Nice! Same color too?

[@billmiller5075]

Love the car I always wanted a 65, what size motor do you have in it now?

[@ModernGreaser]

It currently has a Pontiac 400 in it at the moment. Never too late to get an old Poncho :)

[@skunkben8657]

What makes you a greaser?

[@ModernGreaser]

Not conforming to the stereotypical social constraints that defines what a greaser is or isn't supposed to be.

[@skunkben8657]

@@ModernGreaser is it too late for ur mom to have a abortion?

[@ModernGreaser]

skunk Ben That would have been a good option for her. I’ll have to inquire why she didn’t.