As a disabled veteran. I want to say thank you so much for your patriotism. I don't miss a single video, and I want to thank you for doing this for that veteran. It means a lot to see people giving back to those of us who served. Especially the Vietnam veterans. They came home to a country that didn't want them. They were treated awful and kicked to the side. What most people don't think of is that most of them were drafted to go to a war they didn't want to go to. They didn't volunteer. They were forced to go fight and then our country turned their back on them. They are true hero's. Thank you so much.
Derek, thanks for being a hero for the ordinary folk. I'm a pretty old guy who was lucky enough to fly jet fighters as a Marine in Vietnam. Planes that have more thrust than weight are a real kick to fly. Watching you drive those 1,000 HP cars reminds me of the thrill of extreme acceleration and "G" forces. Hat's off to you Pal, those cars are too scarry for this old plane driver. Take care, Fella, you're too valuable to lose; do what your wife tells you to do. Bob
Been waiting for this one since I glimpsed it hiding in the corner. So much I recognize about this car. Mine is nearly identical in terms of equipment and trim, but is wearing Mariner Turquoise paint and a hood tach. Drove it OUT of the junkyard in 1990 and have been fiddling with it ever since. Love it. Fun fact, those valve covers and air cleaner are factory. Weird rad cap. Those air shocks are actually really helpful. Mine had 'em, I deleted 'em, and now it's got bags because that big ol trunk you love will really sag in the back end leading to severe tire rubbage.
wish i could come and help, im a vietnam vet myself, disabled, but i used to work on these gto at the hobbyshop on base in davisville rhode island i was a mechanic in the seabees and replaced many of these engines guys used to get on them hard and blew up lots of them
If it was Me, I'd finish with Mechanical 1st, Interior 2nd, & body work last. That way no scratch's can happen when working on Interior. This is the days I miss a lot, when A Mechanic was A Mechanic!
Mechanical first is definitely the sensible way to do things. I'd only qualify that with: if it looks good and shiny it can help to motivate you to press on and get the job finished.
@John Stuart Mill Therefore this gentleman shouldn't be able to own something nice? I don't understand your comment. Disabled or not, old or young, this probably made mr. Johnson feel really appreciated.
@ John Stewart Mills..such negativity..There are many ways to be disabled..I am Disabled and drive ..not much unless its necessary..so chill Mr. Karen...
@John Stuart Mill what the fuk is wrong with you dude!!! You clearly aren't a car guy or you'd know it makes absolutely no difference whether he can drive it or not!! He's owned the car all those years so it's clearly got meaning to him and just him seeing it move and look great again is enough to make any car guy happy and he's a veteran so show some respect and lay off the jealousy buddy it doesn't look good on you
I vote for getting the mechanicals working and drivable. Love 67 GTO's one of my favorites. Keep up the good work supporting our Vets and keeping the classics on the road.
Agree, determine if the basic block and heads are ok, before start up pull the plugs, marvel mystery oil in the cylinders, berryman the carb, change the oil and filter, crank over letting the MMO lube the rings, inspect plugs and check compression. Replace belts, hoses, flush engine and rad, new plugs and wires, points, then start with remote fuel tank. Do brake job and grease front wheel bearings, master and wheel cylinders, pads, transmission service, shocks, flush fuel tank and line, add in-line fuel filter, then maybe drive her....shame to damage that car by not doing the maintenance/refresh first...all above is pretty cheap too
@@wokewokerman5280 Which planet exactly offers cheap petroleum products? I'm very eager to know. More importantly does Elon Musk offer FREE shipping? otherwise I'm sure there will be an astronomical fuel tax and shipping charge.
@@wokewokerman5280 You being woke and all, I gather that you're communicating from there. Pluto that is. You obviously reside on another planet where petroleum products are cheap. Is Jeff Bezos with you? You and Jeff Bezos obviously have one thing in common, you're both full of Hot Gases. By the way, if you get the Washington Post Then You Just Don't Get It!
I enjoy Roadkill, Overhaulin’ and Top Gear - Derek does all these things on the one channel. A feller really knows his fan base and provides time and time again. Hands down, the best automotive enthusiast channel on TH-cam. Thank you VGG.
@@Locust13 agreed, can’t even watch it here in Australia anymore. I like the format of the show and the earlier episodes. Derek brings that same feeling, but better.
I loved roadkill but when they lied and said they would never go subscription only and then stopped posting on TH-cam and only to mtod I was done. They screwed their loyal day one fan base and I can’t stand them for it.
Dunno what makes a tear come to my eyes when Derek says what he says. Probably it’s not what he says but the way he says and does it, it’s from the heart. Bless you Derek, it sets you apart. ❤️🇷🇴
dunno what brings a tear to my eye reading all the comments Derek you deserve it all man true roll model but did you really spray paint that trim on the gto
So true. Just found this channel. Fell in love with this guy. Funny, stand up guy, hard working, family guy, who seems like he just likes using his talents for the good of others. What’s not to like? Keep up the good work. Oh yeah, and what you said about our vets, you are 1000.6579% correct !!! Thank you for doing the good stuff for the people who have all they had 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks for doing this Derek! I’m a single mother whose son is serving over seas for our country as I type this. I wish I could give more but I’m stretched to the max as it is with the kids starting school. My son will be returning back to the states in Nov. I’m trying to get his car up to par before he gets back. I’ve already sunk $715 into it. I’ve noticed a popping in the steering. Any advice would be appreciated. Dodge Avenger 2008. my sister turned me to your channel and I’m so hooked! I’m learning so much. My daughters car needed a new alternator and with a few tools laying around I dropped it out and got that new one installed. I even marked the new one with the year just like you suggested. She was my right hand gal too just like your son is with you. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks again for being you!
@@melvingibson4525 look I’m glad Derek is able to go do so many different things with other channels. That said, he’s on a whole other level when it comes to revivals. No other channel comes close.
Yeah most of the stuff on this channel is garbage now, I don't even watch most of it. The videos like this are fun to watch, he needs to stick with the old format.
We need more people like you in this world. As a Vet I thank you for the support and kindness you show toward us. It really does mean the world to me and I am sure all the other Veterans that watch your videos feel the same way. Thank you again and God bless America!🇺🇲🇺🇲
I can't tell you how much joy I get from realizing Derek uploaded another feature length video. Derek if you read this, just know you're such an inspiring person and the world is a much wealthier place with you and your family in it. Thank y'all for dedicating so much of your time to us.
I love your patriotism. It restores my belief in our country. I'm a twenty year retired veteran and I was already a fan but this puts you at the top of my TH-cam list. I am pretty choked up that you are doing this for a fellow vet. God bless you Derek.
Get all the mechanical work done first. Then do the interior. Save the paint and trim for last. This is an awesome thing you and your family are doing for our veterans. Love the channel and look forward to many more episodes.
Wow. In Nov 1982 I was 26 years old, now I'm 66 and retired. Amazing to think of all the things that have happened in my life, careers, places I've lived, etc. etc. all while that car didn't move an inch.
Wow, does this bring up memories. I went to work on the Pontiac Motors plant 9 motor line in November of 1965. In those days we were working two shifts 10 hours a day 6 days a week and made 3 engines an hour. In January of '66 my GTO arrived at the dealer. 389 Tri-Power four speed. If you have ever heard of the Woodward dream cruise, they are re-enacting what I was doing every weekend. I actually met my wife there. I did a lot of jobs on the motor line including in order: putting oil in the engines, installing carburetors, installing spark plugs and painting engines. In 1967 model year (July 1966) we stopped installing carbs before motor test and instead used natural gas in motor test to run the engines on the merry-go-round. That is why I ended up painting engines. By the way, those valve covers are stock for a GTO. '67 was the first year the GTO had a 3 speed auto ('66 had a power glide). Those were the days. Aug 1967 I was drafted into the army. I spent almost 2 years in Vietnam and thinking about my car that was waiting for me at home was one of the main things that got me through. Thanks for what you do. I'm sure Barry will enjoy his car when you are done with it. God Bless You. Garry Butler
Derek, your basically an Automotive Archeologist. As always thank you for the video. Happy Memorial Day to you, your family and to all our veterans out there.
The first thing I do before starting an engine that has been sitting is make sure it is not locked. Then take the outlet hose on the heater core off and back all the rust out including leaving the rad. cap off to flush it also and get any air out of the system because the heater core is the highest point in the system. I love making old cars run again myself. 57 years of tinkering.
@@kennethfulgium2021 Semper Fidelis, please thank your son from the ⭐ dad of PFC Stephen Paul Snowberger III KIA Iraq 11 May 2K6...All Gave Some, Some Gave All...we 'preciate you and your family's sacrifice... 😉
As much as I want to see that paint shined up, it’ll be so much more satisfying to see it running/driving good THEN see it sparkle and ready to really cruise.
Thank you so much for doing this car for him. I just started the video and hearing why you are doing this car made me tear up. I myself am a retired vet from the 82nd Airborne division. Some of us vets have a hard time after being retired. I myself fell into a deep depression and ended up losing my wife and kids and everything I worked so hard for. It took me a few years to finally come around, but the damage had already been done. So to see that people actually still care is always welcome. I already loved watching your videos, but I now have a new found respect for you. Thank you for giving our brothers and sisters that little bit of joy back in their lives.
Get the mechanical done, then make it pretty! You already have a great start going so keep up the momentum. I am retired military and I really appreciate what you are doing for the veterans! You are a good man, with a great wife and kids who are learning the old ways through you. You just can't ask for more than that! Thanks Derek, I'll keep watching!
That’s why we all love Derek and his VGG channel. Warm hearted and dedicated to our Veterans. Always doing the right thing. Nice gesture for a deserving Vietnam Vet.
That car is a work of art! and crazy clean.. And thank you Derek for doing this for one of our brave veterans... You are a good man. My father served in WW2, a bombardier in a b-26 marauder, in Europe, and in my opinion we owe all of our brave military personnel, anything and everything, we can offer.... Well done!!!
My absolute favorite car out there is a 1967 Pontiac GTO brandywine red and black. There's something about the lines on that car that you just can't beat. Thanks a million for taking care of this gentleman as he, and all of our veterans, have taken care of us. God bless and stay safe.
Ooh rah. Thank you Derek for being a Patriot and taking care of a well deserving veteran. Can't wait to see Mr Johnsons reaction. Love your videos. God bless you and your family.
Being a vet.. I admire the fact you have the utmost respect for our elder vets who need an extra hand to get back what they love.. their beautiful rides...
Bless you Derrick for your generosity. For me, it’s very heart warming that you include your boys in what you do. That will pay massive dividends in years to come
I’m a Vietnam Veteran and I think what your doing for MR Johnson is a wonderful thing. When I got back from Vietnam in 1969 I was on leave and purchased a used 1967 Camaro that was about the same color as that GTO. It replaced my MGA. Thanks for bringing happiness to a Vietnam Disabled vet.
As a veteran myself it makes happier than words can say. All our vets need support wether it be just someone to talk to or more. Love your videos and proud subscriber. Keep it up brother
Another reason to admire Derek. Helping a veteran get his special car back. 👍🏼. Keep the mechanical fixing going. Need to know what that miss is. Than do what keeps you motivated, although I think just knowing where it is going will do that.
@John Stuart Mill sitting on the drinker’s side will make the fellow smile I bet. Why it sat is not really my business or concern. If it didn’t sit there would be know Derek bringing it back to life. Stay positive bud, there is enough negative in everyone’s lives presently. Have a good one
@John Stuart Mill Derek never said he was paralyzed “in” the war. The vet used the car for several years post war. Many veterans experience a wide range of detrimental effects from combat injuries, in-theater treatments from military service years and decades post service. Just because he lacked ability physically, financially, or emotionally to continue working on the car doesn’t make him any less deserving.
Derek, you pretty much gotta do EVERYTHING exactly right on this vintage beast! Fix them dadgum ole plugs on the right bank and then let her rip on the rest of it. I can't wait to see how that paint and chrome shines up (AFTER all the mechanical stuff is addressed) and, yeah, who doesn't wanna see that interior come back to life?! I'ma bouta excited as I've ever bean to see you do THIS project!!
I bought a '67 GTO in 1975 CV 4sp while I was in the USN. Owned it until 2005 and sold it to my brother. He finished a complete frame off restoration. The car now has 650HP built stroker motor with the original muncie 4sp and a overdrive. A couple of things about the car you are working on. The chrome valve covers and air cleaner is how it came from the factory. The air cleaner is the same as similar year corvette. One thing about the '67 400 is they had cooling problems at idle. They didn't pump water very well. This was corrected in 1968 with a different water pump. The other thing about the cooling system is the back of the water pump housing is made from aluminum and it also forms the cover for the timing chain. This aluminum part would corrode and erode and allow cooling fluid to get from the water jacket into the crankcase. This is an extremely valuable original GTO. Do not fool around with it. Do it right. Before running it much more do the following things: 1. pressure test the cooling system and make sure water is not leaking into the crankcase. If it does not hold pressure and it is not obvious where the water is going pull the water pump and front engine cover. Make sure the front cover is in serviceable condition and if necessary have it weld repaired and grind it back to the correct dimensions. 2. change the fuel pump and get clean fuel coming from the gas tank. You are going to have to do this before you drive it back to Florida. You know how to do this. 3. Fix the brakes before you drive it. It is foolish not to. This includes a new master and slave cylinders. Replace all of the flex lines in the brake system and put new shoes on. The brake drums on this car are unique to Pontiac and the GTO. Original ones are just plain N/A. If you need to turn them make sure to take the minimum material off. During the 60s Pontiac marketed their cars as wide track. They had a 1 inch wider track the the comparable Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile 442 or Buick GS. They did this by increasing the thickness of the brake drums where the wheel studs go. 4. put new tires on it. It would be terrible if you took this car out for a test drive and one of these old tires blew and the car got damaged. I would cry. Other than this, I'm very interested in this project. Do the rest on any other order. Keep going. JimP
Would love to see all the mechanical done first, then interior then exterior. Pretty much the same order you did the LeSarbray and Betty White in. As much as it may seem like a repeat, it isn’t, I love seeing all this old machinery.
Just started watching this episode of VGG, and I already liked it, and hope to see many many more episodes like it. Not going to spoil it for myself or anyone else that hasn't watched the full video yet. I hope that Derek equips this Veteran owned GTO with some hand-controls for the owner, or whatever it takes to aid the owner to be able to drive and enjoy his classic ride once again. Thank you to all our veterans, to the ones that came home, and the ones that unfortunately didn't. As well as the veterans that came home, but sadly left parts of themselves behind. Thank you all for your service. For the Vietnam Veterans I would like to tell all who read this comment. Welcome home, and thank you for your sacrifices.
I had a 1974 4 speed/hatchback for years. Love this development, I've been a veterans advocate for many years. They need all our support in every community ( don't think the "system" can fill their needs). Thanks for all you do!
My ultimate dream car, I'm glad that it's in your hands. Please keep it as original as possible for the Veteran, for they are both Gems and cannot be replaced . Thank you Derek for your honor ,commitment and respect to our veterans that served us 🇺🇸
Wow only 20 minutes in & I'm hooked already. Hopefully it's not overly restored as it's only original once. VGG is the absolute king in this category!!
Derek making a rare exception to his reluctance about plans and lists! Have to say, I think it's deserved. A wonderful new section, brother. Very nice drills.
That 60 time is crazy fast especially with taking the weight into consideration... thank you for taking care of our veterans being one myself I really appreciate and have the upmost respect for you and your family
As the owner of a '66 GTO, I can tell you that the claim of 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds is absolutely not correct. There is no way, especially on the factory bias-ply tires of the day. They were fast for their day, but you'd be lucky to get under 7 seconds in a stock '67 GTO in period.
My dad told me there wasn’t much on the road in the 60s that he couldn’t outrun. He said a hemi cuda dusted him real bad. He said the car was a lot of fun.
Most GTOs came with fan guard and or fan shroud, especially with AC. I found that my 67 GTO runs cooler with them installed. Great thing you are doing, Derek. God bless.
The fan shroud makes a huge difference when it comes to cooling that bad boy! I had a 1970 "442" Olds Cutlass with the 455 big block and I ran it without the fan shroud because it was brittle and cracked and it kept hitting the clutch fan and it indeed overheated it !!! I had to find another one at the local junkyard, after installing it my overheating problem was solved!
As a veteran myself I want to say sir you are a wonderful man. What you are doing for this man is another reason I feel this is one of the best channels on TH-cam.
You rock brother! I was in the military as well. So was my dad, step dad, father in law, grandpa, great grandpa, etc. We have all been proud to protect the citizens of this country. Helping out vets is a wonderful use of your time. I thank you greatly for helping my brothers and sisters in arms!
Ok this is exactly why I watch this channel. I really love how much you support our veterans. I never served, but I have a lot of family members that did.
That is a great thing you are doing for veterans. Your absolutely right there’s not enough ink or paper to describe what our veterans have done for us. You are a great guy and your family is wonderful too can’t wait too see more of these revivals in the future.
I’m a veteran that served from 99-2003 so I served during 9/11 and saw things no 1 should ,,I wanted to say Thank You it feels Good that people actually appreciate us and don’t just say the Generic “thanks for your Service “ luv to see sincere graditude ,luv your Channels ,keep up all the g Hard work
What you do is amazing. You really walk the talk and I'm sure every veteran is tremendously grateful for what you are doing. You're a good man Derek. All of America needs more people like you and I'm serious. I had a 67 Tempest which was essentially a neutered GTO. Couldn't afford a real one but those cars had some of the finest body lines to ever roll out of Detroit.
@@rawr51919 something catastrophic happened to the engine on my way to work, it ran so bad it feels like it dropped 2 cylinders... i think the valve seats cracked.
Derek, this was my first car that I jumped into at 16. Got 'er running with my dad as my first car in the early 90's ...and loved it all through high school. We were a GTO heritage family. Sadly, I was T-boned in it about 1998...I miss my first car... This brings around the waterworks in the face to see you work on such a machine. Treat her right. Enjoy it. Pieces of Americana like this are few and far between.
Love your giving back mentality, Derek. You're a class act. Thank you to all of those serving and who have served. You will always have my respect and gratitude
Derek and Jessica, as an Army combat veteran I just wanted to say thank you. This video hit home with me. Especially since the license plate I saw had the county I live in Florida. Thank you guys so much for the things you do and now this. It's amazing to see a real family giving so willingly thanks to our men and women in uniform. I don't have words to properly express how I feel about this. I hope one day to meet you and your wonderful family. Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and Jessica so very much .
Being a Pontiac that has 80k+ miles I would put on a new timing chain and gears. The stock cam gear has fiber teeth that lasts about 75k miles. They used the fiber because it ran a bit quieter.
I thought that plastic timing gear was just on the four cylinder front drive grand am…which was a great car for what it did. I had one that used to get 35 mpg on trips, locally about twenty. Seats were the same as a firebird/Camero. Some people would confuse it with a similar looking bmw!
I was thinking exactly the same thing about replacing the timing chain and gear. I had a Pontiac 400 engine with the fiber teeth coated metal gear and it went out at about 80,000 miles and the timing jumped 8 degrees. I also had a loose converter to fly wheel bolt that made the strange noise. I added lock washers on those bolts.
Ive seen those gears on a lot of small block Chevys and these.. definitely a good idea to get rid of that. Probably help its running/tune, because its probably on its way
As a veteran I can say thank you for helping that guy that is a really nice thing to do I am handicapped my truck got homework so low in the nursing home I know I'm out and I have nothing to drive but one of these days I plan on buying a small pickup truck S10 or something like that but you're not unlimited social security it may not happen but at least your people like you after that try to help other people I really appreciate what you did for that bit
Impressed that you were able to get it running again ! You really know your work, and you enjoy it... what a blessing!!! It's so encouraging that you are doing the repairs for a veteran.
As a veteran and an American I absolutely love Derek’s love and admiration for this country and service members. You sir are a true Patriot! Love your channel and all you do. Im about 2 hours from Nashville here in Jackson TN if you are ever passing through or heading to Memphis Ive got plenty of tools and a spare bedroom! Also got a beer fridge 🍺 lol
As a disabled veteran I would love to have a place to donate money to help you and your family keep something like this going! Any info you can pass along please let me know. Been a viewer for years and this has finally caused me to reach for the ol wallet to give to such a great cause.
Wish I could give a lot more, thank you for doing this! Being from a military family and married to a veteran I understand the pain and sacrifices they make, we can never do enough to thank them. Thank you VGG, may you and your family continue to be blessed.
One of the things I love about your channel is the love you have for the vehicles. You always explain why you do each step and give enough detail to help us learn, without going overboard and being boring. I love the idea of helping out the veterans. Keep up the great work.
You are a great person to think that you would go as far to help the veterans with a car. This is just awesome. I served in the Army during Vietnam. I was in the 101st Airborne. When I came home in 1974 it was a whole different world back then. Now it is people like you that has made a difference in people toward Vietnam veterans. God Bless you my friend for all you do. I really like your channel. Been watching it for almost a year now. I try to catch each new video.
Thank you for supporting our veterans they deserve anything and everything from us. It’s sad that more people don’t realize it but people like you give me hope. I love your channel and I love the videos and the family keep doing what you’re doing. I like the gto and look forward to seeing the mechanicals mechanicalin
Most people I know are like him a bunch of my little brother's classmates bought the 79 grand prix he had in high school and sold before going to the Army and brought it to my shop we all jumped in and had that thing looking and running like the day it rolled out of the factory except for the headers and dual exhaust like my brother put on to eliminate the California emissions they had a big party for him at the school he tried playing hardass showing no emotions till I left and came screaming in backed up to the front doors and smoked up the entrance as the smoke cleared he lost it when they handed him the title and he realized he was the 2nd and 4th owner of the car he wanted since he was 10 got at 14 sold at 18 and wished hed put in storage instead of selling so at 40 he realized it was stored not gone tons of people donated time and materials to make it happen it made me cry when they showed up with it asking if they could borrow a bay and tools in my shop I said as long as I can help
A GTOforum member suggested other members check you out and subscribe to your channel. It is great to see someone helping out a veteran. Thank you. I subscribed and will be following your progress on this GTO. May have to order a Vice Grip Garage T-shirt, very cool.
Great to see you doing this for a vet, a feller is doing the right thing here. Can't wait to see the final reaction, he's going to flat love this! I'd say get the brakes going and get the fuel tank flushed out next, although can't wait to see how that paint's going to look shined up. You're so used to seeing those rusty MN cars, you musta been double-dipped seeing the underside of this one. Been sitting since I was 5 years old, looking great and now starting to sound great again. This is going to be a wonderful project to follow with you.
Derek, as always this is awesome! As a Navy Veteran (20 years retired) I applaud your support of Veterans and I think this is absolutely awesome! I would like to see fuel, brakes, & finish changing the spark plugs to see if that mis goes away. However if you are waiting on parts I say cleaning up & buffing the paint next.
Thank you for your service! We wouldn't be doing what we are doing right now if it wasn't for people like you! Got a few war heros in the family , but I've never been in your shoes. I very much appreciate the freedom and life you have given your time and sacrifices for. You are America!
Brings me right back in time. The days when I purchased my beautiful 68 mustang. But like the veteran your helping out any of us youngsters who graduated in the 60’s myself 67 we knew where our senior trip was taking us. Yup I graduated from the Tonkin Gulf University. One hell of a school. Made us 17 year olds into men. Americas best. Derek I’m going to look for part 2. Thanks so much for sharing. Stay safe and well Artie 😊🇺🇸
WOW! I mean seriously.. wow! I have watched this channel for years and i think this is one of, if not the best episode to date! Fixing up a car for a fella, a fella that served this nation without his knowledge! And its a GTO too! Thanks for all the content over the years and thanx to you, chris, and the ladies for standing in the rain in Indy. Sure was nice to shake a guys hand!
Nooo, it's not a small block! All Pontiac engines from 326-455 had the same external dimensions. Thanks for what your doing for a veteran, great stuff sir!
The 455 was different inside with the (IIRC) 3.25" main bearings being the biggest difference. I also wince a little when the Pontiac V8's are referred to as a 'small block' or 'big block', but I'm really just excited to see Derek put hands on a Pontiac (the blue late 60's Firebird he acquired a while back had a SBC in it so that doesn't really count, LOL).
Makes me so happy that you are working on this vehicle for the benefit of a veteran. I was way too scared to join. Can't wait to see the ultimate results!
You made tears run, not often does one feel this respect, I been watching you , and now I really respect you! I'm a disabled veteran Vietnam era, and I salute you, young fellage....
Great work Derek. Its a terrific idea to do something to honour a vet and make him feel appreciated. Really looking forward to future episodes on this car, the paintwork in particular. Way to go!
As a disabled veteran. I want to say thank you so much for your patriotism. I don't miss a single video, and I want to thank you for doing this for that veteran. It means a lot to see people giving back to those of us who served. Especially the Vietnam veterans. They came home to a country that didn't want them. They were treated awful and kicked to the side. What most people don't think of is that most of them were drafted to go to a war they didn't want to go to. They didn't volunteer. They were forced to go fight and then our country turned their back on them. They are true hero's. Thank you so much.
Amen brother. All Americans need to acknowledge everything you just said.
Thank you for your service.
Your service is appreciated sir
Derek, thanks for being a hero for the ordinary folk.
I'm a pretty old guy who was lucky enough to fly jet fighters as a Marine in Vietnam. Planes that have more thrust than weight are a real kick to fly. Watching you drive those 1,000 HP cars reminds me of the thrill of
extreme acceleration and "G" forces.
Hat's off to you Pal, those cars are too scarry for this old plane driver.
Take care, Fella, you're too valuable to lose; do what your wife tells you to do. Bob
Thank you for your service
Been waiting for this one since I glimpsed it hiding in the corner. So much I recognize about this car. Mine is nearly identical in terms of equipment and trim, but is wearing Mariner Turquoise paint and a hood tach. Drove it OUT of the junkyard in 1990 and have been fiddling with it ever since. Love it. Fun fact, those valve covers and air cleaner are factory. Weird rad cap. Those air shocks are actually really helpful. Mine had 'em, I deleted 'em, and now it's got bags because that big ol trunk you love will really sag in the back end leading to severe tire rubbage.
wish i could come and help, im a vietnam vet myself, disabled, but i used to work on these gto at the hobbyshop on base in davisville rhode island
i was a mechanic in the seabees and replaced many of these engines guys used to get on them hard and blew up lots of them
Is it weird that drumbeats was playing in my head as I read this?
Iam a 20 year USAF vet and this young man has won my heart. Thank you Derek for supporting us 🇺🇸
It's a special optional trim package that has the air intake use the scoop on the hood, forgot the name of it
And not one tow truck involved . Great to see your still out there.
If it was Me, I'd finish with Mechanical 1st, Interior 2nd, & body work last. That way no scratch's can happen when working on Interior. This is the days I miss a lot, when A Mechanic was A Mechanic!
This is the exact sequence I followed with my 65 GTO. Will be painting it this summer, but not relishing all the prep work needed before painting.
I was going to vote paint because it's going to shine up so good, but you're right... dang it.
As much as I can't wait for the paint and interior, your right the mechanical first,
Yeah what he said 👍
Mechanical first is definitely the sensible way to do things. I'd only qualify that with: if it looks good and shiny it can help to motivate you to press on and get the job finished.
Mr. Derrick... It's extremely admirable of you to pay tribute to a true man of service. Bless you Both.. And his son, of course
I LOVE that you are doing this for one of our nation's veterans. What a HUGE thank you to Mr. Johnson for his service.
@John Stuart Mill Therefore this gentleman shouldn't be able to own something nice? I don't understand your comment. Disabled or not, old or young, this probably made mr. Johnson feel really appreciated.
@@seniordavidmanderson9232 Thank you sir for your service.
John, who cares. Be happy for him.
@ John Stewart Mills..such negativity..There are many ways to be disabled..I am Disabled and drive ..not much unless its necessary..so chill Mr. Karen...
@John Stuart Mill what the fuk is wrong with you dude!!! You clearly aren't a car guy or you'd know it makes absolutely no difference whether he can drive it or not!! He's owned the car all those years so it's clearly got meaning to him and just him seeing it move and look great again is enough to make any car guy happy and he's a veteran so show some respect and lay off the jealousy buddy it doesn't look good on you
I vote for getting the mechanicals working and drivable. Love 67 GTO's one of my favorites. Keep up the good work supporting our Vets and keeping the classics on the road.
Agree, determine if the basic block and heads are ok, before start up pull the plugs, marvel mystery oil in the cylinders, berryman the carb, change the oil and filter, crank over letting the MMO lube the rings, inspect plugs and check compression. Replace belts, hoses, flush engine and rad, new plugs and wires, points, then start with remote fuel tank. Do brake job and grease front wheel bearings, master and wheel cylinders, pads, transmission service, shocks, flush fuel tank and line, add in-line fuel filter, then maybe drive her....shame to damage that car by not doing the maintenance/refresh first...all above is pretty cheap too
@@wokewokerman5280 Which planet exactly offers cheap petroleum products? I'm very eager to know. More importantly does Elon Musk offer FREE shipping? otherwise I'm sure there will be an astronomical fuel tax and shipping charge.
@@briansutton7764 ...Pluto and Elon can get you there....
@@wokewokerman5280 You being woke and all, I gather that you're communicating from there. Pluto that is. You obviously reside on another planet where petroleum products are cheap. Is Jeff Bezos with you? You and Jeff Bezos obviously have one thing in common, you're both full of Hot Gases. By the way, if you get the Washington Post Then You Just Don't Get It!
@@wokewokerman5280 I'd go 4 wheel disc brakes myself
I enjoy Roadkill, Overhaulin’ and Top Gear - Derek does all these things on the one channel. A feller really knows his fan base and provides time and time again. Hands down, the best automotive enthusiast channel on TH-cam. Thank you VGG.
Check out the U.K. program Car SOS. You’ll like that too. 👍🏻
Roadkill ain't even worth being mentioned in the same sentence as Derek. It's pathetic how bad they've gotten.
Amen to that!
@@Locust13 agreed, can’t even watch it here in Australia anymore. I like the format of the show and the earlier episodes. Derek brings that same feeling, but better.
I loved roadkill but when they lied and said they would never go subscription only and then stopped posting on TH-cam and only to mtod I was done. They screwed their loyal day one fan base and I can’t stand them for it.
Dunno what makes a tear come to my eyes when Derek says what he says.
Probably it’s not what he says but the way he says and does it, it’s from the heart.
Bless you Derek, it sets you apart. ❤️🇷🇴
dunno what brings a tear to my eye reading all the comments Derek you deserve it all man true roll model but did you really spray paint that trim on the gto
Probably all the smoke from when he fires them up.
You're a good guy with a big heart Derek. As a veteran myself, I appreciate what you do!!
Thank you for your service. God bless and I love ya.
🇺🇸Thank you for your Service 🇺🇸
I second the motion…
Welcome home brother!
Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifice ....You are Appreciated 💪
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💯⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐😇😇🙏🙏
Very rarely do we see someone become so successful and actually deserve it. Derek, you’re the man.
@@eriklarson9137 Point out where he said his benchmark or opinion is more important than anyone else's... You sure have bein a slow leak nailed...
you're not looking hard enough
So true. Just found this channel. Fell in love with this guy. Funny, stand up guy, hard working, family guy, who seems like he just likes using his talents for the good of others. What’s not to like? Keep up the good work. Oh yeah, and what you said about our vets, you are 1000.6579% correct !!! Thank you for doing the good stuff for the people who have all they had 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I am also a disabled Marine Vet, I appreciate what you are doing for this gentleman. I thoroughly enjoy your channel, keep up the good work.
Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifice ....You are Appreciated 💪
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Sir.
The best to you and yours.
I thank you sir for your service .
Thanks brother. For everything!
I’m a Marine vet as well, thank you for your service 🤜!
Thanks for doing this Derek! I’m a single mother whose son is serving over seas for our country as I type this. I wish I could give more but I’m stretched to the max as it is with the kids starting school. My son will be returning back to the states in Nov. I’m trying to get his car up to par before he gets back. I’ve already sunk $715 into it. I’ve noticed a popping in the steering. Any advice would be appreciated. Dodge Avenger 2008. my sister turned me to your channel and I’m so hooked! I’m learning so much. My daughters car needed a new alternator and with a few tools laying around I dropped it out and got that new one installed. I even marked the new one with the year just like you suggested. She was my right hand gal too just like your son is with you. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks again for being you!
I agree with a lot of folks here. 1st mechanical, 2nd interior, 3rd paint/body.
Thank you for doing this for a veteran.
Tell you what Derek there need to be more people like you in this country that take care of our veterans. Keep up the good work man.
All vets deserve this kind of admiration and attention. You've done an incredible job for a hero Derek, very well done.
As a partially disabled Vet I want to say we definitely appreciate people like you. Love your channel!!
This is the VGG we all needed. Back to the roots!
I’d love to see some series peppered in like these. Thanks for helping out a VET!!
Yup that other stuff was painful to watch. Love the revivals
@@melvingibson4525 look I’m glad Derek is able to go do so many different things with other channels. That said, he’s on a whole other level when it comes to revivals. No other channel comes close.
Yeah most of the stuff on this channel is garbage now, I don't even watch most of it. The videos like this are fun to watch, he needs to stick with the old format.
@@rockettcustoms6266 hmm. I thought the monster garBage parody was fun and entertaining.
@@77yogurt mechanical
We need more people like you in this world. As a Vet I thank you for the support and kindness you show toward us. It really does mean the world to me and I am sure all the other Veterans that watch your videos feel the same way. Thank you again and God bless America!🇺🇲🇺🇲
🇺🇸🤝
I can't tell you how much joy I get from realizing Derek uploaded another feature length video. Derek if you read this, just know you're such an inspiring person and the world is a much wealthier place with you and your family in it. Thank y'all for dedicating so much of your time to us.
Derek, as a retired disabled vet myself, thank you for your support of us veterans. God bless you and your family!
Served 12 years myself, this is really amazing that you’re able to help my fellow brothers and sisters. Thank you soo much!
🇺🇸Thank you for your Service 🇺🇸
Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifice ....You are Appreciated 💪
You've always been a friend to the veteran community Derek, and we love you for it. Thank you and God bless you.
I love your patriotism. It restores my belief in our country. I'm a twenty year retired veteran and I was already a fan but this puts you at the top of my TH-cam list. I am pretty choked up that you are doing this for a fellow vet. God bless you Derek.
Thank you for your service. Love ya.
U to put poppy powbt bb😮g lucpi😊😊😮😅😊y
Derek you are an outstanding guy. As a veteran myself, your gift is in this GTO is so Appreciated!!
Get all the mechanical work done first.
Then do the interior.
Save the paint and trim for last.
This is an awesome thing you and your family are doing for our veterans.
Love the channel and look forward to many more episodes.
This is the right way.
Wow. In Nov 1982 I was 26 years old, now I'm 66 and retired. Amazing to think of all the things that have happened in my life, careers, places I've lived, etc. etc. all while that car didn't move an inch.
🤗
Wow, does this bring up memories. I went to work on the Pontiac Motors plant 9 motor line in November of 1965. In those days we were working two shifts 10 hours a day 6 days a week and made 3 engines an hour. In January of '66 my GTO arrived at the dealer. 389 Tri-Power four speed. If you have ever heard of the Woodward dream cruise, they are re-enacting what I was doing every weekend. I actually met my wife there.
I did a lot of jobs on the motor line including in order: putting oil in the engines, installing carburetors, installing spark plugs and painting engines. In 1967 model year (July 1966) we stopped installing carbs before motor test and instead used natural gas in motor test to run the engines on the merry-go-round. That is why I ended up painting engines. By the way, those valve covers are stock for a GTO. '67 was the first year the GTO had a 3 speed auto ('66 had a power glide). Those were the days. Aug 1967 I was drafted into the army. I spent almost 2 years in Vietnam and thinking about my car that was waiting for me at home was one of the main things that got me through. Thanks for what you do. I'm sure Barry will enjoy his car when you are done with it. God Bless You. Garry Butler
Welcome home brother.
WELCOME HOME Sir and God Bless You. Do you still have the car?
I meant we made 3 engines a minute.
@@beckyumphrey2626 The car is long gone.
Again Thank you Sr. For giving back to our vets, NAVY vet here. We can never do enough for our vets, they deserve all the help they have coming..!
Derek, your basically an Automotive Archeologist. As always thank you for the video. Happy Memorial Day to you, your family and to all our veterans out there.
......YOU'RE basically......ever use English much ??
That is exactly what he is
The first thing I do before starting an engine that has been sitting is make sure it is not locked. Then take the outlet hose on the heater core off and back all the rust out including leaving the rad. cap off to flush it also and get any air out of the system because the heater core is the highest point in the system. I love making old cars run again myself. 57 years of tinkering.
Son is a Marine and came from Maryland to Kansas for his youngest nephews graduation.
@@kennethfulgium2021 Semper Fidelis, please thank your son from the ⭐ dad of PFC Stephen Paul Snowberger III KIA Iraq 11 May 2K6...All Gave Some, Some Gave All...we 'preciate you and your family's sacrifice... 😉
As much as I want to see that paint shined up, it’ll be so much more satisfying to see it running/driving good THEN see it sparkle and ready to really cruise.
This car holds a special place for me, Dad has had his Tyrol Blue ‘67 GTO since 1970. I’m a vet also and love that you’re doing this Derek, thank you!
Thank you for your service, Sir❣️🇺🇲 God Bless.
Thank you so much for doing this car for him. I just started the video and hearing why you are doing this car made me tear up. I myself am a retired vet from the 82nd Airborne division. Some of us vets have a hard time after being retired. I myself fell into a deep depression and ended up losing my wife and kids and everything I worked so hard for. It took me a few years to finally come around, but the damage had already been done. So to see that people actually still care is always welcome. I already loved watching your videos, but I now have a new found respect for you. Thank you for giving our brothers and sisters that little bit of joy back in their lives.
Get the mechanical done, then make it pretty! You already have a great start going so keep up the momentum. I am retired military and I really appreciate what you are doing for the veterans! You are a good man, with a great wife and kids who are learning the old ways through you. You just can't ask for more than that! Thanks Derek, I'll keep watching!
I love the “Pull it out of a field and drive it home” sort of revivals, but this is awesome, too!
Amazing how I watched this hour and 17 minutes straight and felt like five minutes. Can’t wait to see the owners reaction. Keep up the good work
VGG videos are like that. The better the content the quicker it goes by.
As a veteran myself, I more than appreciate all that you do for us.
Appreciate your service sir
Well done sir
That’s why we all love Derek and his VGG channel. Warm hearted and dedicated to our Veterans. Always doing the right thing. Nice gesture for a deserving Vietnam Vet.
Thanks for watching
Mechanical first, then interior, then exterior would be my vote. What a cool project! Love it
Bleep bloop! I agree with this for the next things to do. ✅
That car is a work of art! and crazy clean.. And thank you Derek for doing this for one of our brave veterans... You are a good man. My father served in WW2, a bombardier in a b-26 marauder, in Europe, and in my opinion we owe all of our brave military personnel, anything and everything, we can offer.... Well done!!!
My absolute favorite car out there is a 1967 Pontiac GTO brandywine red and black. There's something about the lines on that car that you just can't beat. Thanks a million for taking care of this gentleman as he, and all of our veterans, have taken care of us. God bless and stay safe.
Ooh rah. Thank you Derek for being a Patriot and taking care of a well deserving veteran. Can't wait to see Mr Johnsons reaction. Love your videos.
God bless you and your family.
Being a vet.. I admire the fact you have the utmost respect for our elder vets who need an extra hand to get back what they love.. their beautiful rides...
zedd kyll blähnett xXP
Breaks my heart to see our politicians completely destroy everything our veterans paid for with their blood, sweat and tears.
THANK YOU GOD BLESS.
This is a very good 👍 deal that are you doing. I'm a retired USAF..
Your service is appreciated
Bless you Derrick for your generosity. For me, it’s very heart warming that you include your boys in what you do. That will pay massive dividends in years to come
I’m a Vietnam Veteran and I think what your doing for MR Johnson is a wonderful thing.
When I got back from Vietnam in 1969 I was on leave and purchased a used 1967 Camaro that was about the same color as that GTO. It replaced my MGA.
Thanks for bringing happiness to a Vietnam Disabled vet.
As a veteran myself it makes happier than words can say. All our vets need support wether it be just someone to talk to or more. Love your videos and proud subscriber. Keep it up brother
Thank you for your service, Sir! 💕 God Bless you!
Another reason to admire Derek. Helping a veteran get his special car back. 👍🏼.
Keep the mechanical fixing going. Need to know what that miss is. Than do what keeps you motivated, although I think just knowing where it is going will do that.
Such an awesome guy for this!
@John Stuart Mill sitting on the drinker’s side will make the fellow smile I bet. Why it sat is not really my business or concern. If it didn’t sit there would be know Derek bringing it back to life. Stay positive bud, there is enough negative in everyone’s lives presently. Have a good one
@John Stuart Mill Derek never said he was paralyzed “in” the war. The vet used the car for several years post war. Many veterans experience a wide range of detrimental effects from combat injuries, in-theater treatments from military service years and decades post service. Just because he lacked ability physically, financially, or emotionally to continue working on the car doesn’t make him any less deserving.
@@frankrizzo5057 Frank Rizzo...FRANK RIZZO!!! Open your bleeping ears jackass! Sorry, had to. My favorite Jerky boys character lol
Derek, you pretty much gotta do EVERYTHING exactly right on this vintage beast! Fix them dadgum ole plugs on the right bank and then let her rip on the rest of it. I can't wait to see how that paint and chrome shines up (AFTER all the mechanical stuff is addressed) and, yeah, who doesn't wanna see that interior come back to life?! I'ma bouta excited as I've ever bean to see you do THIS project!!
I’m a veteran of the us navy from 93-97 and I thank you for treating our combat veterans the way you are!
I bought a '67 GTO in 1975 CV 4sp while I was in the USN. Owned it until 2005 and sold it to my brother. He finished a complete frame off restoration. The car now has 650HP built stroker motor with the original muncie 4sp and a overdrive. A couple of things about the car you are working on. The chrome valve covers and air cleaner is how it came from the factory. The air cleaner is the same as similar year corvette. One thing about the '67 400 is they had cooling problems at idle. They didn't pump water very well. This was corrected in 1968 with a different water pump. The other thing about the cooling system is the back of the water pump housing is made from aluminum and it also forms the cover for the timing chain. This aluminum part would corrode and erode and allow cooling fluid to get from the water jacket into the crankcase.
This is an extremely valuable original GTO. Do not fool around with it. Do it right. Before running it much more do the following things:
1. pressure test the cooling system and make sure water is not leaking into the crankcase. If it does not hold pressure and it is not obvious where the water is going pull the water pump and front engine cover. Make sure the front cover is in serviceable condition and if necessary have it weld repaired and grind it back to the correct dimensions.
2. change the fuel pump and get clean fuel coming from the gas tank. You are going to have to do this before you drive it back to Florida. You know how to do this.
3. Fix the brakes before you drive it. It is foolish not to. This includes a new master and slave cylinders. Replace all of the flex lines in the brake system and put new shoes on. The brake drums on this car are unique to Pontiac and the GTO. Original ones are just plain N/A. If you need to turn them make sure to take the minimum material off. During the 60s Pontiac marketed their cars as wide track. They had a 1 inch wider track the the comparable Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile 442 or Buick GS. They did this by increasing the thickness of the brake drums where the wheel studs go.
4. put new tires on it. It would be terrible if you took this car out for a test drive and one of these old tires blew and the car got damaged. I would cry.
Other than this, I'm very interested in this project. Do the rest on any other order. Keep going. JimP
Would love to see all the mechanical done first, then interior then exterior. Pretty much the same order you did the LeSarbray and Betty White in. As much as it may seem like a repeat, it isn’t, I love seeing all this old machinery.
Just started watching this episode of VGG, and I already liked it, and hope to see many many more episodes like it. Not going to spoil it for myself or anyone else that hasn't watched the full video yet. I hope that Derek equips this Veteran owned GTO with some hand-controls for the owner, or whatever it takes to aid the owner to be able to drive and enjoy his classic ride once again. Thank you to all our veterans, to the ones that came home, and the ones that unfortunately didn't. As well as the veterans that came home, but sadly left parts of themselves behind. Thank you all for your service. For the Vietnam Veterans I would like to tell all who read this comment. Welcome home, and thank you for your sacrifices.
Been here since the beginning, love every episode but this one takes the cake. Comedian, mechanic and loves his country. We need to protect Derek.
You forgot veteran...
I had a 1974 4 speed/hatchback for years. Love this development, I've been a veterans advocate for many years. They need all our support in every community ( don't think the "system" can fill their needs). Thanks for all you do!
My ultimate dream car, I'm glad that it's in your hands. Please keep it as original as possible for the Veteran, for they are both Gems and cannot be replaced . Thank you Derek for your honor ,commitment and respect to our veterans that served us 🇺🇸
Wow only 20 minutes in & I'm hooked already. Hopefully it's not overly restored as it's only original once. VGG is the absolute king in this category!!
Derek making a rare exception to his reluctance about plans and lists! Have to say, I think it's deserved. A wonderful new section, brother. Very nice drills.
That 60 time is crazy fast especially with taking the weight into consideration... thank you for taking care of our veterans being one myself I really appreciate and have the upmost respect for you and your family
🇺🇸Thank you for your Service 🇺🇸
As the owner of a '66 GTO, I can tell you that the claim of 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds is absolutely not correct. There is no way, especially on the factory bias-ply tires of the day. They were fast for their day, but you'd be lucky to get under 7 seconds in a stock '67 GTO in period.
My dad told me there wasn’t much on the road in the 60s that he couldn’t outrun. He said a hemi cuda dusted him real bad. He said the car was a lot of fun.
Most GTOs came with fan guard and or fan shroud, especially with AC. I found that my 67 GTO runs cooler with them installed. Great thing you are doing, Derek. God bless.
My 69er has a fan shroud. Though I have considered switching to electrics for better cooling and a little more hp.
Looks like the shroud is broken on this one, seems like part of it's still there on the drinker side.
Possibly a broken motor mount ,let the engine raise up to bust the fan shroud
The fan shroud makes a huge difference when it comes to cooling that bad boy!
I had a 1970 "442" Olds Cutlass with the 455 big block and I ran it without the fan shroud because it was brittle and cracked and it kept hitting the clutch fan and it indeed overheated it !!!
I had to find another one at the local junkyard, after installing it my overheating problem was solved!
@@monicasmith350
That's a real possibility, good call Monica!
As a veteran myself I want to say sir you are a wonderful man. What you are doing for this man is another reason I feel this is one of the best channels on TH-cam.
Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifice ....You are Appreciated 💪
You rock brother! I was in the military as well. So was my dad, step dad, father in law, grandpa, great grandpa, etc.
We have all been proud to protect the citizens of this country.
Helping out vets is a wonderful use of your time. I thank you greatly for helping my brothers and sisters in arms!
Ok this is exactly why I watch this channel. I really love how much you support our veterans. I never served, but I have a lot of family members that did.
Sir, you are a legend. I wish there were more people like you in the world. Love your show. Regards from Australia
I like this comment, but I won't like the comment because it's at 69 likes and I don't want to be the one to break the number. Nice!
That is a great thing you are doing for veterans. Your absolutely right there’s not enough ink or paper to describe what our veterans have done for us. You are a great guy and your family is wonderful too can’t wait too see more of these revivals in the future.
I’m a veteran that served from 99-2003 so I served during 9/11 and saw things no 1 should ,,I wanted to say Thank You it feels Good that people actually appreciate us and don’t just say the Generic “thanks for your Service “ luv to see sincere graditude ,luv your Channels ,keep up all the g
Hard work
In reply to your question: I believe full correction of the fuel and ignition systems should be #1, with brakes being #2
Love your work! ✊🏻
Drop the tank & flush it, and don't forget to replace the pick up sock in the gas tank, it's for sure shot.
What you do is amazing. You really walk the talk and I'm sure every veteran is tremendously grateful for what you are doing. You're a good man Derek. All of America needs more people like you and I'm serious.
I had a 67 Tempest which was essentially a neutered GTO. Couldn't afford a real one but those cars had some of the finest body lines to ever roll out of Detroit.
Doesn'rt matter what you work next because I'll watch every episode of this rebuild....Very cool what you're doing.
This veteran thanks you. 😊 Your videos are a smile waiting to happen.
As a veteran with a classic car that doesn't run, this touched my heart. For that sir, I salute you.
Might be time to wrench on it and fire it up
@@rawr51919 something catastrophic happened to the engine on my way to work, it ran so bad it feels like it dropped 2 cylinders... i think the valve seats cracked.
Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifice ....You are Appreciated 💪
Derek, this was my first car that I jumped into at 16. Got 'er running with my dad as my first car in the early 90's ...and loved it all through high school. We were a GTO heritage family. Sadly, I was T-boned in it about 1998...I miss my first car...
This brings around the waterworks in the face to see you work on such a machine. Treat her right. Enjoy it.
Pieces of Americana like this are few and far between.
Love your giving back mentality, Derek. You're a class act. Thank you to all of those serving and who have served. You will always have my respect and gratitude
And you sir will always have our respect and gratitude for your support. Thank you.
Proud to see people helping veterans, we owe them more than we’ll ever be able to repay. God bless you for this. And god bless our veterans.
Derek and Jessica, as an Army combat veteran I just wanted to say thank you. This video hit home with me. Especially since the license plate I saw had the county I live in Florida. Thank you guys so much for the things you do and now this. It's amazing to see a real family giving so willingly thanks to our men and women in uniform. I don't have words to properly express how I feel about this. I hope one day to meet you and your wonderful family. Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you and Jessica so very much .
Being a Pontiac that has 80k+ miles I would put on a new timing chain and gears. The stock cam gear has fiber teeth that lasts about 75k miles. They used the fiber because it ran a bit quieter.
I thought that plastic timing gear was just on the four cylinder front drive grand am…which was a great car for what it did. I had one that used to get 35 mpg on trips, locally about twenty. Seats were the same as a firebird/Camero. Some people would confuse it with a similar looking bmw!
GM used the plastic coated timing gear teeth for years during this time. It's pretty common for them to be falling apart and half in the pan.
I was thinking exactly the same thing about replacing the timing chain and gear. I had a Pontiac 400 engine with the fiber teeth coated metal gear and it went out at about 80,000 miles and the timing jumped 8 degrees. I also had a loose converter to fly wheel bolt that made the strange noise. I added lock washers on those bolts.
That's Right Get That Out There ASAP Many Times Seen BAD
Ive seen those gears on a lot of small block Chevys and these.. definitely a good idea to get rid of that. Probably help its running/tune, because its probably on its way
As a veteran I can say thank you for helping that guy that is a really nice thing to do I am handicapped my truck got homework so low in the nursing home I know I'm out and I have nothing to drive but one of these days I plan on buying a small pickup truck S10 or something like that but you're not unlimited social security it may not happen but at least your people like you after that try to help other people I really appreciate what you did for that bit
Thanks for your service
Impressed that you were able to get it running again ! You really know your work, and you enjoy it... what a blessing!!! It's so encouraging that you are doing the repairs for a veteran.
As a veteran and an American I absolutely love Derek’s love and admiration for this country and service members. You sir are a true Patriot! Love your channel and all you do. Im about 2 hours from Nashville here in Jackson TN if you are ever passing through or heading to Memphis Ive got plenty of tools and a spare bedroom! Also got a beer fridge 🍺 lol
Can a Guy fix an Ailing Countries Soul with a a Vice-grip....seem Derek might ?? Nice to read your comment ! Thankyou for Your Service Sir !
As a disabled veteran I would love to have a place to donate money to help you and your family keep something like this going! Any info you can pass along please let me know. Been a viewer for years and this has finally caused me to reach for the ol wallet to give to such a great cause.
This is going to be good. I can't wait to see the rest of the work going into this. You're a good man for doing this.
As a former Marine and vw bus collector and rebuilder, I am very impressed with your empathy for us Vetrans.
Wish I could give a lot more, thank you for doing this! Being from a military family and married to a veteran I understand the pain and sacrifices they make, we can never do enough to thank them. Thank you VGG, may you and your family continue to be blessed.
One of the things I love about your channel is the love you have for the vehicles. You always explain why you do each step and give enough detail to help us learn, without going overboard and being boring.
I love the idea of helping out the veterans. Keep up the great work.
Beautiful idea, Derek. Good on you.
Nick+Derek collab when?!
This needs to happen!!
Doesn't matter as long as it's finished
Bring Nick in to play with Vanishing Paint!!??
@@michaelcoonce6694 zss
Mechanical… make that beast breath fire. Then beauty her up. I want to here that tiger roar first
You are a great person to think that you would go as far to help the veterans with a car. This is just awesome. I served in the Army during Vietnam. I was in the 101st Airborne. When I came home in 1974 it was a whole different world back then. Now it is people like you that has made a difference in people toward Vietnam veterans. God Bless you my friend for all you do. I really like your channel. Been watching it for almost a year now. I try to catch each new video.
Thank you for supporting our veterans they deserve anything and everything from us. It’s sad that more people don’t realize it but people like you give me hope. I love your channel and I love the videos and the family keep doing what you’re doing. I like the gto and look forward to seeing the mechanicals mechanicalin
Most people I know are like him a bunch of my little brother's classmates bought the 79 grand prix he had in high school and sold before going to the Army and brought it to my shop we all jumped in and had that thing looking and running like the day it rolled out of the factory except for the headers and dual exhaust like my brother put on to eliminate the California emissions they had a big party for him at the school he tried playing hardass showing no emotions till I left and came screaming in backed up to the front doors and smoked up the entrance as the smoke cleared he lost it when they handed him the title and he realized he was the 2nd and 4th owner of the car he wanted since he was 10 got at 14 sold at 18 and wished hed put in storage instead of selling so at 40 he realized it was stored not gone tons of people donated time and materials to make it happen it made me cry when they showed up with it asking if they could borrow a bay and tools in my shop I said as long as I can help
A GTOforum member suggested other members check you out and subscribe to your channel. It is great to see someone helping out a veteran. Thank you. I subscribed and will be following your progress on this GTO. May have to order a Vice Grip Garage T-shirt, very cool.
Thanks Frank
And the Hats Are Great Too!!…. As are the bags they are shipped in. Made me and the Postal guy hit knuckles
Nothing but respect. Never been happier to be a subscriber to a channel then I am vgg fan since day 1! Crazy where he started to where he's at.
Great to see you doing this for a vet, a feller is doing the right thing here. Can't wait to see the final reaction, he's going to flat love this! I'd say get the brakes going and get the fuel tank flushed out next, although can't wait to see how that paint's going to look shined up. You're so used to seeing those rusty MN cars, you musta been double-dipped seeing the underside of this one. Been sitting since I was 5 years old, looking great and now starting to sound great again. This is going to be a wonderful project to follow with you.
Derek, as always this is awesome! As a Navy Veteran (20 years retired) I applaud your support of Veterans and I think this is absolutely awesome! I would like to see fuel, brakes, & finish changing the spark plugs to see if that mis goes away. However if you are waiting on parts I say cleaning up & buffing the paint next.
You can't argue with to old Navy salts...lol!
Thank you for your service! We wouldn't be doing what we are doing right now if it wasn't for people like you! Got a few war heros in the family , but I've never been in your shoes. I very much appreciate the freedom and life you have given your time and sacrifices for. You are America!
This is wonderful. I am with you Derek, cannot do enough for the Veterans.
Awesome! Love that you are doing this for veterans! They deserve so much better than they usually get. Bless you!
Brings me right back in time. The days when I purchased my beautiful 68 mustang. But like the veteran your helping out any of us youngsters who graduated in the 60’s myself 67 we knew where our senior trip was taking us. Yup I graduated from the Tonkin Gulf University. One hell of a school. Made us 17 year olds into men. Americas best. Derek I’m going to look for part 2. Thanks so much for sharing. Stay safe and well Artie 😊🇺🇸
WOW! I mean seriously.. wow! I have watched this channel for years and i think this is one of, if not the best episode to date! Fixing up a car for a fella, a fella that served this nation without his knowledge! And its a GTO too! Thanks for all the content over the years and thanx to you, chris, and the ladies for standing in the rain in Indy. Sure was nice to shake a guys hand!
Nooo, it's not a small block! All Pontiac engines from 326-455 had the same external dimensions.
Thanks for what your doing for a veteran, great stuff sir!
The 455 was different inside with the (IIRC) 3.25" main bearings being the biggest difference. I also wince a little when the Pontiac V8's are referred to as a 'small block' or 'big block', but I'm really just excited to see Derek put hands on a Pontiac (the blue late 60's Firebird he acquired a while back had a SBC in it so that doesn't really count, LOL).
Easy mistake but yes big block, even the 350 in my 70 firebird is a "big block". Albeit small bore.
Makes me so happy that you are working on this vehicle for the benefit of a veteran. I was way too scared to join. Can't wait to see the ultimate results!
This veteran from thus time period didn't have the choice not to join. He was probably drafted and ordered to sign up.
You made tears run, not often does one feel this respect, I been watching you , and now I really respect you! I'm a disabled veteran Vietnam era, and I salute you, young fellage....
Derek, you are amazing. Thanks for doing what you do for vets. We appreciate you. Hope you will inspire more guys like you to do the same.
What a wonderful thing to do to show gratitude for those who served, outstanding !
your doing the right thing, show the man how much his service means to you, to all of us.I cant wait to see what you guys do to that beautiful car
Great work Derek. Its a terrific idea to do something to honour a vet and make him feel appreciated. Really looking forward to future episodes on this car, the paintwork in particular. Way to go!