LS Swap Wiring, Interior Restoration, and Tail Light Refurbishment on a 1969 GTO

LS Swap Wiring and Engine Bay Details

• 🔌 LS engine swaps are common, requiring the connection of late-model wiring to a standalone harness and the vehicle's existing systems.
• 💡 An adapter is used for the oil pressure switch, utilizing the location above the oil filter, though header interference can be a concern.
• 🔧 Tight spots near the firewall, such as fuel fittings and brake lines, are addressed before installing front sheet metal for easier access.
• 🛠️ A brake hose was swapped for a shorter one to prevent pinching by suspension components and improve aesthetics.
• ✨ The importance of a clean engine bay is highlighted, noting that good execution goes unnoticed while poor execution is glaring.

Fuel Pump Wiring and Trunk Area

• ⚡ The primary key-on power wire for the fuel pump is routed through the firewall, carefully avoiding the foot pedal area to prevent pinching.
• 🚗 To preserve the trunk's spatter paint job, the fuel pump wire is routed along the tail light harness instead of drilling a new hole.
• 💡 A technique for soldering connections involves preheating the crimp and allowing the solder to melt into it for a more solid connection.
• 🔌 Electrical tape is applied to wire clips to prevent pinching, a small trick of the trade.

Interior Floor and Sound Deadening Installation

• 🧹 The old insulation in the GTO's interior is removed to prepare for new sound deadening and interior components.
• 💎 The solid condition of the GTO's floor is noted as unusual for a GM body of that era.
• 🛡️ A rust treatment is applied to the floor, converting rust to a flat black finish that seals out oxidation.
• 🔊 An OE-style sound deadening kit from Summit Racing is installed, requiring some trimming for a proper fit.
• 🔥 The sound deadening and insulation are intended to provide temperature control in the GTO, which will be prone to heat due to its black interior, paint, and chrome.
• ✂️ Relief cuts are made in the sound deadening material where it bunches up to ensure a flatter installation.
• 💨 The material is warmed with a heat gun to loosen the adhesive and allow it to sit tightly, eventually settling into its foundation over time.

Package Tray Refurbishment

• 📦 The original package tray for the GTO is refurbished rather than replaced due to scarcity.
• 💧 The corrugated surface of the package tray is saturated with water to soften it for reshaping.
• ⚖️ A heavy, flat object (corkboard with weights) is placed on the saturated tray to flatten and ring it out.
• ♨️ A household iron on medium-low heat is used to iron out wrinkles in the mesh of the package tray, warming the material without melting it.
• 🩹 Glue is applied thinly to the package tray, allowed to flash, and then pressed into place from the center out.

Tail Light Restoration

• 🚗 The tail lights are addressed due to corrosion and pitting around the bezel.
• 🧽 The corroded areas are cleaned up, and the bezels are prepped for sandblasting.
• 🎨 A wrinkle paint finish is applied to the tail light bezels to hide imperfections and provide a unique look.
• 💨 The wrinkle paint requires application at different angles and a sufficient amount of material to function correctly.
• 🔥 A heat gun is used to activate the wrinkle effect of the paint.
• 💰 The restoration of the tail lights is estimated to cost around $20-$30 and an hour of work, significantly less than professional refurbishment which could cost thousands.