Back with a Grand Prix!
- Ghosthawk
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Back with a Grand Prix!
I closed the deal yesterday on a 2002 Grand Prix GT with the tried and true 3800. This was one of those times when the pictures did not do the car enough justice. I was concerned with it being its whole life in Pennsylvania that it might have some ugly under-body rot from harsh winters, but to my pleasant surprise, it looks as good as either newer car I currently own.
The interior is in great shape for a car this age and under the hood was incredibly clean, showing no burned oil residue on the rear manifold and no seeping leakage around the intake. One wet bolt on the trans pan was the only fluid issue I noticed. Inside the trunk was pristine, even in the tire well with no evidence of any leaks...ever. LOL
I'm convinced this was a garage baby and with only 69k on the clock I'm guessing it wasn't a long distance runner.
The test drive was a flash of nostalgia with the leather interior the same color as my 2001 GP and white exterior like Bonnie (albeit missing that stunning Gold Tri-Coat)
I'm hoping and planning for this to be my project and playtoy for many moons to come. It feels good to own a Pontiac again!
The interior is in great shape for a car this age and under the hood was incredibly clean, showing no burned oil residue on the rear manifold and no seeping leakage around the intake. One wet bolt on the trans pan was the only fluid issue I noticed. Inside the trunk was pristine, even in the tire well with no evidence of any leaks...ever. LOL
I'm convinced this was a garage baby and with only 69k on the clock I'm guessing it wasn't a long distance runner.
The test drive was a flash of nostalgia with the leather interior the same color as my 2001 GP and white exterior like Bonnie (albeit missing that stunning Gold Tri-Coat)
I'm hoping and planning for this to be my project and playtoy for many moons to come. It feels good to own a Pontiac again!
2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

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- haro1225
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!

-Ryan
2004 GTO....LS1, LSA supercharged 525whp, 6MT
96 SSEi...September 2010 COTM........GONE
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yourgrandma wrote:Hi.
- Ghosthawk
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!



2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

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- nos4blood70
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Nice! You really don't see GPs in that shape anymore.
- luke_dubs
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
That back left taillight is looking a bit suspicious - looks like the sealant is going bad & allowing the cover to peel away from the light. Either that, or my OCD is kicking in again. Apart from that, she's quite a looker!!

'02 Pontiac Bonneville SE 108,539 miles, N/A, SSEi exhaust system, boat roller mount. Gone, but not forgotten.
'13 Buick Regal GS 121k miles, 270 hp, 295 lb/ft, ZZP intake.
(yes, there is a story behind my avatar.)
- Ghosthawk
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Just got home tonight. One thing is for sure, it doesnt ride or drive like a 15 year old car. 240miles home and not a rattle, buzz or shake.
I'm happy with that all by itself!
I'm happy with that all by itself!
2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

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- harofreak00
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Amazing to see it in that condition. I was just at the salvage yard yesterday and there was several identical to yours along with dozens more GP's...all rotted and trashed.
Andrew - owner/operator of Bonnevilles Unlimited

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler

2004 Bonneville GXP | 60k | White Gold Tricoat | custom built supercharged 3800 hot rod | garage queen
1997 Corvette | 57k | Silver Metallic | Z06 wheels | Date-night Hauler/Parts runner
2014 Town & Country Limited | Cashmere Pearl | 115k | Family Hauler
2002 Ram 1500 Quad Cab Sport | Black| 280k | Official Bonneville Hauler
- nos4blood70
- Certified Bonneville Nut

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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
It's a common issue with that era of GP. Luckily for GP guys, there are quite a few aftermarket options, including some handsome LED assemblies.luke_dubs wrote:That back left taillight is looking a bit suspicious - looks like the sealant is going bad & allowing the cover to peel away from the light. Either that, or my OCD is kicking in again. Apart from that, she's quite a looker!!
- Ghosthawk
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Yes indeed...I'm sure a set of those smoked LED units will find their way on there before its over.nos4blood70 wrote:It's a common issue with that era of GP. Luckily for GP guys, there are quite a few aftermarket options, including some handsome LED assemblies.luke_dubs wrote:That back left taillight is looking a bit suspicious - looks like the sealant is going bad & allowing the cover to peel away from the light. Either that, or my OCD is kicking in again. Apart from that, she's quite a looker!!
The trip home also reminded me how raspy/buzzy the factory 3800 exhaust sounds...that will have to change! LOL
2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

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- Ghosthawk
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
I called my body shop guy yesterday to ask how much it would cost to paint the GP the same color as my 04 Bonne was, the White-Gold Tri-Coat. Yikes, he spit out that $3k figure without stuttering! Looks like that idea will be waiting for a bit. LOL
2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
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Luna LeMans in Amazon paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983273589

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
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Luna LeMans in Amazon paperback
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- 95naSTA
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Nice pick up. That thing looks like new.
I thought i was doing good with 67k on my 10 year old G35. 69k for a 16 year old car is crazy.
I thought i was doing good with 67k on my 10 year old G35. 69k for a 16 year old car is crazy.

95 SLE... a keeper. 241k miles. Low and Slow.
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00Beast
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
3 grand is cheap, I'd have guessed 5-6k. Paint and body work has gone up dramatically in the last 10 years. And that'd be just a scuff and shoot of the exterior, no jambs, etc.Ghosthawk wrote:I called my body shop guy yesterday to ask how much it would cost to paint the GP the same color as my 04 Bonne was, the White-Gold Tri-Coat. Yikes, he spit out that $3k figure without stuttering! Looks like that idea will be waiting for a bit. LOL
Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

RIP sandrock
Sirius wrote:Think about it. You’re tooling down the road in your Prius, knowing full-well that this thing being green is as big a sham as federally mandated ethanol-enriched gas, Russia pulling out of Ukraine, and Obamacare.
- Ghosthawk
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Driveway buddies! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
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The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
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- Ghosthawk
- Posts like an L27

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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Grabbed a nice evening shot at work the other day...took the ugly pinstripes off today but couldn't get pics due to rain.

Also started to collect some parts. I grabbed a set of 40th roof rails off ebay, a white gauge face, and a new rear spoiler.

Also started to collect some parts. I grabbed a set of 40th roof rails off ebay, a white gauge face, and a new rear spoiler.
2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/870754
Luna LeMans in Amazon paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983273589

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/870754
Luna LeMans in Amazon paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983273589
- John Deere Boy
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
I love that body style. 69k? What a find. I just tried to talk my wife into replacing her rusted, oil burning 09 Accord with one. She's not having it :(
- Ghosthawk
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
A bit chilly today...freezing actually...but after a quick spray wash, I headed down to Old Towne Petersburg for a little photoshoot. She looks much nicer with the pinstripes gone





Some exhaust parts and a rear spoiler are on the way! Woot!





Some exhaust parts and a rear spoiler are on the way! Woot!
2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/870754
Luna LeMans in Amazon paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983273589

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
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- J Wikoff
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
That looks really great!

WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
2009 G8 GT - Sport Red Metallic, loaded, SOLO Axlebacks, Rotofab Intake, Tuned, autodim mirror, removed intake manifold cover, HSV GTS triple gauge pod, two tone red-hot shifter and HSV SuperSport steering wheel, GXP rear sway bar and diffuser, 3.45 diff and various Camaro suspension bits, LED Taillights
- Ghosthawk
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Thanks! If I get the GP looking as good as your Bonne in your sig, I'll be pretty happy. I've always liked the combo of that year car and the saw blade wheels.J Wikoff wrote:That looks really great!
2004 Bonneville SLE "Bonnie the Ghosthawk" or the 4dr Firebird...Gone but not forgotten

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/870754
Luna LeMans in Amazon paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983273589

The Blog, http://www.tobthebat.wordpress.com
Luna LeMans on Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/870754
Luna LeMans in Amazon paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983273589
- Namrepus28
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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
Wow, that GP is in great shape for it's age. Very nice.
What method did you use to remove the pinstripes? I have ones that look almost identical on my Bonneville I'd love to get rid of as soon as it warms up here.
What method did you use to remove the pinstripes? I have ones that look almost identical on my Bonneville I'd love to get rid of as soon as it warms up here.
2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi (L67) - Galaxy Silver Metallic
1996 Chevrolet Camaro (L36) - Sebring Silver
1996 Chevrolet Camaro (L36) - Sebring Silver
- nos4blood70
- Certified Bonneville Nut

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Re: Back with a Grand Prix!
That thing really looks great! You see so many of them beat to death. Yours is pristine! Keep it that way!



