Hello Simon. I'm from Russia. I came across your video in recommendations. You have a good video shooting style. We dream about cars like this here and I believe that classic American cars are the best creations in the history of the automobile. I wish you good luck and all the best.
Simon I had a 73 Eldorado...500 cubic inch....I rebuilt the carb...plugs...tune...like you still no power... I finally went to an old timer muffler shop...the old GM had a double wall exhaust system...sure enough the inner wall failed and collapsed...acted just like yours...new system installed and Vroom! Explaned the blow by too...Nice girl...happy anniversary 🎉
The very same thing happened to my Dad's 1973 Cadillac Calais with the 472 engine. It was during 1982 the year where we received 17 inches of snow in St. Louis county. There were piles of ice and snow wherever you went. He backed into a chunk of ice which shoved the exhaust forward causing the inner pipe to collapse causing next to no power. After exhaust replacement way more power. One of the dumbest GM ideas ever.
Yay! I’m always happy to see when you post a new video. You’re one of the very few channels that I actually follow and look forward to new ones coming out!!! Keep up the great work!!
Amazing thing is watching a young man with such knowledge and experience, fixing any trouble with anything you can find, CONGRATULATIONS AND KEEP THE OLD SCHOOL ALIVE 💪
@@SimonFordmantrust me on this, if she understands you, then you better marry her or make sure you stay married! She must be a gem!! Few women can put up with “the iron mistresses,” we are into!!
This is my favorite series. I'm 50 years old and I remember in my early 20's I bought a used 1970 Chrysler Newport and within a few days I took my girlfriend on a road trip from San Francisco to LA and this totally reminds me especially you mentioning the smell in cabin, all kinds of oil leaks and the classic carburetor issues but it kept running and I remember the smile on our faces so I knew I was going to marry her and now 28:years later still together so please do more of this road trips, love from Thailand ❤
Congrats on your anniversary . That Land yacht was a leaky ship the minute you looked at it. The leaking gas tank was a sad sight to watch. But the "one" wiper not working was too funny to watch. A kid from my neighborhood growing up had a 67 wagon Executive Safari. He beat that car to death. $150.00 he paid . Every day he would race down the street, It was fast. Gas was 65 cents in the early 80's It was fun watching your video.
Hi Simon, I'm from Saudi Arabia I support you and encourage you to continue to succeed I have a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice that I maintain and it's in very good condition My father had a 1983 Buick Park Avenue. We had it since I was a kid. I learned to drive it and even used to go to college in it. Those were the good days It makes me very sad that we are losing those beautiful cars on our streets and now cars are the same and boring
Honestly im french and i begening to follow your Channel and it’s amazing like 70´s old movie ! Nature , Old cars restauration and driving, walking and i love it ! Thank you
Really love your tinkering on this old rolling metal. The way you also show your little screw ups really make me smile and I recognize myself in this here. No slick overhauling but great cinematographic quality instead with cool angles and pov incl. beautiful shots of life's little wonders. Greetings from the Netherlands Simon, Ruud
Bro you are living the dream!! Keep it going!! I work at a dealership and modern cars dont have that essence or "personality" I dont know maybe I'm crazy but I find your videos therapeutic... now I want to buy an old pile off marketplace to fix it 😂😂😂
Just came across this vid and watched it totally to the last second , it was very enjoyable and nice to see you brought it home! Funny thing was the number plate And nice to see you have good company and she goes with you in your car hobby! Thanks and cheers from Holland
I love the calm, relaxing car guy content. Your videos are great. It seems like you work carefully and do things right as far as using your tools and working safely. It shows that you understand these old vehicles well. Let me know if you need any help finding parts, I am usually pretty good at digging things up.
I am writing from Spain, here we are going through difficult days, nature has punished us harshly. Your videos are jewels full of very good values that help and provide inspiration. Thank you for your work, everything you show is beautiful and full of love. good luck in your projects
Simon has a quality I admire greatly in a video. He does not feel the need to talk. He does not feel the need to play music. He just works. Some videos show a man, usually obese, who starts talking the second the video begins, often in some manure covered hick accent filled with intolerable asides and verbal tangents and continues until the very end of the video. His boss and coworkers no longer tolerate it, his relatives no longer invite him to anything anymore, his dog hates him, and the wife has long since left him for what she might have had. Then he goes on UA-cam.
I have come to point now, in watching your videos, as somewhat therapeutic. No commentaries, complaining…just doing what you can using straight fixes without spending crazy money…love it…daily drivers. Thanks Simon, I truly enjoy what you put out there….caring for mice and all. Ottawa ON, Canada
Looks like the old Bonne' will need a lot of work, the previous owner clearly didn't know what the hell he was doing but at least it's in your hands now, lovely video and an adventure!
Thanks a lot Simon you gave me a some courage to take my beater without a heater on a road trip. Bout 800 miles. I have a 64 galaxy with a 352 auto. I don't have a heater because I had to bypass the heater core. It was leaking. I have a new heater core I'll put it in when I get back. Thanks for the encouragement
Some great memories, PMC hubcaps and the Chieftan high beam indicator, the tunnel that I rode thru on a week long motorcycle trip, amongst other things. I gotta say tho, I did learn something new from this video. I did not know that you could register a vehicle in Colorado at a second hand store! That seems super easy and convenient, lol! Awesome video.
Simon, you have a lot of knowledge and confidence. I look at where you are on that beast of a car and think no way. Not road ready yet. I take my hat off to you sir.
Hi Simon. Female here. I've been enjoying your videos for a short time. Hope your girlfriend is learning how to work on an automobile. I remember sitting in the engine compartment of my dad's Chevy C10 pickup working on stuff.
As much as drum brakes are crap, I’m incredibly fascinated with them since I wasn’t around when they were everywhere. Even though I don’t care if they get replaced or not, that is incredible history that should be preserved for future generations. Cool to see the inter workings of them!
Let's get on marketplace and find an old broke car miles away from home so we can go get it and make a romantic trip with the Lady. Then we'll drive it back to Minnesota praying all the way that it makes it. Dude, you got big old brass ones. Great video and your Lady stays with you because every day is an adventure. Never stop opening the door for her. You would not believe how much that means to a good woman. And date night, dating couples last longer than married couples. Had a 70 Caprice. Same car. Women loved that car. Had to be real careful. My girlfriend bought it for me and I lived in a small town back then. lol I love Minnesota but snow hates my old bones. Guess we'll see a lot of this land yacht. COOL.
That Bonneville reminds me of my friends 67 doing a burn out at night in Pawtucket RI. Late 1970's. I was fallowing him. He power braked it, the car disappeared in tire smoke. We were in front of the Pawtucket time news paper, and a photografer got a picture of that. Kind of cool for us young guys goofing off! Brings back memories!😊
I always enjoy your videos. You demonstrate an impressive skill level at making things work in less than ideal circumstances- the mark of a true mechanic. And you do all this with normal, common tools. Your working knowledge of carburetors, ignition systems and drum brakes reflects a lot of vintage vehicle experience. How did you manage that? I'm curious to know.
I enjoyed that, what a trip! You're brave taking on a journey like that in that old clunker. It needs a bit of work but it's still a seriously cool car, well done
So many thoughts! Dad and Mom had a '68 Catalina (basically same car, except with a shorter wheelbase and regular gas V8)-white over green, our all time favorite family sedan. That big front seat will make it a great date night car when it is running well. And you will love the disappearing wiper blades. From the door cards, I suspect yours may be an Executive, rather than a Bonneville. But we won't tell. You are very brave to get under that thing to change the oil. That oil pan sat so low I once tore a hole in it on rutted gravel driveways in the spring. You have to remove the engine to replace the oil pan in those cars. Dad was not happy. Thanks for the ride, and Happy Anniversary!
You are right, it's an executive. I just looked up the vin, previous owner-kid told me a lot of nonsense about this car, like that it's a Bonneville, sadly I don't know my Pontiacs so I believed him. I think he also lied about the 428 engine
@@SimonFordman all '68 Pontiacs are Peak Pontiac, so it's good. They all have the same basic block, dating back to the original 287 from the mid-50's, so it's hard to tell the size just by looking at the motor. Probably you have a 400, which in Dad's car had plenty of power, even tuned for regular gas. Your motor looks to just be very tired, like the suspension. But your body and frame look solid, and the interior is complete, so you have a good foundation. And it has the big Turbo Hydra-Matic, the best transmission in the world at that time. I am enjoying those huge finned brake drums. The brakes on these cars were adequate (save for when you drove through water-whoops!) and in regular use I do not recall any fading. Check out Frank's Pontiac Parts, and of course our good friends at Rock Auto. Good luck!
My dad had a 68 Catalina 4 door sedan, dark green with black cloth seats. His had the 400 2 barrel high compression engine and also front disc brakes. It was an A/C car with an amazingly powerful cooling capacity. Wonderful road trip car but the harsh Midwestern winters took their toll on it.
In a day and age where every video seems to be desperately trying to capture your attention, I appreciate your videos with strictly no bullshit. You are the only channel I watch lol.
I did that kind of craziness in the 70s. I can't even begin to tell you how many cars I rebuilt, all classics now! I had, oh Lord, let me think back... a 69 Chevelle, a 69 GTI, a 64-1/2 Mustang, a 66 Camaro, 67 Firebird, a 69 Austin-Healey Sprite that literally came in a box. I mean, the body was there, but everything else was in boxes... and let's not forget my 66 Chevy Impala station wagon. That car made more trips then all of the others combined. It had a 327 in it and those things were indestructible. I carried a toolbox and sleeping bag in the back of it. I never knew where I was going to end up with that Bloody thing. The only car I ever got that was complete and in perfect condition was probably my GTO and when I went to Army basic training, my dad took the title signed my name to it sold it and bought himself a car! LOL. But it's fun watching you do all this stuff! I have a triple stack Snap-on box which is probably 30 or 40 years old and it makes me want to buy a car and work on something again. I've got a 2016 Jeep Wrangler and I don't have to do anything to it. It's still has an extended warranty on it so I just take it to the dealer oil changes are covered, tire rotations are covered, if I sneeze it's covered! Haha. But Lord you need a million dollars worth of electronics just to do a diagnostic on cars these days. I miss real timing chains, cars you could turn the distributor and hear the timing change, not how to install individual coilovers for each cylinder!
Your channel NNKH, Mortske Repair, Vice Grip Garage, and Rainman Rays repairs are the only channels i really enjoy now. ive been binge-watching your hour long content like a netflix series. This would make a great "Silent Roadworthy Rescues" type of series haha.
One of the best channels on Utube. But dude, you surely took a few risks with dodgy brakes, leaking fuel tank, wandering steering. Sitting in car with petrol washing around with your nearest and dearest sat inside. That's one anniversary you won't forget. ❤
I love cats and 68 pontiacs. Had a Lemans coupe and did my share of body work on it. I had help with some of the mechanical issues. I was around your age but didn't know as much as you. The frame on your car appears to be in great shape along with the body. For that reason and others that car is worth saving and fixing up.
Hello Simon. My name is Renato, I'm from Brazil and I come to tell you that your channel is my newest favorite, I loved the content as well as getting to know a little about these beautiful cities shown in the video. Keep up the excellent work.
This has definitely become one of my favorites ever since I first saw your channel about 3 weeks ago and subscribed immediately. Thank you, Mr Fordman, and thank you for your content.
The work you put in your videos is absolutely mind boggling. The framing of the shots are perfect. The time to edit all your footage must be insane, and let's not forget you work on cars as well. I've picked up so many great tips from your videos. I'm a 37 yo guy, and I've never wanted to be in someone else's shoes more than yours. Keep up the awesome beautiful work. Best car repair channel on YT!
some old guy knew what he was doing rolling those adjusters back before storing it. also youre a lucky man with how the mrs. looks at you. happy vroomin!
Great video editing, great mechanical skills, and the most relaxing hour since the last time posted a video. Keep up the good work. Your channel will grow quickly.
Likewise on your companion, nice to see her travel with you. Enjoyed your adventure as usual and your cute kitties! The one looks like a Tortie, we have one, she's very temperamental!
Hello Sir, excellent video! I’m still working on my ‘70 f-250; everything works now. Bought a compression test kit (first time, I was essentially lost,lol) and did the dry/ wet thing. 7 hovered around 100 with one at 65. It drives well but uses lots of fuel. Not going to worry about it, don’t have the money for a rebuild anyway. Thanks a bunch for what you do, I learn from every video of yours. Wish I had money to send you to help you with products! But I’m old/ retired, which for many, means broke! Kenny in Lubbock
I really like your work, especially the simple tools you use. As for the fuel tank leak, you can rub a bar of soap over the leak to stop it temporarily. Thank you for sharing your great work. Ibrahim, your follower from Saudi Arabia
LOL All the cats were glad you were back home! Holy Cow, I don't know about that car! I liked the little Chevrolet pickup you drove back home. It seemed to run really, really good compared to that Pontiac. That car didn't have any bad rust though. That was genius rescuing the socket in the front spring! That was something. Congrats on your anniversary. Yeah sell that one and work on your Chevrolet or Ford trucks. Great video, you are a genius! Best regards , Chuck
Had exactly the same problem with the gas tank of my Citroen CX leaking in the gas station. It was from the ventilation hose that overfilled. I had changed that hose 3 years before and it was absolutely petrified. I put back the original one from 1976 which my grandfather had kept and was still in immaculate condition, the rubber being soft and uncracked after 45 years
Loved this video, nice to learn a bit more about you and to see your pretty girlfriend and her happy attitude. Really enjoyed this and look forward to seeing much more on this car.
Nice video, congratulations for the anniversary and I wish many happy anniversaries. Look forward to seeing new episodes both fixing this car and the 56 Chevy BelAir. Perhaps you may find some good parts at your happy place(scrap yard).
I am new to your channel (subscribed) and I totally enjoy your videos. You know your stuff & very resourceful too. You get results! To top it all you are a master of the lens. You wordlessly tell the story of the resto. Expert at camera angles to create a mood. You should be a film director. I look forward to more of your videos. Cheers!
Excelente viaje, medio complicado pero buen viaje al fin. Muy linda y simpatica tu chica Simon! Felicitaciones. Yo sabia que el video cerraba con imagenes del gato 😂😂
Hi Simon. I'm from Dublin, Ireland. I can honestly say I watched the entire video and really enjoyed it. My dream is to work on American cars just like you do. Pity the work is scarce over here not to mention those cars too thx again for the video.
Hello Simon. I'm from Russia. I came across your video in recommendations. You have a good video shooting style. We dream about cars like this here and I believe that classic American cars are the best creations in the history of the automobile. I wish you good luck and all the best.
ПРИВЕТ , А ЧТО ЭТО ЗА МАРКА И МОДЕЛЬ АВТОМОБИЛЯ ИЗ АМЕРИКИ ???
@@Сергей-с6й4г Привет. Понтиак Бонневиль 1968 года.
@@Сергей-с6й4г Pontiac какой то
@@andrey39abledescription says a '68 Bonneville
Я не одинок!!!!🎉🎉🎉
What a legend. Simon goes on holiday to fix old cars with minimal tools and covers 1000s miles making it better along the way.
Simon I had a 73 Eldorado...500 cubic inch....I rebuilt the carb...plugs...tune...like you still no power... I finally went to an old timer muffler shop...the old GM had a double wall exhaust system...sure enough the inner wall failed and collapsed...acted just like yours...new system installed and Vroom! Explaned the blow by too...Nice girl...happy anniversary 🎉
Hey that’s a great thought. I’m going to check that out right away. That sure would be a blessing if it was just that.
And how many horse power it do have ?
The very same thing happened to my Dad's 1973 Cadillac Calais with the 472 engine. It was during 1982 the year where we received 17 inches of snow in St. Louis county. There were piles of ice and snow wherever you went. He backed into a chunk of ice which shoved the exhaust forward causing the inner pipe to collapse causing next to no power. After exhaust replacement way more power. One of the dumbest GM ideas ever.
Guys, there are crankcase gases coming out of all the cracks, this engine needs a major overhaul.
Yay! I’m always happy to see when you post a new video. You’re one of the very few channels that I actually follow and look forward to new ones coming out!!! Keep up the great work!!
Fuzzy Dice Projects, Legit Street Cars and HunterDirection are my fave s. This is right up with them. Clean. Simple. Fun. Love it!
I love that it doesn't have those chilidish dubstep intros, just regular sound
Simon watching your videos I think I can fix an old car by myself. You are AWESOME!! Love watching your videos & I’m a 58 year old female.
Why not ?
Amazing thing is watching a young man with such knowledge and experience, fixing any trouble with anything you can find, CONGRATULATIONS AND KEEP THE OLD SCHOOL ALIVE 💪
MacGyver
He uses what is between his ears. I see that time and time again. Simon has a natural mechanical aptitude.
Enjoyed meeting Mrs. Fordman for the first time....
Behind every functioning car guy is a woman who understands...they are the true unsung heroes of the hobby!
Key word: Functioning.
100% correct
@@SimonFordmantrust me on this, if she understands you, then you better marry her or make sure you stay married! She must be a gem!! Few women can put up with “the iron mistresses,” we are into!!
@@sgtalstrafficticketblog2452 you gotta be really dumb or really naive to still marry in 2024
@@sgtalstrafficticketblog2452 Junkyard Mook understands --- she and Kevin did indeed get married a few days ago. :D
It was like watching a movie. A good one. Beats Netflix. Living the life, well done!
Oh man, that nuance with the tunnel & grass. Your film making is as astounding as your engineering skill
Looks like life is good! Happy anniversary to you and your lady! Another great video. Love these. Nice work!
This is my favorite series. I'm 50 years old and I remember in my early 20's I bought a used 1970 Chrysler Newport and within a few days I took my girlfriend on a road trip from San Francisco to LA and this totally reminds me especially you mentioning the smell in cabin, all kinds of oil leaks and the classic carburetor issues but it kept running and I remember the smile on our faces so I knew I was going to marry her and now 28:years later still together so please do more of this road trips, love from Thailand ❤
That's a wonderful story. Thanks for the love.
Congrats on your anniversary . That Land yacht was a leaky ship the minute you looked at it. The leaking gas tank was a sad sight to watch. But the "one" wiper not working was too funny to watch. A kid from my neighborhood growing up had a 67 wagon Executive Safari. He beat that car to death. $150.00 he paid . Every day he would race down the street, It was fast. Gas was 65 cents in the early 80's It was fun watching your video.
Hi Simon, I'm from Saudi Arabia
I support you and encourage you to continue to succeed
I have a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice that I maintain and it's in very good condition
My father had a 1983 Buick Park Avenue. We had it since I was a kid. I learned to drive it and even used to go to college in it. Those were the good days
It makes me very sad that we are losing those beautiful cars on our streets and now cars are the same and boring
Honestly im french and i begening to follow your Channel and it’s amazing like 70´s old movie ! Nature , Old cars restauration and driving, walking and i love it ! Thank you
Really love your tinkering on this old rolling metal. The way you also show your little screw ups really make me smile and I recognize myself in this here. No slick overhauling but great cinematographic quality instead with cool angles and pov incl. beautiful shots of life's little wonders. Greetings from the Netherlands Simon, Ruud
Zen and the art of automobile maintanance, Outstanding filmwork.
Bro you are living the dream!! Keep it going!! I work at a dealership and modern cars dont have that essence or "personality" I dont know maybe I'm crazy but I find your videos therapeutic... now I want to buy an old pile off marketplace to fix it 😂😂😂
Just came across this vid and watched it totally to the last second , it was very enjoyable and nice to see you brought it home!
Funny thing was the number plate
And nice to see you have good company and she goes with you in your car hobby!
Thanks and cheers from Holland
Well played, young squire. Wishing you three continued good times.
It's great that your're keeping these old Classics on the Road
I love the calm, relaxing car guy content. Your videos are great. It seems like you work carefully and do things right as far as using your tools and working safely. It shows that you understand these old vehicles well. Let me know if you need any help finding parts, I am usually pretty good at digging things up.
Thanks!
I am writing from Spain, here we are going through difficult days, nature has punished us harshly. Your videos are jewels full of very good values that help and provide inspiration. Thank you for your work, everything you show is beautiful and full of love. good luck in your projects
Simon has a quality I admire greatly in a video. He does not feel the need to talk. He does not feel the need to play music. He just works. Some videos show a man, usually obese, who starts talking the second the video begins, often in some manure covered hick accent filled with intolerable asides and verbal tangents and continues until the very end of the video. His boss and coworkers no longer tolerate it, his relatives no longer invite him to anything anymore, his dog hates him, and the wife has long since left him for what she might have had. Then he goes on UA-cam.
That was a little specific 😂
@@TeaMollie11 almost makes you wonder if it might secretly be him projecting......
And the bumper jack! I haven't used a bumper jack in forty years! I love the noise that they make.
Your style is unique and has a nice flow. Without the usual talking, you still present the raw elements of wrenching and fixing cars. Very good work.
I have come to point now, in watching your videos, as somewhat therapeutic. No commentaries, complaining…just doing what you can using straight fixes without spending crazy money…love it…daily drivers. Thanks Simon, I truly enjoy what you put out there….caring for mice and all. Ottawa ON, Canada
Cool old car, beautiful girl, amazing repair skills - all you need for wonderful journey. Thanks for the video. Good luck!
How did you become so knowledgeable on such a vast variety of these old clunkers? Fascinates me every time i watch a video of yours.
Love posts with zero talking and really don't need to know what the person looks like either. Just quality repair, all I need.
This channel is a breath of fresh air. Simply amazing. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Love the to the point editing. That's a lot of work to make it this easy to watch. Also, she must REALLY love you man :D
No one is an island 🏝️
Love your content, actually inspires me to start getting more into DIY-ing. Wish you happy anniversary from Hungary
Looks like the old Bonne' will need a lot of work, the previous owner clearly didn't know what the hell he was doing but at least it's in your hands now, lovely video and an adventure!
Thanks a lot Simon you gave me a some courage to take my beater without a heater on a road trip. Bout 800 miles. I have a 64 galaxy with a 352 auto. I don't have a heater because I had to bypass the heater core. It was leaking. I have a new heater core I'll put it in when I get back. Thanks for the encouragement
Very cool, I had a 66 Ltd with the 352
Great video again! Nice travel with your girlfriend. This car is in they best hands now! Greetings from Argentina.
Some great memories, PMC hubcaps and the Chieftan high beam indicator, the tunnel that I rode thru on a week long motorcycle trip, amongst other things. I gotta say tho, I did learn something new from this video. I did not know that you could register a vehicle in Colorado at a second hand store! That seems super easy and convenient, lol! Awesome video.
It must take balls of steel to take a trip like this with the partner. But like they say, clear eyes full heart, can’t lose!
Simon, this motor said " im tired boss" 😅😅 good luck!!! regards from Argentina!🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🙌🙌🏁🏁
Notice how the Mc.D looked like it was made this morning. If flies, maggots and bacteria won't eat it then probably best we don't!
My brother in Christ, you're living the best life, keep up!
The moment with licence plate...I just screamed out loud)))
Don't listen to bad advice. Those bumper jacks work excellent
Easier than what they have nowadays
They work great at lifting the car... and equally great at breaking limbs if you're not careful. Never stand behind one lol.
Simon, you have a lot of knowledge and confidence. I look at where you are on that beast of a car and think no way. Not road ready yet. I take my hat off to you sir.
Thanks!
Hi Simon. Female here. I've been enjoying your videos for a short time. Hope your girlfriend is learning how to work on an automobile. I remember sitting in the engine compartment of my dad's Chevy C10 pickup working on stuff.
As much as drum brakes are crap, I’m incredibly fascinated with them since I wasn’t around when they were everywhere.
Even though I don’t care if they get replaced or not, that is incredible history that should be preserved for future generations. Cool to see the inter workings of them!
Let's get on marketplace and find an old broke car miles away from home so we can go get it and make a romantic trip with the Lady. Then we'll drive it back to Minnesota praying all the way that it makes it. Dude, you got big old brass ones. Great video and your Lady stays with you because every day is an adventure. Never stop opening the door for her. You would not believe how much that means to a good woman. And date night, dating couples last longer than married couples. Had a 70 Caprice. Same car. Women loved that car. Had to be real careful. My girlfriend bought it for me and I lived in a small town back then. lol I love Minnesota but snow hates my old bones. Guess we'll see a lot of this land yacht. COOL.
Thank you for the support!
You do a great job with these videos. Very relaxing and theraputic to watch.
That Bonneville reminds me of my friends 67 doing a burn out at night in Pawtucket RI.
Late 1970's. I was fallowing him. He power braked it, the car disappeared in tire smoke.
We were in front of the Pawtucket time news paper, and a photografer got a picture of that. Kind of cool for us young guys goofing off! Brings back memories!😊
Great video, keep up the great work. I can’t wait to see you fix it up
Great little story. Thanks for sharing
I always enjoy your videos. You demonstrate an impressive skill level at making things work in less than ideal circumstances- the mark of a true mechanic. And you do all this with normal, common tools. Your working knowledge of carburetors, ignition systems and drum brakes reflects a lot of vintage vehicle experience. How did you manage that? I'm curious to know.
I enjoyed that, what a trip! You're brave taking on a journey like that in that old clunker. It needs a bit of work but it's still a seriously cool car, well done
You are the best Simon. I really love watching your videos. Please keep making them
Nice to see someone show that good cheap tools are just fine for everyday use.
Those bumper jacks used properly worked perfectly
Bro just won in life...nice car and skill to fix it, and girlfriend partner, I wish you all the best bro
So many thoughts! Dad and Mom had a '68 Catalina (basically same car, except with a shorter wheelbase and regular gas V8)-white over green, our all time favorite family sedan. That big front seat will make it a great date night car when it is running well. And you will love the disappearing wiper blades. From the door cards, I suspect yours may be an Executive, rather than a Bonneville. But we won't tell.
You are very brave to get under that thing to change the oil. That oil pan sat so low I once tore a hole in it on rutted gravel driveways in the spring. You have to remove the engine to replace the oil pan in those cars. Dad was not happy. Thanks for the ride, and Happy Anniversary!
You are right, it's an executive. I just looked up the vin, previous owner-kid told me a lot of nonsense about this car, like that it's a Bonneville, sadly I don't know my Pontiacs so I believed him. I think he also lied about the 428 engine
@@SimonFordman all '68 Pontiacs are Peak Pontiac, so it's good. They all have the same basic block, dating back to the original 287 from the mid-50's, so it's hard to tell the size just by looking at the motor. Probably you have a 400, which in Dad's car had plenty of power, even tuned for regular gas. Your motor looks to just be very tired, like the suspension. But your body and frame look solid, and the interior is complete, so you have a good foundation. And it has the big Turbo Hydra-Matic, the best transmission in the world at that time. I am enjoying those huge finned brake drums. The brakes on these cars were adequate (save for when you drove through water-whoops!) and in regular use I do not recall any fading. Check out Frank's Pontiac Parts, and of course our good friends at Rock Auto. Good luck!
My dad had a 68 Catalina 4 door sedan, dark green with black cloth seats. His had the 400 2 barrel high compression engine and also front disc brakes. It was an A/C car with an amazingly powerful cooling capacity. Wonderful road trip car but the harsh Midwestern winters took their toll on it.
Isn't wild that while watching this, you can smell all the fluids, exhaust, vinyl, wet carpet, and crumbling seat foam? Fun stuff!
Another epic yet dodgy trip...hope to see this beauty get less oily . ..etc.. the quietness of your stories is refreshing...
I loved the one windshield wiper and the super awesome burnout at the end. 🤣
In a day and age where every video seems to be desperately trying to capture your attention, I appreciate your videos with strictly no bullshit. You are the only channel I watch lol.
Thanks!
I know it's not that great of a car the people lied about the condition but I know from the work you do you will get her in the shape she deserves
I did that kind of craziness in the 70s. I can't even begin to tell you how many cars I rebuilt, all classics now! I had, oh Lord, let me think back... a 69 Chevelle, a 69 GTI, a 64-1/2 Mustang, a 66 Camaro, 67 Firebird, a 69 Austin-Healey Sprite that literally came in a box. I mean, the body was there, but everything else was in boxes... and let's not forget my 66 Chevy Impala station wagon. That car made more trips then all of the others combined. It had a 327 in it and those things were indestructible. I carried a toolbox and sleeping bag in the back of it. I never knew where I was going to end up with that Bloody thing. The only car I ever got that was complete and in perfect condition was probably my GTO and when I went to Army basic training, my dad took the title signed my name to it sold it and bought himself a car! LOL. But it's fun watching you do all this stuff! I have a triple stack Snap-on box which is probably 30 or 40 years old and it makes me want to buy a car and work on something again. I've got a 2016 Jeep Wrangler and I don't have to do anything to it. It's still has an extended warranty on it so I just take it to the dealer oil changes are covered, tire rotations are covered, if I sneeze it's covered! Haha. But Lord you need a million dollars worth of electronics just to do a diagnostic on cars these days. I miss real timing chains, cars you could turn the distributor and hear the timing change, not how to install individual coilovers for each cylinder!
Your channel NNKH, Mortske Repair, Vice Grip Garage, and Rainman Rays repairs are the only channels i really enjoy now. ive been binge-watching your hour long content like a netflix series. This would make a great "Silent Roadworthy Rescues" type of series haha.
I love NNKH, guy was nice enough to give me some UA-cam tips over the phone yesterday.
One of the best channels on Utube.
But dude, you surely took a few risks with dodgy brakes, leaking fuel tank, wandering steering.
Sitting in car with petrol washing around with your nearest and dearest sat inside.
That's one anniversary you won't forget. ❤
Yea, not my proudest moments
I love cats and 68 pontiacs. Had a Lemans coupe and did my share of body work on it. I had help with some of the mechanical issues. I was around your age but didn't know as much as you. The frame on your car appears to be in great shape along with the body. For that reason and others that car is worth saving and fixing up.
Hello Simon. My name is Renato, I'm from Brazil and I come to tell you that your channel is my newest favorite, I loved the content as well as getting to know a little about these beautiful cities shown in the video. Keep up the excellent work.
Excellent video! Glad you had the opportunity to see some of Colorado. Happy anniversary to you two.
This channel deserves more love ❤
One of the best channels on UA-cam
This has definitely become one of my favorites ever since I first saw your channel about 3 weeks ago and subscribed immediately. Thank you, Mr Fordman, and thank you for your content.
The work you put in your videos is absolutely mind boggling. The framing of the shots are perfect. The time to edit all your footage must be insane, and let's not forget you work on cars as well. I've picked up so many great tips from your videos. I'm a 37 yo guy, and I've never wanted to be in someone else's shoes more than yours. Keep up the awesome beautiful work. Best car repair channel on YT!
Thank you!
@@SimonFordman No. thank YOU!
Watched hundreds car repairs enjoyed watching your work talented man
some old guy knew what he was doing rolling those adjusters back before storing it. also youre a lucky man with how the mrs. looks at you. happy vroomin!
You are a very skilled mechanic. I loved seeing the progress of the trunk 😂😂 Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷
Great video editing, great mechanical skills, and the most relaxing hour since the last time posted a video. Keep up the good work. Your channel will grow quickly.
Hello Simon, your videos are awesome and very educative...!!! 👍👍👍
Thanks and best regards from the Czech Republic...! ✌️✌️✌️😎
Likewise on your companion, nice to see her travel with you. Enjoyed your adventure as usual and your cute kitties! The one looks like a Tortie, we have one, she's very temperamental!
Hello Sir, excellent video! I’m still working on my ‘70 f-250; everything works now. Bought a compression test kit (first time, I was essentially lost,lol) and did the dry/ wet thing. 7 hovered around 100 with one at 65. It drives well but uses lots of fuel. Not going to worry about it, don’t have the money for a rebuild anyway. Thanks a bunch for what you do, I learn from every video of yours. Wish I had money to send you to help you with products! But I’m old/ retired, which for many, means broke!
Kenny in Lubbock
Home looks so comforting after the Pontiac. Some excellent filming and great scenery along the way. Really enjoyed the road trip adventure. 😊👍
Thanks for watching!
@@SimonFordman Not sure you would have enjoyed the road trip though 🤔
I really like your work, especially the simple tools you use. As for the fuel tank leak, you can rub a bar of soap over the leak to stop it temporarily. Thank you for sharing your great work. Ibrahim, your follower from Saudi Arabia
LOL All the cats were glad you were back home! Holy Cow, I don't know about that car! I liked the little Chevrolet pickup you drove back home. It seemed to run really, really good compared to that Pontiac. That car didn't have any bad rust though.
That was genius rescuing the socket in the front spring! That was something. Congrats on your anniversary. Yeah sell that one and work on your Chevrolet or Ford trucks. Great video, you are a genius! Best regards , Chuck
Yeah this Pontiac really made me appreciate that Chevy.
@@SimonFordman LOL
I absolutely love your videos ! Thank you for taking the time to make them , happy viewer from British Columbia Canada
Had exactly the same problem with the gas tank of my Citroen CX leaking in the gas station. It was from the ventilation hose that overfilled. I had changed that hose 3 years before and it was absolutely petrified. I put back the original one from 1976 which my grandfather had kept and was still in immaculate condition, the rubber being soft and uncracked after 45 years
When I was a kid in the 70's collecting those :PMD center caps was a big deal. Great memories.
I just could not skip any second of the video, it's very entertainment to me 🥰
Glad to hear!
Amazing skill-sets. The Zen of Simon Fordman - Happy Anniversary!
Thanks!
Way cool video, very well done! Gorgeous scenery also. I did not think the old Pontiac could support the road back but you made it. Thumbs up man.
I didn't think it would either.
Well done, you have a great channel.
Congratulations to you and “Mrs F.”
Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures
I love your videos. You will become a legend with this format. Thanks, and keep on.
I haven't seen this movie yet, but I'm already giving it a thumbs up 😉
Scrolling thru UA-cam, I stumbled across, the Bob Ross of auto mechanics. And I subscribed. I love the videos man!
Continue your work, you make a great job man!!! I'm from Brazil, happy birthday Simon!!!
Loved this video, nice to learn a bit more about you and to see your pretty girlfriend and her happy attitude. Really enjoyed this and look forward to seeing much more on this car.
You amaze me by every vid, you make dude.
Appreciated ✌🏻🇸🇪
Nice video, congratulations for the anniversary and I wish many happy anniversaries. Look forward to seeing new episodes both fixing this car and the 56 Chevy BelAir. Perhaps you may find some good parts at your happy place(scrap yard).
Awesome video Simon. Thank you for showing other aspects of your life; also nice quick fixes. Greetings!!
I am new to your channel (subscribed) and I totally enjoy your videos. You know your stuff & very resourceful too. You get results! To top it all you are a master of the lens. You wordlessly tell the story of the resto. Expert at camera angles to create a mood. You should be a film director. I look forward to more of your videos. Cheers!
Much appreciate the kind words!
Excelente viaje, medio complicado pero buen viaje al fin. Muy linda y simpatica tu chica Simon! Felicitaciones. Yo sabia que el video cerraba con imagenes del gato 😂😂
Hi Simon. I'm from Dublin, Ireland. I can honestly say I watched the entire video and really enjoyed it. My dream is to work on American cars just like you do. Pity the work is scarce over here not to mention those cars too thx again for the video.
Love your style, the way you keep it, catching the little moments on your trip.
Great simple fixes with simple tools, love the way you filming. Greetings from Serbia.
Great learning from your skills. Leadville used to have a cool saloon with $12 steaks and good Margaritas, all at over 10,000 feet.