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1966 Pontiac LeMans V8 Swap - Lo-Po6 to H.O. 326

How a Basket Case '66 LeMans Convertible was Renewed with Tons of Resto Work and a V-8 Swap
By Thomas A. Demauro
Photography by Thomas A. Demauro
1966 Pontiac Lemans Front
Friend Steve Laughlin suggested... 
   
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1966 Pontiac Lemans Front
Friend Steve Laughlin suggested the H.O. stripes, which owner Jim designed to resemble a Sprint stripe.
1966 Pontiac Lemans Dash
The dashpad and camera-case-textured... 
   
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1966 Pontiac Lemans Dash
The dashpad and camera-case-textured bezel are from another LeMans. Factory dials, idiot lights, the original steering wheel, and AM monaural radio remain.
1966 Pontiac Lemans Side
The color combo of Cameo Ivory... 
   
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1966 Pontiac Lemans Side
The color combo of Cameo Ivory (code C) with a dark Turquoise top (code 5) is original to the LeMans. Highlighting the fresh paint, the bumpers were rechromed by Tri-City Plating Company in Tennessee, and the trim work was polished by the owner. Speaking of trim, Jim deleted the decorative chrome strips on the front fenders.
1966 Pontiac Lemans Interior
Given the condition of the... 
   
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1966 Pontiac Lemans Interior
Given the condition of the LeMans when purchased, it's amazing that any of the original upholstery survived, but the dark Turquoise seats (interior code 220) did. Except for some work on the driver seat, the remainder of the upholstery is factory issue. The door panels and the carpet are reproductions from Ames Performance Engineering. In the doorjamb, you can see the small wedge that was used by GM in its convertibles to increase stiffness in that area due to the lack of a steel roof structure.
1966 Pontiac Lemans Door
Note the small wedge on the... 
   
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1966 Pontiac Lemans Door
Note the small wedge on the top of the door that fits against the one pictured in the previous interior photo.

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