Happy New Year! Our first feature car of 2024 is one that has been in the same family since 1972. Unlike most that were discarded when rusted and worn out, this 1969 Parisienne was put away with the promise to restore some day. Luckily that day came and Dave Billings (son of original purchaser) restored the car to what you see today. He did an outstanding job. Dave tells us more:
My car first became part of my family when I was a young 6 years of age. It was in May of 1972 that my father purchased the car for a tidy sum of $2096.75
It became my parents daily driver for the next 6 years until rust became an issue. It began its long slumber in the garage with my dad saying the famous words "I am gonna fix it".
Fast forward to march 2021. My Mom was selling the house and my Dad had been moved to a home.
We had to restore the ol girl. I had always wanted her so she was now going to be mine.
I had done restorations before but this was going to be tough. I began wondering what I had gotten myself into. This car was rough having sat since 1978. It required a complete redo.
Disassembly revealed an even worse condition then I thought. Complete floor and trunk needed to be replaced.
And so it began. Panels were ordered up and then old removed and new installed
Now that the floor was stabilized, the body could be separated from the chassis. Brake, suspension & lines were replaced.
Next, every panel required rework. Patches were welded, metal finished and high build primer was sprayed.
I was most proud of my quarter panel replacements. My Dad had purchased them back in the 80 from a place in Simcoe, Ontario.
Next up was prep then paint. I went with the original Midnight Green Metallic that the factory had sprayed.
Interior was ordered up and I recovered the old seats. I replaced the door panels, quarter trim & carpet.
Dash cracks were repaired
Engine freshened up 350 SBC and 2 speed power glide tranny
Finally finished after 2.5 years and many hours. All aspects of the build were completed by myself except the dash repair. I still need a top but that will be done early in the spring.
Great job on a major restoration. I like the ole rear rims and bias tires, pretty wide for back in the day. Were they just rollers you had kicking around?
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
Yes, it is always good to see one of these Big 69s brought back. Not common today but they were King in 1969 (as in you saw 69 Pontiacs every day). Enjoy!
BTW Dave, are you related to Gary Billings / Cam Billings of Ancaster Ont?
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67 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe, Oshawa-built 250 PG never disturbed.
In garage, 296 cid inline six & TH350...
Cam, Toronto.
I don't judge a man by how far he's fallen, but by how far back he bounces - Patton
Thanks guys.
Tires were just rollers I put on when I got it home. It still had the bias plus on that it was parked with and they werent holding air anymore but I saved the steel rims.
Definitely need to have a 69 Parisienne get together this summer I am in
As far as relations in Ancaster those names dont ring a bell. Most of my Dads relatives lived in Cambridge Guelph Kitchener and Puslinch area
The restoration was a huge job but the end result was very satisfying and couldnt have happened without the support from members her and the vast amount of info I was able to read on her. Fantastic site and I am forever in debt to everyone here. Happy New Years.
Cheers
Hats off to you Dave. What amazing skills you have and a great thing to do. I hope your family has many more generations of fun with this car. Have you taken Mom or Dad for a ride yet ?
Thanks guys. Appreciate the comments. No ride for Mom yet but in the spring first warm day she will get her ride and opportunity to drive it as well. Dad passed on in May but as I progressed in the restore I always shared pics with him whenever I went to see him to keep showing him the progress. Always brought a smile to his face and I am sure he will be riding beside me as I am out driving
The best part of bringing something back to life is .......bringing something back to life. Owning is OK..driving is good, but to fix what most would throw away is the best! Bet mom can't wait! Dad will be watching the gas pedal........
Mom has already sat in the drivers seat with it running and grinning from ear to ear. I cant wait to see her drive it again.
The best part is being able to say Yeap I did it I didnt farm it out,didnt give up and have a full size drop top too Cruze the summer in
I cant wait myself
.....nice summer cruiser - enjoy the ride...
