Reviving a Classic: Restoring a 1966 Pontiac Tempest with an Overhead Cam Straight 6 Engine

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- Published on
- Published on
- Name
- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
In this episode of MotorTrend Channel, the team gets their hands on a 1966 Pontiac Tempest, a four-door wagon that has caught their attention for two reasons. Firstly, four-door wagons are all the rage, and secondly, it boasts an overhead cam straight 6 engine, which is quite a rarity. With anticipation building, they push the car out of the garage to get a better look at it.
Upon closer inspection, they discover that the car is in surprisingly good condition, except for some missing or replaced valve train parts. Inside, however, things take a turn for the worse. The car is filled with mold and a medley of unpleasant smells, making it less than appealing.
Undeterred, the team proceeds to test the engine, and to their relief, it turns over smoothly. They then move on to the ignition system and manage to get a spark, which is a positive sign. Next, they tackle the fuel system, running a temporary fuel supply and successfully getting the engine running. Although it doesn't sound perfect, they decide to continue working on it.
With the engine up and running, the team shifts their focus to the brakes, only to encounter some issues with the brake lines. Undeterred, they bleed the brakes and fix the problem, determined to get this vintage beauty roadworthy. They also install new tires and wheels to give the car a more aggressive look.
Finally, the moment of truth arrives as they take the Pontiac Tempest for a test drive. With their eyes on the temperature and fuel gauges, they hit the road, eager to see how this classic car performs. It's a journey filled with anticipation and a touch of uncertainty, but that's what makes this adventure all the more exciting.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Saving Forgotten 1966 Pontiac Tempest That Has Been Sitting for 30 Years! | Roadworthy Rescues on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Saving Forgotten 1966 Pontiac Tempest That Has Been Sitting for 30 Years! | Roadworthy Rescues
Derek's consistency across different channels is appreciated
The 1966 Tempest is considered an underrated car
Some users express frustration with people keeping classic cars in barns without doing anything with them
The Tempest is referred to as the "poor man's GTO"
Nostalgic stories of owning and regretting selling similar cars
Appreciation for the clean windshield in the video
Desire to get their own cars running
Humorous comment about pretending newer years of the car don't exist
Fond memories of owning or seeing similar cars
Appreciation for the moon discs on the wheels
Mention of someone having a Pontiac 6-cylinder overhead cam engine
Different opinions on the aesthetics and value of the car
Requests for merchandise in different sizes
Criticism of the use of music in the video
Reference to the movie "My Cousin Vinny"
Comment on the smell in the garage
Request for a power wash of the car
Greetings and thanks to Derek and his family
Question about the sale of another car
Humorous request for a free car with modifications
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