VIDEO: Rescuing 1976 Chevy Malibu with the Best Dog Ever

Rescuing a 1976 Chevy Malibu Classic with the Best Dog Ever – Gracie. A $200 car with a V8! Junky cars and good dogs go hand-in-hand. You never get over a car you sold or a good dog. Gracie was a great one. This video took me back a couple of years. In this Cars in Yard find, we drag home a long-forgotten 1976 Chevy Malibu Classic. Right after hauling it home, our family dog, Gracie, jumped right into action, scouring the engine bay and every nook and cranny for critters like the true junkyard dog she is.

You can watch for yourself, age and neglect reveal the high and lows of GM's colonnade era. Rust never sleeps and these big two-door cars were a glory hole for tin worms. Now, now, let's focus on the $200 entry price and the value of this Chevy is evident. Apologies for pulling you into my dog Gracie story with tow hooks and a rollback wrecker.

Gracie guarding her spot in the driver’s seat of a my daughter Faith's 1978 Pontiac Firebird Formula.

Gone but never forgotten
This car video turned into a heartfelt tribute to our beloved departed dog. I miss the Malibu Classic but our Gracie was the star of our backyard. Check out the vintage home footage, including one hilarious (and slightly chaotic) moment where Gracie has a full-speed collision with our youngest child — a memory we still laugh about today.

Gracie wasn’t just part of the Junkyard Life — she was part of the family. So much has changed since, it’s inevitable. Dogs die, kids grow up. Hold fast. Pray hard. Be kind. Rescue the cars, hug your dog.

Jody Potter
– Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Please share a comment if you have a great dog that also loved old cars and trucks as much you do. Hit like and subscribe to Junkyard Life YouTube. It helps keep the motivation going and keeps gas in the tank.

Thank you!

Watch: SAVE? 1955 Chevy Rusty Neptune Green

SAVE? A 1955 Chevy survivor grab our attention as we stumbled down a dead end street in Pleasant Grove, Alabama. A vacant house and unkempt yard gave us clues that the ’55 Chevy 210 2-door sedan had been parked for decades. We looked under the hood at the trim tag and learned that it was originally two-tone with Sea Mist Green / Neptune Green paint code. The original Chevy small block, a 265-cubic inch V8, debut in 1955. Many other firsts for Chevy in 1955, including the 12-volt electrical system, and a distributor that was stationed at the rear of the block by the firewall. Was this Tri-Five worth saving???? Jody Potter – Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust.

Do you have a car story? Near miss story?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

This 1955 Chevy 210 2-door sedan called to us from a dilapidated covered patio in Alabama. What was the story? We wanted to know. Watch the video for details. Worth saving? You decide!

10 Reasons You Won’t Buy this 1978 Trans Am

Buy it? 10 Reasons Why You’re not gonna buy my 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. We rescued a W-72 Trans Am out of a field in north Alabama, where it had been parked for over 25 years. It sat under a tree with some other beloved Pontiacs.

1978 Pontiac Trans Am parked in field around 1996.
Numbers matching W72 400 engine, 3.23 posi, auto.

Background
The previous owner collected several Firebirds and Trans Ams when they were dirt cheap. Age and the elements have tried their dang best to pull them down to the dirt. Flat tires and rotting metal are no match against Mother Nature. Give this one a look. Lots of good parts. But I know, you're not gonna buy it!

Load it Up!
This 1978 Trans Am field find followed me home. I call him “Rusty” even though he was born in Platinum Silver paint. This era of "muscle cars” became a staple of teenagers, midlife adults, and those just wanting to have a kick in the pants on a Saturday night. As the years wore on, the abuse a “Bandit”-era Pontiac Trans Am received is unmatched in my opinion. Either mechanical issue, wreck or the idea of becoming a spectacle at the grocery store parking, these Big Bird emblazoned V-8 monsters faded from the roadways. Many T/As received refuge in mobile home communities-as best I can remember that is the final location of the last found-in-the-wild Trans Am used as a daily driver in unrestored and running condition.

Why the love?

I love Pontiac Trans Ams especially the 1970 thru 1981 body style known as the Second Generation of the F-body. The Trans Am lineage reached the summit when Burt Reynolds slid behind the wheel of a black 1977 Pontiac Trans Am in “The Smokey and the Bandit” feature film. Anyone who loves to put the pedal to the metal feels the urge to set down a spell and watch old Burt, Sally, Jerry Reed and Jackie Gleason should they walk passed a television set when that classic is in view.

Talk is cheap
If you buy one of Burt’s black Trans Ams nowadays, they cost a pretty penny! Mine is cheap, $1500. I know, I know. You're not gonna do it. But you’d be a lot cooler if you did.

Drop a comment. We enjoy feedback!

Thanks for watching! 

Jody Potter

— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Not For Sale: 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge SOLD!

Not for sale - SOLD! A 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge parked in my small town for over two decades was "Not For Sale" until I saw it on Ebay. To my surprise this unobtanium magical red creation built by Pontiac at the pinnacle of the Muscle Car era was up for grabs. I knew the owner because we had developed a friendship over our shared appreciation of Pontiacs. Driving by the Judge made any day better just knowing, that such a rare car might be for sale one day in my hometown of Pinson, Alabama.

History

According to the owner, Les Muntz, a legend surrounding this GTO Judge tells us that a Black Birmingham, Alabama Police Officer ordered the car new. Now you may say what is the big deal? Birmingham's history during the Civil Rights movement was volatile regarding the Birmingham Police, “Bull” Conner, white supremacist, fire hoses, and dogs unleashed on peaceful protestors in Birmingham. In 1963 those images were shown across the globe. A black Birmingham police officer driving a new, bright red 1970 GTO Judge in 1970 was courageous. 

We don't know the Judge's original owner's info yet. But we do know that Birmingham's first Black Police Officer, Leroy Stover, served from 1966 until 1998 for the city. It was a difficult time in Birmingham, known as the Magic City, especially for a police officer. I imagine that any officer driving a bright red muscle car would turn heads. Officer Stover likely knew the owner of this GTO Judge if this legend is true. In 1970, I'm sure this 4-speed Judge made an impression at the Police Station and all across the city. The search continues to find out that original owner's name.

Parchment Top, Cardinal Red Paint
Muntz collected documentation and a Pontiac Historical Services record of all the options on his 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge. The car has been repainted and new black vinyl top replaced the original Parchment vinyl roof covering. Muntz thinks this could be a 1-of-1 Cardinal Red 1970 GTO Judge with that red paint color, red interior and parchment color vinyl top option.

Going, going, gone
I'm a longtime fan of this local legend Pontiac and was surprised to see it on Ebay. I had stopped to look at it over the 20-plus years it was stationed in my hometown. I even subtly inquired if he would ever sell. The answer was always, no. Time has a way of changing things. Family needs forced Muntz to make the move to sell the rare Pontiac. A new owner from the Chicago area plans top restore the Judge back to its original condition. (Watch the video at top for more details)

Drop a comment if know any detail on the original owner or you've got a hometown legend rotting away in plain sight or hidden from view.

Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

One-owner Rescues: 1966 Pontiac, 1967 Chevy C10 hauled out of the Alabama woods

Two rusty gold rescues! We dive into the edge of some Alabama woods to rescue two one-family owned vehicles. The 1966 Pontiac Tempest Custom was parked in 1977 and the 1967 Chevrolet C-10 was parked for good in 1980. I had my heart set on buying the Pontiac for 10 years. I continued to bug my former co-worker, Bryan Crowson, about his family selling. I reached out again because our Price Sisters' Tempest was in dire need of a replacement core support. I thought the red 2-door Tempest Custom parts car might be the answer. This time, the family said, “YES! Sell it!” No good? Already committed to buy, the wheels were in motion to purchase, when I discovered the core support was no good. What to do? The family had made their decision to sell.

1966 Pontiac Tempest parked in 1977.

"I'll call Keith!" My buddy, Keith Lively, is always ready for automotive adventure. In less than an hour he and Ron Kidd hightailed it to the location for the extraction. We got more than we bargained for in the process! The family had parked the Pontiac in 1977 after serving the family in day-to-day activities and then as a hand-me-down car for the teen. A newer car replaced the well-optioned Tempest Custom in the late 1970s when it was parked. Next to it sat a short-wheelbase 1967 Chevy C-10. Parked in 1980. Both vehicles were complete but rust damage was heavy. These were once family treasures but the hands of time had been unkind out in the elements.

1967 Chevy C10 parked in 1980.

Watch the Rescue and let me know what you would do with these two in the comments.

Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust


Read more about the Price Sisters in our full Junkyard Life story.

Jody and Keith admire the beauty of the green 1967 C10 short-wheelbase truck.

Ron loves old tags. This one is from 1980.

We told Ron he could quit pushing about 10 minutes after I took this photo. LOL!

Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

WATCH Part 2: 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Totaled by Tree, 4-speed Ahead!

What next? Owner struggles with tough decisions in aftermath of his 1979 Pontiac Trans Am being totaled by a tree. Insurance details were sketchy at first. Would Sean Casey's beloved Pontiac be covered? Luckily, yes! We saw the Trans Am soon after Casey posted it on FaceBook Marketplace for sale. (He shared his story with us here in Part 1 video.) Casey has owned the Pontiac for 30 years. It was a tough decision to let go of the Trans Am that he made so many memories in with his family.

REPLACEMENT?

It did not take long for Casey to narrow his search for a replacement second gen Pontiac Trans Am. Casey found a red, 4-speed 1975 model Trans Am in Georgia. Once the insurance check cleared and Casey had reached a settlement to buy back his crushed Trans Am. Scant hours passed and a deal was made with a buyer from Texas to acquire his crushed T/A. A mere 12 hours after I saw the car, the black, 1979 automatic shift Trans Am was on its way to Texas with a new owner who was excited to tackle the body work on the mashed Bandit.

Sean Casey with his new addition, a 4-speed 1975 Trans Am.

The 4-speed transmission was the difference maker. Casey loves black Trans Ams but this one seemed to check a lot of boxes.

This was Casey's first car, a 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 4-speed.
Back reliving the glory days.

Sharp-eyed Pontiac fans will note his 1975 Trans Am has a 1976 front bumper. The red replacement Trans Am made Casey's decision to sell his black T/A a lot easier.

RED 4-SPEED

Casey was all smiles as he reminisced about his first car–a 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula with a 4-speed. This new Trans Am would satisfy Casey's urge to shift gears and relive some glory days. Grandkids and a supportive wife are eager to take some trips in the newly purchased Pontiac.

Best of luck and we'll see you on the road soon!

Thanks Sean!

Jody Potter

– Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust


Do you have a car story?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

WATCH: 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Totaled by Tree in Alabama

 

Not my Trans Am! A 1979 Pontiac Trans Am totaled by a tree? We had to check this out after we spotted it on FaceBook Marketplace and noticed it was 20 minutes away. The owner, Sean Casey, told his story about the terrible night that his beloved 1979 Trans Am was crushed by a tree at 2 AM in August.

Casey has owned the Pontiac for 30 years. He relocated the black iconic muscle car, with 92,000 miles, to his yard this year. He doesn't know what he will do next with his 403 Olds-powered "Smokey and the Bandit” era dream car. The insurance is processing the paperwork.

We hope it works out and Casey can repair or buy another Trans Am to hand down to the next generation in his family.

Jody Potter
– Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust


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More pics of the Trans Am tragedy >>

Warning! If your trees have mushrooms growing around the base it could mean the inside of the "green, healthy" tree is rotten. See above.

Do you have a car story?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

Cars in Yards: 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix, All Red, All Wrong

Big, Red, Dirty, Beauty! I rarely find a Grand Prix of any vintage in my travels, but I did it right this time. A 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix finds me and draws me in with the seductive allure these special cars possess. We Junkyard Life Grand Prix/Grand Am geeks will go to great lengths to look at one. In this case, I pulled over and stepped out of the truck. It may not have been that great of a length. Let’s be honest. You had me at Grand Prix.

    One of my favorite years of my favorite era — personal luxury and performance? Any Grand Prix is a treat for us, but we love the Colonnade era of 1973-1977. All right! The 1973 model year was the Johnnie-come-lately. The new kid in town. Very different from the 1969-1972 GP models, but had every bit of Pontiac styling and impact you could only find in the Grand Prix. 

1973-only Grand Prix parts back here.
And cumbersome below bumper gas filler neck behind tag.

All Wrong!
    This red example did have a few options. The push bars on the bumpers were actually an option but not very rare. The color was obviously a repaint in a bright red. That doesn’t sound unusual. It seems I have seen Grand Prixs wearing their sporty red coats. The cowl tag was illegible and the 1973 brochure only sort of verified. “Sort of?” What could that mean? See? The brochure that I have stops right at Buccaneer Red. I feel that Pontiac would have wanted their personal luxury muscle mobile painted that popular color. This had to be correct color, right?

Another option, not present here, would have been the vinyl top. We see no evidence of the sporty roof trim of the 70’s that turned the body into a future crime scene.  Also, notice the steering column and sporty Pontiac spoked steering wheel? Nice try with the PMD horn button, but again—not correct for THIS Pontiac. There was evidence of this Grand Prix being a bucket seat with console model. That steering column has a shifter on it. Also, by 1973, Pontiac had phased the PMD off of center piece trim and horn buttons and transitioned into the famous red arrowhead emblem.

Should this be PMD? We think horn button is wrong.

Buccaneer Up, Little Soldier
    Under the little red riding hood was a Pontiac 400. Maybe? It was a Pontiac motor and the radiator designation implied the 400 cube version. Wiring was a little confusing. It seems to be more of a spaghetti fest than a wiring job.
    This Prix didn’t have the analog gauges which would have been standard with the SJ package. That means this Grand Prix was probably not an SJ. Still cool though. However, I couldn’t find a “J” designation on the car anywhere either. Well, we know it is a Grand Prix.

Buccaneer Red Paint? The Trans Am made that color famous in 1973.

Future?
    I hope this classic Pontiac falls into the right hands, because it is a coveted 1973 model. 1973 being the first year for that generation Prix would contain several parts indigenous to the ’73. Jody and I (Ron) both have 1973 Pontiacs and we know the struggle is real. As for the fate of saved or scrapped? We hope this car can either be fixed or sacrifice itself to other Grand Prixs for valuable parts. Maybe, even ours?

Ron Kidd
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust

So many great angles on this generation Pontiac Grand Prix.

Interior equipped with optional greenhouse package. Lol.

Cheap paint job alert! Overspray on the emblems is a no-no.

Enough gauges to fill your hot rod dreams.

Underhood sticker shows this originally equipped with a Poncho 400 engine.

A lot of room under here and it still has A/C parts attached!

Do you have a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com