1966 Pontiac LeMans 2 DR, HT review from North America

Leaking front and rear window.

Water pump replaced 3 times. Biggest single problem.

Rear axle outer bearings each replaced once by 100k. Used Amsoil synth gear oil and Slick 50 for fluid replacement. Now very quiet.

Wiper arms squeek and must be hand repacked every 2 years.

Starter replaced twice.

Valve cover gasket replaced once.

Head gasket replaced at 160k (but I knew a full overhaul was really due).

Distributor needed rubber cover as a good puddle could drown it. I used an section of 3" diam inner tube for a good fix.

Need to hand lube window lift guides and gears at 140k (25 years). Tediuos work, but worth it.

I have a 1966 LeMans (yes, that's how to cap LeMans, as it's a French term), 2 DR, HT, silver-grey mist paint and black accents. It has the 4bbl OHC "Sprint" 6 cyl. w/4-speed. She was a great sounding and running car up till about 150k miles when the smoke started. If made today, I'd pony-up again in a moment. Presently, it's under a tarp in the back yard with 176k miles on the clock.

I have a 350 (325 HP 10.75:1 from a 68 'Bird) to put in as soon as the garage finishes. The trans will be a strenthened BPO 4-speed AOD I dropped out of a 82 Olds. It may not quite get to the 24-26 MPG the 6 got on the road, but I will have more scoot in the mountain canyons and an easier time in town letting the automatic worry about the gears.

One surprise: the 203 inch-long, 115 inch wheelbase beasty weighs only 3300 lbs.! A new 2003 Bird w/V6 is 3500! (And look which is better made, snicker.) I love 60's iron.