After selling his Brazen Orange Metallic 2006 GTO, Brendon Vetuskey set out to build something more personal: a classic 1968–70 GTO that delivered vintage muscle car style without sacrificing real-world usability. Living in Los Angeles, that meant a car capable of enduring stop-and-go traffic, summer heat, and long drives - with cold air conditioning and dependable manners.
Above: How the 1969 Pontiac GTO appeared when Mr. Vetuskey first purchased the car (photos without the Classic Industries' watermark were provided by the owner).
Because the car was meant to be driven regularly, originality and rarity were not priorities. Numbers-matching drivetrains, real Judges, and rare Ram Air IV cars can be extraordinary, but they also carry risks that don’t align with daily use. Vetuskey’s requirements were deliberate: an original Verdoro Green car, black interior, factory A/C, and the best overall condition his budget allowed.
After months of searching, he found a promising candidate complete with its Protect-O-Plate, PHS documentation, and a reproduction window sticker. Advertised as solid and needing little more than an A/C recharge, the car was purchased sight unseen.
The reality was far different.
From Fix-and-Flip to Full Rebuild
Though attractive from a distance, the car revealed extensive problems up close. Nearly every system leaked, including the engine, transmission, differential, fuel system, radiator, and steering box. The air conditioning was nonfunctional, the carburetor bogged badly, and multiple electrical components were inoperative. Interior shortcuts were equally apparent, from reused, deteriorated seat foam to misaligned windows and inoperative instruments.
The most serious issue emerged later: the car sat crooked due to a bent and cracked frame.
Rather than walking away, Vetuskey committed to rebuilding the car properly correcting past compromises and improving the platform for long-term use.
Building a Better Foundation
The transformation began with the drivetrain. The factory automatic transmission was replaced with a Tremec TKX five-speed using a complete Silver Sports Transmissions (SST) conversion. A hydraulic clutch system was adapted to Pontiac-specific pedals, producing a shorter, more natural pedal feel ideal for daily driving. With the interior removed, the front seats were relocated for improved legroom and additional interior issues were addressed.
As steering and suspension upgrades progressed, the damaged frame was removed and replaced with a solid unit sourced from Frank’s Pontiac Parts. Rather than reinstalling it stock, Vetuskey reinforced it with a Hellwig Frame FX kit, boxing the main rails and adding additional body attachment points. Factory A-body mounting shortcomings were corrected, resulting in six more frame-to-body connections than originally used. Custom gussets and bracing further increased rigidity, while the brake and fuel systems were completely replumbed.
Functional Style, Not Imitation
While not a genuine Judge, the car wears subtle Judge-inspired touches for visual impact, including stripes without “The Judge” lettering, a Judge spoiler, and Rally II wheels without trim rings.
More importantly, Vetuskey created a fully functional Ram Air system. Modified hood scoops, custom ducting, and reworked upper and lower pans provide direct airflow to the engine. The vacuum-operated flaps were eliminated as unnecessary, and the system was tailored to seal correctly without restriction.
Built to Drive Anywhere
Today, the GTO delivers exactly what Vetuskey envisioned. It remains cool year-round, handles traffic effortlessly, and has proven itself on road trips. The car draws constant attention but, more importantly, inspires confidence behind the wheel.
It isn’t a museum piece. it’s a muscle car built to be used, like to the Hot Wheels division of Mattel, where he works.
Build Highlights
Drivetrain & Powertrain
- TKX 5-speed manual conversion
- Hydraulic clutch, McLeod clutch, Lakewood scatter shield
- FiTech EFI with Edelbrock Performer intake manifold
- Replaced stock exhaust manifolds with R.A.R.E. factory header manifolds
- Tanks, Inc. fuel tank with electric pump
- Custom Ram Air III system
- Leaky radiator replaced with Cold Case aluminum radiator
Suspension, Steering & Rear Axle
- Ridetech A-Body Street Grip suspension
- Replaced factory fasteners with Airframe (AN) bolts with correct grip lengths
- Borgeson 12.7:1 quick-ratio steering box
- J&S Gear–rebuilt rear axle with Posi-traction
- Global West rear frame braces and short steering arms
- Reinforced replacement frame from Frank's Pontiac Parts with Hellwig Frame FX kit
- Custom gussets and six additional body mounts
Interior & Electrical
- Rebuilt seating with proper foam
- Auto Meter gauges and rebuilt 1970 GTO speedometer that goes to 140 mph
- Thicker gauge battery cables rerouted away from exhaust
- Antique Automobile Radio system
- LED lighting and headlight relay upgrade
- Restored factory A/C (R12)
Exterior
- Verdoro Green with Judge stripes
- Judge spoiler
- Rally II wheels (no trim rings)
- Ceramic window tint
Built Back to Better Than New
As you can see from the fantastic build photos - Mr. Brendon Vetuskey has built himself a 1969 Pontiac GTO that's better than new. From the high level of fab work and meticulousness that went into his Goat, it's easy to imagine how much fun he would have behind the wheel thundering along with a big grin on his face and rowing through the gears wherever he is traveling. Well done, Mr. Vetuskey! Thank you for permitting Classic Industries' countless customers to admire your creation!
Classic Industries - Your Trusted Partner in Renovating Timeless American Classics
Above: The modern vehicles surrounding this timeless 1969 Z28 Camaro look pretty darn boring in comparison with the stunning pony car (photographed in the parking area on Blackhorse Golf Course in Seaside, CA, at the 2024 Concorso Italiano by the author).
Should you be an American muscle car enthusiast and owner, Classic Industries offers both an enormous website and several large GM, Mopar, and a Ford Mustang catalog that has hundreds of thousands of restoration, performance, restomod, and accessory parts listed for your pride and joy. Simply select the catalog button below and find the catalog that you wish to receive in the mail. Have fun in the building, driving, showing, racing, and cruising of your American muscle machine.
Above: The Pontiac GTO design was created by one of the Top Eight Automotive Designers of the 1960s-1970s.
