I think you you should have waited another month before the tear down. :O
Printable View
I think you you should have waited another month before the tear down. :O
It has been 3 years since I made any updates on this car, but some progress has been made since then. Along the way, I got distracted by my other builds, and a bit burned out on this project. I'll do my best to catch up now!
After I had the car media blasted, we found all sorts of issues hidden under the paint. I didn't think it would be so bad, but it was. The quarter panels were not butt-welded, just overlapped, and had so much welding heat put into them that they were wavy and filled with bondo to get rid of the wave. The trunk floor was swiss cheese, those holes must have been filled with the splatter paint. The entire floor of the car, firewall to trunk, had rot issues forming, and had to be replaced. So, this "budget build" had grown into a full-on restoration. How many others have heard that story?
Here is what we found under the paint. Hence, my motivation on the project dropped for a while.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC00038-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC00040-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC00041-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02631-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02632-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02633-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9vert2_1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02635-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02636-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02638-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02639-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02637-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02641-1.jpg
Trunk floor = daylight holes.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02443-1.jpg
Basically, all of the sheetmetal would need to be replaced, in order to do this build right. Structurally, the Camaro was very good. The rocker panels, frame rails, cowl and windshield frame, all were good. We managed to save the forward trunk panel, as well as most of the dash and firewall. The rest was removed and replaced by GAP Racing ( http://www.gapracingtx.com/ ). I had GAP do the following work:
-Replace full floor
-Replace full trunk floor
-Replace trunk drop-off panels
-Replace both quarter panels
-Replace tail panel
-Replace trunk lid
-Replace door skins
-Replace both cowl side panels
-Smooth firewall
-Install DSE mini-tubs and new inner wheelhousings
-Install restored '69 front subframe
-Install DSE subframe connectors
-Install new narrowed 12-bolt axle, 3.42 gears and posi
-Install SpeedTech torque arm rear suspension system
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02452-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02451-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02455-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC02460-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...06/resto-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...resto000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto00-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto01-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto03-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto02-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto05-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto08-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto04-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto06-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto07-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../resto09-1.jpg
Back from GAP Racing, all sheetmetal and suspension installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6/69vert-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...DSC06697-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_104150-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_104204-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_104219-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_104240-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_105415-1.jpg
Two weeks ago, I loaded up the Camaro and took it to the paint shop, RF Customs (Spring, TX). I met with Ray, the owner, and looked at a few of their other projects going on in the shop. They had nice attention to detail, and seemed to only work on classic cars. I didn't want a paint shop that focused on mostly collision/repair work, as those places often back-burner our classic car jobs.
RF Customs will do the final trunk and door gap work, panel alignment, block/sand and paint the car. So, this is where we are today.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_104603-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_115941-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...3_064309-1.jpg
Looking back at my original post, I'll further illustrate "scope change" or "project creep". :)
-Gut car completely down to shell. Load onto my new rotisserie.
Done.
-Soda blast the shell inside/out
Done.
-Evaluate/inspect any panels that need to be replaced or repaired.
haha, all of them.
-Body work / paint
in progress
-Install a restored OEM front subframe (already have). It has DSE arms on it, QA1 coil-overs, and a DSE steering box. Keeping the rear steer setup.
Still planned
-Restore the factory 12-bolt axle, install new bearings, posi, and axles. Probably use a 3.42 gear for highway cruising.
Purchased new Moser 12-bolt housing, narrowed for deeper wheel lips
-Install DSE lowering leafs (already have). QA1 adjustable rear shocks.
No leaf springs. SpeedTech torque arm suspension installed
-Install CPP 4-wheel disk brake kit (already have).
Upgraded to 6-piston Wilwood brakes
-American Autowire update wiring harness
Same here.
-Brand new L92/LS3 crate engine (already have) - will install a cam, valvesprings.
Brand new 427ci LS7 being built by Texas Speed & Performance
-Built T56 6-spd transmission (already have)
Yup.
-LS7 clutch (already have)
Ram clutch with ceramic/metallic pucks now
-Vintage Air system
Same.
-Magnaflow dual 3" exhaust system (already have)
Same
-Hooker longtube headers (already have)
Same
-New standard door panels
Going with Deluxe door panels
-New Arizen houndstooth seats (already have)
Same
-Spectra OEM style fuel tank w/ electric pump (already have)
Same, but may need pump upgrade
-New canvas convertible top
Same
-Install subframe connectors
Done. DSE in-floor installed
-Install AR Torque-Thrust 2 Classic wheels 18x8 and 18x10 (already have). This may change, but I do like the gray spokes on them.
Nope. I will be using 3-piece forged wheels, not decided on style yet.
Gotta love the fine attention to detail the previous owner had though. I don't think I've ever seen the engineering marvels they came up with.
I can only imagine the sheer horror upon seeing the body after blasting. Everyone's nightmare.
Any chance you'll be at Goodguys in October with it?
Door gaps being addressed now. Aftermarket quarter panels weren't even close to matching the door curve.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...doorgap1-1.png
Okay, a lot of updates since my last post in July. The body/paint shop (RF Customs in Spring, TX) is doing a great job with schedule, as well as attention to detail. Ray spent a lot of time getting the door gaps perfect, as well as the trunk gaps. I should have the car back by November, which was our agreed date. No paint shop prison, amazing.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_062630-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...4_054854-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...4_054928-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_102740-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_102800-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_102833-1.jpg
Welded up all the misc holes on the inner fenders, and filled in all the little dimples. I see a lot of high-end builds skip this step, when they shouldn't. Looks much better smooth!
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9/10355-1.jpeg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9/10359-1.jpeg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...5_060032-1.jpg
In the paint booth! Laying down epoxy primer on every surface.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120354-1.jpg
Smoothed the body seam surrounding the tail light panel, as I plan on painting the rear orange. Subtle, but looks cleaner like this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120407-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120418-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120447-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120530-1.jpg
Firewall has been completely smoothed, painted in semi-gloss black. Entire engine bay will be this color.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120605-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120623-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...8_120615-1.jpg
We have color! Laid down a base coat of white to make the Hugger Orange pop more. Car was disassembled to do body work and paint the jambs. Door jambs and trunk jambs are now completed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_093716-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_093735-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_094612-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_094650-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_094705-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_094713-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9_094724-1.jpg
Baking out in the Texas 95F sun.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9/10475-1.jpeg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...0_094938-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...0_095011-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...0_095109-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...0_094918-1.jpg
Body reassembled for final paint. Getting close...
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...5_094841-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...5_094709-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...5_094830-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...5_094738-1.jpg
Subscribed. Nice build.
Looks amazing Tony as with any build you have done. Great job!
Wow Sweet! I love the progress.
Engine updates. I dig horsepower related topics :)
Texas Speed & Performance did the machining and assembly on my engine. It is a 427ci LS7 that was built from all brand new parts, including the block. I went with a relatively mild cam, as this car is a cruiser and I want to maintain street manners. Target is to make 525-550 rwhp.
GM LS7 block
11.1:1 CR
ETP/Mast CNC ported LS7 heads 64cc
TSP custom cam - 233/239 0.595/0.603 113 LSA
Callies Compstar crankshaft and rods 4.0" stroke
Wiseco pistons - part K445X7 -15cc 4.127"
Katech ported oil pump
All ARP hardware
Clevite bearings
Cometic head gaskets
LS7 rocker arms with Comp Cams trunion upgrade kit
New LS7 block:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...4_082616-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...4_082655-1.jpg
Bunch of parts:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...4_082712-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...4_082723-1.jpg
Assembling at Texas Speed:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_185624-1.jpg
Arrived at my shop:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_114117-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_120518-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_121406-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_120549-1.jpg
Installed a billet valley cover that I had left over from a previous MagnaCharger kit install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...2f8813d7-1.jpg
Intake port:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_120830-1.jpg
Exhaust port:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_120809-1.jpg
I had the sheetmetal intake built by my late friend John Beck, who passed in 2013. It was always intended to be the centerpiece of this engine bay. I challenged him to create some CNC billet runners, forming a cross-ram of sorts. The intake is a work of art, and he will be missed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_150723-1.jpg
Testing out two different valve covers I had made for the engine. Some fabricated sheetmetal ones which match the intake manifold well, and some billet aluminum ones that are more dressy. I'm likely going to powdercoat the upper hat of the intake, and the valvecovers, thinking a matte gunmetal gray.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_124637-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_124710-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_150809-1.jpg
Billet valvcovers:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_124614-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_124757-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_124804-1.jpg
Height comparison. The coil packs hide inside the taller billet covers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_124647-1.jpg
Really digging this view.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...6_150643-1.jpg
Now I need to decide on which serpentine pulley system to purchase. Leaning towards the brushed Eddie Motorsports kit at the moment, as I like the industrial look. This engine bay will have zero chrome, it will consist of black, gray, and bare metal. That is my goal.
Tony
Replaced all the screws with ARP stainless. Had the lid off, so snapped some more pics of the intake.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...2_094833-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...2_095037-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...2_101537-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...2_101435-1.jpg