Airbagd's 1968 Camaro

[airbagd]

So i finally decided to start a project thread on here. I picked up a 1968 Camaro a little over a month ago. It came with a bunch of parts (Wilwood, Ridetech, DSE, Accuair and more) and my plan is to go the Pro-touring route. I've had a variety of different custom vehicles so this will be another fun one.

This is is what it looked like when I got it.

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My rendering and vision
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Some of the parts

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Start of the teardown

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Old 327 motor and powerglide
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New LS motor painted up ready for install. Will be going with a T56 trans
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Just about completely stripped down
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Smoothed firewall going in
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DSE clutch bracket. Just need to grind down some welds.
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[airbagd]

Some more parts

Dirty Dingo slider motor mounts
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Black Billet Optima tray & Ring Bros Clutch Reservoir
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Ridetech Shockwaves (still need a pair for the rear)
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Clutch and brake pedals
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[boostin05blacksti]

Looks like a nice start. I have a soft spot for bagged first gens if you couldn't tell. Can I ask why accuair over ridetech?

[airbagd]

All the suspension components will be Ridetech. Using Accuair as the e-level system is great for having three different ride heights pre-programmed and changed with the press of one button or even using your I-phone.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Rendering looks sic!!! Have to keep a eye on this one.

[airbagd]

Firewall is just about done. Then I'll start working on the subframe. 8751787521875188751987520

[airbagd]

Few more pics. They don't do the paint justice though. 875348753587536

[shane38]

can't wait for more updates cars gonna be sick!!

[Richio1]

Nice start. Looking forward to seeing more.

[1nastyZ06]

Nice. What color is that you're painting it?

[airbagd]

Color is Granite Crystal Metallic. It's on the new Durango and some other cars I believe.

[CruizinKev]

nice color! can't wait to see more!

[72Z/28]

Awesome build and nice color choice. Keep up the posts coming man

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Sweet car man!!!

[gordonr1973]

Beautiful so far!!

[armourmark]

Looks good! I'm curious to see the gound clearance when it's completely deflated.

[airbagd]

Pulled all the old suspension off today. Some of the nuts were completely caked with dirt/mud. Looks like the suspension had never been serviced! Oh well good thing I have all new suspension to put on. Next step is cleanup the subframe and then paint it. Hope to have it painted on New Years if all goes as planned.

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[H8MENOW]

Awesome... Nice to see a fellow "mini trucker" on here.. I'm from SEVERED, just joined this forum today.. I'll be starting a build thread for my 61 bubble top soon..

[airbagd]

Thanks! This site has some good info if you dig around. I love bubble tops, so I can't wait to watch your build. I'm also building a 1939 Chevy Truck, but that's laid out, so I don't post it here. LOL.

[H8MENOW]

I guess you can say mine will be a pro touring/ low rod hybrid

[airbagd]

Subframe is out. Started cleaning her up some. A little more TLC and then I'll start clearancing for the shockwaves and then paint.8785987860

[airbagd]

I have no idea why the pictures are sideways!

[Mizzouri]

Coming along nicely....especially since the body doesn't appear to be in bad shape at all! Are you shooting to be road worthy this summer?

[airbagd]

Cut out some of the spring pockets to fit the shockwaves, cleaned up some of the factory's weld splatter, just needs a little more cleaning and then hopefully paint it tomorrow.

Hope to have it finished for SEMA.

[airbagd]

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[airbagd]

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[LeighP]

Some of the factory welds on those frames are a tad average, eh? I recall checking mine thinking I'd have to do some re-welding, but it was pretty good.
I suppose you're going to do this anyway, but I'd advise cleaning and smoothing the areas where you've cut for clearance for the shockwaves...to avoid leaving stress raisers on the rails that may be the start point for a crack.

[airbagd]

Pretty productive day... Subframe painted, installed. DSE body mounts, X-factor transmission crossmember and started mocking up controls and shockwaves.

[airbagd]

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[airbagd]

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[airbagd]

Finally figured out what was causing the pictures to be sideways. 88086

[whytry]

Great progress!! Motivational for me

[airbagd]

Thanks. I've been trying to stay motivated on it, but my other project (1939 Chevy Truck) is feeling neglected. LOL

[airbagd]

Started mocking up the front suspension. 88506

[Rod]

looking good!!!

[airbagd]

Well I did the math and a T56 is going to be out of my budget for now. I'll be running the 4L60e for now.

On a good note... Ordered my Holley LS oil pan, Shiftworks conversion kit, LS6 cam, and Energy Suspension Mounts, so the motor should be somewhat back in the car within a week or two if all goes as planned.

[airbagd]

Well got the suspension all mocked up and off the jack stands. Car is sitting on my mockup wheels for now. It's about an inch off the ground which should be enough for the Holley LS pan. It will be close so I may have to add bump stops. Bad thing is I have to pull it all apart because the clearance for the shockwave is too close for my liking so I'll have to clearance some more. 88857888588885988860

[airbagd]

LS6 Cam, LS6 Springs, Holley LS Conversion Oil Pan, Shiftworks Transmission conversion kit, Lokar Black Anodized throttle linkage bracket, and poly motor mounts. Last parts order for awhile but will get the motor in the car!!
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[dragonfly jones]

Nice job.

[airbagd]

Pulled the car out for some sunlight today. Pulled off the suspension, clearances some more for the shockwaves and put it all back together. Motor and Trans should be going in next weekend hopefully. 8914289143

[airbagd]

Got the Holley LS pan on tonight. I cried when I ordered it because of the cost but WOW! It fit perfect!! 8925589256

[airbagd]

Tonight's Mission Accomplished = Dirty Dingo LSx Sliding Motor mounts installed. Super easy, nice quality and look killer. Went with Energy Suspension Poly Mounts. 89322

[airbagd]

Boom!

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[impala65maniac]

Awesome build man, subscribed.

[Mikey72Nova]

What kind of wheels are in the rendering? Looks awesome!!

[airbagd]

American Racing burnouts

[Charles]

Like your adjustable motor mounts!! From one bragger to another, Nice job bro!!

[larry dzwonkus]

Like your adjustable motor mounts!! From one bragger to another, Nice job bro!!

Hi, can u tell me how u smoothed your firewall just awsome job cause i have a 68camaro conv and am going pro touring with a 2011 efi 6.o motor with the 6speed auto trans that came out of the silverado 2500 truck....can not seem to get any info on how to do it? did u remove the old firewall and replace it with 18gauge steel?....tks larry