View Full Version : "ALICE 3" 67 Camaro RagTop p/t
Well after 9 years, my project is finally on its way. After a few setbacks ,thoughts of selling, and changing my mind on what way i should build, i stumbled onto the ProTour site and well i was hooked. The wondering on how i should build was over, and the research (lots and lots) began. Thanks to this site and its many members threads, many decisions have been made a little simpler. I realize my project is not ground breaking in any way but to me it is a life time dream coming true,so, here are a few pics of my start, and more to follow as i have time to post. These are when i got her home a long time ago. She is now at my friends body shop and is progressing nicely.I will list my plans for the build and a lot more pics later .
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Now the details: (Purchased)
- LS3 525hp (Chev Performance)
-BeCool RAD and Fans
-Aeromotive fuel injection Tank and Fittings
-Tremic t56 super magnum (Chev Performance)
-TCI Front and Rear Torque Arm Suspension
-Currie 9 Diff (3.50) True Trac
-Willwood Brakes
-DSE Minnie Tubs
-HR-01 PT Wheels 18x9 , 18x10
Body:
-Interior and Accessories (all Needed and Purchased)
-RS Grill and Components
-Complete Bolt and Fastner kits
Exterior:
-L/H R/H Rear Quarter Panels
-R/H L/H Inner Fender Skirts
-L/H R/H Outer Wheel House Panels
-Trunk Floor (center)
-Rear Tail Light Panel
-R/H L/H Doors
-R/H L/H upper lower Door Hinges
-R/H L/H Fender Extentions
-Cowl Induction Hood
-Rad Support Panel
-Trunk Lid
-Front Lower RS Valence
-Eddie MotorSports Polished Hood Hinges
So that is some of the major components for my project
-some pics of TCI test fit:,(BOLTS ARE NOT FOR FINAL INSTALL JUST FOR ASSEMBLY)
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Simbad68
02-22-2014, 06:33 PM
Nice start. How is the fitment of the TCI torqe arm?
Thanks,the torque arm fits great but in the pic the pinion angle was not set yet, my main goal is to have all holes drilled and make sure stuff fits before media blasting the body.
Well ,small update, suspension on, and off lift, PRO RAT anyone? Paint and body work really are important, lol.
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Some small progress,received engine ,trans , components ,so time for some test fitting.......yup wrong oil pan was sent so i had to reorder pan and install it later, while test fitting motor trans had to open up the trans tunnel to make it all fit in its proper place,but i am happy with the final fit. Rims also came and they will be fine.i was very happy with the way the rims looked so i guess its time to get on with the rest of the body work. i cant wait until i can put on parts and leave them on. oh well i am enjoying the process.
Received new rubber ,Continental dw , tried them on for looks and i am really happy with the results .
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Peter Mc Mahon
07-16-2014, 07:41 AM
Looks like a really solid car to start with, good stuff!
Buryingthesun
07-16-2014, 07:48 AM
looks cool, what color are you going with for the body?
Thanks guys, yes it was a pretty solid convertible to start and I am very thankful for that, and I am going to go with black for the body, top and interior, with gun metal gray TCI suspension color. It's all still aways from paint but slowly is getting there.
Some more progress,a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Thankfully while blasting I never came across any holes or lurking demons so I was very pleased. Only thing that didn't work out was the bags of soda blast didn't arrive on time, so I left the dash and side interior arm panels to be scuffed by hand.
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Well after 10 years....Primer
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And yes........PAINT,well at least on the underside and interior.
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BillSalZman
02-14-2015, 07:58 AM
Wow, very, very nice!!! Can't wait to see more.
Thanks a lot BillSalZman .
Not all suspension parts are finished being painted yet, but here are some of the rear torque arm bits..
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sheck44
02-15-2015, 03:23 AM
VERY nice build !! Ragz where in Canada are you ?
Cheers
Steve
Thanks, Saskatchewan, where it is currently storming and appears to be along ways from summer.:confused:
What part of Canada is home to you?
67RSRAG
02-15-2015, 06:20 AM
Looking good!! great attention to detail!!
Love your selection of year and model :)
sheck44
02-15-2015, 07:53 AM
Tell me about it !! friggin -26 here this morning
Over here in Toronto
Cheers
Steve
Thanks 67RSRAG, but I think you may have a bias perhaps...lol
Some updates, suspension painted, fitted and installed,now for final body work and alignments.......and paint.
Well,got the motor install finished,clutch in,accessory drive on, also made the choice to paint the trans and the engine,i know some will not care for it ,but chose to do so for more ease of clean up as i do plan to drive the car.
and with the doors.....slowly getting there.
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MStennes
06-22-2015, 12:54 PM
Looks nice! Great job! I'm doing a 69 convert, and I'm curious if your planning a roll bar, and what your plans are to help regain structural integrity since the 1gens lost allot when GM cut the tops off, I'm doing DSE, but even with subframe connectors I'm thinking a 6 point bar of some sort to help tie the front and rear subs together? That then brings on a new problem, fitting it under the top, and somehow keep the back seat? Your thoughts?
Thank you,the roll bar is in the plans, possibly front bars from sub to firewall .I like the tigercage from ridetech style with the roll bar and front side bars, but think i could get one custom made to look and work similar or better, but be a little more budget friendly. I have seen one(tigercage) in a 68 vert and it fit well with the rear seat in tact, and the roof up. You have hit on my major fly in the ointment, still not 100% figured out , at the end of the day, i figure that a vert is probably not the first choice to be the best track car ever , but given the fact that i will be on the road far more than at the track , i hope that with the top down and new upgrades, it will give me the open road experience i never could have had with the original set up, and if its total structural integrity isn't perfect, it's a trade off that i knew was there when i wanted something different....with its design short comings included. So yeah.......i've given you no help ...lol .
Color...well some, but i am very happy, can't believe what a difference paint makes....i realize that makes no sense, but after looking at it for so many years telling myself it is looking better( even if no one else agrees ..lol) to finally see some results, is a very gratifying thing
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slimjim
03-05-2016, 02:07 PM
Great looking car! I love how wide the wheels sit, will you/ have done any modifications to the fender lips to prevent them from scrubbing?
Both fenders are rolled ,the pics are a little misleading because the rear track bar was moved over to one side and not readjusted to center , but they clear nicely with no rub with the coil overs removed to max droop of the shock.
Motown 454
03-05-2016, 07:15 PM
It looks nice, and it makes plenty of sense with all we put into these cars. I'm happy for you!
It looks nice, and it makes plenty of sense with all we put into these cars. I'm happy for you!
I just took a look at your project @Motown 454 ...You Are The Man....you have some serious talent. Great work, and you give inspiration to keep pushing ahead, Thanks.
Paint jail almost done......final adjustments and gaps almost complete..So here are a few updates with dust, fingerprints and small adjustment issues as well........
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so, next on the list;
- install glass
- install top
- custom exhaust
- roll bar, side bars , sub frame to firewall bars......
-.....then back to paint, for the Rollbar and inevitable touch ups....
and the quest continues...
cbpldc
03-29-2016, 12:36 PM
That's looking nice!
Chris
blade
03-30-2016, 07:19 AM
Car looks great, have you driven it yet?
Car looks great, have you driven it yet?
No......owned for over 11 years and not 1 mile....... apparently if you stay at it long enough , you actually get to do it . Thank goodness i enjoy the build..lol... I may have to rename to..Some Day..
Smooth67
03-30-2016, 10:10 AM
No......owned for over 11 years and not 1 mile....... apparently if you stay at it long enough , you actually get to do it . Thank goodness i enjoy the build..lol... I may have to rename to..Some Day..
That's going to be one hell of a satisfying first ride!
Car is looking great! Can't wait to see similar progress on my own.
Made my ( hopefully ) last major orders for parts in the last few days, decided that now is the time to make decisions while nothing is installed in car. New items are
- vintage air iv complete
- hidden wiper
-Ordered Vintage air and Hidden wipers from Matt(personally) at Matt's Classic Bowties, and i've got to say that he was a total pleasure to deal with , and he also gave me some great suggestions for other part changes i wouldn't have been aware of as well (tick hydraulic master cylinder) Great Guy.
-sound deadner sheets
-finally choose a steering wheel
-roto fab cold air induction
-ring bro. hood pins,black, ( taking out rs hood latch)
-TCI brake line kit
-TCI braided steering line kit
Yet to order
- drive shaft..
So now i have to install the convertible top with old cover for roll bar mock up..i have also made my mind up , about the roll bar and rear seat, after owning 03 Z06 Corvette, 2 seats was always more than enough so..rear bars are going to go where ever they need to, there will be no one in back ever , and the rear seats will be left in purely for looks only.
- i am booked in for Roll Bar ,low side door bars (tiger cage style) , front subframe to firewall suport bars, and last but not least while it is there, exhaust..
- Then when that is complete i can get the new top installed..
Realistically , i hope to have bars,exhaust,and new top completed by the end of summer, which at the time it has taken to get here so far is flying...yeah i know , but it's progress
wish me luck...i'll need it
got the old top installed , old seats as well so i can take it in for roll bar and exhaust, small steps. I may change the seats to a racing style before it goes in for bars.
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kirt70camaro
05-22-2016, 11:05 AM
Beautiful ride! How big of a rear tire can you fit in the rear?
Thanks, the biggest tire I can fit is a 295/35/18 , I never tubbed the car so I was good with that , I plan on driving the car a fair amount, so I wanted an affordable tire that wasn't going to break the bank and need to be replaced to often because it was a track rated only tire. I also figured if I have a unfixable tire on the road away from home, my chances of getting a replacement are better.
Some more progress, i am very happy with how the bar is progressing.......and its bolt in......and good bye back seat. Front subframe bars and exhaust next,
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Took my car out to paint,and here are the results.....forgive the extremely dirty car.
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The exhaust was also finished ,was in a bit of a hurry to pick car up as we are getting a big snow storm here ,so the pics could have been better.
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DT69Cam
12-06-2016, 10:48 AM
Beautiful build. Is that a TCI 4 link ??
Beautiful build. Is that a TCI 4 link ??
Thanks, Yes is a TCI, it's the torque arm version.
DT69Cam
12-06-2016, 10:58 AM
Thanks, Yes is a TCI, it's the torque arm version.
Thank you. Again, awesome build.
Installed Ring Brothers hood pins, got to say, it was a little nerve wracking, drilling into new paint, but I like the results.
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DT69Cam
12-10-2016, 08:49 AM
I can imagine LOL. I'm in the market for a new Cowl Induction hood , is that a GM hood or aftermarket ?? If aftermarket which one and how's the fit ?? Thank you.
I can imagine LOL. I'm in the market for a new Cowl Induction hood , is that a GM hood or aftermarket ?? If aftermarket which one and how's the fit ?? Thank you.
The hood was an new original gm product from about 15 years ago, it fit ok, with minor tweaks.
DT69Cam
12-11-2016, 05:46 AM
The hood was an new original gm product from about 15 years ago, it fit ok, with minor tweaks.
Thanks!
1st day putting GT sound deadener down, I don't know how much this is going to deaden sound, but, it will no doubt give a good level of waterproofing to the floor pan. This deafenetly puts your finger tips to the test... Hopefully finish tomorrow.
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DT69Cam
12-13-2016, 03:54 AM
Ragz, they sell a small roller to use with the sound deadener. It has a wooden handle and a rubber like wheel. You roll it over the material and press fit it in the nook and crannies. Saves your hands. Ask me how I know ? LOL
Michaels 69
12-13-2016, 11:45 AM
Your car looks great!!
Ragz, they sell a small roller to use with the sound deadener. It has a wooden handle and a rubber like wheel. You roll it over the material and press fit it in the nook and crannies. Saves your hands. Ask me how I know ? LOL
Yeah it came with a small one, a wooden roller, broke in about a minute.. Lol, got another, but a better one, and it does make it a little easier, good call.
Your car looks great!!
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Finished the interior part of the deadener, added a few pieces to the doors, inside of interior rear quarter panels and some up under the dash as well, the door difference is very noticeable, not sure, but once I cut an access hole in my trunk I may do that as well... So, I guess it's on to the AAW wiring harness, hope this goes smooth.. Lol
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If anyone has a good idea for how to finish the back seat area, i would be very interested to hear some thoughts, i want to keep it fairly simple , and some room for clean speaker install, Thanks.
Going to fit some wiring,made a bracket to hold the ls computer and fuse box, it is going to go in the glove box hole...i tried to make it as slim and shallow as possible to clear the vintage air ,so hope it works, now to drill the Big hole in the firewall....
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DT69Cam
12-17-2016, 12:44 PM
Nice Ragz! Hey which Holley LS accessory drive kit did you use ?? (Holley 20-135 ?) Is that the SD508 compressor. A guy over on Team Camaro has a 67 and wanted to use the SD7 compressor, but its awful close to the inner fender.
Nice Ragz! Hey which Holley LS accessory drive kit did you use ?? (Holley 20-135 ?) Is that the SD508 compressor. A guy over on Team Camaro has a 67 and wanted to use the SD7 compressor, but its awful close to the inner fender.
The accessories drive is a Corvette, GMP drive system,Package Part Number 19257325=Without Air Conditioning, then the ac mount is from Kwik, I got it from Matt's, the ac compressor is the recommended one to use with vintage AIR kit for LS SWAP SD5,4665 , here's a pic of the ac and Kwik info,
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DT69Cam
12-17-2016, 07:00 PM
Thank you very much !!
ryanleiker
12-21-2016, 06:23 AM
Finished the interior part of the deadener, added a few pieces to the doors, inside of interior rear quarter panels and some up under the dash as well, the door difference is very noticeable, not sure, but once I cut an access hole in my trunk I may do that as well... So, I guess it's on to the AAW wiring harness, hope this goes smooth.. Lol
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What brand/style of sound deadened did you use?
What brand/style of sound deadened did you use?
I used GTMAT pro 80ml
Installed the rain gear, hidden wiper motor, fits great, easy to install and very well put together. I got the variable speed version, the metal knob and retainer were also a nice touch. Now to paint the cover, starting to wish I would have smoothed the firewall... Oh well.
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ryanleiker
12-22-2016, 06:02 PM
I used GTMAT pro 80ml
Any reason you picked the 80mil over the 50mil or 110mil?
Looks like a good product for the money.
Also, how much did you buy to cover the interior?
Thanks.
Any reason you picked the 80mil over the 50mil or 110mil?
Looks like a good product for the money.
Also, how much did you buy to cover the interior?
Thanks.
The reason i went with 80 ml , is when i bought it a few years ago that was as thick as they had. It seems good but i bought it more for the extra water proofing and heat barrier, but i don't see why it would not be a good product. I bought 2 of the large rolls with 2 rolls of tape as well, one roll did all of what i need to do in the interior and i still have a 4foot x18 inch piece left plus the other roll, it sticks great ,contours well ,the interior is certainly less hollow sounding, so, over all i am pleased with it......but i haven't drove 1 foot..
Started on the rs buckets, things seem to be pretty straight forward, only thing not working out great is the AAW rs harness seems way to short ,routed it every possible way and can not get it to work, try again tomorrow,small update pic, i know this is basic stuff and not at all new, but hey its progress.......i can not believe how guys here are so capable of real fabrication ,i find it an uphill battle just to add bolt on stuff,but , it is fun, and frustrating..lol
Edit: was able to get AAW rs wiring to work by taking apart some of the zip ties that they use and it made the runs longer in some areas, enough to make it work.
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Installing the vintage air, not going to put the centre vent in it's original spot, thinking about putting it in the ash tray spot.....
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Small amount of progress , test fit va, hoses are measured but not crimped yet, unit is fit, wow it's a tight fit for the ecu and fuse box if you mount them in the glove box, the vents are in, and I think I have a great fit for the vent to go in the ash tray location ,i still have to run the wiring but.....slow progress..
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Found some helpful info out today about Dakota Digital VHX gauges, if you are using the OBD2 plug, the way to tell if your OBD2 plug will support oil pressure reading is, if your factory oil sending unit has 2 wires it will NOT support OBD2, if it has 3 , it WILL send pressure reading through the OBD2 cable.I was glad to find i have 3, install just got easier..
Well i have finally finished front end wiring, which has allowed me to install some stuff in the engine compartment.
-Installed-
-cold air intake
-fuel reg.
-fuel lines
-catch can
-air cond/ heater hose lines, rad upper/lower hoses
-battery
still have to do brake master and clutch master,not a great pic but...progress
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Finally... winter is back and i am able to focus on the car again, i've finished the fuel tank , trunk access to tank , fuel lines, wired the pump and sender, rear of car is wired and now i am tackling the dash.... it looks cleaner than what the pics show but here is the dash area so far
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This was not the final look , added sound deadener to floor and used different fasteners
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DT69Cam
11-29-2017, 02:31 PM
Very, very nice!! How do you like the Roto-Fab CAI box ?? I just ordered mine. What Radiator is that ?? Thx!
Very, very nice!! How do you like the Roto-Fab CAI box ?? I just ordered mine. What Radiator is that ?? Thx!
Thanks, i am totally impressed with the Roto-Fab CAI, it fit well and blends in nicely, over all quality appears to be exceptional, the rad is a BeCool .
A big day for me.....Its hook up the battery check for smoke day...
Hooked up battery ..no smoke...
Tried out the headlights ... very nice... well they opened a little iffy..
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Tailights.. ok
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Shut off headlights.. good ..
headlight doors close..... no
i hate rs lights..lol
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oh well small steps...(and cause i know someone will notice .. shift light is just sitting on dash , not where its going)
DT69Cam
12-01-2017, 02:08 PM
Thanks, i am totally impressed with the Roto-Fab CAI, it fit well and blends in nicely, over all quality appears to be exceptional, the rad is a BeCool .
Thank you !!
A update, after re-reading rs limit switch wire hookup , turns out.... i'm a Dummy , changed 2 wires on limit switches and now it's working like a champ, can't even say how stoked i am to see them work, i was worried i would have to change my head lights but they get to stay.
Made the decision that i'm only going to use hood pins and ditch factory hood latch and catch.... so i figured that the bright light indicator on factory gauge cover isn't used with a DD cluster, it may work for a warning light if hood isn't shut..
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using a Alarm Security Adjustable Pin Switch at the hood, it should be a good way not to forget hood open, its very bright and impossible to ignore.. i hope.
icemanrd19
12-03-2017, 03:34 PM
I like the hood light open idea. How about using that for the shift light instead of the hood opened light ?
I like the hood light open idea. How about using that for the shift light instead of the hood opened light ?
I like that idea too.. but.. knowing me i would have the hood fly up at 6500 and i would miss the shift anyways lol, but no reason it wouldn't work.
So.. time to install DBW pedal, previously i had purchased an iron works bracket as i thought it would simplify pedal install , but, it placed the pedal way to far forward and not in a place that would look good, so, i used the bracket that came originally with pedal and i think it will be just fine.
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Motown 454
12-07-2017, 02:10 PM
Nice work! The warning light for the hood is a good idea.
While waiting for some small brake line parts i made something to fill up an empty radio hole, the beginnings of an exceptionally minimal stereo....... fake knobs and a siriusxm commander touch screen in a small hole stock bezel fits my version of perfect and no cutting of stock hole.
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6'9"Witha69
12-20-2017, 12:51 PM
Good looking build! Did I miss where the name Alice came from? I ask because that's my 69s name, for the blue with the white like Alice in Wonderland.
Good looking build! Did I miss where the name Alice came from? I ask because that's my 69s name, for the blue with the white like Alice in Wonderland.
Mine has no where near the depth of thinking behind it as yours.... everyone would ask what motor I was gong to put in the car, I would say LS3.... so after a while LS turned into Alice ...(say it fast enough it sort of makes sense..lol).. my wife made it stick when she said I spend more time with Alice than her..and there it is
Side note: it's funny you mentioned it because I was doing a search on TCT ,yesterday and your car came up as Alice .. I thought what are the chances of 2 1st gen camaro named Alice , I thought zero... made me feel a little better about the name choice ... so thanks
side note 2..just looked at what i thought was your thread .. it wasnt..lol there are now at least 3 Alices out there .. i am amazed
After 14 years of dreams and hopes..
she (Alice) finally got to make some noise, and wow does she sound good
i could not be more stoked , the light at the end of the tunnel just got a lot brighter .
it was a nervous day triple checking fluids, but after priming adding fuel it was time,
hit the key ... and stood in awe ,
LS3 525 blowing through black widows is a symphony i can listen too at length,
:nopity::nopity::nopity::nopity::nopity:
video to follow.
Big day for me.... i thought it would never happen,
Day after results
- very happy with the VHX gauges, they picked everything up from GMPP Connect and Cruise harness, oil pressure pick up was my main concern, but all good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdvFr9B66NQ&feature=youtu.be
Had a very good friend of mine ( the guy that painted my car ) come over on weekend , started on full glass install.. not all done , but a nice start, its been quite a while since i could sit in a seat and look through glass.
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Latest progress, now to finish up small stuff.... alignment done, can finally do a road
test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sang0DXowLE
slimjim
06-03-2018, 01:42 PM
it sounds great through those black widows! what mid lengths did you use? I couldn't find it in your thread
[QUOTE=slimjim;1267950]it sounds great through those black widows! what mid lengths did you use? I couldn't find it in your thread[/QUOT
I used, Speed Engineering shorty's.. they fit great, and gave me no clearance issues underneath...
Finally, after owning my car for 14 years i was able to take her out on a cruise , great day, and this is a fitting way to end my thread, from start to finish, thanks for all the support.
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A few update shots..... took her on a 3200 mile trip last summer, through mountain passes in Montana, Wyoming, got her tuned in Washington ( ESDC PERFORMANCE Thanks Chad), Idaho, Alberta then home to Saskatchewan , ran like a champ165450165451
1sixty8
12-29-2022, 02:51 PM
Small amount of progress , test fit va, hoses are measured but not crimped yet, unit is fit, wow it's a tight fit for the ecu and fuse box if you mount them in the glove box, the vents are in, and I think I have a great fit for the vent to go in the ash tray location ,i still have to run the wiring but.....slow progress..
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Where did you cut the hole in the firewall on this car for the harness? I'm currently swapping my 68 and have the same computer and fuse panel. I like the way you have that mounted in the glove box, but I'm unsure on where to cut the hole and what size for the harness leading to the engine bay. Great build thread man!
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