'Streamline' 1968 camaro project

[slimjim]

G'day fellas,
I've been snooping around the site for a couple of months and finally decided to show you my project.
I moved from Australia late last year to live in Charlotte NC, jumped on a 68 camaro shell quite soon after and am having it built at Quarter Mile Muscle in mooresville.
The shell had been blasted and showed bad cases of rust, and since I always want to have the option of one day taking it back to australia, the option of buying a dynacorn shell were not an option for the strict import laws for classic cars.
so right now the car is going through full fabrication to make it as good as new.
Aiming at a full pro-touring car estimated to be on the road early to mid 2016 and although the car is having a lot of work done at the workshop, I am still heavily involved supplying all parts and working on certain projects of my own.
The plan for the car is to end up silver, no chrome whatsoever, stinger hood, a lot of custom details in the bodywork, modern interior and of course, an LS engine. More of my ideas will be revealed as they're executed on the car, so sit tight..

JULY 2017, PHOTOBUCKET DECIDED TO CHANGE THEIR TERMS, RUINING ALL PICTURES IN MY THREAD, I HAVE UPDATED IT AS BEST I COULD, BUT THERE ARE NO LONGER AS MANY PICTURES, AND SOMETIMES THE TIMELINE IS NOT PERFECT. FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS OR MORE INFORMATION OF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE BUILD, JUST ASK.

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These above pics were taken back in may when it was stripped down

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Slowly replacing all major steel, as you can see, DSE tubs are going in soon.

I've also been ordering a lot of major parts during this time, including a set of Boze wheels

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/y6rHUyd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/Q4L5X18-1.jpg

18x8s up front as we'll be running the standard subframe(for now) all with aftermarket suspension of course, however the rears are 19x12s, Backspacing of 4.75", and fully brushed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/JtGn4wT-1.jpg

225s wrapping them for now, these should clear the 2013 ss brembos going behind them.
So for now and the next few weeks, the car will continue in fabrication, hopefully we can begin some of the custom work, meanwhile I'm working on a new grille.
Always happy to discuss the build with anyone, whether its positive or negative I want to hear it, this is my first american build so be gentle,
If anyone is in NC I'd love to meet you, talk cars and have a beer.

[rchaskin]

Welcome from Hildebran.

Don't get to the big city much....

There will be several locals at the Goodguys Charlotte event. It is a really fun event.
Look for me in the autocross pits. Blue Nova with a white top.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Cool setup! Local too

[2ABodies1FBody]

What model of Boze wheels are those? They are gorgeous! Looks like the car is coming along nicely.

Clint

[slimjim]

What model of Boze wheels are those? They are gorgeous! Looks like the car is coming along nicely.

Clint

They're Boze Pro touring, brushed centers AND hoops, to keep with the 'No chrome or polished' look i want for the car.
They're also surprisingly light weight for such big wheels.

[slimjim]

A bit more progress on the car, panels are all being aligned and starting some work on the firewall, went with the DSE firewall panel for the passenger side but we'll do our own thing on the driver side.


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[slimjim]

front end is coming along, time to start cutting into the stinger hood!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/4dIXDMD-1.jpg

Soooo, I've had a drastic plan change... I'll be getting a full subframe now, going to go for a full package, including 4 link or torque arm setup with rear end included... now to decide which brand/ which frame suits my needs...

[slimjim]

Well just like that, a track time speed tech suspension package is ordered...

also, just putting the finishing touches on my grille, inspired by roadstershop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/5V3c8tL-1.jpg

[2ABodies1FBody]

Where did you get the mesh material you used for your grill? Looks sweet.

Clint

[slimjim]

Where did you get the mesh material you used for your grill? Looks sweet.

Clint

Its actually off of eBay, theres a huge mesh supplier. Roadstershop managed to make theirs out of aluminium which would be ideal but I made this more than strong enough

[slimjim]

a couple more small updates, panels are aligning without too much difficulty.

tubs are in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/MNOUZ1c-1.jpg

dummied up my grille
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/W7z5CnD-1.jpg

and some nice big boxes can only mean nice big presents

[slimjim]

The car is towards the final stages of fabrication now and we're looking to start fitting some of the major parts, both tubs are installed, just waiting on a few things and then we can test fit the rear end and ensure the wheels fit without too much hassle, also waiting on the subframe to return from powder coating before we fit it along with the brakes and wheels up front. anyways, here's pictures:-
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/wE4qfMK-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/eZobEnj-1.jpg
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and after a lot of research and part sourcing, I believe I've found a way to fit these brakes.. up front anyways

[Motown 454]

Great progress, its coming together nice. I like the grill and the way you have the SS off center. Very Nice.

[Bozeforged]

Looks great!!! Thanks for choosing Boze Pro Touring wheels. I'm looking forward to seeing more images of your build!

[slimjim]

Looks great!!! Thanks for choosing Boze Pro Touring wheels. I'm looking forward to seeing more images of your build!

Thankyou, I'll actually be giving you another call down the track, decided I'll get wider front wheels. No rush for them but a shame I changed my mind on the subframe after buying wheels

[Bozeforged]

Thankyou, I'll actually be giving you another call down the track, decided I'll get wider front wheels. No rush for them but a shame I changed my mind on the subframe after buying wheels

No problem! Feel free to call me with any questions.
Thanks

[kirt70camaro]

The grill is awesome and the SS emblem puts it over the top!!! Great job.

[Godbolt]

The grill is awesome and the SS emblem puts it over the top!!! Great job.

+1!

Oh, and the wheels are awesome too. Looks like it's coming together really well.

[slimjim]

Well I've been away in Egypt for a little while and have come back and decided I want to push things forward and get this car closer to paint.
We got started on removing the drip rails and started some work on fitting the 2012 dash. The next couple weeks should allow for some serious progress.
I waited several weeks(8) for my subframe to come back from powder coating and it has come back gloss black.. which is annoying when I scrolled through colours for hours and settled on a very nice charcoal silver.. I am currently deciding whether to live with it, or go through the hassle of sending it back, I had planned on assembling the front end suspension and brakes next week and get the wheels on but now I'm not sure what to do.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/12/hI97Hvt-1.jpg

[slacker1965]

hey james.....nice build! FWIW powder makes great primer, just paint it the color you wanted.......way easier to do now. on the flip side not very many people will ever see it if you decide to just live with it.
subscribed......

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Looking good, I've been getting the itch to build another Camaro.

[mbw]

Your build is coming together nicely. I love the grill. Can you elaborate on it? Who makes it?

[Godbolt]

From earlier in thread:

.....So for now and the next few weeks, the car will continue in fabrication, hopefully we can begin some of the custom work, meanwhile I'm working on a new grille.

And see post 10, he made it.

[slimjim]

Your build is coming together nicely. I love the grill. Can you elaborate on it? Who makes it?

Yeah as Godbolt pointed out, I made it myself from a new factory grill, I took a lot of photos of the process if anyone else would like to make one too, it took longer than I had planned on to get it perfect but I'm very happy with how it turned out.

[mbw]

Yeah as Godbolt pointed out, I made it myself from a new factory grill, I took a lot of photos of the process if anyone else would like to make one too, it took longer than I had planned on to get it perfect but I'm very happy with how it turned out.
I see it now...must have been too intrigued and skipped over that. I'm building now and would love to build that grill. Pm incoming for details.

[slimjim]

I see it now...must have been too intrigued and skipped over that. I'm building now and would love to build that grill. Pm incoming for details.

Sent you a detailed email with several pics I took along the way, let me know how it works out

[slimjim]

hey james.....nice build! FWIW powder makes great primer, just paint it the color you wanted.......way easier to do now. on the flip side not very many people will ever see it if you decide to just live with it.
subscribed......

Thanks, I hadn't thought about that, I'll decide when I see it in a couple days, I'm not sure I want to lose anymore time, I really want the front end assembled and rolling, the longer the car sits in the shop, the sadder my wallet gets.
I've never had someone work on a car of mine to this extent so the sooner its painted and rolling the sooner I can work on it myself and save some coin

[TheJDMan]

I'm surprised that you went with a Speedtech suspension given that DSE is located there locally in Mooresville.

[BigDougie]

Looking very nice. That grill is bad ass.

[Ghosterix]

Awesome build, subscribed :).
Like your plan for the car... Feel free to write about the grille, it looks great.

[slimjim]

Awesome build, subscribed :).
Like your plan for the car... Feel free to write about the grille, it looks great.

Grill information can be found at www.jastperformance.com

[slimjim]

Made some progress today assembling the subframe, Speedtech did a great job and it was very easy, especially compared to my background with japanese cars, Could have been easier if I could remove the subframe from the car but we're still aligning and working on the hood unfortunately.
I wish I could have used the ATS tall spindles but I have used ridetech spindles instead to fit the lsxconcepts big brake brackets.
Once the correct lugs come in I can fit the brakes, and then the wheels.
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[slimjim]

More updates while I'm still able to.
Front brakes are on
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/Lfoj4T3-1.jpg

slipped a Wheel on while I was there, the coilovers need to be remounted and readjusted as they can be fitted in 2 options according to the speed tech instructions.. The Lower option is damn low..
You'll see we also quite obviously need to do some guard-work to get the low offset wheels to fit comfortably
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/m2UhyTo-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/wE4qfMK-1.jpg

And the hood inlet is well underway, not as simple a job as first expected but I am very happy with how it is coming along
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/NufwQHv-1.jpg

[Cryptonomad]

Looking good James! keep it up!

[slimjim]

Looking good James! keep it up!

Thank you,
I Ordered a trans tunnel and dash frame today, hoping to start working on that shortly. I happened to find a yard with 3 camaros in PA who were reasonably priced

[ChevelleNV]

Love the hood James...and of course the front brakes :)

Just a fyi, I just finished up the rear 9 inch prototypes....and I am just waiting to hear back from my water jet cutter and some of the parts and I should be taking orders soon....

something for you to drool on....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[slimjim]

Love the hood James...and of course the front brakes :)

Just a fyi, I just finished up the rear 9 inch prototypes....and I am just waiting to hear back from my water jet cutter and some of the parts and I should be taking orders soon....

something for you to drool on....


Nice! can't wait to see them, I still need to shorten my rear-end and buy axles and 3rd member before fitting these, maybe I'll copy your rear end on the chevelle, looks like the same setup I'm chasing

[ChevelleNV]

Nice! can't wait to see them, I still need to shorten my rear-end and buy axles and 3rd member before fitting these, maybe I'll copy your rear end on the chevelle, looks like the same setup I'm chasing

Copying my rear end might be a little tougher than you think..... Its a IRS out of a 2014 ZL1 Camaro.....

[slimjim]

Copying my rear end might be a little tougher than you think..... Its a IRS out of a 2014 ZL1 Camaro.....

Wow I am horribly mistaken.. I have been known to pay attention to the wrong rear-ends in the past

[slimjim]

Well I'm leaving last minute for work overseas, so I put a couple days work on the car so I had a list of things to get done while I'm away.
Front brakes/ wheels are in, These brembos are fitting near perfect.
However the wheel offset shows the we need to do a lot of guard work to make them fit snug up front, may even flare the guards a little.
While I was at it I fit my rears onto another 68 in the shop so we can get measurements to narrow my rear end.
I think my wheels look absolutely great on the camaro, (almost tempts me to paint the car black) but my theory is, "if you don't have to alter the guards to fit the wheel, they aint wide enough" so I plan to have my rear end shortened an inch wider overall than this one is if that gives you an idea, then they'll fit nice with only minor guard rolling...
If anyone has good advice or experience on fitting wide wheels on a camaro I'm all ears, I've never done it on an old car.
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[RobNoLimit]

Well just like that, a track time speed tech suspension package is ordered...

also, just putting the finishing touches on my grille, inspired by roadstershop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/IMG_5831-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_5831.jpg.html)

The grill mesh looks great. is that some material that you bought? very nice.

[slimjim]

The grill mesh looks great. is that some material that you bought? very nice.

Straight off eBay, I'll maybe be incorporating it into my stinger hood also

[slimjim]

Not major progress but it doesn't all stop when I leave to work.getting rid of more chrome.

Can't find picture anymore, thanks photo bucket

[slimjim]

some progress on the 68/69 hybrid valance, also currently making progress on fitting a 5th gen camaro trans tunnel
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/tdPyuVs-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/ml7fIHI-1.jpg

[SD67]

Looking for a metal stinger hood for my 67. Who did you buy yours from? Happy with it? Thanks

[slimjim]

I think there's only one manufacturer, mine came from either jegs or summit racing, I can't remember now.
Yes I'm happy with it now, but the fabrication to open up the scoop was a pain.
For me, with very little fabrication skills and having someone else do it, it cost more than the hood itself.
It's also very heavy


Looking for a metal stinger hood for my 67. Who did you buy yours from? Happy with it? Thanks

[AAQUINO11]

How did you get the brushed look on the handle like that?

Are you going to do the bumpers as well?

[slimjim]

Just a light scotch bright pad in the same direction, I might have to clear coat them but so far they've remained perfect.
regarding the bumpers, I plan to cut and shorten them to sit flush with the body. So I'm still undecided on whether I'll paint them body colour, or do the same brushed effect to match the wheels and door handles.
any other chrome or polished pieces will be deleted.


How did you get the brushed look on the handle like that?

Are you going to do the bumpers as well?

[minendrews68]

James,
Can you send me information about the grille build? I'm working on a '68 and I really like the way yours turned out.

My email is [email protected]

Thanks,
Carl

[slimjim]

James,
Can you send me information about the grille build? I'm working on a '68 and I really like the way yours turned out.

My email is [email protected]

Thanks,
Carl

No problem at all, email is sent, thats about 10 sent out now, I'm anxiously waiting to see someone else's design with different mesh.

[slimjim]

Photobucket ruined this post

[Rag-Rat]

Can't wait to see what you did with the 5th gen trans tunnel. I already bought a 2012 Camaro console and emergency brake and started mocking it up in my 67. It looks great with the 4th gen seats I had custom upholstered.

[slimjim]

Can't wait to see what you did with the 5th gen trans tunnel. I already bought a 2012 Camaro console and emergency brake and started mocking it up in my 67. It looks great with the 4th gen seats I had custom upholstered.

I can't wait for it to be installed also. Although it will make it simple to install the console, It more importantly will allow the new dash to fit easier.
but If you want to see the tunnel sooner, checkout this build thread, I'm basically learning directly from these guys who are a bit ahead of me on the interior. fantastic work.
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/107082-Project-quot-Double-Trouble-quot-Wild-and-Mild-or-Hard-and-Soft

[Rag-Rat]

Thanks, that thread was a great read. Wish I could afford a LSA motor. I will probably have to piggy-back a 5th gen tunnel onto my tunnel too. It has a lot of the structure for the console and e-brake. Since I am using the original dash I plan on sliding the console forward and raising it up only slightly and it will blend in well. Now to find a donor tunnel.

[slimjim]

Thanks, that thread was a great read. Wish I could afford a LSA motor. I will probably have to piggy-back a 5th gen tunnel onto my tunnel too. It has a lot of the structure for the console and e-brake. Since I am using the original dash I plan on sliding the console forward and raising it up only slightly and it will blend in well. Now to find a donor tunnel.

Just keep in mind, that the tunnel is wider, in effect it causes the seats to sit wider than normal and also standard carpet won't fit.. your console and hand-brake will bolt in place perfect but at a price, I'm lucky where I haven't start on the seats or carpet so it's something I can look out down the road. If i wasn't using the dash and required the mounting points for it, I probably wouldn't have used the tunnel.
A better option would probably be to find a wrecked camaro, and instead of using the tunnel, cut/ remove the top face that has all the mounting points and weld it onto a stock tunnel. This was my original plan until i found a tunnel and 2012 dash frame for $500

[Cryptonomad]

Damn James! Doing the same hybrid lower valance idea! Looks nice!

[Cryptonomad]

Just keep in mind, that the tunnel is wider, in effect it causes the seats to sit wider than normal and also standard carpet won't fit.. your console and hand-brake will bolt in place perfect but at a price, I'm lucky where I haven't start on the seats or carpet so it's something I can look out down the road. If i wasn't using the dash and required the mounting points for it, I probably wouldn't have used the tunnel.
A better option would probably be to find a wrecked camaro, and instead of using the tunnel, cut/ remove the top face that has all the mounting points and weld it onto a stock tunnel. This was my original plan until i found a tunnel and 2012 dash frame for $500

Yes it is wider if you take the tunnel from 5th gen floor up. we split the difference, and only took the top of the tunnel. it only widened the tunnel up high, which would be needed anyway for most t56-6l80 installs anyway. That would have left a first gen seat sitting in the original position. We however are using 5th gen seats which are way wider than stock. its also critical with later model seats to get it mounted low enough to keep your head off the ceiling. Not to hijack your thread James, but here are a few in progress pics that show where the tunnel cut line was, with the upper corner braces removed.
123802
123803

[67SSDan]

Wow man, this is cool. Loving the functional stinger hood. Cool stuff!

Dan

[slimjim]

Yes it is wider if you take the tunnel from 5th gen floor up. we split the difference, and only took the top of the tunnel. it only widened the tunnel up high, which would be needed anyway for most t56-6l80 installs anyway. That would have left a first gen seat sitting in the original position. We however are using 5th gen seats which are way wider than stock. its also critical with later model seats to get it mounted low enough to keep your head off the ceiling. Not to hijack your thread James, but here are a few in progress pics that show where the tunnel cut line was, with the upper corner braces removed.
123802
123803

Damn, That's awesome, thanks for the pictures, I'll be running the 5th gen seats and 6L80 box also so i know i will need it wider and higher towards the front, but for the rest of it, I have been hoping to find a way to narrow it a bit, Mostly for carpeting issues and appearance. I like what You've done. I unfortunately won't be able to take a good look at this until i get back from work in a few weeks.
So from your pictures it looks like the upper corners are seperate panels spot welded on? is this true?
I figure the only mounting holes required up front are the 2 for the dash.

[Cryptonomad]

Damn, That's awesome, thanks for the pictures, I'll be running the 5th gen seats and 6L80 box also so i know i will need it wider and higher towards the front, but for the rest of it, I have been hoping to find a way to narrow it a bit, Mostly for carpeting issues and appearance. I like what You've done. I unfortunately won't be able to take a good look at this until i get back from work in a few weeks.
So from your pictures it looks like the upper corners are seperate panels spot welded on? is this true?
I figure the only mounting holes required up front are the 2 for the dash.

Yes. The upper corners are spot welded on. Food for thought...I really understand your concerns for carpet and appearance, but would offer this advice. When thinking about appearance, try and remember that interior components will have to be placed somewhat proportionally to 5th gen locations. This is most obvious for correct 5th gen appearance, but what is not so obvious is component functionality. For example, the 5th gen seats are much wider than the 1st gen. they are also significantly taller, critically at a the base. This causes two issues. 1. If the 5th gen seats are just mounted to the original (unmodified) seat pans, in between and unmodified tunnel or inner rocker (path of least resistance), most drivers of average height will have their heads in the ceiling and knees hitting the steering wheel...2. The seats will be so close together in the center, the console itself will be wedged in there (really tight) interfering and deforming the seats upper and lower side bolsters. appearance wise this may be acceptable, but functionally it will put significant stress on the motors and jack screws of the seats, and eventually break the cheap ass tabs holding on the console side covers (we broke just mocking that scenerio, just operating with nobody in the seat).
"On your hope to narrow tunnel towards the back" We carried the 5th gen tunnel width the full length of the upper corner braces, and tapered it down to 1st gen width beyond the braces. Reasons for this were many, e-brake handle and cable components underneath, upper module mounting (we are using all 5th modules), and "FUNCTIONALLY" for the size of the transmission tail housing/shaft flange which requires a CV type driveshaft (much larger than traditional yoke components..and will be complicated more with 6l80 girth). We may eventually convert to A6 trans, so we planned ahead. Most using A6 have ground clearance concerns with the pan..... so as much as you can get it into the tunnel, the better off you will be. Also when installing driveshaft, shifter components, exhaust, etc..You will be happy you went that far. Our projects have the benefit of the proper interior for that tunnel height, so i would recommend looking at it that way. We have actually dropped 5th gen molded carpet in there (with all padding removed) and it didn't fit bad at all. Based on rough measurements we have done in critical areas, an OEM 1st gen carpet will also work if sliced down the middle leaving the center of the tunnel under the console bare. Last resort is let interior guy sweat over it (which will probably be us anyway..LOL). Time will tell. PM me when you get back in town, and i'll send my number and we can talk more in depth about all the approaches we have already explored, and why they were implemented or dismissed. might save you some time and money, which is why i created the build thread in the first place...to save others time and money of the known/unknown..LOL

[slimjim]

Yes. The upper corners are spot welded on. Food for thought...I really understand your concerns for carpet and appearance, but would offer this advice. When thinking about appearance, try and remember that interior components will have to be placed somewhat proportionally to 5th gen locations. This is most obvious for correct 5th gen appearance, but what is not so obvious is component functionality. For example, the 5th gen seats are much wider than the 1st gen. they are also significantly taller, critically at a the base. This causes two issues. 1. If the 5th gen seats are just mounted to the original (unmodified) seat pans, in between and unmodified tunnel or inner rocker (path of least resistance), most drivers of average height will have their heads in the ceiling and knees hitting the steering wheel...2. The seats will be so close together in the center, the console itself will be wedged in there (really tight) interfering and deforming the seats upper and lower side bolsters. appearance wise this may be acceptable, but functionally it will put significant stress on the motors and jack screws of the seats, and eventually break the cheap ass tabs holding on the console side covers (we broke just mocking that scenerio, just operating with nobody in the seat).
"On your hope to narrow tunnel towards the back" We carried the 5th gen tunnel width the full length of the upper corner braces, and tapered it down to 1st gen width beyond the braces. Reasons for this were many, e-brake handle and cable components underneath, upper module mounting (we are using all 5th modules), and "FUNCTIONALLY" for the size of the transmission tail housing/shaft flange which requires a CV type driveshaft (much larger than traditional yoke components..and will be complicated more with 6l80 girth). We may eventually convert to A6 trans, so we planned ahead. Most using A6 have ground clearance concerns with the pan..... so as much as you can get it into the tunnel, the better off you will be. Also when installing driveshaft, shifter components, exhaust, etc..You will be happy you went that far. Our projects have the benefit of the proper interior for that tunnel height, so i would recommend looking at it that way. We have actually dropped 5th gen molded carpet in there (with all padding removed) and it didn't fit bad at all. Based on rough measurements we have done in critical areas, an OEM 1st gen carpet will also work if sliced down the middle leaving the center of the tunnel under the console bare. Last resort is let interior guy sweat over it (which will probably be us anyway..LOL). Time will tell. PM me when you get back in town, and i'll send my number and we can talk more in depth about all the approaches we have already explored, and why they were implemented or dismissed. might save you some time and money, which is why i created the build thread in the first place...to save others time and money of the known/unknown..LOL

Wow, thanks for the detailed reply. It certainly does make me rethink things a little, and at the end of the day I need to remember the entire purpose behind my build being functionality and modern comfort..(hence streamline). I certainly am not going to be in all out autocross wars, or show'n'shine comps, though i'll give them a run for their money, but I want more than anything, to be able to drive to the next city, or up through the mountain ranges... and I certainly don't want my head hitting the roof(I'm 6'1") or my elbow rubbing on the console the entire time.
This is how i chose the 2 big options for my car.
1. to have great, and more importantly, proven suspension geometries, hence the speedtech subframe and torque-arm with a 9" rear-end
2. the interior, braking and driveline from a 5th gen, all mated together to work like a modern Camaro does.

Regarding the carpet, I had considered both options, but was leaning more towards the latter, of slicing 1st gen carpet down the middle and concealing it, but again, like you said, its a future problem that isn't too difficult to resolve.
I'll certainly give you a call when I'm back in town as I plan to knock this over and get my car out of the shop so I can work on it myself for a while.

[67SSDan]

Wait, the 5th gen seats will fit? I thought I had read that they were too wide and tall?

[Cryptonomad]

They will with significant mods. Notice rockers and seat pan..

123869
123870

[drc9805]

Awesome build... I love the look of the hood!

[slimjim]

Well I have FINALLY gotten back from overseas and am hoping to pick up where I left off.
Spent some time on my car today, I replaced the unisteer steering arms with right stuff arms, I needed these to allow inner wheel clearance now that I'm using the Ridetech spindles instead of the ATS spindles.
However I noticed the steering arms are at least an inch longer, which works fine with my 8inch wide wheels but they will need to be changed again if i am to go a wider wheel in the future, if anyone has any experience or knows if this could negatively affect steering then please chime in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/XvAry0r-1.jpg

I also got to play with the trans tunnel and freshly powder coated dash frame, I'm hoping to get started on this in a couple weeks after a little ski trip.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/WsZdNzm-1.jpg

[frojoe]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_6668-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_6668.jpg.html)

It looks like the angle between the steering rack and the steering link (is it still called a tie rod end for a rack setup?) is pretty huge. For a steering rack you want about 10 degrees angle, depending on the steering arms and side-to-side movement of the rack, to help with Ackerman angle while turning.

http://image.hotrod.com/f/9021098+w660+h495+cr1/ctrp_0708_07z%2Bbasic_handling_solutions%2B.jpg

Depending on how big your angle is, if it's large like it looks to be in your picture then it could make the steering wonky at higher steering angles. Also, steering feel is very sensitive to arm length,and if they're 1" longer than what you had previously, then your steering could get drastically slower with reduced steering angle.. but that all depends on the throw of the rack (which I'm not personally familiar with). I think at this point you really just have to cycle the rack thru its travel and measure your steering angle at the hubs to get an idea if the steering arms will be too long & make the steering angle too small, as well as look at how parallel the steering links get to the rack thru turning. But to know for sure you'll just have to test drive it.

[slimjim]

It looks like the angle between the steering rack and the steering link (is it still called a tie rod end for a rack setup?) is pretty huge. For a steering rack you want about 10 degrees angle, depending on the steering arms and side-to-side movement of the rack, to help with Ackerman angle while turning.

http://image.hotrod.com/f/9021098+w660+h495+cr1/ctrp_0708_07z%2Bbasic_handling_solutions%2B.jpg

Depending on how big your angle is, if it's large like it looks to be in your picture then it could make the steering wonky at higher steering angles. Also, steering feel is very sensitive to arm length,and if they're 1" longer than what you had previously, then your steering could get drastically slower with reduced steering angle.. but that all depends on the throw of the rack (which I'm not personally familiar with). I think at this point you really just have to cycle the rack thru its travel and measure your steering angle at the hubs to get an idea if the steering arms will be too long & make the steering angle too small, as well as look at how parallel the steering links get to the rack thru turning. But to know for sure you'll just have to test drive it.

Thanks for your help, nice simple diagram also.
I'll take some measurements and see where I'm at, it certainly increased the angle using these new arms and wasn't even slightly on my mind when trying to overcome the last problem with the unisteer arms..
unfortunately I won't have the luxury of test driving it for some time so it looks like i will hit the books and learn everything I can about Ackerman angle. I'll also have the steering column and steering wheel arrive in a couple days so that should help with the testing. Thanks again

[frojoe]

No worries, I thought I'd chime in since I was just reading up about steering the other day and it was fresh in my mind. If you are into hitting the books, I'd suggest this one..

http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Race-Chassis-Technology-HP1562/dp/1557885621/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457478861&sr=8-1&keywords=Advanced+Race+Car+Chassis+Technology+HP15 62%3A+Winning+Chassis+Design+and+Setup+for+Circle+ Track+and+Road+Race+Cars

It is based off of circle track & stock car stuff, but in almost all the aspects of suspension/steering/chassis that he describes, he notes the difference between what he has experimented and found works best for left turns, and how it needs to differ or is the same for pavement road course stuff. There's a very good section about steering. I have a handful of books and I'd say this one goes into the deepest detail with the the best explanations, without going full enginerdy about it and breaking out calculus!

Cheers,
joe

[slimjim]

No worries, I thought I'd chime in since I was just reading up about steering the other day and it was fresh in my mind. If you are into hitting the books, I'd suggest this one..

http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Race-Chassis-Technology-HP1562/dp/1557885621/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457478861&sr=8-1&keywords=Advanced+Race+Car+Chassis+Technology+HP15 62%3A+Winning+Chassis+Design+and+Setup+for+Circle+ Track+and+Road+Race+Cars

Cheers,
joe

Ordered.
I'll give it a read, I know I have a lot to learn, especially with suspension Geometry, but it's actually an area I'd enjoy learning more about.
I appreciate the help.
Totally off topic but I just noticed where you're from, I'm flying up to Vancouver tomorrow, no sight-seeing for me however, it's straight to whistler for a week!

[frojoe]

Ordered.
I'll give it a read, I know I have a lot to learn, especially with suspension Geometry, but it's actually an area I'd enjoy learning more about.
I appreciate the help.
Totally off topic but I just noticed where you're from, I'm flying up to Vancouver tomorrow, no sight-seeing for me however, it's straight to whistler for a week!

I'm in the same boat.. I've learned so much about everything else that it's time to buckle down and learn the hardcore suspension design theory, hehe. I look forward to seeing what you come up with and continuing to watch this build.

Awesome! Whistler has a ****load of snow in the forecast.. something like 200cm (78") over the next week... so enjoy all that pow!

[Rag-Rat]

125512
I finally found one, it was not easy to locate.

[slimjim]

125512
I finally found one, it was not easy to locate.

Oh nice job, nothing has happened with mine just yet, I plan to get cutting next week

[slimjim]

Today i got my rear end away for narrowing. and once the official measurement is clarified I will order a center section and axles to go with it.
Several issues are holding my car up right now, which will hopefully lead to exciting news in the coming months, but I decided to put a couple hours work into the interior after getting a lot of help and motivation from john aka cryptonomad.
initially I just wanted to size up the steering column and look into the U-joints to fit my R+P, but hey presto none were required, then after removing some tabs and some minor trimming of the 2012 dash framing we managed to get quite close. The column isn't quite bolting up to the frame, It's about an inch off, but the frame isn't quite in place yet, some serious trimming and work needs to be put into the trans tunnel, and everything needs to be lowered about an inch, but all in all not bad for an hours work.

[slimjim]

A little more progress, I got the 5th gen steering column mounted, however this is not final, this will just allow me to steer the car for now. It's about an inch short of its required location and will interfere with headers too much.
Chris Cline racing is taking care of my rear end, narrowing it down to 53" and fitting a posi tru-trak setup.
I'm heading back overseas in a couple days but next time I see it I'll be fitting the brakes and wheels then dropping it down to the ground, ready for the final push in fabrication.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/FKwVwKL-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/xbDVaty-1.jpg

[latoracing]

A little progress is always a good thing. How did they attach the column to the firewall?

[slimjim]

A little progress is always a good thing. How did they attach the column to the firewall?

It's not attached, I just fed it through the standard location and it worked, I'd like to fill it and make an oval cutout like the 5th ben grommet you see in the above pic for a clean appearance. but this can't be done until the column is in its final location. The wheel also bolts directly to the new dash frame

[Cryptonomad]

Nice progress James. What header/manifold do you plan on using clear the shaft?

[slimjim]

Nice progress James. What header/manifold do you plan on using clear the shaft?

Thanks, It won't remain like this, I will have to lengthen it an inch at least, maybe try and clear it out of the way a little more if possible. I was thinking of purchasing speedtechs headers as they're designed for their subframe and R+P, But they're very pricey. I'll keep my options open

[slimjim]

I hate when a couple months pass and I don't have an update, but I've been overseas for work, however I'm back now to a bunch of deliveries and plan on making some good progress over the coming weeks.
Starting with fitting my 5th gen parking brakes and rear brakes to my new 9" rear-end and getting the car down on the ground.
These brackets were supplied by LSXconcepts and should be the last piece to my rear-end.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/3JHDqdr-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/Vwozdmw-1.jpg

[ChevelleNV]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/IMG_6845-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_6845.jpg.html)

Nice looking brackets you got there :)

[slimjim]

Nice looking brackets you got there :)


They came out great and they're easy to assemble. Should be all mounted up by monday

[camaros down under]

Nice build! I'm now jealous and sad lol. Thanks for that :)
Seeing all of your fabrication gives me ideas that I didn't want to so far entertain, but I like your lack of water channels around the windows and the mini tubs and I am sure you will continue to make me jealous and sad as your build continues. Keep up the good work!

[slimjim]

Nice build! I'm now jealous and sad lol. Thanks for that :)
Seeing all of your fabrication gives me ideas that I didn't want to so far entertain, but I like your lack of water channels around the windows and the mini tubs and I am sure you will continue to make me jealous and sad as your build continues. Keep up the good work!

sad yes, as the build has slowed down substantially overly the last couple months due to the builder suffering a stroke and a large chunk of the funds going towards a house deposit and setting up a new business. will have some nice rolling pics very shortly however.

[slimjim]

Well, As Previously stated, my build suffered some set backs, but I managed to get it moved to another shop down the street to complete my rear end and torque arm(ongoing), so that I can then move it to ambition road for finalising the fab work.
In the meantime, with all this waiting, I decided to get a render done of my car, it should make the final fab work a lot easier for ambition road. But most importantly it's good for my motivation... which has been suffering.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/cCmOs6T-1.jpg

[rohrt]

subscribing

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Your car is really coming along nicely, I'm totally digging the custom modern upgrades. The Speedtech parts are pretty cool too. ;)

Keep up the good work!!

[nats68]

Just came across your build. Looks awesome. I'm also building a 68.
I love what you did with the grille. Can you email the info also?
[email protected]

Thanks,
Tom

[Dark Pursuit]

Your build looks awesome . A note on your render. It looks like you plan on using 69 turn signals in your front valence. The front bumper will actually cover half of them up if you plan on using stock 68 bumper. I have only seen this 69 front bumper mod in this old picture ever though.130495

[slimjim]

Your build looks awesome . A note on your render. It looks like you plan on using 69 turn signals in your front valence. The front bumper will actually cover half of them up if you plan on using stock 68 bumper. I have only seen this 69 front bumper mod in this old picture ever though.

That's correct, I will still use the 68 front bumper, but as it will be shortened and sit flush with the body, it will also be raised to sit almost flush with the bottom of the grille, it will still cover a small part of the top of the light but still works, i had him do it to the render, it has also been done on several Roadstershop 68's and it looks fantastic.
That 69 bumper fits quite nice on that 68 though.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

I have a question about your hood- I just ordered a flat fiberglass hood and a stinger scoop to mold into it for my G body wagon (see avatar). The scoop is open front and rear and I plan to close one end off, just wanting some insight from another stinger style hood owner. Are you closing off the rear? Why did you decide to open the front instead of drawing air from the rear?

[Rod]

I have a question about your hood- I just ordered a flat fiberglass hood and a stinger scoop to mold into it for my G body wagon (see avatar). The scoop is open front and rear and I plan to close one end off, just wanting some insight from another stinger style hood owner. Are you closing off the rear? Why did you decide to open the front instead of drawing air from the rear?

leave the front of the scoop closed and leave the back open as a heat and air extractor and that will create less under hood pressure, and less hood lift at higher speeds

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Good thought Rod. When I had a cheap ABS stick on cowl induction scoop on the steel hood with the air cleaner sealed off to the hood it would draw air into the back of the scoop (and leaves in the fall and snow in the winter, lol!). I still plan to have mine sealed to the hood in effort to bring in cooler outside air, so the heat extractor idea wouldn't apply at least in my case. Are you after the ram air James?

[slimjim]

I have a question about your hood- I just ordered a flat fiberglass hood and a stinger scoop to mold into it for my G body wagon (see avatar). The scoop is open front and rear and I plan to close one end off, just wanting some insight from another stinger style hood owner. Are you closing off the rear? Why did you decide to open the front instead of drawing air from the rear?

Hey Ben,
As Rod said, keep it working like a cowl hood, extracting heat from the engine bay, you actually can't tell because I didn't show any pictures underneath, but mine is a fully functional cowl hood, it only appears like an intake, yes causing more drag but its merely for appearance.
I haven't decided on the intake yet but I like the look of edelbrocks new cross-ram intake.

[slimjim]

I had to look back on my previous comments to see when I started work on my rear end, ouch, but I have an update:-
I've had a rocky few months with the workshop dealing with my car, I won't get too much into it as they're good guys but their experience is not what is required for a pro-touring build, or lets say, I'm not willing to pay twice the price to fund their learning curve. After a couple (6) things not coming out how I liked or being totally wrong, I came to the conclusion that I wanted my car finished elsewhere and by luck Aaron Elenbaum (previously of Detroit Speed) started his own shop Ambition Road in a better location to where I live, at a better hourly rate, and most importantly, with a ridiculous amount of experience building cars far better than mine ever will be. If you haven't heard of Aaron or Ambition road yet, well he just finished Angelo Vespi's C10 and won a goodguys builders choice award at its unveiling in Columbus.


Anyways, getting my rear end complete has turned into an absolute nightmare, between two shops, first measurements being incorrect, frame rails being too wide and then wheels not fitting inside the guards, I think we have finally sorted it out, I say 'I think' because I am still waiting for the third member and axles which I paid for over 4 months ago, Not STRANGE's problem, the order was just never placed which I only learnt yesterday, here's some pics of the rear end, I know people like pics.
Tomorrow I will spend the day running all my parts to Ambition road and going over a new game plan with Aaron, his first job will be to complete all the incomplete sections of body work and get everything up to his standards.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/vLcmYyM-1.jpg

[slimjim]

Another minor update, my car along with all parts have been relocated, and it's by far the best decision I've made on my build thus far. The progress should really start improving now and we have a plan of attack setup in stages to finish fab, prep for paint and then final assembly so I'm looking forward to the coming months.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DtlUm65-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/UTDlChI-1.jpg

Although it looks like the rear end is all sorted now, it actually isn't!! the wheels are simply sitting under the car and after one inspection of the newly fabricated torque arm brackets we realised that they were installed incorrectly and they now need to be removed and reinstalled(again) in the correct locations however we will wait for the parts to arrive from strange before we start on this.

On a side note, i was mucking around with a couple 5th gen door panels i bought, and it is funny to see just how similar they are shaped to the 1st gen doors. They certainly don't fit but by the time we remove the parts we want from them and make custom panels, they will be very similar in appearance.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Man that thing is lookin just plain wicked Bad!

[slimjim]

Making Progress at a great rate! here's some quality gapping and finishing on the body, fixing all of the prior work I wasn't happy with also. I'm very pleased with how it is coming along and seeing some sub-par work become something fantastic, it really helps the motivation which was starting to take a hit over the last 6 months. All credit goes to Aaron @ Ambition road.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/gKXm5wt-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/lT9b8AZ-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/dePWJw1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/UHHvzNa-1.jpg

[Godbolt]

Great stuff. Looking real good Jim. It really makes all the difference having the right people involved.

[slimjim]

A bit more progress, still have issues with wheel fitment but we're still moving forward.
gaps are all coming together well.
installed some 5th gen door latches for that modern feel.
and 5th gen parking brakes installed as well.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/YZUDBgn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/dUA4x46-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/0rbADk3-1.jpg

[DT69Cam]

Awesome build. How was the fit with the stinger hood ?? Gaps, quality etc. ? Thanks!

[slimjim]

Awesome build. How was the fit with the stinger hood ?? Gaps, quality etc. ? Thanks!

Gaps were pretty good.
but it's takes a bit of modifying, at least to get it how I like it, It will still function in the same way as a cowl hood however it has the appearance of ram air.
the press of the actually scoop part is quite curved, not as sharp as a corvettes original hood, and took a day and half of fab to get it to where it is now.
Also after removing a section underneath it was revealed it was even primered inside which is something I'm glad i found out before paint.

[DT69Cam]

Gaps were pretty good.
but it's takes a bit of modifying, at least to get it how I like it, It will still function in the same way as a cowl hood however it has the appearance of ram air.
the press of the actually scoop part is quite curved, not as sharp as a corvettes original hood, and took a day and half of fab to get it to where it is now.
Also after removing a section underneath it was revealed it was even primered inside which is something I'm glad i found out before paint.

Thank you!!

[slimjim]

More Progress!
Excuse my watermarked and low quality pictures as they're taken from Instagram but November brought some great progress to the car.
We decided to scrap the original plans with the firewall and start fresh with the laser cut firewalls Ambition Road make, the results are great and the install is a simple enough process. This will allow the wildwood master cylinder to bolt right in, hidden wiper motors inside the front fender, and although these are made to work with Clayton machine pedals, we'll be trying to make it work with the 5th gen pedals.
After that Aaron begun reinstalling the front end sheet metal to gap the car perfectly, along with losing the keyholes. With some more minor touches on the front end we should finally be able to get started on the headache that is fitting the 5th gen interior...A year after schedule..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/n6n2NEq-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

It looks good, I wish I put the wiper motor under the fender. It is so much cleaner .

[slimjim]

gaps complete! just some finishing touches on the exterior and then the engine bay and interior work can begin.
Also, I decided to copy the C10 that Ambition road built for Angelo Vespi and Aaron designed some gas strut style hood hinges, I like the simplicity of this and that I don't need to purchase another 'off the shelf' hood hinge like so many other, The hood sits a little low currently so we'll be installing larger struts to make things a little more functional.
5th gen strikers and latches also working perfectly now.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/VqxkhXB-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/RNHLjih-1.jpg

[DT69Cam]

Awesome work.

[Godbolt]

Yep, looking really good.

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Looking good. Love the hood hinge and door latch

[Cryptonomad]

Looking good Jim! As your guy where he got those gap gauges...I want some!

[slimjim]

Looking good Jim! As your guy where he got those gap gauges...I want some!

Hey John,
they're actually 3/16" tile spacers from Lowes

[Build-It-Break-It]

Looking good Jim! As your guy where he got those gap gauges...I want some!

Looks like the same ones you would use to lay tile?

Oops they answered above.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Nice!

[slimjim]

A bit of progress on the radiator support and close out panel, incorporating VW hood latches of course.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/LUQIAYn-1.png
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/mvjRYfq-1.png
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/5qn3IwW-1.png
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/JC7fnp6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/ZMFJplL-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

That close out looks great ! Nice job.

[slimjim]

That close out looks great ! Nice job.

Thanks, here's another picture from AR's Instagram.

Picture lost, blame photobucket

[AB69Z]

Do you have the part numbers (years) for the VW hood latch assembly. I'm assuming that the will work on a 69 also?

[HotRod68Camaro]

Thanks, here's another picture from AR's Instagram.

They need to sell those things! I'm in for one.

[slimjim]

They need to sell those things! I'm in for one.

I'll suggest it, the work is impeccable, I couldn't be happier with the progress made.


Do you have the part numbers (years) for the VW hood latch assembly. I'm assuming that the will work on a 69 also?

No part number, however I purchased it on eBay by searching 92 vw hood latch, I just checked and they're plentiful, but theres a couple slightly different designs, one is a little stronger than the other, I bought these a year ago so I am happy to finally see them installed.

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Looking great! I like the shape of the close out, very cool.

[all4sho]

WOW!!! awesome build

[Dark Pursuit]

Screamin Performance sells the hood latch kit

[slimjim]

It's true, They sell a nice and complete kit ready to install, but at $450 and without a close-out I chose to order the parts for a fraction of the coast and have Ambition Road make the closeout to match.


Screamin Performance sells the hood latch kit

[slimjim]

alright, so a couple of months ago when we assembled the front end of my car and got the wheels on and all the steering sorted, It was pretty obvious the combination of suspension, hubs, brakes, spindles was not optimal.
I ended up running a speedtech subframe, but rather than using their ATS spindle, I used ridetech drop spindles, with wilwood hubs and LSX concepts big brake brackets to fit the 5th gen Brembos.
Although these parts all fit together nicely, they widened my track substantially, to the point my front wheels couldn't clear the outer guards at all.
I was at the point of ordering new wheels, tyres and even disc rotors, to bring it all in an entire inch...
luckily, I did some research on wilwood's website(called originally but they're not much help) and found they made the same hubs but with an inch less offset for a newer generation Camaro. we scrapped the LSX concepts bracket, Ambition Road made a new one and I now have the problem all but sorted...And I have a bunch of nice parts to sell.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/N6vW9m7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/U5sgdcm-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/r1f2bo3-1.jpg

So this leaves the suspension, brakes and wheels marked at 90% complete.
The body is not far behind, the car is gapped entirely, all panels assembled, only thing remaining is to finish the Hood intake and the lower valance, both of which we have decided to hold off on until I can decided what I want done with them.
I'd really appreciate opinions regarding the stinger hood, I like it, but I'm not sure I love it.
Lower valance is in the similar vote, I think I could come up with something better..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IwfnXDP-1.png

Starting this week or next, installing the 5th gen trans tunnel!

[Motown 454]

James that really looks great and that close out looks nice.

[67SSDan]

I'm digging the hood. It isn't done so often, so it'll stand out, and I've always thought they looked pretty sinister. The lower valance I'm on the fence about too. I've always liked the idea of messing with that piece, but in the end, I rarely see a mod there that I end up liking. It'd be interesting to see what it looks like with the bumper on. The only ones I can think of that have modded it, also removed the bumper.

Just my .02.

Dan

[slimjim]

I really appreciate your opinion.
The Valance right now is simply utilising cutouts directly from a 69 valance, so still incorporating the bumper holes also. It looks ok, but the lights appear to sit higher on mine than on the 69, so the front bumper will also be raised to sit flush with the bottom of the grill similar to the roadstershop fused camaro, below is a picture of another 68 with the the same hood, driving lights and a bumper.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/gkav5AV-1.jpg


I'm digging the hood. It isn't done so often, so it'll stand out, and I've always thought they looked pretty sinister. The lower valance I'm on the fence about too. I've always liked the idea of messing with that piece, but in the end, I rarely see a mod there that I end up liking. It'd be interesting to see what it looks like with the bumper on. The only ones I can think of that have modded it, also removed the bumper.

Just my .02.

Dan

[67SSDan]

Oh yeah, LOVE the hood on that one. I'd stick with it.

You're not running the 67 turn signals though right? This sort of reminds me of the Anvil piece. When I see that, to my eyes (and again, this is just my opinion) it looks like too many round lights all grouped together. On the 67s, I've never personally cared for it just because the lights either lined up perfectly and I thought that looked strange, or they were off just enough that some thing looked funny about it. These are the types of things I obsess over though, so maybe no one else sees it that way. That one you posted is a beautiful car. I'd take it!

Dan

[67SSDan]

I will say though, the more I've stared at it, the bumper does a good job of breaking it all up. That combo definitely looks better with the bumper on.

Dan

[slimjim]

Oh yeah, LOVE the hood on that one. I'd stick with it.

You're not running the 67 turn signals though right? This sort of reminds me of the Anvil piece. When I see that, to my eyes (and again, this is just my opinion) it looks like too many round lights all grouped together. On the 67s, I've never personally cared for it just because the lights either lined up perfectly and I thought that looked strange, or they were off just enough that some thing looked funny about it. These are the types of things I obsess over though, so maybe no one else sees it that way. That one you posted is a beautiful car. I'd take it!

Dan

No no, Definitely no round lights, I dislike any turn signals in that location(if running 69 lights),I've made my grill without anything there, It's on a much earlier page in this thread.
I will most likely incorporate the turn signals inside the head lights. not halos but there are some good options out there.

[67SSDan]

136843
Ah, so more like this. I'm sure there's a rendering in here somewhere now that I've paid attention to your avatar, but in any case. I like it! Taking the extra lights out definitely does the trick for the look.


No no, Definitely no round lights, I dislike any turn signals in that location(if running 69 lights),I've made my grill without anything there, It's on a much earlier page in this thread.
I will most likely incorporate the turn signals inside the head lights. not halos but there are some good options out there.

Dan

[ra11ysport]

alright, so a couple of months ago when we assembled the front end of my car and got the wheels on and all the steering sorted, It was pretty obvious the combination of suspension, hubs, brakes, spindles was not optimal.
I ended up running a speedtech subframe, but rather than using their ATS spindle, I used ridetech drop spindles, with wilwood hubs and LSX concepts big brake brackets to fit the 5th gen Brembos.
Although these parts all fit together nicely, they widened my track substantially, to the point my front wheels couldn't clear the outer guards at all.
I was at the point of ordering new wheels, tyres and even disc rotors, to bring it all in an entire inch...
luckily, I did some research on wilwood's website(called originally but they're not much help) and found they made the same hubs but with an inch less offset for a newer generation Camaro. we scrapped the LSX concepts bracket, Ambition Road made a new one and I now have the problem all but sorted...And I have a bunch of nice parts to sell.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170120_134731896-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_20170120_134731896.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170120_143220689-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_20170120_143220689.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170120_143651616-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_20170120_143651616.jpg.html)


So this leaves the suspension, brakes and wheels marked at 90% complete.
The body is not far behind, the car is gapped entirely, all panels assembled, only thing remaining is to finish the Hood intake and the lower valance, both of which we have decided to hold off on until I can decided what I want done with them.
I'd really appreciate opinions regarding the stinger hood, I like it, but I'm not sure I love it.
Lower valance is in the similar vote, I think I could come up with something better..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170121_112456065-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_20170121_112456065.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170121_112510604-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_20170121_112510604.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/IMG_20170121_112949534-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/IMG_20170121_112949534.jpg.html)

Starting this week or next, installing the 5th gen trans tunnel!

Just trying to figure this out(im slow!)So the hub you had for the lsx concepts kit was 7037 correct?
The reason im confused is the wilwood 7037 is 2.37 offset used on the f body is about 1/2in less than stock which is around 2-3/4 offset.
So you shortn up the offset on the hubs cause of the backspace on the rims which is???? What part# is that hub? Sorry for silly questions im in a similar position with my front brakes.

[slimjim]

Just trying to figure this out(im slow!)So the hub you had for the lsx concepts kit was 7037 correct?
The reason im confused is the wilwood 7037 is 2.37 offset used on the f body is about 1/2in less than stock which is around 2-3/4 offset.
So you shortn up the offset on the hubs cause of the backspace on the rims which is???? What part# is that hub? Sorry for silly questions im in a similar position with my front brakes.

yeah I started with the 7037 as recommended. but I ended up getting the 270-12304 as it has a 1.37 offset, this with the new brackets pictured saved me from having to make some pricey changes.
my front wheels are 18x8 with an offset of 4.875".

[slimjim]

136843
Ah, so more like this. I'm sure there's a rendering in here somewhere now that I've paid attention to your avatar, but in any case. I like it! Taking the extra lights out definitely does the trick for the look.

This car looks much better without those lights! I just noticed it has the hood mounted tachometer.. not a fan

[slimjim]

9 days until I'm back in the country to get even more work done.

[Motown 454]

Looking good!

[slimjim]

Ok so a more detailed post on the interior fit out.
I gave Aaron at Ambition road all the information I have obtained regarding this interior install as it is beyond my skill level. All the thanks goes to John aka Cryptonomad and his attention to detail during his build.
However I also let Aaron use this information incorporated with his own approach and I think it has paid off.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/fu2nobO-1.png
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/OjmqjNF-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/u3UFFxD-1.jpg

And now that it fits, I plan to modify a lot of the 5th gen stuff to my liking..

[camaros down under]

I love it

[slimjim]

I love it

Thanks mate, Made a lot of progress recently and finally get to bring it home for a while shortly.
I've also been on the lookout for a torana or kingswood to make my next project... however I'd export it the opposite direction to your car. Maybe add a bit of aussie muscle to the autocross scene perhaps.

[Motown 454]

That looks great! I had the bottom of my car painted, now I wish I had waited and done more before firewall and bottom paint. They did a nice job on it.

[slimjim]

That looks great! I had the bottom of my car painted, now I wis I had waited and done more before firewall and bottom paint. They did a nice job on it.
I'm hoping to have it in epoxy primer next month, that should be the majority of the fabrication done...for now.
I will bring it home and assemble all parts, build and install the motor and in that time I will decide if/ what I'll do to the the rear end. Exhaust cut-outs, fuel filler removed maybe, custom rear spoiler?...
I'm just close to a point now where I either stop metal fabrication and happily finish it, and can start enjoying the car, or continue throwing money at personal touches and spend another year off the road.. There has to be a stopping point, I just don't know where it is. So I will bring it home, spend my money on the 'needs', while thinking whether further 'wants' are necessary.
A huge factor is I am so happy with the work that the shop does now, that I continuously want them to keep going. but the wallet (and the Mrs) disagree.

[camaros down under]

Do you see many aussie cars in Americaland?
Customs will be scratching their heads as they're used to sending muscle to Australia.
I agree with the stopping point. Get it 'finished' and enjoy it. Then later work out if you want little mods here and there

[minendrews68]

Hey James,
This car is going to be beautiful, Great work! I have a question though, (well actually a lot of questions) but I won't bother you with all of them. Does the late model dash actually fit into the early Camaro, width wise? Meaning, the padded part of the dash does/doesn't have to be altered? Does it fit between the posts? I know there's a lot of work goes on in the fab part of this. Really cool how this is going to end up.
Thanks,
Carl

[slimjim]

Do you see many aussie cars in Americaland?
Customs will be scratching their heads as they're used to sending muscle to Australia.
I agree with the stopping point. Get it 'finished' and enjoy it. Then later work out if you want little mods here and there

No none at all, However there is a guy here in NC who converts pontiac G8's into utes haha


Hey James,
This car is going to be beautiful, Great work! I have a question though, (well actually a lot of questions) but I won't bother you with all of them. Does the late model dash actually fit into the early Camaro, width wise? Meaning, the padded part of the dash does/doesn't have to be altered? Does it fit between the posts? I know there's a lot of work goes on in the fab part of this. Really cool how this is going to end up.
Thanks,
Carl

Fire away, I'm always more than happy to help.
Width wise, the dash fits surprisingly well, the pictures below will show it.
But it is much, much deeper and needs to be trimmed back a lot! It's all in place now and looks quite at home, I'm really liking it. The dash actually isn't padded anywhere, it's just plastic and can be cut easily, but it fits in-between the posts no problem at all.
we'll need to make some custom side panels to close it out and figure a way to tie it into the A-pillars, and then make custom door cards to bring it all together but that is future james's problem, for now I just want to wrap-up the fabrication, which is very close, I sat inside the car today so we could figure the best way to mount the seats, and custom seat brackets will be made as low as possible, also some further reinforcing of the floor now that it has been modified to allow for the wider seats.
Then it'll all be removed in a couple weeks and we'll sand it back to bare metal before having the interior sand blasted a little and put it all back in epoxy.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/k41MSXB-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/WXJ2df7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/SHipNje-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/7oqeyoD-1.jpg

[slimjim]

Some more finishing touches on the dash should see it fitting perfect. The stock end caps to the dash just wouldn't work and they whipped these up relatively quick and they look great! Also, to fit the wider seat we removed the 68 setup and made all new mounting points and reinforced the floor to compensate.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/mu2wsiD-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/8N5QWKL-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/Dzn1CSn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/FMhGhRK-1.jpg

And now the car has been completely disassembled again, sanded off all of the epoxy that comes on the replacement panels as occasionally it can hide some rusty defects from their manufacturing process(and it was). On monday we have her booked in for some sandblasting and perhaps we'll be reassembling her by the end of next week once it all receives another coat of SPI epoxy.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/MVajQCl-1.jpg

[slimjim]

The body came back in record time from the blaster so we got it in epoxy straight away. Fortunately there were no new surprises so now it is just finishing the other panels by removing of the old epoxy before applying the new. I'm very excited to see it all in one color finally.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/CG13WUq-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/BNfUPSm-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

It looks good all sealed up. I wish I had used the top of the 5th gen trans tunnel on my car for the extra transmission room and to mount my 5th gen console. It's coming along nice.

[slimjim]

Thanks, there should be plenty of room for any transmission and now it all looks like it came this way. I'm dying to get it home so I can put some time into the interior

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Coming along nicely. I like the fitment of everything, and those closeout panels for the dash were spot on. Really nice work going on there.

[Jimmy]

Wow this build is incredible! I can't believe the amount of time and effort that's going into the build! You're gonna be stoked when it's done, can't wait to see it through to the end.

[slimjim]

Coming along nicely. I like the fitment of everything, and those closeout panels for the dash were spot on. Really nice work going on there.


Wow this build is incredible! I can't believe the amount of time and effort that's going into the build! You're gonna be stoked when it's done, can't wait to see it through to the end.

Thanks guys, I never had a real timeline planned for the build as it's just a hobby but I'm excited to get it home so I can finally spend more time on it. I don't have a massive budget but I spare some money from every paycheck, that will now be going towards saving/ building the engine and then paint, all while planning a wedding... I'm hoping the build won't slow down too much over the coming months although it wouldn't surprise me if it does (the finance' calls it "priorities"). I can't do bodywork so I've had to outsource that entirely up until this point, All while travelling to these shops to do any mechanical work, but I'll have many more updates once it is home and I can put my own touches on the car. Finally it is a complete rolling unit ready for assembly

[jdsegars]

REALLY a nice build going there. Now you have me thinking even more about some things I need to be doing on my own project! Thanks....I think;)

[slimjim]

I wrote some stuff here regarding other decisions but they went nowhere and photobucket has since deleted the pictures, lets leave this space blank

[slimjim]

This excites me! I love the brushed wheels against the black body..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/MmXsZGA-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/sF5hJrC-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

It does look nice.

[OldTimer]

An amazing thread... can't wait to see the finished car. Love the attention to detail.

[nicks67camaro]

I love finding builds that have such great work!

What was to verdict on the ride tech spindles with this combination?

[slimjim]

I love finding builds that have such great work!

What was to verdict on the ride tech spindles with this combination?

Thanks mate, the ridetech spindle works fine. I ran into problems with the hubs and brake brackets I chose, eventually however, we it made all to work.

[slimjim]

one color at last!!

A few little finishing touches like flush bumpers, some trimming on the hood intake, wiper test fitting etc, just to make sure everything fits right, and then I'm onto the next step.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/Mp6w0mj-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/nw7fgaA-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/fbYdOko-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/9tytz5A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/hZqf9Ak-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

That car is so bad! Love that stinger hood!

[minendrews68]

Man, the dash and steering turned out very nice! Did you have any problems using the late model steering wheel assembly?

[Rhino]

Did you have any problems using the late model steering wheel assembly?

It appears he may be using the 5th gen column, not just the wheel itself. Not sure how difficult the 5th gen is, however I shortened a 4th gen column and fit it to the stock '68 dash with very few modifications.

[slimjim]

Man, the dash and steering turned out very nice! Did you have any problems using the late model steering wheel assembly?

It's true, I am running the whole 5th gen steering column, it was an easy fit, but electronically getting everything to work probably won't be, I will be removing all steering wheel buttons and really the main deciding point will be when I get the engine and headers in there.
It may result in using an IDIDIT column and heavy modifying the dash with fibreglass etc, I'm prepared to do so if that's what it takes but for now it all looks neat and fitting.

[slimjim]

the 'intake' of the stinger hood has been a constant battle. The press of these aftermarket hoods is nowhere near as good as the originals that came on the corvette and then a few optioned first gens, but I think it is very close now.
I will design and then 3D print(probably several :banghead: ) a closeout of sorts that can be slotted in from underneath, if it works out like it does in my head, it should give it more of a modern look. It will appear like ram air, but will work like a cowl.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/UXQEfST-1.jpg

[keepat]

That Hood looks awesome! great job!
Pat

[slimjim]

Not too many updates since the car has been epoxied as I've been in Singapore for weeks. But I did ask that for the rear bumper to be tucked now, we'll hold off on the front bumper because i'm still undecided on the front valance.
I will be getting started on custom door panels and the interior next week once the car finally comes home for a while.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/YQNNSFs-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/UPEslRl-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/ciwd8Um-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/sM7nV74-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Fits nice! Looking good.

[67SSDan]

Looks awesome man!!

[ryeguy2006a]

Bumper looks great. Very nice quality metal finish too!

[slimjim]

This post doesn't include any upgrades to the car, but for me, this is the most exciting in a long time, for the first time in 2 years owning the car, it is finally in my garage! and although it has a TON more work involved to finish it, I can finally stop paying bills and get started on my many plans for the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/1wxrtBG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/WnwkOBv-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/r1QUSkc-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/NLTnTCK-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/BpesRT9-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Nice! OH what a feeling!!

[rohrt]

Not too many updates since the car has been epoxied as I've been in Singapore for weeks. But I did ask that for the rear bumper to be tucked now, we'll hold off on the front bumper because i'm still undecided on the front valance.
I will be getting started on custom door panels and the interior next week once the car finally comes home for a while.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/18558611_1110244972414488_17184694469499-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/18558611_1110244972414488_17184694469499429_o.jpg. html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/18558750_1110245062414479_33364689432907-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/18558750_1110245062414479_3336468943290789916_o.jp g.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/18527206_1110244812414504_79833300384092-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/18527206_1110244812414504_7983330038409231669_o.jp g.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/18518219_1110244855747833_34292046129828-1.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/weeaazz/media/18518219_1110244855747833_3429204612982887503_o.jp g.html)

So that how you shave the bolts on a bumper. Thanks for posting that.

[ryeguy2006a]

Always a good feeling to have the car home again.

[minendrews68]

I know your happy! Wait until you drive it...

[Jimmy]

Wow looking real sharp!

[67SSDan]

Nice!! That back bumper turned out great! I'm sure mine is going to look like it's sticking out by about a half mile now that I've seen this.

Dan

[Jimmy]

Nice!! That back bumper turned out great! I'm sure mine is going to look like it's sticking out by about a half mile now that I've seen this.

Dan

Hahahaha I was thinking the same thing!

[slimjim]

Thanks for all the kind words fellas, And I don't plan to update daily now that the car is home, but I did get started on some assembly today, I put my grill in, along with the headlight surround, and boy do the surrounds fit poorly for new pieces, nothings ever easy.
The Trim parts carpet also made its debut, also fitting poorly but thats to be expected with mini tubs and such an oversized trans tunnel, the color is a little off from what I was hoping for but I think it'll work.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/uSAnlTO-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/6L1himb-1.jpg

[slimjim]

First let me apologise for the terrible iPhone pictures!
I've made some headway on the car this week, and now thats it's home I couldn't be happier to be diving into new projects on it. I continued with the interior, purchased the body plugs and drains and got those squared away. I also go extremely carried away with the seam sealer..:hand:


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/fJbBPMW-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/YJs9TbM-1.jpg

The carpet turned out just as difficult as expected, I was never sure if moulded carpet would work considering the massive changes we made to the trans tunnel and the seat mods, but I purchased some high density foam in hopes to raise the carpet a little, I believe it helps, and after several attempts I gave up, had a fit, then after several beers and a bad night sleep I returned and cut the carpet straight down the middle. it helped, but I'm still not satisfied. I am considering purchasing 1 piece carpet and requesting it to be a little longer towards the rear, as It is mostly fitting now, but the problems lie behind the center console.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/JUkPUPK-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/iwnvhVw-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/oc3LHwM-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/TWiFqhZ-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/zIAqZ1s-1.jpg

Another small project was deleting the buttons on the steering wheel, I am not 100% convinced I will use the wheel, but nonetheless, I didn't want the buttons so they were filled and painted in a white primer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/ZDI21pQ-1.jpg

And now one of the biggest challenges, making door panels, this is a process I've never done but it really interests me, the amount of research I've done on the topic is mind boggling. but I'm enjoying every step. I had planned on making them from scratch so I purchased ABS sheets, but many months ago I purchased 2012 camaro door panels, mostly because I wanted to use a couple pieces off of them.
Well after a lot of planning and measuring it became clear the hardest part is integrating the door panels into the dash, so I've now begun cutting up the door panels to see how I can get all of the lines to flow from 2012 to 1968, and so far, it is kind of working...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/MJNBlm8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/CrspiVe-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/06/RGjq7HY-1.jpg

stay tuned for more, like most steps, I don't know if this will work, but it's enjoyable nonetheless

[Motown 454]

That looks nice! good job.

[slimjim]

thanks to photobucket adjusting their terms, my thread is in shambles, but I've tried to fix it as best I could using IMGUR, the timeline of certain photos earlier in the thread is a little messy but it still makes sense, sort of.
Doing all this was kind of like reliving headaches from the past, but excites me to see where my car is today.
Time for an engine.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/2qLHReO-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/07/0LNnS9C-1.jpg

[Gmc427]

hi,is car still on the wheels you were looking at selling last year?regards george

[slimjim]

hi,is car still on the wheels you were looking at selling last year?regards george

Hi George, I forgot I considered selling the wheels, Yes these are the same wheels, But I was only considering selling the front wheels to buy wider ones, these would suit someone using a stock subframe. Whoever purchased them would need to buy rears to match, or I would have to buy new rears if I was to be convinced, I can get dealer pricing for Boze now.

[slimjim]

updates are going slow at the moment, working in Singapore for weeks at a time also doesn't help, but I've finally got my garage setup to a point where I can now make progress on a bunch of small projects.

I got the car up on stands so first thing I did was remove all of the calipers, I disassembled them so they are all off to be powder coated.

I have also been trying to figure out what I'd do with the audio and A/C controls, I hate all of the aftermarket double din options for the 5th gen Camaro and since the factory controls won't be used, I decided to purchase a factory piece online, cut it down and modify it to suit my needs, It is still not complete but you can see what it may look like when wrapped or painted.

I also am using this chance to start my fuel lines(brake lines will follow shortly after). I researched like crazy on the forums, NiCopp seemed the best option by far and seemed like a neat skill to learn, so after some practicing prior and making a $7 tube straightener I got to work and have mostly completed the fuel line, I will post better pictures when it is 100% but I wanted to post what I have. You can see I have it running behind the pinch welds then in the front it comes up between the subframe and firewall to be mostly hidden, in the back it travels on the inside or the suspension then over the axle. The stainless tabs will be spaced to almost exactly 12" apart and one complete I will use heat shrink at every tab.

As for the line ends, I will hold off until I know exactly what is needed to run to the flex hose.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/28KV7VF-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/j6fC28T-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/06rkGmN-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/m0SxwZb-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/WRsXbSf-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/VnADtzk-1.jpg

[slimjim]

A better shot of the fuel line and stainless clamps I chose looking down the car
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/vuOlekl-1.jpg

[67SSDan]

I was just about to ask what was going on with this project. Glad to see it moving again! It turns out actually getting one finished is the hardest part LOL

Dan

[slimjim]

It's traveling slower than I would like but I'm not working with a deadline so I'm just trying to get it done right with whatever time it takes. That and my standards continue to rise so everything becomes more expensive than first accounted for..

[ryeguy2006a]

Nice work with the lines. Keep up the good work.

[slimjim]

Nice work with the lines. Keep up the good work.

Thanks, I finished up the fuel line today(without ends) and the 5/16" NiCopp should arrive tomorrow for the brake lines

[ryeguy2006a]

Thanks, I finished up the fuel line today(without ends) and the 5/16" NiCopp should arrive tomorrow for the brake lines

What brakes are you running again? From all the research that I did for my C5 front and LS1 rear brakes people were recommending either 3/16" or 1/4".

[slimjim]

What brakes are you running again? From all the research that I did for my C5 front and LS1 rear brakes people were recommending either 3/16" or 1/4".

Gen 5 Camaro brembos, 14" front and rear

[RIDES BY DESIGN]

Nice build going on here

[slimjim]

I just got my calipers back from powder, I went with a hot yellow, a little bit Lambo style lol, I feel it's a necessary touch to break up the silver and black the car will end up in. I also got the Brembo logo offset from center, In my head I imagined them much smaller and I don't like them as much as I thought, but oh well, It's too late now and it's not very noticeable once mounted.

The brake lines are also plumbed on the LHS but like the fuel lines on the RHS, neither end is complete as some crucial items are still missing before I finish it.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/K30xyAw-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/bG7d7gd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/B9pJKBo-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

Those brakes look awesome and love that you didn't go with red! That yellow really pops. Might need to look at something like that when my C5 brakes aren't enough.

[slimjim]

Well I figure I want the car to be silver(or grey/dark silver/titanium etc etc), and I think these look neat! soooo

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/09/IFlm3GM-1.jpg


Those brakes look awesome and love that you didn't go with red! That yellow really pops. Might need to look at something like that when my C5 brakes aren't enough.

[C Presley]

James the car is going to be very nice when finished. Alot of nice touches.

[67SSDan]

That looks really good man! Making me wish I had done something similar on mine, but alas, I'm too close now to start going backwards!!

Dan

[slimjim]

That looks really good man! Making me wish I had done something similar on mine, but alas, I'm too close now to start going backwards!!

Dan

Yours is coming out perfect, I wouldn't change a thing on it

[nicks67camaro]

I like the front grill. Where is that mesh from?

[slimjim]

I like the front grill. Where is that mesh from?

straight from eBay :twothumbs

[expensivehobby22]

Looking great. Thanks for the fuel line pics.

[slimjim]

I'm still alive but the progress has been slow, I've been bending brake lines and flaring like no tomorrow, I'd planned to try keep the whole car AN fittings but wilwood uses SAE so I've got ended up with a mess of fittings in my brake lines.
One good thing about running 5th gen brembos is that I can buy braided brake lines off the shelf. with the help of a flare to AN fitting:evil:
and the prop valve didn't fit well, not enough clearance to the inner wheel well, so it gave me an excuse to hide it a little better, some people hide them under the car but I didn't like anywhere underneath and this current location will allow wiring to be easy underneath the trans tunnel.
I'm still awaiting my fender braces to arrive in the mail before this location is 100% final.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/gARpvV1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/wW3jIFn-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/HsARWs4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/UnwjNPr-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking great! How do you like working with the NiCopp lines?

[slimjim]

Looking great! How do you like working with the NiCopp lines?

the Nicopp is great, bending is a breeze.
flaring is hit or miss, I initially got a cheap AN flaring tool, and I guess it's designed for stainless, because it damages the Nicopp(teeth marks etc), however I couldn't imagine how difficult it must be to flare the stainless tube by hand.
I bought a better double flaring tool that is amazing, I'd say I'm 95% done with my brakes now.

[slimjim]

Alright NiCopp update! finished up my brake lines this afternoon. I'm pretty happy with the end result considering I've never done this before, feel free to critique what you see.
I tried to keep it pretty similarly routed to the speedtech brake lines with the exception of the right and left front brake lines being separated. Gutter guard in all necessary places and even polished up the visible lines.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/naY9QOl-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/lHH2hQA-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/L69FZhC-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/agzMOW4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/Lz4mZdq-1.jpg


Now for the next challenge, to attempt custom door panels.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/vR3wIkj-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/G5V7QtU-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

The lines look nice and neat.

[JayinMI]

Now for the next challenge, to attempt custom door panels.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/vR3wIkj-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/G5V7QtU-1.jpg

At first I thought that was 3/4" MDF, but the more I look at it, it looks like foam. Looking forward to the outcome.

Jay

[slimjim]

It's actually 1" Fibre Glast.. which is something I had never heard of, but its basically shaping foam, I honestly have no idea what I'm doing but taking it slow and researching as much as I can.


At first I thought that was 3/4" MDF, but the more I look at it, it looks like foam. Looking forward to the outcome.

Jay

[slimjim]

countless hours(days) later I have something resembling a door panel... It takes a similar design to the 5th gen but takes the dimensions of the 1st gen into consideration.
Still a long ways to go at this point. oh and then there's the driver door :hammer:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/lHLGgdN-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/q9iUBGj-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Nice job it's looking good! Is that a hi density foam or rigid foam board. You did a nice job getting the opening edge straight.

[slimjim]

Nice job it's looking good! Is that a hi density foam or rigid foam board. You did a nice job getting the opening edge straight.

It's called Fibre Glast, came across it on eBay. I assume it's very similar to rigid foam.

[Gmc427]

hi,what make booster are you running and is it mounted straigth onto the firewall without the gm angled stand off?regards

[slimjim]

hi,what make booster are you running and is it mounted straigth onto the firewall without the gm angled stand off?regards

Currently it's mounted straight onto the firewall, however it's an aftermarket laser cut wall, it doesn't resemble the stock setup and I'll probably run Clayton pedals, hoping I can keep it this way. the Booster is from MP brakes.

[slimjim]

I've also been trying to come up with a new tail light design, something more compact that fits inside the 67-68 tail light mould as opposed to overhanging it. It has turned out to be quite challenging due to the poor stamping of reproduction panels, there are huge differences between left and right.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/11/vB0Y6yM-1.jpg

[slimjim]

Some nice deliveries arrived this week. I've been going back and forth on my engine decision for a while, couldn't decide which of the crate LS3's would suit me best, I was leaning towards the 430 and then planning to have a local builder upgrade it with my desired parts, but a very low mile dropout L99 popped up and basically I couldn't turn it down. I was always hesitant of putting a used motor in my car, but I'm trying to step back down to reality rather than continue to be sucked into the trends of top end builds that the internet keeps putting in my face. The savings I made on the dropout will allow a full rebuild at PCM of NC. They're a very reputable builder in Mooresville NC who specialize in 5th gens, backed up for months apparently, but my engine will head there in a few days. They're very confident of 500 RWHP without touching the bottom end, which is perfect for my build.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/cx29XLI-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/byfs1Hr-1.jpg

So my next big hesitation is something I've been considering for about 6 months, a friend of mine had this black mountain precision cog drive front accessory kit sitting in his garage, my speculation is huge since it's an incredibly rare unit with very little feedback online. However, He has given it to me to mock up(for getting him into SEMA) we'll set it up on my engine, It should clear my subframe, and then I'll decide if I want to purchase it from him.
He has a 64 C10 and thought it would stand out too much in his enormous engine bay, I think it will be a little more subtle in a first gen.
I like the quality of the kit and the fact that it's different, but It's a little old school, which is why I'll just wait to see it in the bay sandwiched between the radiator and engine and probably hidden by intake piping.
Unfortunately It won't fit until we replace the L99 front plate to the LS3.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/aoEwhuh-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/Gtpmrjb-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/0ELLUV7-1.jpg

[slimjim]

A couple days ago I had some time so I wanted to make sure the cog drive power steering pulley and Mast Motorsports oil pan would clear my subframe. Both of which fit easily with plenty of extra clearance, and the process of putting the block in and taking it out took about 10 minutes, I sure am loving the simplicity of the LS motor in comparison to all of the Japanese imports I've worked on in the past!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/wcAECDx-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/12/RFESKWy-1.jpg

The engine has now been put into the shop for:-
-full inspection
-milling cylinder heads .020"-.030"
-Melling oil pump
-LS3 front timing cover
-hardened push rods
-texas speed .660" double valve springs
-titanium retainers
-LS7 lifters
-280cc head porting
-Comp trunnion upgrade
-some other minor things like ARP bolts, spark plugs, thermostat, general service parts
-and finally a Phoenix cam; It's a popular cam from PCM and at 231/246 it makes great power without sacrificing too much street ability,

they frequently break 500hp at the rear wheels on 5th gens with this above setup and basic bolt-ons which is perfect for build and comes at a great price!
I'll be overseas for the next 6 weeks so little progress will be made on my car but at least I'll have a sealed and rebuilt engine waiting for me when I get back.:headbang:

[ryeguy2006a]

That cog setup is awesome! Can't wait to see a video of it running.

[slimjim]

That cog setup is awesome! Can't wait to see a video of it running.

Me TOO! I was hoping to dummy it up and see how it looked but I need to replace the front cover on the engine for the water pump to fit, oh well, we'll see it in 6 weeks when I get the engine back.

[Stealth 69]

Gangster build - I am loving your hands-on approach

[69Phoenix]

Awesome project. Just finished going through your build. Looks like you are on the home stretch James. I am sure you can't wait to get home and get back on it. Looks to me like you'll be driving it by years end, maybe end of the summer. How many hours do you figure you have in it so far?

Brad

[slimjim]

Awesome project. Just finished going through your build. Looks like you are on the home stretch James. I am sure you can't wait to get home and get back on it. Looks to me like you'll be driving it by years end, maybe end of the summer. How many hours do you figure you have in it so far?

Brad

Thanks Brad, Hours involved I have no idea, money involved I have no idea. I kind of stopped keeping track of it all when it started getting scary and the figure was too high to want to tell friends and family. lol only car guys will understand.
I could work out the paid labour hours going off of my receipts if anyone wanted to know, and then I've also put several hundred hours in myself.
Years end is very optimistic but would be awesome, I figure with remaining parts and paint I'm 30k out minimum. But with my wedding in march, and kind of a second wedding/ month long trip back to Australia in June the car is taking a step back...within reason

[slimjim]

Ok I was curious, I've got about 640 paid hours of labour involved... and now I'm sad. approx 250 hours left in paint and body.
I do a lot of work myself, but the two areas I won't dabble in is putting a welder to body panels and then paint and body

[slimjim]

while waiting for my engine to come home for what seems like forever, I've started collecting a lot of the Aesthetic parts for my attempt at making the LS stand out.
The heads took longer than expected due to the Christmas period so I've got a little extra time on my hands.
The slow and expensive transition to ARP bolts has begun and I got my valve covers back from powder coating.
I know the tall slant GM covers have been used a thousand times already but they're hard to beat if done right.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/07dwbQ7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/T9IlhPf-1.jpg

[Jimmy]

Looks good to me!

[67SSDan]

Those valve covers look sharp man!



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/T9IlhPf-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

They look nice.

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking great, can't wait to see the engine all back together.

[slimjim]

Thanks fellas, I've also refinished the water pump in black wrinkle finish, I like the factory sort of look and didn't need it standing out underneath all the black accessories. needless to say, I am very anxious for the engine to be reassembled(4 weeks overdue) so I can get it painted and start throwing on this pile of shiny parts!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/J2gbZBk-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/JZH4kw3-1.jpg

[slimjim]

I finally got my engine back and didn't waste any time cleaning it and prepping it for paint. I decided against putting it back into another shop and chose to do it myself with Eastwood 2k engine paint. It was recommended by a couple people with similar builds and it didn't disappoint, after some curing time I will get stuck into the accessories.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/xn6zWss-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/YxzbkYu-1.jpg

[slimjim]

I am very happy with this!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/dF6oK0c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/59S5TAA-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

It looks good!

[67SSDan]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/59S5TAA-1.jpg

Oh yeah man, that turned out great!

Dan

[slimjim]

Since I had no use in leaving the engine in the middle of the garage I decided to drop it in place, It can stay there until I come across a clutch and transmission. It fits like a glove and looks real nice, will look even better with a satin silver engine bay.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/Wjb7qUX-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/KfIQqzS-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/NEuNCBo-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, that motor looks fantastic in there! Love that cog drive.

[Motown 454]

The coged belt make it look rugged!

[67SSDan]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/02/KfIQqzS-1.jpg


Nice man!!! That cog drive looks tough for sure. I dig it

[Gmc427]

looks mint, you aussies love your toothed drives!

[slimjim]

looks mint, you aussies love your toothed drives!

Man that's so true, and this was just a huge coincidence that this piece came available to me for a great price, I hate to continue the stereotype haha, all I have to do now is buy a set of 20" Simmons wheels :hand:

[slimjim]

A quick time-lapse I made throwing all the fun parts on my block.

https://youtu.be/4_1aBcXrZEw

[slimjim]

I have begged the car gods for forgiveness and I have promised to devote more time(and money) to my build starting....late June...

I had to put it on the back burner for a brief period but I am now finally married! so until our bank accounts are linked I will pump out as much on my car as I can ha!

I can't physically work on it right now due to work, followed by a month long trip home to Australia in late may, however I can do what I do best...Buy parts online!

I am currently researching, researching, researching everything for my electrical system, from trunk mounted battery and the protection required for it(this forum is awesome) to the engine harness and body wiring. for the ECM I plan to keep it simple, most likely a PSI harness and remapped E38 computer, as advised by the shop who'll be doing the tuning. I aim to have all of these soon as we will finalize the firewall at ambition road starting in July. I aim to have this thing paint ready by the end of the year at the very latest.

I was considering relocating the coil packs down to the subframe (I still might at a later date) but for now, and since I had the proform mounts, I will keep them on top of the valve covers for simplicity, functionality and most importantly to move on to the next department needing attention.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/04/WV1dRtq-1.jpg

If anyone has experience with aftermarket pedals on custom firewalls I'm all ears, my aim was to keep it all wilwood but I'm open to others.

[joeko23]

Great build. How did you fill in all the holes in the inner wheel wells and the radiator support. In the pics it looks like you just bondo over them. Did you weld them in or use something else?

Also for the pedals, if you want a budget friendly solution that looks custom go with stock Camaro pedals and buy zl1 pads along with zl1 gas peddle. PSI can make the harness to accept the zl1 pedal and programming pcm as well. It’s what I did. You will have to trim the pedal pads slightly but I’m sure you will figure it. Very easy. Here’s how it looks:
152079

[slimjim]

Great build. How did you fill in all the holes in the inner wheel wells and the radiator support. In the pics it looks like you just bondo over them. Did you weld them in or use something else?

Also for the pedals, if you want a budget friendly solution that looks custom go with stock Camaro pedals and buy zl1 pads along with zl1 gas peddle. PSI can make the harness to accept the zl1 pedal and programming pcm as well. It’s what I did. You will have to trim the pedal pads slightly but I’m sure you will figure it. Very easy. Here’s how it looks:


Awesome advice, I actually have that same Accelerator pedal and was hoping to use it with a PSI harness so this info helps. Is it the "Camaro/corvette" peddle option on their site or is it something that needs to be called up to be changed? I was about to drop the hammer on it.

The wheel wells and rad support were entirely welded up, so far there isn't a drop of filler in the whole car, just epoxied sheet metal

[joeko23]

You would have to call PSI and tell them you will be using the ZL1 pedal. You also have to let your tuner or whoever programs ecu to program for your zl1 pedal. I also had to fab a bracket to bolt the gas pedal to so its further from the firewall. Here’s what it looks like.
https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149363&d=1518814897

[slimjim]

fantastic, great help, my pedal is an auto SS model but looks identical to yours, I'll run it all by PSI.

[slimjim]

Well I'm finally getting stuck back into the car, I feel like I have a dozen jobs all stuck at 90% so I'm trying to stop putting them off. I received my PSI harness and spent some time re-trimming it and cleaning it up, it's a 5 minute install and is hidden enough for my liking now.

I also picked up some ignition leads and installed a new steam vent kit so the majority of the engine is...90% complete..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/z6Hakw0-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/B7mxViz-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/06/q4pV3s0-1.jpg

I picked up some Trucklites and am busy with my trunk mounted battery system but no pictures just yet, so stay tuned.

[Motown 454]

I love the accessory drive

[72Z/28]

Made some progress today assembling the subframe, Speedtech did a great job and it was very easy, especially compared to my background with japanese cars, Could have been easier if I could remove the subframe from the car but we're still aligning and working on the hood unfortunately.
I wish I could have used the ATS tall spindles but I have used ridetech spindles instead to fit the lsxconcepts big brake brackets.
Once the correct lugs come in I can fit the brakes, and then the wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/Jre7hht-1.jpg

Excellent build with lots attention to details.

Just have a question about the unisteer rack and pinion which goes with Speedtech Subframe as I do have the same front clip as yours.

As you noticed, unisteer racks come centered and this is confirmed by the green paint marker on the rack body and its pinion. Just wondering whether you have double checked if it is centered or you have just relied on the marker made by unisteer.

As per unisteer, the total turns lock to lock is 2.5, which means it will be centered at 1.25 turns. When rechecked the rack I received, it turned out that it is a bit more than 2.5 turns from lock to lock

[slimjim]

Excellent build with lots attention to details.

Just have a question about the unisteer rack and pinion which goes with Speedtech Subframe as I do have the same front clip as yours.

As you noticed, unisteer racks come centered and this is confirmed by the green paint marker on the rack body and its pinion. Just wondering whether you have double checked if it is centered or you have just relied on the marker made by unisteer.

As per unisteer, the total turns lock to lock is 2.5, which means it will be centered at 1.25 turns. When rechecked the rack I received, it turned out that it is a bit more than 2.5 turns from lock to lock

I have not double checked this actually, Although I would say it's fairly accurate. Unfortunately I still have not setup my steering column and the car isn't in a position to be jacked up right now so I cannot check this for you

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Lookin' Good! That drive is pretty wicked.

[slimjim]

Got stuck back into the car, finally decided on mirrors I'm happy with(4th time lucky).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/Q4zWdjk-1.jpg

Trucklites are in, and in an attempt to get the grill and headlight trim to fit I picked up some original trim, they helped a lot on the drivers side but my reproduction piece fit better on the passenger side, they're still not perfect but probably as tight as I'll get without re-working sheetmetal

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/JDOuM4t-1.jpg

And a big step about to begin...body work..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/c8eDv1V-1.jpg

[slimjim]

Well the car looks like a boy-racers wet dream with all of the stripes and the garage has never been dustier, but body work is well underway. I installed all of the weatherstrips prior to doing so and now the doors and trunk sit higher than I'd hoped, I'm told the seals should settle a little but I'm still waiting to get started on those lines....

Any advice on settling seals, I'm all ears.

My Anvil spoiler also arrived, I kept it fiberglass so it will also be body worked for a tight fit, the notched spoiler should suit my build well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/LNt4jM2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/08/XY25HRC-1.jpg