Another 69 Camaro RestoMod....with a twist. Project "Midnight Phoenix"

[Snowcatter]

Thought I would share my latest build. A very badly wrecked 2013 ZL1 camaro is reborn in a 69 body.
2013 ZL1 components include, Engine, Transmission, Main Harness, all Electronics, Dash, HVAC, console, Seats, ABS, TPMS, Brakes, Onstar, XM, Mirrors, Door Handles, Latches, etc.
1969 Camaro Body, Art Morrison Front and rear IRS assemblies.

My build plan is to integrate everything possible from the 2013 into the 69 body, Utilize Art Morrison front clip and IRS
in the rear allowing me to retain wheel sensor hub assemblies for the ABS, traction control etc. I have the pedals, Dash, HVAC unit & main
harness installed and so far it is turning out better than I could have hoped. I am currently trying to sort out how i'm going to feed this
baby with fuel...I got myself a RestoMod tank from Rick's that utilizes the ZL1 fuel pump, but my dilemma is how to best deal with the evap
system...delete it or retrofit it. I haven't been able to find any info on how to delete it and keep the ECM from throwing codes. I have always
hated where the stock fuel fill is on a 69 so I decided to add the 5th gen fuel door as well ;)
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[Snowcatter]

Some pics of the dash install...


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[Snowcatter]

Installing the pedals....
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Installing the HVAC unit...I was very surprised it actually fits in there.
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[Snowcatter]

Much better way to feed the beast...


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[Snowcatter]

Final fitting the dash, Installing the main harness and powering this baby up....


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[130fe]

Nice, looks like it will be a fun project!

[Senek67RS]

Is there anyone else other than me that hopes the person that was driving that car ended up ok? :-\

[Snowcatter]

Is there anyone else other than me that hopes the person that was driving that car ended up ok? :-\

You are definitely not the only one...I had been trying to secure the donor car at auction for over a year and they always sell for ridiculously high numbers. I was able to grab this one within my budget because it was so badly damaged. It had bio hazard stickers all over it and I was very concerned with what I was going to find inside. When the shipper dropped it off I dragged it into the garage to size it up and one of the first things I found was a drawing that had been done by a kid and I immediately started fearing the worst and knew I had to learn the fate of the driver. As I was digging around in the car there was no evidence of blood anywhere and was able to find a few clues to the identity of the owner. My wife was able to find him on Facebook and learned that he had indeed survived the crash with only a broken leg and a chipped tooth. He swears that car saved his life and him and I have remained in contact throughout this build. He's active duty air Force and is super excited to see his baby live on in a new body.

[Snowcatter]

Oh and for the curious ones, he hit a mesquite tree doing approximately 50MPH sideways off a curved wet freeway onramp. The dude had an angel looking out for him that day.....

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[tubbed69]

Great project,keep updates coming.Also really glad to hear great news of driver ok now.

[dhutton]

Cool project, looking forward to following along since I have a similar but less ambitious car.

Don

[zen8125]

Just did the same swap. Except for the fuel lid. Amazing how similar the dash sizes are. Looks great.

[Snowcatter]

Just did the same swap. Except for the fuel lid. Amazing how similar the dash sizes are. Looks great.

Thanks! How did you deal with the fuel system on yours? did you delete the EVAP? Do you have a build thread posted anywhere? I still have a long ways to go on mine with many questions on how to deal with things like that...deleting the Mag Ride and electric power steering are others that need addressed. I don't want those annoying error messages and MIL light on everytime I fire it up.

[badazz81z28]

By the looks of that Camaro, I’m very surprised the person lived! That almost looks like a scenario where the seat belt would have caused more harm than good.

[Snowcatter]

AME front subframe has finally arrived along with new doors and front sheet metal from Real Deal Steel...time to get back to work on this baby.167037167038167039

[Revvv]

You are definitely not the only one...I had been trying to secure the donor car at auction for over a year and they always sell for ridiculously high numbers. I was able to grab this one within my budget because it was so badly damaged. It had bio hazard stickers all over it and I was very concerned with what I was going to find inside. When the shipper dropped it off I dragged it into the garage to size it up and one of the first things I found was a drawing that had been done by a kid and I immediately started fearing the worst and knew I had to learn the fate of the driver. As I was digging around in the car there was no evidence of blood anywhere and was able to find a few clues to the identity of the owner. My wife was able to find him on Facebook and learned that he had indeed survived the crash with only a broken leg and a chipped tooth. He swears that car saved his life and him and I have remained in contact throughout this build. He's active duty air Force and is super excited to see his baby live on in a new body.That is a miraculous story. I was certain there was a fatality when I saw the 2013 Camaro.

[slimjim]

sweet project, I'm doing one similar, eager to see how you tackle it.

[Snowcatter]

Making progress again... driver's seat installed, console fitted, oil pan swapped, engine installed, transmission mount fabbed, shifter lengthened and installed. Discovered that the electric steering rack isn't going to fit :( have to go with the hydraulic rack instead. Going to start hanging front sheet metal [emoji16]169089169090169091

[rchaskin]

Wow, you are a mad man!!
This thing is awesome.

It funny though, of all the fab magic-ery, the thing I like the most is the fuel door.
It seems no one ever does that.

Two thumbs up!!

[Motown 454]

Wow love your project, and seeing the picture of you behind the wheel makes it even more amazing!!! lol Subscribed!

[croooksie]

Awesome build man, amazing how well everything is fitting to.

[Snowcatter]

Wow, you are a mad man!!
This thing is awesome.

It funny though, of all the fab magic-ery, the thing I like the most is the fuel door.
It seems no one ever does that.

Two thumbs up!!Thanks man! I know right? I have always hated fueling the ass of first gen Camaros so I figured why not update that as well.

[Snowcatter]

Wow love your project, and seeing the picture of you behind the wheel makes it even more amazing!!! lol Subscribed!Lol yea...I can barely see over the dash!

[Snowcatter]

Even using all AMD sheet metal it's still being a royal PITA getting everything to line up right. I may have to let a professional body man have a go at it lol. Most everything is coming together nicely though here's more pics of the latest progress.16932616932716932816932916933016933116933 2169333169334169335169336

[Snowcatter]

I have a new radiator and fans on order to replace the ugly dirty broken one from the wrecked car, but it works for mockup ;)

[Motown 454]

Interior looks great! I know what you mean adjust something 1/4” here goes out 1/2” over there.

[DCx]

awesome build!

[slimjim]

have you got a plan for the door panels yet?

[Snowcatter]

I'm leaning towards using the deluxe interior door panels, but just leaning. The fitment around those dash side vents is the biggest rub plus a spot to mount the 5th gen window and lock switches. But to answer your question,..no I have have no idea yet lol

[slimjim]

I've got the same problem, I've taken a stab at making my own panels and it's still on the table. BUT, I did just recently see that Avant Garde design CAD designed a door panel made for this exact purpose, which they machine out of thick piece of composite ABS.. But I've had no luck getting a price out of them

[Snowcatter]

I've got the same problem, I've taken a stab at making my own panels and it's still on the table. BUT, I did just recently see that Avant Garde design CAD designed a door panel made for this exact purpose, which they machine out of thick piece of composite ABS.. But I've had no luck getting a price out of themWe should definitely get together on this problem because it is pretty much the ONLY part of this build I don't have a solid plan for...I saw you tried using the 5th gen panels on yours. I'm assuming it just wasn't an option?

[slimjim]

We should definitely get together on this problem because it is pretty much the ONLY part of this build I don't have a solid plan for...I saw you tried using the 5th gen panels on yours. I'm assuming it just wasn't an option?

No they certainly weren't an option, they're incredibly 'thick' and maybe 6" longer, but I really only bought them because they were cheap on eBay and I was hoping to use the interior door handles and inserts if possible, although I haven't really looked at them in a long time since starting body work.

I'll have no choice but to return to this debacle soon.

The only other part I haven't solved is the steering column

[Snowcatter]

Not sure how I feel about this, but everyone said it wasn't possible to mount ZL1 brakes on C6 spindles. Whenever I hear "can't be done" I take on the challenge lol. This is a prototype I threw together to see if it's feasible and I think it will work. I really want the ZL1 brakes on my car to keep the theme going and I think this is the only way they will fit. I also mounted the driver's side mirror and kinda like it :)171002171003171004171005171006171007171008171009

[minendrews68]

What mirror is that?

[Snowcatter]

Mirror is from 5th gen Camaro, auto dimming, heated and power adjust.

[68Formula]

Mirror is from 5th gen Camaro, auto dimming, heated and power adjust.

What, no blind spot monitoring, or turn signals? :-)

[Snowcatter]

I wish it had those, but they are 6th gen Camaro features ;)

[slimjim]

I wish it had those, but they are 6th gen Camaro features ;)

I had 5th gen mirrors but decided against them, they look much better on the 69 though, I'll dig through my phone, pretty sure I've got a picture of a 69 with them already. in mentioning 6th gen however, they're a better size and also a viable option.

[xHarrell]

Nice build, doing one of my own as well. 2010 2SS into 69. Did you tig the heater core lines back together?

[Bradfords_garage]

Looks like a really cool build!! And I was very relieved to scroll and find this report on the state of the driver. Whew!

Looking forward to watching. Subscribed.



You are definitely not the only one...I had been trying to secure the donor car at auction for over a year and they always sell for ridiculously high numbers. I was able to grab this one within my budget because it was so badly damaged. It had bio hazard stickers all over it and I was very concerned with what I was going to find inside. When the shipper dropped it off I dragged it into the garage to size it up and one of the first things I found was a drawing that had been done by a kid and I immediately started fearing the worst and knew I had to learn the fate of the driver. As I was digging around in the car there was no evidence of blood anywhere and was able to find a few clues to the identity of the owner. My wife was able to find him on Facebook and learned that he had indeed survived the crash with only a broken leg and a chipped tooth. He swears that car saved his life and him and I have remained in contact throughout this build. He's active duty air Force and is super excited to see his baby live on in a new body.

[lbsurfer11]

Amazing Build, Love seeing the progress!!!

[Snowcatter]

Yes, I dig TIG weld the heater core lines to extend them so they would reach through the firewall.
Nice build, doing one of my own as well. 2010 2SS into 69. Did you tig the heater core lines back together?

[Snowcatter]

Thought I would post an update...Added a few more trinkets to the car...Rally sport grille, DSE actuators. And something every 60's muscle car must have...Hurst shifter ;) also hanging the front suspension, tied the steering column to the power rack, added power steering pump and lines. I gave up on trying to use the electric power steering...just couldn't get it to fit right without chopping up my new subframe.173381173382173383

[xHarrell]

Thanks for the reply, what about the ac lines? You going to extend them too or just make a recess in the firewall?

[Snowcatter]

The AC lines are still a question mark...I have some ideas but haven't executed anything as of yet. I will probably make something to transition from the core to the firewall, or possibly just use a grommet to bring the engine bay lines through. It is on my radar to solve soon though.

[Snowcatter]

I also need to find a smaller AC condenser since the ZL1 one is too wide to clear the headlight doors when they are open.

[Snowcatter]

Love the Halo headlights. 173446173447173448

[Dave Pratt]

First off i'm happy the previous driver survived...I thought that was a no-win deal there.Second,wow! Great work and imagination on your part.Not just your "run of the mill" 69 Camaro build thread (I have a 69 SS btw) but something super cool.My hat's off to you sir.I'm just shaking my head at what you've done...fantastic work!

Cheers!

[Snowcatter]

First off i'm happy the previous driver survived...I thought that was a no-win deal there.Second,wow! Great work and imagination on your part.Not just your "run of the mill" 69 Camaro build thread (I have a 69 SS btw) but something super cool.My hat's off to you sir.I'm just shaking my head at what you've done...fantastic work!

Cheers!Thanks Dave! I'm hoping I can afford to finish it and stay married in the process [emoji28]

[Motown 454]

I'm hoping I can afford to finish it and stay married in the process [emoji28]

Boy does that ring a bell!

[lbsurfer11]

I really like those headlights what, who makes them. Really amazing work all around!

[Alwhite00]

Very, very, very well done project. I love how you are using so much of the car to put into yours. I assume looking at the pictures that you had to get a replacement dash and seat. What else was too far gone?

[Snowcatter]

I really like those headlights what, who makes them. Really amazing work all around!Thank you! I found those headlights on eBay if memory serves...they have the white Halo just like the 5th gen car had plus the Halo flashes orange and acts as a turn signal as well :) They are for Jeeps.

[Snowcatter]

Very, very, very well done project. I love how you are using so much of the car to put into yours. I assume looking at the pictures that you had to get a replacement dash and seat. What else was too far gone?Thanks for the props! You assume correctly, I had to replace the driver's seat, dash, cluster, center console, all parts from driver's door, radiator, fan housing, an idler pulley and a few other misc parts that got destroyed. I lucked out with the transmission. The tunnel was smashed around it and I had to jerk it free with my tractor lol only damage was the sensors were broke off on one side.

[Snowcatter]

I am looking for advice on the front bumper...Endura, or painted steel? Trying to decide which way to go...

[slimjim]

if you have the original bumper I'd tuck it and paint if you're able.

[Snowcatter]

That's not an option...This car was a stripped theft recovery when I started. EVERYTHING but the bare body shell was gone. It's kinda like starting with a dynacorn body as I have to buy every little part because everything is missing :(

[slimjim]

That's not an option...This car was a stripped theft recovery when I started. EVERYTHING but the bare body shell was gone. It's kinda like starting with a dynacorn body as I have to buy every little part because everything is missing :(

I feel your pain, I'm dealing with the exact same issues

[Just 1 More]

Love the Halo headlights. 173446173447173448

Which brand? Part # did you use?

[Snowcatter]

Headlights:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0781M2LC5/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keep in mind that these are not a direct fit. I had to trim some of the cooling fins off the back and some messaging to fit the buckets. Worth the effort though.

[aussietony]

174147174148I liked the free headlights so much I made my own buckets and installed them as my indicators and spotlights.

[lbsurfer11]

That turned out really well, great job.

[aussietony]

That turned out really well, great job.

Thanks

[Rooster67]

I am definitely interested to see how you get rid of the dash lights.
I am in the planning stages of doing something similar on a firebird... I just need a car lol.
I want to move the fusebox somewhere less noticeable though.

[Snowcatter]

The dash lights are just a matter of removing certain features from the ecm program. I plan to retain the abs, srs, wheel sensors and all modules. Just need to remove the mag ride, evap and electric power steering. Relocating the main fuse block would require a monumental amount of rewiring.... literally everything runs through that thing lol

[Rooster67]

I am aware, but I can't handle it [fusebox] right next to the motor. I am thinking about maybe turning it on its side and putting it under the passenger side quarter right by the firewall so I can access it, I will only have to move the engine bay wires (hopefully), I am also going to move the ABS pump to below the master cylinder on the drivers side.

I am already going to open up the engine harness and remove everything I don't need and clean that up, it won't be the first time I do that. I will also move the ECU into the car, probably somewhere on the trans tunnel under the dash, or on top of the glove box.
I am undecided if I will try to tackle a custom dash or go with a stock look, but put the Camaro gauges into the dash somehow, or a race dash.
I will not be using the air bags, SRS, OnStar, or XM so that's not a big deal, just a basic radio with Bluetooth.

[Snowcatter]

That sounds like a solid plan...I understand that all these things are not visually pleasing lol The whole theme of my build is for it to look like it rolled off the assembly line this way...no bling, oem fasteners and components. Basically if GM decided to build a 69 Camaro again it would look like this one.

[Rooster67]

I can get behind that, that’s the best thing about these builds, everyone has a different vision!

[Snowcatter]

It sounds like the best option for you is to go with one of GM's connect n cruise standalone harness and ECM. It has none of the Ugly components you are trying to hide. Run a Dakota digital cluster in your dash and you can save a ton of unnecessary work trying to pretty up an OE harness. Unless you plan on running the fifth gen dash I would not bother with the OE harness and ECM.

[Rooster67]

I do t think connect and cruise supports ABS.

[Snowcatter]

ABS is not as simple as it seems...the wheel sensors are what I am having issues with. I cannot find a solid rear axle assembly that will work and support wheel sensors. That is the main reason I am going with the AME IRS because it uses ZL1 spindles that support the proper wheel sensors. The down side is they are very expensive at 13k for the bare IRS assembly. I would do a 4 link if I could locate a wheel sensor option that would be compatible.

[Rooster67]

I will be using C5 IRS.

[DKz Garage]

Just dropped into this build...super cool! A ton of work for sure, but you are doing a great job combining the old with the new.

[ICrombie]

ABS is not as simple as it seems...the wheel sensors are what I am having issues with. I cannot find a solid rear axle assembly that will work and support wheel sensors. That is the main reason I am going with the AME IRS because it uses ZL1 spindles that support the proper wheel sensors. The down side is they are very expensive at 13k for the bare IRS assembly. I would do a 4 link if I could locate a wheel sensor option that would be compatible.

Not sure about what sort of bracket the ZL1 uses for the brakes as compared to the corvettes (looks similar to the C7 mounting points), but it looks like this could work if you swap out the spindles for the ZL1.
https://millerbuiltusa.com/universal-weld-on-base-kit/

Also what sort of method did you use to weld the new tabs for the brakes to the C6 spindle (MIG/TIG and filler material)? I'm looking at doing something similar w/ a C6 knuckle to accept C7 brakes.

[Snowcatter]

Nothing special...I use a TIG welder and aluminum filler rod on high frequency AC. Liquid cooled torch. The Corvette and Camaro brakes are very different which is frustrating...why do they need to be different?!?!

[mistral]

Amazing build Snowcatter, very inspiring!

[Snowcatter]

Haven't touched her all summer except to fire it up every couple weeks. Been stuck inside from all the heavy smoke from the california fires so decided to get back after this thing. Built a pair of custom fender braces, installing the TMI headliner, modifying the spindles for the big Brembo Calipers up front, AC lines routing and some wiring and working on forcing the repop sheet metal to fit right lol I like to bounce around....179564179565179566179567

[Snowcatter]

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[Snowcatter]

So when I got new sunvisor mounts they come in nice shiny chrome....blah! Plan was to paint them black, so I went out to the shop and bead blasted them to prep for paint then realized bead blasting gave them a nice satin look that almost perfectly matches the grey accents on the dash so I decided to leave them satin :)

[Snowcatter]

Hood latch is finally done and working properly...this gets me the hood open warning and remote hood release.179624179625

[130fe]

How did you secure/mount the radiator? Any pics would be appreciated! Great build BTW!

[Snowcatter]

How did you secure/mount the radiator? Any pics would be appreciated! Great build BTW!

For the top side I used the factory mounting brackets and rubber grommets, for the bottom I ended up utilizing some of the unused threaded holes along the bottom of the OEM radiator and welded on a couple of simple tabs to catch them. I think it fit pretty good. Next time I have the radiator and core support out I will knock a bunch of 2" holes in it along each side to allow more airflow through the radiator and I will cut off the bottom mounting "Pillars"
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[Crazy Horse]

You are definitely not the only one...I had been trying to secure the donor car at auction for over a year and they always sell for ridiculously high numbers. I was able to grab this one within my budget because it was so badly damaged. It had bio hazard stickers all over it and I was very concerned with what I was going to find inside. When the shipper dropped it off I dragged it into the garage to size it up and one of the first things I found was a drawing that had been done by a kid and I immediately started fearing the worst and knew I had to learn the fate of the driver. As I was digging around in the car there was no evidence of blood anywhere and was able to find a few clues to the identity of the owner. My wife was able to find him on Facebook and learned that he had indeed survived the crash with only a broken leg and a chipped tooth. He swears that car saved his life and him and I have remained in contact throughout this build. He's active duty air Force and is super excited to see his baby live on in a new body.
That is Fantastic!!!

[Snowcatter]

I drug my feet for over a year trying to be fine with how I had the door handle mounted and today finally said screw it i'm going to add the finger well and it is definitely better now...I will add another pic when I get it done.
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[Snowcatter]

Engine bay porn....closeout panel makes a world of difference!

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[joeko23]

That engine bay looks so OEM, for a second I thought it was a 5th gen engine bay. Are you going to take everything back out to paint and powder coat?

[Snowcatter]

Lol that's the theme I'm going for. And yes my plan is to fully assemble this car, put a couple hundred miles on it to work out any design flaws or any issues that it probably will have. Once I'm satisfied with how it performs then that fall I will completely tear it down for final paint and cleanup.

[Peanut1959]

You're doing a great job! Love watching this one come together.

[avchz]

I understand that you have to modify the buckets. But did you have to modify anything in electrical side? I like the looks of these bulbs I think they would look good on my 67 RS and the price is fair too. Thanks nice car btw.

[Snowcatter]

I understand that you have to modify the buckets. But did you have to modify anything in electrical side? I like the looks of these bulbs I think they would look good on my 67 RS and the price is fair too. Thanks nice car btw.Actually I didn't modify the buckets at all, but rather trimmed off some of the cooling fins from the back to fit the bucket properly. Electrical wise our cars are very different so you shouldn't have to modify anything there.

[Snowcatter]

Opinions....I chopped out a hole for the intercooler exchanger. Since I am handy with a tubing bender I outlined it with 3/8 tubing. Still need to finish welding it out and smoothing but I think I like it...like it alot.179880

[Snowcatter]

Sending it ;)179888179889

[Snowcatter]

Proposed driving lights mount...I think it's a winner :)179894

[Snowcatter]

Finally found an A/C condenser that fits between the damn headlight doors...from an HHR lol has some handy mounting tabs on it too :) one more problem solved!179895

[Snowcatter]

I am really loving how the front of this car is turning out... definitely need to paint the ac condenser and heat exchanger black. Need to finish the fit on the bumper and build the other light pod...179948179949

[Snowcatter]

These Hogworkz driving lights are legit...love em!180076180077180078180079180080180081180082

[slimjim]

great job on those housings, they look great and I appreciate the pictures, I'm still not happy with mine so I will have to do something like this I think

[Snowcatter]

Thanks man! I'm very pleased with how they turned out. I can give you a detailed rundown on how I did it and what I used if you desire.

[slimjim]

any advice is always appreciated, messaged!

[Snowcatter]

Decided to start trying to figure out how to get the necessary hood clearance to fit around the pretty red engine cover lol wish I was better equipped to shape sheet metal so I could fab this in one piece rather than the frankenstein method but oh well it will work. Also got the chin spoiler installed and the new intercooler exchanger installed. Quality control is inspecting my work ;)180179180180

[srode]

Decided to start trying to figure out how to get the necessary hood clearance to fit around the pretty red engine coverIn previous pictures it looks like your hood was closed, curious where the clearance problems showed up. Is it for the engine at rest or more about movement when under a load?

[1966 stingray roadster]

Let me start off by saying this is an extremely impressive build. 1969 Camaros have always been one of my favorite cars and my favorite Camaro hands down. I have owned several. Love what your doing. keep showing the updates.

[Snowcatter]

In previous pictures it looks like your hood was closed, curious where the clearance problems showed up. Is it for the engine at rest or more about movement when under a load?

The supercharger "hat" fits almost perfectly inside the air cleaner hole in the hood when closed, however when I installed the red LSA engine cover that's when the clearance issue showed up. Currently I have to remove the red cover to shut the hood...that's why I decided to start chopping it up lol

[Snowcatter]

It fits! It's not the best work I have done but it solved the problem. Maybe I'll find a clever way to hide it [emoji12]180353

[Motown 454]

It looks nice to me, great job.

[Snowcatter]

I'm not very good with Photoshop, but this is pretty close to what this thing will look like someday........
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[slimjim]

I like it, the new valance cutout somewhat matches the holes either side of the running lights

[Snowcatter]

Update...I have been slowly trying to figure out the best way to retrofit the 5th gen window motors into the 69 doors. I can't just use regular power window regulators because the 5th gen motors are canbus controlled and the car can't even tell if the door is open without them. They also have various other functions that aren't important here, but suffice to say I need them. First thought was to retrofit the entire 5th gen regulator but it's 3" shy in range and the 69 window tracks don't play nice with a cable drive regulator. I decided the best way to go was to use all 69 hardware and regulator and just retrofit the motor to the manual regulator...that requires custom building an output gear for the motor to replace the cable drive one. I think step one is solved, now I just need to mount it to the regulator.181196

[Peanut1959]

Cool solution! Cant wait to see a video of your successful setup in action.

[GB68]

Update...I have been slowly trying to figure out the best way to retrofit the 5th gen window motors into the 69 doors. I can't just use regular power window regulators because the 5th gen motors are canbus controlled and the car can't even tell if the door is open without them. They also have various other functions that aren't important here, but suffice to say I need them. First thought was to retrofit the entire 5th gen regulator but it's 3" shy in range and the 69 window tracks don't play nice with a cable drive regulator. I decided the best way to go was to use all 69 hardware and regulator and just retrofit the motor to the manual regulator...that requires custom building an output gear for the motor to replace the cable drive one. I think step one is solved, now I just need to mount it to the regulator.181196
In my build using 04 GTO hardware gear driven motors the lift scissors/supports are nearly the same in length but the angles of mounting are daunting so same with here just going to incorporate the motors into the manual position, probably easier than yours.

[Snowcatter]

Haven't posted an update in awhile...been working on trying to solve this power window puzzle. Wow this has by far been the most difficult retrofit to date and really kicking my a$$. My plan was to retrofit the manual regulator to accept the 5th gen motors. I had to mount the motor to the back side of the regulator which seems easy enough until you try to fit it all together lol no matter which way I rotate the motor it runs into something...either the front window track, regulator arms or the window glass sash channel. The other problem is the motor runs the wrong direction and no way to reverse it. I did discover that I can use the opposite side motor which turns the other way and the computer module can be swapped from side to side to get the electronics Happy, but still will not physically fit which has me pretty deflated since I have been trying to make it work for weeks now. I think I need to scrap the manual regulator and get a set of power ones to mount the motors to. :(

[revolutionary]

Very cool build!

[Snowcatter]

Thanks!
Very cool build!I finally solved my power windows dilemma! Big relief lol I ended up ordering a pair of electric life power window regulators that position the drive motor in a much more usable spot. I will post a detailed write-up this weekend to show how I did it. But for now the windows go up and down with 5th gen motors ;)

[Samckitt]

Awesome build.

[Snowcatter]

Ok, here's how I finally solved the 5th Gen window motor retrofit. Using all 1st Gen window hardware and tracks with a Electric Life power window retrofit regulator modified slightly to accept the 5th Gen motor.
The motors from Electric life are similar to the GM motor, so I was able to use the output gear modified slightly and installed into the 5th Gen motor. The first image is of the manual regulator laid on top of the electric
life regulator...notice how it locates the motor down low for needed clearance.
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The output gear was slightly larger in diameter so a quick turn on the lathe fixed that. The drive cogs on the back were also larger so some careful filing got them to fit.
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I welded on an ear to catch one of the mounting tabs and the other just required a little filing with a rat tail to grab another screw location. It fits very nicely and doesn't move at all.
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I got everything installed and it fits very nice inside the door, runs the window up and down smoothly and the express open and close work as well as the slight drop when the door is opened and the pop back up after
the door is shut ;) Hopefully this will help someone avoid the nightmare and wasted time I experienced figuring this one out....now onto the next problem!

[xHarrell]

Thank You, this will help me out so much!!!!

[Motown 454]

Thanks for the great write up, those directions will help a lot of people.

[Snowcatter]

Here is a video clip to see the window in action ;)

https://youtu.be/czD6K0LoMCY

[Motown 454]

Wow that is slick! Nice job. Is it the box on the window motor that makes the window be able to do that or is it from a separate part of the factory wirirng?

[Snowcatter]

Wow that is slick! Nice job. Is it the box on the window motor that makes the window be able to do that or is it from a separate part of the factory wirirng?

Thanks! Yes it is pretty slick :) It is a combination of the Body control module (BCM) and the module integrated into the window motors. Each window motor communicates over canbus to the BCM and the motor has
an encoder built in so the computer knows the exact position of the window at all times. When this is first installed the computer has to "learn" the full up and full down positions. This window system probably
could be retrofit into any project as long as the BCM and 5th Gen door latches are included as well.

[Motown 454]

Thanks

[dhutton]

Here is a video clip to see the window in action ;)

https://youtu.be/czD6K0LoMCY

Very nice, love the indexing when the door closes.

Don

[xHarrell]

Have you done anything with the fuel senders/guage? I am trying to get mine to register, and havent had any luck. i have a norrowed tanks inc tank thru Detroit Speed with DS pump. I believe the stock pump will work in the tank, will have to drop the tank to find out. (so its on the list of things to try) But i did hook up both sending units out of my donor car to the wiring harness no luck, then tried a metermatch from tanks inc. to try to match the ohms, no luck there either. Was wondering if you have gotten the guage to read and i miss something.

[Snowcatter]

I have gotten the gauge to read, but it doesn't work perfectly and I haven't messed with it to figure out how to make it 100% Currently it reads level until the tank reaches very low and it goes from 1/2 to E lol. I am utilizing the stock pump in a ricks tank and using the Ricks level sending unit as the second source. I'm guessing it will need some tinkering to get it working properly. It's not high on the list of priorities right now. Also this project is on hold right now because im poor from pandemic job loss. I have a bunch of catching up to do before I can spend money on this car again :(

[xHarrell]

I understand!!!! I own a steel fabrication shop, steel prices have killed us this year!! Once they have you under contract doesnt matter what the market does they have you by the baby makers.

I got my gauge to work, i was trying to do away with the ecu attached to the abs ports. But apparently alot of cluster information runs thru this ecu. I'm running the stock pump now in a Detroit speed tank, i tied the two sending unit wires together and seems to read everything okay while moving it thru the range. (so far)

[Samckitt]

Here is a video clip to see the window in action ;)

https://youtu.be/czD6K0LoMCY

That is awesome.

[TANKMASTERJ]

I'm impressed with your tenacity and what a cool build. Keep rocking
Jason

[Snowcatter]

Hey everyone! Wow it's been a long time since I have been able to touch this project. It has been collecting dust for 2 years now....thanks Covid. I am finally financially able to proceed once more! Just ordered a set of GiroDisc conversion rotors to allow me to run the ZR1 calipers on stock C6 spindles without the mods I have been trying. I feel this will ultimately be a better end result. I never thought I would spend $1400 on Brake Rotors but the Phoenix needs em lol
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[Motown 454]

Perfection doesn’t come cheap! That’s gonna be a sweet setup on there.

[Snowcatter]

Hey all, It's been awhile since I have posted an update but that doesn't mean nothing has been happening lol Received the Gyro Disc brake rotors for the front and they are exactly what I needed to run the ZR1 Brakes! All I need to do is paint the Calipers black and add the ZL1 Decals :) I searched the world over trying to find "off shelf" wheels that would work with this build and finally gave up and pulled the trigger on Forgelines. Best decision I have made yet! Big shout out to the folks at Forgeline for being truly awesome to work with. My initial order somehow got lost in translation between my dealer and Forgeline, so my wheels didn't fit correctly. Got in contact with Forgeline and they are making me a new set...no questions asked! It is definitely worth the $
My experience with Art Morrison however has left a sour taste....probably will never use them again as they take a completely different approach to customer service...this is what you get, if you don't like it pi$$ off. I can't say anything but good about the product they produce but the way they treat customers is awful IMO. Finally got the IRS ordered and should be here in a few days then I can be done with them for good. On a positive note I am excited to finally secure the last major component of this build and will post some good pictures of the AME IRS since there doesn't seem to be many out there as I have searched for them in the past. Next step moving forward is to separate the front clip so I can get the body back on the rotisserie to get the convertible braces and the IRS subframe welded in along with the mini tubs.
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[Snowcatter]

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[Snowcatter]

I am now posting project updates on this build on Youtube if anyone is interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rP4ew5IUnU&t=1056s

[Snowcatter]

Ever need to use a holesaw in stainless? This trick works and will make your day! You're welcome :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdA3WCdcp6k