1967 Camaro - Paradise Bay Customs

[Kuhlhaus]

New to the forum... Introduced myself a week ago. Setting up a project update thread to share my build plans, progress, challenges, successes and hopefully a limited few failures.

Step 1 - Shore up the bones:
- teardown (frame off)
- rust remediation, replace/repair all sheet metal (new complete floor, new trunk c/w drop offs, new tail pan and inner support, new rear frame rails, rocker panels, etc. -- basically the lower half)

Goal:
- Spirited street driver, refined muscle car attitude with improved modern handling, steering & braking.
- A little 1/4 mile action and/or autocross.

My plans/desires include:
- 427 SBC, 550+ HP (or maybe a LS, but I'm resistant)
- Debating power adders
- Tremec 6 speed
- New full coilover suspension, new full front sub-frame, with new rear 4-link, narrowed 9" with mini-tubs.
- 335s out back, 275s in the front.

Further to my intro... Happy to say the tear down has begun, the interior was the first to go and as of yesterday the front clip is off, tank is gone as is the trunk pan (center cut out, what was left). Next steering column, blower/heater core and any remaining ties to the the front subframe, doors, glass, etc. Then I'm going to fab a frame jig, drop the rear-end and the front subframe and get the car body off the ground, level and braced so I can start the sheet metal work. Will post an update when I'm at that milestone - hopefully in a week or two.

Thanks to those who have welcomed me to the forum, provided encouragement and have shared their builds!
Ken
Paradise Bay Customs

[Gmachine1911]

Welcome! You’re off to a great start, looking forward to following along. With that kinda power, it’d be a shame to skimp on the whoa power...there’s lots of “traditional” looking wheels in 17/18” diameters to clear bigger brakes. Keep up the good work!

[John McIntire]

No turning back now! Keep us posted!

[Kuhlhaus]

Welcome! You’re off to a great start, looking forward to following along. With that kinda power, it’d be a shame to skimp on the whoa power...there’s lots of “traditional” looking wheels in 17/18” diameters to clear bigger brakes. Keep up the good work!

Thanks! I agree... Leaning more and more in that direction. Learned I need an 18" wheel to clear a lot of the modern spindles (C5/C6, etc.).

[Kuhlhaus]

No turning back now! Keep us posted!

You bet!!! Pretty excited by the progress - don't want to loose the momentum. Long, cold, dark Canadian winter ahead, a nice heated workshop and a good supply of new sheet metal/panels = just what the doctor ordered!

[egoman]

Yay, someone close to home!

[Kuhlhaus]

Yay, someone close to home!
Hey neighbour! LOL
1 degree of separation even on the inter-web! Gotta love Winnipeg.
Whatcha working on?

Ken

[Rod]

and go!.. build

[andrewb70]

Welcome and keep us updated!

Andrew

[egoman]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/attach/jpg.gifI might have a little something going on....................

[Kuhlhaus]

Hi,

Happy to say that I pulled the pin on a Black Friday sale and ordered a complete DSE package - QUADRAlink, front subframe, single adjustable coil overs all around, mini-tubs, tub trunk close out kit, and some other goodies.

With living in Canada, shipping gets expensive and with their sale I’ll be able to get everything shipped up to the border for free and the 10% off will help some on the currency exchange. One shipment/delivery across the closed border will be easier to arrange once everything arrives in 6 to 8 weeks as well.

Thanks Rod for taking time last Saturday to chat and share some insight - very much appreciated! Great talking with you - class act!

PROJECT UPDATE: Tear down continues here... All glass out, doors off, trim, heater core, etc. all gone, even finished plumbing my shop air with a pre-cooler that works great. Designed a 2 branch system out of 3/4" copper one with an filter/regulator/lubricator and another branch in the opposite end with an enhanced dryer for blasting and plasma cutting and a big filter for paint.

Next get the dash apart, drop the steering, and then build the frame jig.

Ken

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[67BrewserSS]

Looking forward to following!

[Kuhlhaus]

Looking forward to following!

Likewise! Great progress. I know who to hit up with a question when the need arises! Cheers, Ken

[Kuhlhaus]

Making good progress... Tear down complete! Need to fab the frame jig now to support the car, or what’s left of it, so I can cut out the floor, trunk and rockers to replace with new.

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The plan is to install the new frame rails, trunk, floor and all the DSE QuadraLink cut outs on the jig out of the car. With the mini-tubs out I should have clearance to role it under when done. Going to support the body from the outside - keep the inside clear for easier access. Two separate jigs.

[srode]

Following

[Kuhlhaus]

A lot of progress on my 67 Camaro... Work focused on structural repairs first - rust repair and panel replacement, etc.

Started on the rocker panels, toe board/firewall and inner quarter panel repairs. Seized an opportunity to really strengthen the rocker assembly and fab'd an enhanced inner rocker brace... Really pleased with how it turned out and the added strength/rigidity it affords this key structural area.

Floors, Detroit Speed mini-tubs, QuadraLink, etc. soon to start.

Follow the build on Paradise Bay Customs on Instagram and YouTube too!

https://youtube.com/channel/UCXiJowvvyss06fcIDZoMK7Q


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[egoman]

Looking good. I am actually leaving the bodywork till last.

[Kuhlhaus]

Looking good. I am actually leaving the bodywork till last.

LOL :naughty:

One more first gen but... Kudos for making a local exception!

Following along!

[egoman]

Judging from your thread name I would guess you are 10-15 minutes from me.

[Kuhlhaus]

Judging from your thread name I would guess you are 10-15 minutes from me.

Yep... You bet. A hop/skip on the perimeter.

[Motown 454]

Welcome Nice project, and progress.

[Kuhlhaus]

Welcome Nice project, and progress.

Thanks!

[TANKMASTERJ]

A lot of progress on my 67 Camaro... Work focused on structural repairs first - rust repair and panel replacement, etc.

Started on the rocker panels, toe board/firewall and inner quarter panel repairs. Seized an opportunity to really strengthen the rocker assembly and fab'd an enhanced inner rocker brace... Really pleased with how it turned out and the added strength/rigidity it affords this key structural area.

Floors, Detroit Speed mini-tubs, QuadraLink, etc. soon to start.

Follow the build on Paradise Bay Customs on Instagram and YouTube too!

https://youtube.com/channel/UCXiJowvvyss06fcIDZoMK7Q


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Ken
Welcome to the Forum and the sickness lol. I like the structural add on that rocker brace. Little things like this will definitely add rigidity to the car. Sheet metal is bass ass when bent, fit, and welded as you know. This is the first chance I've had to look at your build thread. Keep up the good work.
Jason
Tankmasterj
Jason's 67 Pro touring Camaro build

[Elbert]

Way to go, Ken! Great progress

[daffycat]

I have just gone through your YouTube channel ( several times ). The work you are doing is amazing. The fact you have documented it all so thoroughly in video is twice as amazing.

I am building a 69 Coupe and it is basically mimicking your build at least in the body restoration aspect. There are a lot of resources on the internet but I have to say your channel has helped me the most.

Many thanks and much respect.

Rob