My 69 Trans Am clone

[zman1969]

Here are some pics of my car started as a parts car. Soon to have a LS1/4L60//// update now moving to a LS6 with cam and CNC ported heads Fast intake ////, still trying to decide on my interior stock 69 or LS1 Trans am seats and console? those are comfortable but I think will look funny(out of place?)in a 69 so im leaning toward stock. in the rear is a small minitub/flare to fit 17x11 and 315/35/17 tire. hopefully I can fit a 17x9.5 in the front. DSE subframe connectors tie front to rear together. ATS tall spindles and c5 brakes in front global west uppers,lowers with DelAlum bushings,Hotchkis springs all around along with a hollow 1 1/8"bar, ls1 rear brakes on a 8.5" with 3.42 gears should give this good highway manners and economy. I am looking to just have a nice Power Tour car, economy and mild power.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

well dosent seem like it wants mi pictures at this time - any ideas why?

If you're trying to upload them as attachments, they may be too large. What size are they?

As for the car, sounds like it's going to be killer. I'd go with the Trans Am seats and console, I don't think they'll look out of place and they will be much more supportive and safe than factory '69 stuff. A supportive seat will do wonders in a well handling car.

[1970cuda]

love the look of those cars

[zman1969]

the first one i tried is 480x640 ,second is 640x480
here we go , they were to big - ill try to figure out how to shrink the others :jump:

[zman1969]

ok figured it out - i can build a motor but try to post a stupid image.... :geek:

[zman1969]

now if i could get a cool rendering of the car i would be :smoke:
dont worry the nasty springs and rear are coming out soon, I didnt want to hurt any of the powdercoating on the 8.5 with all the welding going on

[Roger Poirier]

You are well underway! Looking good.

R.P.

[69bigblock]

Looks good, That tailpanel look to good too, maybe you could send it my way :) :)

[zman1969]

Looks good, That tailpanel look to good too, maybe you could send it my way :) :)
its actually pretty good - a couple minor dents down low- easy to fix - sides are good - never been hit
thanks for the compliments guys -its tough to build a "Nice" car nowadays without a big thick wallet - so you have to be cost effective . Id like to be done with it by this time next year :seizure:

[Hammered]

Lookin' good! I'm looking forward to watching your project progress. I also noticed the nice tail panel as they are impossible to find.

[69bigblock]

I mentioned the tailpanel because they are very hard to find and pricey. My brother has a 69 bird and his panel has a little rust/rot so he's been looking for one.....

[Y-TRY]

Great Project! Firebirds are the other white meat. I was daydreaming about going that path just the other day and got me wondering what it would take to stroke an LSx to somehow come up with 455cid.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Great Project! Firebirds are the other white meat. I was daydreaming about going that path just the other day and got me wondering what it would take to stroke an LSx to somehow come up with 455cid.

There are people that stroke the 346ci LSX to 455ci. www.motorsporttech.com

[Drewhelm]

Very nice! Can't wait to see it complete! Mine looked even worse when I started!!!

http://firstgenfirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=642

[Y-TRY]

There are people that stroke the 346ci LSX to 455ci. www.motorsporttech.com

Cool, it was just a little idea I had, trying to use the great platform but giving the nod to the Poncho heritage. I'd also want to do the TA blue/white scheme. I would love to see more 1st and early 2nd gens of this breed. Relatively uncharted territory.

[zman1969]

thanks for the enthusiasm guys, thats the reason of building a bird - one of the few in a SEA of camaros - dare to be different! :bananna2:

[steve g]

Great to see another bird! Looking forward to seeing progress pictures.

I was thinking of doing a TA clone with my 69 vert, but then decided to keep it the original Goldenrod yellow -- that is until I saw the siver blue 69 vert that Chip did on Overhaulin. Now I'm not sure. I'm a long way away from making that decision though, since the body's still a rusted shell.

[zman1969]

now the front brakes and ATS spindles are coming together man these look nice. I am really curious how much different this will be campared to all the 69's ive had in the past

[coolclassiccars]

keep up the good work,looks good so far,always wanted a 69 ta.

[zman1969]

well my car has been s l o w l y being worked on by my bodyman, but the back half is almost done and i gave decided to do a 6 speed instead of the auto. sorry i havent any more pictures but watching everybodys progress gives me some motivation, I moved last december and have been fixing up my new garage and finally unpiled my camaro and toolbox and got them moved ill update this more regularly as it starts getting closer - wish me luck .

[69TA]

Stay with it man.. You WILL get it done. I CANT WAIT to see it!!

[zman1969]

well since this has been dormant for a couple years now(car in bodyshop) i aquired a 99 trans am with a 6 speed and have grown fond of the O/D x2 ,so now i have bought a reman 6 speed and a new flywheel and ls6 clutch - gotta add the bracket for the slave and change my crossmember now then deal with making a mech speedo work with it- what have others done for the speedo?:dunno:

[zman1969]

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


well here are the rear quarters almost ready for paint,Now if he'd will just keep going on it

[zman1969]

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

heres the other side
can you tell its been flared out 1" anyone anyone? Buehler?

[zman1969]

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


and from the back

[Xlerator]

well since this has been dormant for a couple years now(car in bodyshop) i aquired a 99 trans am with a 6 speed and have grown fond of the O/D x2 ,so now i have bought a reman 6 speed and a new flywheel and ls6 clutch - gotta add the bracket for the slave and change my crossmember now then deal with making a mech speedo work with it- what have others done for the speedo?:dunno:

Looks like you have a fun project, keep us posted.

As for the mechanical speed with a VSS (T56), you could look into something like this. http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_T56-005_pp6-3_6-4.html or this http://www.abbott-tach.com/cablex.htm

[zman1969]

Looks like you have a fun project, keep us posted.

As for the mechanical speed with a VSS (T56), you could look into something like this. http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_T56-005_pp6-3_6-4.html or this http://www.abbott-tach.com/cablex.htm
cool ive seen the JTR before and wondered what else we have available im thinking more like the abbot-Tach.com setup
I cant say fun project as i never get to work on it just see very little progress every few months ,I will keep you posted

[navyflyer72]

Those flares are subtle but sweet, if you nail the stance you will have a killer looking ride!

[CliffS]

Some nice progress. Sweet bird, waiting for the next update...

[Young Gun]

any updates???

[zman1969]

unfortunatley, I have nothing other than the drivetrain is Morphing went from ls1 auto to now a LS6 with a 6 speed and doing probably ported heads and cam ,stainless works headers and Fast intake , my bodyman is letting me down. supposedly the doors are fitted and hes working the rockers and the on to the fenders, no calls mean nothing is hapening - I guess i'll call him :idea:

[Young Gun]

nothing other than an LS6 with a 6 speed??? pffft thats a pretty good development from my point of view! better update that signature then! I bet if you ride him a little bit you will see some results...just make sure he knows your not one to be pushed around, hopefully he finishes soon! cant wait to see it done!

[zman1969]

yeah just a '04 LS6 wish i could be one of "those" guys with the LS7 crate engines :worship: but with the mods im planning it should be 400-425 at the wheels which aint to bad, just building a nice cruiser not a world beater -Hello Power Tour

[ho428]

Put a Pontiac under the hood. I'm getting over 500hp at the flywheel without getting to crazy, and that's with Iron heads.

[zman1969]

LSX are pontiac power! in case you didnt know.just new generation. This will put down same or more power and double the gas mileage - im gonna have my cake and eat it too , ive had 455's before and love the torque but too much compression and bad gas make them worthless - im out on Big Blocks now - hello technology!:naughty:

[Young Gun]

yeah just a '04 LS6 wish i could be one of "those" guys with the LS7 crate engines :worship: but with the mods im planning it should be 400-425 at the wheels which aint to bad, just building a nice cruiser not a world beater -Hello Power Tour

I was just being sarcastic saying "only" hahaha I would love to put one of those in my nova...so much room to work with...you can turbo, supercharge...i mean with the aftermarket industry your set man!

[SamHatco]

LSX are pontiac power! in case you didnt know.just new generation. This will put down same or more power and double the gas mileage - im gonna have my cake and eat it too , ive had 455's before and love the torque but too much compression and bad gas make them worthless - im out on Big Blocks now - hello technology!:naughty:

Amen bro!! :twothumbs

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/12/779382767-1.jpg

Sam

[ho428]

Sacrilege. :crying:

I know I know, it's the PT thing and that's what this forum is all about. But hey I admit, I'm old school. I originally came to this forum just for suspension mod info.

Some of the engine swaps are kinda neat, but a 69 T/A clone does not have a next gen powerplant. It's just a modified 69 Bird.
A clone should be as close to original as possible.

[zman1969]

you take the term "Clone" to seriously, OK then its a Clonification of a 69 trans am cant be a restification since its not being restored- it never was a Trans Am

[ho428]

Clonification? I like that better than the "Resto-Mod" term that Barrett J uses.

I do think the Clone term gets used to often though. But it does sound better than "Tribute Car"

[zman1969]

well its been a while just thought id throw up some pics of the heads going on this car :
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/attachmentphpattachmentid137964d12147903-1.jpg
and
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/attachmentphpattachmentid137966d12147903-1.jpg
and
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/attachmentphpattachmentid137963d12147903-1.jpg

these are Livernois CNC stage 2
just got these and I am ready to build the motor now!!

[zman1969]

also I have seen some work being done by my bodyman:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
and
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
and
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifman this is sure slow coming along but its some progress - look at when this thread started! sure be nice to see some paint on it this fall!! if I could only hope! and the body man is a buddy :bsjerk:
sure like to see this close to running someday....

[Motown 454]

Keep the faith !! It will all be worth it when you driving it . Looks good.
Wayne

[cdoggy81]

Nice!

[zman1969]

Well last night my buddy the bodyman came over and picked up the repop drivers fender for the car after looking at it he decided that it wouldnt be cost effective to fix the orig. now the only orig gm sheet metal on the car will be the roof and doors and the tail panel. but he did sound optimistic that were getting closer to painting it :bsjerk: we'll have to see about that, his track record isnt very good , he told me before he wasnt going to put the roll cage in his S10 race truck till mine was done- its been in for months, not to mention the several cars he brougt in after mine and have been done, anyway I guess im just venting. He does do good work - maybe by christmas? I'll Keep ya posted.....

[cdoggy81]

I hope he is giving you a good discount for the wait...

[Code Red]

looking good man

[BA.]

it is looking good man, and I can't wait to see the finished product.
I'm in a similar boat as you. waiting and waiting and waiting. maybe by Christmas!

[Roger Poirier]

I love the hood... WoW!


Roger

[zman1969]

Cdoggy81 : DISCOUNT? Yeah Right!
Code Red : Thanks
BA. : Me Too been waiting 3 years, whats 1 more right?
Roger P : I like them too its a steel shell with a fiberglass top bonded on, so it'll look and close like stock, I did just see some on e-bay in the chicago area thats selling repopped hoods for $1295 - I would of rather had that but its too late now. I never thought that somebody would do it - on a low demand part like that- go figure

[zman1969]

Ok making some progress - on my own - not my body man - have gottem motor assembled from the shortblock
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

to a long block - seems to go pretty easy but its no SBC or BBC - oil pump, cam timing chain-pretty straightforward but theres no dowels to locate front or rear covers or oil pan - basicly rear cover is centered by the crank- bolts left loose then front cover is installed and balancer- that centers front cover then oil pan goes on- then bellhousing is bolted up and tightened down then front and rear covers are tightened - of course mt U/D pulley hadent arrived when i was ready so i used stock balancer to get assembled- then had to pull - which is a PITA even with the right puller. I did buy a tool from a guy on LS1Tech that makes installing them a dream- cost 44$ shipped - check it out:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/11/DampanerToolBlkOxide001-1.jpg

pretty neat deal and pushes it on like butter if interested heres the link : http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=391883&highlight=installer

anyway heres the almost finished project- to me eye candy since i dont have much else to show the progress:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
and the completed engine - well less all the accessorys

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
now i have the U/D pulley on but just not pictured - soon to install the clutch and trans and it'll be ready to install as soon as the firewall is painted.

[cdoggy81]

I like! Nice mix of go fast parts too. What cam are you going with again?

[BossaNova]

Beautiful engine man.
I'm jealous.

[zman1969]

I like! Nice mix of go fast parts too. What cam are you going with again?
well I feel like I wimped out on that its a TR 224 on 112cl - a baby cam can always go bigger but from what I've read its got alot under the curve and thats where I'll be driving 90% of the time. and I want reliability out of it, it will be driven.

[SamHatco]

Good progress Zman. Is that a 90mm fast intake or the 78mm intake?

Sam

[cdoggy81]

^^^ --> Good question, I hope he went for the 90 or 92mm...

The TR224 is a PROVEN CAM. Nothing wrong with it at all & you will make good power all over. Did you get the 224/224 or a split duration, 230/224??? Those work well with stock heads. A 228 at 112*or 114* would be my vote for a DD or cruiser. I was on the phone & about to order it but I said the he!! with it, I wanted to have some fun so I got a 230/232... & ported heads... & a FAST 90/90 combo.... & well yes, I then lost control :)

[zman1969]

Good progress Zman. Is that a 90mm fast intake or the 78mm intake?

Sam
sorry sam its only a 78 - can always go bigger I figured if I'm gonna spend 325-350 for LS6 why not go 500 for a fast- something better to look at- now its stock fuel rails or a/m??? - was thinking black anodized- would look good against the manifold. :hmm: Oh BTW when is your car gonna run? ive been lurking out here watching ya

Cdoggy its a 224/224 112 was planning the 230/224 and bought one but to me a couple of the lobes were questionable and the 224/224 looked great, also got new GM LS7 lifters too. like you said its proven cam. :naughty: it should run all over the place down low-up high

[SamHatco]

It's in paint jail like yours. Go by the shop almost every week and they keep saying just a couple of more weeks. They are working on the T/A hood right now. Cleaning up the underside of the hood and making the ram air tubes functional. Will have some pictures in a few days.

Sam

[zman1969]

wanna share youre ideas on how your going to make your T/A hood fuctional? BTW which hood did you get? glass repo glass and steel or all steel? being the way the OEM worked I didnt see any stock looking way to make that work.

[cdoggy81]

78mm will work fine, specially since you won't be leaving much on the table with that cam. What TB are you going to use?

Are your heads 243 castings? Did he mill them any?

You will be VERY happy with the engine when you are done!

[zman1969]

78mm will work fine, specially since you won't be leaving much on the table with that cam. What TB are you going to use?

Are your heads 243 castings? Did he mill them any?

You will be VERY happy with the engine when you are done!

I had been looking for a fast 78 T/B but have gotten stock ported- bump stop mod ect , yes they are 243 casting CNC by Livernois in Detroit dont believe they are milled so stock compression. was seriously going to get TSP 5.3 CNC until the deal on these came up- 1100 shipped -I couldnt pass them up

[BMF Machine]

Gonna be SweeT!

[cdoggy81]

for $1100 I'd be all over those too!
Did you get the Cometic .04" MLS head gaskets since no mill?

[zman1969]

for $1100 I'd be all over those too!
Did you get the Cometic .04" MLS head gaskets since no mill?
Nope cant stomach the fact of 140$ :scared: head gaskets - went GM MLS like 30$ a set
I would have preferred the thinner but not worth the tiny gain for the $$$

[cdoggy81]

I know, they are big $$$!

[Steve Firebird]

Sounds like a great project. I am gathering parts right now for a 69 firebird. I will be using the steel TA hood from the parts place and all the ram air stuff with it. I am going with a mostly stock Pontiac drivetrain 400 and M20. Good luck with yours.

[zman1969]

Hey Steve glad to hear from another "if you cant own it clone it" car builder. as rare as 69 T/A's are its surprising to me that someone actually made a steel hood and sure would of gone that way(I even contacted Goodmark and inquired) if they would consider or planning on making them then :yum: .- Ive had my hood at least 3 years now - and was happy I found that over the pin down glass thats all that was available then. I actually ordered and paid for one from one vendor in Chicago area that now sells mostly on E-bay-TAMRAZ I arranged to do a pickup while coming back thru Chicago on the 04 Power tour- I showed up and the hood we agreed to have waiting for me-it wasnt!! so they said they would ship it free the next week- well a month later and still no hood -excuses saying they sent 2 different ones that were damaged in shipping :bsjerk: , I cancelled and it still took them 2-3 weeks to get my refund. I will never deal with them again! good luck with your project too

[cdoggy81]

TAMRAZ used to be mail order & catalog back in the day just like NPD, YO, TPP, etc. I thought he went out of business. Now I see he is on eBay.

[zman1969]

Now my body man is starting this slow tease - he's been talking about how close he's getting well he finally sent me a picture on my phone! Well Y'all know how small that is and hard to see. so I sent it out to a few friends , then I thought I'd E-mail it to myself so heres what he sent me - just to keep leading me down the path :wedgie: so it seems like this will torture me for a few more months. I mean who am I to rush him? its only been over 3 years -since May of 2005. I have done 4 power tours since I let him have it, 4 of them!! I have changed engines and transmissions. This has really been kept up in me and now - this little teaser https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

a sign of the color that some day this car will be,

I asked him to email me more pictures ? he said he's got to get batteries for his camera :nopity:

this is really worse than child birth - that took 9 months to happen X3 kids is 27 months

WOW i could of had 2 more kids is how long this guy has had my car!!

well at least I'm not paying any storage :smoke:

[zman1969]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
like I said it isn't much progress but its SOME progress
cant wait to see it assembled and painted for real. next he needs to paint the firewall the proper semi gloss black -then its time for the engine/trans to be slid in
sorry for last comment was just poking fun at the painter and all the time he's taking, lord knows he deserves it

[Motown 454]

Must be nice to see paint. It looks good. Keep us updated
Wayne

[SamHatco]

Thats great Zman!!!! Looks like you will have color before me.

Sam

[icebird84]

looking Good keep it up

[zman1969]

Thats great Zman!!!! Looks like you will have color before me.

Sam
Sam mine may have color but yours has a drivetrain installed we'll have to meet up when we get em running - up for a power tour?


looking Good keep it up

at this age it takes alot to keep it up!
:bananna2:

thanks for the encouragement all! what bums me out is if i had it back right now I'd think it'd be another year to hear it run much less drive Ive found out as I age my enthusiasm to actually work on it is going down hill.

[zman1969]

well now its been 4 months since my last update - installing Hotchkis rear springs https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/P1010576-1.jpg
and the rear end - Geez you think the rear end has been sitting a while? rotors that rusty and its been stored inside all this time..https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/P1010577-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/P1010580-1.jpg


this is a 8.5" 10 bolt with 3.42s and posi of course , I was originally doing a LS1 auto and now going 6 speed and with it all assembled so I would of built it with 3.73s I'll do a swap later when its running(if it ever gets that far) housing was powder coated and here it is back on the ground!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/P1010586-1.jpg

and I think these tires fit really nice - with no clearance issues https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/P1010585-1.jpg

Ok well those are all I had that would clear the rear discs handy with the fender flares and the mini tubs the REALLY look tiny on there! next time I should be able to measure for the rear wheels 17x11
for a 315-35. I do have one concern after welding in the rear shock cross member it looks close to the pumkin- with 600lbs on the back its about 2" from the mount and I'm thinking about another option for rear upper shock mounts- heres a picture without the 600lb load
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
- what do ya think? and I also wonder about rear tailpipe clearance too - has anybody welded a bracket to the inside rear frame rails that dosn't connect side to side?

[zman1969]

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

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

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

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

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

I am sure glad I made it to this day as it seems like this car would never get going -I'm still a LONG way off but I'm happy finally getting it in the car, now my body man can assemble the front end for fitment and I can start working on getting to all the stuff from here- ordered drive shaft, need to figure on adj master cyl - either modify a stock one or try a used mcleod c/m i just picked up

[SamHatco]

Looks really great! Looks like we are running parallel builds. I've made some progress on mine just haven't posted updates. I know the feeling when getting the engine installed for the final time. :yeah:

Sam

[zman1969]

Thanks Sam - I hope its a final time install - who knows, I cant even imagine the fenders, hood,front end- getting installed and it would "look" like car! its never had a front end on it since I've owned it!! I'll probably going up once a weekend to do this or that. Oh I forgot to take some pics of the hood hinges/springs I brought to the shop - had them powdercoated gloss black and they look sweet IMO

[zman1969]

well also have the hole where the shifter will be
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
and a new 3.5" Denny's aluminum shaft waiting to go in - I do have to swap rear yoke for the bigger joint - I didn't think I needed the larger one but Denny's talked me into it
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
ready to get out to the shop and get some of the little things done maybe even measure for rear wheels Id like to get some coming - hopefully this Sunday afternoon... stay tuned

[zman1969]

I originally wanted some black anodized fuel lines but decided thats another $200 that doesn't make it run any faster so I had a buddy thats starting to do powder coating do my stock rails - what do you think? I think I dont need the black anodized anymore :fingersx: sorry they are a little dusty
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/P1010665-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

They look great the others wouldn't be any nicer.

[gearheads78]

Sweet build you have going. Whats the deal with all the 69 Bird builds in TX? I was noticing there are 4 in progress just on this site. Great Texans must think alike.:cheers:

[zman1969]

Sweet build you have going. Whats the deal with all the 69 Bird builds in TX? I was noticing there are 4 in progress just on this site. Great Texans must think alike.:cheers:
True , really it was a choice of a bad 69 camaro shell I had or a lot better bird shell to start with and I've had several Camaro's 5 incl 2 RS/Zs and a pace car over the years - and so many people had them so it was a choice to be different. I wanted a clone SS burgandy /hockeystrip SS hood and nice chrome but the shell was tweaked so its T/A here I come i think it will look pretty cool next to my Z when they get done https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/P1010394-1.jpg

FNQUICK thanks I like them so much better than stock too

[SamHatco]

Rich,

Now I'm really jealous. One of each huh? That will put you in a real delima. Hmmm, what shall I drive today? The Z or the Trans Am.:bsjerk:

Sam

[zman1969]

:bsjerk: ? well they are a ways off from running especially the T/A which for some reason is the only one I'm motivated to work on

[cdoggy81]

Great pair of cars!
When I finish my 70 TA I want to do a 69 camaro as well :)

[zman1969]

Well, 5/31 in the afternoon I made the 40 mile trip to the shop where my cars been hiding for the last 4 years. I had to work on the trans crossmember/mount - had to cut/grind off nub on lower back of trans case and its in there now-should of brought the shifter I'm going to use and itstalled it (cant remember everything) anyway it will be easy to drop and install next time I go - will have to wait cause I'm leaving out for the PowerTour Friday, also got my Denny's driveshaft installed- fit like it was made for it-It was :) I spent an hour or so with the Percy's wheel rite, think I've got it but the B/S still has me wondering- I set it for a 17x11 and seems like I'm about 6" of B/S maybe 6.25 and thats off what I think the scale is -goes to 5" and thats it- so I guess I will take some big tires and test fit and measure them - has anyone else run into this? when I get back I'll try again I'd like to order the rear wheels soon another thing is spinning the wheelrite around the 315 on a 17x11 seems like it has alot of space still since the OD is just over 26" kinda hate to go 18's but i dont see much other options to get a larger OD with that kind of width a 315/50 would probably do it but I doubt that size is available.

[zman1969]

well went out to my body mans place yesterday and saw a little progress- almost looks like a car https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
the fenders are on but they still need more fitting wonder if OEM fit this bad. I really wish they would not repop something if it fits like crud.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
powder coated the hinges/springs-I like how they look and theyre not ridiculous like the billet ones are, wanna bet how much overspray they'll get?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
OK so I think I'm ready to order some rear wheels with like 6 5/8" BS this test setup off a buddy's Firehawk race car -they are 17x11 ZR1s and 315/35/17" tires-comes out at like 6 3/8"BS and I would like to move it in about 1/4" and on the right side the spring is about 1/2" away as it sits, I figure if I need to I can install a 1/8" spacer the body has more clearance-the drivers side has a little more clearance and the body is not an issue. has anyone been this close and did the wheels you buy fit just as you measured them for? just dont want to regret the spacing I order as you know- not refundable

[Motown 454]

Its looking good. Nice job on the hinges. The color of your Z is the color combination that made me fall in love with 69 Z28's It was the first one I saw. You have two awesome cars.

[zman1969]

Thanks Wayne not really awesome as they are dead - someday though....

[GHOSTDANCER]

Great job :cheers:

[WS6]

glad to see you're making progress. One day I am going to build a first gen bird as well. Preferably a 69 but I've seen some custom 67/68s that did away with the chrome grill or at least toned it down and they looked great.

[zman1969]

OK maybe this'll probably be a record - back from the dead after 10 years - I think I deserve a medal :) Car has gotten some momentum in last few years - where to start back on this?
my bodyman gave up and I got car back, then in 2012 I built a 30x30 shop and added a lift and some A/C I also contemplated a powertrain change as a good friend totaled his ZL1 and I bought the car and decided against the LSA swap and decided that was better spent fixing the ZL1 I found this stolen and stripped one and I built the car
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So that's done and I'm concentrating on this car again and I changed a little direction and stepped up to a DSE subframe got one on a deal and I jumped on it - swapped that out and had to redo the front of the exhaust system
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Trying now to get the car to the point of running -installing a American autowire system, Vintage Air so I can get this to another body man to complete it - stay tuned

[KacyZ28]

OK maybe this'll probably be a record - back from the dead after 10 years - I think I deserve a medal :) Car has gotten some momentum in last few years - where to start back on this?
my bodyman gave up and I got car back, then in 2012 I built a 30x30 shop and added a lift and some A/C I also contemplated a powertrain change as a good friend totaled his ZL1 and I bought the car and decided against the LSA swap and decided that was better spent fixing the ZL1 I found this stolen and stripped one and I built the car
166551166552166553


So that's done and I'm concentrating on this car again and I changed a little direction and stepped up to a DSE subframe got one on a deal and I jumped on it - swapped that out and had to redo the front of the exhaust system
166548166549166550

Trying now to get the car to the point of running -installing a American autowire system, Vintage Air so I can get this to another body man to complete it - stay tuned

glad to see it get resurrected, I thought for sure this was going to be a comment of someone asking if this project was ever completed.

[zman1969]

glad to see it get resurrected, I thought for sure this was going to be a comment of someone asking if this project was ever completed.

166579

So with Wiring going on I needed a steering column to plug into ignition switch and turn signals years ago I gave a buddy my steering column to rebuild and paint blue, finally this spring I gave up on him and bought another column core off the auction site then waited 3 weeks for US Postal to move it from Mi. to Texas - unreal! this was first time I did total teardown and paint and reassembly and ended up with a washer and a snap ring left over - DOH! I wanted it in the car so I could check for Exhaust clearance (steering shaft rack to column) and it fit fine - so I will go back in at a later date but now the wheel turns the wheels - had only been 10 years without steering

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so now I decided to mount the cooling fan and bent up some sheet aluminum - I think it came out well but I'd like something to clear the air intake so the jury is still out

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[zman1969]

Oh I also have been working on my Z28 more - glass installed, door panels, kick panels, front bumper, headliner and got a body shop to polish up the paint and got the rest of the emblems on it :jump: :thankyou:
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[KacyZ28]

What electric fan is that?

[zman1969]

What electric fan is that?

its either a Taurus 3.8 or a Lincoln MKVIII -Not sure- I bought 2 at same time and one only worked on one speed

[zman1969]

now its getting Cool! well cold AC anyway

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Tedious install install remove repeat !!
left now to hookup vents and electrical
my son took upon to update the a/c controller said it took him 4 hours as instructions were lacking about what specific order to be done, what brackets and studs needed to be removed what thickness washers to use - there was alot of do this oops take back apart remove this and put it back Ugh - big kudos for him! we did buy new knobs and lens and Done! keep working on the checklist,
now for more wiring!

[zman1969]

Well I scored some nice OE fenders and they required a road trip 6 more hours I'll never get back on this car but these have to be better than A/M or at least making them fit- they were stripped years ago and stored inside
minimal rust down low - easy fix
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[zman1969]

Another update- did some sheet metal swap this past weekend and installed Fender wells which allowed me to work on the fender well block off plate too
Please disregard the air intake elbows that was just in my way, still have to work on that

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[compos mentis]

Any updates Rich?