68 Camaro Project "Swiss Cheese" [Archive]

aussiebj

02-21-2007, 10:20 AM

I bought a 68 camaro off of ebay and let this be a lesson to help some people what you see and what is explained is not always what you get, if you can keep this one thing in mind when looking at a car through rosie glasses it is this " some peoples definition of good is not always the same as your definition of good'' with that being said i would higly recomend where ever possible taking the trip to go and look ay any car you are considering buying...
I bought this car from Ebay from a guy that owns a body shop, i had him walk around the car while i was on the phone and asked him questions about it ..well the car was hit very hard in the right side as to push the floor back about 2 inches, needs rockers both sides, both floors, two quaters both rear frame rails ,trunk, tail panel,etc not to mention the cowl area has to be pulled ,now don`t get me wrong it was a good deal so i thought, but i can do all the work and it is under way but if you are new to ebay or building cars take someone with you to get a second opinion........here are some pics..
how are the rear frame rails .." NOT BAD" he said take a look
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif more update to follow..i am also building a 460 powered mav on here
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26809
http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=7849
this camaro will be built from my donor 95 Z28 camaro.

1971novaSS

02-21-2007, 10:22 AM

wow, I say u got the name for this car right. Good luck with the RUSToration process. Ur gunna need alot of beer for that project.

Tony_SS

02-21-2007, 10:24 AM

Thats why you get pics of EVERYTHING before you buy. I've bought and sold many cars sight unseen, but the pictures were there so the buyer knew exactly what to expect.

aussiebj

02-21-2007, 10:51 AM

The rust does not concern me it is the front right cowl section that does i think i might just splice in another section...see i cant take it to a body shop and have it pulled as the car would brake in half i think i have to replace all the sheet metal up to the cowl and then have it pulled .....what u think any suggestions would help ......Barry

DarkoNova

02-21-2007, 12:19 PM

Did he have it parked in his pool???? :dunno: :rolleyes:

I'm just glad you're actually keeping it and repairing it instead of letting it die. :cool:

Matt

Restomod

02-21-2007, 04:39 PM

Well the spring had not actually come through the trunk floor so it was not bad!!! Also I cant see through the cowl seam on the firewall so if the price was right you did ok.

aussiebj

02-21-2007, 05:58 PM

Restomod ..LOL.. nice...I paid $2400.00 how does that sound in todays market ?????

Hammered

02-21-2007, 06:43 PM

I hope you didn't have to pay to ship all that rust to Australia.

Dipstick

02-21-2007, 07:56 PM

oh wow! thats bad. I'm not to up on the availibilty of these but is that even worth starting with? Seems like you'll have practically all new metal! I love the picture of the trunk. "honey did you pack the luggage? I think it fell out again."
I had the exact opposite ebay story. Car looked kinda rough but it ended up being really solid. keep us updated on the progress

Grant Rogers
www.ludicrouslouis.com

StRacerDuke

02-22-2007, 12:45 PM

Wow, that is really bad. I would say you got a fair deal on it in today's market. I would be concerned about using any of the stock suspension points with the rust and impact damage.

The rear section is easy and doesn't concern me much. Just replace the quarters and cut out the floor to start over. The front is where it get's a little more tricky. As you said your cowl/firewall is pushed in and it will be tricky to repair if you want to put a bolt on front clip on it or 'gulp' use the stock one. What about pulling the glass, bracing the interior and cutting it all out. I personally would go the Morrison G-Max chassis route on it and fab up a new floor/firewall. It all depends on how comfortable you are with your fab skills but it seams the logical way to go here.

I really don't know how many problems or gremlins you will be chasing down the road if you try to graft in a new cowl/firewall section.

Either way it looks like a fun project. Don't feel bad about the rust and the work though. I've brough home much worse :)

Restomod

02-22-2007, 03:17 PM

camaro608

02-22-2007, 06:51 PM

Well if you replace the bad stuff with new stuff you will know what you have anyway. Buy a car already done and you have no idea what is under all that new paint. I would rather start with something like this. $2400 aint bad if you have the ability do fix it yourself,if you had to pay to have it fixed its not so good.i agree if you have the tools and the time it will turn out great. just dont "slap" it together!!! sounds like an awsome project now lets see if people will understand the project name when your done!!!

aussiebj

02-22-2007, 06:56 PM

I worked in a body shop for a couple of years and a mustang restoration shop as well i have plasma cutters and welders i just need to make it solid before i try and pull it, in its current state it would break in half..the only problem is the door jam is slightly twisted, i will add a pic of it ,i know i could just shim it up but i dont do work like that i am an aircraft technician and am use to working with very close tolerences and that might be my problem as well i need everthing just right as there are no come backs in aviation........keep all the remarks comming it only serves as inspiration to me to get it done .....Thanks Barry

Kenova

02-22-2007, 08:08 PM

Barry, where are you located? Looking at your user name I would guess Australia, but hey, I've been wrong in the past.
If there is one thing we can do here, it's cheering someone else on.
Ken

aussiebj

02-24-2007, 05:34 PM

I am an aussie living in New York.....thanks Barry

myclone

02-24-2007, 06:27 PM

Up north thats whats called "surface rust" from my experience.

Kenova

02-25-2007, 08:26 PM

Up north thats whats called "surface rust" from my experience.

:lmao: :lmao: So true, so true!
Ken

aussiebj

04-11-2007, 12:02 PM

Well after a 3 week vist back home to Australia i got back into swiss cheese replaced the passengers rocker and have the quater panel mocked up should be welded up this weekend......it is amazing what new metal will do for a car..just might save this old girl yet........
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Restomod

04-11-2007, 12:17 PM

Lookin better already!!!

aussiebj

04-14-2007, 01:00 PM

I removed the quater panel installed the outerwheel house then i joggled the edge of the qtr with a pneumatic tool and i fully welded it on, there is probably a few ways this can be done but i bought the tool so i thought i should use it, any way here are some pics......
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aussiebj

04-16-2007, 12:07 PM

worked on the rest of the back removed the rusty bits and am in the process of installing the R/H qtr and tail panel here are some pics for thoes who want to try this themselfs it is not to bad of a job it just take time....
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in this pic i removed the factory lead with a 3 inch roloc disc i just didnt want to melt it...
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be careful here so you dont go through both panels,i used a cut off wheel to remove the metal in the rain gutter area
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becareful in this area too i cut it and left a ridge and ground it down to the bottom metal
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1971novaSS

04-16-2007, 01:06 PM

Sweet Progress AussieBJ! Man Vrs Metal... So far so good! :attn:

Chad-1stGen

04-16-2007, 01:14 PM

Wow very impressive that you are bringing this thing back to life!

aussiebj

04-16-2007, 03:33 PM

Thanks it is a labor of love,or i just like the challenge.

Restomod

04-16-2007, 04:22 PM

Spot welds are some tough little sob's aint they!! Are you POR 15ing the inside??

aussiebj

04-16-2007, 04:54 PM

yes i love the stuff

aussiebj

04-17-2007, 07:52 AM

You know every now and then you need a little motivation through the building process hence you start up a web page to check out other builds, or you add some shiny stuff here is a pic of some shiny stuff.
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i am kind of liking the two tone orange and black look......

evan

04-17-2007, 08:18 AM

i am kind of liking the two tone orange and black look...... I'm not sure if you were kidding or not, but I really do like the idea.

Kenova

04-19-2007, 07:43 AM

i am kind of liking the two tone orange and black look......
Perhaps something like a Mopar style billboard graphic with Chevy oriented wording/numbers?
Ken

David Sloan

04-19-2007, 09:55 AM

Hay that looks like the cars we get to work on !!

Looking good!! Keep us posted

aussiebj

04-19-2007, 01:22 PM

i was thinking of a silver stripe to break up the two colors but hey i have to finish the rust removal first.........but it is nice to think forward ...Barry

Restomod

04-19-2007, 05:59 PM

How about if you flip the colors,black roof orange from there down. Like the Challenger Overhaulin did but without the silver on the roof and HEMI on the qp .

TonyHuntimer

04-20-2007, 08:55 AM

That might be the most rusted Camaro I've seen. It's in good hands now.

You should mini-tub it while you're in there cuttin'. :)

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

aussiebj

04-20-2007, 10:43 AM

I will need to if i want to fit thoes 315`s out back......

Mr.VENGEANCE

04-20-2007, 11:04 AM

whats your wheel and tires specs?

aussiebj

04-20-2007, 05:03 PM

american racing Hopsters 17x11 with a 4 and 1/4 " backspacing tyres are 315 x 35 x 17...........

aussiebj

04-22-2007, 06:49 PM

Well this weekend i removed the front sub frame assy and braced the car took a ton of measurements and removed the inner and outer rocker ..take a look this is not a job for the faint harted......
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350SS

04-22-2007, 07:12 PM

oh my lord

Kenova

04-22-2007, 07:43 PM

:scared: AAAAHHHH!!! I CAN'T LOOK!!
Boy, are these cars ever sorry looking when they are in this state. It's nice to know this one is in good hands.
Ken

aussiebj

04-23-2007, 04:58 AM

Thanks for all the comments ...it keeps me going just to see the responses.....Think of it this way yes the car needs a ton of work but $2400.00 org purchase ..$1150.00 in sheet metal......$ 0 in labor thats $3550.00 for a non rusted 68 camaro..I do not think that sounds too bad.....Not to mention all the stress relief it gives me .........and when each section is finished you can stand back and say i made this ...post pics and get other peoples input on the progress.......that makes it all worthwhile.....Barry

Mr.VENGEANCE

04-23-2007, 05:01 AM

shoot, it isnt!

but i tell you what.. this thread makes me appreciate finding one that was in good shape from the start.

you got heart, brotha..

Steve68

04-23-2007, 05:50 AM

Bj, Looks good, I've junked less rusty cars!!!

I too like the black and orange!!!! I say go for it be different!

Turbo T

04-23-2007, 05:58 AM

You've got a set of brass ones on you for attempting this one dude, but from the looks of it, you've also got some metalworking skills too! Good luck! I'll be keeping my eye on this thread for sure.

BTW, I'm diggin' the Falcon poster you've got up on the wall there. Bathurst XB GT right (well, the smaller pic)? I sure wish Ford would build an XR6 or XR8 here. I would kill for an XB (to make either a yellow sedan or black coupe Interceptor).

aussiebj

04-23-2007, 06:26 AM

My parents in Aussie have a XR6 falcon and i would love to bring a LJ 2 door or A9X torana over here like the ones i had or even a 70 xy phase 3 falcon but 4 door cars don`t do well here .....
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Bow Tie 67

04-23-2007, 07:35 AM

I junked an original 68 RS SS in better shape. ( the orig engine and trans were long gone 350 / M21 4.10 car) Nowadays I see why more and more are being brought back to life.

Great work, and keep up the stress relief.

Restomod

04-23-2007, 03:48 PM

aussiebj

04-29-2007, 12:20 PM

Oh buy the way here is a before and after pic of my first 68 camaro i bought it with no motor or tranny it was painted black with magenta stripes then after replacing the usual sheetmetal building a killer 355 chev,i painted it BMW Titanium Silver ,i wish i still had it that is why i bought another one.....
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350SS

05-02-2007, 12:56 PM

Is this thing done yet? ;) Can't wait for the next series of pics.

aussiebj

05-02-2007, 01:46 PM

I am waiting on a part for the firewall before i go further it should be here some time this week....

aussiebj

05-09-2007, 02:55 PM

Well my repair piece showed up work is commencing on the firewall repair a big thanks to Camaro Zach for sending me the piece from his build Project Jumbo Shrimp......
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here is the inner rocker mocked up
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aussiebj

05-10-2007, 03:25 PM

Installed the inner and outter rockers and mocked up the rh qtr panel today ..Let me tell you dont think that after market panels are an easy install this ones gonna be a b**ch mainly around the trunk area lots of trimming needed here..anyway heres some pics starting to look like a car slowly...
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SimplyKC

05-10-2007, 09:48 PM

Great work!

You might appreciate this car that is for sale on eBay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120116389066

Look closely at the rear seat pic. I was like "Holy S!"

I'm selling a rusty shell on eBay right now...a real "shell", but at least when they are stripped way down you know what you are starting with. This hobby is a tricky game. :)

Camaro Zach

05-10-2007, 10:05 PM

Car is coming along great Barry. Starting to look more like a car again!

Hope that piece works out well for you.

Zach

aussiebj

05-11-2007, 04:10 AM

Thanks Zach ......the piece is going to work out well.
Barry

aussiebj

05-12-2007, 06:52 PM

I have decide to sell off all my projects to spend more time with the family so Swiss Cheese is for sale at " best offer..." if interested you can email me at [email protected] or thru this forum
Thanks for all the help Barry

aussiebj

05-13-2007, 03:10 PM

I installed the qtr today what a pain after trimming and more trimming and removing and installing a ton of times i got it to fit good also installed the tail panel
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Mr.VENGEANCE

05-13-2007, 07:44 PM

so youre selling all of them off?... how come?

came so far with this..

ky69

05-13-2007, 08:35 PM

Looking great! I just installed my full one piece floor. Now like you I've got to tackle the quarters, tail pan, and trunk floor. I know how it feels to start out with a car half gone too. It will pay off though especially since your doing all the work yourself. Great Build!

aussiebj

05-14-2007, 05:11 AM

My kids are at the age where they want to start to play sports and i want to be there for them i will still have a toy just one that is done......i will continue putting the camaro together while it is for sale but when its a roller it will go up on ebay.....

aussiebj

05-28-2007, 07:00 PM

Still working on getting the camaro rolling ...forget 315`s check out the sneakers on this 18.5 inches wide think it will still go around corners.....
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MonzaRacer

05-28-2007, 08:47 PM

dude that looks sick.
Atleast my rusty floor hole in my Monza looks like a 5 minute project for someone like you.
I dont have a garage or a shade tree even had to cut it down couple years ago.
I got the skills and several tools(not as many as you but almost enough to get by) and I never worked in a body shop just built lots of cars and had a body man for an uncle and read a lot.
Guess I need to locate some scrap sheet metal (as they dont make panels for Monzas )and start making floor patches.
I was tryingfor Power toiur but funds and bills havent came together so I guess Iwont get to see itthis year.
Anyway nice work too bad your getting rid of it I think you would have built a great car.
Lee

formula98

05-30-2007, 04:03 AM

Do you think you could find a little bigger tire for that thing? lol. Wow 18.5 what tire is that?

Progress is looking great. keep up the wonderful post's.

aussiebj

05-30-2007, 04:50 AM

they are the new mickey thompson sportsman radials measuring 29 x 18.5 x 15 on 15x15 weld draglites..i am up in the air as to weather to continue on installing these as they look so good on the back or go back to the 315 35 17`s..opinions needed..i have to build a rear frame either way.....

formula98

05-30-2007, 07:11 PM

They look great. Let me know your findings. I have a friend that want's to run the MT's but he is more into drag racing. I don't know how well they would do or feel on the road.

aussiebj

06-01-2007, 09:02 AM

Decided to go back to the pro topuring look ,sat the car at its new ride height of 6 inches from gorund to the rocker ..front sub frame solidly mounted and i am making to rear frame set up utilising the art morrison tri 4 link 3 inch dropped crossmember and tying it all together while still retaining the back seat and stock floor pans....
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streetrod77

06-01-2007, 09:25 AM

Hey Barry, Progress look killer. You are good. Do you have help or do you work this all out by yourself? How big is your garage, I think you have plenty of extra room...lol...just kidding but I do like the progress.

Mr.VENGEANCE

06-01-2007, 12:40 PM

damn.. how many inches is that lip in back?

aussiebj

06-01-2007, 01:33 PM

Streetrod77 yes i do all the work myself it is cheeper that way ..what i save in labor i spend elsewhere......garage is 20 ft wide by 28 foot long.......Venomous the rims i had custom made and are 17 x 11 with a 4 1/4 inch back spacing so that would round out to a 6 inch lip..Thanks

muggz

06-17-2007, 01:44 PM

you still selling the beast mate? looking freakin great.... <3 it!

aussiebj

06-17-2007, 06:03 PM

I sold the Mav and i am about to get back into the camaro well see after i make it a roller right now it looks great and i own it i can just push it off to the side if i have to do other things but i am going to make it a roller before i decide what to do ..thanks for the input..Barry

WILWAXU

06-17-2007, 07:11 PM

That's a ton of work!

Nice dish on the back.

Chevrolaine

06-20-2007, 06:04 PM

I don't think I could sell it once i'd done that much to it. You've literally brought it back from the dead! Push it aside and work on it when the kids tell you to, that's what I do.

trapin

06-20-2007, 06:33 PM

If you sell it, it will be a sad ending.

Don't do it, bro.

Young Gun

06-20-2007, 08:02 PM

please finish this car...you have come soo far, and seeing what you have done is incredible...i wish i had the ability to do these things...props bro

67SSDan

06-21-2007, 07:40 AM

That orange / black two-tone doesn't look half bad! ;)

Keep it up man, it'll be worth it when you're done.

Dan

aussiebj

06-21-2007, 08:28 AM

I am working on getting the car rolling and then i will be working on the wife, so it is a good possibility that it will stay in the garage you know i tell her its not worth anything till its finished......nudge nudge wink wink........u know what i mean.....

aussiebj

06-24-2007, 08:47 PM

Just ordered the triangulated 4 link set up installed the dropped crossmember and the main hoop of the cage will post pics later ,picking up the ford 9 inch this week i am shooting to have a rear end in by the week end.....

aussiebj

06-26-2007, 05:18 PM

here are the pics of the drop crossmember and the frame rails , the rails are in mock up stage as i ordered under floor replacements and they are not long enough or the right angles so ill be making my own that will teach me as you can see no short cuts to be had here..oh here are the brakes and spindles i got for $350.00 bucks
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Restomod

06-26-2007, 05:26 PM

Looking good,hey you know your floor is missing ?!?!? J/K LOL!!

aussiebj

06-26-2007, 05:44 PM

some one took it last night

formula98

06-27-2007, 07:41 AM

Your progress is great keep the posts coming and I hope you have it all worked out with the wife! I would hate to hear your work went to someone else.

aussiebj

07-06-2007, 06:35 PM

Hey as it stands its still in my possesion and i will keep it that way for as long as i can....like i said its a labour of love........triangulated 4 link going in as well as a 9 inch..ill post pics soon......thanks for the encouragement....:fingersx:

Young Gun

07-06-2007, 06:50 PM

Taylor1969

07-06-2007, 08:53 PM

im learning to weld and im curious...how hard is it to replace quarters...i dont have to do as much work as you but im curious how difficult it is? progress looks awsome...keep us posted with more pics!!!

The welding is the easy part... cutting and fitting is where you need to do the most work. With welding practice is the most important thing. Once you know how to setup your machine and make sure that the metal is spotless it is pretty easy.

aussiebj

07-08-2007, 04:19 PM

yes thats correct and remember practice makes perfect ..just take your time and check everything twice even use cleco`s to hold it on check gaps and when your happy weld her up...

The welding is the easy part... cutting and fitting is where you need to do the most work. With welding practice is the most important thing. Once you know how to setup your machine and make sure that the metal is spotless it is pretty easy.

4birdman

08-02-2007, 09:46 AM

Hey guys, don't sweat that he's selling the car. I'm getting it off of him for the PatriotDream.org project. We'll finish it up and it'll be better than new! Especially thanks to all his amazing metal work!

compusign1967

08-27-2007, 05:46 AM

Your a better man the me,

aussiebj

09-24-2007, 08:45 AM

yes the car is sold but here are some updated pics its leaving for its new home this weekend..
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