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Andrew McBride
01-05-2005, 06:13 PM
I am re-doing my update thread by adding new pictures and a little more detail after my pictures were lost:

I purchased this car on September 15, 2002 in Watts, OK. I knew absolutely nothing about cars or what was involved in restoring a car and probably should have kept looking! I still laugh thinking about how I only thought the car would take me 4-5 months to finish and be completely restored and ready for my senior prom! At age 17 I was a little unrealistic of the time and $ it takes to build a car. I actually found this car in a small town in eastern Oklahoma while driving to the lake for a July 4th weekend to meet up with my family. Later on, I spoke with my parents about wanting to find an old corvette to restore, but they immediately shot down the corvette idea. I then threw out the idea about a 67-69 camaro and my parents agreed to help me if I found a camaro.
I immediately started searching on the internet and autotrader and then remembered seeing the 68 camaro I had found the only problem was I couldn't remember what town or the name of the dealer. After breaking out the map I knew the car was on highway 59 between Sallisaw and Siloam Springs, AR. I decided I would just call every used car dealer until I found the car. After 15-16 calls one of the dealers remembered seeing the car and gave me the name of the used car dealer in Watts. I gave the owner a call and 2 days later we made the 3 hour drive over to check it out. The car was a 20 footer for sure, maybe a 100 footer! I probably should have turned around and went home, but I just had to have this one car in particular. We drove it 4-5 miles and the car ran fantastic. My camaro was the first camaro I had ever sat in and actually driven. I defintely got bit by the bug with this car. The next day was a Monday so I went on to school and clock-watched all day until I could get out and get home to do some more crusing in my new ride. I got home that afternoon, hopped in drove her down the road turned around and drove it in the garage and started tearing her down. It didn't take me long to realize I found out what a bondo bucket was. This car had defintely seen some bondo sculpting!

I know my story isn't as cool as the "old lady who had the car for 40 years and drove it once a week" story, but my old car really has become something that I have learned to love and appreciate. I have a lot of good memories working on this car family and friends, and its funny how they become part of your family so easy.

Apparently the owner before me was quite inventive with the turn signals. Defintely cool for a 55 Massey Fergusen, not cool on a first gen or any car for that matter!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/391611R116-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/391611R114-1.jpg

The teardown:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/485361R118-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/391611R18-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/391611R15-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/485361R122-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/485361R123-1.jpg

The sheetmetal Work: My father helped me and I learned how to mig!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/477390R117A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/477390R115A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/477390R116A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/477390R112A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0536730R100200A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0536730R10040A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0536730R10061A-1.jpg

Ralph LoGrasso
01-06-2005, 06:37 AM
Car is lookin' good, Andrew!!

Matt
01-06-2005, 06:39 AM
Looks good man, I'm a big fan of the Boyd timeless 5's

boodlefoof
01-06-2005, 07:30 AM
That's about the stance my car used to have when I put "stock replacement" springs in it... except it still had the whole drivetrain in it! Some 2'' dropped coils and some lowering blocks out back fixed it up.

trapin
01-06-2005, 12:23 PM
Word of warning on 2" dropped leaf springs. I bought the Hotchkis 2" dropped springs and they are not nearly enough for the 67's and 68's.

Here's a picture of my car with the Hotchkis leaf springs on it. It's roughly a 5 inch measurement from the top of the tire to the wheel flange. There is no way in hell a full tank of gas and a back seat is going to make that up. I am going with Detroit Speed's 3" dropped leaf springs and some lowering blocks. The Hotchkis 2" dropped front coil springs are fine as far as I can tell. I put a fender on the other day and with the engine and trans in I should have a nice stance in the front.

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

Piet
01-06-2005, 12:34 PM
Why are some of the pictures on your website... upside-down?

trapin
01-06-2005, 12:53 PM
Ummm.....you got me there, bro. I just checked all my pages and everything seems to be fine.

Andrew McBride
01-07-2005, 07:31 AM
BODYWORK Begins!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0536729R104420A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0136947R105023A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0136947R105224A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/Body100-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0536729R10229A-1.jpg
The Day she came home from my friends shop who helped me with the bodywork. I drove 3.5 hours in from school to come per up and check it out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0136947R103214A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0136947R104420A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0136947R103415A-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/0136947R104219A-1.jpg
Pictures of my old wheels and before the 3" drop front and rear springs: These are sold and once Vintage wheel works starts the production of 18" V40's, my car will have a a new set of shoes!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/OldSchool90-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/01/OldSchool91-1.jpg

Andrew McBride
12-31-2008, 05:01 PM
Well today I got some work done on the frame. I had already assembled and painted the frame once before and it looked good, but I didn't like the gloss black and I found a hairline crack in the frame.

I blasted it back down, rewelded all the seams and then smoothed it out. I shot a coat of etch primer today and then sprayed some gray primer this evening.
I should have done some close up shots, but this is where I am at. I decided to tape off tubular arms and leave them installed so I didn't beat up the frame re-installing them.

More updates soon...it has been awhile since I have added anything!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC00723-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC00721-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC00726-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC00724-1.jpg

minendrews68
12-31-2008, 08:15 PM
Hey Andrew, the subframe looks good! You'll be done in no time....Well at least probably before me anyway. On the frame where the body mounts sit, the holes on mine were rusted out quite a bit and I had to buy the patch panels and weld them in. I do have mine back together finally and got the motor and trans sitting in it, but that's about as far as I've got. At least it's all finished, now on to the rest of the story. looking good keep us posted!

1971CHEVELLE
01-01-2009, 09:31 AM
Car is lookin' good

craigs73
01-01-2009, 11:10 AM
what happen with the car hauler:)

Andrew McBride
01-01-2009, 11:53 AM
what happen with the car hauler:)

The car hauler is all framed up, all I need it to mount the axles and weld on the tongue. Everytime I save up the $ to buy the plated metal for the floor I end up spending it on my car. I gotta get that thing done one of these days.

Andrew McBride
01-08-2009, 06:29 PM
Yesterday painted the frame. Today I assembled some of the parts. I shot a coat of etching primer on the hubs, spindles, and tie rods today. I will try and get those painted next week. Next, I will finish assembling the C5 brakes on the front. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC00728-1.jpg

I also built a rear frame rail brace. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/DSC00732-1.jpg
I shot a coat of primer, but it will be painted black and reinstalled. (The hole in the trunk pan if for my caprice tank fuel pump access)

I will be building some homemade subframe connectors next (bolt in style).

Finally...making some progress

venturabeachpup
01-09-2009, 05:20 PM
well here are some pics I took last week. I have everything except the doors and hood on now. What do ya think of the 4x4 ride height. can't wait to get the 2" drop leaf and coils on. I am excited to see her finally coming together.
-Andrew

'"4x4 ride height"...Lower that thing before you take credit for building the first "Pro-Donk". Not that there'd be anything wrong with that! LOL. Anyhow... your car is looking great! Go Go Go all the way to the finish line!

Andrew McBride
01-09-2009, 06:26 PM
'"4x4 ride height"...Lower that thing before you take credit for building the first "Pro-Donk". Not that there'd be anything wrong with that! LOL. Anyhow... your car is looking great! Go Go Go all the way to the finish line!

A lot has changed since that picture! The stock springs/suspension and 17" wheels are gone. I have hotchkis coils with coils removed are in place. A lot of work left but it is getting there little by little.

Motown 454
01-09-2009, 08:00 PM
Nice progress, the subframe looks great.

Andrew McBride
10-28-2009, 07:15 AM
A few small updates. Bought an LS1 from a 98 Z28 w/ 68K. I always wanted an LS1 and now I got one! The wife helped me tear the motor down and we got it back and reassembled in a weekend. Looks to be a solid motor.
Plans for the motor:
new cam
LS6 intake
ported LS1 throttle body
paint the block, heads chevy orange.
paint the stock f-body accessories black
paint the LS6 intake a cast color
I am also going to run the corvette fuelie style fuel rail covers and they will be orange w/ silver script on them. (kinda an old school theme)
Long tube headers (undecided)
homemade motor mount plates
f-body oil pan modification-got a friend at a machine shop going to do this.
cold air intake
Here is a before an after photo. We still gotta a little more work to do to get it to pass my OCD scale.
Before:https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/DSC00176-1.jpg
After: https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/DSC01084-1.jpg

I also picked up this battery tray from a guy off of ebay that is custom making these: pretty cool I thought and not bad for $45
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/DSC00211-1.jpg

I also picked up an all black wilwood billet style 7/8 master cylinder and a few new trim pieces for the exterior of the car.

My goal is to get the car looking complete on the outside by the time we move into our house so I can do all the wiring, interior in my home garage. Right now the car is still in my parents shop and I work on it when I go up there. Once the front sheetmetal is aligned and the motor is in, it should be on go for lemans blue paint w/ white z28 stripes. :woot:

Mr.VENGEANCE
10-28-2009, 07:22 AM
alright!!!!

i was waiting for you to get back on that bad boy.. its be a WHILE!

Andrew McBride
11-24-2009, 01:38 PM
My wife helped me and we got the block tore down, and cleaned up in a weekend:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC00177-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC00197-1.jpg
Here is another small update. I painted the LS1 block chevy orange, painted all the bracketry & accessories a low gloss black, and painted the fuel rail covers. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC01098-1.jpg

I am thinking about painting the "corvette script" orange also, but I like it silver too. What do you guys think?

My next step is to:
-Paint the LS6 intake the aluminum color of the fuel rail covers
-Port and polish the stock LS1 throttle body
-order all the misc. accessory drive bolts, pcv fitting, and new alternator, pwr. pump, starter, and brackets.
-Save some $ and order the 228R Texas Speed & Performance cam kit

CruizinKev
11-24-2009, 01:45 PM
nice project! covers look awesome :twothumbs

minendrews68
11-24-2009, 06:16 PM
ANDREW!...Lookin' good, keep it up, 'cause since your ahead of me, I'll probably be asking you some questions when I run into them.

Carl

Andrew McBride
12-20-2009, 06:56 PM
I picked up my modified F-body oil pan about a week ago. I had another stock F-body pan that is next to it for comparison. A buddy of mine who welded it did a fantastic job.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC01154-1.jpg


Got my new wilwood master cylinder. I waited for a month to get this thing in because the black ones were on back order through the dealer I went with. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC01160-1.jpg

Also, p/u an 02' Camaro radiator and fan set-up from a friend who had a wrecked Z28, the price was right! Free. The friend who welded my oil pan is going to help me weld some mounting brackets and then a piece of 3" aluminum channel to cover the top of the radiator. It should fit well and look pretty good. I am going to clean it up and paint the radiator 30% semi gloss like all my other parts.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC01165-1.jpg

I bought a stock pwr steering set-up off of ebay. The new ones were pricey, so I found a low mileage unit that should work great with my stock accessories. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC01158-1.jpg

I haven't got the motor back together, but here is a picture of the water pump painted up. I am trying my best to make it look kinda like an old school block, and I think it should turn out pretty cool when I am done. The alternator, all the bracketry, pulleys are painted a low semi gloss with Dupont high heat paint and so far everything has came out looking pretty good to me.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC01163-1.jpg

zbugger
12-20-2009, 07:52 PM
Looks good Andrew. Way to go on the progress. Now I gotta do the same on mine.

Jim Nilsen
12-22-2009, 11:26 AM
Wow, those covers really are creative. I like the way they look so far. You have me all ready to go with LS envy.

The engine really cleaned up nice and to have the wife help had to be fun, it seems to take so long doing it by yourself sometimes.

I got my power steering system off of ebay for $75 and so far it has worked with no problems, a new pulley and 2 new hoses and it was a done deal. Hope yours works as well.

Have a great holiday and look forward to a good year ahead.

:cheers:

Motown 454
12-22-2009, 07:52 PM
Nice progress. The covers look great..

Andrew McBride
01-20-2010, 05:58 PM
Here is my LS1 all painted up. The intake will be painted silver also. I was happy with the way it turned out. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/DSC01191-1.jpg

Smock67
01-20-2010, 07:31 PM
wow man the block came out awesome your hard work certainly paid off.

bonecrrusher
01-20-2010, 07:47 PM
5 year build thread? Holy****! Engine looks awesome!

Andrew McBride
01-20-2010, 08:11 PM
5 year build thread? Holy****! Engine looks awesome!

Yeah, well I have had the car since I was in High School. I will be done with college in May. I haven't had the $ to finish the car, and instead I work on little things to try and improve the car as much as possible. Hopefully things will change once I start making $ instead of paying it out in tuition!! :woot: My thoughts are I would rather do it right the first time and have a nice driver in the end.

Thanks for the compliment!!

venturabeachpup
01-20-2010, 10:19 PM
Oh hec ya!!! That ls1 is pretty! Good job. Keep us posted on the brakes too.

bonecrrusher
01-22-2010, 06:18 AM
Trust me I understand about time... It took me 6 years to to finish up undergrad and grad school... I got a nice paying job, and 2 weeks later I bought my Vette, lol! It only had 7k miles on it when I got it.

I also know about funds, I just bought a house on Wednesday! So no more car projects for awhile, haha!

LeighP
01-22-2010, 02:58 PM
Engine looks great....leave the CORVETTE in silver like an alloy cover...looks good!

Andrew McBride
04-25-2010, 06:21 PM
This weekend I made a little progress on the motor and front suspension. I am sending my power steering box off for upgrades and then it is done.

I also decided to paint the intake a cast color. Still a long ways to go but hopefully once we get into our new house I will have more updates. Trying to work on my car an hour away at my parents place has been a bit challenging.

Here are the pictures
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC01310-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC01309-1.jpg

Motown 454
04-25-2010, 07:02 PM
It looks great nice work.

bonecrrusher
04-29-2010, 04:17 AM
Looking nice!

Andrew McBride
07-11-2010, 09:53 AM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/DSC01557-1.jpg
My father helped me this past weekend on my car. We got the LS1 in the camaro. There hasn't been a motor in the car in almost 8 years, so it was nice to see more of the car coming together!
Also, I installed a set of bolt in subframe connectors that I bought used off of craigslist. They needed a little welding and paint, but they are finally in.
I am going back and triple checking all my bolts and hopefully before too long I can purchase a T56 for the car.

I hope to get the caprice tank re-installed this next weekend.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/DSC01311-1.jpg

minendrews68
07-11-2010, 04:40 PM
OK, I'm jealous....I told you you'd finish first!.. Mine is still sitting where it was when you saw it last. I think since it's not eating anything I'll just leave it alone until I can gather up some more money and time to start again. Man the motor looks good.

How's that new home coming. We still need to talk about your kitchen....

Carl

Andrew McBride
07-12-2010, 07:34 PM
Carl,

glad to hear you are keeping the car. I will give you a shout soon. The house is great. I am about to get the garage finished up and hopefully I can bring the car down to the new house and really start making some progress.

Andrew McBride
08-15-2010, 06:26 PM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/DSCF2170-1.jpgI picked up a 2000 SS T56 w/ 90K this past weekend. I spent an hour or so scrubbing on it this evening. I was told it was in good working order, but I am going to have a trans shop go through it before installing it.

Motown 454
08-16-2010, 05:02 PM
Wow what did you use to clean it it looks new. Great job.

Andrew McBride
08-16-2010, 06:35 PM
Wire brushed it first, then Grease Lightning all purpose cleaner, dish soap and scotch bright pad, and then used some dollar tree wheel cleaner.

I was happy with how it turned out.

Andrew McBride
08-27-2010, 07:57 PM
Well, I just got off the phone with a guy and I bought a 1968 Chevelle. I have been trying to buy this car for awhile and it worked out. It has a 396SS badging, but after a little research I found out it was a 327 V8 Sport Coupe, fathom blue, black pleather, and a powerglide. Still a very cool car and I have always been a big fan of the 68-69 and 70-72 chevelles.

My wife says that she wants this to be her car, so after the 68 camaro is finished we will begin tearing it down. It will be an automatic car and we might even go with another lsx/4l60e.

It has some floor pan issues and lower quarter rust from a visual inspection. No motor, no trans but all the glass is good which always helps with the interior. I will get some pictures up tommorow evening.

I think it is kinda cool that I have a 68 camaro and she will have a 68 chevelle.

Andrew McBride
08-31-2010, 06:18 PM
I don't want to get my 68 camaro thread off topic, but here is a future project. This will be my wifes car. Her request is that it is an automatic car and that it is silver-gray in color w/ black interior.

It is a ways away from being restored. After getting it all vacuumed out and inspected it really isn't in bad shape. The floor pans have some issues but not too bad, the fenders are shot and the lower quarters have rust. The inner/outers look solid, trunk, roof, and window areas, and rockers are solid.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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

Josue
08-31-2010, 06:29 PM
That's awesome. I can't wait till be and the fiance can roll into a car show in an old car, let alone us rolling in with seperate cars! lol

LOVE the motor for the Camaro!

Andrew McBride
11-14-2010, 06:27 PM
Well, as busy as I have been lately I have still managed to get a little work done on the car.

Last weekend my father and I got the caprice tank installed, the corvette fuel filter regulator installed, new flexible disc brake lines installed and my optima battery tray installed.
Today, I installed my new 4th gen power seats and brackets. A friend on mine gave me a set out of his 2000 z28 parts car. They are in great shape. I ordered the yearone innovator seat covers with houndstooth, the wife and I tore down the rear seats this evening and installed the lokar throttle pedal.

I am still not quite sure where the line comes in for the lokar throttle cable to the pedal?!
The rest of my lokar pedals were ordered this week and I cannot wait to get them installed. Great pieces and a great company.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/DSC02097-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/DSC02098-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/DSC02094-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/DSC01560-1.jpg

Andrew McBride
12-12-2010, 10:42 AM
I got ahead of myself and bought a set of the yearone innovator seat covers. I ended up getting them for $100 less than their website price after some specials they had going.
I am not really ready for interior, but I have been wanting these things ever since I saw nineballs red 69 camaro with these seat covers.
I am going to drop them off at the interior shop in a couple of weeks!

Also, I p/u a throttle body out of an 02' firehawk. My throttle body had a broken line. I am going to port it and have it powdercoated cast/silver

The rear seat was cleaned up and I shot a coat of rust preventer and black paint. I was happy to find that not a single spring was broken in the rear seat!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/4thgenseatcovers-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/DSC02121-1.jpg

Andrew McBride
12-24-2010, 12:58 PM
I arrived home today do find that Santa brought me a gift early! My new Dynatech headers were setting on the porch.
A buddy of mine is going to test fit them on his 67 camaro with BRP mounts to see if they will clear the box. The headers looks fantastic and all the hardware looks great! Not a bad deal for $367.50 shipped thanks to the 15% discount that was posted. Hopefully in the next two months the motor will be coming alive. I am having a local guy build my harness and do the tuning on the LS1 in January! I was excited to get them in and thought I would share.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/DSC02143-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/DSC02144-1.jpg

DBG
12-24-2010, 04:05 PM
Nice project...cant waite to see it out

newmexicosaint
12-24-2010, 05:01 PM
I love the engine cover with the old school valve cover look! Your firewall looks slick too from what I could see from the pics!! very nice, keep the updates coming!!

Andrew McBride
01-01-2011, 07:19 AM
I picked up a 12 bolt rearend last night. I got a great deal on it. It is an Original BV coded 4:10posi for a 68 camaro.

It looks to be in great shape. I am going to start cleaning it up today. A friend of mine is going to give me a new housing cover, that chrome one is too fancy for me!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/DSC02146-1.jpg

Andrew McBride
03-19-2011, 05:42 PM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I have not had Any updates lately. I have been busy tackling tile, carpet, landscaping and other honey do's.
This coming Friday a good friend of mine is helping me with the re-assembly and then If all goes well it will be heading to the paint shop. I picked up these sweet looking 16" Camaro spares to clear my brakes. I cannot wait!

Motown 454
03-19-2011, 06:17 PM
Sweet! Nice to see progress.

Swiftandswank
03-20-2011, 06:04 PM
By any chance do you have some pics of the caprice tank install?

Andrew McBride
03-26-2011, 06:21 PM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttp://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a312/almcbri/01ff8211.jpg


Made some great progress on my Camaro Friday and Saturday. Two friends of mine helped me get all the panels lined up. We ended up welding the passenger door to get the gaps right. Those reproduction fenders required a lot of massaging. I am sure happy with how it turned out!

I can tell you right now there is no way in this world you could bolt on reproduction front sheetmetal and be completely satisfied with the gaps and the fitment. We cut approximately 6 reliefs in each fender and re-welded them to make the gaps and contours fit. The upper area around the windshield had to be turned up to match the cowl and doors. The valance panel required almost every hole to be drilled or dremeled out and the welded nuts had to be tapped.

Next step will be adding a little filler to build the reproduction door skin body line. It did not have the contour like the fenders and will need a little bit of work. Blocking, blocking, and some more blocking....

Hopefully in a couple of months I will have this thing jambed in and ready for re-assembly.

Andrew McBride
03-26-2011, 06:28 PM
By any chance do you have some pics of the caprice tank install?

No, I sure don't. It wasn't bad, but if I had it all over to do again I would have bought the spectra tank.

Andrew McBride
05-06-2011, 06:44 PM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifNot a big update but I spent the last few evenings adding some skim coats of filler and blocking it. I shot it with dupli color low gloss like a lot of my other parts. Most guys probably don't worry about what the rear looks like but since my time is free why not.
Hopefully in the next few weeks I will have my home remodel projects completed and I can start making some progress on the car.http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a312/almcbri/5ad79b86.jpg

Andrew McBride
06-11-2011, 05:53 PM
Today I fabbed up a steel bottom bracket for the ls1 radiator. I am going to have a friend of mine recreate the steel one I made in aluminum. I cut the factory plastic brackets off. I am going to add a cover plate for the top, clean up the fans and it should work good and look good.
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Motown 454
06-11-2011, 06:26 PM
The rear came out great. Nice work.

Greasy63
06-11-2011, 08:39 PM
WOW!

nice progress!!

GL w/the rest of ur build

andrewb70
06-12-2011, 06:04 AM
It's amazing that this thread was started over 6 years ago. wow...

Glad you are sticking with it!

Andrew

Andrew McBride
06-12-2011, 11:50 AM
Andrew,

It has been a long time! I started this project my senior year in high school and have worked little by little throughout college. It could have been on the road a long time ago, but I want the car to be as good as I can make it. My budget is small but my time is free! I can't wait for the day that it is done. I am having a great time and I have learned a lot thanks to family and friends.

This car is a family member. Slowly but surely it will be completed!!!

Andrew McBride
07-22-2011, 06:49 AM
The car is back at the shop for some adjustments. I had a body line on the door that was not as true as the fender body line, so we are building it up with some all
Metal filler. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I have been messing with the ls1 a bit. It is getting there!
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MuscleRodz
07-22-2011, 08:46 AM
looks good, andrew. btw, do you still have that firebird body for sale you had on craigslist?

Andrew McBride
07-22-2011, 09:55 AM
Thanks Mike. I am finally making some progress. I Hope too jamb it in a couple of weeks.

We sold the bird shell a month ago. It was in really bad shape.

MuscleRodz
07-22-2011, 12:06 PM
i know it was, i was interested in the inner structure only for a special project

rfalker1
07-22-2011, 03:54 PM
love the build!!!, you truly are patient!!!!

Dons67
07-23-2011, 05:50 AM
great work - love the old school attitude of the build with the modern running gear -- your going to enjoy this when it's done!

Andrew McBride
07-26-2011, 04:09 PM
We are making progress! The dash will be painted tomorrow and we are jambing it Saturday morning. After we jamb I will bring it down to my house to install the ls1 and t56. This has been a long time coming. I can't wait.
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Andrew McBride
07-30-2011, 01:01 PM
I jambed it this morning! I think it turned out good. Tomorrow morning we are going to shoot the firewall and misc parts. It is great to see "some" color on the car after all this time.
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Andrew McBride
08-07-2011, 04:27 PM
I Jambed the car last weekend. I got the firewall and core painted this weekend. Clutch kit and slave is ordered, ls1 radiator is getting some aluminum brackets welded. T56 is going to the shop this weekend for a rebuild. Monday, I am going to order the vintage wheel works v40s. Time to make some progress!!

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Andrew McBride
08-17-2011, 05:37 PM
A friend of mine welded up these brackets for me.
I wanted something that was stout and wouldn't give me any problems in the future. I am happy with how these turned out. This guys welding is amazing.
He also added the top plate to cover the channel on the stock LS1 camaro radiator. I am using some windshield wiper rubber mounts. This is going to work great. I haven't mounted it yet. I am planning on doing that tommorow evening.
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif Dynatech headers fit with the stock location car shop plates! I had to pull the power steering box and reinstall but their is good clearance. I had to grind a small corner of the SBC motor mount, other than that, it is a simple fit.

Motown 454
08-17-2011, 06:49 PM
It looks great the headers fit nice.

Andrew McBride
08-26-2011, 07:04 PM
I got a few parts in that I have been dreaming about for quite some time. My dakota digital vhx gauges look awesome and I can't wait to see them lit up.

Last weekend I got my 12 bolt and LS1 brackets/backing plates installed. Tobin fixed me up with some new rear brake lines. Unfortuntely the salvage yard LS1 camaro rotors that came with my rear brakes are not useable, so I will be buying a new set. Once I finish up a few things with the motor I am going to start plumbing brake and fuel lines.

Tonight I mocked up the kwik performance bracket. Very nice bracket and I would recommend it to anyone. I actually will be selling one that came with my new vintage air kit.

My 18" V40 vintage wheel works and nitto 555's should be ready any day now, thanks to Jon at Driverz inc. I can't wait to get them on. Great company and great service.
The t56 should be ready next week. I am going to convert my TH400 x-member and try to save some money instead of buying one. The S & P ones are not too impressive and the speedtech/ATS one is a bit out of my range right now. The LS1 harness and main American autowire harness is ready to be installed. I have never wired a car before and this is probably going to be my biggest challenge.

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HarrsCarsJR
08-30-2011, 03:30 PM
The motor looks amazing! Awesome project and can't wait to see more pics, good luck on the build!

Andrew McBride
09-08-2011, 07:34 PM
This week I got the rear brakes on. I am waiting on my new rear brake pads to come in and then I can finish them up.
I have started wiring the last couple of nights. The AAW kit is fantastic and I don't think it is going to be as bad as I thought. Still waiting on wheels and tires! They should have shipped 12-13 days ago, but there were some delays with Jon at Driverzinc on getting them out the door. Hopefully I will see them by next week. :fingersx::fingersx:
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Andrew McBride
09-21-2011, 08:50 PM
Monday I picked up my rebuilt T56. A local shop here in OKC beefed it up and added some upgrades. A friend fixed me up with a Luk Pro Gold clutch kit. Yesterday I had a local mechanic come by and show me how to pull out the old pilot bearing. I had never done this before and was a bit concerned that I would mess something up. All in all that looks straight forward and I shouldn't have any issues in the future. I went ahead and swapped out for a new slave just to be safe. Tonight I got my clutch bolted to specs and went ahead and installed the t-56. Since I was on my own I had to get creative with my engine hoist to assist me!
This weekend I will probably get it set back in the car and weld my clutch pedal bracket up.
I am thinking I will swap the heads for 243 or 799 and throw in a mild cam 550-560 lift and LS6 intake to wake up this motor before its all said and done. 375-400 RWHP is my goal.
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I am trying to get as much done as I can right now. My wife and I found out a few weeks ago we are having a boy. I can't wait, but I hope to at least get it running and painted before he gets here. I know my time on the car will be limited after he is born! Also, the wife is cool with a car themed room. Houndstooth pattern and old car pictures ...ect.

Andrew McBride
09-26-2011, 06:14 PM
A long 6 weeks but well worth the wait! My vintage wheel works 18" V40's w/ Nitto 555's.
I have always loved these wheels ever since I came across Carl C's 68 camaro.

The car is slammed in the front! I will be adding new front springs since they are hotchkis springs that have been trimmed. They work great on stock A-arms but my tubular arms have deeper pockets and the car is too low.

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jr4452
11-03-2011, 07:35 PM
Lookin great man, keep it up!!

LeighP
11-04-2011, 04:42 AM
Cars coming along fine....I like your choice of wheel!

Andrew McBride
01-22-2012, 06:56 PM
I cut up a th400 x member and added some plate metal on the bottom. With the trans mount and the factory locations it's right at 4-5 degrees.
I have to take it to my dads shop to weld it up. My little mig is only good for tacking.

I used the car shop motor mounts. I will have $20 in the x member when done. Took me about 3 hours this evening. Mainly because of my lack of tools!

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Andrew McBride
05-12-2012, 12:41 AM
I took my 68' to the paint and body shop. This is a 10 year project and I have been looking forward to the day when I could finally see it painted. Hopefully I will see it back in a few weeks with lemans blue and white z28 stripes.

The ultimate goal is to have it finished by fall. I was so excited to see it one step closer I forgot to snap some photos!

SRD art
05-12-2012, 04:40 AM
Sounds like agreat project. Seeing it finally painted is huge! Good luck with everything!

Andrew McBride
08-25-2012, 10:07 AM
]The camaro is still in the paint shop. They are making progress but it looks like it will be there for another month or two. I covered one 4th gen seat last night and was pretty impressed with how well the innovator seat covers fit that I purchased from yearone. I can't wait to get it back. I still have a lot to do but its still making slow progress.
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Andrew McBride
03-04-2013, 07:55 AM
The camaro is painted! I am very happy with the results. The body shop did an excellent job. A little cutting and buffing and it should be ready for re-assembly. I have to finish up the brake lines, install fuel tank, finish wiring, glass, interior, exterior trim, driveshaft shortened, 12 bolt set-up, install new t56 crossmember, hook vintage air kit up and I am sure many other little things. It will be nice to have it back in the shop.
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Andrew McBride
03-05-2013, 05:45 PM
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minendrews68
05-12-2013, 06:17 PM
SON!!!!!!! How's it going Andrew?

Carl

Motown 454
05-13-2013, 03:33 PM
It looks awesome !

Andrew McBride
05-16-2013, 11:00 AM
SON!!!!!!! How's it going Andrew?

Carl

Carl,

It is going great. I wish I had a little more time to work on the car right now. I hope that I can get it drivable by the end of summer!


It looks awesome !

Thank You!

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CruizinKev
05-16-2013, 11:58 AM
wow nice!!!!

MuscleRodz
05-16-2013, 08:50 PM
Any luck getting it wired yet?

Andrew McBride
05-19-2013, 04:57 PM
Any luck getting it wired yet?
Not yet Mike. I have been so busy in the last month I haven't even had time to look at it. I will give you a shout here before too long!

BuddyP
05-28-2013, 09:07 AM
Andrew it looks great! Paint came out fantastic. Never paid much attention to the fact that we were on a similar timeline LOL! 10 year projects.... and hope to have mine on the road by mid summer also. Funny to see your latest pics and how mine looks identical as far as assembly goes. Keep it up, great to see the progress!

minendrews68
09-06-2013, 04:27 PM
Hey Andrew,

Where are you at on your Camaro? Believe it or not I've been working on mine a lot lately. Still owe you a big thank you for talking me out of selling it!! Give me a ring sometime, still live in the same 'ol
place. Been to see the in laws lately? If your coming this fall let me know and we'll sit down and have lunch or something.

carl