Penny's new little sister?

[Steve1968LS2]

Calling tonight to make an offer on this '68 Camaro.. well, it's a '68 Camaro with a '67 quarter, one less side marker to fill. lol Seems like a decent roller considering some of the turds I've looked at.

Whatch think?

No numbers matching 350/powerslide combo, rebuilt subrame
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Original quarter with minimal filler
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Clean floors, no rust. Original auto car
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

No rust in the cowl and the window channels look good. I think the car came from Arizona at some point.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Underside looks good.. grungy but no rust.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Passengers side quarter was replaced long ago. They did an "ok" job of it. The frame has a slight buckle. Should be about to fix it on the frame rack if needed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Pretty sure the back panel was replaced with the quarter. Looks to be OEM parts (makes sense since they were done long ago.) Trunk lid is new as well.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Replaced quarter. Panel alignment seems decent. The "inner" areas are a bit rough. I bet it was an insurance repair back before these cars were worth anything.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

All the trim and most of the parts come with the car. Missing the front glass but who cares. Can anyone ID this gearbox??? Doesn't look OEM, I have an idea who's it is but I want to confirm.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I ran the magnet sheet over the car. I could tell theres a little filler in the car, but since the glass is out I could look in and see it was a "poke and pop" deal, typical dent repair deal. No real rust issues that I saw.

[shizzy]

looks good! I've always been a fan of non numbers mathing/base model rides. always a few $$ cheaper and I always plan on doing as I please with it so no sence in getting something worth too much

[6'9"Witha69]

Man stave, what do you have, like 3,000 miles on Penny and you are getting a new project? You are sick buddy, sick. At least we all share that sickness here.

Looks like a nice baseline car. Personal or mag car?

[Steve1968LS2]

Man stave, what do you have, like 3,000 miles on Penny and you are getting a new project? You are sick buddy, sick. At least we all share that sickness here.

Looks like a nice baseline car. Personal or mag car?

Penny isn't going anywhere.. This is to build in the magazine. This way I get a done car and a project car. Works out well since building is almost as much fun as driving.. almost. lol

[paulk68]

looks really good. can i ask what kind of magnets did you use? i am looking at a 68 this weekend. It is supposed to be rust free but i just want to make sure it is not full of filler. also what does a car in that shape go for? i understand if you do not want to post the price but was just curious.
thank you

[TonyHuntimer]

Looks good Steve. It looks like the guy took everything off. Does he still have the pieces? You're going to put this one back to stock...right? :bananna2:

Tony~

[Steve1968LS2]

Actually.. I just ran the numbers and it's a '68.. The guy thought it was a '67 with '68 fenders but it's really a '68 with a '67 rear quarter. lol

He thought the windwings were in boxes with the rest of the parts. But the VIN says '68 :)

[Steve1968LS2]

Looks good Steve. It looks like the guy took everything off. Does he still have the pieces? You're going to put this one back to stock...right? :bananna2:

Tony~

Yea, can I borrow some chalk so I can restore it proper like.. :Alchy:
Yea, there are boxes and boxes of parts. No back seat but most everything else is there, and duplicates of some stuff. (a few new items as well)


looks really good. can i ask what kind of magnets did you use? i am looking at a 68 this weekend. It is supposed to be rust free but i just want to make sure it is not full of filler. also what does a car in that shape go for? i understand if you do not want to post the price but was just curious.
thank you

The thin flexable type like on a refrigerator magnet.. this one was from a small callendar. I drag it over the body panels and if it falls away then there's filler there. They work good since they don't have much power. I have a stronger magnet to cheack areas with filler.

I will let you know the exact price.. looks to be $5900.

[Young Gun]

what is the plan of attack on the build?

by the way Steve, thanks loads for the under construction ink, my dad was so excited to see it, he went out and bought 3 more copies just for that hahaha, plus i think it has really got him motivated again!

[paulk68]

thank you very much for the information i can not wait to see what you do with this car.

[class67]

Looks a hell of alot better than mine when I started...lol What trim peices are we seeing in the back seat area? it looks like window trim (hopefully original) and sill plates!

[70bird]

Looks like a solid car! Nice to find one somewhat dis-assembled to see what your really getting. Can't wait to see where you guys go with this one. Mark

[trapin]

Steve..."Supercar" or "Regular Guy Car"?

[Steve1968LS2]

Looks a hell of alot better than mine when I started...lol What trim peices are we seeing in the back seat area? it looks like window trim (hopefully original) and sill plates!

Yea, there are a bunch of trim parts. The only ones I really care about are the OEM window trim pieces. Seems like most of it is old, which is good since that means OEM :)

Only downside is that it's an AC car so I have a bigger hole to fix in the firewall.

Just got off the phone and it's a done deal at $5900...

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve..."Supercar" or "Regular Guy Car"?

I don't know.. I'm sorta torn.

Plan 1.

Budget build.. 5.3 LS truck engine.. modified factory subframe... suede black paint, killer wheels, C5 brakes .. A real track vibe, a look sorta like f-bomb.

Plan 2.

Nicer build (not Penny nice). LS7 engine or built LS3.. aftermarket subframe.. suede black paint, killer wheels, Big brakes, track vibe.. same as above.


I want the car to have a very sinister look.

[Young Gun]

me likey plan two...either way we all know you will kill the execution, i just wanna see an ls7 build...

[cmraman]

I don't know.. I'm sorta torn.

Plan 1.

Budget build.. 5.3 LS truck engine.. modified factory subframe... suede black paint, killer wheels, C5 brakes .. A real track vibe, a look sorta like f-bomb.

Plan 2.

Nicer build (not Penny nice). LS7 engine or built LS3.. aftermarket subframe.. suede black paint, killer wheels, Big brakes, track vibe.. same as above.


I want the car to have a very sinister look.

don't do black. look at some metallic greys or a brighter color.

[Bill Howell]

Steve..."Supercar" or "Regular Guy Car"?

:spank2: This is Steve you are talking to....
I know the answer without asking...First, this is a driver, no frills, just a nice car, then it turns into PENNY, maybe even Silver Dollar......lol

[Camaro_Kyle]

Plan 1 - or something reflecting max performance the smallest budget. We already got max performance for max (or "bigger" budget) - (ie: Mule, Scott's camaro, Orion, etc.).

Build something with a small budget that will stand up to the others on autocross, but for half the cost. It's something we can all appreciate and acknowledge. :cheers:

[Kman]

Awesome Steve. Who will be doing the work?

[Steve1968LS2]

don't do black. look at some metallic greys or a brighter color.

I know black is a "bad" magazine color but, I don't have the big cash to paint the car NICE, so I would rather do nice bodywork and go satin. Sort of like F-bomb.

I don't want to try outdoing what I did with Penny.. that's a battle I would loose since I don't have the $$$$$ to do that.

I'm thinking budget.. $29K? $25K? See what I can do with that?

Later I can swap in an LS7...

And don't listen to Bill.. he's an "instigator".. :screwy:

[Steve1968LS2]

Awesome Steve. Who will be doing the work?

Same cast of characters.. myself.. my buddy Tim Lee, the guys at Best Of Show..

Project Track Rat?


hmmm.. I liking that one..

[Bill Howell]

Just let me know when you finish it, I know a guy looking to spend some money...hehehehehe

[cmraman]

I know black is a "bad" magazine color but, I don't have the big cash to paint the car NICE, so I would rather do nice bodywork and go satin. Sort of like F-bomb.

I don't want to try outdoing what I did with Penny.. that's a battle I would loose since I don't have the $$$$$ to do that.

I'm thinking budget.. $29K? $25K? See what I can do with that?

Later I can swap in an LS7...

And don't listen to Bill.. he's an "instigator".. :screwy:

then do a flat green or something other than black. or even a tan/sand. look at some camo shades. I think you might find something cool.

[Steve1968LS2]

then do a flat green or something other than black. or even a tan/sand. look at some camo shades. I think you might find something cool.

I love the green idea but if I did that then all I would hear is "you just ripped off F-Bomb's look".. that would get old..

Green is top of my list.. then black... Grey looks like primer.. tan looks like faded paint.

I'm sure it will get worked out.

[cmraman]

I love the green idea but if I did that then all I would hear is "you just ripped off F-Bomb's look".. that would get old..

Green is top of my list.. then black... Grey looks like primer.. tan looks like faded paint.

I'm sure it will get worked out.
what about these as ideas....

[rocketman]

That would make a killer new pro street car, tubbed, caged, big motor, big inch wheels ,sweetness........................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. . well it sounds cool

[justanova]

I don't know.. I'm sorta torn.

Plan 1.

Budget build.. 5.3 LS truck engine.. modified factory subframe... suede black paint, killer wheels, C5 brakes .. A real track vibe, a look sorta like f-bomb.

Plan 2.

Nicer build (not Penny nice). LS7 engine or built LS3.. aftermarket subframe.. suede black paint, killer wheels, Big brakes, track vibe.. same as above.


I want the car to have a very sinister look.

I like #1........maybe add a budget single turbo, and do header/turbo tech and buildup for the mag.

[MrQuick]

...sister? More like red headed step sister right? Make that b***h mean, I mean MEAN.

[compos mentis]

Buy a wrecked C6 or salvage pieces from one and sort of get an extra story. One on the 'how-to' of swapping C6 bits into a 1st gen and one on the performance at the track against a C6. I believe a lot of your readers and folks here have thought about doing something like this. The Nova guys should like it also. You should be able to stay within your budget.

Skip

[LowBuckX]

Ill see what I can dig up

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

[pist0lpete]

As far as your question about the steering box goes, looks like to same old stock saginaw power steering box that can be found in anything from my 67 chevelle to a 95 jeep grand cherokee etc. No telling on the internals but my guess is its stock. For what its worth the stock box in my chevelle has that same top cap with the "S" logo in it.

[Kman]

How about a "Rally" Black? It's a Matte, but semi-gloss paint if that makes sense. I know the flat black/primer look is over done, but "Rally" Black could work.

[Gandalf]

Just got off the phone and it's a done deal at $5900...

Looks like a great start to the next chapter Steve - nice find. Can't wait to see it take shape!

G.

[Memphis]

I love the green idea but if I did that then all I would hear is "you just ripped off F-Bomb's look".. that would get old..

Green is top of my list.. then black... Grey looks like primer.. tan looks like faded paint.

I'm sure it will get worked out.
How bout a satin Red but have the trim blacked out along with the wheels? Like this red
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Heres a daaaarrrk green satin job
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

How about a "Rally" Black? It's a Matte, but semi-gloss paint if that makes sense. I know the flat black/primer look is over done, but "Rally" Black could work.
Satin black?

[Kman]

Satin black?

Yea, pretty much.

[scogin918]

I vote for Plan #1 as well. Flat black works just fine if you don't want any color. A dark Blue wouldn't be bad either.

[trapin]

Steve...option 1 with the 5.3 sounds like a MUCH more interesting project then just another mini-tubbed, aftermarket subframe first gen. We know what the LS7, LS2, and LS1, LS6 can do...what we haven't seen yet is what the other L-series engines can do. Car Craft did an absolutely FANTASTIC article on the 6.0 liter truck engine. They got 550 horsepower out of that thing for less than 5 bills.

Perhaps take this oppurtunity to show WHAT ELSE can be done to the stock subframe to make it better. Maybe an Air Ride suspension.

Pigeon Forge proved that your car doesn't have to be mini-tubbed to perform on the track. Case in point, Vinny's '68.

I like the idea of the satin paint. A blue satin or burgandy satin would be different.

Anyway....just my $.07

[YancyJohns]

Steve,
Looks like a good base to start with. I like option #2 in satin black. Better resale. Hint, Hint.. Deposit's in the mail.
If you go with green, tear up the check..Ha Ha:lmao: Good Luck!!!!!

[StRacerDuke]

Too bad I wasn't back in Nor Cal or I would offer my services to you for paint & body work. It would be well within your budget (paint materials, pizza, and beer). I would trade you labor for a little seat time at the track when finished.

[cjrolke]

i like the idea of #1

what can be done on the cheap

anyone can through money at a project and have it coem out great

give something to the little guys

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,
Looks like a good base to start with. I like option #2 in satin black. Better resale. Hint, Hint.. Deposit's in the mail.
If you go with green, tear up the check..Ha Ha:lmao: Good Luck!!!!!

Wow, you're trying real hard to be single arn't ya? Besides, Bill's garage is only so big. lol

I like the satin green since it goes with my mil-spec theme, but I really REALLY don't want to be hassled about similarities to F-bomb...


Too bad I wasn't back in Nor Cal or I would offer my services to you for paint & body work. It would be well within your budget (paint materials, pizza, and beer). I would trade you labor for a little seat time at the track when finished.

Oh hell, I would so be all over that deal... lol

My wife would even toss in home made cookies.. :yum:

[TA219]

I would be interested to see what you do with #1 since that is exactly what i am doing right now.... very budget build. 5.3, C5 brakes, basic 4pt roll bar, no a/c, no mini-tub.

I have had a few people ask me about the swap because the cost involved makes the swap attainable and still unique

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2163805

BTW... the 5.3 has a CR that is pretty ideal for forced induction that was mentioned earlier :D

[trapin]

Steve,
Looks like a good base to start with. I like option #2 in satin black. Better resale......
Actually, some of the people building high dollar cars of late have been losing their asses. This car might be better served "financially" by being a lower cost project.

[TonyL]

I'd go option 1 as well. keep it as "common man" as possible.
Maybe figure out a black and blue theme and call it "Blue collar bruiser" or something.

Before I decided on semigloss black with a glossy accent stripe, my second fave was all nissan blue with a flat black set of stripes.
like this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[eville]

how about a two-tone satin black/satin green
def. option 1.
stock subframe. Maybe the ats chicane LM?
Tremec 5 spd

[barraza]

I don't know.. I'm sorta torn.

Plan 1.

Budget build.. 5.3 LS truck engine.. modified factory subframe... suede black paint, killer wheels, C5 brakes .. A real track vibe, a look sorta like f-bomb.

Plan 2.

Nicer build (not Penny nice). LS7 engine or built LS3.. aftermarket subframe.. suede black paint, killer wheels, Big brakes, track vibe.. same as above.

Plan #1 all the way. The 5.3 has been completely overlooked, but is a good platform for swaps in any number of older vehicles. To show how easy it is, put a carb on it, and attach it to a gen1 tranny. Factory subframe, no minitubs, big brakes that don't break the bank, and good looking wheels that dont cost $3500 a set. Penny, the Fairlane and Hunkins Chevelle and g/28 are great, but this could be a lower (not cheap) buck version. When you're done, run them against each other. I'm sure Penny will win, but I think people will be surprised what can be done with less budget.

[jaybee]

Plan 1. Magazines tend to like the high dollar builds and justify it with the argument that readers like to be inspired. True enough, but a person can find himself "inspired" right out of thinking he can build a decent car without megabucks.

[Tony_SS]

I don't know.. I'm sorta torn.

Plan 1.

Budget build.. 5.3 LS truck engine.. modified factory subframe... suede black paint, killer wheels, C5 brakes .. A real track vibe, a look sorta like f-bomb.

Plan 2.

Nicer build (not Penny nice). LS7 engine or built LS3.. aftermarket subframe.. suede black paint, killer wheels, Big brakes, track vibe.. same as above.


I want the car to have a very sinister look.

Another vote for #1.
:cool:

[trapin]

Actually I just picked up the new Car Craft today and low and behold they have a story on modifying the 5.3 liter.

I really think more emphasis needs to be placed on the 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2 liter truck engines. They are far more plentiful than the LS1's and LS2's as there have been millions of them put on the road since 1999. And they're astronomically cheaper than an LS7.

Car Craft paid $550 for their 5.3.

A set of heads, a cam, and headers and they were gettin' 460 horsepower. Their mill cost them a little over $4000 but they converted it to a carb and intake and that amounted to $1116. They could have saved themselves a ton of money by staying with the fuel injection and using an LS6 intake and ported stock throttle body. I bet it would have shaved $500 off the build and brought the package down to around $3500.

[Steve1968LS2]

Actually I just picked up the new Car Craft today and low and behold they have a story on modifying the 5.3 liter.

I really think more emphasis needs to be placed on the 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2 liter truck engines. They are far more plentiful than the LS1's and LS2's as there have been millions of them put on the road since 1999. And they're astronomically cheaper than an LS7.

Car Craft paid $550 for their 5.3.

A set of heads, a cam, and headers and they were gettin' 460 horsepower.

Good, I can steal some of thier ideas.. lol.. I've been helping Super Chevy with a 5.3L build they are doing as well. See, they are getting some love :)

[Part Time]

What is the ceiling on this one? $20,000? $25,000?

[LMDGUY]

both plans sound good, but plan 1 is the way i would do

[Part Time]

:twothumbs


Plan #1 all the way. The 5.3 has been completely overlooked, but is a good platform for swaps in any number of older vehicles. To show how easy it is, put a carb on it, and attach it to a gen1 tranny. Factory subframe, no minitubs, big brakes that don't break the bank, and good looking wheels that dont cost $3500 a set. Penny, the Fairlane and Hunkins Chevelle and g/28 are great, but this could be a lower (not cheap) buck version. When you're done, run them against each other. I'm sure Penny will win, but I think people will be surprised what can be done with less budget.

[Steve1968LS2]

What is the ceiling on this one? $20,000? $25,000?

$29,999?? lol

That's less than the Fairlane.. cheaper than most new cars. :shrug:

[StRacerDuke]

Anyone near Boston (see within 30 minute drive) that has a 2 car shop & compressor that would be willing to house a bodywork/paint project for 6-9 weeks? I'll ship my body work tools & guns out here from Ca...

[rocketman]

I have been thinking about painting my new street rod a flat black with flat red flames

[Mean 69]

Here's where I'd start. With the body and paint, like others have suggested already. No big buck deal, but I wouldn't do anything trendy such as the satin paints either, you'll get tired of it after a few years, even as neat as it is now (no offense whatsoever to folks who have gone this way). Putting the budget paint on it will really corral you, and I mean "you" in particular. Penny started as a modest build and just got better, and better, and better to the point of being a really impressive car build. That wasn't the original intent, so biting the budget paint bullet up front will help you stay on target later on. I stress this because #1, I know you, and #2, I am approaching the same scope creep with my own 70 because the paint came out so darned nice. Maybe an annonymous color like a light-ish metallic blue?

I really like the idea of using the stock front subframe, and modifying it smartly. Stielow used the ATS spindles on a stock frame for a reason, I'd go that direction too. For the rear, a number of ways, but I'd resist the temptation to cut too deep, meaning no tubs, and no Lateral Dynamics 3-Link (you already have one of those). Of course, that doesn't mean LD doesn't have other very relevant ideas, but that's a seperate discussion. Run the outrageously affordable, and very capable for most needs' GM pieces, ala C4 up front, and the best value on the market rear brake setup from Wilwood that has the integral parking brake for ease and overall capability.

The idea of the used truck motor build is perfect. In the current world of 1k HP streetable powerplants, folks forget how fun, and fast a 400 - 450 HP car really is, plenty capable. Hell, modify one of teh auto trannies to shift nice and run that too.

Tire stagger? I'd run 255 fronts, with 275's rear, looks mean and fits nice.

That seems to be one heck of a find, by the way. It seems almost impossible that you can still find really solid uncut donor Camaros, but they are out there. Fun project!

Mark

[Steve1968LS2]

Here's where I'd start. With the body and paint, like others have suggested already. No big buck deal, but I wouldn't do anything trendy such as the satin paints either, you'll get tired of it after a few years, even as neat as it is now (no offense whatsoever to folks who have gone this way). Putting the budget paint on it will really corral you, and I mean "you" in particular. Penny started as a modest build and just got better, and better, and better to the point of being a really impressive car build. That wasn't the original intent, so biting the budget paint bullet up front will help you stay on target later on. I stress this because #1, I know you, and #2, I am approaching the same scope creep with my own 70 because the paint came out so darned nice. Maybe an annonymous color like a light-ish metallic blue?

I really like the idea of using the stock front subframe, and modifying it smartly. Stielow used the ATS spindles on a stock frame for a reason, I'd go that direction too. For the rear, a number of ways, but I'd resist the temptation to cut too deep, meaning no tubs, and no Lateral Dynamics 3-Link (you already have one of those). Of course, that doesn't mean LD doesn't have other very relevant ideas, but that's a seperate discussion. Run the outrageously affordable, and very capable for most needs' GM pieces, ala C4 up front, and the best value on the market rear brake setup from Wilwood that has the integral parking brake for ease and overall capability.

The idea of the used truck motor build is perfect. In the current world of 1k HP streetable powerplants, folks forget how fun, and fast a 400 - 450 HP car really is, plenty capable. Hell, modify one of teh auto trannies to shift nice and run that too.

Tire stagger? I'd run 255 fronts, with 275's rear, looks mean and fits nice.

That seems to be one heck of a find, by the way. It seems almost impossible that you can still find really solid uncut donor Camaros, but they are out there. Fun project!

Mark

Call me.. I have some Penny news for yea :)

I will do the good body work now.. paint it satin (I can get the materials for free).. later on I can repaint the car if I want and it will be fairly easy since the engine bay will be black and the bodywork will be done. With Penny in my garage I don't have $10k+ to spend on a paint job.

And yep on the 5.3/6.0 deal

[cheapthrillz]

Steve...option 1 with the 5.3 sounds like a MUCH more interesting project then just another mini-tubbed, aftermarket subframe first gen. We know what the LS7, LS2, and LS1, LS6 can do...what we haven't seen yet is what the other L-series engines can do. Car Craft did an absolutely FANTASTIC article on the 6.0 liter truck engine. They got 550 horsepower out of that thing for less than 5 bills.

Perhaps take this oppurtunity to show WHAT ELSE can be done to the stock subframe to make it better. Maybe an Air Ride suspension.

Pigeon Forge proved that your car doesn't have to be mini-tubbed to perform on the track. Case in point, Vinny's '68.

I like the idea of the satin paint. A blue satin or burgandy satin would be different.

Anyway....just my $.07

I agree with Tony. When you said what color (without copying f-bomb), I thought of satin blue and light metallic silver (aluminum). I also vote for #1 because, being poor, I will never be able to have a car like Penny, so I have to find other ways to enjoy cars. I think that you could build one hell of a budget car! Make it track worthy and daily driver capable.

Another Idea, since you were interested in f-bomb's style, maybe paint the car in Navy Battleship Grey with the semi gloss black under side and a big number like this:
http://www.usswisconsin.org/Pictures/Naval%20Station%20Norfolk/027%20BB-64%20Tina%20Ackerman%20PH1.JPG
Throw on some black wheels and not too fat rubber. Beef up a budget 5.3 or 6.0 iron truck motor. Maybe you could do a paddle shifted setup with a 4l60e (you could get a motor and tranny as one unit from a wrecked truck). I just think that would be bad ass!

Just a few ideas... Good luck, and I wish I could find a clean car for that price!

[cad]

I suggest a 5.3 with a 77mm turbo and f/injection.
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/HRMFairmont/FairmontFeature_HRM_April_Pg_72_73

Clark

[MonzaRacer]

Ok take this for the thought put into it.
KISS run the project.
I have done one of these engines and it rocks.
4" bore 302/327 LSx. AFR heads, good aftermarket rotating assembly.
Keep it reasonable on compression, but plan to use E85 also (if/when available)
4l65E paddle shifted auto (remember 4l60E is much weaker inside)
Agree on modding the stock subframe with good parts/mods.
C5 brakes would be a go
Now bear with me on this.
Air Ride Technologies http://www.ridetech.com/products/Chevy_Camaro_67_69_Street_Challenge_Kit-1316-79.html

You get good parts, basicly everything you would need to make it handle like a slot car and basicly the whole suspension is done other than assembly and tuning.
Your body work should stick to making it straight and clean, color is up to the owner. If you could find tinted glass it would make the car sinister in my opinion. some type of smooth handles that dont stick out but still leave them exposed, there is an oval one that can be had in billet. and maybe billet wiper arms, not a lot of it just a few choice pieces.
Now to bad its so expensive but if you could get a carbon fiber hood or at least a carbon fiber look hood, then dull it to match the paint if you keep it in suede.
Wheels just play with them till they fit( I personally like the American Racing Trackstar S but I dont know if you can autocross them).
Make sure the chassis is tight enough.
Considering what I have went with so far I think you could have it rolling pretty easy.
Not including interior and custom wheels, I figure with the ART suspension and a few parts and proper judicious use of intelligence over credit cards you can build a true 4x3 or 4x3.25 engine and I have done one of each so far and they simply kick ass with the power making potential of the LSx but with the old school bore stroke combo.
Kee pthe interior simple, recover the stock type stuff or source new if needed. simple ACC carpet kit, maybe stock/modified console. Keep simple guage panel with proper guages( one thing I wish someone would try is one of the Nordskog GPS speedo ( http://www.nordskogperformance.net/products/auto/speedos/detail/hga02160.htm) and I love thier electric guages ( I still have a set of intellitronics guages which are very similar to thiers) as the guages I have could turn things on and off(I loved my temp guage as it ran my fan({s}).
Also plan on installing some sweet tunes but not to outrageous.
Just some ideas.

[LowBuckX]

You spoke a few times of doing articles on some Low Buck projects... Well here you go a clean slate to do high Perf for low buck projects. Cheap big brake set up like mine (you commented on it once) Cheap LS swap like a 5.3 ETC ETC. Then do a project wrap up where you test the sytems. And no "well I had this magnuson blower sitting around" type add ons. lol


OH and the steering gear. No body Ive spoken too knows why some had the saginaw logo and some didnt. Replacement plate came up a few times... Sorry no help...

[megaladon6]

it's probably a stupid idea but how about olive drab with desert tan ss stripes? or vice versa? this might also be tacky but you could powdercoat the rims to match the stripes.

[Kenova]

The 5.3 gets my vote. If you look hard enough you should be able to find one with an aluminum block, although it may have DOD. Do it on the cheap. I mean scrounge for parts, the cheaper the better and free is best. After you have rung it out, toss a turbo at it. Picking the right turbo has to be good for a story. As for the tranny, I'm betting anything short of a TKO 500 or 600 will be fragged in no time. OK, yeah, I'd like to see that :hah: .
For the chassis, again, keep it cheap but functional. Some bolt ons up front and a good set of leafs out back, or if you want to get adventurous, maybe a torque arm suspension but no mini-tubs (at least not yet). Toss in some sub frame connectors for good measure. As for brakes, lets see how much stopping power you can cram into a set of 15" wheels.
When it comes to the body, I think we all have a slightly different level of perfection we can live without, so this one is all on your shoulders. If it were mine, for now, if it doesn't have any bare metal, just toss the buffer at it and give it a quick coat of wax.

Ken

[RobM]

5.3 truck motor.... turn it in into a 67 camaro gasser/almost funny car:eek:

[indyjps]

Check this out, Ive used one for years, let you know how thick the filler is.

http://www.carestoration.com/spotrot.htm


looks really good. can i ask what kind of magnets did you use? i am looking at a 68 this weekend. It is supposed to be rust free but i just want to make sure it is not full of filler. also what does a car in that shape go for? i understand if you do not want to post the price but was just curious.
thank you

[West Texas Z]

looks like you have one hell of a job there. Its going to be a blast!

[Rolling_Thunder]

Good luck on the new project Steve - Sounds like an interesting build... I just went over to the Car Craft shop a couple weeks ago and help with an LS6 swap into a El Camino they have... all I have to say is you Chevy guys have it too easy...

[Jim Nilsen]

:spank2: This is Steve you are talking to....
I know the answer without asking...First, this is a driver, no frills, just a nice car, then it turns into PENNY, maybe even Silver Dollar......lol

Is that like saying if a penny is worth a $1,000 and at todays prices a silver dollar will be worth $100,000 making the result the sought after mark of excellence in value that has been so recently discussed ?

I like the name Silver Dollar a lot :cool:

Looks like a good car to start with :cheers:

[andrewb70]

I vote for a solid roller 4 inch bore 3 inch stroke LSx engine, with a 9000rpm redline.

Andrew

[67SSDan]

My vote...

Modified stock frame (the new frames get too much coverage already)
6.0 or 6.2 truck motor with the L92 / 76 goodies

LOL I'm thinking you'll be done with it before I'm done with mine, and I'm interested to see how mine will perform! :)

Dan

[WhiteG240]

Whatever happened to getting a second gen?

[Kenova]

I vote for a solid roller 4 inch bore 3 inch stroke LSx engine, with a 9000rpm redline.

Andrew

Or a 4.8 crank and rods stuffed into a Katech value block (4.125 bore) for 348 ci.

Ken

[andrewb70]

Or a 4.8 crank and rods stuffed into a Katech value block (4.125 bore) for 348 ci.

Ken

I don't think that a stock crank would be up to the task. The Grand Am prototype cars run this type of combo.

Andrew

[stryfe101]

I'm voting for option 1...keep it simple, cheap, and try to be fast....and for color I vote a nice satin red color with basic(read 18" and under in size and of the one piece variety) wheels...I can name a few good companies offhand that offer great trackable wheels in good offsets that won't break the bank. Keep us updated on what you decide man..

Gray

[67z28]

Plan 1 - or something reflecting max performance the smallest budget. We already got max performance for max (or "bigger" budget) - (ie: Mule, Scott's camaro, Orion, etc.).

Build something with a small budget that will stand up to the others on autocross, but for half the cost. It's something we can all appreciate and acknowledge. :cheers:

It would be great to see modified OEM parts and stock parts from other cars (IE how to put vette brakes on using a budget) used to create a tight budget car. Not everyone can afford big $$$ cars, but any one can search through swap meets and auction sites.

[molyorange 77]

Do build 1, Also look at the new Harley Davidson colors. They have some matte finishes like pewter silver, blue denim,crimson denim,olive denim. The colors almost look anodized. Maybe do a procharger,something mild.

[Steve1968LS2]

Update.. the car is now at our tech center where I will yank the old motor/trans.

I found a few little "wierd" deals.. like someone cut chunks out of the front inner fender wells.. I see stuff like that and I wonder what the story is behind it. lol

But repros are made so no biggie.

That reminds me.. I need to call Hermance :)

[Munster]

There was an article in one of the car oriented mags awhile back about a girl prodigy with a 67 or 68. She was going for the complete stock look but with hiden uprades done to keep them looking original. She did her car in a satin hugger orange with white stripes and it looked really nice. If I remember right she was attending or had completed a program in automotive based school, and she liked Smokey Unick(sp) old camaros. Thats another way I could see the build go, a throw back to the Trans Am days. Trans Am with modern twists. Gives the ability to keep the cost down and opens up for a lot of interpritation for ideas.

[trapin]

You're talking about Liz Miles. Nice car. Hot chick too. But full of herself. And it made her moment in the spotlight rather brief.

[eville]

Update.. the car is now at our tech center where I will yank the old motor/trans.

I found a few little "wierd" deals.. like someone cut chunks out of the front inner fender wells.. I see stuff like that and I wonder what the story is behind it. lol

But repros are made so no biggie.

That reminds me.. I need to call Hermance :)

Don't forget about Frank's fiberglass inners. I think he was going to have them for 7 and 8's soon.

[eville]

There was an article in one of the car oriented mags awhile back about a girl prodigy with a 67 or 68. She was going for the complete stock look but with hiden uprades done to keep them looking original. She did her car in a satin hugger orange with white stripes and it looked really nice. If I remember right she was attending or had completed a program in automotive based school, and she liked Smokey Unick(sp) old camaros. Thats another way I could see the build go, a throw back to the Trans Am days. Trans Am with modern twists. Gives the ability to keep the cost down and opens up for a lot of interpritation for ideas.

If you're talking about Liz, that car looks like **** in person. It's a 50 footer at best....

[Steve1968LS2]

You're talking about Liz Miles. Nice car. Hot chick too. But full of herself. And it made her moment in the spotlight rather brief.

Actually I think things just went badly and made her look that way. I've been working with her a bit and she doesn't come off that way once you've been around her a bit.

Besides.. weren't we all smarter when we were younger? ;)

[class67]

If you're talking about Liz, that car looks like **** in person. It's a 50 footer at best....

Ahh...It isn't that bad, it sounds decent!

[Kman]

You're talking about Liz Miles. Nice car. Hot chick too. But full of herself. And it made her moment in the spotlight rather brief.

Have you met her? I have. Very NICE lady. And her time at Boyd's shop was brief because he is an *******. He fired her over the phone because his workers were scared of her talent.

Her car is shown in the Flowmaster commercials.

www.milesspeed.com

[Kman]

If you're talking about Liz, that car looks like **** in person. It's a 50 footer at best....

Pretty sure she drives it every day and beats the **** out of it.

[trapin]

Actually I think things just went badly and made her look that way. I've been working with her a bit and she doesn't come off that way once you've been around her a bit.

Besides.. weren't we all smarter when we were younger? ;)
I'm only going by what happened over at Lateral-G and what Scott told me. It sounded like her experience on Boyd's show gave her a big head. I can only judge her by what I know...which ain't much since I don't know her and live on the other side of the United States. If you're vouchin' for her Steve, then I gotta take your word for it. Glad to hear she's more level headed than first thought. Who the hell am I to judge anyway, right? LOL!!!

And yeah I was a lot smarter when I was younger. Explains why I'm in debt today. :)

[Kman]

I'm only going by what happened over at Lateral-G and what Scott told me. It sounded like her experience on Boyd's show gave her a big head. I can only judge her by what I know...which ain't much since I don't know her and live on the other side of the United States. If you're vouchin' for her Steve, then I gotta take your word for it. Glad to hear she's more level headed than first thought. Who the hell am I to judge anyway, right? LOL!!!

And yeah I was a lot smarter when I was younger. Explains why I'm in debt today. :)

From people I have talked to, and what I have read, Boyd is bad news.

[redsand]

for what it is worth, I have the same box on my 60 impala?

[Steve1968LS2]

for what it is worth, I have the same box on my 60 impala?

Hmmm... I was trying to figure out if it was close ratio.. I guess I will need to spin it and see.

[syborg tt]

Whatever happened to getting a second gen?

No :help!: Steve you can't do a 2nd gen.

I say keep it simple and build a reall cool driver