My 69 Chevelle NASCAR Project

[shortrack]

I did this first chevelle in 1985......all steel body.....this was 1983 when I started, there was no such thing as dropped spindles.....wanted to lower the car for a cup look......ended up signifigantly cutting the springs and having the bodyshop remove the the fenderlipscut out some sheetmetal and re attach the fenderlips for stock tire/lip clearance......the car looked pretty good but it wasnt really low enough......I had an 81 trans am steering box and big front sway bar in it, original 250 hp 350, T-10, 275/50/15 t/a's on all 4 corners VW Rabbit GTI seats and a fiberglass big block hood....huge Alpine stereo (for the day)......took it too some autocrosses did pretty well for what it was......was about the same as some 1980 Z28s that were also running......huge crowd favourite though....it sounded great.......got caught in a freak Sept snow storm......with the big tires slid immeadiatly off the road and basically totalled the car........

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/motors0091-1.jpg

[shortrack]

fast forward 20 years......a PILE has happened.....built this shop, lots of room for a car and want to build another.......more of a racecar , all the good chit and right down on the ground

[shortrack]

bought a 69 chevelle.......man is it rough.....originally a yellow 307 malibu......want to turn it into something like these but with a full interior and probably a/c using an old roller Cup car chassis.....minimum 450 smallblock hp and maybe some squeeze.....with a quickchange I'll just run a 4 spd.......the car will see street duty scaring people off the road and show and shines for sure but it will see track days as well at nearby Mosport Park, some autocrosses and for sure some King of the Hill's at the local shortracks......most of these cars come with set up notes......roadrace?.....page 3.....1/2 mile bullring??.....theres about 3 or 4 in there.......with almost limitless built in roadside adjustability, lots of power and HUGE grip the car will be tough to beat.......

[Tiger]

cool project, will you modify it to run on the street?

[shortrack]

cool project, will you modify it to run on the street?

it will be a street car for sure.......and yeah the tires will be hanging outside the body like above car which has 14" wide tires on all four.....OH YEAH!!!.....the white car above is a Limited Late Model (LLM) with a 65 chevelle body on it istead of a Monte carlo or Fusion, Intepid or whatever......it has the stndard modern LLM set up under it....... (you guessed it!!) a 2nd gen Camaro front clip (sound familiar?) with all the standard racecar/PT stuff like big brakes, tubular A arms, quickchange etc......this setup has been in use for years.

one HUGE question that this car answered for me was the wheelbase question......I measured my 69s wheelbase and came up with 111", the stock 65 chevelle above in stock form will be the same......the WB on a stnd stock car is 105 and that is what the white car is......Ive been wondering about having to lengthen any chassis I bought but after seeing the car above Im going to do the same as this guy did......eff it!!....we'll go with 105 and adjust wheelwells accordingly.....doug

[shortrack]

heres a 2002 110" ex Cup car I found yesterday, more suitable than the usual 105-6 inchers, really the one Ive wanted......owner said it will need rotors, O ring kit for the Wilwood brakes has no pod in the 9 inch although he's got lots lieing around......... it will roll, brake,steer etc......has seat, gauges, pedals, everything........ he ran into the back of someone on a restart, mushed up the front end sheetmetal so he cut it off so his guys wouldnt hurt themselves as it is currently used as a pit stop practice car......he was going to fix it up and run it but that chassis is no longer used in Cup so there is alot of really nice Ist line ex Cup cars for sale to run in ARCA......told him about the project and he thought it would be "really cool" and would like to help me out as much as he can, said the guys at his shop thought it was cool too......$2500

I have a friend who has ran all the typical shortrack 3 link coilover cars, his fam has been racing for decades......when Craftsman truck first started he ran......Martinsville, Richmond, Darlington etc......(btw he figures it cost them 30K per race all toll!!......family owns a big Constuction Co)....anyway, he said the truck arm chassis is the one to get, not as high tech on paper as some designs but as a package it flat out works........he said "Doug, that chassis is SOOOO forgiving, I couldnt believe it when I first got in it......you see those guys dicing at 170 in mid corner at Atlanta and you think those guys are just unreal but its the chassis......if you can get one thats what you want........"

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/1999montecarlos004-1.jpg

[shortrack]

put down a deposit on the orange number 0 car above ......will be heading down to Charlotte next week to pick her up......Im stoked!!!

Im back.....what a trip!.....Andy Belmont (the guy I bought it off of) is a great guy.

here she is.....!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/RaceCarRoadTrip073-1.jpg

[69Nova]

Sick! Defintly keep this thread going. My kinda car for sure.

[shortrack]

thanks andrew.......got my stock roller sold for a G whenever i get the body off......it has a 12 bolt disc brake (orig yellow malibu sc 307, not ss) guy wants it for a gto.....help offset some costs.....can sell the seat out of the racecar too......ill have padded touring seats.....stock repop black interior with carpet and sound deadener,stereo and hopefully air I'll use a painless wire kit


itll be a driver maybe a 3g paint job......I want a alum quick change eventually instead of the 9 inch (less wieght & ez ratio changes) and just run a 4speed......500 ish hp smallblock....carb.......motor for sure will be something lying around the engine builders shop (stock car guy......go figure!)and a 355 no doubt.....prob not a dry sump.......theres always motors there that can be bought.......guy gets out of the sport, divorced etc........john would have built it originally.....hes a man of his word if he says "its good".......then its good......he had a motor there out of his paved super late......they made a rule change and he cant use it now, not even as a back up........ask him about it....."YEAH its F'n for sale!!......cheap!!".........doug

[shortrack]

oh, heres what Im starting with......and yeah I know about the "phantom" front end:)........its had quarters..... under viynal roof is "not great",glass good, cowl good, couple of small holes in floor, trunk pan bad, doesnt matter I wont be using either of them anyway....... rockers appear good.......front fenders,rad support that came with it not usable past mock up.....ill get a glass hood.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/DSC01481-1.jpg

[Fesler built]

We were going to use a Art Morrison frame for our project but the customer has decided to go a different way, if you need a cool frame let me know

[shizzy]

Love the idea. I had a 75 Monte a few years back I wanted to do the same thing to.

[shortrack]

Love the idea. I had a 75 Monte a few years back I wanted to do the same thing to.

Hey......theres a 74/5 parked in a driveway on the way to my sisters.......been there about 3 yrs now......its all there even orig hubcaps......more than once Ive been going to stop in......!

[cheapta]

This is a great project. There was a guy on the PowerTour East back in 98and 99 that had a 57 Belair done dirt-track style-giant tires sticking out of radiused fenders. The car was really rough but the concept was cool.

[Johnny Blaze]

I just saw this and it reminded me of your project.

http://www.racingjunk.com/post/1139365/1969-Camaro-late-model-Modified-Nastagia-Howe.html

[NOT A TA]

Looks like a very cool project! Keep posting progress.

[shortrack]

back from Mooresville.......15 hr drive non stop one way......this thing is cool.......willwood 6 pistons up front 4 piston out back......sweet 14:1 box......worlds most baddazz exhaust or what!.......everything is sooo rebuildable.......oh yeah.....in the pic of the chevelle above, the stock suspension with those 15" tires and slicks gives me a framerail hieght of 13"!!......the racecar is 6....she's coming down

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/DSC01965-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/03/RaceCarRoadTrip074-1.jpg

[shortrack]

I just saw this and it reminded me of your project.

http://www.racingjunk.com/post/1139365/1969-Camaro-late-model-Modified-Nastagia-Howe.html

that thing is badazz......!

[shizzy]

Awsome! looks like a killer setup. I never really thought of just stiking a stock body on top of an Old Cup car like that. its going to save you lots of fab time. Also since it seems around here the first two areas to go on a car are the floors and the fender and quarter lips, that would be a good use for an otherwise too far gone car as most of the rusted areas would just be trimmed out. Keep the build pics coming!! :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

[Dragonsnake]

I really like your First Chevelle:usa: .Looks racy as he....

And using a race car chassis is clearly usefull.Proven components that work..

[Johnny Blaze]

HEy, check out this camaro thats being built!

http://www.racehome.com/images/april04/screar.jpg

[muthstryker]

Unless someone started another one that car is done..

[shortrack]

a few more pics......I threw the front sheetmetal on just for the h ell of it.......my wife called it the "chevello":) :)

[Texas Bob]

This is going to be awesome!

[shortrack]

got the mock up smallblock and 4spd in.....

[hotrodf1]

Sweet project.

I think I personally would have been tempted to fix the body that was already on there and drive that stock car on the street. That would be pretty cool, too (just me). I guess it would take some real doing to fix that frontend though.

[shortrack]

Sweet project.

I think I personally would have been tempted to fix the body that was already on there and drive that stock car on the street. That would be pretty cool, too (just me). I guess it would take some real doing to fix that frontend though.

around here youd open up a HUGE can of worms.......biggest thing is a racecar has no VIN number, DOT doesnt know what to do with it. next, if you tried to licence it as a 2000 Monte youd have to (I would think) have all the 2000 MC pollution chit and airbags, let alone doors, youd have to fit lights and wipers etc......I dont even want to go there........

with the chevelle body it will still have the original VIN on the dash so as far as the DOT is concerned its a 1969 chevelle sport coupe......it has provisions for wipers, lights etc.....I was a little stumped on a parking brake, then I found out an electrically operated one is ok (read Line Lock).....it doesnt need a heater but I'll have to rig up a defroster....... as far as fixing the front end of the racecar you would just purchase a new (used) body like this and put it on.....and yes I know this is a Ford, its one that was sitting out back of the shop where I bought the car and yes that is a genuine Wood Brothers body.....doug

[dusterbd13]

any more progress on this one?

it's coming along great. i really am excited to see how you mate the chevelle body and the chassis.

Michael

[linkstar69]

yeah must be time to see some new updates for this one, looks like a very cool build

[shortrack]

hey, thanks for the intrest!
I own a hvac co. and this is a very busy time of year.....been getting my boat ready too.....

getting my ducks in a row for the car......new set of torches (guy who owned the set I had came and got them, LOL!) got a new mig welder, a new sheet metal brake, various air shears, body saws etc and finalizing a plan to safely lift the chevelle body up and down by myself which I will probably have to do about 100 times......

Im also trying to finalize which tires Im going to use on the car and buy a set so I can accuretly place the body......also been researching what slicks are available on a local level as I want to run the car on the track also and would like the dimensions of the street tires and slicks to be as close as possible.....about another month or so from tearing into it......I wish I could start tomorrow.....doug

[twosaturns]

just stumbled on this, cool stuff. just wondering, did you get the period key fixed on your keyboard yet? it seems to be sticking....

[shortrack]

just stumbled on this, cool stuff. just wondering, did you get the period key fixed on your keyboard yet? it seems to be sticking....

........allows me to type the random thoughts that pop into my head!! LOL

Also been finding out about what the car actually is.....I'll post some pics but basically this car was built from square one to turn left.....there is "offset" built into the car to make it turn left which in english means the passenger side tires stick out further than the drivers side tires if you were to measure from the centreline of the car. There is no offset built into the frame itself, just the mounting points for the suspension in front and the rearend housing itself in the rear, it is definately do able to get it into a roadrace/street configuration....there are stampings on all the the susp pieces that identify what they are from a "mathamatical" point of view eg the left front upper A arm has "1/4" on the foreward arm and +7/8 on the rearward arm....the rightside has 1/4 and +1/4.....I was told to look in a specific spot and found a stamping that tells what company made the front clip (the cars get crashed and the teams dont nessesarily take it to the original manufacturer to get fixed) and the actual guy who did it.....mine is all Hutch Pagan and is 99% sure the chassis is all original.......Im fasinated by all this stuff

The offset can be quite easily taken out of the the car with the new "roadrace" rearend and spacers for the left front suspension that will space it equal to the right side as measured from the centreline of the car or as the cup guys do from the outside edge of the framerail where the A arms mount....the right front will probably pretty much be left alone as it is which makes sence to me....other things they do for a "roadrace" set up is they move the track bar (panhard bar) adjustment from the left to the right as most roadcourses have "more right turns than left" but was told "not to worry about it"......they also move the battery box from in front of the left rear wheel to in front of the right and if the rules allow(cup rules do not) move the dry sump tank from behind the driver to the opposite side of the car.

More digging found out the car is a "small bar, big spring'' car which means in realative terms uses heavy front springs and a realitivly small dia. front swaybar to control roll in the car.....this is opposed to a "big bar, small spring" set up the the newest cars use......bottom line is my "sbbs" car will be more much more forgiving but all out not as fast as the bbss car on a roadcourse.....apparently in a right hand corner for instance a bbss car will roll and "coil bind" (bottom out and lock)the left front spring(and wheel) and lift the opposite front wheel off the ground and thats the way it goes around the corner, like a go cart.....crude, but apparently this is ultimately faster than a sbbs car which goes around a corner in a more conventional way complying to the bumps with still available travel as it goes around the corner......doug

[shortrack]

deleated due to double post

[shortrack]

was doing more measuring and found the wheels on the back had more offset than the front......tires different front to rear also......just some wheels to roll the car around on.....picked up these 4 aero wheels from a local race track classified section on the tracks website......Tons of deals on there......guy is moving up a class that uses wide 5's and doesnt need them......at 4" offset its 1" less than the fronts and 1.5" less than the rear, it will move the tires out for a little more attitude......cost $100 for the 4.....2 perfect 2have a couple of small dings, wieght 22lbs each.

[shortrack]

ttt

[shortrack]

some updates......heres a few shots of the cars outside

[shortrack]

'80 Trans Am street T-10 4 spd, ex Bill Davis Dave Blaney full racing driveshaft that came with the car......slipped right in.

[shortrack]

heres what the car would look like....."if it had a front end on it!!" (my wife laughs when I say that)......1999 Monte Carlo .

[shortrack]

front end pic with the rad just sitting there....

[shortrack]

and this is where I gotta get to......basically

in the last couple of months I have the shop fully insulated and the two post lift is now operational.

the torch and the body saws are coming out next.

[tymbom]

Any updates? I really like this project, its kind of like what I'm planning for my 49 Chevy pick up.

[Fo-Par]

Love the look of the car.

Cup car++

[1971CHEVELLE]

This car is going to be awesome

[shortrack]

Im out of bandwidth for pics LOL.....nothing too earth shattering to report.....I couldnt stand it anymore so I sanded down and repainted the whole front clip and suspension pieces....what a difference.....

this car is not run up here at all so set up info locally is non existant......been talking alot on the phone to a guy in Fredricksburg Va who used to oval track these cars and has spent the last few yrs running in the V8 Stockcar series roadracing them.....perfect guy to talk to......he thinks its a great project and Im very greatful for his time

According to the spring/shock set up in the car right now the car is set up right now for a short oval.....my friend owns a 3/8 mi oval....perfect. Id like to run it kind of "as delivered" on an oval and see what it can do.

After talking with David in Va. I think what Im going to do is keep all the oval stuff and purchase all the springs/shocks/A arms and a roadrace rear housing to put a roadrace(street) set up in it then switch back and forth between the two.....the shocks/springs/a arms even for a guy like me can be changed in minutes.

I'll get to work on the bandwidth.....

[Bjkadron]

WOW! Sweet project!

[shortrack]

A few updates.....this is the time of year I have time to work on the car......sold the old third gen and bought the new one too.....been playing around with that...heres the new one 305 TPI, 5 spd, 4 wh disc just like the old one feels good to be rollin' again in something other than a truck...lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02046-1.jpg

[shortrack]

here a good shot of the Wilwood GT 6000's.....rotors are 40mmm thick.....fit inside a 15" rim!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01965-1.jpg?t=1267474423

)

[shortrack]

Another shot.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01954-1.jpg

[shortrack]

sanded and repainted the whole front end.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC01856-1.jpg

[shortrack]

made this frame out of wood to lift the body of the Chevelle up high enough to clear the top of the roll cage of the race car so I can get it under it.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02186-1.jpg

[shortrack]

pulled the rest of the sheetmetal off the racecar.....no turning back now!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02151-1.jpg

[shortrack]

you can see how the body of the racecar is held up by a series of uprights ("sticks" as one of my buddies calls them)......I will lengthen or shorten them and hold up the Chevelle body

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC021501-1.jpg

[shortrack]

another shot of them here.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02157-1.jpg

[shortrack]

a little OT ....Im not much of a Ford guy but I LOVE this Mustang.....exactly what Im trying to capture with the Chevelle including the flat black paint

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/ax3-1.jpg

[Bjkadron]

Nice! Can't wait to see how it turns out! I really like the brakes!!! WOW!

[shortrack]

Did some stuff in the last few nights......braced the doors and cut out the complete floor pan.....pictures are smokey.....had to do some of it with a torch (80% done with a Sawsall) and a bunch of tar undercoat caught on fire and smoked the place out....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02219-1.jpg

[shortrack]

I will lower the body over the chassis and trim out the fire wall to fit......I'll leave the wiper motor mount if I possibly can

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02215-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02216-1.jpg

[shortrack]

you can see here with the door bars removed the race car still has a conventional floor pan....the nice straight frame rails are easy to work with....thats the mechanical brake bias adjuster in red lieing on the trans tunnel....I'll mount that on the dash somewhere....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02218-1.jpg

[shortrack]

these things are simply wiped down and painted no primer so paint just falls off....lots of bare metal so it easily surface rusts.....heres the dry sump tank (still had oil in it) and 110v heater and oil lines mounted right behind the driver.....if I use it I will mount it in the pass side trunk area to offset the wieght of the driver as per Cup roadrace practice....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02221-1.jpg

[shortrack]

rear end cooler and lines still all intact.....the hose would go to a NACA duct on the rear quarter window taking air in then through the cooler and exiting underneath the car....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02222-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Wow!

[19,69camaro]

Keep up the good work! I love the concept of this car it should be awesome when finished

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

dude.... LOVE it.

[shortrack]

been working on the car like crazy but found some parts on Kijiji, went out and checked them out on Sat about 1hr away......drag guy had bought these glass fenders and bumpers and was going to put them on his car but decided not too because its mostly a street car.....bunch of armrests, headlight buckets and trim....all seconds from his car.....fine for me for now seeing I dont have ANY.....$350 for the lot....good conection......he knows lots of hot rodders in his area

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02225-1.jpg

[shortrack]

I originally thought I would go with the racecar dash but the more things evolve I see Im pretty sure I'll be able to keep the stock dash, I'll make a custom cluster...this also allows the ALL IMPORTANT vin to stay intact and in the stock position....so I removed the racecar dash today.....good triangulation in the front end...eh?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02231-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02230-1.jpg



whoops wrong order......

[shortrack]

Been up and down with the hoist about 900 times......lift up body.....push chassis out from underneath body......trim a little from both cars......push chassis back under......drop body down.....check car, see what needs to be trimmed.....mark it out......lift up body......push chassis out......trim as reqd.....repeat.....over and over....been about 3hrs per inch so far.

Im at this point now.....dropped about a foot.....IM GETTING DOWN THERE! wohoooooo!!!!......I'll take some more pics but the inside of the rocker just clears the outside of the frame rail ......I left the last inch of the Chevelles floor intact as a lip to sit on the framerail......I'll weld the lip directly to the framerail.......the bottom of the rocker has to go down to the bottom of the framerail for the lip to touch so the body has to come down about another 4" yet......this thing is going to be slammed

I'll cut the fender lip out.....section the fender accordingly and reattach the lip when Im at ride hieght......I had this on my first Chevelle and it looked great......its hard to get a decent shot because the boat is on one side of the car and the wall is on the other.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02249-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02251-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Heres a little better picture.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02256-1.jpg

[shortrack]

I still have to cut out the shaded portion of the firewall......its tough to see but the stock Chevelle firewall is about 4'' father forward in the car than the race car firewall......I'll have to seal that gap with sheet metal eventually....

The line represents the bottom depth of the "trough/well" that houses the wiper mechanism......there might be some clearance issues with the masters but I desperately want to keep that stock wiper mount

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02255-1.jpg

[shortrack]

trunk fits extremely well......

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02257-1.jpg

[shortrack]

I'll have to cut the remainder of the glove box housing away to get the body down but if I cut it under the spot where the dash pad sits you will see very little of the tack welds......although you might see nothing but that cross brace when you open the glove box door LOL!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02260-1.jpg

[shortrack]

All my buddies want me to put the roof flaps on.....I could do it as the mounts on the top of the roll cage are still there.....what do you guys think????......however if they were there the roof would leak....I'd have to come up with something....its doable.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02228-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02227-1.jpg

[monteboy84]

Skip the roof flaps, I think they'd just clutter things up, and a leaky car is no fun....

[19,69camaro]

I say skip the flaps your car is badass enough without them

[shortrack]

so far it's 2 - 0 for the no's......Im on the fence, if anything leaning to the yes's

[Bjkadron]

Ok... Just for kicks I'll vote yes... Just set them up so they are secured down for regular driving... And just un-do them for bonus points and safety at trackdays.

[shadow images]

I'd do it if it was my car.

[Tiger]

ohh I love this project !!! (I wouldnt cut the fenders tho)

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

no flaps... everything else.

[bonecrrusher]

Do the flaps!

[ZuperZport]

No flaps - the flap lines are like 12" long (2 each flap) and will be literally "flapping" around in your interior - could be very distracting.

Keep up the good work!

[mc84_zz4]

That cars going to be bitchin! I like the flaps too, but I'd adapt some dzus (sp?) fasteners to keep them locked on the street, and avoid the rattling and flapping over bumps. Couldn't some weather stripping and the locks keep them water tight?
maybe add a drain hose (?)
Can't wait to see your next update.
:1st:

[shortrack]

No flaps - the flap lines are like 12" long (2 each flap) and will be literally "flapping" around in your interior - could be very distracting.

Keep up the good work!

thanks!......the cables will quite easily fold back inside the housing with the flaps in the closed position and I could secure them & seal it where the cable comes through.....Id have to build some sort of a "well" underneath the hinges to catch water there.....not too tough really.....no need to secure them down however, they wont deploy until Im going about 60mph.....backwards lol

[shortrack]

That cars going to be bitchin! I like the flaps too, but I'd adapt some dzus (sp?) fasteners to keep them locked on the street, and avoid the rattling and flapping over bumps. Couldn't some weather stripping and the locks keep them water tight?
maybe add a drain hose (?)
Can't wait to see your next update.
:1st:

I was thinking a drain hose too....

[shortrack]

got bigger fish to fry than the roof flaps right now.....the race car firewall is set 4 to 6" further back (along with the motor) than the stock Chevelle....had to lose my stock wiper mount but a local street rod guy who came by says its not a huge deal to put a hot rod wiper motor in......my delema right now is if I should try and save the stock Chevelle fender mount (way easier) or cut the whole area out and make a brace to hold the fender from the race car tubing in the same area.....you can see in the 2nd pic where the stock fire wall was.....been letting it digest for a week and am heading towards saving the stock mounts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/DSC02273-1.jpg

[shortrack]

finally some updates.....been working hard to get the body down on the frame in the last while before our trip to California and my busy season at work kicks in....I may have to trim some fenders some more and play around but this is basically where its going to sit.....

with the jack screws front and rear I can raise or lower the ride hieght as I see fit and I dont have a rulebook giving me a min ride hieght

with wheels avail in one inch different offsets I can move the wheels in and out also....these ones have a 3" offset (measured from the back side of the wheel) I had some 4'' ones on there but it lacked attitude compared to the 3's....I think I'll stick with the 3's :smoke::)

[shortrack]

Cont' from above.......
I thought Id post a pic of it with the van in it also to give an idea how low it is compared to other vehicles.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC022911-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02297-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02298-1.jpg

[shortrack]

more...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02300-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02305-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02306-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02312-1.jpg

[shortrack]

last two.....see how well the top of the cage tucked up into the roof with no mods whatsoever.....I swear a pre COT Cup car is a 68 - 72 chevelle....:):smoke:

next order of bidness will be to take the body back off (its just sitting there) loosely install the motor and trans and take it to Peter Gibbon's race ahop 20 mi away and have him put a roadrace set up in the (front) of the car....right now the left side (drivers side) wheelbase is 1.5" shorter than the right side so the LF fender wouldnt fit.....

In all probability they will leave the right front alone and match the left side to it.....I have a bunch of A arms and spacers and slugs that came with the car hopefully they will be able to use them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02312-1.jpg

[shortrack]

oops last pic wouldnt fit....here it is

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSC02309-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

That car looks awesome. A couple of guys at our church used to own a car dealership with Neil Bonnett and they restored a couple of his old race cars for him over the years. They had around a 66-67 Chevelle that he had raced and it had that same bruiser attitude.

[montessaj]

You sir are my hero. Thank you.

[Samckitt]

That is pretty cool. Subscribing just to see more pics.

[shortrack]

You sir are my hero. Thank you.

:):) haha no problem....!

its cool to come on here where people "get it"

lots of my nieghbours come over and say "sheesh man.....what are you trying to do?????"

[BuzzKillian]

Have you choosen any colors yet? (sugestion) Black with a Gold roof and a number 13 on the door..... Smokey Yunick would be proud... LOL
I love the concecpt... keep up the good work and the pictures coming!

[shortrack]

Have you choosen any colors yet? (sugestion) Black with a Gold roof and a number 13 on the door..... Smokey Yunick would be proud... LOL
I love the concecpt... keep up the good work and the pictures coming!

if it was a '66 it'd almost be a done deal......:smoke:

Iwas thinking about painting it myself suede black with a spray can using the Vengence recipe, (love that) with gloss black SS stripes and chrome wheels....built to have at it so never high $$ paint

or maybe this.....but nothing is necessarily forever :)

Bobby Allison

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/Allison4-1.jpg

[shortrack]

2nd

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/Allison2-1.jpg

[shortrack]

That car looks awesome. A couple of guys at our church used to own a car dealership with Neil Bonnett and they restored a couple of his old race cars for him over the years. They had around a 66-67 Chevelle that he had raced and it had that same bruiser attitude.

Id love to see that car......!

[Bjkadron]

The flat black would look better than that...and the Smokey Yunick theme would be cool.. But that two tone looks weird when it is split like that...

[srh3trinity]

I looked back at some google images, it looks like it was probably a 64-65. I will ask around at church to see if they still have it. Bobby Allison is also from my home town. I grew up in Hueytown, AL and we used to see those guys all of the time. When Davey Allison was still alive, he had an awesome all black Thunderbird that he drove around. Even the wheels were black and it had tinted windows, this was way before anybody had seen a "murdered out" car.

[shortrack]

it looks like it was probably a 64-65.

When Davey Allison was still alive, he had an awesome all black Thunderbird that he drove around.

Like this one.......??:)

So sad about Davey.....you got to wonder how many times he would have been champ......

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/03/119-1.jpg

[BuzzKillian]

Ya know... I think Ricky Bobbies Dad had a '69 Chevelle painted like that... it was pretty cool!! just sayin

[shortrack]

Ya know... I think Ricky Bobbies Dad had a '69 Chevelle painted like that... it was pretty cool!! just sayin

LOL!

hey thanks for checkin' in.....!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Iwas thinking about painting it myself suede black with a spray can using the Vengence recipe, (love that) with gloss black SS stripes and chrome wheels....built to have at it so never high $$ paint



shoot go for it, why put high dollar paint on something that hardcore?

i painted 3 cars this weekend with that formula(not black tho) and they are out there kicking the **** outta folks..

[shortrack]

shoot go for it, why put high dollar paint on something that hardcore?

i painted 3 cars this weekend with that formula(not black tho) and they are out there kicking the **** outta folks..

Im pretty much settled on the suede black.....the word is getting out in the area about the car and some of the local hardcore gearheads have been stopping by to have a look.....they pour over the car for an hour/ two hours looking at every little thing.

one guy who used to own a body shop offered to stop by on weekends in the winter when theres nothing else to do and help out with the car for pizza and beer so who knows so maybe I'll get a "professional" suede black paint job. lol.......I cant wait to get him over here being a body man off and on all his life he can really get things done on a car.

[shortrack]

not much to report as far a progress on the car...Ive been super busy at work during A/C season and we go boating in the summer.

but I did buy a race car trailer that IS something for the car as I'll need to trailer the body down to the media blasters and the chassis to the race shop to have a road race set up put in the car and I'll trailer the car to track days and auto crosses when I get to that point

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/susistuff001-1.jpg

[online170]

Hey!

Look whos on pro-touring. Tagging on to follow progress.

[shortrack]

Haha! - hey man if your ever down this way pm me and drop in for a beer and check out the car.

oh and when I get this thing done I want to hit that new road race track you have in your area....have you ever been there???

doug

[Zanie]

:confused:aw man, this popped up to the top. I thought there was an update.

[driftinblzr]

To the OP, you mentioned something about the left front suspension being different from the right front. Does anything need done to the rear suspension to turn right successfully or is it good to go?

BTW, I love the concept behind this car.

Later, Doug

[shortrack]

To the OP, you mentioned something about the left front suspension being different from the right front. Does anything need done to the rear suspension to turn right successfully or is it good to go?

BTW, I love the concept behind this car.

Later, Doug

Thanks for chiming in...!

Interesting you brought that up.....cars of this era would have a "cambered" rear end...ie, both rear wheels lean to the left for better left hand cornering and /or they'll have the left hand truck arm shorter than the right...I assumed Id be changing both.....a used "roadrace" rear end housing with both wheels leaning towards the center of the car can be had for about 3 - $400 plus shipping and a truckarm less than half that so to change them out isnt the end of the world.

but just last weekend I took the rear suspension out of the car to freshen it up, I havnt done any super precise measurements but it appears the rear end housing is "straight up" (no camber) and the truck arms are the same which is great for me, no modifications necessary!....Im going to send Andy (the racer I bought the car from) an email about it.....they very well may have had a rule in ARCA at the time (the last place the car raced) that no cambered rear ends were allowed, to keep costs down.

oh yeah.....and normally the cambered rear ends will have amount of camber stamped into the housing with a punch somewhere so when you have a rack with 8 or 10 housings on it all ready to go you can easily pick the one that suits the particular track your going to and I cant see any stampings on it at all which would also tend to tell me its straight up.......Doug

[online170]

Haha! - hey man if your ever down this way pm me and drop in for a beer and check out the car.

oh and when I get this thing done I want to hit that new road race track you have in your area....have you ever been there???

doug

Definately!

I guess youre talking about calabogie motorsports park? Im too cheap, and dont own anything reliable enough to put through its paces there.

I was there breifly while lexus was using it for product testing or a commercial or something so we werent allowed in. But just seeing it from outside the gate, it looks like a real nice track. Ive never seen anything like it, and there was some serious engineering that went into it.

Waiting anxiously to see how the body and chassis will look when they are all together. Ever consider doing an extractor hood? Ive always wondered what one would look like on an A-body.

-Azeem

[shortrack]

Had to post this pic a guy sent me....this is the inspiration for this build....grew up watching these things rail around the little bullrings up here every Saturday night, pushing and shoving, with their open pipes, nasty small blocks and the smell of race gas and rubber....yeah BB!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/68shorttrack-1.jpg

[hechtrod]

Wicked coool project! I'll watching this one!

[Fewski]

How do you plan on doing the doors? Cutting the rollbar from the chassis and using the original Chevelle hinges on the body? Or are you just going to climb in through the window?

[shortrack]

How do you plan on doing the doors? Cutting the rollbar from the chassis and using the original Chevelle hinges on the body? Or are you just going to climb in through the window?

as you can see in post 87 the massive door bar set up is gone......the stock Chevelle doors will operate from the original hinges then a Pro Street/NASA type door bar set up will be installed

[shortrack]

Getting back to working on the car after a beautiful hot summer up here.....good for business and for the boat....got a custom made new boat trailer....sweet......I cant go further with the metalwork on the car (fitting the missing left front fender in the previous pics) until I get a roadrace set up in it.

Right now the car still has the as purchased oval set up in it which has a 1.5" shorter wheelbase on the left side as opposed to the right side....this will not allow the LF fender on.

I have to take it to a race shop to have the set ups changed and underneath the car looks like h ell.....untouched since I bought it.....I will not bring it to that shop the way it was looking so I needed to re do the floorpan.....everything came out and I got to it.

[shortrack]

Thought about getting it blasted but the only guy around who does anything other than just sand prices are insane....so I decided to wire wheel it.....these things are just wiped down and painted no primer, certainly no undercoat.....for the most part the paint just flies off.....used my mini sandblaster in a couple of places. some pics
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/oct009-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/oct008-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Used "Rust Check" spray bomb primer after a good blast with air and a REALLY good wipe down the de natured alcohol.....your supposed to be able to prime over rust then paint, it dissolves rust.....Rust Check is a Canadian company and very respected up here, not sure if its available in the States....Ive done my own test.....I coated a section of exposed out door black iron gas pipe with this stuff in '06....and after four years of sun, snow and rain just this year the exposed primer (no paint) is just starting to get a couple of rust bubbles.....Im pretty impressed....the only thing is it takes 3 days to dry at 60deg F shop temp.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/oct002-1.jpg

[shortrack]

I also hand bombed Armor Coat Misty grey as a finish.....same stuff as the front end in the previous pics......just the right color.....good gloss....and the best thing is with the 2 post lift any scratches are easily repairable...now I need to get the thing re assembled and get it up to the race shop before the snow flies really badly
In the bottom pic the black rectangle thing is the back of the rearend oil cooler....air is brought in through a Naca duct in the Left Rear quarter window and exits there.
Notice the two driveshaft safety loops and the hollow left frame rail.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/oct004a2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/oct004a1-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Oh Ha....Speaking of a hollow left frame rail......
I pulled 220lbs of lead out of that rail!
Talk about a car thats built light!
Theres one lead brick missing in the pic but one brick weighs 42lbs.
They fit perfectly inside the frame rail almost no side to side movement.
Their very heavy...I had to pound them out from front to back with a long 1x1 and a 6lb sledge.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/oct006-1.jpg

[Bjkadron]

Wow... I bet that helped weight distribution! Looking good! Keep up the good work!

[andrewb70]

Great project. Here is some inspiration:

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/featuredvehicles/65158_1970_chevrolet_chevelle/index.html

Andrew

[shortrack]

Great project. Here is some inspiration:

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/featuredvehicles/65158_1970_chevrolet_chevelle/index.html

Andrew

Ahhhh yes, def inspiration there!.....I remember when that car hit the magazines quite a while ago like it was yesterday.....bit of a double edged sword....I couldnt wait to get every bit of info I could on it but was a little sad because he "stole" my idea. lol

The artical goes on about Nascar but with the coil over front and 3 link rear susp it is definatly NOT a Nascar in the classic Cup/Busch/Truck sense.....it is VERY much a Late Model that you would see running around your local short tracks....I could be wrong but typically Late models have a 105" wheelbase and a Chevelle is more like 110".....so it would appear to me that he had the chassis custom made which would put the $$ of this build up quite high....

It ran through the auction last year at BJ, I dont think it got past $50,000 which was a little disappionting but all in all my favorite PT car of all time followed by Big Red.....thanks for chiming in!

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

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/70chevelleB-1.jpg

[shortrack]

couple more pics....I'd LOVE to drive that car!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/89325_Engine_Web-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/70a-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Heres a site with lots of cool old battle cruisers that turn left and right www.historicgrandnational.com

[sr73bu]

Heres a site with lots of cool old battle cruisers that turn left and right www.historicgrandnational.com

Thanks for the link.. i'm drawing some inspiration from these cars as well....

Awesome project! keep up the progress!

-Sean

[preston]

Yeah that Chevelle never got the respect/attention it deserved. Very nice car. I can never figure out why a car like that goes for $50k and a car like IIMuch goes for $180k. IIMuch had some nicer parts, but not 3 times the value.

[shortrack]

here it is all put back together....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/ns006-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/ns007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/ns004-1.jpg

[shortrack]

more.....those truck arms are like 4.5 ft long!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/ns010-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/11/ns012-1.jpg

[dusterbd13]

looks clean. nice color choice.

[montessaj]

I love this car, super cool.

[MSTSFabbed]

Absolutely wicked. Keep it up! Can't wait to hear this monster!!

[BOBBYA312]

Looks great

[shortrack]

Ahhhhhh....been working on the car a lot....lots of time spent on the phone....was talking to the guy who is going to do the roll cage modifications about taking the car up to the race shop to get the road race set up put in.....this guy has ran a Late Model for years and has done countless set ups in his garage, he wanted to come over and have a look at it.....

to check the set up he simply ran a tape measure from a fixed crossmember under the car (actually the one that the truck arms are mounted to) and measured to the center of each ball joint on each side of the car.....he then measured the lower control arms from the ball joint out to each pivot and compared the two lowers against each other.....the objective was to match the leftside to the rightside....we found we needed a shorter upper with the ball joint closer to the front of the car...in otherwords we need to stand the spindle up closer to vertical...I had a few uppers that I bought from the Craftsman Truck guy but none were what we were looking for. I then phoned the race shop and brought my current upper to their location to try and find what were looking for.

I ended up with something pretty close to what I was looking for....heres my current collection of uppers and lowers.....you can see the black "slugs", the inserts to move the A arm pivots forward or backward without having to buy a new arm and the screw in balljoint that can easily moved from one arm to another.....

Theres probably $400 in parts in the pic with most of it being the lowers....I paid $75 for the two uppers that I bought from the Race Shop

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/ns0041-1.jpg


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

[shortrack]

I changed the left side upper and now the left side vs right side wheelbases are less than a .5 inches different and the LS wheel stands up almost straight....It wont win Watkins Glen and it needs more work but it allowed me to fit the fender and rad cradle and roll it out for some pics

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/d-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/ns029-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Damn sun was out for about 20 min but by the time I got the car out there it was cloudy and it never came back out.....here it has the "front end" on and has the 2" offset wheels on it as opposed to the 3" offsets the car had on it in the previous pics....I LOVE it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/ns013-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/ns015-1.jpg

[shortrack]

more
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/ns0201-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/ns022-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/ns023-1.jpg

[preston]

Definitely looks tough !

[dusterbd13]

that is just absolutely evil.

you may want to try calling UB machine, as ive bought a lot of stuff from them and they know their stuff.

parts are cheap, too.

Michael

[shortrack]

that is just absolutely evil.

you may want to try calling UB machine, as ive bought a lot of stuff from them and they know their stuff.

parts are cheap, too.

Michael

www.ubmachine.com lots of hardcore parts, just the way I like it, thanks!....D

[shortrack]

Hey everyone, Im getting a new camera for Christmas!!! haha!

[Bryce]

This is looking good!

[sr73bu]

Looking tough man! Nice work!

[72mach1]

I just found this thread and will definitely be following it. Keep up the great work!

[lightninjack]

anything new?

[outlaw 03]

www.ubmachine.com lots of hardcore parts, just the way I like it, thanks!....D

Try http://www.mrracingequipment.com they sell used race car parts. The car looks AWSOME!!!

[72torinocup]

Wow looks like we both have the same taste in performance, Im currently building a 72 Gran Torino using a 99 Ronnie Hopkins Winston West cup car chassis. I am now also having the pleasure of dealing with the hundred and one control arm options. Its nice to see someone else with this same style setup most people think its crazy.

[Flash68]

Sweet project! Bad ass.

[shortrack]

Wow looks like we both have the same taste in performance, Im currently building a 72 Gran Torino using a 99 Ronnie Hopkins Winston West cup car chassis. I am now also having the pleasure of dealing with the hundred and one control arm options. Its nice to see someone else with this same style setup most people think its crazy.

Right on brutha!, welcome to the site.....how far along are you with the build?....are you going to post a build thread or post some pics?....the way Im looking at it I have the rest of my life to play with set ups and try all different combinations that these cars are capable of having so Im putting a very basic set up in it at first and getting on with the build....Im REALLY looking forward to playing with the suspension but first the thing needs to RUN!....And oh yeah the usual response was "you want to do what??" next most popular was they dont believe it really was an actual Nascar they think its a local Late Model and I just "think" its a Nascar haha....post some pics! D

[jnd]

very cool..

[Stg1Regal]

shortrack

Awesome build...... dig that Winston Cup/NASCAR inspired look, and the fact your building it around a real cup chassis.

72torinocup's , ZuperZport's, and your car are awesome builds.

I have a 82 Buick Regal, and would love to build it to NASCAR /Winston Cup inspired appearance such as yours, heck finding a chassis would be even greater.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[mrn2obelvedere]

My god I love this car. I typically won't bother looking at a thread if its a camaro or a chevelle, but damn this is cool! I love the hardcore side of pro touring! Keep it up!

[Twentyover]

Diggin the slotted control arm sharfts w/ caster slugs!

[coolwelder62]

very cool project.

[shortrack]

heck finding a chassis would be even greater.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Thanks for checking in!....a chassis isnt that hard to get....www.Racingjunk.com .....go to the Nascar section.

[shortrack]

MRN, twentyover, coolwelder....Im into the sheetmetal part of the build....after getting the body shell back from the sandblaster I had to replace the roof (which took forever to arrive) theres a bunch of big and small holes in the body that have to be repaired and this is something that I am not comfortable with doing myself.....

I had a body guy lined up to do the work but like so many of his brethren he has a quirky personality and simply dropped off the face of the earth and I couldnt get a hold of the guy for the life of me and I eventually gave up...I have another guy now and things are moving along, he comes and works on the car at my shop.....the chevelle build section of the shop is all body fill dust these days and theres not too much to post....I got him to shave the drip rails and thats turned out great, Im lovin it.....I'll post a few pics in the next few days...thanks all for the interest......D

heres a mock up pick before I blew it all apart and some shots of the new roof going on

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/newstuff022Large-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Z3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Z5-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Great project! MY first ride I bought when I was 16 was a 69 Malibu.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/34web1-1.jpg

Loved that car but not half as cool as yours will be to drive. Looking forward to more...

[Hotwhilz]

Now that's cool ! Old school rules let the update flow, i'm in!!

[66SuperSport]

Great project! MY first ride I bought when I was 16 was a 69 Malibu.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/34web1-1.jpg

Loved that car but not half as cool as yours will be to drive. Looking forward to more...

My first car was a '69 Malibu with Keystones too. Drove it every day for 10 years.

[coolwelder62]

My 1st. car was a 69 dark green SS 396 chevelle.No keystone's.Corvette ralley's.Damn I wish I had that car back.

[JohnLClark]

First off this build and ZuperZports Camaro are incredible. I noticed that you cut the door bars. How rigid is the car without them? Could you use the chassis without the bars? Are you planning on not using them or will they be added later?

[shortrack]

First off this build and ZuperZports Camaro are incredible. I noticed that you cut the door bars. How rigid is the car without them? Could you use the chassis without the bars? Are you planning on not using them or will they be added later?

The door bars jutted out about 6" past the frame rails so they had to be removed to slip the body over....Im going to add a second seat so the bars where the passenger sits were removed also.....I spoke at length with the team owner I bought the car from and he said they build "ride along" cars with a pass seat, they run them at race speeds and theres "no difference" in handling (good enough for me!!)....Im going to install a NASA/American Iron "X" type door bar set up in it when I get to that point....something you can still get in when you open the door....thanks for checking in...D

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

his and ZuperZports should meet for a photoshoot..

those two are ABSOLUTELY some of my top favorite builds on here.

[shortrack]

his and ZuperZports should meet for a photoshoot..

those two are ABSOLUTELY some of my top favorite builds on here.

Haha.....maybe a shoot OUT.....yeah kickin and gougin at Watkins Glen.....or Darlington
Hes got quite the mill in that thing though...Id have to lift one Dale Jr's 850hp engines when they ar'nt looking...and a Jerico straight cut clutchless tranny, keep it floored and POUND through those shifts....careful, she'll light em up hard going into third at 110.....back off and the flames pour out the pipes
its cool Hendricks got lots of motors and trannys haha!.....bolt right in, still got all the mounts and the dry sump stuff...........yeah

thnx

[shortrack]

Haha.....maybe a shoot OUT.....yeah kickin and gougin at Watkins Glen.....or Darlington
Hes got quite the mill in that thing though...Id have to lift one Dale Jr's 850hp engines when they ar'nt looking...and a Jerico straight cut clutchless tranny, keep it floored and POUND through those shifts....careful, she'll light em up hard going into third at 110.....back off and the flames pour out the pipes
its cool Hendricks got lots of motors and trannys haha!.....bolt right in, still got all the mounts and the dry sump stuff...........yeah

thnx


I gotta stop posting after partying at the nieghbours all night.....

[Flash68]

and a Jerico straight cut clutchless tranny, keep it floored and POUND through those shifts....

Dont you have to lift off the gas briefly while shifting those clutchless? That's what I've seen....

[shortrack]

Dont you have to lift off the gas briefly while shifting those clutchless? That's what I've seen....

your right.....but it sounded good in my.....ahem.....story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWitTmI6hfE

[Flash68]

your right.....but it sounded good in my.....ahem.....story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWitTmI6hfE

LOL... hey that's a great clip you found.. thanks for posting.. shows some guys use the clutch (sometimes) and others don't... and there are different styles to footwork and pedaling...

[craigs73]

wow this is a sweet ride some how i missed this thread

[shortrack]

Got the drip rails shaved and are looking pretty good....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/August1311014Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Ok its me back doing the body work now. The whole lower area between the tail lights to the trunk floor was shot and had to be removed....good thing is that I can do anything I want.....the bad thing is I can do anything I want.....hard to decide exactly how I want to tackle this

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/August1311024Medium-1.jpg

[Bjkadron]

Whole lower area between the tail lights to the trunk floor was shot and had to be removed....good thing is that I can do anything I want.....the bad thing is I can do anything I want.....hard to decide exactly how I want to tackle this


Hmm.. How about something like this?

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

Raise the fuel cell just a hair for clearance and there you go!

Of course, if you did that to the back.. you would have to balance it out with something equal for the front.
Like a splitter and canards or something...

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

[shortrack]

Haha yeah!....seeing I have no rule book at some point I will make efforts to streamline the car.....shaving the drip rails were #1, especially on the A pillars!....I want to fill the grille except for the rad opening and do some work underneath the car...Im looking forward to it.

[Johnny Blaze]

Still love this project! Good progress. Makes me feel better knowing others take as long as me to build their cars.

[dusterbd13]

yay progress!

glad to see you making some progress.

its gonna be winter up there soon. got heat in the shop, or will you have to wait till spring?

Michael

[FRENCHBLUE72]

What an awesome build man keep up the good work...

[Buryingthesun]

This is something I always imagined doing, but never though anyone has done! Great job!

[linkstar69]

Progress is good man. I'd love to do something like this, I guess being down here in australia I'd have to use a V8 supercar as a platform

[coolwelder62]

Progress is good man. I'd love to do something like this, I guess being down here in australia I'd have to use a V8 supercar as a platformIMHO,A V8 super chassis would be much better than a cup chassis.

[shortrack]

IMHO,A V8 super chassis would be much better than a cup chassis.

Nice! LOL!!

[454bug]

It's amazing how much cleaner the body lines look without the drip rails... :twothumbs

Great job!!

[linkstar69]

IMHO,A V8 super chassis would be much better than a cup chassis.

If only the two would share technical development we'd all have the best of both worlds.

[andrewb70]

It's amazing how much cleaner the body lines look without the drip rails... :twothumbs

Great job!!

It may look nice, but believe me, if you actually drive the car, and it happens to rain, you will get soaked even if you so much as crack the window...

Andrew

[shortrack]

It may look nice, but believe me, if you actually drive the car, and it happens to rain, you will get soaked even if you so much as crack the window...

Andrew

Man Andrew you're old school.....my 89 Iroc has no drip rails and that body style came out in what? '82!

A couple things going on in that mod.....a lot of old stock car guys did that for better areo which I fully understand....when my original '69 would get up to 120 plus the wind noise was just deafening, I always attributed much of that to the drip rails on the A pillar....my Iroc has none and its no near as noisy at speed......plus this thing will never be a daily driver....It'll be a slick shod track car and Sat nite street legal, the amount of rain this thing will see will be next to nothing.

[454bug]

Yeah, I wouldn't imagine this car would see much rain... Unless you were truly just "caught" out in the rain, I'm sure this ride will only be on the track or on a nice sunny day! :drive:

[HarleyR]

looks awesome... I cant help but chuckle when I see cars/chassis of days gone buy how much different things were.... like the front sway bar tube.. the ones in cars now are almost 3 inch diameter....Also if you need any parts let me know before you pay top dollar for something that isnt worth it... I can find whatever part you need in a few hours.... just let me know

[SS PUNISHER]

DUDE! Awesome!!!

[shortrack]

looks awesome... I cant help but chuckle when I see cars/chassis of days gone buy how much different things were.... like the front sway bar tube.. the ones in cars now are almost 3 inch diameter....Also if you need any parts let me know before you pay top dollar for something that isnt worth it... I can find whatever part you need in a few hours.... just let me know

Yeah Harley shes Old School!!.....but one thing I absolutely LOVE about these cars is if I wanted to I could take the car down to Hopkins or Hutch Pagan or one of about a half dozen other shops in North Carolina and have them cut the front end off the car and install a new updated front clip that is just as trick as what Tony Stewart just won the Championship with....and thats no big deal for them they do that kind of thing every day on these cars and can be done quite reasonably.....but Im a LONG way from that....
But like I posted earlier in the thread the small (front) (sway) bar set up that is currently in it makes for a very forgiving car and will suit a someone like me just fine for now......and when I think that guys like Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon won Championships in cars identical to mine I think hmmmm......maybe it will be good for QUITE awhile lol.......D

[shortrack]

DUDE! Awesome!!!

Hey! thanks for checking in man.

[dusterbd13]

so, any new pictures? id love to see some. just cant fget enough of this car.

[ryeguy2006a]

Such a cool project. I helped my dad do a restoration on his 1968 Chevelle Malibu. Very cool car.

[sokoloka]

so, any new pictures? id love to see some. just cant fget enough of this car.

Nice to see I'm not the only one anxious for updates!

[shortrack]

Nice to see I'm not the only one anxious for updates!

Well after the car returned from the sandblasters it turned out it was in much worse shape than I had hoped (imagine that) which was kind of discouraging...... but I am just getting to the time window in the year where work allows me to work on the car (from about now to the end of April) so I should show some progress soon......D

[shortrack]

Oh...here's one....heres how I solved the rear filler area....this area is almost completely covered by the bumper

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/CottageSept2011004Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Heres some more....I spoke to David (the guy from Virginia who is helping me with the chassis set up) and he said to put any set ups in the car the car must be on a level surface....he said normally a race shop (like his) will have a surface plate but if you dont you can make one....so he told me what to do.

On his instruction I bought a cheap laser level ($45) and lasered out a level spot on the floor.....from now on all set ups will be performed with the car in this spot.

As it turned out the LF (left front) was the highest so it has no shims....the RF needed a 3/8" thick piece of plywood and the two rears needed a full inch each.....I covered theplywood with some waterproofing stain I had lying around so if they ever got wet they would be less likely to swell and warp.....I built the shop so I knew the floor had "fall" front to back for water drainage but I was amazed how the car sat up visibly straighter on the new level surface.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/newstuff028-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/newstuff007a-1.jpg

[shortrack]

So from now on I will use blocks to set frame heights on his (Davids) instruction.....blocks are placed in front of the rear wheels and behind the front wheels.....same places every time.....David said the smoother the track the lower you can get away with running the ride height....especially since I dont have to adhere to a rule book (heh heh)......ride height is infinately adjustable with the jack bolts on all four coil springs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/newstuff003a-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/newstuff005a-1.jpg

[dusterbd13]

im glad to see im not the only guy that uses wooden solutions to these problems.

and youre correct. the more level the surface, the better the setup.

thanks for the updates.

michael

[gofastwclass]

im glad to see im not the only guy that uses wooden solutions to these problems.

Speaking of wood... I made some wooden stands that allow me to place the car in the air while the weight is still on the wheels. It's an idea I got from a race shop where they made some similar wooden "crates" and essentially used them for jack stands only under the wheels. With this system I can get the car much higher than traditional jack stands and it's safer because it's on the wheels which are in pockets so nothing rolls. :)

[dusterbd13]

ive seen things like that. how do you get it upo that high? what methgod of safe lifting are you using? that will come in handy when i do my five speed.

[PAI Racing]

Wow! I remember seeing this project on serious offshore a couple years ago. Nice to see it progressing!

[shortrack]

Wow! I remember seeing this project on serious offshore a couple years ago. Nice to see it progressing!

Hey.....that site went 'Seriously' to h ell didnt it!

[shortrack]

Been at it....need to use the stock rad cradle as it houses the headlight buckets etc....I'll use a thicker piece of material but you get the idea.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/newcakes006Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Battery placement.....I'll build a bracket for it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/newcakes014Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Finalizing rocker attachment/reinforcement.....this is the largest part that connects the body to the chassis...welded straight on...no body on frame like the original Chevelle.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/newcakes033Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Bought a new set of Sparco Evo 2 Plus's.....super comfortable.....one of the driving position.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/newcakes027Large-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/newcakes021Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Engine....a pretty stock 406 that I have lying around was going to put it in a truck I had but I sold it.....80s Vette alum heads....Super Chevy had a (big block) 'Impersonator' build for a stock 406 and they put a set of Vortec heads on it, changed the cam and 9:1 it made 420 hp 525ft/lbs.....be a good low buck torquer to get the car rollin' and work the bugs out....what do you think of that?.......build the 'bullet' later....D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/newcakes030Large-1.jpg

[sixfivepost]

I can't wait to see this thing in street trim! Bada$$ and I'm not a NASCAR guy.

[Flash68]

That thing needs an 18 degree motor. :)

[MonzaRacer]

My buddies used to have a 10 degree Buick circle jerk engine,,,,wonder if they still have it?

[Bryce]

Nice progress.

[sokoloka]

Good to see you're back at it! One of my favorite builds on here.

[keithq69]

Great build, I love the look of the car.
Nice to see someone else from the southern Ontario area here too.

I'll be looking for updates.

Keith.

[peices of eight...]

I have really injoyed following this thread, it's great idea! Have you thought of a colour ? or are thinking a about a vinyle rap? it is early yet, hope to see more updates soon, A !

[sr73bu]

This car is so tough looking!!!! Really like the seats too!

-Sean

[dusterbd13]

im am soooo stoked to see progress on this. by far one of my favorite builds.

[shortrack]

Thanks very much for all the replies....Big week in the shop!!..... finalized body position and welded body to chassis, cut out the temp door bars and fitted a door....the car is free from the wooden body lift.....after 3 yrs its gone, outta here, the car is all one, way more room in the shop.....this is right up there with the two cars becoming one.....love it.

it's welded directly with 1/8" steel plates, four altogether, the rocker is welded directly to the frame rail and several spots on the trunk area

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ChevelleProjectIV004-1.jpg

[shortrack]

The other big deal was fitting a door.....Ive been sweating this day for literally years....it was hard to tell by eyeballing if the closed door would clear the front down tube of the rollcage.....I thought I might have to totally modify the door to fit and possibly loose the roll up windows......

As you can see the closed door clears the roll cage by millimeters...YEAH BABY!....no door/window modifications required

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ChevelleProjectIV005Large-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ChevelleProjectIV008Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

She's free.....!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ChevelleProjectIV010Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

threw the other seat in for fun.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ChevelleProjectIV019Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Just got the Penske 7300 series shocks....current Nascar technology, used extensively in the Busch and Truck series. The top of the line Sprint Cup stuff is the the really big $$ remote reservoir 8300 series....once I have the car all together I'll call the "Penske Shock Guy" in my area, give him corner weights, describe the car, tell him the type of tracks, estimated top speed and some other things then send him the shocks and he will re valve and re charge them and I should be good to go....yeah man!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV002Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Nascar Chevelle

Did a quickee Vengence style paint job in rattle can black primer, mocked up the car and rolled it outside for some pics....the car needs some more bodywork and I'll have to trim the fenders some more but this will be what it will look like.....Im liken' the flat black paint, that will be the color.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV071Large-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV070Large-1.jpg


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

[shortrack]

more Nascar Chevelle

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV039Large-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV026Large-1.jpg



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV025Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Nascar Chevelle

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV072Large-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV066Large-1.jpg



thats my 52 y/o wife.....

[Dons67]

Don't you mean "25" y/o wife......

keep up the good work, looks like a lot of fun!

[19,69camaro]

Wow! That thing is way cool. Everything about this car is mean.

[dug]

this build is pretty sick. I want to see it rip up the track

[Flash68]

That is awesome... totally love it! Can I have it? LOL

[gjs14]

So bad a$$!

[sik68]

Really love it!

[NOT A TA]

So bad a$$!

X2 Awesome!

[Bryce]

awesomeness!

[SS PUNISHER]

I love them don't give a sheet about a paint job paint jobs! :-)

[Hotwhilz]

Flare that thing and your done! Bitchin!

Ben

[linkstar69]

Looks like a car for an apocalyptic movie. (think mad maz etc)

I think I'm in love!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

id drive it just like that!

[shortrack]

Thank you for all the props guys, really.....I get the slicks for free eh!.....theres not much of a road map in a build like this, you hope it turns out like you envisioned, that being said its turned out pretty much exactly like I had hoped.....a late 70s Late Model Stock Car.... I remember going to a race at the 1/3mi Peterborough Speedway in like '77 (still in operation btw) and the whole Late Model field was 68 -72 Chevelles that looked just like my car above (like 26 of them!).....with the dual oval exhaust exiting through the quarter panel right in front of the back tire...cool.....Chevelle heven


Nobody saw my new Penske shocks?......Im really happy about them.....these are the current standard shock used in Nascar today.....the amount of adjustments in these cars is endless, Im really looking forward to the chassis set up side of this car

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/ChevelleProjectV002Large-1.jpg

[Bjkadron]

Nice shocks! I considered getting some like that... Are they adjustable? Or do you have to rebuild them to change the valving?

[shortrack]

Nice shocks! I considered getting some like that... Are they adjustable? Or do you have to rebuild them to change the valving?

you can adjust the rebound in the little window in the small end....these are the old style ones.....the newer ones have an bigger/easier adjustment knob on them

[shortrack]

Fuel cell and trunk area starting to take shape....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ChevelleProjectVI0751Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Some more updates....the car has sort of taken on an identity of its own. The only interior option that is now "right" is what I call "modified period correct" that is.....as period correct as modern safety will allow....got the door bars in....windows still roll up and down.....going to run the stock door panels and old school black face Autometer gauges.....Im going to mount the Monster tach old school as in Smokey's Chevelle in the second pic.....Im liking the way it is turning out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ChevelleProjectVI068Large-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/used1967chevroletsmokey_yunicknascarchev-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ChevelleProjectVI065Large-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ChevelleProjectVI071Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Cut out the recessed fuel fill out of the race cars fender , reinstalled it on the Chevelle. Instead of using a dry break ordered a fuel cap from the Allstar catalog....bolted right up to the recessed flange no problem.....gotta love stock cars. If I ever decide I want a dry break I'll unbolt the the gas cap and bolt one on.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ChevelleProjectVI060Large-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Have the rear firewall pretty much done, package tray made to stock dimensions....my buddy owns a sign shop and Im going to get him to make up some decals of some Jensen Triaxials to put back there lol.....anyone even know what they are??

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ChevelleProjectVI063Large-1.jpg

[chaz75]

yes, I miss my Triaxials, cool idea. chaz

[linkstar69]

I continue to love this car more and more.

[Flash68]

Awesome. That truck/fuel cell setup looks perfect. Well done.

[shortrack]

I continue to love this car more and more.


Awesome. That truck/fuel cell setup looks perfect. Well done.

Thanks guys, it has a long way to go but it's come a long way too....

The delema Im facing now is whether to run the fuel/brake lines through the interior (more protection) or attach to the frame underneath the car (less cluttered inside the car and more street friendly) All the race guys say absolutely through the interior from a protection standpoint but hundreds of cars are tracked and have no problems with the lines running under the car....I'm thinking of running them through some sort of conduit under the car for protection.

[andrewb70]

Fuel cell and trunk area starting to take shape....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ChevelleProjectVI0751Large-1.jpg

Are you sure that the fuel cell is secure? Maybe a couple more 2"x2" thick wall tubes are needed? :razz:

Andrew

[shortrack]

Are you sure that the fuel cell is secure? Maybe a couple more 2"x2" thick wall tubes are needed? :razz:

Andrew

Haha!

According to Nascar Tech it's secure!

[454bug]

my buddy owns a sign shop and Im going to get him to make up some decals of some Jensen Triaxials to put back there lol.....anyone even know what they are??



GREAT progress on the Chevelle!! :twothumbs

Yeah, we are from the same era in time... I loved my Jensen Triaxials with my awesome Craig "Powerplay" stereo with its whopping 40 watts of power!!! :bananna2: (circa 1976... :))

Just in case some of you are too young to have experienced some of these electronic marvels in person... Here are a few hints of the awesome technology we had when some of us were in high school!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Jensen-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/KGrHqNhUE7WtttrclBPJwiuuk8w60_57-1.jpg

Here's an ad for the EXACT underdash top of the line 8-track system I had in my 1974 F-100 pickup!! :1st:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/craig-1.jpg

[shortrack]

Arlo Guthrie and Billy Preston!....Whoa!! :headbang: