Introducing - Project 1/2-TRAK

[Kenova]

Your pictures bring back memories. I did the same thing with my Nova. Oddly enough, I didn't mind doing it. I guess I'm just a little :screwy: . Now that I think of it, the wife didn't bother me while I was underneath the Nova .......

Ken

[David Pozzi]

Gee, you did a really nice job removing the old undercoating...


Feel better now?:woot:

[MrQuick]

man the memories...I don't even go there anymore. $400 trip to the blasters and its a done deal. Glassbead makes quick work of the grime and under coating.

[LateNight72]

Hmm... You missed a spot. :rotfl:

[Damn True]

Gee, you did a really nice job removing the old undercoating...


Feel better now?:woot:

Wiseguy eh?

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

[Damn True]

Well, I got the whole thing scraped down and about 1/2 of it wiped down with lacquer thinner.

What kind of gloves will hold up to that stuff? Latex and Nitrile both dissolve in pretty short order. I had to change them every few minutes. Gotta be something that will hold up to that solvent and allow some degree of dexterity.

[poormans69]

My god do I feel for you. You had to listen to the Giants on the radio? I bet your glad that's over.

[Damn True]

They've won 9 out of the last 12.

[BonzoHansen]

Looking good.


They've won 9 out of the last 12.

I like listening the baseball in the garage - the Yanks, of course, lol.

[Damn True]

Looking good.



I like listening the baseball in the garage - the Yanks, of course, lol.

Baseball on the radio is just good.

I like the Yankees, but that new park is a freakin joke. 25 games in that park with over 100 home runs. That is absurd. It's like a little-league field.

[Damn True]

Undercoating - gone.

Back - sore.

Neck - sore.

Arms - sore.

Hands - sore.

[WS6]

good man. I've got some rust I need to sand and wire brush away on the underside of my car too. I've got it on a lift but I'm still not looking forward to it.

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Undercoating - gone.

Back - sore.

Neck - sore.

Arms - sore.

Hands - sore.
Amazing undercarriage - priceless...

[formula98]

Great progress! I guess I need to make it out to my shop and cut up a 1/4 for you.....

[TA219]

good work, I remember going through that crap too! That stuff is thick but it worked pretty well on my car, my floors didnt really have too much rust after I was done cleaning them up!

[Damn True]

Amazing undercarriage - priceless...

Covering it all back up with lizard skin.....priceless.

[Damn True]

Great progress! I guess I need to make it out to my shop and cut up a 1/4 for you.....


That'd be fantastic. Thanks!!

[72NovaSS]

Undercoating - gone.

Back - sore.

Neck - sore.

Arms - sore.

Hands - sore.

sounds like you need a rub down from the wifey!

[redfire69]

prolly been easier replacing the metal!! J/K- looks good.


Undercoating - gone.

Back - sore.

Neck - sore.

Arms - sore.

Hands - sore.

[Damn True]

Worked a bit on the assembly of the steering system last night.

Started with the idler arm and steering box. Found out from David Pozzi that there can be some bind with the idler if the drag link is not installed with the idler arm/subframe bolts loose. He's right. I didn't loosen the bolts before I put the drag link in and....Yup. Sure enough. Bound up like a colon full of cheddar cheese.

Not to self and anyone else with a Camaro: David Pozzi knows his stuff. Listen to him.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/CIMG4206-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/CIMG4209-1.jpg

The steering box is an ATS 670 unit. These are built for ATS by Tom Lee. I've had the pleasure of speaking to him on the phone. He struck me as one of those eccentric old wizards. When he isn't building super high-zoot stuff for teams in NASCAR, ALMS and others he works on stuff like this for us mortals.

The ATS/LEE 670 boxes are initially built on an assembly line with normal production tolerances. ATS's spec for the Lee box requires that every brand new unit is completely taken apart, re-honed, blueprinted, re-valved, dyno tested, magna-fluxed, and finished in some kind plating. They used to use a really sexy looking cadmium, but the CA EPA (nazis) rules are such that they are now using zinc. Still a good looking unit, but not as cool as the cad plating. These are race proven precision boxes, built exclusively for ATS. I don't know all the details of what Lee does with the valves, but I've driven a car with one of these in it, and it is by far the best feeling recric-ball steering gear I've ever felt. Better than a lot of rack/pinion setups in terms of feel.

Tyler, feel free to expand on this a bit.

Next up is the tie rod assemblies. The inner is a run of the mill Moog unit. The outer though is kinda neat. Baer brakes makes these things called "Baer Trackers" (a bit silly) but cool. Big honkin high offset rod end connected to a 1-3/16" dia aluminum coupler that threads directly onto the inner tie rod. The Baer Trackers provide the capability to adjust out any remaining bump-steer from the system by swapping the cad-plated shims (see photo) either above or below (or both in differential amounts) the rod end. A bit bulky, but still lighter than the traditional tie rod it replaces.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/CIMG4210-1.jpg

So with those bits installed I can see about mocking up some of my clearances.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/CIMG4217-1.jpg

That's a 275x40x17 tire on a borrowed 17x9 vette rim. The offset of the wheel is nothing like what I'm going to run, but it gives me something to calculate from.

....and it looks like I have some "cipherin" to do here.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/CIMG4213-1.jpg

With the steering arm bolted directly to the spindle, the tie rod assembly set at the OE length and the max offset on the bump steer adjuster the rod end crashes with the inner flange of the wheel.

Spoke with Tyler about it this morning, and the solution is not that big of a deal. I can space the steering arm inboard a bit, shorten the tie rod assembly accordingly, and the wheel spacer I will need to run to clear the Wilwood 6-pot brakes will move the wheel outboard enough to provide the required clearance.

It's always something isn't it?

Not to worry though. With the Speed-Tech control arms adjustable steering stop feature I'll be able to make the above modifications without much negative impact on total available steering angle. SWEET!

[BonzoHansen]

Progress is good.

And yes, new ballyard in the bronx is not.

[MrQuick]

*cough* 19's *cough*

LOL

[venturabeachpup]

Really nice progress True. Looking good.

"bound up like a colon full of cheddar cheese"...LOL that really cracks me up. You should start a post for one liners in the Junkyard and see what we come up with.

[Damn True]

Matt put on a welding class for a bunch of CC.com members over the weekend. Thus emboldened, I began installing the rear suspension yesterday.

It's going ok initially. Trying to be extra careful with the cutting so the crossmember fits as tightly as possible.

Photos of big holes cut in an old car to follow.

[Gonzostyle]

Well, I got the whole thing scraped down and about 1/2 of it wiped down with lacquer thinner.

What kind of gloves will hold up to that stuff? Latex and Nitrile both dissolve in pretty short order. I had to change them every few minutes. Gotta be something that will hold up to that solvent and allow some degree of dexterity.

True, I am a bit late getting to this, but I use Safegrip gloves (by microflex). The gloves even stand up to light use of brake cleaner. The link below is to the Amazon site, but a little shopping around might net you a better price.

-Jeremie

http://www.amazon.com/Microflex-SG375L-SafeGrip-Powder-Latex/dp/B000JFHN38

[Damn True]

Worked on the install for about 4hrs last night, I think I spent 3hrs just removing and installing the x-member, leveling, checking, measuring, and deciding what to cut and less than 1hr actually cutting. Really trying hard to make sure the fit is as tight as possible on that thing.

Took a few photos, but it's really hard to see what's going on in them. Perhaps as I get deeper into it.

[PARKERRS]

That's what happens with the 3-link. Alot of ciphering and fitting for a little cutting. Try doing the center link close out from scratch like on my 72. The prototype for it was a 70 which has a different trunk floor and seat divider than 71 up camaro.

I feel your pain but when the 3-link is in just the look alone is worth it, much less the performance.

[Damn True]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[madmax]

here you go I kinda did this quick

Thought about doing the reverse shot and putting a pink bunny between the tails and adding a 69 to it

hope you dont mind

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/08/bunnycamaro-1.jpg

To tell you the truth, I wasn't so hot on that silver stripe with the blue. I think it breaks up the awesome rich dark of the black and blue color... but call me sick.... I kind of like the pink.........................

it makes the silver pop....
:lurk:

[Motown 454]

Maybe you could write Playboy if you paint it Pink, and see if they could get Heff ( my hero ) to autograph it . Maybe ship him the glove compartment door . You could write the show, Girls Next Door and ask. Maybe you'll get some press from it. Stranger things have happen. Then who else will have one like yours..

[Damn True]

No thanks.

[Damn True]

Que suspenseful music..........


The 3-link install begins.


Step one, the front x-member.

Take a minute to perve out on Matt's welding.....it's a shame it'll be covered up....not to mention it'll have to spend the rest of it's days next to my slipshod hack welds.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4225-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4226-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4229-1.jpg

Start by using the all-thread to lift the x-member into position. Ensuring it is level f/r and l/r with the angle finder.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4230-1.jpg

The first place to make contact is the center of the trans tunnel.

MORE HOLES!!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4224-1.jpg

Lift a bit more and the front trailing arm mount boss makes contact with the torque boxes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4232-1.jpg

The floor is two layers of steel here. This was tough to cut exactly vertical because all the goofy curves and angles in the sheet metal made it tough to keep track of the correct axis.

Sneaking up on it little by little....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4233-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4234-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4384-1.jpg

In that last one there you can see I've started to work my way down the sides of the tunnel as well.

Something of a gap in my photo taking.....skip ahead, skip ahead, skip ahead....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4385-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4388-1.jpg

Just clamped in at this point. I still need to clean up the edges and weld.

[67SSDan]

Nice work man!

Dan

[796spdbu]

Hell yeah!! looking good!

[LowBuckX]

thread added to my favs

[GHOSTDANCER]

Looking good :cheers:

[zman1969]

man I get annoyed because breaks at work or when I get to the office almost an hour early is my time to surf BUT it blocks almost all the pictures so if I remember when I get home and can see the pics make me more mad about work- anyway now I'm home and can see the progress I have to says keep going! and its a mazing how much of the original GM Pink panther paint is still on her
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/CIMG4384-1.jpg

wish I had my car near to work on, but then its been like 103-104 the last few days makes me realize I have to get A/C in my garage soon - great work and keep us posted please :smoke:

[Damn True]

Spent the day making teeny-tiny fill pieces to put in the gaps where the fit was too loose for my liking then got it tacked in on the interior side.

Got too hot in the garage to continue and dinner was ready anyway.

Should be able to get it fully welded in with about another 3 or so hrs work. Then I can start on the install of the rear x-member that supports the watts link.

[parsonsj]

Nice work!

I remember cutting my floor out for my 3 link. Those were good days.

Keep enjoying the journey.

jp

[Damn True]

Update:

Tacked in the front x-member a week or so ago. Not sure why I didn't get an update in then. Life interrupted I suppose. Lamenting the sad fact that Matt's beautiful work should have to spend eternity nuzzled up next to my crappy welds.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4398-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4400-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4401-1.jpg

Then I was able to get crackin on the rear x-member which also provides the support structure for the watts link.

Began by using the axle centerline marks that I'd put on the fenders prior to removal of the OE rear suspension to provide a datum to measure from:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4402-1.jpg

Then measured back from that datum point 5-3/8" to the spot that will be the front of the rear x-member. Then used the back edge of the x-member to mark my rear-most cut line.

Hmm, don't have a photo of the hole. I do enjoy cutting big holes in the car for some reason....not sure why.

Anyway, here are some photos of the rear x-member just clamped in place. I have a couple of questions that I hope Mark, James, Matt or Katz can answer and one for Alan as well. But first, the pics:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4462-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4466-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4459-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4461-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4457-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4458-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4455-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4467-1.jpg



So, the questions:

Mark, James, Matt or Katz:
Will the trunk floor be welded to that x-member where it makes contact? Or will I cut it further back and join it to the fill panel once its trimmed to fit?

[eville]

mmmmmmmm dead guy
nice 3 link too

[Damn True]

mmmmmmmm dead guy
nice 3 link too

I.D.F.A.


Thanks.

[bingham72]

That looks sick!!! Now I'm going downstairs to get to work.

[larknut]

What's going on with this build? I am patiently awaiting progress.

[Damn True]

Vacation, home projects and work has been NUTS for the last few months.

Really jonesing to get back to work on it. Hope to get a better handle on things soon.

I really appreciate the interest. Thanks for asking!

[ZZ427]

Can't wait to see this done .

[Damn True]

You and me both buddy.

[Steve68]

I just hate when life gets in the way!!!

Don't worry True your not the only one, I only need mains and rod bearings for a complete LSX engine build!!!

but where's the TIME, tonights Science Fair data and soccer............... oh , the car, I pass it when I walk through the garage!!!! BUT, I did have a great summer surfing with the girls!!!

[Steve68]

been a month, I've been cleaning up getting ready for more cutting/welding, what have you done?

[Bryce]

awesome, looking at your post just remotivated me to work on my car. It has been 3 weeks since i built something for my car.

I really mark's 3 link. That was the motivation to build my own.

[Damn True]

been a month, I've been cleaning up getting ready for more cutting/welding, what have you done?

Ive been fitting the rear x-member to the frame rails. I will probably do my final test fit of the whole system on Friday. Then the stuff goes out for powdercoating.

[Steve68]

Sweet, NOT meaning your sitting around on your arse,

[larknut]

Hooray for progress! Not that I can say much since I haven't really started anything on my own car. I live vicariously through other members build threads especially the at home/garage builds. Keep it going True.

[796spdbu]

Any new progress?

[Damn True]

Any new progress?

Ugh, no.

Thanksgiving
Changed jobs (same company different role)
25hrs of Thunderhill
Christmas

Far too many cocktail parties, dinner parties etc.
Far too much money spent elsewhere.

[796spdbu]

Sounds like you have been busy..I dig your car and was just curious...

[nicks67camaro]

Maybe after the new year?.....You know these things don't build themselves!

[Damn True]

Maybe after the new year?.....You know these things don't build themselves!

Elves! I need little Camaro building ELVES!

[Steve68]

Elves! LOL!,

Went to the orthodontist with the oldest, she now lives with us she'll be 11 in Jan,

the fiaence work for the ortho and the pedo Dr., the ortho guy had a Chevelle in college 67SS,

He asks why my Camaro's not done, I told him poor "time management" he questions that, I said ya, "poor time management",

didn't you see the 3 that walked out, which was my daughter, her daughter, and her, "that my time eaters right there" he busted out laughing!

but, better spend time with them now because in 3-5 yrs, all the'll want is money and be gone with there friends,

[Damn True]

You should'a told him; "Because I'm paying YOU!"

Oh that was the other thing. We had close to $10k worth of dental bills this year as well, and 1/2-again that much in Vet bills.

[nicks67camaro]

You should'a told him; "Because I'm paying YOU!"

Oh that was the other thing. We had close to $10k worth of dental bills this year as well, and 1/2-again that much in Vet bills.

Dental work SUCKS! Is your pet ok?

[Damn True]

Dental work SUCKS! Is your pet ok?

Yeah. Roxy is a bullmastiff. They have the same amount of teeth as a normal dog but a much shorter jaw. Thus the teeth are really crammed together. As they get older they frequently have dental problems and require having a few pulled. K9 dental work is as expensive, if not more than human.

[nicks67camaro]

Oh good. I hate to see sick pets.

[arue333]

Hey! Where's the progress photos??? You know my addiction won't feed its self.... :smoke:

[larknut]

Its been awhile. Just checking in! How's the 3-link coming along?

[Damn True]

Haven't touched the car in quite a while. Time & $$ out of stasis.

[Steve68]

You should'a told him; "Because I'm paying YOU!"

Oh that was the other thing. We had close to $10k worth of dental bills this year as well, and 1/2-again that much in Vet bills.


The good thing is I have good ins. for a while longer, but since the G/F works there, ins cover what they send, then the rest gets written away, good to have people in the business,

But I'm with you time and money, but I have started to assemble the LSX motor, bottom end coming together nicely,

saving money for the G bar kit and getting ready to install the DSE front coilover set up, ,

[Steve68]

I'm bumping you back to page one for the shame you'll throw up some updates, or a basic, just showing everyone, pic nobodys project is more stagnent than mine,

I'm also bumpn' Tony's P/F Project car too,

Then when I make a post of my car, you guys can be a jerk to me, for updates! lol

[XLexusTech]

any updates

[Damn True]

Just wrote a HUMONGOUS check to finally, finally, FINALLY get the front and rear landscaping done on the house. That means two things:

a) Sorta broke again.
b) I can at least think about nibbling at work on the car.

Trying to figure out the axle dimensions as seen here:
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?74416-Strange-9-quot-unit-pinion-offset

I may have some time next week to get under the car and figure out the final fittment of the last few bits of the 3-link so I can send it out to get powdercoated.

Ugh...been a while...a long while since I've made any progress. It's been frustrating to say the least.

Had a dream earlier this week that Larry, Steve and Chip Foose showed up on my doorstep to take the car to finish it...but if dreams were nickles....

[dusterbd13]

i was really excitd to see this pop back up. im glad to see its still around.

and i understand about the time and money thing. i work two jobs, one of wich is supposed to pay for my toys. it rarely does. usually, i spend it and my free time on my family. thats why my duster sat for a couple of years.

if you spend all the time you can with the family, you never regret it. the car can wait until you can set aside a couple of hours for it. mine stays apart for weeks at a time, and its supposed to be finished!

[shortrack]

Had a dream earlier this week that Larry, Steve and Chip Foose showed up on my doorstep to take the car to finish it...but if dreams were nickles....

Ha ha No kidding!

Sounds like one of my dreams.....Im a driver not a builder

[Steve68]

Know how you feel, now I'm going to call someone who owes me money!

[j-rho]

Hey True,
Went to check in on your thread, see how it's coming, it's one of the ones that inspired me to build a Camaro. Seems like the link in your sig is broken, possibly due to a forum upgrade?
It is:
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42059
But I think you want it to be,
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?t=42059
which works.

Hope all is well!

[Damn True]

Wow Jason.

I haven't checked this thread in a while. A long while. So I hadn't seen this post.

Yours is a car that I consider one of the most interesting, inspiring and darned successful builds in recent memory. To hear that I had a small part in that is a real honor.

I am deeply moved. Thank you.


Like I said, it's been a while. Roughly 2.5yrs if my math is correct since I've touched my car. If you follow my blog at all the reasons why should be known. But if not have a look here:

http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2011/07/end-of-life-well-lived.html

here:

http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2011/09/san-jose-mercury-news-you-suck.html

here:

http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2011/11/hero-in-tears.html

and finally:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mercurynews/obituary.aspx?pid=168113720

In the last 2.5yrs I've lost all my Grandparents and a dog. The last 2yrs have been spent caring for my Grandfather who had dementia/Alzheimer's. Dealing with other members of my family, various healthcare interests all while watching my Grandfather be slowly killed by his own brain. It's put a toll on me and my marriage and we are just now beginning to catch our breath and start thinking about resuming some form of "normal" life.

So the other day I remembered a conversation I had with my Grandmother about 4yrs ago when I shared with her what I was doing with her car. Couldn't stop thinking about it all day. When I got home from work I went into the garage, cried a bit and started clearing the space around the car and on the workbench. Wound up spending about 5hrs out there. The last 3 or so actually under the car with a grinder and the welder.

My welding is shaky...but damn it felt nice, cathartic and somehow right again to be working on it and doing something for myself.

89382

Spent some time on the phone with some really great and helpful vendors over the last few days that I will call out individually as appropriate. I have quite a bunch of parts coming my way and the updates will follow.

[Kenova]

You have my sincerest condolences True. That is a lot of loss for two years. We all know it is part of life but dammit, that doesn't make it any easier.
It's good to see you back to work on 1/2-Track. As you have already realized it will do you good.

Ken

[MrQuick]

Welcome back and hope to help you out as much as I can. Your grandfather was truly blessed to have you for a grandson. Sorry for your loss.

Make sure you wear a respirator or at least a dust mask when you use them bad boys. No telling what our friends overseas dump in those discs besides silicon abrasive, adhesive material and fiberglass.

[David Pozzi]

Great to see you going on this again!

[Damn True]

I want to see your build thread starting soon David!

Finished the mock-up of the rear suspension tonight and loaded the housing, x-member and various rods into the wagon to go to powder coating tomorow. It pains me to cover up all of Matts beautiful work.

Next up, finishing up the sheet metal portions above and around the upper link. Kinda kicking my ass as to how to do it cleanly.

Axles arrived today from Currie.

[Steve68]

welcome back, I've been there, grandfather died in 2011, wouldn't let my dad help him, he was the original hot rodder, ordered a 442 brand new, along with a 63 Olds Starfire, keep up with the update, I enjoy your posts and blog,

just built myself a 40x40 shop out back, so I start my own build post,

[Damn True]

Picked up the Lateral Dynamics bits from the powder coater this afternoon and there's a big pile of boxes stacked in the garage.

Actual work...coming soon!

[Damn True]

Thanks for the kind words, same goes to all the others who've offered their thoughts both publicly and privately. It means a lot and serves as a reminder of how great this community is.


40x40? Wow. Id love to have that kind of room. I'm working in a pretty standard suburban garage with a bit of extra space on the side. Constant battle to keep the workspace actually clear enough to work in.


welcome back, I've been there, grandfather died in 2011, wouldn't let my dad help him, he was the original hot rodder, ordered a 442 brand new, along with a 63 Olds Starfire, keep up with the update, I enjoy your posts and blog,

just built myself a 40x40 shop out back, so I start my own build post,

[Damn True]

Spent the better part of the afternoon cutting poster-board templates and whittling bits of new sheet metal to fit hunks of old, pink sheet metal.

Nowhere near done.

I'm certain that someone of greater skill than myself would have this segment whipped in a day but I'm still having fun doing it myself.

[Martin71RS]

Hi True, just finished reading your blogs, I'm sorry for your loss ....I can relate...my grandmother died last year (93) and my grandfather (94) is about to pass any day now, my mum is keeping watch beside his bed as I write this. He was deterring mentally but my grandmother passing gave him a big blow...after 65 years of marriage it must be like a part of you dies. Since then he has never been the same. I just hope they will be together again soon. It sucks but it's a part of life I guess.

It's good to hear you are starting work on the car again and I'll be watching for updates :-)

take care,
Martin

[Damn True]

Martin,

I feel for you. Like yours, my Grandparents were together for ~65yrs. I can't imagine what that kind of loss must be like.

The impact of dementia is exacerbated by depression. It's a horrible thing to watch a loved one go through. Best wishes to you and your family and thank you for your kind words.

[Damn True]

Good progress was made last evening. The trunk fill panel is for the most part complete (more tweaks to be made for exhaust clearance but that has to happen after the x-member is welded home) and the dog house over the upper housing attach point is roughed in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/08/CIMG4398-1.jpg

The bit that covers the above though is presenting some challenges. The part provided will be a fairly tight fit with the hardware in place. Noodling some alternatives, among them using an Electra-Glide front fender.

[Damn True]

I've fabricated a solution to the above and hope to weld it in place on Sunday. Once complete, that will wrap up the chassis fabrication work that I will be doing myself (the cage will be done by a pro).

So...to the matter of protecting this hard fought tin work; Does one seam-seal before or after putting some primer on the bare metal?

[Damn True]

Things were progressing nicely this afternoon then the last two (on the right) welds exploded like a couple of zits...

92865

...outta gas. Damn.

[Kenova]

Things were progressing nicely this afternoon then the last two (on the right) welds exploded like a couple of zits...



EEWWWWWW!! Yuk! I hate when that happens. LOL

Ken

[Jetfixr320]

Primer then Seam sealer is what i do.

[Damn True]

Plugging along in the garage at about 7:30pm and damn.....

I don't have a 7/8 crowfoot.

Ugh.


Updates comin soon.

[dangina]

Primer then Seam sealer is what i do.

since primer doesn't prevent rust I'll use a rust prevenative like this:

http://www.vhtpaint.com/products/rollbarchassis/

then seam sealer

then paint it with the same paint again for extra measure

[Damn True]

Ok, so an actual update....

First of all, I want to thank again all those who passed on words of encouragement with regard to the passing of my Grandparents, and the re-start of the project. It's meant a lot.

So the last substantive fabrication/welding task was to finish the install of the Lateral Dynamics 3-Link. I had the front x-member in before work stalled.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3157_zps55d4bd8d-1.jpg

The remaining bits were installing the rear x-member, closing out the torque box, and installing the close-out panels/boxes to make room for the upper trailing arm.

Here's the rear x-member installed. I had it powder coated in a light gray. I hated to cover up Matt's welds, but the guy at the PC shop said a clear PC would discolor and look really lousy.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3153_zps95903836-1.jpg

For some reason, I really enjoy doing those rosette welds. They're just kinda fun. As you can see, I had to put a doubler on the frame to take up the gap between the length of the x-member and the width of the frame. James had to pound his frame rails out to make his fit. Yeah late-60's manufacturing inconsistencies!

Here's the torque box closeouts. I hadn't finished grinding the welds down when I snapped the pic. Kathy was calling me to dinner.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3156_zps96064539-1.jpg

Then I roughed in the trunk pan closeout and the doghouse that houses the upper link on the rear end housing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3162_zpsd1073ff6-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3163_zps9ffbae7e-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3164_zpsff6c7ed8-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3171_zps7594a362-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3174_zpse3a7445c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3172_zps327d2017-1.jpg

More later.......

[Damn True]

Next up was to figure out a reasonably clean way to close out the area above the tunnel where the upper trailing arm will reside. The part that came with the kit was ok, but I didn't like the area around the fwd upper trailing arm mount. It didn't fit tight enough to the mount to allow the hardware to be outside the doghouse, and it was too narrow to access it if you put it inside.

Noodled around a bunch of ideas, including what James did in cutting a tunnel out of another car (t-bird I think) and I looked at using a Harley FL front fender. Almost did that, but once I cut the rolled edges off the fender it was way too flimsy.

So, what I wound up doing is what you see below. Pretty simple. I just struck a template off the fwd edge of the upper trailing arm mount, transferred that to the end of that 6" wide sheet and put a gentle bend it it to land it on the top of the rear doghouse.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3176_zpse303eee0-1.jpg

As you can see, the sides aren't symmetrical. Because neither is the tunnel so that made forming the sides a bit troublesome. This presented another, among many opportunities to discover that my wife is much smarter than I am.

So I'm kneeling inside the cabin of the car, whittling away at a sheet of poster board trying to make a template that matches the nutty bunch of contours from the fwd x-member all along the pan/tunnel, and up onto the fwd face of the rear doghouse. Cut-curse-mark-cut-curse-mark-cut-curse-mark.... So Kathy pokes her head into the car and says "why don't you use a piece of wire and bend it to all those contours and then transfer that to the posterboard?"

In less time than I'd expended nibbling away at the paper, I drove to Lowes, bought 8' of solid core copper ground wire (a bit larger dia than coat hanger wire but more pliable, I forget what gauge) bent it, transferred it to paper and it fit pretty close to perfect.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3181_zps71bc7802-1.jpg

So there is the part tacked in place at the top & bottom, you can see a bit of light peeking in the gap, but it's tiny. A few nudges with a body hammer from beneath closed those up tight. BTW, the gizmo to the right is a "Gorilla Torch", it's made by a company called JOBY. The legs articulate and will wrap around almost anything and the feet are magnetic so it can be placed just about anywhere. Comes in really handy when there isn't enough ambient light to see what you are doing through the auto-darkening shield. Especially when welding under the car as you can focus the beam right where you are trying to weld allowing to to see perfectly before beginning the weld.

Quite a bit of yoga required to weld that part in, but despite that I was able to do some ok work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3180_zps931f39cd-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSCN3177_zps1a8e81ca-1.jpg

Adequate given my meager skill set and experience.

So. Up next is front suspension install (v2.0) and assembly of the rear end housing......

[rickpaw]

I was about to ask on the little gizmo. I may have to get one of those. I tried using a small flashlight, but holding a flashlight and welding at the same time does not always work out.

[Damn True]

Works great. You can buy them direct from their website. Really handy little tool. Got one for Christmas and immediately purchased another to put in my pack for canoe trips and two more to give to friends.

http://joby.com/gorillatorch

[Damn True]

Box-o-goodies arrived yesterday containing amongst other things this lovely hunk of metal:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/C36E48FD232A43A1BCF7C8C2AEFAB663_zpsmfin-1.jpg

[jlwdvm]

Did you decide on rear brakes yet?

[Damn True]

All in boxes on the garage floor. All Wilwood.

[Damn True]

Bit of an issue. Hopefully James or David can advise.

Went to muscle the rear end housing up into the car tonight and ran into a snag. The upper spring perches on the shocks interfere with the frame rail. This prevents the bottom end of the shock from moving outboard far enough to attach to the lower shock mount on the rear end housing.

Assume I need some kind of offset (down) spring perch?

Pics in the morning.

[nicks67camaro]

Hey True I may have missed it but did you change direction on the front sub?

[Damn True]

No. Still a factory subframe.

[jlwdvm]

Which Wilwoods for the rear?

[Damn True]

Ya know when you are working on your own junk and you think something has gone horribly wrong and then someone makes a simple suggestion that didn't occur to you at the time.

That just happened.

Inverted the shocks. Fits fine.

Duh.

Next challenge....Trying to find the axle center-line measurement...anyone know the dimension and where you are supposed to measure from?

[James OLC]

You're welcome

:thankyou:

[Damn True]

Which Wilwoods for the rear?

Superlite 4P per the calculations from Ron in the brake sizing thread. Good guy to work with. Bought everything through him.

[Damn True]

Brake system assembly began today though somewhat truncated by an insidiously progressive "honey-do" list.

Two steps forward and one step back in the form of a wheel stud shoulder that is .020 bigger than the hole in the Wilwood hat.

[jlwdvm]

Did you end up going with a floater rear? I read some of that brake thread and ended up ordering Wilwood D154's to go with my FNSL 6P on the front since I was a little concerned about pad knock back at the track. I have a Strange 9 with their 35 spline center section on the way.

[Damn True]

Non-floater setup. On the advice of David Pozzi I went with ball vs roller bearings to help mitigate axial movement. If that doesn't make the knockback manageable I'll have to go change to power brakes.

[Damn True]

In this update I'm wrapping up (blessedly) the rear suspension install.

If you've not been following along, this is the Lateral Dynamics 3-Link System. Sadly, the company went out of business a few years ago so here's hoping nothing ever goes wrong with this damn thing or I'm hosed.

It's a really nicely designed system though. In use on James Shipka's "One Lap Camaro" https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/3381-1.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T8y_Q5RKcw

....and Yancy John's (former owner Steve Rupp) "Bad Penny" Camaro.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

http://youtu.be/Ay2w0OGDRpQ?t=34s

Both tuned by David and Mary Pozzi and both work spectacularly well. There aren't many of these kits in existence, Mike Kelcy recently got his on the road and that is all the ones that belong to folks I know.

Matt Rogers did all the fabrication on these and I'll be damned if I've ever seen better fitment and welding. Broke my heart to cover it up in powder coating.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3271_zps05ef93ef-1.jpg

As you can see, I had the housing powder coated in a light gray to aid in spotting any leaks or cracks down the road. The 3rd member is a Strange (iron) 9" with 3.70 gears and a Detroit TrueTrac diff. Should be plenty stout.

The hardware in the system is all really top notch as well. I sure wish the manufacturer was still around, I'd love to have a list of the rod end sources and PN's for replacements if needed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3270_zps97f81376-1.jpg

The install of this system was the most challenging part of the build thus far. I went into it with my eyes wide open on that and thanks in large part to Matt, David Pozzi and James Shipka I got through it. Here's hoping the performance potential of this system over some of the more "plug-n-play" bolt in kits makes it worth it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3277_zps03ab4aa3-1.jpg

As you can probably tell, the rear alignment is way off. Not worried about that right now. But I'll get it in the ballpark before it rolls out of the garage at the end of this month.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3278_zps6d051e85-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3274_zps4d733125-1.jpg

Next update with pics will cover the front suspension and shocks.....

[Damn True]

And now, on to front suspension v2.0.

I feel like I need to start with explaining why I felt the change was necessary. I count among my friends James Shipka and David Pozzi. They've worked together for years developing James' 1967 Camaro. When I began my build my intent was to duplicate his efforts. His car and mine share the same Lateral Dynamics 3-Link rear suspension. I followed with great interest their efforts to get the most out of the factory subframe with the ATS Chicane coil over conversion and AFX spindles. If you've followed that car at all you know that they came up against a number of limitations with respect to the ability to fit larger tires and do so in a fashion that didn't negatively impact geometry. Eventually, David created a solution to address both. David decided that he didn't want to duplicate the fix for me and I totally understand and respect that decision. So without a commercially available fix to the limitations of the AFX spindle I was at a decision point. Live with the limitations, change to an aftermarket subframe or change front suspension suppliers.

The first option seemed like not much of an option at all and the second was a hit to the budget for the project that I had a hard time justifying especially given the sweat-equity I had built into the factory subframe. When Ridetech released their new TruTurn solution I quickly realized that what they'd arrived at was very similar to what David had done on James' car and I began to explore that solution further.

Full disclosure, I was a critic of Ridetech when they first entered this market with what then were mainly air sprung solutions. After seeing the effort they've put into developing legitimate high performance suspension solutions over the last few years I can say that though my criticisms may have been valid at the time, they no longer are.

What sealed the deal though was the addition to Ridetech's offerings of a true 3-way adjustable damper. Developed in partnership with Fox Racing these are truly top notch pieces. In a former career I worked closely with engineers at Fox on development of a number of bicycle suspension dampers and I'm well aware of the depth of their experience, the talent of their engineering staff and the resources they can employ to develop a solution to a unique challenge. If you aren't aware (you probably are) Fox in addition to being a leading supplier of motorcycle, bicycle and snowmobile suspension is among the leaders in developing cutting edge off-road truck dampers as well. With data and creativity coming from those various areas of expertise and the knowledge and resources available I had no doubt that the solution to be co-developed with Fox and Ridetech would be a good one. The results found on James car proved out that assumption and I was sold.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/BA2352FA782B498B8D09821343F914C2_zpsq9pb-1.jpg

Further, I want to point out the stellar customer service provided by Ridetech both pre and post-sale. Darren Schilling is RT's lead outside sales guy but he isn't some drone taking orders and writing down credit card numbers. The man absolutely knows the product and is an enthusiast of the first order. As an anecdote; while installing the front suspension I arrived at point in the install where the instructions for the TruTurn system installation and the spindle installation had a bit of a disconnect. So at roughly 6:30PM on a Friday night I tapped out a short email to him on my iPhone, hit send and went in the house fully expecting to get an answer sometime on Monday. I picked up my phone about an hour later to make a call and saw that Darren had replied to my question. At 9:30PM on a Friday night.

Now YMMV on that and I certainly wouldn't tell you to expect Ridetech to always be as responsive, after working hours, on a Friday but I think it speaks to the dedication of the staff that Bret has built.

So, on to the install.....

The Ridetech TruTurn is based on a proprietary spindle that has a built-in drop of (IIRC) 2" and is modified in terms of the height of the spindle as well. It does however use a factory pattern hub and brake mounting matching that of a '68 Camaro disk brake spindle so any brake bracket or hub that would work on a factory spindle will work on the RT spindle but you get the improved geometry.

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

Further, the RT system employs a custom steering arm and drag link offset bracket that the corrects for the steering geometry which is altered by the steering arm. If you look closely at the system and the changes made by David to James' car you will see the similarities in how the two solutions were arrived at.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/truturndiagram-1.jpg

All the above is designed to work with RT's control arms.

The first thing I noticed upon opening the massive pile of boxes was how well the stuff is packaged. The Samsonite gorilla (some of you are too young to know what I'm talking about here, youtube it) couldn't have hurt the contents of those boxes. I filled two entire trash cans with the styrofoam packing material used to protect the parts.

The second thing that struck me was how bloody nice the machining and fitment of the parts was.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3195_zps167cecf2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3196_zps1c8c544e-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3201_zps55ce0af3-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/88F007574B454B9F939D2E814E50325D_zpsh0jw-1.jpg

The attention to detail on this stuff is apparent. The install kit for the shocks comes with a variety of bushings that will allow fitment to darn near any application.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3202_zps49e95793-1.jpg

....darn near. Because the Chicane coilover mount has one shock mount stub permanently affixed I had to machine my own bushing for one side. The means of doing so violated every safety discussion my HS shop teacher ever had and I shant disclose it here. It wasn't particularly difficult....it was just unsafe. It'd have been easier, and safer, with a proper lathe or mill...but I have neither. At any rate between RT's supplied parts and a bit of ingenuity (cough) I made it work.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3199_zpsc54b256e-1.jpg

The spring perch and pre-load collars fit perfectly and adjustments are buttery smooth given the precision machining of the shock bodies.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3198_zps2f2fd1a9-1.jpg

...and the shocks come with top notch springs from Hyperco. Tough to beat those. I'm starting with baseline rates of 700 front and 300 rear and as I'm sure you noticed in previous posts, I used the RT shocks in the rear as well....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3279_zpsa21f0458-1.jpg

Next item up was RT's front sway bar assembly. Again, really superb machining and excellent fit of all the parts. Absolutely no effort on my part required to get stuff to fit. Everything went in just right, the first time w/o any form of modification needed. Given the variations in production tolerances on 40+ year old cars this is kinda astonishing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3200_zpsba736e3c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3197_zps540a994b-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3203_zps5509f18d-1.jpg

The control arms are just really burly pieces. I regret that I didn't take any pics of them prior to assembly so here are a couple from RT's website:

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

The lowers equipped with delerin bushings are built like a bridge abutment and fit perfectly into the spring pockets.

The uppers, also delerin equipped, feature a clever means of adjusting caster. Rather than stacking up a crapload of shims to get to the caster setting you desire, the RT cross shaft is milled out to accept one of three slugs that are centered or offset to the front or rear. This provides for three much smaller adjustment ranges for caster w/o a cludgey stack of shims.

[Note: I do in fact have a crapload of shims there. Seemed like the best place to put them so I didn't lose them before I got the car back on the ground and can do a rough alignment.]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/DSCN3293_zps5a4cc4ee-1.jpg

As you can probably tell, I'm really excited about the shocks. Having Fox practically in my back yard (35min drive) is a nice bonus as well. And again, the fit and finish of the parts was top notch, service from RT before and after the sale has been stellar. I couldn't be happier at this point and I'm really looking forward to developing this solution to work in harmony with the Lateral Dynamics 3-link.

Next up.....My UPS guy is now out on disability.....here's why....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/9962AD67B15142858C3C6C7CFC520550_zpslxkw-1.jpg

[Gil]

Hi Damn True,

Very impresive update... Christmas in summer, wow !

Hum... If you don't know were to put your old & dirty Speedtech's U&L CAs, I may have an idea, just PM me, please !

Gil

[Damn True]

Thanks.

Sorry, but the old parts are sold.

[Gil]

No worries about that.
Awesome work !
Gil

[David Pozzi]

Can you reach the front rebound adjusters OK?
Check the rear shock eye bushing inserts for binding. I had to cut a little metal off the shoulders of them on OLC. It depends on upper shock location front to rear. Biggest chance of binding is at full droop. We used the 16" extended length Ride Tech shocks.

Another note. The shock eye aluminum inserts can fall out fairly easily. It's tempting to put Loctite on them to keep them in place. Don't do that on the small end of the shock. They need to come out when you change springs or do shock valving.
Your spring rates are perfect.

What are you doing for a rear bar? I think the Ride Tech bar is pretty stiff so you will need a matching rear bar.

[Damn True]

Adjusters - it's tight in there, but yes. I have kinda small hands. If I had big old meathooks it might be tough.

Bushings - I ran the rear through its range using the jack. Didn't see any evidence of binding, but I'll keep an eye on it.

Inserts - Mine are dry

Spring rates - I got the rates from you. I'd expect nothing less than perfect.

Rear bar - I have the one you built for me. The modified 2nd Gen bar. We will see if it's enough. IIRC you went bigger still on OLC after that.