68 Camaro Trans-Am Race Replica

[sjakes]

Ok, I'm not as hard core as some of you guys. Although for a guy that has visions of builds I do, I do an ok job and I accomplish a bit more than a guy that just dreams.
I've raced Dirt Circle Track for the past 10 years, and now have decided its time to invest my time and $$$ in something that won't be wrecked every Saturday night.

You can always check out more details about me at my website: www.geocities.com/sjrracing[/URL ([URL]http://www.geocities.com/sjrracing)]

Otherwise here is the start of what I've done to follow along to my latest project.

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2003 Car

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2004 Car

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2005 Car

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2006 Car

[sjakes]

And some more photos.....

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2007 Car

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2008 Car

[sjakes]

Last but not least the current project......
This is most likely the one that all of you can relate to:
Getting the cage put it in as I type. I'll update once I get it back home, will be putting it back on the rotiserre and painting the bottom etc.

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[sjakes]

Here's some of the latest updates...... sorry I've fallen behind on the latest.

Here we have the cage installed, Seats installed...
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and fuel cell mounted
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Big Block Motor Fitted
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After I had all my changes fitted and completed, it's time to put it back on the rotiserre for the bottom side clean up, prep and paint.
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[sjakes]

Another shot of the Rotiserre, before I take it to the shop....
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the next couple are of the work to the underside, and you even catch me actually working???
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[sjakes]

With the underside complete, time for the Red Oxide paint
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[sjakes]

Here we also got the interior prepped and painted. With the race theme, we decided to go with Bedliner the same color as the cage.
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Obviously the photos don't do the color any justice, but I couldn't be happier.

[sjakes]

got the tires/rims mounted and everything is sitting and ready for re-assembly

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[sjakes]

Finally got everything pretty much re-assembled and it once again looks like a car.
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In this photo, you get a taste of my color selection. The mailbox on top of the car was my initial idea, the Blue with Silver Rally stripes. My question now is I'm obligated to stay with the Blue, but do I do some really cool with the striping? or something else. I'm open to any ideas.

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Then there was the long winter pause......... brrrrr.......
Well in the last 2 weeks the project has swung into full swing... and we're off again.

[sjakes]

Here you see it out at the body shop and it really amazed me with doing this project how aftermarket panels simply do not fit? I'm so nieve and actually thought you bolt on a fender etc. and it should actually fit??? You can see in these photos of where the "mud" is in result of cutting or added metal to get the panels and such to fit properly.

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And here you can even see, this has been a family venture, if you look in the backround it's me and my son playing in the back of the shop truck.
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LOL, this is a working photo per say, but it happens at every shop. All the brain work is happening here.... and.... its a friday night so a little reflecting is going on.
[IMG]http://www.geocities.com/sjrracing/camaro49.jpg[/IMG

[sjakes]

Upon getting to the shop, I find the car completely covered up which to me is a bit off. With the good friends at the shop, everyone thought it a bit comical at add a little color in the primer. To my luck, I arrived in time, the plan was to add some easter eggs to the side of the car yet. With my eagerness to get the car complete, they figured that way I would not be tempted to take it for a drive before final paint was on the car.

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A quick couple shots of the dusty Race Interior
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[sjakes]

Next we have all the jammin going on...

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Well, all the shop work is complete for the time being. We figured it would be better to finish the final paint once all the detail work was complete to make sure I don't give the car any unneeded scratches etc. The car will simply need to be blocked out one more time then painted.

In the mean time. It came back home for installation of Complete wiring, Fuel line, Brake lines, and exterior customizations that will give it, it's Race Replica Look.

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Thats how the car sits as of about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Since then I have been wiring my arse off, and let me tell you, wow. I didn't know what I was up against with wiring. 1st time ever doing it, I'm all but done with that. I'm a little worried about "heating" it all up to see if everything works like it should....lol.

I also have all the fuel line ran, and the front grill back together.
I pretty much just have to fit the tail lights and tail light wiring. Then onto brake lines.

Then the fun starts. I'm talking about the Race Look Candy. I will be making windshield hold down clamps and aluminum strapping for the rear windows. Billet Aluminum covers for such areas as Gas cap, holes from not installing bumpers, and finally exhaust, and front and rear spoilers. I am in search of the aluminum race look spoilers. I have found one on the market, although I may attempt to fab some on my own, but why re-create the wheel I guess?

I do need help from YOU! I am torn on the paint scheme. I am committed on the Metallic Blue, I was going to do Silver Rally stripes, but to me I want more, or maybe not more but different. I'm always looking for that "wow" feel. Keep in mind I will be installing a couple vintage race sponsor decals on the front fenders and the vintage numbers on the doors and corner of the hood.
What I am getting at is chime in let me know what you think? If I like your ideas I could very well go with your suggestion. I'm very open to changing my mind. Even give me some examples if your talented enough to put it to a visual.

At any rate another week of late nights is on tap, I want to see it complete so bad and its 60 degrees here today, so now I'm motivated.

[1971CHEVELLE]

looks very good :1st:

[sjakes]

Ok finished up the electrical today, here are some more updates hot off the presses....
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Here the front grill is back to full assembly...
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And the interior is falling back into shape...
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Holy Crap, the electrical works properly, I still can't believe it!
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[sjakes]

A long waited update....

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This guy is a miracle worker, he takes a great paint job and makes it magnificent!!

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Like I said, he makes it ultimately beautiful!

[sjakes]

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I simply love how the front end turned out, a real racey feel.

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[sjakes]

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Adding a bit more magic to still give it more of a race feel.

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Looks complete, although I still need to finish up some interior and some more Billet Aluminum pieces yet, all in all it should be close to complete within a week or so. Not bad for an exhausting 6 month project. Wow, fast 6 months, yawn....lol!

[HectorM52]

Nice looking ride!!!

Something about the black tail panel that I don't like...

[Motown 454]

Nice job the car looks great.

[Code Red]

very nice

[Grumpy Old Man]

Very nice color. Are those the final wheels or just place-holders?

[67SSDan]

Holy crap dude, you went off on that thing! =) Very cool car. What did those seats come out of? Me likey.

Dan

[sjakes]

Yes, those are the final wheels, I know, I know, those aren't the correct look for a vintage race car, but I really liked them :)

As for the seats, not sure? I picked them up at a swap meet. Bought two other sets and returned them because the backs were to high for my liking. These fit pretty nice, I will be making some custom rolled pieces that will go where the headrest slides in.

[gmcdermit1]

Looks awesome....I'm diggin the blue! Glad you went with the white instead of silver, as it really makes the blue pop.:twothumbs

[venturabeachpup]

Good choice on the blue. That's about where I'm heading with mine.
You nailed it!! Congrats on a great car and awesome work!

[FirstGenZq8]

are those greg weld wheels? where the heck did you get them from? i can't find any but 15" on the net.

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Very nice looking car. Love the colors.

[sjakes]

No, the wheels are American Racing Wheels - Torqlite, check this out.

American Racing - TORQLITE (Polished)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifBrand new for 2007! The TORQLITE is a 1-piece fully polished alloy wheel. Available from 15 - 18 for a wide variety of 5-lug applications. Also available in Light Mag texture painted finish.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/05/SP_3796-1.jpg (http://www.buywheelstoday.com/images/?id=3796)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.buywheelstoday.com/images/?id=3796)
Myself, I got them from an Ebay Store and saved some $$$

I wanted a bit of bling but keeping the race theme in mind. I really like the look of them. You can find them at: http://www.buywheelstoday.com/products/TORQLITE+%28Polished%29.bwt

[FirstGenZq8]

oh yeah, i forgot about the torqlites. i want to go wider than 8" in the rear. thank you though.

[sjakes]

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[sjakes]

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[Damn True]

Ok, you are selling the car now. I am moving the portions of the thread related to it's sale.

[sjakes]

Sorry bout that Damn True, thanks!