Well, I went ahead and did it.. [Archive]

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 03:47 PM

Couldn't help myself..

Short version of the long story.

Guy saw my car online and wanted to look at it so I said "sure". He was a nice guy that has been looking for a PT style car for over a year. He loved my car and wanted it. Offered me more than I had into it so I took it.

Why? Well, it is hard to explain. The first problem with my car is that evolved rather than had a true plan from the beginning. When we found all the problems with the yellow car I got into the "while Im here I might as well.." habit. Next thing I know I have a show car when what I wanted was a SHOWABLE car. there is a difference you know..

I have learned so much in the last 1.5 years hanging out here and as such there are many things I would have done differently on the blue car. Things like the Guldstrand mod, mini-tubs and a manual trans just to name a few. I sway Steveo's car and thought "that's the kind of car I want.."

So back to my new car. Well I sat down and came up with a plan. The car would be a 67 or 68.. color would be orange.. would have huge tires, a four-link, modern forged wheels, low on chrome, low on gizmos.

When I saw this car for sale it was pretty damn close to what I wanted to build. Since I have been in paint hell for the last year I wanted something painted and painted well. Something with great fit and finish.

So here it is.. my soon to be new ride:
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/vbgarage.php?do=getimage&id=670

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/vbgarage.php?do=getimage&id=671

Sure there are more than a couple of things I will change but some of those changes will make for great tech stories. :)

Oh, and anyone that thinks I am nuts can blame Payton, he drove the car and evaluated it for me (thanks!!) and his impressions led me to my decision. After two years of no car I refuse to go another season with no ride!! lol

So there is my tale.. and you can expect to see this car at many a track day, and if I find a good navigator them most likely at an event like the Nevada Open Road deal.

More pics in VBgarage..

Bill Howell

03-14-2005, 03:54 PM

:spank2: How did I know this was coming?
Now we will never know what it would have done at the auction.
My original offer still stands on the storage,show,road trip deal :naughty:
Congrats!

colt zantop

03-14-2005, 03:59 PM

congrats steve.....I had a feeling you would end up with it LOL :)

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 04:07 PM

congrats steve.....I had a feeling you would end up with it LOL :)

Am I that transparent?? ;)

Well I had to save it from Barret Jackson and some rich guy that would stick it in a warehouse..

I have many miles planned for this car..

So far though Payton has spent more time with it than I have :)

Maybe he will share his driving impressions of it.

Oh, I did not go up on my offer..

Mean 69

03-14-2005, 04:12 PM

would have huge tires, a four-link, modern forged wheels,

You know, you really should consider a three link....

You will have a ton more fun with a car that you can drive relative to one you have to polish or feel guilt about. But, you know that already.

Good Guys Del Mar?
Mark

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 04:19 PM

You know, you really should consider a three link....

You will have a ton more fun with a car that you can drive relative to one you have to polish or feel guilt about. But, you know that already.

Good Guys Del Mar?
Mark

Hell yea.. the car should be here by then :)

It's not like the 68 doesn't have beautiful paint but it is just closer to the "streetfighter" vision I had than the blue car.

I wonder what kind of milage it gets?? :rofl:

Nine Ball

03-14-2005, 04:28 PM

I really love that orange car. Hard decision I'm sure, but its hard to turn down cash waving in your face.

Just for the record, ALL of my cars are for sale.....for the right price ;)

Tony

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 04:38 PM

I really love that orange car. Hard decision I'm sure, but its hard to turn down cash waving in your face.

Just for the record, ALL of my cars are for sale.....for the right price ;)

Tony

Hell, you own a car lot.. would you even miss a car or two?? ;)

Yea, I looked at what was offered for my 69 and knew that I would be very hard pressed to get more for it in the future. One big selling point was that it was fresh. Now I have to compete against myself at car shows.. :help:

You can drive it when you come out to CA Tony :) (or when I get it on one of those Power Tour deals)..

1976SR71

03-14-2005, 04:50 PM

I guess we won't find out what it would fetch at BJ.
Very nice car :icon996: ...
Hope mine turns out that nice :fingersx:

TonyL

03-14-2005, 04:59 PM

Congrats!

and thank god that car never got to BJ. It would have been locked in a warehouse just like you said, and what a waste that would be.

So I take it you'll be swapping out the trans?

datsbad

03-14-2005, 05:16 PM

Congrats , That Car Is Very Nice . I Love It !

Blitz

03-14-2005, 05:25 PM

I am SO happy that you got this car...both because you got what you wanted and because the car went to someone that will definitely appreciate it. I'm so jealous too. Hope you don't mind that as of yesterday your car became my new wallpaper. And umm, feel free to post as many pictures of it as you like. :drool:

Poopy

03-14-2005, 05:33 PM

That car is definitely a beauty...congrats! Im a little jealous...well maybe a lot. :drive:

malibu9in

03-14-2005, 05:47 PM

I will admit im a little tired of the 1st gen but that thing is just plain sick . Congrats on your new purchase. Very nice.

JamesD

03-14-2005, 05:59 PM

wow, congradulations on the car, it has been one of my favorite first gen camaros ever since i first saw it. make sure to post lots of pics and keep us updated on what you're doing to it. and see to it that you make it to a power tour so some of us can get a chance to drool on it in person.

XcYZ

03-14-2005, 06:10 PM

That car is awesome! Congrats, Steve!!

MrQuick

03-14-2005, 06:10 PM

I hate you. heh. I hope the body is as nice as the Yellow one you bought. Sorry could not help it! Can't wait to see what you do with this one! Have fun.

Ralph LoGrasso

03-14-2005, 06:22 PM

Congrats, Steve!! That car has a lot of the same features as the '68 I'm building. It's an amazing machine for sure, I look forward to more pics!

zbugger

03-14-2005, 06:23 PM

That's awesome Steve!!! Now I really need to go visit my sister in Orange. Hmmm..... Care to keep me in mind for that navigator position? Hey, a guy can dream, right?

BlazerSpeed

03-14-2005, 06:27 PM

hahaha how did I know that you would end up buying that beast? there were too many factors, all that obsession, and all signs pointed to yes. Beautiful ride though, I will admit that I'm generally a fan of build over buy......but damn...that camaro is just drop dead t!ts :woot:
so uh...how bout a ride, after all new employees of Primedia have to let strangers into their cars, check the contract :look:
Derek

Van B

03-14-2005, 06:40 PM

Way to go!! Seeing that car posted a few weeks ago is what made me decide to re-create my 67. I was ready to bail on the car and find something else. But now I have ordered the DSE upper and lower control arms and Baer 13" 6 piston brake setup as well as 13" discs for the rear. Plans also call for a full complement of Autometer gauges and reconfiguring the cage a little. I will keep the LS7 and 4 speed for this year, but plan on more gears down the road.

Thanks for the inspiration and enjoy the car!

Jeff

protour_chevelle

03-14-2005, 06:44 PM

Figured you go for it. Just a matter of time! Very sweet car indeed! Built from some very fine taste. Love it.

-Matt

Charley Lillard

03-14-2005, 06:45 PM

Cool car. Congrats. I really like that color. All my stuff is also for sale for the right price but I hope I never find out what that is.

rob07002

03-14-2005, 06:46 PM

Congrats Steve, I'm so frigin jealous..... Must have been tough to sell after all the work, time, money... But onward and upward... good luck and drive it like you hate it!!

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 06:59 PM

Congrats!

and thank god that car never got to BJ. It would have been locked in a warehouse just like you said, and what a waste that would be.

So I take it you'll be swapping out the trans?

Yea, would have been a shame not to drive it. The though of it never being pushed is very sad indeed..

Who knows on the drivetrain.. Payton LOVES the engine. I was thinking a blown LS7 with a viper T56. Would make for a great tech story.. :icon996:

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 07:01 PM

I hate you. heh. I hope the body is as nice as the Yellow one you bought. Sorry could not help it! Can't wait to see what you do with this one! Have fun.

Cold man.. so cold.. :hammer:

Where is that FU smilie??? :rofl:

<-- has plans for car

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 07:03 PM

trapin

03-14-2005, 07:11 PM

That color is gorgeous. Congrats!!!

c.schulz

03-14-2005, 07:33 PM

Way to go Steve!!!! Simple clean and full of power!!! I guess you owe Payton a cold beer or two.That Payton what a guy!! :bananna2:

Chris

DarkBuddha

03-14-2005, 07:34 PM

Congratulations on purchasing one damn stunning car. Every time I think the first gen Fbody thing is getting tired, a damn sweet example pops up. I'm acutally becoming a bit curious if it's some kind of conspiracy... :scared:

I'm afraid to ask, but I'm guessing it was probably more coin than the cost of graduate education so far, and that is some serious coin. Let it pay you dividends! Drive it, drive it hard, drive it often, drive it like it was meant to be driven, drive it until the shift and steering wheel lace patterns are tattooed in your hands! :3gears: :bananna2:

Bill Howell

03-14-2005, 07:48 PM

I was thinking a blown LS7 with a viper T56. Would make for a great tech story.. :icon996:
Steve,
Is it just me or is there a hint here.
First, you are building a LS7 on your birthday this week right?
You buy a car that you think "may need" a LSx
You admit to needing a tech article.

Am I reading too much between the lines here.
BTW I made a new post on last night's hot (auction prices)thread :rotfl:

Edit:One more thing, looks like you will be changing your pen name again :dunno:

JV69z/28

03-14-2005, 08:10 PM

Congrats Steve - I loved the car from the beginning. I thought the price was right for the level of build quality. I know there are things you WILL change but I would say wait till you drive it and live with it for awhile before you do anything drastic (like changing the motor and trans). I for one think that "big inch" motor and bullit proof trans are part of the car's mystique. Kinda like going target shooting with a rocket laucher if you know what I mean. I do have a question though - we were commenting on the 4" cowl hood and I noticed in the picture when the car still had silver center wheels there was an air box to seal the air intake to the hood - what happened to it? I don't see it in the black center wheel pictures. Good luck with the car - enjoy the drive - the rest of us can be various degrees of jealous. Jack

Steve1968LS2

03-14-2005, 10:02 PM

I do have a question though - we were commenting on the 4" cowl hood and I noticed in the picture when the car still had silver center wheels there was an air box to seal the air intake to the hood - what happened to it? I don't see it in the black center wheel pictures. Good luck with the car - enjoy the drive - the rest of us can be various degrees of jealous. Jack

The air cleaner was an idea that was better on paper than in practice.. ie, it didn't work well so they went with a standard air cleaner.

Yea, I am gonna enjoy the big block for a bit.. but hey, no car is ever really done :)

Thanks again guys.. I am off tomorrow morning to build me an LS7.. I will try and remember all the questions you wanted me to ask..

ssx

03-14-2005, 10:09 PM

Congrats again. That really is a beautiful Camaro!!!!:icon996:

C4Bird

03-14-2005, 10:25 PM

:bananna2: Awesome car Steve, please, flood us with some pics!! I think if I was in the same situation, I would have done it. That car is just wicked!
-Nate

gEtyOpAPiOn

03-14-2005, 10:54 PM

GREAT BUY ...CONGRATS....WHAT MODS ARE EXPECTED OR SHOULD WE SAY UNEXPECTED HEHE ....hopefully is not a SOM color

Martin71RS

03-15-2005, 12:41 AM

Congrats Steve....I guess most of us saw it coming :icon996:

Have fun with your new ride!!

Martin

Payton King

03-15-2005, 06:35 AM

Steve may have gotten a little excited about the purchase and posting it up. I went for a ride in the car...I did not drive. Darrell did not offer and I did not ask. I slid into the passenger seat and we were off. Keep in mind this was a ride in Charlotte about 12:30 on Sunday and everone was getting out of church. We did not drive 3 miles down and 3 miles back and were almost hit twice.

The car definitely has a race car feel. Loud, but not too loud. Big cowl hood and a firm ride. This big block made 720 hp on the dyno running pump gas and it sounds and runs like just like you think it would.

We pull out on the main drag and everyone is giving us the trout look (blank stare with their mouths hanging open) Darrell rolls on the gas and we are off, the car grabs second and starts spinning. He pedals the car a little and gets it to hook and we roll on down the road. He is running a viper tire (335/18/35 pilot) and it may as well have been 215/70 tiger paw as it was not even close to giving any kind of resistance to all of the horsepower. We make a another short blast on the way back. Darrel had said that he took it to the stip and bolted on a set of 8 inch slicks and were just blowing them off of the line. He eased it off the line and pedaled it down the rest of the quarter and still ran an 11.20. How fast is it really? 720 hp, 3000 stall and 4.11 gear in a 3000 lbs car You be the judge.

Steve says he is going to pull the motor...wait til he gets the car. Gas mileage, I am thinking about 1 mile to the gallon.

What is lost most on the photos of the car is how great that color really is and the level of detail on the car. I have seen a lot of comments on it being a steetfighter, it is that, but it is a nice as any show car that I have ever seen. Steve has got one hell of a car on his hands and I cannot wait for his first impressions of the maiden voyage.

trapin

03-15-2005, 07:38 AM

Gas mileage, I am thinking about 1 mile to the gallon.
You mean it's crossed that fine line between miles-to-the-gallon into gallons-to-the-mile. :icon_razz

Rybar

03-15-2005, 09:08 AM

Awesome car Steve, Congrats!

I really did like the Blue '69 I hope we see more of that car. I hope you got it on the cover of PHR before you sold it....

The orange car looks insane. That's a tough decision between those two fine examples.

Steve68

03-15-2005, 09:55 AM

Good job Steve, I would have bought that car too, But I'm with Vince, I hate you!!!, anyway congrats, I will PM you, I have a couple of simple questions, Steve

chevymike

03-15-2005, 12:33 PM

Blaster11

03-15-2005, 01:27 PM

Is it ok to covet thy fellow board members car? I sure hope so because it was love at first sight. Congrats, love the color hope to see it in person someday.

Bruce

Steve1968LS2

03-15-2005, 02:08 PM

Congrats Steve. I am sorry not to see you get the 69 on the road as I saw it over at Hot Rods and Custom Stuff. I was coming along very nicely then. This new one is awsome so at least I'll know who that is coming up on my rear bumper. :)

Thanks again for all the responses... makes me feel better about my choices :)

Mike: The 69 came out nice but not how I wanted.. se la vie.. I sure learned a ton and I got to meet everyone here.

Since you are local we will have to hit some events together.. I will definetly be at the Hotchkis Buttonwillow event :D

Oh, BTW.. the 69 is not done.. delivery is in a few weeks (it is in interior right now).. We will shoot it for the mag before it goes.

Detroit is cold.. brrrrrr

68BNUT

03-15-2005, 02:15 PM

SWEEEEEEEEEETTTTT I checked out the pics in your vb garage, man im just gonna sell my car after seein that, I feel trashy knowin that things out on the road compared to what im drivin!!

Steve1968LS2

03-15-2005, 02:19 PM

SWEEEEEEEEEETTTTT I checked out the pics in your vb garage, man im just gonna sell my car after seein that, I feel trashy knowin that things out on the road compared to what im drivin!!

Our cars are just nice in different ways.. My cars are trashy next to Chicane.. lol.. there is always a bigger fish out there :)

Besides.. all nice cars started out and something less..

Steve Chryssos

03-15-2005, 02:38 PM

Congratulations. That is one mean lookin automobile. No one will ever mistake it for a mild makeover.

So whats it got for front and rear suspension?

awr68

03-15-2005, 02:59 PM

Congrats on the '68 and getting good coin for the '69...I guess you kinda know now how Stielow can build a sweet car, sell it, and move onto a new project!! :) I on the other hand will probably never depart with my '68...unless I give it to my son!!

I'm also wondering about the suspension...mostly the rear and how well it works...it will be another year or two before I get to try out my 4-bar.....

Other than motor/trans do you have any other changes planned???

MAN THAT'S A SWEET CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rockdogz

03-15-2005, 06:28 PM

Congratulations Steve! That car is sweet. I like '68s the best. :enguard:

Kind of like a soap opera with you and that thing - I figured something was up when you hinted it may not be at BJ..

Steve1968LS2

03-15-2005, 06:49 PM

Congratulations. That is one mean lookin automobile. No one will ever mistake it for a mild makeover.

So whats it got for front and rear suspension?

Front is a Fatman subframe with a modified Mustang II coil over suspension.. it's ok but a C5 equipped front sub would be better. Payton will have to give his impressions since he rode in it :)

Car is very stiff.. jack up the front of the car and the back wheel lifts.. Rear suspension is a 4-link deal. Darrel (the builder) has a LOT of NASCAR buddies and they worked with him on the design, probley explains the oval exhaust and Nascar steering column ;)

Rearend is a bulletproof Dana 60 with 4.11 gears.. not so bad with the Gear Vendors unit.

Things I would change.. hmmm.. swap in Recaro Sport seats since they are more comfortable than the Corbeaus (and Ive grown accustomed to them).. Swap out the front sub for something with better geometry (Wayne Due? or that new one).. Built T56 trans and I would love to either drop in a boosted LS2/7 or put a supercharger on that big block similar to the one on Stuart Adams car. With either of those systems I should be able to go down to a stock cowl hood.

Remember I could sell the motor & trans in it for some pretty good $$$. I could get a new motor and trans through the mag for just a little $. The motor only has 600 miles on it.

Oh, and some sort of hidden audio system.. gots to have them tunes :bananna2:

I will also go through the car and give it my nut and bolt detail treatment, If I come up with a good design I would maybe even do a some sort of graphic.. something subtle.. maybe a ghost stutter stripe similar to your car.

Then again I may not change much.. depends on when I get it.. Thing is that I always tend to "evolve" my cars :)

Trivia:
Car has a circle track rearview mirror attached to the rollbar

Has a Accu-Sump but it was never hooked up

Ran it in the 1/4 once on 8" slicks (no other changes) and did 11.2 at an unknown (forgot to ask) MPH.

Can cook up the rear 335 tires at just about any speed

All original sheetmetal.. never had rust and never will :)

Anyone notice the wire going down the front of the motor to where the crank is??

Steve1968LS2

03-15-2005, 06:51 PM

Congratulations Steve! That car is sweet. I like '68s the best. :enguard:

Kind of like a soap opera with you and that thing - I figured something was up when you hinted it may not be at BJ..

Well I didn't want to say anything till it was a done deal :)

It was NOT an easy decision.. Hell, I agonize over what color to paint Fuel Rail Covers.. lol.. This was a little more involved.

Nine Ball

03-15-2005, 08:51 PM

Steve, promise me that your fuel rail covers addiction is now over if you ever go Gen 3/4 in that thing :D

Jims78elky

03-15-2005, 11:11 PM

Awesome 68! The wheels and tires look perfect on it..

Hey if you want to see how it goes down the road sometime i'll drive it for ya while you TRY to keep up from behind..LOL.:bananna2:

Great buy..You a lucky young man! Enjoy

-Jim

Steve1968LS2

03-17-2005, 08:52 AM

Steve, promise me that your fuel rail covers addiction is now over if you ever go Gen 3/4 in that thing :D

Fuel Rails rock!!! :icon996:

;)

actually I like ditching them but FRC's are the easiest way to a clean look. They also make a good place for some cool type of artwork.

I would think the LS7 would look cool with C6R type valve cover..

MuscleRodz

03-17-2005, 09:32 PM

Congrats Steve! How many times do you see a girl in Playboy, found out she is available, call her up, and actually bring her home to keep? NEVER!!!! :hail: :hail: :hail: BTW, if we see her, where do the dollar bills go? :bananna2:

Mike

Maverick Man

03-17-2005, 10:17 PM

Steve sweet ride there! :icon996: so no mustang now?

you gonna drive this thing to work?.. cuz i 'll stop buy P office when im in the A office to check it out!

but nice deal.. just stay way from the car shows i go to :D

and forget your tech story on the 6 speeds wheres my tech story on a my 6 speed.. lol!

JayBird

03-18-2005, 06:12 AM

Nice Steve. I'm happy for you. I can not imagine the decision you had to make. It would have drove me crazy going back and forth. That is one nice ride. Congrats! Lucky Payton. I only live 2 hrs from Charlotte. I would have drove done for the ride very quickly :)

Steve Chryssos

03-18-2005, 06:56 AM

HEY MAVERICK MAN

I like your car.

69Myway

03-18-2005, 08:07 AM

Wow! I had no idea it was even on the chopping block.

That blue 69 has been a huge inspiration to me in many ways.

I have been offered some crazy money just out of the blue before for my 69 aka Killer Shark Vette. I turned them all down because I am just not done having fun with it yet, and get scared when I see that many zeros behind a whole number like that.

I have sold so many cool project cars over the years and kicked myself solid in the rear later for doing it. I know this was a hard decision.

It would be ironic if the new buyer takes it to BJ anyway and gets three times what he paid. I heard a car sold for $100K on Friday night, the new owner slid the sold sign off it and ran it through on Saturday and got $300K and hadn't even paid for it yet himself! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!

Your new project will be a ton of fun. I think you should tour it around for a year or two as is while you compile your LS7, etc. plans. That way you cut into it one time and have the whole thing wrapped up in a reasonable period of time instead of launching another every growing/changing project.

DJ Mabe

03-19-2005, 01:19 PM

Congratulations Steve! It looks like everyone loves your new car including me. I think thats one of the baddest looking cars I've ever seen. When you first starting talking about it my first thought (after you said you wouldn't come out of pocket for the extra cash) was how the heck can I buy this car. I have a few toys and the wife would have killed me if I would have mentioned it but, that car would almost be worth it. I love it and think it's the one of the best looking cars out there. Have fun!

Derrick