Project Defibrillator 73 Camaro

[73lt4]

This has been a 10 year project that is finally back underway! 73 Camaro that started out looking like this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp2-1.jpg
This car had quite abit of rust issues.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp5-1.jpg

[73lt4]

More body work pics.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp7-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp8-1.jpg
Mini tubs.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp10-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp11-1.jpg

[73lt4]

On the rotis.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp12-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp13-1.jpg
After a several year delay body work is done on the way to be painted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0571-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0572-1.jpg

[73lt4]

I painted the car at a friends Body Shop, Thanks, Roger and Brian!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0575-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0586-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0590-1.jpg
My Buddy Brian and my son J.J.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0589-1.jpg

[73lt4]

Sheet metal hung taking it back to the body shop for color sanding and buffing.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0653-1.jpg
Here are my other toys.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0657-1.jpg
The Camaro will be powered by an LT4,6 speed. 4:11 gears. It is minitubbed and has the front suspension out of a 96 Corvette. Airride and 17X11 back wheels with 315s and 9.5 front wheels with 275s. 4 wheel disks with 13" rotors in front and 12" in back. This should be a fun car can't wait to get it done and start to autoX it!

[Motown 454]

I'm probably a lot older than you but if you need to adopt someone to drive any of those toys I'm available DAD! You have some awesome toys, I love them all even the trailer.. Nice job on the paint this isn't you first paint job. Very nice , sweet color too.

[CruizinKev]

wow very nice rides over there! nice project!

[protour73]

VERY nice........always good to see another 2nd Gen getting some TLC.
What is the paint color?? I'm kind of partial to yellow cars!!

[73lt4]

Thanks for the comments guys! Motown: I'm 53 so maybe we can just be long lost brothers! Protour 73: The paint is the 1976 Corvette Bright Yellow and I love your car!

[formula]

Wow, J.J looks almost exactly like one of my best friends, at least from that angle.

Would love to see more shots of the underpinnings on the 'maro!

[71SlammedCam]

Very nice build you have going.

Would you mind telling what wheel and tire combo you have on the nova? Sizes and backspacing.

Thanks
Allen

[73lt4]

Allen, the wheels are 15X8 on the back, I can't remember the backspacing but I will try to pull one off and measure it tomorrow. The tires are 275/60s. They just barely fit the fender lips are rolled.

[73lt4]

Here are some more pictures, please understand that most of this work was done in the late 90s before aftermarket subframes were so readily available,

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp25-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp26-1.jpg
This was what the car looked like in 2003 my wife died in early 2004 and the car sat for qiute awhile. I pulled the running gear and set the front end up for Airride and redid the door gaps.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp24-1.jpg

[Smock67]

Wow nice work on everything its really coming along great. Really like the front suspension setup how hard was that?

[protour73]

Thanks for the comments guys! Motown: I'm 53 so maybe we can just be long lost brothers! Protour 73: The paint is the 1976 Corvette Bright Yellow and I love your car! thanks a lot man, keep the pics of your build coming!!

[73lt4]

To Blazed67: the front suspension wasn't that hard. The C4 cradle has all of the mounting points except for the upper shock mounts. I cut the 2nd gen frame off at the firewall squared the cradle up and welded the square tubing to the cradle. The hardest part was recessing the firewall as the C4 cradle moves the engine back 7 inches. It was a PITA but I hope the engine setback might help a little in the handling department.

[Chevrolaine]

Awesome! Love the rolled lip on the firewall. I just did the same to mine.
More pics of the nova!!

[WS6]

love this car! It's a yellow 2nd gen and it has an LT4. Excellent combination! Welcome and keep up the good work.

[73lt4]

Got the Camaro back from color sanding and buffing ( I have done everything on the car except this I can't tell you how much I hate this part of the process!) Put the wheels on to see what it looked like. I think Santa is going to get me a new set these are a little dated.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0888-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0890-1.jpg
And for all of the Nova fans out there that wanted more pictures here is the engine in my Nova. Yes it is fun.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0891-1.jpg

[73lt4]

I put a third brake light in the short spoiler.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0889-1.jpg
Haven't done much interior wise but I did adapt a 4th gen dash.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp23-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/dp22-1.jpg
These are the gauges I am using they bolt into the 4th gen dash and the stock bezel covers the edges.

[RJ66]

I realy like this project. The car is looking awsome, nicely done. I am a little biased to the 2nd gen Camaro's they are my favorite.

Randy(D&Z Customs LLC.)
[email protected]
1-262-347-9741

[gearheads78]

Although dated I think the ZR1's still look great on the car.

[Martin71RS]

wow......I like it!!

Martin

[$Mike70Z-28]

nice!!!! sweet sweet sweet!!!!

[BonzoHansen]

Cnei pics. Your stable is great, it's like one of each!

[73lt4]

Thanks for kind words! I am really excited about getting this car running. After Christmas I plan on hitting it hard again, redoing the front upper shock mounts, changing the bolt in subframe connectors to DSE weld in and moving the front of the rear leafs in with DSE parts. I hope to be driving it by the end of summer I don't think the interior will be done by then but you don't have to have carpet to autoX!

[rocketman]

Looks good, But really needs a new whell combo.

[ZYAL8R]

Looks great, love the color. Like Scotty (protour73) was saying I am also partial to yellow 2nd gens.

[73lt4]

Thanks, Chris you car is one sweet ride, that carbon fiber closeout panel is sick! Yours and Scottys car inspire me to get mine done.

[SLAMDIMPALA]

How hard was it to get that 4th gen dash in there? Do you care to say how you did it?

[ZYAL8R]

Thanks, Chris you car is one sweet ride, that carbon fiber closeout panel is sick! Yours and Scottys car inspire me to get mine done.


Thanks I appreciate it. Your car is awesome and I cannot wait to see it done. Keep us updated!

[73lt4]

The 4th gen dash wasn't that hard to do but it did require some fabrication. First the dash is almost the exact width of the 2nd gen so that was not a problem. I welded 4 pieces of 1 inch square tubing to the cowl of the car matching the spacing of the 4 attachment points of the 4th gen dash that made the attachment of the top complete. At the bottom corners I just had to slightly modify the 2nd gen brackets to attach the bottom of the dash. The 4th gen dash is deeper so the steering column had to be moved closer to the driver. I unbolted the bracket that bolts to the column and moved it down the column so that the top bolt holes were now were the bottom bolts used to be. This made the shaft the connectes the steering shaft to the steering box to short. I used aftermarket steering u-joints and shaft to connect to the box. (on my car I have rack and pinion but you can get the stuff to hook up to stock.) I had to remake the lower column mount to support the column. I think the most difficult part(which I haven't done yet will be to make the filler piece that fills the gap between the dash and the windshield I will likley use some thin MDF or plywood and cover with fiberglass. I don't have any pictures to show you but I know I have some photographs tucked away that I will find and scan to show some of what I did to make it fit. Oh also I will need to redo the A pillar covers to transistion from the 2nd gen a pillar to the 4th gen dash.

[73lt4]

Here is the 1 inch tubing I welded to the cowl, the upper dash bolts to these.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0892-1.jpg
Here you can see how I moved the steering column away from the firewall to make up for the depth of the 4th gen dash. I used 2 column mounts so that all 4 bolts that attach the mount to the column were used.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0893-1.jpg
I had to lower the column a bit to clear the dash these are the spacers I made I also had to put in longer bolts. ( I used grade 8)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/IMG_0894-1.jpg
Hope these help clear up my explination in the previous post.

[amargari]

Great project. Good to see another 73 getting done.

[73lt4]

Took out the old bolt in C. E. subframe connectoers and put in a pair of DSE weld in. These things are nice, I gained about 2 inches of ground clearence because the other ones hung down so low. I am getting ready to install the DSE front leaf spring pockets.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/IMG_0670-1.jpg

[rickk]

:smoke:.
rick k

[cdoggy81]

Good work, keep it up!

[Motown 454]

Nice work its looking good.

[73lt4]

I borrowed my brother-in-laws Z06 to see how the back wheels and tires fit on my car
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/001-1.jpg

[73lt4]

The tires are 325/0/19s the wheels are 12" with 8.8 inches of backspace (59 mm ofset)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/003-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/004-1.jpg

[73lt4]

I didn't like my old upper shock mounts so I made up some new ones. One of my buddies is coming over this weekend to tig them in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/013-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/014-1.jpg

[WS6]

Those will look good on the car. I recommend the factory competition gray ones not chrome or silver.

[73lt4]

This is how it will set when it is airred down.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/01/007-1.jpg
:yum:

[73lt4]

WS6, I really like the competition grey ones too!

[6spdcamaro]

those wheels look sick on that car :cool:

[cdoggy81]

She looks good!

[EL T1]

I vote for the grey Z's also. SSIICK!!

[Cano]

I was gonna say keep the old wheels, but after seeing the Z06 wheels in it, man, they look plain mean. If you're gonna lay some stripes or some other accent to the body (black panels, I dunno), get them in that same colour.

Sick build, I'll show it to a friend that just got himself a 71. He'll love the stuff.

[Motown 454]

I love those Z06 wheels, they look like they fit perfect.

[70CaliCustom]

Those Z06 wheels look awesome. I've wanted to put some on my '71 for a while now and I think you've made it final! Just a quick question. You mentioned that the car is minitubbed, just wondering whether you are running spacers on the rear end and is it the stock 10-bolt rear? Thanks and keep the pics coming!

[CruizinKev]

nice progress :twothumbs looks good!

[73lt4]

Those Z06 wheels look awesome. I've wanted to put some on my '71 for a while now and I think you've made it final! Just a quick question. You mentioned that the car is minitubbed, just wondering whether you are running spacers on the rear end and is it the stock 10-bolt rear? Thanks and keep the pics coming!
The car is minitubbed with the DSE kit to move the leaf springs in board. It does have the stock 10 bolt but if I remember correctly when I had new bearing ends put on it to elimnate the c-clips it ended up being an inch wider that stock so you may have to run a half inch spacer to get the clearence needed (They fit but its tight)

[73lt4]

Been awhile since I last updated been pretty busy on the car Have basicly been putting it all together to make sure everything fits before final blow apart and reassembly. Modified the inner fender wells to cover the new upper shock mounts.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/0311-1.jpg
The brake system is plumbed, used the 7/8 bore Wilwood MC.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/0301-2.jpg
Got the Ride Tech tank, compressors and battery mounted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/0411-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/0401-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/0391-1.jpg
More to come.

[73lt4]

This is how it looks with the Z06 wheels, this is at ride height.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/0371-1.jpg
Got my Rick's Tank the other day, Hector is a pleasure to do bussiness with.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/0281-1.jpg
That's about it for now, I have had lots of time to work on the car, I retired last month after 30 years being a Paramedic, I must say I am having a good time!

[CruizinKev]

looks awesome with the rims! :twothumbs

[bigshotsho93]

absolutely love the wheels!

[TheRev]

absolutely love the wheels!

x2 they look great

[73lt4]

Thanks guys, I really like the rims also.

[73lt4]

Been awhile since last update, I have been putting a cage in the Camaro. I have the best friends in the world my buudy Steve loaned me is tubing bender and has spent many hours tig welding the cage in. Having a bender on site sure makes it easy to get the cage tucked in tight and the tubing run right where you want it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0262-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0252-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0232-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/06/0222-1.jpg

[aronhk_md]

Great job....beautiful car!

[rocketman]

Looks great awesome project, the halo for the cage is to long, the a pillar bars need to tuck behind the a pillar, JMO

[73lt4]

The halo does look prety long with the windshield out but we did it that way si I could still have sun visors.

[73lt4]

Haven't updated in a while, I have the cage and the frame painted and have started putting the car together. I also have a new toy to play with, it is a 1968 ex-topfuel car that is now a Jr. Fuel Dragster. The chassis was built by Jim Davis out of Northern California. If any of you have any access to any information about him please let me know. I would like to find out what this car looked like new.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0362-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0352-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0213-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/0184-1.jpg

[73lt4]

Haven't updated in a while and I haven't been real good about taking pics but here are a few.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/150-1.jpg
Getting the drivetrain in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0074-1.jpg
This is from last week getting a final buff and polish.

[73lt4]

Here are some more.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0064-1.jpg
4th Gen dash all installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0053-1.jpg
Finishing the interior.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0053-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0043-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0032-1.jpg

[73lt4]

Did get it together enough to get it to the big winter car show in Wichita.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0272-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0224-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0234-1.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Hello from a fellow kansasn,Scott Mock here from Baldwin city ks.Camaro look's awesome maybe this spring we could meet up at a Ks car show.Love to check out your cool ride.Scott

[WS6]

nicely done.

[Jim Nilsen]

I have to say I love this car, so many things that seem so familiar to me when I work on mine. Even the hood has that way of opening that makes people wonder,lol.

We will have to see if we can get our cars together at the same place and get some pics together.

Great job!

[srh3trinity]

Very nice and I like the C6 Z06 wheels too.

[73lt4]

Thanks guys, Scott I would love to meet up at a show, Jim it would be an honor to meet you and see your car I have followed your build up since the start having lost my first wife to cancer you are an inspiration to me that you fought and won the battle!

[sr73bu]

Nice car! the silver frame/ grey interior came out very nice with the yellow paint... Z06 wheels don't hurt either... Great Job!

-Sean

[Chevrolaine]

Awesome, Looks Beautiful!!

[ma73z]

Saw this car at starbird the other day, couldn't quit starring at it, very nice. Any chance you'll make it to the KC Goodguys, I'll be there hanging around Autocross, hope to see it there.

[Motown 454]

The car looks great. Nice work.

[Marks71_454]

You built the car I wanted to build. just a diffrent color is all.

AWESOME work there my friend...simply stunning!

[David Sloan]

Killer Kar!!
Thanks for sharing!

[rfalker1]

Wow, amazing, quite talented I must say

[Hellrace]

Great build :-)

[johnny68]

curious about your rear seat i assume its not stock or is it i will have to do something similar with my nove due to raising the tunnel 4"
john

[protour73]

Holy crap, I almost forgot about this build!!!! Another 2nd Gen gets a new life. Car looks great, but come on man.......MORE PICS please !!!!!!!

(BTW, what is your name? https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?50566-Who-the-heck-are-you-people-(everyone-please-read.)/page13 )

[73lt4]

curious about your rear seat i assume its not stock or is it i will have to do something similar with my nove due to raising the tunnel 4"
john The rear seat is the stock one the bottoms haven't been modified the back was narrowed to fit between the minitubs.

[73lt4]

Holy crap, I almost forgot about this build!!!! Another 2nd Gen gets a new life. Car looks great, but come on man.......MORE PICS please !!!!!!!

(BTW, what is your name? https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?50566-Who-the-heck-are-you-people-(everyone-please-read.)/page13 )Hey Scotty! good to hear from you again, 1. I will try for more pics 2. My name is Mike Buchanan I can't seem to figure out how to put my name in my sig. will keep trying!

[protour73]

Hi Mike!!! lol

Top right of the screen, click on Settings > go to My Settings on the left > click on Edit Signature > add YOUR NAME (Mike lol ) - links to your build thread - pictures, etc

[73lt4]

Hi Mike!!! lol

Top right of the screen, click on Settings > go to My Settings on the left > click on Edit Signature > add YOUR NAME (Mike lol ) - links to your build thread - pictures, etc OK let's see if I did that right!

[protour73]

OK let's see if I did that right!
It appears successful!!! :cheers:

[johnny68]

thanks mike guess im going to look for camaro rear seat
john

[67goatman455]

Did get it together enough to get it to the big winter car show in Wichita.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0272-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0224-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0234-1.jpg

I am now really upset i didnt go to the show! I was just drooling over the dash the other day too, I would have loved to see it.

[73lt4]

I am now really upset i didnt go to the show! I was just drooling over the dash the other day too, I would have loved to see it. I am in the book give me a call if you would like to come out, I would like to see your goat also.

[speedfreak68]

I'm a little disappointed that I didn't go either.... I had no idea anyone from the site would be there... Great looking car though!

[73lt4]

I'm a little disappointed that I didn't go either.... I had no idea anyone from the site would be there... Great looking car though! Same thing for you speedfreak68 give me a call and we can hook up I would like to see your Charger. You don't happen to live by Wilber Middle Scool do you? I am in the phone book the only Mike Buchanan in Goddard.

[speedfreak68]

Same thing for you speedfreak68 give me a call and we can hook up I would like to see your Charger. You don't happen to live by Wilber Middle Scool do you? I am in the phone book the only Mike Buchanan in Goddard.

I live in Derby right now, but my car is still in Wilson.... It really sucks the car is so far away. I might have to take you up on that offer though, I'd love to see your car.

[73lt4]

Here are some more detailed shots. Here is the 96 Firebird dash with the area between the dash and windshield finished out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0013-1.jpg
I flush mounted the front and back glass, I raised the channel 1/4 inch and made the opening a little smaller so the moulding would work. Made the black line around the glass window primer that you can get at any windshield shop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0033-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0024-1.jpg
Here is a shot of the air intake.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/01/0044-1.jpg

[67goatman455]

I am in the book give me a call if you would like to come out, I would like to see your goat also.

im in the same boat as speedfreak. My car is being stored until i can get a place with a nice garage to put my parts pile all together. I have a 95 T/A i play with so i am really liking your camaro! looks great

[newmexicosaint]

Holy smokes, man! The car is a work of art! Secretly I didn't think anyone could make Vette wheels look good on a camaro but YOU have pulled it off, they look NICE!! Stunning work.

[73lt4]

I can't believe that it has been over 2 years since I posted here. I think I need to change the name to project backburner cause that's where it seems to spend most of its time. The dragster takes up most of my free time and we are running 7.60s at 177 mph. We have a break from racing so I got the Camaro out yesterday to do some work on it. I have had a misfire, backfire every since I got the car running 2 years ago I tried everything I knew to try to fix it with no luck, after taking to a local dyno guy and the service manager at the Chevy dealer they both said to change the Optispark. I did that yesterday and the car runs like a dream. I can finally drive it now! Still have several little issues to take care of but nothing big. I hope to get to a local Autocross this year.

[jean-francois]

Hello, Im Jean-Francois from Valcourt, quebec, Canada

I've take a look of most of the second generation project progress on this web site and your build is exactly what i want to do.

WOW, You did a lot of modifications, great job

I have a 75 Camaro and a few years ago a bought a 89 corvette suspension. From your pictures, you use the original front cradle.

I did many Cad files of the suspension because I don't have garage so when doing the conversion, it need to be almost 'bolt on"

If you accept, i could ask you some questions and give me some measurement

your help is appreciate
jean-francois