1969 Camaro build [Archive]

steve671

09-04-2010, 04:45 PM

So I figured it might be time to start a build thread. I bought this car in January of 2010 with the intention of doing a pro-touring build. The priorities were for it to be powerful but street friendly, modern handling, and a nice interior. The initial basic plan was:

LS engine
6 speed manual
aftermarket front subframe
aftermarket rear suspension
mini tub
matte paint job
custom interior
I spent a lot of time looking for the right car. I wanted to find one that either had no engine/tranny, or one that was blown up so I didn't have to spend a ton of money on a car with parts I knew I wouldn't need. At the same time I wanted a rust free, or mostly rust free shell to work with since I have no experience doing body work. I found this one in Sacramento owned by a guy who's business was not doing too well. He spent a lot of money on it already by having the outside of the body bead blasted and primed, and having most of the metal replaced. Everything looked like it lined up pretty well when I went to look at it. The first set of photos are of the work that he had done back in 2004. The car had been sitting in his garage since then collecting dust.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/SCAN0003-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/SCAN0007-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/SCAN0008-1.jpg

steve671

09-04-2010, 04:49 PM

This is how the car looked when I brought it home.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/005-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/3401-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/018-1.jpg

steve671

09-04-2010, 05:00 PM

After I found the car, the first order of business was to decide on and find a motor.
I found a stock LS3 out of a 2010 Camaro with only 14 miles on it. At minimum, I will have the cam changed but I am also considering stroking this motor; am having a hard time justifying the cost though. We will see.

Then I was able to locate a T56 out of an 05 GTO.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/f5c8f5b1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/IMG_0042-1.jpg

steve671

09-04-2010, 05:08 PM

I was able to find a second hand, unused Chassisworks front subframe for a good deal. I did end up changing out a couple of the parts it came with though. I upgraded the upper control arms to the fully adjustable ones, the front coil overs to dual adjustable, and the manual rack to a power rack. I got it with Willwood 6 piston calipers, and 14" slotted and crossdrilled rotors.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/5639e555-1.jpg

steve671

09-04-2010, 05:11 PM

So I took the front end of the car off and installed the front subframe to get an idea of the stance and start measuring for wheels and tires.
All the blue tape on the floor was laid down so I could drop a plumb bob in several locations, mark those locations on the floor, and take accurate measurements for the wheels.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/9cf49dd7-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/96f1b05a-1.jpg

steve671

09-04-2010, 05:31 PM

I also put in a DSE tub kit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/IMG_0132-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/IMG_0133-1.jpg

steve671

09-04-2010, 05:46 PM

I agonized over the wheels/tires for about two months. So many options, and not knowing for sure what I wanted to do as far as paint was concerned, I could not decide until I saw photos of John Ulaszek's 1972 Nova with a set of CCW C14's in brushed titanium. I had never seen these wheels before, but once I saw them, I knew I had to have them.
I had a custom set made with matching 1" lips for both front and rear. The fronts are 18'X9" with a 265/35/18 and the rears are 18"X12' with a 335/30/18. I bolted the fronts on and mocked up the rears and love the way it looks. The photos don't do these wheels justice, they look incredible in person.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/013-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/IMG_0187-1.jpg

Motown 454

09-04-2010, 05:51 PM

Wow sweet project. The body looks like he did a good job so you could have a nice starting point. Nice looking garage too.
The wheels look great.

68400BIRD

09-04-2010, 06:39 PM

Looks like a great start. I think the wheels look great.

Richio1

09-05-2010, 07:45 AM

Great start to another great project. Subscribed and looking forward to more updates.

steve671

09-05-2010, 10:41 AM

Thanks guys. The shop is the product of an entire years worth of overtime. It is 859 sq ft and is built in my backyard.
Unfortunately, this build is going to take some time. I spend a lot of time at work and with my wife, I usually get to work on this about once every week or so.

steve671

09-05-2010, 11:39 AM

Now that I have the wheels, I was able to put the calipers on. With the stock ralley wheels, I could not bolt on the calipers with the 14" crotors.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Richio1

09-05-2010, 12:54 PM

I understand... Life happens! I have an 8 & 10 year old so it would be impossible to do mine myself. What part of the Bay are you in?

My 69 is up in Cloverdale at West Coast Autocraft for a complete rebuild. We stripped it, replaced both qtrs., trunk, rear valance, frame rails and mini tubbed her. Installed air ride, a moser 4 link and soon a tko 600. She will be wearing Rushforth Rated X's.

They finished the body work a couple weeks ago so now it is in line for paint. We plan on having here done for Pleasanton Goodguys in Nov.

I will be starting a build thread soon once I get the time and more build pictures. There is no way I could get mine done myself with all the kids activities etc.

Good luck with your build!

steve671

09-05-2010, 01:05 PM

CruizinKev

09-05-2010, 07:22 PM

very nice project! good work! :twothumbs

malbright

09-05-2010, 09:01 PM

Nice looking project. It really seems simple looking at a thread of your build but I know the installation of those tubs took some time, just tedious work. Great job so far though looks like its gonna be a real nice car in the end.

Ive owned my nova for 12 years and finally got to start it. Much like alot of gents here I will run out of money before time or ambition. I know how hard it can be to find the time as I work alot of overtime myself. Makes it all the more fun to work on it though when that time comes.

Seems you keep stumbling upon good deals on parts. That always makes things nice.

steve671

09-06-2010, 10:57 AM

Ive owned my nova for 12 years and finally got to start it. Much like alot of gents here I will run out of money before time or ambition. I know how hard it can be to find the time as I work alot of overtime myself. Makes it all the more fun to work on it though when that time comes.

Love love love the Nova. That is going to be one awesome ride.

Tucks69

09-06-2010, 11:38 AM

Nice Camaro!! I have been working on mine 5 years!! It always nice to see somebody progress on thieir project!

craigs73

09-06-2010, 12:23 PM

looking good are you building this in your garage?

steve671

09-06-2010, 01:59 PM

looking good are you building this in your garage?

Yep, thanks.
It's my second garage, I call it my shop. Here it is before and after the build.
I bought this house specifically because it had the space for this.

bonecrrusher

09-06-2010, 08:02 PM

Jealous! Love the second shop!

TT302Z28

09-06-2010, 10:56 PM

Great build....keep rolling!

mincharlie

09-07-2010, 05:45 PM

Nice, mine is going slow as well, I have 4 year old triplets so i know what you mean. I love the wheels! keep up the good work when you can.

bonecrrusher

09-08-2010, 10:40 AM

What product is on the floor of the shop?

steve671

09-08-2010, 02:18 PM

Thanks guys.

What product is on the floor of the shop?
Floor is Rust-Oleum EPOXYShield Professional Floor Coating http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=14

steve671

09-08-2010, 10:16 PM

So I was able to put some time in on the rear end and rear brakes. It's a Chassisworks Fab9 rear end end housing with a Strange S-Series 3rd member, 4.10 gears, and Strange axles. The rear brakes are Willwood 13" slotted and cross drilled rotors with 4 piston calipers.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/3caf9be4-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/09/2a87a1cc-1.jpg

MattG

09-09-2010, 05:52 AM

Great build and nice choice of parts...I never get sick of a '69 build, Never!

Subscribing,

Matt

19,69camaro

03-21-2011, 10:13 AM

I love the build so far. Can we expect any updates in the future? Im dying to see how those wheels look on a 69 camaro. Also how did you you get a 1" lip for the front I called ccw today because they didnt have them listed and they said that you would have to get a 13" wheel and have it cut down and welded

steve671

03-21-2011, 10:28 AM

Yep, there will be updates. I havn't done much in the past few months though, so nothing for now.
As far as the lip on the front wheels, they had to be custom made. I can't remember what size they started with before cutting them down though. It took extra time for them to do this, but I think it was worth it. The totally flush front wheel with a rear wheel that has a 1" lip doesn't quite look right on this car, but the matching lips look great in my opinion.

steve671

07-07-2011, 07:50 PM

I know it has been a while but here are some updated photos
Here is the proposed ride height with the rear Chassisworks G-link suspension installed:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMG_0234-1.jpg

steve671

07-07-2011, 08:00 PM

At this ride height there was only about 1.5" upward suspension travel in the rear because of this bar that goes over the rear end and connects the left and right suspension brackets.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMG_1392-1.jpg

steve671

07-07-2011, 08:06 PM

To remedy this, I welded up some 3/16ths steel to route this around the back of the pumkin so it would clear.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/0091-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/017-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/023-1.jpg

steve671

07-07-2011, 08:09 PM

And now it clears.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMG_0254-1.jpg

srh3trinity

07-07-2011, 08:15 PM

I had to look back through the thread to make sure I haven't said this before, but your wheels are AWESOME!

Firebird-Geek

07-08-2011, 10:08 AM

steve671

07-09-2011, 09:45 AM

I had to look back through the thread to make sure I haven't said this before, but your wheels are AWESOME!

Thanks, but I cannot take credit for the idea, I saw these wheels on John Ulaszek's 1972 Nova, and had to have them. Now I just need to figure out what paint scene will look good with them. Any suggestions anyone?

steve671

07-09-2011, 10:03 AM

Not to get off subject... but I like how clean and organized your shop is... mine is much more of a dumping ground for everyones crap. What are all those large pipes leading to? Looks like the one in the back is coming out of a saw or something? do you have a central vacuum or something to collect or get ride of dust?

Thanks. Yes I have a dust collection system. At the top of this photo what you are looking at is a Laguna 2HP cyclone dust collector connected to several wood working machines via steel spiral ducting. There is also a gas heater up there with a vent tube that goes through the ceeling. When I had this shop built, it was mainly designed for wood working but I knew at some point I wanted to get another muscle car project going, so I designed the wood working machine layout around that idea.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMG_0234-1.jpg

dropit69

07-09-2011, 10:49 AM

um Sweet project !!!!!!!!! and Awesome garage !!!!!!

Richio1

06-14-2012, 10:02 PM

Steve... what happended to this one?

BCHALK22

06-15-2012, 07:40 PM

Nice wheels. like where this is going.

67speedfreak

06-15-2012, 09:57 PM

Looks good !

steve671

06-16-2012, 04:02 PM

Steve... what happended to this one?

The short story is, a few weeks after my last post, a position became available at work that is very time consuming. I decided to take the position, and this project was put on the back burner. The long story is, I like to do things myself, and had no intentions of having anyone else work on this car except the paint when I started this project. After several months of not working on the car, I realized that there was no way I was going to finish it in a reasonable amount of time. With so little time available with this new positon, I decided to bite the bullet and find a shop that could do some of the sheet metal fab on the firewall and the tranny tunnel. The car currently is waiting for paint. The shell was final primed last week, and now I am waiting for the doors and fenders for be finished.
I will post photos soon.
Thanks again for the compliments and interest.

Cole

06-16-2012, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the update

Richio1

06-16-2012, 08:24 PM

Good to hear it is still alive. Looking forward to seeing pics. Who's doing the paint for you?

steve671

08-19-2012, 11:43 AM

So I went ahead and uploaded some photos of the rest of the rear suspension modifications that I made before the car went to the fab shop.

steve671

08-19-2012, 11:51 AM

Here is a photo of the upper link angle at maximum rearend height. I wanted to straighten this out because at this sharp of an angle, the rearend starts to move forward too much as the rearend goes up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_0261-1.jpg

steve671

08-19-2012, 11:56 AM

So what I did was add another higher mounting hole for the front bolt of the upper arm effectively decreasing the angle of the upper link at maximum rearend height. The first photo is the stock Chassis Works bracket with two mounting holes for the front link. The second photo is after I added a third additional hole that was higher. This interfered with the floor, so a hole had to be cut for clearance.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_0260-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_1461-1.jpg

steve671

08-19-2012, 12:05 PM

Another issue on the rear was the shock travel, I wanted to get more. The Chassisworks stock brackets mount the shocks almost verticle. I decided to lay them down a little to gain additional rearend travel. The shocks that I got are dual adjustable, so I am able to compensate for the change in ratio of rear end travel vs shock travel. To do this I welded up additional mounting locations several inches inward of the stock mounting holes.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

steve671

08-19-2012, 12:06 PM

Unfortunately that did not agree with the foor either, so holes had to be cut for clearance.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_1459-1.jpg

steve671

08-19-2012, 12:08 PM

So now the pumkin has plenty of room to travel without interference with the crossover bar, the upper links are at a more reasonable angle with the car low, and the shocks now laid down are not limiting the rear end travel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_0280-1.jpg

steve671

08-19-2012, 12:20 PM

And the result of my extra effort...
DUMPED!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_1446-1.jpg

tubbed69

08-19-2012, 12:21 PM

good work so far!!!!!

RBARNES496

08-19-2012, 04:10 PM

Steve68

08-19-2012, 06:43 PM

Nice wheels, and I like the modification to the G- Link, Brian at Screaming Performance, upper post will like this too,

bonecrrusher

08-23-2012, 03:44 PM

The camaro is coming along nicely.

Its been a year or so - how is that floor epoxy holding up?

steve671

08-27-2012, 09:04 PM

Stance on your car is gonna be killer. I am hoping to get mine about the same. Have you test fit the tranny? Reason I ask is I wonder how much you (and me) are gonna have to raise it. Can't wait to see more!

Yes, the engine and transmission went in and out many time to complete the smooth firewall and to test fit the tranny. My engine mounts are moved rearward so the transmission tunnel had to be raised.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/201111231257101-1.jpg

steve671

08-27-2012, 09:06 PM

The camaro is coming along nicely.

Its been a year or so - how is that floor epoxy holding up?

It's holding up ok. There are several spots that are starting to change color slightly. In areas it looks as if a liquid chemical was spilled on the floor and didn't get cleaned up, but that didn't happen.

steve671

08-27-2012, 09:19 PM

I totally forgot about my engine nightmare. So I originally planned on an LS3 and maybe have the cam changed. So the LS3 that I got (see page one) was supposed to be like new, 30 or so miles. I broght it to a reputable engine guy in the bay area and after they took it apart, called me with bad news. They found that the engine had supercharger specific spark plugs in it, all the intake bolts showed evidence of being removed before, and the crank pully was pinned.
They told me they are 100% positive that not only did this engine have thousands of miles on it, not 30, IT WAS SUPERCHARGED at some point!

I was not happy. After spending many many hours dealing with the people I bought it from, I was able to get my money back. I ended up losing several hundred dollars on the labor for the cam and lots of time. So I decided to get a brand spankin' new LS376/480 GM crate engine. Basically it's an LS3 with a factory installed bigger cam. A friend of mine needed one as well, so we put our mone together and bought two and got a pretty good price. His car was ready to go and after he dropped it in he dyno'd his and with a tune, headers and open element air cleaner, and put down 460rwhp. If mine does that, I'll be happy.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_1485-1.jpg

darkgable79

08-28-2012, 04:58 AM

Glad you were able to get your money back. Never know what you're gonna get when you buy a "used" engine. Honesty seems to be more and more of a forgotten characteristic.

steve671

08-29-2012, 11:25 PM

So after the suspension was done, is when the whole work thing happened and the car sat for a while not being worked on. I decided to have a shop smooth the firewall, put in subframe connectors, and then paint it. Here it is ready to to be towed to the shop on October 23rd 2011.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/IMG_1939-1.jpg

Rybar

08-31-2012, 02:54 PM

Hey man, I just noticed your thread. Love the mods you did to get that G-link to sit low, wish I had read this when messing with mine for ride height.

BTW, your house and shop are awesome too. Keep us posted want to see how this one turns out for sure.

Ryan

dennisschreuer

01-29-2013, 08:27 PM

Hi Dennis Here.
I am trying to figure out your rear coilover mounts.
Can you post or send me a pic.
A BIG THANK YOU!
Having a rear being built, taking in every idea,
Dennis

steve671

02-01-2013, 08:47 PM

Hi Dennis Here.
I am trying to figure out your rear coilover mounts.
Can you post or send me a pic.
A BIG THANK YOU!
Having a rear being built, taking in every idea,
Dennis

Dennis,
Basically the coilover upper mount shares a mounting bolt with the crossover bar. The crossover bar has two bolts on each side that mounts to the frame/ coilover brackets and the coilover shares the inner most bolt with the crossover bar. I fabricated the mount with 1/8th steel and it hangs off the rear of the bracket. Other than the photos that I have already posted, I was only able to find a couple more photos that might help you visualize the rear upper coilover mount better. Hope this helps.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMG_3618-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/IMG_0322cropped_zps8e7c821f-1.jpg

steve671

04-13-2013, 01:20 PM

It's been a while since I updated this project. On the previous page you will find that I finished the suspension and decided to bring the car to a fab shot to have some work done because of a new position at work that took up all of my time.

Here the engine was dropped in to test fit and start the smooth firewall
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_2106-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_2106.jpg.html)

It was a tight fit so a notch had to be made
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_2160_zps50ec3dc0-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_2160_zps50ec3dc0.jpg.html)

Here it is with the engine and smooth firewall.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_0293-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_0293.jpg.html)

steve671

04-13-2013, 01:28 PM

The transmission tunnel had to be raised for the T56
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/20111123125710-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/2011-11-23125710.jpg.html)

Reliefs in the floor had to be made for the tranny crossmember.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/20111130165424-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/2011-11-30165424.jpg.html)

Then all of the front sheet metal was put back on to make sure everything was going to work and fit correctly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_2189_zps7e6ff249-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_2189_zps7e6ff249.jpg.html)

steve671

04-13-2013, 01:55 PM

I knew I wanted this car to be low. Typically with the chassisworks rear suspension it is a challenge to get the exhaust to go all the way to the rear because of the upper links of the suspension system. But I also knew that I did not want it to be annoyingly loud with turndown exhaust. I decided to have these large tunnels fab'd that would allow the exhaust to go up and over the rearend and out the back.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_3614-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_3614.jpg.html)

Although the cars exterior had already been bead-blasted, I decided to step this project up a notch and go ahead and do a full rotisserie restoration and have the rest of the car bead-blasted before it was to be painted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_3558-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_3558.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_3559-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_3559.jpg.html)

So after the car was blasted, the bottom was seamsealed and bedliner material was applied to the bottom of the car.:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/IMG_36131-1.jpg (http://s110.photobucket.com/user/steve671/media/1969%20Camaro/IMG_3613-1.jpg.html)

steve671

04-04-2021, 09:13 PM

So it's been about 8 years since my last update, and figured I might as well post some photos of how it looks now. After a ridiculously long paint job (1 year and 5 months), a divorce, sale of my house, work drama, and countless other delays, I'm calling this done and on to my next projects, building a new house and my 1967 Nova that I sold 25 years ago and was able to buy back a couple of months ago.

186707

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186711

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