Introducing Project "Frustration" A 1970 Camaro

[daytonayellaz]

Well its time to get this build thread started.... This build is my 1970 camaro that I have owned for about 3 years. The car was brought here from Arizona and retains all its original sheet metal and has a rust free body. The plan with this car is to build a nice pavement pounding street car that is capable of some competitive track duty as well. Since the body is rust free and needs no panel replacement it sure makes things a lot easier.

Before we get to deep into this I want to tell everyone why I named the car "Frustration" beyond the obvious of course...:) This is a story about my fallen hero!! When I was about 11 or 12 My Uncle was huge into drag racing. He and 2 others were partners in a very nice rear engine dragster. I used to go to the track with them as much as I could! Fast forward a little... When I was about 14 my Uncle built a black 1976 camaro Pro Street car. I loved this car...as a young teen this was a huge thrill to ride in. Had the pizza cutters in the front, no back seat because the wheel tubs were huge! The car had wheelie bars and a parachute! It shook the ground when it was running. (more about this car in a minute). Fast forward again... I was 16 and I moved in with my Aunt and Uncle (thats another story, not worth sharing) they took me in with 2 boys of there own probably 3 and 5 years old. My Uncle helped me finish a 67 camaro that I was building at the time and he was really involved in my life. He treated me with dignity and respect...I highly respected him and he was a awesome mentor in my life. He had a nice pole barn and we would work on our cars as they sat side by side. It was so much fun...and I learned a lot from him. Fast forward again... Im 20 and have a son of my own... well into my construction career. I received a call in the middle of the night from my Aunt.....she was upset and crying and told me my Uncle had been in a serious car accident. He had been out cruising in the 76 camaro and had got caught in a horrible down pour/rain storm. He lost control of the car and left the road at a pretty good speed. He slid into a tree making contact in the drivers side door at a direct side impact. We were told he would most likely not live. He was in a coma for weeks... finally came out of it. He never talked or walked again, he was basically a vegetable. He spent the next few (about 5) years in a care facility where he died... He was a military man and served our country and has always been and always will be missed!! Lets go back to that black 76 camaro.... On both sides of the hood scoop was the word "Frustration" air brushed in multi colors. As a tribute to my Uncle Im naming this car "Frustration". His boys are now grown men and my Aunt never remarried. They dont know what Im doing and Im looking forward to showing them this car when complete. I have some pics of the 76 camaro as it looked just before getting tubbed, also before wheelie bars and parachute. Also the pics dont show the air brushed "Frustration" on the hood. Im trying to get some more pics with out raising any eye brows.... If I get more I will post them..

This first pic shows my oldest cousin...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


So here is the basic rundown on the plan for now and we will fill in the blanks as we go. It will be black of course... Im not sure where the "Frustration" is going to be on the car yet, but it will be there.

Driveline....... It will have LS power under the hood and a built T56 trans and GM 12 bolt rear end.

Suspension... Art Morrison GT Sport front Clip, Global West Cat5 rear leaf springs

Brakes......... C6 Z06/GrandSport Brakes on all 4 corners.

I have been bouncing back and forth on mini tubbing the car to look a little more like my Uncles pro street tubs, but I just hate to cut on this car. We shall see.

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

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

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

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


Here are some pics as we have started the build process....

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


Dropping off at the Blaster!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I have to give my good friend Aarik a lot of credit on this car! He has been a huge help on the car! Thanks for all your hard work bro!

[daytonayellaz]

Some more pics...

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

[Hugger67RSSS]

It's about time Travis...Too bad I wasn't that clean at 3am when we got done priming it. I will do my best to keep the progress going!

[daytonayellaz]

It's about time Travis...Too bad I wasn't that clean at 3am when we got done priming it. I will do my best to keep the progress going!

I hear ya bro..... I think I got home at like 5am! We were both pretty dirty after that! Your doing fine! If I wasnt working on everyone elses cars instaling these LS motors I could come down and help you more.

[Throttle]

Nice car to start with.

[daytonayellaz]

After a few hours of cleaner the car of blasting media....and some good old Arizona sand... we are laying down some epoxy primer.

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

[daytonayellaz]

Nice car to start with.

Thanks Michael.. Yea, I got lucky with this one! All the talking in the world cant describe how clean this car is. There is not a cleaner car out there. It has a few dents and dings which Aarik is massaging out of her, but no rust! BTW.... I like your car:cheers:

[Throttle]

Thanks..:)

[daytonayellaz]

Smile Aarik....!!

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

[LeighP]

wow, can't believe how clean it is...I thought my 71 Firebird was clean, but yours takes the prize.

Suggestion for the name....use a similiar side sripe design as the 1st gen Yenko's used, but where the "YENKO" was in the stripe on the rear quarter, put "FRUSTRATION".
Good luck on the project.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Great Story Trav! As much BS'ing as we've done, I'm surprised you never told me that one...:)

Oh and about time you posted some pics of the baby! Aarik's doing a great job :cheers:

[SRD art]

Great project! It's nice to see something that once was come back to life in a better form. Loved the old school pics too!

[daytonayellaz]

wow, can't believe how clean it is...I thought my 71 Firebird was clean, but yours takes the prize.

Suggestion for the name....use a similiar side sripe design as the 1st gen Yenko's used, but where the "YENKO" was in the stripe on the rear quarter, put "FRUSTRATION".
Good luck on the project.

Thanks Leigh! It was a lucky find for sure. When the seller said "Rust free" I thought to myself, "no way" unless a bunch of sheet metal was replaced. Then when I took it and had it blasted.... Even standing there looking at it I couldnt beleive what I was seeing. Your car is VERY nice and would be a honor to own.

You have me thinking on the yenko stripe with the "Frustration" in it. Thats a good idea. I was originally thinking Z28 ghost stripes. Then no stripes at all. I have thought about a tinted winshield brow with the "Frustration" on it. So lets keep this open for now...would like to hear more input on this!



Great Story Trav! As much BS'ing as we've done, I'm surprised you never told me that one...:)

Oh and about time you posted some pics of the baby! Aarik's doing a great job :cheers:

Thanks Ron! Yea, I dont talk about this a lot.

Shes on the map now....LOL

Yes he is! I have no complaints... I have been down to help as much as I can, but with cars coming to my shop now for LS swaps it makes it tough to do the 4 hour round trip.

I have some more pics to post soon. I made my own template to smooth the firewall...my neighbor sells waterjets and him and I have been at our local waterjet cutting out parts.... including a firewall plate. Aarik and I mocked it up the last time I was down there.


Great project! It's nice to see something that once was come back to life in a better form. Loved the old school pics too!

Thanks Ben! Im really like this car, I wish I had the time and money to get more exotic with it but its still going to be a sweet ride.

[cencalc6]

Great Story Travis! I should have took my time when searching for my car after seeing yours....Can't wait to see your car come together.

[daytonayellaz]

Great Story Travis! I should have took my time when searching for my car after seeing yours....Can't wait to see your car come together.

Thanks Man! It took me a couple years to find this car. I have had several of them over the years and didnt want anything to do with a rusty car this time. Patience paid off here.

I cant hardly wait to get her together as well.... But Im not going to be in a rush to get it done. Im more interested in the quality of the build than rushing through it. So this is probably one of those build threads that will see some lapses in updates:cheers:

[sixfivepost]

Looks like a good start Travis!

Dan

[daytonayellaz]

Looks like a good start Travis!

Dan

Thanks Dan!:cheers:

[SS1156]

I am really loving all these 2nd Gen builds. All you guys are giving me great ideas and inspiration. I will def subscribe to this build as well.

[sokoloka]

There's a great story behind the build and awesome that you just got right into it.
Good luck - I'll be following this one!

[daytonayellaz]

There's a great story behind the build and awesome that you just got right into it.
Good luck - I'll be following this one!


I am really loving all these 2nd Gen builds. All you guys are giving me great ideas and inspiration. I will def subscribe to this build as well.

Thanks guys! Stay tuned its going to be fun...:cheers:

[aps63]

Great story on the car Travis. You will do your uncle proud.
Looking forward to seeing it come together, and DAMN!!!!! That car is clean.
Great find.

[daytonayellaz]

Great story on the car Travis. You will do your uncle proud.
Looking forward to seeing it come together, and DAMN!!!!! That car is clean.
Great find.

Thanks Paul!! Its really nice to hear this! Im really excited about this build...its going to be fun..:cheers:

[daytonayellaz]

Ok.... Here is some pics of my AME clip that was delivered..:seizure: I have wanted one of these for a long time and as luck would have it Xmas was superior this year!


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

[blazer4corners]

how far u from danville?

[aps63]

Now THATS welding!!!!!!!
Looks awesome Travis, Merry Christmas indeed.

[LeighP]

Yep, you don't fill over welds like that....you leave them there to show off through the paint....nice.

[tommycomfort]

Awesome car and story Travis! We really love the second gens. If we didn't have a field full of Chevelle's we'd probably build one ourselves. Looking forward to following along.
Tom

[daytonayellaz]

how far u from danville?

Thats just west of Avon...right? Its about a hour away. You in Danville?

[daytonayellaz]

Yep, you don't fill over welds like that....you leave them there to show off through the paint....nice.

Man... your not kidding, those are some pretty welds! Thanks again and yes, Christmas was exceptional this year! :cheers:

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Man... your not kidding, those are some pretty welds! ? Thanks again and yes, Christmas was exceptional this year! :cheers:

You're spoiled...:P

[daytonayellaz]

Yep, you don't fill over welds like that....you leave them there to show off through the paint....nice.


Thanks Leigh! Ever since I did the AME frame under Rons 69 camaro I have wanted one of these. Patience paid off. Im certainly blessed and very grateful to have it.

[Jeff70]

The project is gonna be nice!

Now go ship my parts! j/k

[analyte]

Sweet project. Subscribed!!

[daytonayellaz]

The project is gonna be nice!

Now go ship my parts! j/k

Thanks Jeff, Im hoping it turns out nice!

LOL... What parts?? I will shoot my paypal when your ready.

[daytonayellaz]

Awesome car and story Travis! We really love the second gens. If we didn't have a field full of Chevelle's we'd probably build one ourselves. Looking forward to following along.
Tom

Thank you Tom... I really love the chevelles also! Heehee, I have my 69 chevelle to fill that void. :rolleyes: Im still coming down to see you when I get some free time. Thanks again!

[daytonayellaz]

You're spoiled...:P

Thats your fault!! :cheers:

[daytonayellaz]

Sweet project. Subscribed!!

Thanks Kerry! I have a LQ9 heading your way this week... :twothumbs

[daytonayellaz]

Hey everyone.....looking for some feedback on this hood..... Lets hear it!

http://www.bmcextremecustoms.net/19chcal88caf1.html

[Hugger67RSSS]

Looks better than the cowl hoods for 2nd gens....

Another option?

http://www.eharwood.com/catalog/product.php?productID=483

[dropped72ss]

Nice start Travis! I have always liked the l88 style hoods myself.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Thats your fault!! :cheers:

Guilty! :cheers:

https://www.anvilauto.com/product_detail.php?product=flat_hood_7081

[srh3trinity]

I like the Harwood one too. Maybe get the original hood painted too and go with an old school scoop like your uncle's for grins. Look at the Anvil power bump hood too.

[blazer4corners]

No our turbo an tranny guys r. I think its Danville .....Fleece performance...

[tommycomfort]

No our turbo an tranny guys r. I think its Danville .....Fleece performance...

They're actually in North Salem just northwest of Danville. Just FYI

[blazer4corners]

Ive been their a dozen times an only remember danville....we use danville performances dyno on the race trucks....new duramax dragster wont fit....thanx....

[dcozzi]

I had second thoughts about minitubbing my '70 too. It is an AZ car and rust free like yours. What decided it for me was, "Will you ever be puting the car back to stock?" The answer for me was no.

What you are doing in tribute is an awesome thing for a guy who sounds like he made you who you are today. That rocks!

Your car is gonna be schweeet! I had to throw in my $0.02.

[blazer4corners]

Yea thats cool that he made a big impact on u an ur doing this to honor him. An didnt mean to offset ur thread or cme across wrong earlier if i did.

[AZSaleen04]

Congrats Travis for starting the project on your split bumper. This is a great tribute to our uncle and I'm going to keep a close eye on this. I also just got my 70 RS and have started tear down.

[syborg tt]

Great Story and I really like the reason you choose to build this car.

I agree with Dave Mini-Tub the car and don't look back. If you run a 11" wide tire it's really tight. I am running a 295 BFG KDW2 and it's the same size as most 315's so it's big. The 335 look like pro-street and it would give you a good start if you kinda want a similar version to your Uncle's car. Just be get ready to buy some very expensive rims for the back.

Personally I like the look of the 295's vs the 335's but that is up to the owner of the car.

As for the L88 hood it's awesome and Harwood makes a version that usually has great fit or finish. Plus the underside is finished which is a nice look. I also agree on the power buldge hood from Anvil very cool look. I think Ron from hoodpins.net has one he's selling and it's full carbon from Memory.


I had second thoughts about minitubbing my '70 too. It is an AZ car and rust free like yours. What decided it for me was, "Will you ever be puting the car back to stock?" The answer for me was no.

What you are doing in tribute is an awesome thing for a guy who sounds like he made you who you are today. That rocks!

Your car is gonna be schweeet! I had to throw in my $0.02.

[ZFORCE]

Unlike so many of the so called "Tribute" cars, this is what a Tribute car IS. I'm sure your Uncle is loving this build!

[daytonayellaz]

Guys....Thanks for all the kind words! Im going to be updating the thread soon with some more pics! Im still undecided about the hood. I do want something different than the cowl hood...I know that for sure. I have a really nice 81 Z28 Air Induction hood I could put on the car, but not sure on that either?? Heck, I may just put a stock flat hood back on the car.

[daytonayellaz]

Yea thats cool that he made a big impact on u an ur doing this to honor him. An didnt mean to offset ur thread or cme across wrong earlier if i did.

Not at all... Its all good!

[Hugger67RSSS]

Aren't you going to show everyone your newly installed 800hp one off plastic block LS motor? You keep too many go fast secrets!

[daytonayellaz]

Ok...Ok... I will post some new pics soon! lol.

[Samckitt]

I don't know how I missed this post. Cool project, and cool name for it to honor your Uncle. Can't wait to see it. I'm going to have to come back to Noblesville/Cicero to check it out.

[67speedfreak]

Congrats Travis ! About time !

I look forward to seeing your build.

Brian

[daytonayellaz]

I don't know how I missed this post. Cool project, and cool name for it to honor your Uncle. Can't wait to see it. I'm going to have to come back to Noblesville/Cicero to check it out.

Thanks Scot! yeah...you need to get back "Home" soon..lol.

[daytonayellaz]

Congrats Travis ! About time !

I look forward to seeing your build.

Brian

Thanks Brian! Man I sure got a thrill seeing TC's car driving around in that video with one of my LS2/4L70E packages powering it! You did a nice job on that car bro!

[Riggs 74]

Travis, good to see you're under way with 70, I was asking about it in another build thread of a forum member that you seem to be building his car for him. I didn't know you opened up shop, Had I known that, I would have shipped you my car, LOL.
As far a not wanting to cut on the car because it's all original sheet metal, I would let that stand in your way of making decisions that you you may regret latter after the car is painted, it's not a numbers matching rare Z/28 or anything close to that, is it? If not, I would cut the tubs and leave plenty of room for a nice set of sticky 335 traction.




No Updates? Is the new shop and the LS customers keeping you to busy? Is there a Shop?

Ok...Ok... I will post some new pics soon! lol.



This is going to be a great build.


Terry

[jeremy30thz]

What a great story, this car will be a great tribute to what sounds like a great man to have had in your life. What a great way to honor him and your family by building this car. I hope you can get yours and mine done close to the same time so we can be out there kicking some butt on the autocross track, wouldn't it be great to finish 1st and 2nd in 2 cars build out of your shop. Who's first and who's second is yet to be determined hehehe