Project CamaREM – 1972 Camaro

[MoonMan]

This story is not unlike many as the car has family history. I purchased the car in the late 90’s as a red street/strip car complete with 10” slicks and and a stout 383. Shortly after that I got married, started a family, and the car sat in the garage.

My Dad ended up buying it from me and decided to turn it stricly into a drag car. The car was back-halved, with monster tubs and slicks, and a 12 point cage. He traded a guy for some of the work (p.s. – that never seems to work out well for the trader) and that’s where the project stalled. Broken promises, shoddy work and the car was finally hauled home unfinished. Frustrated, he bought another project car and the ’72 sat. In 2007 my Dad passed away and the car once again was mine.

My dad’s initials are REM and rapid-eye movement (REM) is the stage of sleep dreams mainly occur in. Since this build was a tribute to my dad, and my dream car, it seemed like the perfect project name.

Here is what it looked like the day I brought it home…

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

[MoonMan]

I had been “out of the game” for several years when I got the car back but knew I wanted to make the car street legal so the family could enjoy it. I started reading magazines and internet forums for ideas. One day at the supermarket I found Camaro Performers. That’s where I learned about the Pro-Touring scene :).

In search of inspiration for my car I ran across a Ben Hermance rendering done for Eric (70rs on Lat G). I loved the design and after talking to Eric I found out his plans had changed and we was working with Ben on another rendering. I talked to Ben about having a rendering done but kept coming back to the one he’d done for Eric.

My dad painted all of his cars (and trucks) to match his Fathom Green ’69 Corvette. With this in mind I had a friend photoshop Ben’s original grey creation, green. I don’t recommend anyone doing that…rookie mistake. I received exclusive permission to post this altered rendering by Ben.

If anyone is considering a rendering I highly recommend Ben. He’s talented, easy to talk to, and a second-gen Camaro owner!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/greencamarorendering-1.jpg

[craigs73]

sorry to hear about your dad..... great back story on the car.. so whats the plans for the car? another question what are you going to be doing for a back seat to get your kids in back? those are some massive tubs lol

[hdesign]

First, I want to thank Tim for being forthcoming with what his friend created for him. He recognized the value of the original commissioned artwork and asked Eric and I for permission to use it. I also appreciate that he liked the rendering/design enough that it served as an inspiration for his vision.

In contrast, I've had to send out no less than 20 Cease and Desist notifications to various people and businesses that were either honestly unaware of art law or unscrupulously ripped off renderings/designs to use for stuff like business cards, event promos and even Tshirts. My personal favorite is when my signature is erased. It's frustrating to have to deal with that while you're trying to support a family that depends on my work.

Good luck Tim!

[MoonMan]

Craig - this car is nearly complete...the build thread is severely overdue. I will be posting updates over the next few days that will make it seem like a tv show build but in reality it's been 4 years.

Thanks Ben.

[WS6]

Like the fathom green paint! Finish posting pictures when you can. Good luck finishing the car.

[MoonMan]

After digging into the car I noticed a lot of questionable work.

1/4 - 1/2" thick bondo
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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


Knowing the limit of my skills I decided to send it to a professional shop.

[Chevrolaine]

Oh boy, this is gonna be good! Great story!

[LeighP]

Will be keeping an eye on this...I love 2nd gen builds.

[kmdracer]

Subbing in.

[MoonMan]

Trey - the car is green again but I went with a Kia color called Natural Olive. Stay tuned :)

I forgot to list out the changes...
Modifications:
Rushforth Rated X’s – 18x8 front, 19x12 rear
DSE mini tubs, sub frame connectors and roll cage
LS1 with Texas Speed 228R cam and 4L60E
Wilwood brakes
Heidt’s front suspension and 4-link rear
Side markers filled
Combo RS/Standard header panel (think Dale Jr’s car) with standard inlet used for cold air induction
Billet tailights and RS indicator lights
Vintage Air

[Dons67]

Looking forward to this

[MoonMan]

Popping off one of the quarters revealed more carnage.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT2257-1.jpg

That’s when we pulled out the Dynacorn catalog to go shopping for new sheet metal:
Full floor pan
Trunk pan
Trunk drop off
Tail panel
Quarter panels
Inner/outer wheelhousings
Frame rails

I was able to find some original doors, fenders and hood in pretty good shape.

[MoonMan]

To make room for the new sheet metal the old trunk and floor had to be removed along with the non-structural cage bars.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT3577-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Then the rebuilding process starts!

New floor
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT3913-1.jpg

Inners cut out to make room for the DSE tubs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT3919-1.jpg

Yeah that's right, the original part of the car is the rockers, firewall, and roof!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT4073-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

More pieces of the puzzle

New trunk floor

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/27-1.jpg

Frame rails and coilover bracket next

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT4169-1.jpg

Add some quarters and tail pan and it's starting to look like a car again

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT4164-1.jpg

[Code Red]

wow talk about a total gut and rebuild, good luck with the build, Kind of glad our GTO doesn't have to go down that far.

[MoonMan]

Thanks, yes this ended up being a much more involved (and expensive) project than originally planned!

Here is more of the progress...

DSE mini tubs and roll cage installed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5182-1.jpg

Firewall smoothed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT4074-1.jpg

Side markers filled

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT4788-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

I never was a fan of the quarter “overhang” so the quarter-to-tailpan seams were welded smooth

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT4320-1.jpg

Instead of welding the plates to permanently hold the subframe to the connectors I opted to make it bolt in so the front subframe could be removed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5618-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5604-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Next up was the (slightly) narrowed rearend.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT4783-1.jpg

4-Link brackets being welded in place

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_0010-1.jpg

Axles and coilovers installed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5186-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5382-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

On the rotiserie for the bed liner undercoat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/21210_011_detail-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/21210_015_detail-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

The last modifications…then bodywork could start. A RS header panel was grafted with the standard one to create a spot for the indicator lights since the standard openings would be used for cold air induction.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/32410_013_detail-1.jpg

Here is the “collector” for the air. It will eventually feed into a central, filtered air box.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT0294-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT0293-1.jpg

Lastly, I wanted to go with split bumpers but always thought they could use a little heft to them. There were a couple 67 Camaro bumpers lying around so my friend cut and stitched them together to see what it would look like.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/32410_021_detail-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

I picked up a LS1 from a ’00 Corvette with 10k miles. The guy I bought it from was building a Factory Five GTM and bought the wrecked Vette for parts. His original intention was to use the LS1 but after making enough money parting out the pieces he didn’t need he decided to buy a crate LS6 and sell the LS1.

Using a set of mounts and an F-body oil pan from BRP we mocked it up in the car, along with the DBW pedal. It was now time for bodywork so I took the engine home for some upgrades.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5304-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5181-1.jpg

Once home I replaced the cam, springs and pushrods with the Texas Speed 228R kit. I then cleaned it up and spray bombed it Cast Aluminum and Satin Black.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/IMG_0013-2.jpg

[mikes70]

Watching closely. Wanting to do pretty much that to mine. Those F5 GTM's are sick, super car price for beer budget. My next door neighbor is building a F5 cobra. What does the Texas speed kit do? Heads and cam? thanx, Mike

[MoonMan]

I wanted to get new heads but decided I can always add them later. The kit I got comes with the 228R cam (.588/.588), Comp Cams Beehive Springs, and hardened pushrods.

http://www.texas-speed.com/p-1157-texas-speed-camshaft-package-w-single-beehive-valve-spring.aspx

[mikes70]

Good to know, thanx. I think i'm on information overload with these ls engines.

[MoonMan]

Prime, block, repeat :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5610-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/PICT5646-1.jpg

Once the lines were crisp, panels flat, and gaps tight it was final blocked and disassembled for paint. Subframe, rearend housing, and suspension sent for media blasting then powdercoat.

[AdvAutoBob]

Nice build... and the air intakes are a trick feature!

[MoonMan]

Thanks Bob!

The paint laid down really nice. It will really pop once color sanding and buffing begins. The green is a Kia color called Natural Olive Metallic. It looks a lot lighter in the sun.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/paint1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/paint4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/paint2-1.jpg

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Nice ride love that color too..

[srh3trinity]

I love that color. I am planning a bobbed 4x4 square bodied Suburban build in my head and that color has been on my list for some time when I do that.

[rfalker1]

Ahhhh another ST. LOUIS MAN!!! Love the car, you are doing one heck of a tribute to your father!! Keep it going

[aps63]

Great build so far. Love the subtle changes you've made.
Should be awesome when you finish. Keep at it.

[MoonMan]

Nice ride love that color too..


I love that color. I am planning a bobbed 4x4 square bodied Suburban build in my head and that color has been on my list for some time when I do that.


Great build so far. Love the subtle changes you've made.
Should be awesome when you finish. Keep at it.

Thanks guys!


Ahhhh another ST. LOUIS MAN!!! Love the car, you are doing one heck of a tribute to your father!! Keep it going

Randall, what part of town are you in?

[MoonMan]

I originally was going to create a “fastback” by deleting the package tray for an open area behind the rear seat….I changed my mind. No one sells (at least not at that time) the seat back/trunk divider and package tray pieces so they had to be fabbed up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0003-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0004-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Got the parts back from powdercoat, the firewall area was painted Hot Rod Black, and wiring is roughed in.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/IMG_00072-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0118-1.jpg

[kmdracer]

Coming along great! What made you change your mind about the "fastback" interior?

[MoonMan]

Coming along great! What made you change your mind about the "fastback" interior?

You know, it was just one of those things...nothing in particular. I guess I just wasn't 100% sold on it.

[CruizinKev]

very nice! love the color!

[MoonMan]

Speaking of interior changes…I wanted something that would be recognizable as a Camaro dash but with cleaner lines. The lower dash pieces were covered with metal to smooth them out. They would then be uphlolstered.

In the end I went with a fiberglass dash to try and offset the weight of the Dynamat I put in the car (went a bit overboard!). If interested, the lower dash pieces are for sale :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/PICT5386-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

It should be nice and quiet inside!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0011-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0095-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Next was testing the fit of the Spectra gas tank and running the fuel lines. The tank will get sprayed with undercoating.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0839-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0835-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Working my spray bomb magic again
:lol:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0093-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0097-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Brake lines run front to back.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0074-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0123-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/IMG_0838-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Gotta have some sounds, right?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/4511_043-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMG_0842-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Got some bling in the mail…

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMG_0501-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/PICT5642-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/PICT5643-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Perfect fit in the back

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMG_0572-1.jpg

[MoonMan]

Moved to the front of the car and slid the engine/trans in place

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMG_0805-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/IMG_1057-1.jpg

Installed a set of quality looking 1 7/8" ceramic coated long tube headers from BRP. They fit perfect with their mounts. Also put in the PowerMaster starter I got a great deal on during one of Steven Rupp’s “garage sales”. :cheers:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG_1056-1.jpg

[Six_Shooter]

Looks like it's turning out well, but why do you have the fuse for the amp beside the amp? The fuse is meant to go near the battery, to protect the car in case of chafing, or getting pinched (Such as getting in a collision).

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Car is really comming along...

[MoonMan]

Looks like it's turning out well, but why do you have the fuse for the amp beside the amp? The fuse is meant to go near the battery, to protect the car in case of chafing, or getting pinched (Such as getting in a collision).

This is the first time I've ever mounted components on the sides, usually I've done attached to a sub box facing the rear of the car. So I guess I didn't know any better. The battery is close as it is trunk mounted.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Car is really comming along...

[Six_Shooter]

This is the first time I've ever mounted components on the sides, usually I've done attached to a sub box facing the rear of the car. So I guess I didn't know any better. The battery is close as it is trunk mounted.

Ok, but move that fuse to a spot closer to the battery. All you are doing right now is protecting that short piece of wire between the fuse and the amp. I'm more concerned about where that wire passes by the roll cage just to the upper right in that picture. If you think I'm just blowing wind, don't, I've been installing car audio for about 2 decades. ;) Put the fuses as close to the source of power as you can. You shouldn't need access to teh fuse on a regular basis, only when something goes wrong, and before replacing the fuse, you need to investigate why it blew anyway, so putting it in a spot to show it off, will only show it's not going to do it's job. ;)


Love the colour and the wheels. I'm partial to green cars as well, and have always loved large wheels that have lots of lip. :)

It's not very often you see a back-halved car taken back to factory floor pan, in fact this may be the first time for me. I like it, too many back halved cars as it is. ;)