II Much Fabrication is building a 69 Camaro

[parsonsj]

We're building this car for a local customer. The best of the best for this LeMans Blue cruiser. The factory subframe is retained with a Speedtech upgrade (LCAs, UCAs, AFX spindle, and Ridetech shocks). Out back is a DSE Quadra-Link, and Baer brakes all around. The engine is a GMPP LS3 (from Day Chevrolet), along with a T56 Magnum transmission.

I'll post some more photos soon, but here's the brand new front suspension, complete with Speedtech's new 7075 alloy ATX spindle. Lovely stuff.

[nicke]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the build!

[parsonsj]

I just wrapped up the exhaust and tailpipes this evening. Ignore the tank. That's just for mockup to make sure the tail pipes fit. There's a Rick's Tank (with the Vaporworx option, natch) on the way.

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[parsonsj]

Another view:
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[Rick D]

What no mini tubs? Looks nice John.

[parsonsj]

What no mini tubs? Looks nice John.Thanks. No, no mini-tubs. Just a nice well-equipped cruiser, that should hold some value if he wants to sell it down the road.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

About time you put some of that talent to use John...::D

Oh, and don't forget to yank that bubble wrap before you fire it up!

[zbugger]

Looks good John. I can't wait to see some updates.

[ILLMATIC]

keep us updated

[soundqdoug]

I have never see a Quadralink with a different coilover besides the DSE...looks like a great combo with the Ridetechs! I am anxious to hear about ride quality and handling.

[Rybar]

Really nice job on that exhaust.

[GeoffP]

Very nice John! Is it a stock width axle? I have always wondered how the Quadralink would work with no tubs as far as clearance and such.

[parsonsj]

Yes, the car will be running Ridetech shocks on all 4 corners. I had to invert the shock bodies and make a minor change to the DSE housing to mount 'em. And yes, stock width axle, no mini-tubs. Sort of how GM would have built the car if they had had a Quadra-Link option. Rear tires will be on 9" wheels (Forgeline GZ3s), and are Michelin ZPs (255 / 35 / 18 ). The car will have TPMS, along with a fob-based push button start.

[CarlC]

Nice work jp.

Something to think about for future exhaust hangers are those used by the 5.0 crowd. They are super easy to install, use a 3/8" rod for the pipe hanger, and are rubber insulated. Lance turned me on to them a while back. I'll try to find the name/link.

[GeoffP]

Ok so why not 275's or 285's? Clearance really isn't an issue with 275's (on my 68 Camaro).

[parsonsj]

why not 275's or 285's?A couple of reasons... first, and most importantly, this car has limited room in the rear wheel housings. Couldn't say why, other than it has replacement quarter panels and maybe they were installed really tight? The other reason is that most of the time, it's better to keep the front and rear tires close in size, within 30 mm. So this car is going to run 225 / 255. The owner just isn't interested in dealing with any rubbing issues at all, so we are keeping wheels and tires very conservative. No rubbing, square setup (within 30 mm), and no comebacks.

[parsonsj]

Something to think about for future exhaust hangers are those used by the 5.0 crowd. They are super easy to install, use a 3/8" rod for the pipe hanger, and are rubber insulated. Lance turned me on to them a while back. I'll try to find the name/link.Oh yes, an easier to fab hanger would be most welcome. I used the blue silicone thingies on this car. They're OK, but it's hard to know when the bolts are tight.

[MuscleRodz]

Oh yes, an easier to fab hanger would be most welcome. I used the blue silicone thingies on this car. They're OK, but it's hard to know when the bolts are tight.Is there not suppose to be a spacer to keep from overtightnening the rubbers?

[GeoffP]

Thanks for the info John. I understand the desire for no tire rubbing. The owner is definitely going to have a nice running/driving car!

[parsonsj]

Is there not suppose to be a spacer to keep from overtightnening the rubbers?That'd be nice, but I don't think so. It does have an integrated washer, but you can tighten them until they squish out.

[Flash68]

I dont think I've ever seen a Quadralink without tubs. Interesting project.

[CarlC]

Pypes TPHV6. They work very nicely on a 1st-gen by mounting them vertically on the outside of the frame rail so that the hole in the rubber is horizontal. One of the mounting tabs will need to be bent so that one screw goes in from the side, the other from the bottom.

I've used a piece of 3/8" stainless rod for the hanger portion. Just bend it up as needed. Radius the end that slides through the rubber and leave about 1/2" on either side of the rubber when welding into place. That way there is plenty of expansion room. No need to put an upset in the hanger like some of the others shown.

Pipes has them direct or the usual car parts Walmarts like Summit.

I hate those compressed rubber end-link hangers. They always come loose, transmit vibration, and if tightened down a bit too much can cause the frame metal to fatigue and fracture (yep, it happened on mine.) These are perfect. They allow a bit of side-to-side movement, just enough to keep the pipe in place and reduce transmitted NVH.

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

[parsonsj]

Oh, yeah, TPHV6 looks like a real problem solver. It'll be my "go-to" next time. Thanks!

[andrewb70]

Great project John.

Walker makes some nice hangers as well, PN 35460

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

Andrew

[parsonsj]

Some plumbing and wiring photos:

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[GeoffP]

I want one of those power steering hard lines...I could use that on my car right now.

[parsonsj]

I want one of those power steering hard lines...That's a custom deal: I started with the DSE part (http://www.detroitspeed.com/productsall/091702-hrdlne-prssure-tbe.html) and tweaked it by bending the line and milling the bolt and banjo fitting about .800.

[MuscleRodz]

very clean work John.

[GeoffP]

Thanks for passing me the link. I don't think it would work for me then. I thought it was an "out of the box" item.

[Motown 454]

It looks great under there, nice work.

[OLDFLM]

I just wrapped up the exhaust and tailpipes this evening. Ignore the tank. That's just for mockup to make sure the tail pipes fit. Frank at Prodigy has a Rick's Tank (with the Vaporworx option, natch) on the way.

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Looks great JP! Let me know when you're ready to do the tails on my Firebird!!

[parsonsj]

We're back working on the Tommy Camaro, and we just finished a twin vent install. Here's a pic, but check out the whole blog entry too: http://blog.iimuchfabrication.com/?p=297

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/undersideclose-1.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Awesome work!!!!.Those vent Look and work outstanding.

[MrQuick]

Thanks for passing me the link. I don't think it would work for me then. I thought it was an "out of the box" item.

I'd buy one too John. Get crackin buddy.

[MrQuick]

Anyone know where to buy just the pipe weiner in stainless? All the muff shops just have rods with no "barb" and only in mild.


Pypes TPHV6. They work very nicely on a 1st-gen by mounting them vertically on the outside of the frame rail so that the hole in the rubber is horizontal. One of the mounting tabs will need to be bent so that one screw goes in from the side, the other from the bottom.

I've used a piece of 3/8" stainless rod for the hanger portion. Just bend it up as needed. Radius the end that slides through the rubber and leave about 1/2" on either side of the rubber when welding into place. That way there is plenty of expansion room. No need to put an upset in the hanger like some of the others shown.

Pipes has them direct or the usual car parts Walmarts like Summit.

I hate those compressed rubber end-link hangers. They always come loose, transmit vibration, and if tightened down a bit too much can cause the frame metal to fatigue and fracture (yep, it happened on mine.) These are perfect. They allow a bit of side-to-side movement, just enough to keep the pipe in place and reduce transmitted NVH.

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

[John Wright]

Nice write up in your blog JP!

[John Wright]

BTW, what's going on with that other beast that you guys were working on?

[TitoJones]

Looks great John. One nitpick- It's AFX spindles, not ATX. ATS/AFX. I like the new 7075 forging without inserts! Looks fantastic. Did you or the owner install the Chicane-LM coil over bracket?

Tyler

[parsonsj]

One nitpick- It's AFX spindles, not ATX. ATS/AFX. I like the new 7075 forging without inserts! Fixed. AFX (I'll repeat it fifty times before going to sleep tonight). Yeah, I was happy to hear that the AFX spindles are now 7075 without an insert. All the work you see (good and bad) was done by me. The car came to me as a recently restored numbers-matching SS 350 4spd.

[syborg tt]

John,

Your blog post was great. Looks like we will be adding one of these on my latest project.




We're back working on the Tommy Camaro, and we just finished a twin vent install. Here's a pic, but check out the whole blog entry too: http://blog.iimuchfabrication.com/?p=297

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/undersideclose-1.jpg

[parsonsj]

It's kind of a forgotten thing, but here's a blog about making custom battery cables on the Tommy Camaro:

http://blog.iimuchfabrication.com/?p=360

One of the pictures:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/CRW_2782-1.jpg

[dontlifttoshift]

Well, that sure is easier than jamming the solder in from the other end. Guess I will drill holes in all my battery ends today.

[coolwelder62]

I alway's clamp the end in the vise then filled the end w/solder then whlie still molten slide the cable down in.This is a good idea.Thanks John.

[andrewb70]

Jesus JP...You and your totally simple yet unbelievably useful tips...You just blew my mind...

Andrew

[bonecrrusher]

Andrews mine is so blown - he posted 2x! LOL!

Nice tips.

[Kenova]

JP
"It’s tempting to feed too much solder into the joint, but don’t: too much solder will wick up the wire past the joint and make the wire stiff,...."

:lmao:
Been there, done that, and got the T-shirt.

Ken

[parsonsj]

The hose clamps we are using on the Tommy Camaro aren't new technology, but we just finished a quick blog post about them:

http://blog.iimuchfabrication.com/?p=386

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/CRW_2796-1.jpg

[sjaroslo]

It's kind of a forgotten thing, but here's a blog about making custom battery cables on the Tommy Camaro:

http://blog.iimuchfabrication.com/?p=360

John, I really enjoyed this blog entry about the battery cables. Quick question--can a flux-core solder be used, rather than having to use the "tub o' flux" method? I'm already going to have to go out and buy a mini-torch that I'll never need again (unless I can find the one I bought my wife a decade ago for making creme brulee) and don't really want to have to go the flux route, either.... Thanks!

[parsonsj]

Steve, that would probably work fine, but I've never tried it.

[bmcgauhey]

John, really appreciate the post and tips, I also am ustilizing stock subframe with Speedtech UCA/LCA and coil over conversion. I was curioous are those the stock height or tall spindles? Also you mentioned the rear wheel size what size wheel are you going to put the tires on? I know you stated the customer wanted no rubbing issues, but with this configuration what is the largest tire/wheel size you would estimate would fit on front? 10" wide wheels? would love to see some pictures when you get it to where the vehicles stance can be seen as I believe the AFX spindles have an 1" drop built in. Thanks again.

Bryan

[parsonsj]

Sorry for the slow response... getting caught up after the holidays.


are those the stock height or tall spindles? Tall.


Also you mentioned the rear wheel size what size wheel are you going to put the tires on? I know you stated the customer wanted no rubbing issues, but with this configuration what is the largest tire/wheel size you would estimate would fit on front? 10" wide wheels?The car has 9.5" wheels on the back, and 9" wheels on the front. 255 back, and 225 front. Smallish, especially among the performance crowd, but this car is a cruiser.


would love to see some pictures when you get it to where the vehicles stance can be seen as I believe the AFX spindles have an 1" drop built in.

Here's how the car sits (from the PRI show):

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

[AUTODYNAMICS]

Sexy

[SDS MACHINING]

looks great with that tire/rim size. nice contrast in color for the paint and rims. sweet car, nice job and great thread..

[parsonsj]

We used our FabBosses to provide the mount points for the Recaro leather covered console:

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The FabBosses were fitted and trimmed to just poke through the carpet. The console bolts right to the floor without the usual problems of trying to compress the carpet and keeping the bolt tight.

[Larry Callahan]

It's kind of a forgotten thing, but here's a blog about making custom battery cables on the Tommy Camaro:

http://blog.iimuchfabrication.com/?p=360

One of the pictures:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/CRW_2782-1.jpg

Your kidding me!!! Talk about a simple fix. I just made new cables for our dual battery camper and I wish I had seen this first.

Thanks John! :hand:

[rossmacd]

We used our FabBosses to provide the mount points for the Recaro leather covered console:

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The FabBosses were fitted and trimmed to just poke through the carpet. The console bolts right to the floor without the usual problems of trying to compress the carpet and keeping the bolt tight.

Nice... what is that fastener that you used? You have a knack for finding elegant solutions.

[MrQuick]

We used our FabBosses to provide the mount points for the Recaro leather covered console:

69887

The FabBosses were fitted and trimmed to just poke through the carpet. The console bolts right to the floor without the usual problems of trying to compress the carpet and keeping the bolt tight.

that is really nice John. sorry, posted another picture. Can you post a picture of the working end?

[parsonsj]

Thanks Ross. It's a 1/4-20 SS flat head cap screw, with a nylon washer. All available at McMaster-Carr.

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[parsonsj]

Can you post a picture of the working end?I'm pulling the console this weekend to replace the shifter and I'll post something up then.

[parsonsj]

Here's how the FabBoss protrudes through the carpet:

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[MattG]

John, I really like the overall theme of this car, can you show us some more pics of the car? Great job by the way!

Matt

[parsonsj]

Hey guys, we recently installed a tire pressure monitor system from Stack in the car. It's a very slick system: the pressure sensors in the wheels don't have batteries. They use RF (radio waves) to power the sensors and transmit the information.

The install article is on our blog (http://blog.iimuchfabrication.com/?p=461).

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[parsonsj]

Sorry Matt, we'll try and get some more / better photos of the car up.

[bmcgauhey]

John, thanks for addressing my questions. The car looks fantastic, nice job!!!

[parsonsj]

A little update: I've just ordered the Pypes exhaust isolators. The customer is experiencing an odd little vibration just as the car begins its initial movement from a standing stop. I'm hoping it's not clutch chatter, so we'll give this a try first.