The honey badger.

[BCHALK22]

First off I will start out by saying I am by no means mechanically inclined so this build may not progress like it is many other builds. I have owned two 1969 camaros and my dad has a 1972 cutlass. I bought the Honey Badger who started off being named Black Betty in August 2011. I sold my last camaro around 2006 an since then have gotten a pretty decent job bought a condo and then decided I needed another camaro. Here s the Badger when I bought him.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/9b6ba751-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/DSC_1196-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/27ebc6db-1.jpg

Ok I live in the east bay but am in no way an Oakland Raiders fan the P.O. Bought the car in silver and black. Since I'm on the topic of paint I will say that this paint is at least 12-15 years old and it is starting to show its age a bit. The rear quarters each have a seam which means that it received some new skin but was not done properly. . All in all the paint looks decent since my dad owns an auto detail shop I used to work at. I buffed and polished the paint real nice so it now looks and feel amazing.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/106d59ef-1.jpg

Heres Honey Badger at a local car show in may of this year there were some nice rides out there but it was free to enter so I put him in.


The car is only driven once a week so I enjoyed it since that's what cars are for. After looking at the front end I thought something was missing so I got online and ordered a new front spoiler and brackets from Steves Camaros and mounted it up. Steve's Camaros is local in San Bruno and they have everything. I have never had to worry about back order.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/4753f82a-1.jpg
looks much better in my opinion. People mention that the rods mounted to the bbottom can push out the front fenders if you smash the spoler into something but I will take a chance.

So after the spoiler was put on which took a few minutes, I drove it for another week and decided to install the Hotchkis front sway bar. Seemed like an easy project but at the very end I put the bushing on right above the nut and forgot the washer on the end link and once I sat the car on the ground to tighten the nut, I tightened the nut right into the bushing. Had to cut the bushing and use another one I had on hand. Happy it was a quick fix. I'm trying to make this thread slightly pic heavy but you have all seen a Hotchkis front away bar. If you havnt, search it and they make a great product. Well it is a nice ride with the sway bar and have been really enjoying being able to bring the badger out with my fiance and it's got a great stock interior. The floor boards are amazing and the seats and door panels look good. I found the original seatbelts for the backseat today when I pulled the seat. Checked out the floor and looks good. Guess that's a plus for a California car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/564aa092-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/d9263ee0-1.jpg
all in all I'm happy with the car. I will get back to work since I'm putting in a powermasterhigh torque mini starter. Thanks for checking out the Honey Badger.

[verticalflight]

Nice car. The name reminds me of this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg

[BCHALK22]

Yeah thanks for posting that. Paint scheme reminds me of a honey badger a little. But I'm hoping when I get done with the suspension upgrades the camaro will be a honey badger on the auto x.

[BCHALK22]

Ok after 2 days of testing wires. I was able to determine why the new powermaster starter was not acting right. Had to drop the steering column to access the wires to test them. I was getting 5 volts at the starter so tested the wire at the column and got 9 volts. Ended up having to run a new wire to the starter since somewhere along the badgers travels someone spliced the wire to the alarm if I'm not mistaken. The starter is a wonder compared to the stock brick.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/be42581d-1.jpg

I snapped a couple photos of my uncles 1969 El Camino. He has a t56 in it and a 454 I believe. It is a bad ass car but not quite the looker yet. He is the boss in my garage and helps me figure out this car stuff when I am lost, which is most of the time.here is how ride with my ride in the back
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/90fa52e5-1.jpg

I also thought I would mention I had a great time at the good guys car show 2 weeks ago in Pleasanton. The auto x was the **** and there were a couple close calls.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/83b26d5c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/5d3357dc-1.jpg
I am also in the market for a set of wheels and tires for this beast. I am open to options but the simple answer is the torq thrust II . I am going to hot August night and want it to look a little flashier. If you have a nice set of wheels let me know.

[LeighP]

TTII's are easy to come by...but really, they're an extremely common wheel. Lots of choices out there that aren't on every second car at a show.
Love the name you chose...Honey Badgers are tough!!!!

[BCHALK22]

I still like the look and they are an easy wheel to come by and not too expensive which is why i am looking for them. But like I said i am open to options.

[WS6]

Love the name. First thing that popped into my mind when I saw the name was that video and all the great lines.

TTII's are very common but they do look good and are a good choice for a larger budget wheel. You can always swap out later. In the meantime, they could allow you to run bigger brakes and get better handling and simply enjoy driving the car more. Other options would be factory take offs from many different five lug cars really. I've got BMW rims on my car. Adapters aren't expensive and could allow you to go with a different look. You just have to know the measurements for what will fit your car and how a given wheel was built. Good luck

[BCHALK22]

I plan on upgrading to larger disc brakes in the future but at least for now i want to get the rest of my suspension together. I really dig the BMW wheels you chose on your build. They look good on there but those 17'' snowflakes from yearone are the business. Plus they keep the TA look. Im sure they will put a dent in your pocket though. Anyways, I have not done much research on wheel size and backspacing for my stock camaro. I was thinking of getting the tru turn system and probably running 17x8 up front and maybe 17x9 out back. If i remember correctly, they say u can run a 10'' wide wheel up front but think i will leave a little room 10 is pretty tight up front and am sure there will be some rub. I may jump on craigslist and look at some wheels later tonight.

On another note, I need to upgrade to a new alternator maybe a 120 or 130. Im thinking of running the powermaster and will most likely order that this week. My goal is to just get the car mechanically sound for H.A.N. then when I get back I will put the car up for the suspension upgrades. I have Hotchkis 2'' sbc lowering front springs and bilstein shocks. I will most likely go with their upper A arms as well so as to not have too many different parts that were not designed to go together.thought about the g mod but dont want to cut anything on the car, (at least thats what i keep telling my self). Thanks for tuning in. I know there isnt much to look at right now. Its driving weather in California and dont want to have the car out of commission.

[lucky13firebird]

nice, very cool car

[BCHALK22]

Just a quick update no pics right now but found a 6 speed from a 1997 camaro guy selling it says has 90,000 miles on it. He is selling it for a killer deal and not sure if I want to pass it up for $600. Just worried about buying it and finding out its in bad shape. Any suggestions? If I buy it I would wait until summer is over to swap it. Right now I have 350trans.

[lucky13firebird]

watch out for the hydro throwout bearing on the LT1 t56 tranny. the LS1 T56 is a better deal in the long run even though you'll spend 1,200 for one to get it....

[lucky13firebird]

98-2002 and so on is the ls1 t56

[BCHALK22]

Ok this is not an update but a question for you guys. I was checking out the rearend today while changing the gear oil and located a couple things. Not sure what their purpose was but maybe you know. The first is located just behind the gas tank on the passenger side and it's 2 round metal pieces connected to the underside of the car near the gas tank straps
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/f0c36395-1.jpg
Can anyone tell me this was used for? Thanks. Updates should be rolling in soon. Money is a bit tight but think I will have my Hotchkis upper arms in the next couple weeks do I can do the front bilsteins and Hotchkis springs.

[WS6]

If that LT1 T56 is complete with bellhousing and shifter, for $600 it is a good deal even if it needs to be rebuilt. You'll need to decide though if you're going to stay with a traditional SBC/BBC or go modern Gen3/4 engine. Reason being that, while you can convert an LT1 T56 to LS style, it's easiest just to go with the one that will fit your engine choice from the start. There's also nothing wrong with an LT1 T56. They simply use a style of clutch that's not as common. Plenty of clutch choices and support for that transmission.

Can't help with the rings on the gas tank. Sorry. Good luck.


The YO 17in snowflakes were a lot more expensive than the BMW rims. I also could not get them to confirm or even help figure out if the wheels would clear C5 brakes. So I went with the M-parallels to be different and leave people scratching their heads.

[BCHALK22]

I passed on the transmission. My uncle has a 5 speed I saw in storage yesterday I had a t56 in my last ride but rarely used 6th gear only when going to hot August nights. Not sure what I am going to do. I picked up some heat resistor wrap for my starter from summit which I will install since my new mini high torque starter has trouble starting when it's warm out and driven for a bit. The solenoid seems to be heating up a bit too much I hope that solves the problem I will install it this weekend. I also dove it twice this weekend and found I have a small 3/8 " hose leaking. The hose is on the top passenger side of the gas tank. I will grab some hose and fix that issue as well. But like I said I am driving the car this summer and doing minor upgrades as I go. I am buying a lot of parts I which will be installed over the winter. Again thanks for looking and I will leave with some pictures of the ride this weekend.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/555ac59c-1.jpg
This was taken on grizzly peak in the Berkeley hills overlooking the Bay Area . Took the girlfriend out for a nice ride.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/3f4b8c79-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/b029d2f6-1.jpg
That last picture was on the nice drive I was coincidentally behind 2 Toyota Prius' leaving a carbon footprint. I will have some parts installed this weekend.

[BCHALK22]

It has been a while since I last updated the thread and nothing new has really been going on with the Camaro except for driving it. Since driving is what the car was made for, I don't feel too bad but today I woke up early at 9:30, which is early for me. I drove out to Vic Hubbard speed shop in Hayward. Vic Hubbard is one of the last speed shops close to my house and I decided to take my dog on a nice drive out there since my dads Cutlass needed a few parts to complete the new motor install. While I was there I decided to buy a few auto meter sport comp guages to go in the gauge pod I bought on Amazon a while ago. I bought oil, water and volts guages. I couldnt decide on the 4th so I only got three. Anyways here is a pic of the shop I went to.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/f78727ad-1.jpg
So I went to my uncles house to fix a gas leak. The gas was leaking from the 3/8" hose and had to fix it ASAP.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/9c84788d-1.jpg
This is the evidence left from the leak on the tank.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/6ee8c710-1.jpg
Another shot of the remnants from the leak.
So I replaced the hose an the leak is no more. I was worried someone would throw a cigarette and set my ride on fire. Good thing I caught this quickly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/a15e7b7d-1.jpg
Good as new now. Time to move on.
So I was sitting in my car taking my center console apart. By the way it is a pain in the neck. Here's a flick if the bootleg wood grain panel I have to remove for the new guage pod
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/ad51935d-1.jpg
So I began disassembling the center console. There were about 10 screws that needed to come out. In case you have not done this,you can take the top half off to do this instead of taking the bottom as well.
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So finally got the top hall of the center console off and my uncle and I started wiring the auto meter guages.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/85156c76-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/d1d731c6-1.jpg.
We ended up stopping since I figured I might as well buy one more guage to fill the pod. Any suggestions on a guage. I was thinking a vacuum or trans temp but i saw a clock guage as well which I thought would look sick.
I was sitting in the car and saw that there was a light missing under the rear ashtray and also the dome light was missing. Went to the parts store and picked up a couple bulbs. Plugged em in and they worked. Damn nothing works that smoothly for me but today was my lucky day.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/b7edf21a-1.jpg.well that's all for now just basic stuff, I went to a car show earlier and I will post pics later. Thanks for tuning in. Sorry or typos I'm on my cell phone.

[BCHALK22]

So I only took a couple photos at the car show on Main Street in Martinez there were around 30 cars last night so it wasn't a huge show. I asked one of the workers if I could park the Badger in the show since I felt safer with it being there instead of down the street where I couldn't see my car.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/e692d32e-1.jpg
This next photo is of my car parked out there. It got some attention being the only first gen camaro out there surprisingly. I think that's Why I wasn't embarrassed parking it there.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/ded697a9-1.jpg
I also forgot to mention that there are are few interior things I want to replace. The first being the work out parking brake lever which makes The car look beat up even though it's such a small piece.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/777c9766-1.jpg
Also my steering wheel is waaay outdated and time to upgrade to a wooden one.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/b4a95d82-1.jpg
So far the interior is in very good shape for being soo old, I figure I will update the little things since they are very easy. I plan to take out the interior and coat the floors in Por-15 or something similar and insulate the floors as well. But that will be over the winter when the car isn't being driven along with the suspension upgrades. Last night I ordered another sport comp guage and a starter solenoid since I am having issues with my car starting up when it is hot out. Hope this fixes the issue. I have never used one but I was told it is a good $22.00 investment from summit. My plan is still to drive the car to Hot August Nights, which is why I don't want to start tearing it apart. I am in the market now to buy a decent set of seats either aftermarket of something out of another car. I like the Volkswagen leather seats out of the GTI or maybe a BMW. My plan is to find someone that can do a dark green houndstooth to match my current interior. I've looked online and seen many businesses who make houndstooth seats but not the green. If not I will find the fabric and have a local shop custom make them.

[BCHALK22]

As usual nothing terribly exciting with this build but I am making progress in baby steps. Like I mentioned I got the interior light working under the rear ashtray of the center console. My last 69 camaro did not have a center console so I didn't know this existed. When I took the console apart for the guage install I found the bulb and plugged it in and it worked.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/772d2299-1.jpg

I also took a photo of the dome light after replacing the bulb. It makes a huge difference when i get in the Honey Badger at night since I am not used to seeing anything.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/902624bb-1.jpg

Now I have to buy a new cover for the lamp since the one in there now is beat a bit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/f32908f1-1.jpg

Well I got back to town after being gone for work and my small shipment arrived. I posted a picture of the old Grant wheel which reminds me of Cheech and Chong even though it doesn't have the chain. So I ordered the Grant 992 classic wheel. So far I love the wheel. It compliments the fake wood trim in the car now. I wanted an old school steering wheel and this one is perfect since the wood does not have the thick coat. If you have this wheel in your car can you post me a photo I want to see how it looks since I am not installing it until Friday.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/3b0595e8-1.jpg

Nice piece for slightly over $115 from summit. I also received the boost/vacuum guage to fill my 4 guage pod. I hope to have it wired on Friday.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/8440f3a5-1.jpg

The last Item that arrived was the Summit remote hot start system which hopefully will resolve my start issues I have been having. I am a bit disappointed I have issues with hot starts even after installing the new mini high torque starter but I was told this will solve the problem. The part number is SUM-G1750 and was around $23 or so.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/16e0910a-1.jpg

Everyone is keeping me motivated with their builds so I will continue to chip away at the build this summer as minor as the upgrades may be. One quick question for anyone reading this.
My starter lags when my motor is hot on a nice sunny day I was told this solenoid will solve the issues with the hot starts any feedback on using these units? As always thanks for stopping by.

[bonecrrusher]

Car looks good - thought of this when I saw the title:

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

[WS6]

Your starting issues could also be from poor wiring. As the wire gets hot it builds resistance. Basically the same issue as you're thinking with the solenoid but in the wires themself. Just make sure you have good, clean, and solid connections between all the power points and the ground wire points.

[BCHALK22]

WS6 when i replaced the started I cleaned up all of the connections and checked all of the wires. Surprisingly the wiring in the car seems to be in fairly good shape given the age. I did not see any wires that needed to be replaced but some of the ground connections needed to be cleaned.

[ROBS6T8]

Nice start on the project. You got your number for HAN or you just going up? We try to get a few guys from Team Camaro to meet up for a lunch. I'm trying to get mine done for HAN also. I have a wee bit more to do though! :D

[BCHALK22]

Hey Rob, I have not registered for HAN yet and I may be too late but I did get a room. I am second guessing taking the Camaro because i just remembered about the huge swap meet and i may need my truck since there are a few parts i need and would probably buy out there. I would still like to meet up let me know where you guys meet at. Thanks for stopping in.

[ROBS6T8]

Hey Rob, I have not registered for HAN yet and I may be too late but I did get a room. I am second guessing taking the Camaro because i just remembered about the huge swap meet and i may need my truck since there are a few parts i need and would probably buy out there. I would still like to meet up let me know where you guys meet at. Thanks for stopping in.

We were on the waiting list for 1 1/2 years before we got our number. Hadn't had the car up there for 2 years now but continued paying the entry fee so we wouldn't lose our number! :)
I forgot about the swap meet. I need to find a 31 spline third member... posi hopefully. I'll be purchasing a Currie 9 inch housing from Summit. Have to take advantage of the HAN 10% discount! :D
I'll let you know if there are any plans. We should be discussing it soon.
I'll be back!

[BCHALK22]

Quick update. I decided to buy the boss 338 in 18s. Let me know what you all think. Lots of people are running these wheels but I really like the look on 69 Camaros. I got a deal out this way so drove an hour and a half each way in this crazy heat. I wasn't sure I would like them so wanted to put them on at the shop. The fronts are 18x8 and the rears are 18x9.5 front tires are 225 40 18 and rears are 255 40 18.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/2A84244A82C748DFAD63C023D023BB9611772000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/5628AA23548445778236C67BF741ECD511772000-1.jpg

I will get better pictures up soon. I'm waiting on winter to begin front suspension.

[Rod]

the 18s look good on the car, the tires are a little thin for me I would run a 245 front and a 275 rear, later

[BCHALK22]

Thanks Rod. I will get a picture in the light later. I do like the 18s they are perfect in my opinion.

[Karls73]

Great looking car. I have to say it. "It's bad a**!" Just like the Honey Badger.

[BCHALK22]

Thanks Karls. So I have not checked in for a while due to planning a wedding and all types of other things non car related. I have not done anything else besides the wheels. I will hopefully get some new pics up and do some work. My parents have room in their garage now for me to store and work on the Honey Badger since my shared garage just didnt have enough space. At my house I couldnt do projects which would take more than a day or two since other people use the garage. Hopefully with the car at my folks spot I can get into the suspension and brakes. Hope everyone had a great Holidays.