Project reForged [Archive] - Pro-Touring.com

V8240Z

10-20-2012, 07:26 AM

Project reForged:
Well I guess it is about time to introduce my project for the last three years. Hers is a story of sadness and rebirth. So let’s start at the beginning.
In 1977 a young kid in high school (me) spent all the paper route money he had acquired to buy a1967 Camaro. She was red, loud, and mine. Over the next 30 years she went through many transformations, streetracer, drag car, and even show car. Over those 30 years she never left me stranded. In 2005 I parked her at the side of the garage at my new house awaiting yet another restoration.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/41357B51A35D4F58B717901ECCD2B85720650000-1.jpgThen in 2007 the California wildfires came….she wasuninsured!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/15BCF1D84E9E41DF8EE9B29AF41B298D20650000-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifThe engine was salvageable, but not much else. I could not afford another 1st gen and quite frankly none would ever compare to her and the good times we had shared. Then on Craigslist I found a great rolling 73 Camaro.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/CF813B3800E14CAE99A8F867B19E25EB20650000-1.jpgThus Project reForged had begun.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/DBE39A70851044EC8AA41BD41ADD56E420650000-1.jpg

turboclevor

10-20-2012, 07:35 AM

the pictures dont work. it just says "page not found"

wellis77

10-20-2012, 10:50 AM

Project reForged:
Well I guess it is about time to introduce my project for the last three years. Hers is a story of sadness and rebirth. So let’s start at the beginning.
In 1977 a young kid in high school (me) spent all the paper route money he had acquired to buy a1967 Camaro. She was red, loud, and mine. Over the next 30 years she went through many transformations, streetracer, drag car, and even show car. Over those 30 years she never left me stranded. In 2005 I parked her at the side of the garage at my new house awaiting yet another restoration.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/41357B51A35D4F58B717901ECCD2B85720650000-1.jpg
Then in 2007 the California wildfires came….she wasuninsured!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/F1873A305FD34987960AB30D923708DD20650000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/4AFEF41C777747FC883AA9D3D807A3BB20650000-1.jpg
The engine was salvageable, but not much else. I could not afford another 1st gen and quite frankly none would ever compare to her and the good times we had shared. Then on Craigslist I found a great rolling 73 Camaro.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/CF813B3800E14CAE99A8F867B19E25EB20650000-1.jpg
Thus Project reForged had begun.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/DAFF56E025744709B46531D94B136E8F20650000-1.jpg

turboclevor

10-20-2012, 11:00 AM

thanks Will, and V8240Z i hope this starts to make up for the fire

4WardInv

10-20-2012, 01:49 PM

Sorry about the fire, good look with the 73!

V8240Z

10-24-2012, 04:44 AM

The Camaro came to live at my house about three years ago now. Prior to me the last 2 owners combined for 11 years as a rolling project, but I will finish her. I began by finishing the work on smoothing the firewall and reapairing the small amount of body work. She had a new front clip, and the paint code indicated she was originally white. I was delighted as I wanted to pay tribute to my fallen first gen.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/16F73A9EADC24AF58D1A31AEC54FF97420650000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/BF6A1076EC994994900ACFC6F9D6CC8720650000-1.jpg

V8240Z

10-24-2012, 04:50 AM

I also began rebuilding the salvaged 327 form my original car. Keep in mind this engine had never let me down in 30 years of ownership. It recievd a complete bottom end rebuild, new cam, new aluminum heads, roller rockers, air gap intake, and a Demon carb. Now in retrospect I should have gone LS.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/040_zpsef54d5ab-1.jpg
The blue on the engine is also an hommage to the flames on the first gen.

V8240Z

10-25-2012, 04:47 AM

Being a former drag racer, the original plan was to have a set of big n littles and go for a bit of the pro street look. As body work progressed, I stubled on to a web site called NastyZ28.com. Theere I learned of the 'b' body front brake upgrade, and things began to change. but first how about a few more pictures...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/8B96BE5E10164CD7B9E8AAC6A1971CD520650000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/028_zps0c0fb855-1.jpg

V8240Z

10-31-2012, 08:28 PM

Yes I did paint her at the side of my house. I used an epoxy primer followed by a sealer in white and then a single stage polyurethane paint.....came out decent. Then with the help of my wonderful wife and daughter the engine got installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/049_zps014d871a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/054Copy_zps1c88fe0d-1.jpg
While I was pleased with the progress, I had begun learning about making muscle cars go around corners. I found out about this website and began contemplating a new direction. My wife surprised me with the QA-1 coil over conversion for the front and the transformation began. I purchased upper control arms manufactured by PTFB from Keith at Customworks Performance. Followed shortly by solid body mounts, subframe connectors, solid LCA bushings, Landrum rear springs, and a rear adjustable sway bar. These are some of the pictures of those parts being installed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/0282_zpse28b8d6f-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/08303E78CA394542B9FDD79CF1EDB40120650000-1.jpg

aps63

11-01-2012, 08:17 PM

Great progress so far.
Keep the pictures coming.

V8240Z

11-02-2012, 04:46 AM

Here are a few more pictures of the front suspension and engine.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/begley138_zpscb4dbc4e-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/4E648D7125564AA5B1545B72489F241E20650000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/97736CE7871043C59851489D2DE0C30B20650000-1.jpg
I also made the Guldstrand modification to the front leaf spring mounts and added poly bushings there
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/winternationals2011088_zpsdbe700b0-1.jpg

compos mentis

11-02-2012, 06:09 AM

Nice to see your family involved in it as well...car is looking good.:twothumbs

V8240Z

11-02-2012, 07:06 AM

Thanks Skip,
It certainly heps when the family is interested. My wife and I attended the Return to the Coast a few weeks ago and went for a few rides. We are both anxious to get this car on the road. I am hoping to make it to the SCCA autocross here in San Diego on November 18th...... we'll see.

V8240Z

11-03-2012, 10:11 PM

Just a quick note, if anyone is contemplating using a 1967 or earlier block, the Mr Gasket canister to spin on oil filter adapter sucks! I have had 2 leak at the block o-ring. The edge is sharp and the o-ring is not captive. The Trans-dapt one from summit is far superior, and my oil leak woes are passing. I got the coil overs adjusted up to raise the nose slightly and she may move under her own power tomorrow. This car has been a project for 14 years with three owners. Here's a few more pictures:
I saw the subwoofer installation on Dale Jr's car that DSE built and liked that idea:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/winternationals2011170_zpsc04cc5bd-1.jpg
I used a prefabbed box with a JL Audio W8 sub and Infinity 6x9 speakers:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/winternationals2011171_zpsccba3cd7-1.jpg
the entire interior is lined with FatMat:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/begley003_zpse027c177-1.jpg
and then I fabricated a rear package tray with custom grilles:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/winternationals2011174_zps27eef6c5-1.jpg

V8240Z

11-06-2012, 05:45 AM

So I opted for the Summit brand seats to replace my originals. They have decent support and adjustment and were really inexpensive.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/winternationals2011097_zps2889f48c-1.jpg
Then took my back seat to Jim's Upholstery here in san diego and had the rear seat done to match, and my center console was redone with the same stitching
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/begley006_zpsd426a1f8-1.jpg

Glenn

11-06-2012, 06:13 AM

WOW! What a great looking Camaro, I really like that year.

V8240Z

11-06-2012, 08:17 AM

Thanks for the encouragement Glenn.

aps63

11-06-2012, 08:43 PM

The back seats look awesome!!!!!

68400BIRD

11-07-2012, 10:58 AM

Looks great. Seems were on the same build plan. LOL Have a car burn down start over again.

V8240Z

11-07-2012, 12:45 PM

I certainly learned to insure every car, it would have been a whole lot easier to just buy another than build one. I am surprised how long this one has taken with the onset of age, family, work etc...

V8240Z

11-12-2012, 05:46 AM

So a bit more to add this morning. Here is a shot of the dash insert I made for my autometer gauges, it has a custom built harness that ties into the factory one where possible:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/204CC034810B4612B0A266CE7DF1759280610000-1.jpg
A few more of the interior coming together:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/77D63A27CB42415CAFCD8BCFDD8370D780610000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/F9E0F2D96F3F48F39E0ED4E54D1E9AB149200000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/E01BC09BB2B148A8B0AEFA3D0D05BCB649200000-1.jpg
And one of the rear suspension:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/4A4E7E112E744D60B583C34062FC7CFB49200000-1.jpg
it features PTFB GT springs, the Gulstrand front mount modification, poly bushings throughout, Edelbrock IAS shocks, and a PTFB adjustable rear sway bar. I also installed 1" lowering blocks and a Trick Flow rear end cover / girdle. The rearend is a corporate 8.5 with a 4.11 posi in it.

V8240Z

11-12-2012, 05:53 AM

So Friday I went to AAA to activate the cars registration. Keep in mind this has been non-oped and has been somebodies project for the last 14 years. I got my new registration and the renewal is November 10th, my birthday! I thought that was cool... For my birthday my wonderful wife had this made for me:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/2E3176549B3446BA8ADB5E21BEE8B7E049200000-1.jpg
It is all watch parts. I have to say having a family that is supportive of your hobbies and passions makes life much more fun. Last year she got me the front QA-1 coil overs that started this pro-touring transformation for me.

V8240Z

11-14-2012, 05:57 AM

Well with my modest suspension upgrades complete I finally got to see the new stance of the car. Initially it was a bit too low in the front, and has since been adjusted up about 1 inch. The San Diego SCCA is trying to form a Pro-touring class and has a limit of no less than 4 inches ground clearance. I talked with Mary Pozzi before embarking on this and she suggested front spring rates in the 650 lb/inch range. To give that perspective QA1 suggested 350 lb/inch for small blocks. I went with their stiffest at 600 lb/inch. when I first put her on the ground with the shocks on setting 8 of 20 the front end felt solid. I think the stance is where I want it to be:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/6D361EE5ECE04A1180CCC7E9ED216E2120650000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/89328719462840EEAC8CC7367CB0DC8920650000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/87BA5912BADB468D8530D0F7E01D94A320650000-1.jpg
While I would love to have some Forgeline wheels, I just don't have the budget. I didn't want the IROC or torque thrust wheels as they were a bit too 'belly-button' looking. I found the Rocket Hyper Silver Bullet wheels at the Grand National Roadster show and they met my needs. Fronts are 18x8 with 245/40/18 tires, and rears are 18x9 with 275/35/18. I was able to get a set of take off Dunop tire that would not meet BMW certification at work. They will be on for initial testing until I can afford a set of Falkens.

68400BIRD

11-14-2012, 07:28 AM

The wheels look great on your car. Nice choice and within your budget. Car is looking great. Check out www.nastyz28.com when you get a chance.

V8240Z

12-03-2012, 11:12 PM

OK, seems like it is time for an update. Saturday, November the 23rd it was time. I had started the engine, adjusted the valves, fixed numerous leaks, and no matter what, I was determined reForged would move under her own power. The brakes were murder to get to bleed, but with my wifes' help, we finally got pedal. Keep in mind the car has been a project of someone for the last 14 years at least. I got it backed out of the garage and turned around...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/48A115CC8B294D9B90BAA71AEA57706876470000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/2C74291A77F949F2951116F3FAF0C13776470000-1.jpg
That also gave me an opportunity to clean the garage where she had sat for the last 2 years...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/82E8476C1FAD4A23AFA6229B5A64D06876470000-1.jpg

Now, we live on top of a hill with a steep driveway that is almost 1/8 mile long. As I headed down for the first time, I knew I had issues. The brakes sucked (technical term for do not stop the car). I was concerned the car was too low to clear the bottom of the driveway, but that went fine. I turned left into the culdesac and punched the throttle. She roared to live, spun the tires, and promptly ran out of the initial few gallons of gas . Here I am dead in front of my neighbors house. He came out and offered help, but I had already called my wife and daughter and they were on a gas run. After adding 4 more gallons, she lit back up and we headed back up the driveway. At the top I found it she is indeed too low as I almost high centered, the rear of the subframe connectors after settling from driving was 3 inches off the ground. Now for the good news. I had a particularly lucrative month at work last month, and my wife encouraged me to order the big brake package that I thought would wait until next summer. The front is already complete with the CPP C5 13" conversion, and my 12" Wilwood rear should be here tomorrow. More update coming soon!

CodexGigas

12-04-2012, 01:04 AM

Love those second Gen Camaros, Your Car Looks great.

LUV2XLR8

12-04-2012, 04:12 AM

car really turned out nice... love the split bumpers... bring it out to the east coast sometime!

Zoomin

12-04-2012, 09:25 AM

Nice build!

I'm curious what happened to the roof on your first gen. Looks like it got crushed after the fire. Insult to injury...

V8240Z

12-04-2012, 11:03 AM

The 67 was a mess, the roof colapsed in, the rear end was bowed, the dash was sagged almost 9 inches in the center, the glass was melted and puddled below where it sat. Thanks for the encouragement.

bonecrrusher

12-04-2012, 08:50 PM

Nice sized garage!

V8240Z

12-04-2012, 11:10 PM

So last week the car had 'b' body spindles with 1LE 12" rotors and GM D52 calipers
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0B387A96DC004A07BD89428E2B8BC2FE76470000-1.jpg
While an upgrade, not what I needed. Now it has CPP C5 hubs, rotors, and calipers at 13" and a noticeable weight drop.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/B678247F4DEF4343A200105565B43F8788700000-1.jpg
In the rear she had stock drums, that were not moving......
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/4A4E7E112E744D60B583C34062FC7CFB49200000-1.jpg
Tonight my new Wilwood Dynalite 12" rears discs arrived. While I was tired after working all day I made a good bit of progress...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/F42DA4BAA6214B34AA3DF0AA1E57BE0388700000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/2300392092084D02A4DB5271B032F49588700000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/D8DA140158714082AAA88F452B826DC888700000-1.jpg
I have a short list of parts to get tomorrow, and hopefully everything goes back together.

While under the car I also removed the lowering blocks, so hopefully I have some ground clearance also.

V8240Z

12-08-2012, 07:05 AM

Quick update..... I have to say the Wilwood Dynalite Pro rear brake kit is very well engineered. After cleaning the rear end housing flange the backing plate / parking brake assembly bolts right up, slide the axle back in, slide in the rotor, mount the caliper with the supplied bolts and slip in the pads. Passenger side done!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/F254EF8AE43E42F0A559D5865029E07398290000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/821DA02B85D344C190D58CCA4AE2796598290000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/4E30C48113114D48B1319FC9BB166CD798290000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/7F6BBE6F497D45ED8B354D669037E73798290000-1.jpg
Unfortunately the drivers side did not go so smoothly. The caliper is offset .170 to the inside. After 3 phone calls to Wilwood, and with the help of James in their tech department ! have $80 in parts on the way, and will not be autocrossing this weekend. I guess it is time to put up Christmas stuff!

srh3trinity

12-08-2012, 10:45 AM

I like the car a lot. Love the white and those wheels are the perfect color and style.

V8240Z

12-08-2012, 08:17 PM

Thanks, there are some black stripes and accents coming soon. I am really looking forward to finally getting to drive her.

5spd540

12-09-2012, 12:54 AM

lOOKS SHARP KEEP UP THE WORK

Nova1978

12-09-2012, 05:58 AM

Great looking 2nd gen! What are the specs on the wheels and tires? They really finish the look.

V8240Z

12-09-2012, 07:46 AM

The wheels are Rocket Booster Hyper silver, front are 18x8, rear 18x9.5. I am currently running 245/40/18 Dunlop runflats on the front and 275/35/18 on the rear. As the car gets sorted I want to get the Falken 615rt tires.

V8240Z

12-11-2012, 05:55 AM

The parts from Wilwood arrived last night and allowed the left rear brakes to be installed with the correct offset. Special thanks to James at Wilwood technical for figuring out what to send to make everything fit. Looks like I may be driving this weekend.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00B00D0BF8A44A91A8AB9C2A528E82E811010000-1.jpg

Zoomin

12-11-2012, 07:21 AM

Nice change - I'm anxious to hear your assessment on the new stuff once you get it on the road.

aps63

12-11-2012, 09:42 AM

Much better!!!! Car looks awesome.

V8240Z

12-14-2012, 05:54 AM

So I figured while I was waiting for the Wilwood parts to arrive was a good time to work on the graphics. These included blacking out the tail light panel like the 70-72 L78 option, black chip guard on the rocker panels (just in case a cone gets killed), and a single stripe on the hood in satin black with grey detail. Here we go;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/EA9FFF6D97FB481B8E1C77C954AE4BDD11010000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/5EAF2E9613574CAB8120B54C4F1353B911010000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/2AFA3A5B79B04CB98A79838214F94A5111010000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/5369D4ECAA414EF1BB75EE4C5BFECDDA11010000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/03DE36A7B8B24BF2B53F65B90B273E6017470000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/9DAB859AB6D9455097B60A44C4DBA37417470000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/95C69E35FAEF4806B7489A7D6CCDAAFF21690000-1.jpg
I also installed Fessler Billet tail lights, door strikers and vents, and their billet hood latch. The Fessler stuff is quality!
Hopefully this weekend the brakes get bled and we try a test drive.....

Glenn

12-14-2012, 07:29 AM

That sure made a change in the looks of the car :)

bonecrrusher

12-14-2012, 11:11 PM

Like the blacked out paint.

5spd540

12-15-2012, 12:53 AM

looks good. like the wheels

NoMoneyZ

12-15-2012, 08:17 AM

Great build. Everytime I come to this site it gives me motivation to finish my car. Keep up the great work.
How much experience did you have in paint and body work? It looks really great.

V8240Z

12-15-2012, 08:29 AM

Thanks for encouragement guys. I am a working guy and can't afford huge dollars for a paint job. I have painted several cars years ago. My last car, the v8 240z was painted professionally and the quality of work was no better than mine. When I questioned the shop owner he said 'what do you expect for $2800'. I still have some color sanding and buffing to do, but it is all 1 color ( plus the graphics).

Tomswheels

12-22-2012, 08:47 PM

Charles, it's looking great, will we see it on track in Feb?

V8240Z

12-23-2012, 07:02 AM

Absolutely Tom! I'm bleeding the brakes today, have changed to a smaller carb, and then it's finally alignment time. I wanted to sign up for RTTC, but without driving the car I just couldn't pull the trigger. I will be at the stadium Feb 2nd, and who knows maybe wait list for RTTC.

FRENCHBLUE72

12-23-2012, 08:52 AM

Good looking car.. Bummer about the 1st one but it looks like ya nailed this one..

V8240Z

01-01-2013, 07:30 AM

Well it seems nothing on this car can go easily. I did finally get the correct parts to install the left rear brakes from Wilwood. Ran new hard lines at the rear diff, and bled the brakes throughout. I have the large Demon carb back on with a few tweeks to the accelerator pump. It looked like I was finally ready for another test drive......Then a significant leak was found at the left front brake hard line. So this morning I am taking out the original modified proportioning valve, installing a tee and new hard line to the right front, and a Wilwood proportioning valve in line on the rear. Wish me luck!