Project Task list

[Damn True]

Hey gang,

It looks like I will be able to begin my '68 build within the next 12 months. I pretty much know what I want to do with it, the thing is....I've never tackled a project this broad in scope. At least all at once.

The biggest thing Ive done is a pretty radical '93 Cherokee. The thing with that was that it was also my daily driver so stuff had to be done one thing at a time and had to be completed in a weekend so I could drive to work on Monday. The result was that I did a lot of redundant disassembly/assembly. Not to mention changes I had to make to installed part "A" due to the installation of part "B". Not efficient from a time or cost standpoint. I don't want to repeat that at all. The Camaro is not going to be driven at all during the build so I won't have to return it to driveability after each step.

I'm wondering if ya'all could help me create a task list to work from as a guide. In which order should I accomplish the various parts of the project?

Thanks for the guidance.
True

[Bill Howell]

First and formost, you need to sit down and set yourself a realistic budget. No need in planning a 70K car if you can afford a 25K car.
Then you need to decide the true direction and goals you want to achieve. It is fine to ask for opinions here, but remember, it is real easy for me and others to tell you how to spend your money. You have to know that it is your car and money, so take others opinions with a grain of salt. Never let anyone convince you that you are not or will not be this or that if you fail to follow their ideas. I feel we lose members here because they feel they will not be able to impress someone. More times than not, the very ones criticizing everyone have long term projects in their garages that will probably never be driven. It reminds me of the saying, "Those that can do, those that can't talk about it". I am alot more impressed with those that are riding, even if their not at 100% than I am those that never seem to ever get anything done on their cars.
It is a giving that you need to get the body right, so that is the easy part of the budget, just figure out what needs replacing and deal with a shop you are comfortable with. Remember, you get what you pay for, so never assume cheapest is best. Rarely will you find that to be the case. Knowing wheel sizes and suspension requirements at this point is a must so you don't have to redo things later.
I would try to be in the process of getting the sub frame ready at the same time as it makes moving the car around much easier.
If you can compromise on plans, and are in no great rush, you will find that other people buy parts then change directions, so be patient and you will find deals on the expensive stuff. There are alot of parts that are sold right here, so make it a habit to check the for sale section daily, I do.
The drivetrain can be done later, once you have recovered from money spent already, however, you MUST be careful or you will be repainting the frontend. The more time you spend here, the more you will see the trend toward LS1 stuff. However, never think that is the only game in town. Use what you are comfortable with and works with your budget.
Interior plans are nice, but I would save the actual work til last.

Remember, this is just my opinion and suggestions. I hope it helps.

[Damn True]

So...
Subframe & suspension work
Cage
Body
Drivetrain
Interior?

At what point in there would you suggest making changes to transmission tunnels to fit an overdrive manual, and fabrication to allow a fuel cell?

[Bill Howell]

So...
Subframe & suspension work
Cage
Body
Drivetrain
Interior?

At what point in there would you suggest making changes to transmission tunnels to fit an overdrive manual, and fabrication to allow a fuel cell?

That would fit in the body repair portion of the project. Hopefully by that time you would know what tranny you planned to use. Possible already have it so you could use it for mock up purposes. The fuel cell would be about the same time you were minitubbing the wheelwells and/or replacing any trunk floor panels that needed attention.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Bill makes some good points in his post. All fabrication and mock-ups should be done before the car is painted. Try to mock up your drivetrain (if time and money allows) before you paint the car. Sometimes that's not possible due to budget restraints, so if that's the case, try to plan it out as best as possible, so you're not doing too crazy of work while the car is painted. What tranny are you installing that will require tunnel mods?

[Damn True]

Theoretically it shouldn't require tunnel mods (if what Tremec/Forte's says is true) it should go right in.

The car is rust free with the exception of the base of the rear window so the only serious metal work should be the tubbing and the installation of a cell.

[Damn True]

That would fit in the body repair portion of the project. Hopefully by that time you would know what tranny you planned to use. Possible already have it so you could use it for mock up purposes. The fuel cell would be about the same time you were minitubbing the wheelwells and/or replacing any trunk floor panels that needed attention.



Shouldnt the minitub and cell install occur at the same time as the rear suspension stuff? Seems that the clearance of tires, shocks springs etc might all require metalwork that would be in the same general area?

Not questioning your advice, just tossing out my personal concerns from a devils advocate standpoint.

[Bill Howell]

Most definately, this is the time for that. Since we are talking a camaro here, with no frame, you will have to do the rear suspension stuff while doing the body work anyway right? Of course, if you are going all out and installing some type of full frame, you still need to work out the clearance issues at that point.

[Damn True]

Well, I won't be going the full frame route. At least not on this iteration of the car. I won't have that kind of coin to play with.