Project: Camaro 68' P/T Muscle

[Tweak]

I bought my 68' roller mid Feb from socal and it finally got delivered last week. It got held up in customs for a few weeks at my local port, so it's been a long wait. Been wanting to build a 1st gen for years, and couldn't resist this one when it came up. The plan is to build a cool car inspired by the Pro-touring scene going on over there in the US. We don't have anything like it over here (New Zealand), but what we do have is miles and miles of fantastic country roads tailor made for a Pro-Touring car. Take a look at the image below, this road is 2 mins from my home and a good friend of mine lives about 40 miles up the road towards the mountains.
I'm in the process of tearing it down and preparing it for the build. It's coming up pretty clean, small pockets of rust and a few dings. Hope to get it built in about 18-20 months.

Build plan at the moment:
Ls1/2 6sp
Ridetech Level 1 front & rear with tru turn
dse brake booster
Wilwwod brakes
TMI Interior
Arrow Wheels? NZ made 3 piece wheels. (had them on my last car)
RS light package

Anyway that's the plan, only time and money and it I'll be done.

Cheers
Damien7633476336

[69*Goat]

Nice!!!!

[Tweak]

Finally got the car and have been pretty busy tearing it down. Found a few rusty surprises, but it's a pretty solid body in general. Rust under the front screen and poorly fitted replacement tail panel the biggest jobs. Small amount of rust around bottom of rear wheel arches and back window. Doors, front sheet metal, rockers, cowl area and floors are in exceptional condition.
Waiting for replacement panels, tubs and Ridetech 4-link to arrive, will start on dse clutch bracket and small patch repairs. It takes 6-8 weeks to get parts down here in New Zealand from the US, so will try to keep the flow of parts coming as I need them.77520775217752277523

[Tweak]

Ridetech rear end welded, Body and chassis in epoxy. Paint the underside and chassis tommorow and start putting it back together.
Front end suspension and dse steering box should be here in a couple of weeks, on the boat from LA now.809268092780928

[Tweak]

Progress made, suspension in, steering and more epoxy painting complete. Looking for LS1 6sp now.825638256482565825668256782568

[Tweak]

Love this car, going for an old school look for sure. Hope 15" and big rubber doesn't a fend the Pro Touring community.82569

[AusMarty]

Dunno what the idea with the massive diameter wheels for a particular "Pro touring Style".
We all know if the rubber can flex, the more grip you can pull out of it.

Unless it's 14" with a 75 sidewall.
LOLZ.


As long as it is updated to be close to modern, has an updated engine, a nice interior and is built to carve corners - I'm pretty sure it fits Pro Touring. Hell - doesn't even have to be a "muscle" car.
Of course it can't be a coupe/racecar or an exotic.. but you get the gist. lol

That is my opinion of course.
Each to their own.

But my little Mazda wagon is gonna rip up the wiggles too.
I wouldn't call it pro touring as such (to fill a niche) - but It's a wagon, it'll have a rotor, it's gonna get modern steering and suspension, and a hilux LSD and big brakes, and will be built to handle more than it'll be built for speed.


BUUUUT.
Back to the topic at hand.
15" wheels would be 100% coool.
But I'm sure there'd be people here that will scream "MINIMUM 17'S FOR A PRO TOURER OR GTFO!!!!!" lol.


Looks cool so far, keep the pics rollin'.

[Tweak]

Got the front sheet metal mocked up today. Goodmark SS hood didn't fit to bad for a repo.
Fit up RS grill and bumpers next and check any clearance issues.83560
Just waiting for my concept render to be done.

[gordonr1973]

Very nice work so far....roads look like they will be a lot of fun to drive too!

[KABRKA]

wow car is gonna be cool great to see another kiwi on here i like the path you are going with your car i have a 67 camaro ls1 auto dse loaded cant beat a cool g-machine!!!.keep up the great work damien if ya need any help what ever just flick me a e-mail [email protected] cheers kabrka

[Tweak]

Hey Kabrka, cheers for the offer of help. Good to have a few kiwi's here on P/T.com. Will send you an email shortly regarding ECU and related stuff.etc.

cheers

[Tweak]

My Hotrod and Custom club is having our annual shed raids this Sunday. The president (GMT) kindly lent me this mockup small block with original late 50's Hilborn Injection setup. More of a conversation piece, but Freakin Awesome!!!! Fits under the hood when closed to.
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[fleetside]

I'm also building a '68 with an ls1 and auto, I'm in Auckland. I've also got a '62 Nova with a ls1 and 6 speed manual it's a lot of fun

[KABRKA]

cool more kiwis!!! hey fleetside are you going to papakura swap meet??? cheers kabrka

[fleetside]

cool more kiwis!!! hey fleetside are you going to papakura swap meet??? cheers kabrka
Hope so! Need to run the Nova through for its wof and make sure I don't need to go into work

[Tweak]

Concept getting close, just a few small tweaks to go.

83866

[Tweak]

Had some time off from the build, but got back into it recently. Been mocking up more bits, fitting new seats and belts.
Have changed direction on drive train. Going with the mighty LS7 and TKO 600. Very keen to here from anyone with LS7 experience, keeping it dry sump.
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[T.K.]

absolutely love the LS7, Cost is the only thing keeping my current LSA wet-sump. don't know the TKO 600, but i love my TR6060. Very few complaints about the TKO, which I'm sure is the trans you refer to or is similar to.

[Tweak]

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[drktrrs]

My vote is definitely on Concept #2. Keep up the good work

[dangina]

My vote is definitely on Concept #2. Keep up the good work
+1 but to make it a bit more cooler I'd go with black wheels, but that's just because i hate chrome wheels lol

[Tweak]

91166

[Tweak]

Been chipping away, fitted front brakes, wheels and tires. Will get the back offset sorted when I get my new Moser 12 Bolt. Leaned the radiator back to get cold air in over the top.101198101199101200

TKO 600 will be here Thursday, hopefully get it mocked up over the weekend.

[KABRKA]

Keep up the good work dude you will get there!!

[Tweak]

You shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet. Fitted my mockup LS1 with TKO 600 and LS7 oil pan over the weekend. With a small modification to oil lines, the pan fitted in easily to my stock 1st Gen subframe. Clears all steering components, including the ridetech Tru-turn parts.

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[wfo guy]

Looks good. I certainly appreciate the effort it takes to build anything outside of the US. It's testy for us sometimes without the 6 week freight delay.

[Tweak]

Making pretty good progress now. Have finished sub-frame connectors, fuel and brake hard lines, Ls7 Oil pan needed to be modified for steering clearance and made my first set of headers. Pretty stoked how they came out. Will get them HPC coated when I pull it down to paint. Started aligning body now for paint prep, finish mounting RS grill and lights. Big job but i'm getting there!!!110192110193110194110195110196

[KABRKA]

Did you make them sub frame connectors Damien??

[Tweak]

Yeah mate..drew them up an had them laser cut..Folded them up. There is smaller ones on the inside to create the box..tried to make them look like they were fitted original..

[Tweak]

Oil tank and breather fitted. Oil lines fitted. Image shows how much i leaned the radiator over to get cold air in over the top. Oil breather tank is mounted off the oil tank and fitted behind tank and under guard. Out of mind, out of sight. 110329

[minendrews68]

Damien,
Looking good so far. I really like the sub frame connectors too. Keep it up, I'll be watching....

[Angry]

Looks good Damien, keep posting...
This a credit to you,....a lot of guys dont realize how hard it is to build a PT/Muscle Car outside of the US...

Al

[Tweak]

Small update..fitted Stewart Warner accessory guages an vintage Hurst Indy shift stick..guages upsidedown.but easy to read..I reckon they look pretty factory..111363

[Tweak]

Got exhaust all completed today. Huge job with only axle stands but really stoked with outcome. Nothing hanging down below chassis..113480113481113482113483

[trevor572]

Hi Damien, Love your work mate, as someone mentioned earlier people probably don't realize how much more difficult and expensive it is to build a car like yours outside the U.S. . Rendering #2 I think mate. I would be interested in knowing more about the place making your wheels, I am looking around for a set currently. Cheers Trevor.

[Tweak]

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[Tweak]

New shipment here..can't wait to get into it.115777

[Tweak]

Diff assembled an installed115831115832
Good mornings work

[Tweak]

https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116283&stc=1
Just made and fitted a new alli chin splitter

[Z06killinSBF]

Very cool build, looking good

[slimjim]

awesome build, I was in NZ just last month, and all I could think was how awesome it would be to own a P/T camaro over there, the roads are insane, especially where I was around Queenstown. I'm voting for #2 also, keep up the good work

[Tweak]

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Yip..we have the best roads in the world for pro touring cars...lucky me..

[Gil]

I like very much the old school "sleeper" look !
Very nice
Gil

[Godbolt]

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Yip..we have the best roads in the world for pro touring cars...lucky me..

Agreed. Great job.

[Tweak]

Colour chosen, time to paint

Agreed. Great job.118596

[cbpldc]

Sweet!

[TheJDMan]

I really like the classic TransAm look.

[Tweak]

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Little off topic, but been designing this with my boss.
Fully cad designed in solid works.

[califconstruct]

keep at it.. nice progress!

cool simulator. - some autocross tracks on that would be cool! :drive2:

[Tweak]

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Got this guy helping me paint.
Bruce Porter was a painter for Boyd in the mid 90's. Live in little old Napier, New Zealand now.
Good mate to have!!

[slacker1965]

love the vintage look.....

[Josh@Ridetech]

Very nice! Looking good man!

[Tweak]

121972
Coming up nice!!

[Tweak]

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[67SSDan]

Holy crap dude, you made your own headers? Lunacy, I love it! This is a cool build, and from my favorite country to boot.

Awesome stuff!

Dan

[Tweak]

Finished under side of car. Stone guard and satin black over coat. Diff and chassis back in for the last time. Time to paint the body and get it home to start putting it all back together!!! Woohoo its getting close.124992

[rfalker1]

it looks sick! It is so different! Modern and metro at the same time! Nice

[Tweak]

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Came across this in a book about the history of Camaro.
The GM designers wanted to build a fastback, but the accountants said no..

[Protour_Pinto]

What I would do for that kind of sidewall on a 17 inch tire! I wish I could run a 15 just for that reason.

[Tweak]

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[Tweak]

Side profile125823

[slimjim]

Nice work, not long now!

[Motown 454]

Nice project, and great job on it!

[Tweak]

Almost 3 years to the day, we are painting the body.
7am Saturday morning right now in New Zealand.
Going to be a big day..126075

[Tweak]

Pumped126081
Bruce Porter!!!

[Tweak]

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[Tweak]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F7dADx7_oaw
HOME!!!

[craigF]

Love it.
Keep the pictures coming. Those roads look great for a car or bike!!!

[Tweak]

Started dash with heater and wiring loom..126930126931
New seatbelts next..

[Tweak]

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[minendrews68]

I know your one happy man!!!! Mine is getting close to paint and I'm really getting antsy. But it's been nine years.. Congrats on yours, it's looking good!

[Tweak]

This is very sad after recent rebuild
http://www.superchevy.com/news/1606-big-red-1969-camaro-severely-damaged-in-testing-fire/128210

[icemanrd19]

This is very sad after recent rebuild
http://www.superchevy.com/news/1606-big-red-1969-camaro-severely-damaged-in-testing-fire/128210

reason i bought a halon fire extinguisher today

[Tweak]

Fitted these up today. Tough rules here in NZ when fitting seatbelt anchors... keeps standards high.128770128771

[Gmc427]

nice build!any advice on dealing with customs,cert ect, purchasing in the states?did you buy private or did you use broker?regards george

[Gmc427]

nice build!any advice on dealing with customs,cert ect, purchasing in the states?did you buy private or did you use broker?regards george

[FLYNAVY53]

Absolutely love the stance!! Can you post specifics on the wheels and tires along with the specs on the rear end? Specifically width and backspacing on the wheels? Thanks very much!!

[69chevelle540]

Started dash with heater and wiring loom..126930126931
New seatbelts next..

Where did you get the line brackets with the two different sizes? im trying to find some for my fuel lines for -8 and -6 return as well as my brake lines. Thanks.

[Tweak]

Hey George, found car on eBay, took a gamble, paid off. Body was mint with 68k original miles.. pretty easy importing, just have to get a import code, no cost...they sting for gst etc on all purchases..I ended up using fps to import my parts, but only economical if it's cubic metre..give me a call if u got any questions..021 0418569

[Tweak]

Absolutely love the stance!! Can you post specifics on the wheels and tires along with the specs on the rear end? Specifically width and backspacing on the wheels? Thanks very much!!

Hey, wheels are American Ra ing 8.5 x 15's on back, 7 x 15's front, Mickey Thompson 12" rear 1O" front. From memory diff is 57" wide, it's a standard width from a mustang, not sure what year..my diff is a mustang diff stock. Cheers

[Tweak]

Where did you get the line brackets with the two different sizes? im trying to find some for my fuel lines for -8 and -6 return as well as my brake lines. Thanks.

Got them from a buddy here in nz, but he would have got them from socal some where..

[Tweak]

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Finished radiator module and showing how the oil tanks are mounted. Breather sits under front guard.

[Tweak]

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[Gmc427]

Hey George, found car on eBay, took a gamble, paid off. Body was mint with 68k original miles.. pretty easy importing, just have to get a import code, no cost...they sting for gst etc on all purchases..I ended up using fps to import my parts, but only economical if it's cubic metre..give me a call if u got any questions..021 0418569
thanks for the info,hoping to do the same in the next year or so,you really lucked out with that body,its really going to stand out, looking forward to seeing it in the fresh,are you planing on showing or driving?regards

[Buryingthesun]

What are your rear wheel specs? specifically the back space? Did you have to narrow the rear end at all to fit the wheel and tire combo you have? Sorry for all the questions, Im just trying to sort out my 15x10.3" 3.5"bs wheels. What tire size did you choose for the rear it looks perfect!

[Tweak]

thanks for the info,hoping to do the same in the next year or so,you really lucked out with that body,its really going to stand out, looking forward to seeing it in the fresh,are you planing on showing or driving?regards

Hey, all good, I'm gonna drive the wheels off it, tour the country

[Tweak]

What are your rear wheel specs? specifically the back space? Did you have to narrow the rear end at all to fit the wheel and tire combo you have? Sorry for all the questions, Im just trying to sort out my 15x10.3" 3.5"bs wheels. What tire size did you choose for the rear it looks perfect!

Rear tires 12" Mickey Thompson's, my mate had them on a 1O" rim, didn't look as good, a bit stretched..think bs is 4", no option with that rim..built diff to size once I had them under car..cheers

[Tweak]

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[Motown 454]

The car looks sweet! Nice job!!

[Tweak]

Engine in at machine shop, thought I'd make a start on my over radiator air box..going to 3d print it from abs plastic... should be interesting 132340

[Tweak]

Started wiring up hot chocolate, hood lining just been fitted by an old pro Brian, awesome job. Sail panels, mirror, light, sun visors and all the edge trim going on next sunday. Still need to finish final pieces of the front belts, then we can fit new repro quarter inside panels.132703

[Tweak]

Finally getting around to finishing my front seatbelts. 3d printed belt tracks run the belt inside the quarter panel and keep them dry..133088133089

[Gmc427]

hi, did you change your mind and go 9"?hope you are saving all you drawings ie subframe /seat belts,regards

[Tweak]

Hey, yeah, once i got my wheels and tires mounted so I could measure diff width, there was a mustang 9" housing that had updated bearings and Strange axles the right width on trademe. Was a pretty easy choice, got a Currie Trutrac and wilwood 4 pot brakes. Not cheap, but shouldn't have any problems going forward.
Cheers

hi, did you change your mind and go 9"?hope you are saving all you drawings ie subframe /seat belts,regards

[Tweak]

Stewart Warner gauges and retro sound stereo all in. Not sure I'd recommend retro sound, not overly impressed with the fitment quality..ecu time, not sure yet where to fit, under dash hopefully 133890133891

[Tweak]

Called into machine shop today. Final assembly well underway134321

[Tweak]

Ecu all fitted. Had to reconfigure some of the loom. No room for glove box. Only place it could fit

[Motown 454]

Beautiful job! I'm getting close to wiring, not looking forward to it.

[Tweak]

I felt the same about wiring too. I just went at it one wire at a time. Will wait till engine is in to finish ecu loom and tidy up under dash. The aw looms are very long and need lots of trimming to be tidy. Fire wall forward now.


Beautiful job! I'm getting close to wiring, not looking forward to it.

[Tweak]

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[Tweak]

Centre dash complete, Big Red shifter knob looks good.135436

[ragz]

Awesome job,great build, and obviously you are up for any challenge, looking forward to more progress.I also think the ECM and fuse box are best in the glove box.

[Tweak]

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[Gmc427]

hi, what diff raito have you gone with?and what tko od ? picked up a 68 roller and want to set up with tko and rear gears to suit,going to pinchbest bits of my monaro project,ie bbc 427 13/12 wilwood kit auto and tall gears can stay with holden,need to have some fun,regards george

[Tweak]

Hey
I went with .82 overdrive box and 3.55 diff gears. Should keep it around 2100rpm at 110 kph.. Didn't want a big old sloppy overdrive here in NZ. I drive mostly back roads and stay off the highways where possible.

Cheers


hi, what diff raito have you gone with?and what tko od ? picked up a 68 roller and want to set up with tko and rear gears to suit,going to pinchbest bits of my monaro project,ie bbc 427 13/12 wilwood kit auto and tall gears can stay with holden,need to have some fun,regards george

[Tweak]

OTR ready to 3d print. Should be interesting to see how this comes out
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[67SSDan]

OTR ready to 3d print. Should be interesting to see how this comes out
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Oh THAT should be interesting!

Dan

[Tweak]

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[Tweak]

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[Centerforce]

We really like seeing 3d printing technology popping up in more and more build threads. What type of glue do you plan to use to put the pieces together? Plastic epoxy?

[Tweak]

Hey
I am using h8000, mainly because we have it at work, yes it's an epoxy 2 part glue. Sets in 30 minutes
137137[027 200 4950QUOTE=Centerforce;1220472]We really like seeing 3d printing technology popping up in more and more build threads. What type of glue do you plan to use to put the pieces together? Plastic epoxy?[/QUOTE]

[Tweak]

Will detail after she been fired up137978137976137977

[67SSDan]

Dang man, that turned out great!!

Dan

[Tweak]

Just waiting for engine tune guy to come out home then we will fire her up.138305

[Tweak]

Fired up today with a base tune ready for the dyno
https://youtu.be/xvotbCBNKAw

[Gmc427]

Yeah mate..drew them up an had them laser cut..Folded them up. There is smaller ones on the inside to create the box..tried to make them look like they were fitted original..

hi,any chance of getting a copy of drawings?also are you running solid mounts aswell?regards

[Centerforce]

Congrats on getting her running! Sounds nice and healthy!

[Damn True]

That intake plenum is really nicely done. Congrats.

[pittpens24]

Great idea on the intake - looks very slick. good job

[ryeguy2006a]

That is a fantastic idea on the air box! How much and when I can I pick one up??

[Tweak]

Hey, working through the details on cost.
Cheers

That is a fantastic idea on the air box! How much and when I can I pick one up??

[Tweak]

I will try dig them out this weekend, have been boxed away as we shifted house.
Yes im running solid mounts
Cheers

hi,any chance of getting a copy of drawings?also are you running solid mounts aswell?regards

[Tweak]

Cheers, had a small oil leak on the rear left sump, out, back in and will fire this weekend to confirm no leaks.
Project gone a little sideways for a few weeks.

Congrats on getting her running! Sounds nice and healthy!

[Gmc427]

hi,car on the road yet?you dont have a set of steering arms siting around do you?guy i got car off started setting it up with hq stubs why im not sure,regards george

[Tweak]

hi,car on the road yet?you dont have a set of steering arms siting around do you?guy i got car off started setting it up with hq stubs why im not sure,regards george

Sorry mate I scrapped all my front end I know a block Ian in Hamilton might I'll ask him where are u based?

[Tweak]

New OTR design. Gauging if there is any interest in my new OTR design. Its 3d printed from abs plastic and can be modified to suit any dimensions. Essentially everyone made is a one off original, no need for expensive tooling costs. My one uses a c3 Mercedes K&N filter. Looking for feedback and what you would pay for one, to test viability.
Had dse booster issues, seem to be on top of them now146526
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[Gmc427]

hi,that would be good if you could,based in lower hutt,car looks great how do you like the true turn set up?worth the $?regards

[ryeguy2006a]

Your car looks great! I may be interested in the 3D printed air intake, but not sure how efficient it would be to have it printed and shipped from NZ. Also, what radiator are you using?

[Tweak]

hi,that would be good if you could,based in lower hutt,car looks great how do you like the true turn set up?worth the $?regards

Yeah it's great I didn't drive car before though my wheel alignment guy confirmed it has no bump steer he thought it would drive really well also

[Tweak]

Your car looks great! I may be interested in the 3D printed air intake, but not sure how efficient it would be to have it printed and shipped from NZ. Also, what radiator are you using?

I would look for a 3d printer in the states to print it
What do you think is a fare price for this item?
Cheers

[slimjim]

3dhubs.com will let you upload your STL, give you an array of prices across the country from private printers, then they'll post out directly to customer, this would be a good tool for you to use. However, as I've experienced, the quality can be inconsistent.


I would look for a 3d printer in the states to print it
What do you think is a fare price for this item?
Cheers

[Tweak]

3dhubs.com will let you upload your STL, give you an array of prices across the country from private printers, then they'll post out directly to customer, this would be a good tool for you to use. However, as I've experienced, the quality can be inconsistent.

Hey Thanks James
Great info, yes quality control is always an issue, I would prefer to print myself and guarantee quality

Cheers

[Tweak]

First production printed OTR nearly finished.
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[AA434]

Awsome build Damien! car looks awesome , my dad and I are in the process of building a 67 RS atm along the similar lines as yours just wondering if you could give me some advice? Did you have to cut the tunnel to fit it the 6 speed gearbox? do you have anymore pictures of the rear end you send me? are they 26 inch diameter tyre you running on the rear? Thanks Adam

[Tweak]

Awsome build Damien! car looks awesome , my dad and I are in the process of building a 67 RS atm along the similar lines as yours just wondering if you could give me some advice? Did you have to cut the tunnel to fit it the 6 speed gearbox? do you have anymore pictures of the rear end you send me? are they 26 inch diameter tyre you running on the rear? Thanks Adam

Hey Adam
I only have 5 speed, TKO600 and I didnt need to cut tunnel. Page 2 on this thread are pretty much only images of diff I have. Yeah 26" tires.
Anything else, happy to help.
Find me on Facebook Tweak TA is my page
https://www.facebook.com/tweak.technical.assistance/?ref=bookmarks

[Tweak]

My car made our local v8 magazine.
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[Gil]

Awesome ! You deserve it, your car is just badass !

[b17brian]

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Could you tell us more about your steering wheel? Is it smaller in diameter? Who did the work? Thanks.

[Tweak]

Could you tell us more about your steering wheel? Is it smaller in diameter? Who did the work? Thanks.

Hey Brian

It is the same outside diameter as original, and gets thicker internally.
I did it myself, made a small mould for the wheel to sit in, poured epoxy resin into mould.
Loads of sanding, then paint.

Cheers

[b17brian]

Hey Brian

It is the same outside diameter as original, and gets thicker internally.
I did it myself, made a small mould for the wheel to sit in, poured epoxy resin into mould.
Loads of sanding, then paint.

Cheers

Your steering wheel looks great. Thanks for your reply.

[Z06killinSBF]

Awesome! Mind shedding some light on that purple fastback on the cover?

[Tweak]

Awesome! Mind shedding some light on that purple fastback on the cover?

https://panelworks.co.nz/

[Tweak]

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