Tony Huntimer’s Project 1968 Camaro: Alter Ego

[TonyHuntimer]

Check out the latest issue (July 2013) of Camaro Performers magazine! It’s a great issue.
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On page 16, you’ll see my new Camaro project. It’s going to need a lot of work to get it back on the road. I’ll be using the car to perform some articles for my columns (Resto Shop and Tony’s Garage) in the magazine. I’m hoping to get some input from fellow members here on Pro-Touring.com and from the readers of Camaro Performers for project input.

I have a goal in mind, but don’t want to “steer” anyone’s ideas in any specific direction. So, for now I’m going to keep my ideas to myself and maybe you all will have some good input.

I can’t start a project without giving it a name. The name is Alter Ego, because no matter what, it will be different than my last Camaro. It’s even starting out as something different than my last Camaro project, which was had a really nice foundation. Alter Ego is a real roach!
So I invite you to suggest project ideas that I can use in my columns.

Should this car be low-tech or high-tech…or somewhere in the middle? What kind of repairs would you like to see covered in Camaro Performers?

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Thanks,
Tony Huntimer
TonysSpeedShop.com

[craigs73]

would like to see you fix the window channel in the rear...alot of cars have that especially the vinyl tops.......

[meenaggie]

What . . . no "steer"-roids on this one?!? I vote high-tech. Would be nice to see some modern updates like power windows, push button start, upgraded lights (LED or bi-xenon), aftermarket seats, aftermarket console, LS of some sort . . . just to name a few. Maybe upgrade stock sub frame with improved steering box and ditch the leaf springs as well.

I look forward to following your progress. Tried to download new Camaros Performers on my iPad but it is not available yet.

[Black93GT]

Something different. Thats what I'm about to do as well.

I've just been given a rust bucket of a firebird.... possisably a smidgen better condition than your new project, although complete and with at least a little bit of paint. I know how far I would have to take this car down to feel good about driving it and I don't want to spend a bunch of money all new replacement panels only to be right in the same situation as i'm in with my camaro.

With that said... I have a bunch of goodies I will not use on the camaro and don't want to try selling them. So I'm going to use them to build the 'bird as a sleeper... wolf in sheeps clothing. Complete dog poo astetically, but LS swap, the normal brake/brake/suspension upgrades and wide tires. I'm certain I have to weld in a cage to hold all the rust together as well. But adding lights, seats and some interior ammenaties like meanaggie had mentioned will be on the to-do list.

A pro-touring rat rod of sorts??

[Retrorider]

If you want something different my suggestion is maybe go with a turbo diesel engine. Nothing like that rich black smoke bellowing from the pipes. Could do the clean angle with it and show that it can get the job done on the track. I'd even stiffen the body up and leave it eat up. Be mean and ugly.

[Motown 454]

Welcome to my world Tony. I'll be keeping an eye on this build. Suscribed.

[TonyHuntimer]

What . . . no "steer"-roids on this one?!? I vote high-tech. Would be nice to see some modern updates like power windows, push button start, upgraded lights (LED or bi-xenon), aftermarket seats, aftermarket console, LS of some sort . . . just to name a few. Maybe upgrade stock sub frame with improved steering box and ditch the leaf springs as well.

I look forward to following your progress. Tried to download new Camaros Performers on my iPad but it is not available yet.

MeenAggie,

No Steeroids on this one. That was a big mistake on my part back then. If I go rack and pinion, it will be with Unisteer. I was MUCH happier when I made the swith to Unisteer on my old '68.

Thanks for this input. :)

Tony Huntimer

TonysSpeedShop.com

[TonyHuntimer]

Something different. Thats what I'm about to do as well.

I've just been given a rust bucket of a firebird.... possisably a smidgen better condition than your new project, although complete and with at least a little bit of paint. I know how far I would have to take this car down to feel good about driving it and I don't want to spend a bunch of money all new replacement panels only to be right in the same situation as i'm in with my camaro.

With that said... I have a bunch of goodies I will not use on the camaro and don't want to try selling them. So I'm going to use them to build the 'bird as a sleeper... wolf in sheeps clothing. Complete dog poo astetically, but LS swap, the normal brake/brake/suspension upgrades and wide tires. I'm certain I have to weld in a cage to hold all the rust together as well. But adding lights, seats and some interior ammenaties like meanaggie had mentioned will be on the to-do list.

A pro-touring rat rod of sorts??

I like the way you think. We think alike!

We will have to compare notes...

Tony Huntimer
Tony's Speed Shop

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

Tony, let me know when you start looking at suspension options or need a cage.
~Carl

[boodlefoof]

The current bug that has bitten me (and prompted my '63 Tempest project) is to build something that looks at a glance like it could have theoretically come from the factory. Something more than restomod... "sleeper pro-touring" perhaps? Bigger factory-type or period-type wheels (hiding upgraded brakes). Early type engine in an engine compartment not full of chrome bits and braided steel hose. Fairly factory-looking interior, save for a roll bar. Stuff like that. I also like the vintage trans-am sort of vibe.

Nothing against new tech. I love those cars too.

[TonyHuntimer]

Tony, let me know when you start looking at suspension options or need a cage.
~Carl

Thanks for the note Carl. As you can see, there's some work to be done. ;)

Tony Huntimer
Tony's Speed Shop / RaceHome.com

[TonyHuntimer]

would like to see you fix the window channel in the rear...alot of cars have that especially the vinyl tops.......

Craig,

That's a great article idea for Camaro Performers magazine. I'm sure there are quite a few people who can relate to this repair and prefer not to replace the quarter panels unless absolutely necessary.

Tony Huntimer
Camaro Performers magazine
Tony's Speed Shop / RaceHome.com

[craigs73]

Craig,

That's a great article idea for Camaro Performers magazine. I'm sure there are quite a few people who can relate to this repair and prefer not to replace the quarter panels unless absolutely necessary.

Tony Huntimer
Camaro Performers magazine
Tony's Speed Shop / RaceHome.com

wow someone thought i had a great idea lol.......thanks tony..... would be cool to see that in the magazine.... especially guys with "full" quarters that dont have the sail panel...like 73-74 novas..... my car has rot there.....