New 70' Camaro build

[Goosesdad]

Finally getting organized enough to introduce myself and my project. My name is John and I live in Boise Idaho with my wife and 18yold son, native So Cal.

I’ve been planning all of this for 3 years now with a good bit of the process coming from reading your posts. You guys are awesome, talented, patient and most importantly great communicators of this passion!!

Been involved in many forms of racing my entire life from Karting to Stock Cars to Drag Racing. Moved to Boise in 2007 and last year we added a 1200 sqft shop to the side of our garage so we could build our 70’ Camaro PT. Did 90% of the construction myself leaving the drywall and stucco to the experts, or at least leaving that work for someone with younger than 48 yold bones!! We are about 95% complete, pictures attached. Put in a 2 post lift, a small paint room, a bathroom and a pretty large 2^nd floor storage area. Pretty proud of the results and so far I haven’t heard from a lawyer with any papers to sign!! Wife is spectacular!

Bought the car in So Cal when I was down visiting last year, mostly a rust free RS. It’s in disassembly right now with the fenders, hood, deck lid and inner fender panels at the media blaster just yesterday. Only have the dash to remove and some other little clean up then it will get mounted on the rotisserie that I stole from a guy on Craigslist for $700. Should have that ready for the blaster the first week of July (tied up with large projects for work right now…gotta pay for all this stuff!!).

After that I will be ready for the base coat of primer, seems like the right approach here is a base epoxy primer both inside and out. Any thoughts here? Would appreciate any advice.

Living in Boise, the car will see 60% of its life on street, Autocross twice a month in the spring, summer and an occasional trip to Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake and Portland International for some track time. Would also expect some Good Guys events and of course USCA events.

My plan is pretty typical with some personal touches; LS3 or 7, T56, DSE or AME (though seems like the AME IRS is about $4K more than DSE when the dust settles ). While clearly the DSE solution is spectacular, sure like the concept of going with the latest technology but that $4k might be better served elsewhere. Looking at all options. Open for thoughts as this decision needs to be made asap. Heading to the USCA event in Fontana this weekend, hoping to end up with a decision on the rear suspension while there. Would expect the front end decision to follow the manufacture of rear.

Body will see some adjustments; rear bumper will be integrated into the body, rear window will be frenched and I’m having an artist draw some sketches of doing the same with the front. I’ve seen a couple 69’s without the window trim that look great. Doing this to the front of a second gen might look better in my head. Like the CFiber pieces out there and expect to use those in many places. The rockers definitely need to be extended down to hide the seem

Full cage, 6 point harnesses, 2 fire suppression systems, giant brakes…..etc etc. Have some really great sketches of the custom interior, very excited about that part of the project.
Grew up at Saugus Speedway in So Cal with Oren Prosser, Dan Press and Jimmy Insolo. Still best friends with Oren’s car owner’s son. His cars were always yellow so I’m heading in that direction out of longing for my youth!

Have sold the original engine, trans and 12 bolt. Still have everything to sell; subframe, Interior, leaf springs etc. Will probably list here and on Nasty Z28. Expect a puriest will appreciate the parts as most are in pretty good condition.

Budget…? Who cares! For sure, I'm going end up living in a 1 bedroom apartment when I’m 80 watching reruns of Breaking Bad…..but I will have lots of great memories!

Again, thanks to all of you for the last couple of years’ worth of education and creative juices. Hope to give back very soon.

Enjoy the pics ( the last 2 are from today) and PLEASE offer any thoughts.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Nice set-up.. Perfect place to build a car.. or two..

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Welcome! Sounds like a cool build, and a real RS too, sweet! And awesome shop too.

[BMR Sales]

Welcome John! Awesome Shop

T.C.

[Peter Mc Mahon]

Nice shop! What finish [if any] is on the floor? What model hoist is that? I am currently building my own shop with room for a hoist! and almost have it enclosed so wondering about floor finish.
Welcome , Peter

[Goosesdad]

Thanks. The lift is a Bend Pak. Pretty pleased with it overall, I painted it black using that Rust Oleum hammer finish paint. Level and square is the key to installing. I used a commercial grade 2 part epoxy from Sherwin Williams on the floor. Pleased so far. Apply it thicker so you don't get roller strips.