70 Formula 535

[Alponcho]

Decided not to make the changes I was contemplating in my previous post. I have to keep on reminding myself not to get carried away with this project with respect to costs and changes that are unnecessary given what I set out to do. Not looking to build an all out race car or something that imitates a custom from a specialized high-end shop.

The vibe I'm going for is sort of a day-2 '70 Formula but with contemporary modifications...rather slapping on Cragars, traction bars and a Sun Super tach on a new car in '70, I'm going with Forgelines and Quadralink and Speedhut on that same new car, but 50 years later. I'll be updating a lot for sure, but at the same time, I'll try to stick with finishes and make choices that maintain this sensibility.

[4mul8ion]

...

Quick question: I'm wondering if anyone has a good photo of an early 2nd gen firewall that's finished? I know there are a lot of variables, but it would be helpful to identify which holes to fill/what to smooth out, and let me see if I'm forgetting anything.

Hope these pics help. These were from when the body shop stripped and etched my 1970 Formula.

[Alponcho]

The sheetmetal guy did a nice job on the transmission tunnel, which he made from scratch. He needs to enlarge/clean-up the shifter access hatch and fab up the cover, but it should turn out nice.



Also installing the fuel module access hatch in the trunk. I'd like to move it forward a bit so that there's easier access to the lines and module, but that will require a bit more work since it's pushed right up against the rise. It's positioned in the photo where I think it should go. How have others installed this piece?

[andrewb70]

Good idea with the fuel module access.

Andrew

[1965gp]

This is a great build. Going to be an amazing car when it’s done.



Carousel Red / Sandalwood is the original color combo I was going to go with on my 72. I love that color combination. I ended up going Buccaneer Red/ Sandalwood because I went with a 73 Trans Am look.

[Alponcho]

Colin finished up the fab work I asked him to do, but Randy wasn't able to complete the Cyclone in time, and so at this point it looks like he won't be ready to take my car until mid January. Disappointing, but it will be worth the wait. Colin had another project on his schedule and needed the space in his shop, so I hauled the bird back back to her nest and will make some headway on some other areas.

Ben at Street Rod Designs did a rendering of the car. He's a great guy, super easy to work with, and I'm very happy with the art. I honestly thought I would see the rendering and want to tweak a few things, but it's exactly what I envisioned.

[Alponcho]

Still waiting for my spot to open up in the paint shop. Rather than being disappointed that the car is taking a lot longer than I planned, I bought something to hold me over...an '18 ZL1 (10 speed auto, PDR, etc). What a fantastic car. Part of me is now wondering why I'm building the Formula. The other part of me is even more excited about finishing the Formula so I can see how it compares. I suspect the poncho will be a real handful in comparison--more torque, about 500 lbs lighter, no traction control, etc. Here's a photo of my son removing the front license plate mount. He's a much bigger fan of the Z than any of my older cars, in fact, he's already given me a list of mods I "need" to do...

[gscherer78ta]

Fantastic car! And I love the ZL1 too!

[dcozzi]

Just got the car back from the chassis shop. We decided against the door bars I had in mind. The chassis guy felt that the benefit of the bars we designed (down from the main hoop then angled sharply low to the floor, below the entire seat bolster) wouldn't be worth it.

Good call. I did an 8 point on my '70 Camaro and the door bars have issues clearing the seat bolsters unless the seats are slid all the way back. If you have sub-frame connectors, you will probably be fine.

[Alponcho]

I just got word that Randy is ready to paint the Formula. I am so happy. I plan to haul it over to his shop early next week. Once the car's there, we'll start on the engine. The basic plan remains the same, albeit I now have a lightened forged crank (still 4.5"), and will go with a slightly smaller bore so I can get an additional refresh out of it someday. Also, rather than Speedhut gauges, thinking about Dakota Digital RTX.

[7T400Formula]

Really enjoying this thread. I still have a lot of indecision around my own 70 Formula project, including whether to ditch the TH400 for a TMX manual, so it's good to see the thinking going into this one

[Alponcho]

Most folks seem to use a bed liner product underneath the car, fender wells, and even the trunk sometimes. Is the purpose simply durability, or are there other benefits (road noise, heat, less expensive, less preparation, etc.)?

[Alponcho]

More progress on the body. Now I need to start making decisions on little things.

The goal is to maintain the factory vibe throughout, just a little cleaner. So I'm considering welding up all the extra holes on the core support and inner fenders to clean things up. Anything I should consider or do now to make it easier to run everything under the fender (rather than attached to the top of the inner fender)? I'll be running the battery in the trunk.

[OLDFLM]

FWIW I shaved the side marker lights and filled the emblem holes in the fender on my car...

[Alponcho]

What are you all doing about splash aprons? Is there anything available other than the factory type material?

Still deciding which holes to weld up on the core support and inner fenders.

[Alponcho]

Ordered Recaro seats today (expert M). I bought them in cloth and will have them recovered in Sandalwood vinyl from Legendary so that they evoke the original ‘70 deluxe interior with comfortweave inserts. The upholstery shop will do the back seats and door panels as well so everything matches.

[1965gp]

Excited to see this come together!

[Alponcho]

Been working out a lot of small details to maintain factory vibe. I think I mentioned I'm going with born-with colors (Carousel Red-Sandalwood)...

Rob at Fesler has been super helpful with the interior...'70 Sandalwood is a real challenge. He lined up an upholsterer to build door panels, and make seat covers for the Recaro fronts and modified rears (to accommodate the mini tubs)...I'm going to stick with the factory pattern, colors and materials for the most part. My plan was to have Legendary do the door panels, but not willing to wait 40 weeks! I changed my seat order to Specialist M...I just think they'll look more at home in a 2nd gen than the Experts. Other than the Recaros up front and the roll bar (which will be painted light Sandalwood), here's what the interior will look like.



The car is now about half painted. Still a long way to go with the sanding, buffing and polishing, but it's nice to see some color!

[7T400Formula]

Great colour (excuse the spelling I'm English LOL). Really enjoying the build, it's keeping me inspired for my own 70 Formula build, which I'll get to as soon as I get my C15 truck running right!

[TANKMASTERJ]

OMG
Love the car love the color