Dewil's Camaro -68

[ryeguy2006a]

Great work on the mini-tubs! They are on my list of parts I want to purchase in the future, along with the ridetech 4 link you have. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread and taking notes.

Also, thanks for the tip on the rivnuts! Very slick, and I'm definitely copying that idea.

[Dewil]

Great work on the mini-tubs! They are on my list of parts I want to purchase in the future, along with the ridetech 4 link you have. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread and taking notes.

Also, thanks for the tip on the rivnuts! Very slick, and I'm definitely copying that idea.

Thanks for the kind words!

I read somewhere in the forum an even better idea (after I was already done).
Test-fit the four link cradle first and when happy, drill the holes. When you do the mini tub later on you can weld plates with proper nuts on the inside while having the frame notched!

[Dewil]

Did some more work yesterday evening/night. Gutted the doors completely and got the headliner out too.
Pro-tip: if you want to remove an old headliner be prepared to buy a new one, and also use your glasses and breathing protection! A lot of old crud raining down!

Luckily I wanted to replace the headliner due to a stitched tear right in the middle next to the light.


Doors ready to be cleaned out, sanded and primed. Then later properly soundproofed.


Headliner out. Things looking pretty good but there are some spots to take care of.


Old headliner. Replace it with the same but new or try to make something out of alcantara?

[Dewil]

Hate to do something 90% (although it’s always during the last 10% you find something else that needs your attention) so I just had to take a look at what condition the roof was under the roof insulation.
Didn’t plan to remove them but two of them were sagging a bit.
Underneath things looked pretty okay considering there was zero paint/primer. Will get these cleaned up an epoxy-primed.

The reason I’m tearing the car apart during a four link install is that I have 2k primer in a rattle can for those vertical spaces. Once activated I better have all spaces prepped if I don’t want to blow my budget on 2k rattle cans!

I just need to prep the roof and one door, after that I should be able to lay down some sea sealer and then primer.

[armourmark]

That is awesome machining done right in the garage!

[Dewil]

That is awesome machining done right in the garage!

Thanks! The fun haven’t even started yet!;)

[Dewil]

Pretty much finished sanding old paint and rust spots. Did some seam sealing on one of the tubs and it seems pretty straight forward.

I’m simultaneously working on getting the Kia in good form to convert it to cash and then to front end suspension components for the Camaro.


Sealed seams in the wheel well


Sealed inside as well


Cleaning a clogged DPF, fixing the parking brake, some rust spots and then a good polish will convert this to fun stuff!

[Smooth67]

Hate to do something 90% (although it’s always during the last 10% you find something else that needs your attention) so I just had to take a look at what condition the roof was under the roof insulation.
Didn’t plan to remove them but two of them were sagging a bit.
Underneath things looked pretty okay considering there was zero paint/primer. Will get these cleaned up an epoxy-primed.

The reason I’m tearing the car apart during a four link install is that I have 2k primer in a rattle can for those vertical spaces. Once activated I better have all spaces prepped if I don’t want to blow my budget on 2k rattle cans!

I just need to prep the roof and one door, after that I should be able to lay down some sea sealer and then primer.

What method did you use to remove the old material? This is on my list of to-dos

[Dewil]

What method did you use to remove the old material? This is on my list of to-dos

I just used a sharp blade to cut along the edges and after that it came off pretty easily. Figured the insulation under the reinforcement “cross” could be left alone since it would be hard to get new insulation in place or remove rust.
A flathead screwdriver or chisel (?) to get off the residue and a wire wheel to finish it off. Pretty satisfied with the result!

[Smooth67]

Thanks...Yep, looks good to me! I want to get it pretty clean so I can get some sound deadener up there

[Dewil]

I have had the time to lay some epoxy primer down and it feels great starting to put things together instead of just sanding and putting a lot of hours making things look worse!


Trunk


Braces will be welded on soon but it’s easier to reach without them installed


Primer still wet. Here there will be some sort of body to dampen sound and improve corrosion resistance

[TANKMASTERJ]

Dewil what four link did you go with?
I had same problem fitting in frame rails on my cradle from Speedtech. But mine was definitely the car because had been hit.
I replaced frame rails, mini tubs, trunk floor and main floor myself. Woe what a job.
Your project looking good.
Mine is under Jason's 67 Camaro

[Dewil]

Thanks Jason,
I went with ridetech and it fits fine after some convincing with the mallet! Will check out your thread right away!=)

[Dewil]

The cradle for the four-link is in place and bolted down!

[Dewil]

I have started planning installing the rear axle.
Not being able to reuse old u-bolts is holding me back a bit. Will get new ones next week so no biggie.
Getting quotes on shortening the drive shaft ($300 plus u joints etc) makes me considering having a new one built with stronger 1350 u joints and a new fresh slip yoke instead ($800).
Will decide on that when the axle housing is positioned right and measurements can be made.


Links in spring pockets.


Axle-link-shock assembly. Nice machined aluminum!


Bead blasted 8,5 housing

[Dewil]

Tried putting the axle housing under the car and connected the links to get an idea of where the upper tabs will be located.

I will make a dolly with three jacks to be able to precisely position the housing right before welding the tabs in place.

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking great. I can't wait to see some more updates during the install of the rear suspension.

[Dewil]

Ryeguy: Thanks! Actually not that much left. Welding the tabs is up and it might not be very hard but important to get it right.
That is where my “Camaro-rear-axle-tab-welding-adjustable-dolly-jig-2000” comes in to play!

Seems to work pretty good and should make life easier getting the axle in its proper position and adjusting pinion angle and ride height with the jacks.


Total cost: $20

[Dewil]

I tried a couple of days ago welding the tabs with my mig welder. Guess it haven’t got the oomph for the thicker stuff so this evening my brother in law helped me stick welding the tabs in place.

Tried fitting the axle and in looks good with the shocks and everything on.

Next up is getting a new pinion yoke, measure for a new driveshaft and while that is cooking I will paint the rear axle and assemble it!

[Just 1 More]

Awesome.. Doing the tubs and 4 link to mine this winter