my 69 project

[Dundee]

Here is my 69 project car...... pro-touring plans are in the works for this hot rod. Great site to get educated.

[Dundee]

Just curious where do I start...................Anyone?????? There are some sweeeeeeeeeeet projects on this site and I look forward to meeting some of you and welcome your ideas.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Welcome to the site, Dundee. I would get all of the suspension and fabrication work done before you paint the car. Do all of susp, fab, rough out bodywork, drop in drivetrain, mock everythin up, pull it all back out, do final blocking, paint it, and final assembly. Of course that's a majorly condensed list, but that's the basic way I'm going about my '68 shell. Some guys like to do things differently.

[vanzuuk1]

Ralph , you forgot the most important things, research, budget and plan. Make a file with vendors , articles and cars you like. Trapin, David pozzi and Carl Cassanova have great sites on early camaros with tons of info.

Be honest about your budget and abilities.I knew I couldnt afford the time and money to start from scratch so I bought a driver and went from there.

Dundee, since your car is apart get the heavy bodywork and fab work done (welding) first and then drivetrain and suspension, then paint and interior. Boy,its easier said then done.

[vanzuuk1]

Also , when in doubt ask ralph or streetfighter , they are nice to the new guys.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Ralph , you forgot the most important things, research, budget and plan.

Very true, these are the most important part of any project. I often take them for granted, since I spent the two years before I had a car figuring all that stuff out. But, tons of research and detailed budget, plan and parts list will be the most helpful things you could've done. Research is essential, as I've done tons of it and still have freshly purchased parts I'm not going to be using and will need to sell.

[Dundee]

Thank you for the knowledge.. I know its a lot of work but I'm in no hurry so I will just sit back and saturate all the photos and ideas you all have and document info.

So far I think I want to mini-tub the rear and get some 3"-4" drop leaf springs in the rear and 2" drop spindles in the front w/intro matrix or vista billet wheels.
18x8 front
19x12 rear
with continental low profile tires.
As for engine and trans. I have a rockcrusher M22 but am leaning towards a t-56 6sp. like most of you use. As for the engine not sure? Any Ideas, I want major street horsepower? I have a 505 stroker big block chevy in the garage freshly rebuilt fully roller pushing 801HP @ 6700 rpm w/13:8:1 pistons so it might be too much for the car
Any ideas ?

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I don't have many ideas on the engine, but me personally -- I'd go with an LSX motor, but I'm biased. You could get 550-600hp out of a built 402 LS2, and it'd probably weigh 300lbs less than the BBC. Or you could just go forced induction, and the sky's the limit (and your wallet) as far as HP goes. If you're interested in the LS1 motors, check out www.ls1tech.com or the small section we have here. The T56 would mate right up, too . A gen I or gen II aluminum SBC would be cool as well. The less weight on the front end, the better for a PT car.

As for the suspension -- skip the drop spindles as they're not ideal for a pro-touring car. Do a search on them if you can, as they've been discussed (and the negative aspects outlined) numerous times.