1969 Camaro Update

[Tim Baillie]

Console

The car also had a GTO console in it……………..I can’t even really describe what the guy did to it………….anyways, it had to be fixed.

Before (yes, that is carpet wrapped around the front, and yes it looked like he trimmed it with a sawzall…………….

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010167small.jpg

The console didn’t fit right, it was to wide, it was digging into the seats and damaging the leather. We took the console and cut 1.5″ out of the center of the entire console.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010169small.jpg

We then used pieces of ABS and riveted the whole thing back together, we then molded everything together. (see how the top trim curves up to where the dash would be in a GTO)

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010019small.jpg

We then added to the front of the console to round it off and modified the trim panel to flow with the new front instead of “up” like it did.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010060small.jpg

We removed the power window switches from the doors and rear panels and placed them in the console.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010258small.jpg

[Tim Baillie]

With it almost finished we wanted to get some pictures of it. The two small holes are for the door pop switches. The large hole is for the Sony marine controller. The client really liked the silver accent that came on the console to begin with, so we kept it. We still have to clear coat the console and flock the storage compartment but it’s almost done.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010374small.jpg

Rear Seats

The car came in with 2006 GTO leather seats (as well as many other GTO parts). The person that installed them used some back straps and some drywall anchors to hold them in. The seats had this large “hoop” section on top that the head rests sunk into. This “hoop” actually stopped the top from folding down properly. We took the seat apart and removed the “hoop” and redid the leather on the seat. We also modified the entire metal frame so that we could mount the solidly. We also removed the center section to allow for the future home of the subwoofers. By modifying the metal frame we got the seats lower, back and created more of a gap for the future woofers.

Before

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p10100761small.jpg

After

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010293small.jpg

Rear Side Panels

When the car arrived, the rear side panels were really hurting…….they were made up of 3 seperate secured with several visible chrome screws.

Before

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010l079small.jpg

Doing some panel repair as we join all three panels together and then adding the speaker mount.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010255small.jpg

[Tim Baillie]

We then covered it with fleece and fiberglassed it, did some sanding, filling and shaping. We want to do something else on it so that it isn’t just a big molded vinyl panel. We will probably add some billet inserts or something to match the theme of the car.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010289small.jpg

Keep watching our new blog for updates every day or so.

[Tim Baillie]

We are doing a basic, well not so basic but a basic system in the Camaro. The source side of the system consists of the Sony CDX-F50 Marine deck, a 10 disc changer, iPod module and the Sony Marine controller. Everything but the iPod and the controller will be mounted in the trunk. We will be also using Morel speakers and Zapco amplifiers in it. The only undetermined product will be which subwoofers to use. We were going to use the Focal 5″ (4) because of the space between the rear seats but not that we modded the **** out of the seat we actually gain about another 4 inches in the center, so we might squeeze a single 10″ or 2 8″ in there. It has to be loud (convertible) and play all kinds of music.

Anyways, here is the trunk rack we welded up to hold the deck, changer, multichanger module and have a place to strap up the excess cables.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010364smalll.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010366small.jpg

[Tim Baillie]

Before

The stupid little 8 Balls on the panel were actually Valve Stem covers, the guy cut some valve stems apart and used them to mount the 8 balls where the old lock plungers went................very gay..............

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010143small.jpg

The beginning

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010286small.jpg

[Fluid Power]

NICE! Thanks for taking the time to post all the photos!

Darren

[deuce32]

looks like the beginings to a cool car keep us updated for sure :thumbsup:

[dave96dcm]

Is the front of the new center consloe all fiberglass?

[Tim Baillie]

No, it's all plastic....ABS to be exact.....fiberglass would not stick long term to the rest of the plastic on the console and would crack.

We make A LOT of stuff out of ABS and various composites......

[Garage Dog 65]

Really nice work guys !

I was amazed at how the console came out - sweet !

Thanks !

[Fluid Power]

I love the work, what exactly do you use to bond the ABS? Does it dry so it can be sanded and painted? Really nice work.

Darren

[Tim Baillie]

We use a bunch of different adhesives and fillers for ABS, it depends on what we are doing with it.

It sands and paints just like a car body would.

[fjb2069]

We use a bunch of different adhesives and fillers for ABS, it depends on what we are doing with it.

It sands and paints just like a car body would.

Can you be more specific for molding platic console and dash parts?

[Tim Baillie]

The problem is, each different type of plastic needs different product.....

Plastics like ABS, PPO, PPE, TPO and any number of combinations out there react different with each other and with each filler and adhesives......there is no standard from the OEM, they all use different.........

The latest is this new corn oil mix that Toyota/Honda created.........nothing sticks to it.....

[Fluid Power]

Thanks Tim, not trying to steal secrets, just was curious about how to work with plastics. One last question, do you buy ABS sheets and then cut and mold them?

Darren

[fjb2069]

The problem is, each different type of plastic needs different product.....

Plastics like ABS, PPO, PPE, TPO and any number of combinations out there react different with each other and with each filler and adhesives......there is no standard from the OEM, they all use different.........

The latest is this new corn oil mix that Toyota/Honda created.........nothing sticks to it.....


I noticed a foam base to get the basic shape that you used in the gto console. What type of foam and what type of fillers did you use to shape that. I have the same.

[dave96dcm]

So you used a foam mold and ABS? How do you work with the ABS? Do you use a epoxy or sheets?

[Tim Baillie]

Thanks Tim, not trying to steal secrets, just was curious about how to work with plastics. One last question, do you buy ABS sheets and then cut and mold them?

Darren

No worries, I just don't want to tell you a particular product and it be wrong for the plastic your working with and it cracks or splits or doesn't stick at all................

We buy it by the 4x8 sheet, we use ABS and a product called Cintra (I think that is the spelling) and they both come in many thickness's. ABS only goes as thick as 1/4 (that I have ever heard of) but Cintra you can get really thick. Boat manufacturers use it alot in places where they used to use plywood because it's just as strong but way lighter.

The really nice thing about composites like ABS and Cintra is that you can sand it just as easy as wood and stuff but you can heat it and mold it. The fillers sand just like body filler (some harder then others) as well as the adhesives.

It's really strong, we use it for almost everything, you can drill it and tap it etc. Not to mention it's light and waterproof.

Oh, and it comes in black and white, the Cintra comes in tons of colors......

[Tim Baillie]

There is no foam, it's ABS sheets.

[Tim Baillie]

I noticed a foam base to get the basic shape that you used in the gto console. What type of foam and what type of fillers did you use to shape that. I have the same.

If you look at the one picture, the white half round section with the black seam on it is actually a piece of ABS heated and curved, it was then riveted to the console and then we built it up from there with ABS pieces and fillers.

[Tim Baillie]

Check out this Suburban we built last year, the entire dash panel was modified using ABS and fillers. The console was hand built over a MDF frame and is all ABS and fillers. I will see if I can dig up some of the actual construction pictures of the console and dash bezel.

http://www.hzemall.com/our_gallery/installs/1998_gmc_suburban/install.htm

[fjb2069]

There is no foam, it's ABS sheets.

Brand name "Sintra" http://www.sintrapvc.com/

[Tim Baillie]

That's it...........there are also some other companies that sell the same product but I can't remember their names and what they call it but it's all the same, Sintra was the one that created it so it is what everyone calls it.

[fjb2069]

No worries, I just don't want to tell you a particular product and it be wrong for the plastic your working with and it cracks or splits or doesn't stick at all................

The really nice thing about composites like ABS and Cintra is that you can sand it just as easy as wood and stuff but you can heat it and mold it. The fillers sand just like body filler (some harder then others) as well as the adhesives.

It's really strong, we use it for almost everything, you can drill it and tap it etc. Not to mention it's light and waterproof.

Oh, and it comes in black and white, the Cintra comes in tons of colors......

Have you every worked with balsa foam? I do not believe it has the heat forming capabiltiy as Sintra, but may be better for shaping?

[Tim Baillie]

I have not, most foams are porous and you then have to seal it which makes more work. With ABS and Sintra, you can sand it smooth and paint right on it to get a finished product.

[Fluid Power]

Tim thanks a ton for the rest of the info. I appreciate it very much. I have some crazy ideas to monkey around with that stuff now!

Darren

[Tim Baillie]

Tim thanks a ton for the rest of the info. I appreciate it very much. I have some crazy ideas to monkey around with that stuff now!

Darren

Anytime, what are working on ?

[Fluid Power]

I am going to fab up a console for a work van of mine, it needs to hold a lap top and other work junk. It should be good practice!

Darren

[bigtyme1]

out standing work, wish you were closer

[Tim Baillie]

We were slammed the last week with a bunch of other projects at the shop so we didn’t get a ton done on the car but here is the progress.

Got the console almost finished, just have to modify the mounts for the console then Flock the storage compartment in it.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010455small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010458small.jpg

We got the wiring in the trunk all completed. We had to replace all the sockets, housings and everything in between.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010445small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010449small.jpg

[Tim Baillie]

We had to install a pin switch for the trunk but we didn’t want anything visible to detract away from the clean look we are going after. We took a small “micro” switch and built a ABS mounting plate for it so that when the trunk hinge is closed all the way it makes contact, if the trunk opens as little as 1/8″ it will trigger the alarm.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p10104321small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010436small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010438small.jpg

We also started to layup the fiberglass for the subwoofer enclosure/console for between the rear bucket seats.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010420small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010430small.jpg

[bigtyme1]

Really Nice Work, Keep me informed. I wonder how hard it it to get a car across the border:unibrow:

[Tim Baillie]

Really Nice Work, Keep me informed. I wonder how hard it it to get a car across the border:unibrow:

Easy to sell, easier to have it worked on :)

[vicious69]

What type of glue did you use on the modified GTO console? Sweet job!!

[RECOVERY ROOM]

Console looks good,I have an idea of what it takes to make look good,lot of work!:thumbsup:

[Fluid Power]

Tim,

What kind of material will you use to 'flock' the inside of the console or the rear door panels?

Darren

[Tim Baillie]

Flocking is where you apply a glue to a surface, then "dust" fibers over it till they all stick.

It's the same thing that most older glove boxes were lined with.

[Tim Baillie]

Console looks good,I have an idea of what it takes to make look good,lot of work!:thumbsup:

Thank you, that means alot coming from you.

[Tim Baillie]

We got the Modo Innovations Electric Trunk Release kit installed (see our review of this product)

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010472small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010485small.jpg

Got the stereo rack wired and mounted. As we always do, we used molex plugs on the power wires for easy servicing.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010461small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010470small.jpg

[bigtyme1]

where do we see the review? Do you have a different web sight other then you Blog?

[Tim Baillie]

It's on the blog under product reviews.

[MODO Innovations]

Tim,
I just read your reveiw of our Electric Trunk Latch Kit, I am glad you are pleased with it. Thanks for the great review.

On another note... the car is coming along nicely, keep up the good work.:thumbsup:

[bigtyme1]

Still not seeing it. but I have the same thing and I know shannon does great work. I'm just having problems getting thru your sight. I was looking for more pics of the camaro.

[Tim Baillie]

Still not seeing it. but I have the same thing and I know shannon does great work. I'm just having problems getting thru your sight. I was looking for more pics of the camaro.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/?p=11

[Tim Baillie]

We made a bunch of progress on the Camaro this weekend.

When the car came in, the air ride tank, the solenoids and the compressors were all mounted to the floor with drywall screws. We welded up a frame work for the compressors and solenoids out of 1/2″ square tubing. We welded flat bar to the rack and then drilled and tapped them to mount everything to it. We bolted the tank to the floor and then the rack was bolted to the mounting tabs of the tank.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010542small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010541small.jpg

We then sprayed the rack with an epoxy coating from Eastwood, it’s “Satin Black Chassis Paint”

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010668small.jpg

[Tim Baillie]

Next up was the amp rack. The car has some issues with the trunk sealing properly sometimes so we wanted to make sure that should water get into the trunk there was nothing there that would be damaged by water. Traditionally we would make the amp rack out of MDF but if water gets into the trunk, it won’t last very long. We took some more 1/2″ square tubing and welded up the amp rack and welded flat bar to mount the amps to it just like the air ride rack.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010672small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010644small.jpg

We then welded the top section of the rack and welded mounting tabs to it so it can be secured into the truk. Like the air ride rack, we sprayed it with the Eastwood Chassis Epoxy Paint.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010690small.jpg

The amp rack is bolted to the floor of the trunk using thread inserts and stainless bolts/washers.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010674small.jpg

[Tim Baillie]

We relocated the battery to the trunk. Using thread inserts we mounted the rack to the floor of the car. We then welded up a simple bracket that we mounted the Streetwires combo fuse block to, we then drilled and tapped the side of the battery rack to mount the combo block bracket.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010548small.jpg

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010560small.jpg

Like all the other racks in the trunk, we coated them with the Eastwood Epoxy Chassis Paint. We mounted the heavy duty relays for the compressors out of the way behind the hinges. We also mounted the main ANL fuse for the cars electrical system for easy access.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010665small.jpg

We also started framing the subwoofer box between the rear seats. It will be housing two 8″ woofers that will be firing against the back seat sheet metal and will be ported out the bottom/front of the console/enclosure.

http://www.hzemall.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/p1010683small.jpg

[awr68]

Tim you do very nice work!! Thanks for the pics!!!

[Payton King]

Looking forward to more progress pics

[Tim Baillie]

Thanks guys...

[fjb2069]

Tim,

How are you holding the upper and lower back seats to the car? ALso, is this car mini tubbed? If not, do you feel there is some room to still fit the seats if a car has mini tubs?