Project 69 Camaro

[markd]

Here’s my latest project, a 69 Camaro. I bought the car from California in October 2007 and had it shipped to Pennsylvania. My original plan was to add a new GM crate motor, paint and other small miscellaneous parts. But after going over the car, I decided to do a full restoration. I tore the car down during Thanksgiving and Christmas break and took it to a local restoration shop in January 2008.

Below are pictures taken during the tear down process

[GHOSTDANCER]

Good looking project :thumbsup: :cheers:

[markd]

Below are more pictures taken during the tear down process.


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030382.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030387.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030390.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030391.jpg

[markd]

Below are a few pictures taken after media blasting the car.


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030490.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030489.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030488.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030487.jpg

[markd]

Below are some pictures of my Chassisworks front sub-frame. We finished the assembly this morning and bolted it onto the body. The guys at the body shop will start to work on the rear quarters and roof skin next week.

I have to say that the front sub-frame from Chassiworks looks great and it was fairly easy to assemble. Everything I needed to assemble the sub-frame was included and the instruction manual detailed each step. http://www.cachassisworks.com/cac_library_7701.html


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030510.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030518.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030523.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030527.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030530.jpg

[7TSS]

Looks like you're off to a good start. What other mods are you doing to it?
Keep pics coming

[markd]

Looks like you're off to a good start. What other mods are you doing to it?
Keep pics coming


Soon, I will be purchasing a G-bar suspension package, 13” Wilwood disk breaks and FAB 9 rear from Chassisworks. I also plan putting in a GM ZZ 502 crate engine and a Turbo 400 from TCI transmissions.

[surreyboy]

thats a nice engine/trans combo, my friend loves his.

[markd]

Here’s a concept picture of my car done by Ben at Hermance Design (http://www.hermancedesign.com). I highly recommend Ben! He was very easy to work with and had a draft to me within 24 hours based on a description and a few pictures. I believe it’s a cost effective way to figure out what you want the car to look like before you drop tons of cash making changes to the car to get it “just right”. Yes…unfortunately I have learned the hard way!

I am trying to go with an old school / modern look.


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/MAD69Camaro.jpg

[awr68]

Looks great! I like all the trim on that car!!

[BLACKJACK]

RENDERING LOOK'S GOOD...YOUR CAR GOING TO BE SWEET.....:thumbsup:

[aany001]

Oh man that thing is going to be sweet.....I love the rendering.I love the 69 with all it's trim on....It just makes it pop.Great work and keep us posted.

[markd]

I stopped by the body shop yesterday and took a few pictures.

Last week they assembled the front clip with sheetmetal from Goodmark. Overall it looks good; but as usual, we have to do some tweaking to get everything to align properly.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030563.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030564.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030562.jpg

[markd]

The passenger door will get a new door skin, since the old one has a lot of plastic in it. The drivers door is original and in great shape. Unfortunately it’s about the only original body part that I am keeping.

Here are some pictures of the rear quarters removed. Next they will install the DSE mini tubs, inner fender wheels, replace the rear quarters, rear window to trunk panel, and roof skin.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030567.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030565.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/P1030566.jpg

[NEVER ENOUGH]

Very cool, keep the updates coming.

[bigtyme1]

Where you at in PA? will have to hook up. Looks like a great project so far.

[markd]

Where you at in PA? will have to hook up. Looks like a great project so far.

bigtyme1 – I live near Reading, PA. Let me know when you are in the area

[bigtyme1]

I'm in Stewartstown. Pm me your number. I'm about an hour away.

[markd]

I stopped by the body shop today to take a few pictures and get an update. The DSE mini tubs, inner fender wheels, full rear quarters, rear window to trunk panel, and roof skin have been partially installed. Now comes the tedious part of adjusting, pounding and fitting the new sheetmetal to get everything to align properly.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1030657.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1030664.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1030666.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1030683.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1030681.jpg

[waynieZ]

Looks good keep the updates comming.
WAyne

[bigtyme1]

Looks Good Mark, Buy the way you still have your old subframe? I gota idea.

[markd]

Looks Good Mark, Buy the way you still have your old subframe? I gota idea.

Yes, I still have the stock sub-frame (w/ disk breaks). I was getting ready to post it on eBay. What’s your idea? Send me a PM or give me a call

[Vegas69]

Looking really good man:thumbsup:

[markd]

It’s been awhile since I have posted an update and thought I would take a few minutes to post some pictures from last week. The sheetmetal alignment took longer then expected, but they are really starting to make progress now!

The bodywork has been completed on the doors and the interior / trunk were sprayed with DP-90.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCN6359.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCN6410.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCN6411.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCN6459.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCN6467-1.jpg

[awr68]

Looks like they are doing a fine job! Congrats on slowing down and building a good foundation first...you will be happy that you did!!

Looks like it's set up for leafs? What color are you painting it? Time frame??

[markd]

Looks like they are doing a fine job! Congrats on slowing down and building a good foundation first...you will be happy that you did!!

Looks like it's set up for leafs? What color are you painting it? Time frame??


Thanks Anthony!

I am replacing the old leaf springs with the new G-bar from Chassisworks and patiently waiting for it to be released!

It will be painted tuxedo black with white stripes.

Timeline? That’s a great question! I hope to have it painted by September, before I deploy for a year. Depending on my budget, I may have to park it for a year and continue when I get back. The preferred course of action would be to continue with the build while I am away.

[waynieZ]

Nice progress it looks like its coming out good With a black car everything you do now will pay off later.

[bigtyme1]

Hey Mark, have you left yet? How is the car coming?

[markd]

Hey Mark, have you left yet? How is the car coming?

Mark:

No, I am still here in PA…but will leave in about 3 ½ weeks. The car is coming along very nicely. They are starting to prep the car for paint. At this point, I am going to keep them working on the car while I am gone. I really don’t want the car to sit for a year w/ no progress. I will keep them working on the car until I run out of money and will finish it when I return.

How are you making out with your car?

[bigtyme1]

Mark:

No, I am still here in PA…but will leave in about 3 ½ weeks. The car is coming along very nicely. They are starting to prep the car for paint. At this point, I am going to keep them working on the car while I am gone. I really don’t want the car to sit for a year w/ no progress. I will keep them working on the car until I run out of money and will finish it when I return.

How are you making out with your car?

Doing OK, Got the motor and trans finshed ready to go in the subframe. I'm hoping to start makeing the brake lines this week. You keep in touch and Good Luck over there. Also starting to get some tune ideas for the LS1, thinking about HP tuner and doing it myself.

[markd]

It seems like its taking a very long time, but the guys at the shop are almost done with the bodywork! After they finish the hood / they will smooth the firewall and prep for paint.

Here are a few pictures I took yesterday:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040063.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040065.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040068.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040070.jpg

[markd]

Even though I am deployed the guys at the shop are making progress. My goal is to have it painted and assembled when I come home for block leave in December.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/DSC_0159.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/DSC_0157.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/MAD%2069%20Camaro/DSC_0152.jpg

[DOOM]

Looking good!!!! :thumbsup: Love that BLACK!!!!!!!
Mario

[tones2SS]

She is coming along nicely.
I LOVE the rendering Ben did for you.:thumbsup: :hail:

[soundqdoug]

Didn't look so bad when you started...good shell @ least...mine is still in storage...is it an x11 car?

[bigtyme1]

Looking Good Mark, I think you doing fine on time. Are you going to SEMA?

[markd]

I was on leave last week and got a chance to stop by the shop and checkout the progress of the build. The basecoat was shot and the new Chassisworks g-link / FAB housing with 14” disk breaks were installed.

I will order the wheels and tires this week!

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCF2073.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCF2074.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCF2075.jpg

[markd]

More pictures of the new g-link from Chassisworks

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_0891.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_0893.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_0895.jpg

[Vegas69]

Looking good man....I noticed the rear brake rotor bolts are not safety wired.

[tones2SS]

Looks awesome!
Keep us posted.:thumbsup:

[crazycarl]

Hey Mark, looking good. I just remembered my old screen name. Haven't seen any updates in a while, but I'm betting you're overseas. Good luck!

Carl

[fesler]

Fesler FS905 wheels with Toyo Proxes 888 tires

First the wheels, FS905 with Polished lip, polished face and black bolts and inner dish. The wheels are a 18X9 Front and 18X12 in the rear and they look sick.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/IMG_6858.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/IMG_6859.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/IMG_6860.jpg

The tires are the brand new TOYO PROXES 888 and they are sick, I will get them mounted up today or tomorrow and post up the shots mounted. 245/40 18 front and 335/30 18 rear.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/IMG_6854.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/IMG_6863.jpg

[bigtyme1]

Looking good man....I noticed the rear brake rotor bolts are not safety wired.

Todd, This picture raises a question. Do you think them bottom shock mounts would fit are G Bar?

[bigtyme1]

LOve the Wheels Chris, Mark it's going to be killer. Since your so close maybe we can hook up when you come home. I'm getting pretty close myself still need an interior.

[Vegas69]

Great looking wheels....and not a chance bigtyme. I have it whipped. Posting photos of the completed set up soon.

[markd]

I am finally getting around to posting an update. Here are some pictures taken this past Spring. The shop is currently assembling the car and will soon start to cut and buff the paint.

Final test fit...

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_0911.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_0870.jpg

Final paint...

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_1284.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_1554.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_1299.jpg

[markd]

LOve the Wheels Chris, Mark it's going to be killer. Since your so close maybe we can hook up when you come home. I'm getting pretty close myself still need an interior.

Thanks Mark! I have been following the progress on your car and it looks great! I have about 90 days left here and I will give you a call when I get back in the States.

[tones2SS]

She's looking good.:cheers:

[markd]

Looking good Mark! Now you have to make the decision on the engine next.


Jeff

http://www.kodakgallery.com/67rscamaro


Jeff,

I have not decided on an engine yet, but I need to make a decision soon!!!

[Josh69]

Looks great! Seeing that rendering makes one appreciate how good they look with the original trim. Has me re-considering adding my wheelwell mouldings back!

[crazycarl]

Mark, any progress on this car?

[markd]

Mark, any progress on this car?

Hey Carl – thanks for asking! I am a little behind in updating this thread. It’s been a little crazy here! I just got back from the deployment and will be picking up the car in a few weeks. I will also try to post more pictures later this week. Here are a few pictures

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_2122.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCF5022.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCF5036-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/DSCF5031.jpg

[Aschle]

:thumbsup: :bow:

Looks great ! Congrats


Jason

[68MaroSam]

Mark, Your car is looking great. Great job.:hail:

[waynieZ]

That looks sweet.

[tones2SS]

Looking good. Keep us posted.:thumbsup:

[markd]

Thanks guys! The car is finally starting to come together. I should be getting the LS3 from Turnkey Engine Supply within the next couple of days and will take a few pictures when it arrives. Here are a few more pictures of the car.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_2327.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_2329.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/100_2106.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2348.jpg

[Vegas69]

Looking really good so far....

[tones2SS]

Very nice!!!:thumbsup:

[crazycarl]

Lookin' good, Mark. I love the attention to detail on running the rally stripes into the hood vents. :thumbsup:

[bigtyme1]

Nice. Looks like will be crusen about the same time.

[markd]

Nice. Looks like will be crusen about the same time.

Well, I hope to finish the wiring this fall and the interior this Spring! Here are a few more pictures of the car. I will be going to the shop tomorrow and will post pictures of the engine tomorrow night.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2350-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2352.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2353.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2354.jpg

[markd]

Here is one more picture of tank from Ricks, Chassisworks FAB-9 rear and G-bar.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2356.jpg

[awr68]

Looking great!! :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Here is one more picture of tank from Ricks, Chassisworks FAB-9 rear and G-bar.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2356.jpg

That is a cool shot!
Looking good.:thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Your car looks great. Nice work . It must feel good doing the reassembly.

[markd]

Here are a few more updates:

The front clip has DSE headlights, wiper kit, core support close out (painted), firewall fill plate and RS headlight kit. Fesler billet hood hinges, billet hood latch, stainless steel hood adjusters and billet indicator lights.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/STA_2424.jpg

Here’s a pictures of the LS3 built to produce 565hp with a 4L60E level 4 transmission and other goodies. The engine is all GO with no bling, because I am quickly running out of $$! The engine and trans will go into the car next week.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/STG_2420.jpg

[markd]

We are finally starting to make some great progress on the car! The cooling, engine, transmission, chrome and Vintage Air are now installed.

We painted a 2010 Camaro engine cover to match the car. Not sure if I like it! :question:

The wheels / tires pictured below are not the final wheels; we are waiting for the Fesler wheels to be adjusted.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040545.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040539.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040553.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040552.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/P1040556.jpg

[nvr2fst]

This is looking really sweet.

[tones2SS]

This is looking really sweet.

I agree. Looks good.:thumbsup:

[bigtyme1]

Looks Good Mark, Funny I had the same idea with the engine cover but I wanted to see what was at SEMA first.. Are you going out this year?

[markd]

Looks Good Mark, Funny I had the same idea with the engine cover but I wanted to see what was at SEMA first.. Are you going out this year?

Mark: Yes, I will be at SEMA from 3-6 Nov. I will give you a call on your cell phone when I get on the ground in Vegas!

[Vegas69]

:thumbsup: She's looking purty

[markd]

:thumbsup: She's looking purty

Thanks Todd! It’s not exactly the look I was going for, but it does look good. The guys at the shop went a little overboard on making everything shinny and smooth. Oh well…it was an expensive lesson learned on my part

[markd]

Okay – I finally got the car back from the body shop! Now, its time to have some fun with the wiring and interior.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2698.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2777.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2771.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2696.jpg

[awr68]

That really looks great!! :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Looking good. Paint looks really good.
Keep us posted.:thumbsup:

[GvEman]

Awesome! Incredible car and awesome details! I like the 5gen ls3 covers on yours! Looks awesome painted! Cant waitt to se it with the final wheels!:lateral:

[crazycarl]

While the engine cover isn't quite my style, I do think it looks good. Obviously it's well detailed and I also like the fact that it's not the standard Corvette or GTO cover.

I will also be at SEMA Wednesday and Thursday so if you see a guy with spiky blue hair don't hesitate to introduce yourself. I'll probably have a Rushforth Wheels or SpeedTech shirt on.

[markd]

Everyone: I decided to have Frank @ Prodigy Customs finish my car! I will keep you updated as they make progress on the car.

Frank: I will send you an email later tonight with the ETA

Thanks,

Mark

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/28march.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/side28march.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/front28march.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/interior_concept.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/rear28march.jpg

[Vegas69]

Cool, Frank and the boys will knock it out in record time I'm sure. Have them look at your driveline anlge, looks excessive to me.

[6D9]

Looks killer!!!

[Jon69RagTop]

Car looks great. Just curious how many degrees that motor tilted back?

I know cameras can be deceptive, but that picture makes it appear to be rather dramatic.

[markd]

Cool, Frank and the boys will knock it out in record time I'm sure. Have them look at your driveline anlge, looks excessive to me.


Right on Todd…you nailed it! I will by you a Schlitz the next time I see you :cheers:


Mark

[Vegas69]

Hell yeah man....there is only one greasy bar around here that has it. :D

[markd]

Car looks great. Just curious how many degrees that motor tilted back?

I know cameras can be deceptive, but that picture makes it appear to be rather dramatic.

It’s not an optical Illusion! It is tilted back, just another reason I pulled it from the last shop. I was getting tired of paying $55 an hour to a bunch of amateurs. I have confidence that Frank and crew will get it right.

Check out this picture!

Mark

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh82/camaro69vn10/IMG_2719.jpg

[crazycarl]

Frank will take good care of you. I really dig that interior that Ben drew up for you.

Question: are you using the CAC motor mounts and tranny crossmember?

[markd]

Question: are you using the CAC motor mounts and tranny crossmember?

Good to hear from you Carl…sorry I missed you at SEMA last year!

Yes, the transmission cross-member is from CAC. I forget which engine mounts they used, I am guessing they are the ones that came from Turnkey engine supply.

Mark

[waynieZ]

Great decision to go with Prodigy. Frank and his guy's have seen it all and fixed it too.

[DWCamaro69]

How about an 11 1/2 year update to this build thread? I bought the car from Mark over 3 years ago. It was "finished" but hadn't really been driven much and had sat a bunch. My plan was to make a few changes to make it "mine" and drive the heck out of it. What drew me to the car was the fact it is cosmetically is a clone to my real matching numbers 69 RSZ and the quality of the build and components.

First change needed was the auto had to go and was replaced with a T56 Super Magnum 6 speed from Chevrolet Performance. At the same time several other items popped up that needed attention either to failure from sitting, old technology or improper installation. The list is long but included: new radiator (leaked), new master cylinder (leaked), custom CAI (too high of intake temps), Holley Terminator X ECU (old technology ECU), reroute throttle cable (would stick wide open on occasion), new headers (insufficient ground clearance), new mufflers (inside resonance), rebuild of rear coilovers (one leaky shock), new sway bar (cracked due to improper modification), new e-brake cables (cut too short to function properly), new fuel sending unit (old tech, inaccurate), new power window kit (generic poorly functioning system), new wheels (improper backspacing, rubbed), new tires (road noise and rode like it was on wagon wheels) and a few other items fixed or replaced/repaired or changed due to preference.

The car is reliable and a pleasure to drive now. We drive it often and have put over 6,000 miles on it mostly in the last 18 months.

[camcojb]

Absolutely beautiful. :bow:

[WSSix]

Very nice! Glad to know you're out there putting miles on it. Enjoy!