My 68 C5 Project

[68RS350]

I have been lurking and working on this project for awhile. I finally have made enough progress to share some pictures. I started with a rusty shell and have replaced some sheetmetal. I have also chosen to build a full tube chassis with C5 components. I have lengthened the torque tube 6" from a stock C5. Also have 6.0L out of a 2000 Chevy pick up truck. Recently I have been working with Matt and Steve at Art Morrison to build a front subframe for my car. I just received it today and got it roughly mocked up in place on the car. I couldnt wait to see the suspension on so I decided to put it on. Here are the pics!! Enjoy!!

[almcbri]

welcome to :lateral: .
Sounds like a cool car.

links are not working. you may try insert image or insert link. a lot of guys you photobucket, or you can load some pictures from your computer.

[68RS350]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture001.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture009.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture009.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture008.jpg

[68RS350]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture007.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture006.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture005.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture004.jpg

[68RS350]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture003.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture104.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture103.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture102.jpg

[ElkyZO6]

That is one nice looking subframe. Please keep us updated:thumbsup:

[Al Moreno]

Very nice :thumbsup:

[68RS350]

Here the process I used to lengthen the torque tube. First I made a jig to time the bellhousings.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture044.jpg

Then I cut the ends off with a plasma and mounted them on our Bridgeport and milled the welds till the rest of the tube came out. If you look at the third picture you can start to see that we were getting close to milling off the weld.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture049.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture052.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture051.jpg

[68RS350]

Then once I had the ends milled it was time to bolt the bellhousing ends to the jigs and put the new longer tube in. After the tube was inserted I welded the bottom the jig together with 1.5"x1.5" sqaure tubing so I could transport it and take it to the weld shop. The ends are parrallel within 1/16".

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/Picture063.jpg

[Rybar]

Nice work, and really cool project :thumbsup:

[Kendall Burleson]

Nice Project I want to see more Good job look like more to come.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[customcam]

Verry cool project,Subscribed

[68RS350]

Thanks guys! I have been working on the rest of the frame in solidworks before I start actually bending and cutting. I had to widen the rear hub to hub to get the differential and motor down in the right spot (its not right in the pictures) So there for I had to widen the front hub to hub and Art Morrison made a widened front clip for me that looks killer. So the frame the part of the that you see inside the car will need to be modified.

[68RS350]

Been awhile since I posted some progress pics. Moved into a new house and a new garage. Here some pics of the car in its new home.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/IMG_0679.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/IMG_0686.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/1968%20Camaro/IMG_0687.jpg

[68RS350]

Some more progress pics.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0197.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0152.jpg

Welded my motor mounts on the engine for me. They look AWESOME. Im not sure that I like the mounts that I designed for the frame so I will probably change them. Check out the pics below and let me know what you guys think!
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0201.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0196.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0195.jpg

[68RS350]

Tacked both sides of the chassis and all ready to start working on the rear section. Enjoy the pics!
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0145.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0146.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0147.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0149.jpg

Here are the seats i picked up to for the project. Pretty excited to get them mounted in the car.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0148.jpg

[SoCal_63 SS]

Great work... sweet ride. Good to see you're progressing well my friend!

:thumbsup:

[badbu68]

Very cool, keep up the good work. :thumbsup:

[strtcar]

Nice build, I'd love to do this to my 70 Chevelle.

[dwfastcam]

This things is going to be sick!

[rocketrod]

Awesome build! I live in Metamora, about 10 miles from you, so hopefully and I can come over check the car out in person, or turn wrenches with you if you ever need some help.

[68RS350]

Been awhile since I've posted some progress so here they are.

Built the tunnel tubes last week
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0185.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0184.jpg

Started to tack up the rear end of the car. Had to make a fixture off of the stock C5 Cradle and put it up on the weld table and transfered the jig to the frame rails.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0183.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0179.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0178.jpg[hr]
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0177.jpg

Got all of the mount pads for the cradle tacked up and fit the cradle on the subframe. I need to remove the rectangular tubing and round tube and get the plates cut to box in the pads. Then Ill get it tacked up in the car and get the rear suspension and drivetrain locked in place.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0188.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0187.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0186.jpg

[68RS350]

Got the frame tacked together last night. All that is left it get it welded up and put in the car so I can start putting the drivetrain and suspension back in! Enjoy!
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0191.jpg

[Payton King]

I was just thinking about doing this the other day. Appears you are doing a great job. How does it look for headroom and width for the seats?

[68RS350]

I was just thinking about doing this the other day. Appears you are doing a great job. How does it look for headroom and width for the seats?

The Width isnt too bad. It's kind of tight with the torque tube and allowing clearance for it in the tunnel. Other than that they fit great. I may lower the seat mount a bit to give me more head room. Corbeau does sell a 1" shaved seat base that I may look at getting. I'll keep you posted on what I end up doing.

[68RS350]

Made even more progess last night. Had a few friends over we got the rear subframe up in the car and centered up. Got tacked before we left and all in all looks awesome and worked out great. Hopefully I can get out in the next day or so and get the driveline back in the car!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0196-1.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0198.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0195-1.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0197-1.jpg

[Payton King]

treatment on the rear? 21 Century years ago did one of these and they wanted to keep the tires under the stock fenders. They ended up narrowing the cradle 3 or 5 inches, I can't remember, and having new half shafts made. They also took the trans off the rear and made an adapter for a standard drive shaft. I like that you are keeping the trans mounted in the rear.

[68RS350]

Yep I remember seeing their rear clip. This is my design. Its the stock width cradle and stock width of half shafts too. I plan on flaring the fenders in the rear to account for the wider track. I will be running aftermarket wheels. The front is wider than normal as well and I worked with Art Morrison on the front to get everything to match up wheel wise between the front and the rear. The rear is a little wider than the front but I can make up that with the rim width.

[coolwelder62]

this is an awesome build.Keep up the great work.:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Scott M.

[Payton King]

Following this build with a lot of interest. It appears that you have really done your homework.

Keep us posted!

[68RS350]

Made some more progress last night! Got the motor centered up and welded into place now the suspension and drivetrain are locked in their final places and now the fun begins!!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0207.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0199.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0200.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0203.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0204.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0205.jpg

[Spiffav8]

All I can say is WOW!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[68RS350]

It's been awhile since I've posted any progress on the car. Today was spent out in the garage working on the wheel tubs. I am making custom tubs to go in the car to get the maximum clearance for wheels and control arms. Enjoy!

Here we got the pieces up in the car to test fit and figure out what we need to do before we weld them.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0126.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0127.jpg

Here we are getting ready to tack the halves together. We used a round over die on each piece to form a radius in the corners
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0131.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0130.jpg

Got the both sides tacked together and flanges made and all set in place. Just some minor trimming left and start to lay out the rest of the floor.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0137.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0135.jpg

[waynieZ]

Nice fab wor, it looks great.

[68RS350]

Been awhile since I have update the thread! I thought I would update it looks like its almost been a year! That doesnt mean I haven't gotten a lot of work done over the past year!

Since I have a custom front frame section I couldn't use the stock radiator core mounting so I had to come up with my own mounts. I made a paper mock up of them and fit them up and then cut, bent and welded them and then position the front sheetmetal and drilled the holes in the subframe to mount it.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1686.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1687.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0017.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0015-1.jpg

[68RS350]

I started looking around for steering columns and I couldn't find anything that I liked or would work for my application and didn't want to pay $500+ for one so I decided to make my own! I started out witha 4" OD, 2.5" round stock and 2" tube and started cutting metal and here's what I came up with! Enjoy

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1734.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1735.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1736.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1746.jpg
And after 275 amps its welded!
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1792.jpg

[68RS350]

Also finished up the wheel wells welded them and ground them flush. Also fot them welded in the car too. They look awesome!g

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0026.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0173.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_01782.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0175.jpg

[68RS350]

Started to finish up the rear sheetmetal area and needed to make a trunk bracket so here is what I came up with!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1826.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/IMG_1827.jpg

Also got all of the engine accessories and water pump bolted up.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_01812.jpg

[cantcatchmitch]

very cool to see a build like this is a home garage. good luck! very ambitious project.

[68RS350]

I finished up the trunk brackets and welded them on and removed all of the trunk bracing
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_1828.jpg

Welded the tunnel hoops on trying to get the chassis buttoned up so I can get it off the table and start getting to the fun stuff!
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_1831.jpg

Took some time to smooth out all of the holes on the radiator support that were not needed. Also opened up the radiator opening 2". For some reason GM centers the radiator on the core support but offsets the opening so I decided to go with a larger radiator. Finally got it primed and mounted back on.
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_1832.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_1833.jpg
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_1834.jpg

[tubbed69]

That's a lot of nice fab work so far,good luck with build

[68RS350]

Been awhile since I have posted been busy working on the car, other car projects and other things. Here's an update of the progress!

I decided to change the core support and go to a mustang style engine bay with the fixed inner wheel wells. It looks alot better than what GM came up with. Here is the start of it.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0312.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0312.jpg.html)

I chose a wider radiator than what a stock Camaro to get more cooling capacity and I had room to widen it. I found some nice 12" fans that fit perfectly behind the radiator. I made a shroud for it instead of trying to buy one. It was alot cheaper and easier to make my own

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0334.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0334.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0333.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0333.jpg.html)

[68RS350]

Also been working on the steering column mounting and placement in the car. Also worked on the Pedal mounts, seat mounts welded in and the steering shaft completed! So Ill quit talking and get the pictures up!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0308.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0308.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0307.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0307.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0309.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0309.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0328.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0328.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0332.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0332.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0330.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0330.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0329.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0329.jpg.html)

[68RS350]

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0327.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0327.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0311.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0311.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0310.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0310.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0306.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0306.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0304.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0304.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0303.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0303.jpg.html)
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff214/MJRettick4/DSC_0305.jpg (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/MJRettick4/media/DSC_0305.jpg.html)

[WSSix]

That's really awesome! Keep up the good work.

[Ron in SoCal]

That's really awesome! Keep up the good work.

I agree, love this project!

[waynieZ]

That's really awesome! Keep up the good work.

I guess that makes three of us! Awesome!!

[Ricochet]

Outstanding build! Fabrication looks great!

[68RS350]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the compliments!

[72Z/28]

Amazing build and outstanding fabrication work

[Ppd1979]

Love the fab work

[bonecrrusher]

Just a suggestion - I see your using the c5 accessory drive.

The bolt that holds the power steering reservoir tank and bolts into the head - make sure you notch that bolt hole.

It makes it a lot easier having to service/remove that in the future.

I just experienced that pain working on my c6!

[rat_rod_russell]

PRETTY!!!!!!!
:confused59:

-Russell