1969 Camaro Restomod Project Thread

[will69camaro]

Well finally got the urge to start working on the 69 again. Putting off any more work on the 2010 to start funneling cash towards my first car. I'm really excited about working on the car. I've picked up a few parts for it already (nothing too major).

Started today by putting the car on jack stands and taking off the stock hood. Stock hood will be replaced with a new steel cowl hood.
Started prepping to remove the 94 Z28 LT1/T56 setup. Motor has a new owner waiting for it, and the transmission is being sold to a co-working for swap into his 70 Chevelle SS.

Coming soon, I'll be removing the 10 year old MAACO paint job for something a little nicer. Car will be returned to Hugger Orange and plan to have the body completely refinished and all rust removed.

Also soon to come, picking up a 6.0L iron block later this week for a 408 build w/ L92 heads. Will be setting it up to be decent NA motor but plans to add boost in the future. Also may pick up a 12 bolt factory 69 rearend to build for this car to replace the 8.2" 10 bolt factory limited slip rearend. 12 bolt I'm looking at already has 4.10s and a posi. Already picked up a LS type T56 that has been rebuilt and comes with a Spec clutch (may/may not use, undecided).

Ultimately I would like this car to have full aftermarket suspension (ie front clip, 4 link, etc). For now I'm going to focus on getting the body work done, maybe get it mini-tubbed in the process, and get it running. I'll do suspension after it's running/driving. Easy enough to do and will let me enjoy the car about a year sooner for a while as I save up for the suspension.

Now on to the pics! Not much done today but car is still kinda cramped in the garage (working on making more room to work as well!)

In the garage with the 2010 SS:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999984712_BpqqP-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999986980_quQzw-L.jpg

Filthy LT1 setup (car has been parked for 5-6 years, most of which outside in west Texas):
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999968189_KgPNn-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999968530_x6jxa-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999968328_YeeQx-L.jpg

Few pics of the new parts I have for the car (T56, clutch, hood)
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999986591_HkHuk-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999986879_HaW4Y-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999968051_7DxvV-L.jpg

[will69camaro]

Here are some misc pictures of the car showing the body damage and rust I'll be contesting!
Passenger Rear quarter panel:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999984808_qWHv6-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999984905_6kDNS-L-1.jpg
Driver Rear quarter panel:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999985180_ZQgXx-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999985279_9DmZ8-L-1.jpg
Driver front fender/door:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999987681_afEuS-L.jpg
Passenger front fender/door:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999987889_CHd4S-L.jpg
Rearend/Exhaust:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999987233_Jxjcf-L.jpg
Interior:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999985498_bGHPB-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999985652_7TjGa-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999985762_FFiBS-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999985865_yeqnT-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999986129_pxT2d-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/999986013_QT7Jo-L.jpg

I will be updating this. Don't expect final results for quite some time but hope to use this thread for motivation/incentive to put the work in. Hoping to have the engine/trans out by the weekend and then I'll see if I'm going to strip it in the garage or have it media blasted/stripped by a shop.

William

[tones2SS]

AWESOME Will!!!
Glad to see/hear you're going to be working on it! All that talk about it the last couple of weeks must of got you going, huh?!?! (Or, was it Kat bugging you to start up on it? lol) Is Tony going to be helping you with the build?
Good luck and keep us posted buddy!:thumbsup: :cheers: :cheers:

[waynieZ]

Thats OK we like to folow along!

[will69camaro]

I'll keep you guys up to date. Hoping I get to pick up the block tomorrow and maybe see about getting the 12 bolt I found for it. This motor/trans should be out by the weekend hopefully. Then gotta start making decisions on whose doing what to the body. If I'm stripping it, I'll get started, if not I'll start looking for someone who can blast it.

William

[rwhite692]

Looks like a great start to your project.

That TWS road sign in your garage is :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[ja.stoner63]

Looks like you're gonna have a blast with this one. Keep the pictures coming.

[will69camaro]

Update for today:
Mainly all I did today since engine/trans is about ready to be pulled is I reorganized the garage to make more room. Still have a few things to move around but there is plenty of space now compared to what there was.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1001596245_pyHsS-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1001596344_rvWXu-L.jpg
Sorry it's still in the bag, I'll pull it out tomorrow for better pics. Picked up the 6.0L iron block machined to be a 408. Took a set of calipers with me and all appears to be good. I'll naturally have it checked out by a machinist to ensure all is ok. HKE did the work so I'll probably take it back there.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1001596536_qAfbh-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1001596077_XkeWi-M.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Nice highway sign.... lol.

[tones2SS]

Glad to see you're working on it Will.
Good luck and keep us posted bud.:thumbsup: :cheers:

[will69camaro]

Yep about to go out and pull the interior out and pick up an engine hoist. May have an "engine pull party" this weekend. Get the motor out and then start sanding on the body.

Friends are giving me the goal of Power Tour 2011...We'll see. Less than 1 year to do a full restoration...

[tones2SS]

Yep about to go out and pull the interior out and pick up an engine hoist. May have an "engine pull party" this weekend. Get the motor out and then start sanding on the body.

Friends are giving me the goal of Power Tour 2011...We'll see. Less than 1 year to do a full restoration...

Very cool. That was nice of Tony to let you borrow the engine hoist.
Good luck this weekend bud!:thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Ok for today's update. Interior has been stripped and I started removing the guages before I started running out of light and time before dinner. I forgot the extent I went to when I did it the first time to make it quiet inside.

Pics:
Interior as was when I started
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002491492_uKSpY-L.jpg
Seats pulled up. Carpet sunfaded red. Threw it away for new stuff.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002491876_Gtei6-L.jpg
Forgot I put down a 3/4" layer of "jute" under the carpet to sound deadening. I didn't remember doing this until I saw it LOL
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002492145_g7vj4-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002492288_HTBah-L.jpg
This is how much of that stuff there was...Probably about 15-20lbs worth, maybe more but I dont have a scale.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002493001_3pkG5-L.jpg
Under that there was a thin layer of thermal insulation (water heater stuff). Not the best but on a college kid buget it wasn't bad. I had this stuff EVERYWHERE!
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002492461_GWTpV-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002492641_hs48Z-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002492899_Y3NZ3-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002492758_miyCB-L.jpg
All of that was removed as well. There is residue left but it's not too bad.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002493292_59QgB-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002493121_dgx39-L.jpg
Quick pic of how I left it today.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002493669_XZB7A-L.jpg
Here is the pile of parts that were removed. Carpet not shown as it was in the trash with the insulation.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002493775_YAbu4-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1002493897_YVgL4-L.jpg

I'll have more pics tomorrow when the engine gets pulled.

William

[will69camaro]

Should finish stripping the car today and get the engine/trans out. Met up with the guys from Camaro Country locally and got a quote on blasting the car. May have them do that. They also said they could do the body work it needs. They use Dynacorn body panels. I know there are some mixed reviews so what do you guys think?

Said it'd be ~$400/panel and $450/install. They do a lot of 69s and a local 2nd gen owner referred the company.

William

[will69camaro]

Ok update for today.

Went to Super Chevy at HRP and walked around/checked out the nice cars in the area. Swap meet brought me to the Camaro Country guys. Talked to them a bit and I think I'm going to take the car down there to get blasted. Also may have them do the quarters on the car. I'll check out their place when they blast it and maybe ask for some references to discuss with customers.

We got back from Super Chevy and decided to tear into the 69 even further. Burgers and beer later we got a good bit accomplished!
Front end coming apart. Grille removed, bumper removed and lower valence coming off.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1004002854_HiSyX-L.jpg
Trunk and spoiler removed.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1004002991_HKC3k-L.jpg
Bumper/lights removed.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1004003454_ZdMcq-L.jpg
Engine is coming out!
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1004004784_NUiGj-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1004004453_SH7Wt-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1003957731_b2rgR-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1003958423_QprHA-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1003959151_fgwfv-L.jpg

That's all we got done today. Was a FULL day. Tomorrow I got chores/etc to do, will try to clean up the garage and put the tools up that we used. Trans will get pulled off as it's sold, engine will get loaded up as it's sold as well. Going to keep taking panels off and then throw it all on a trailer/bed of the truck and take it to get it blasted.

William

[awr68]

Nice progress! Way to hammer down! It will be nice to see it all blasted! Nothing like a clean bare metal camaro to get you fired up!! :thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Thanks and yea I'm excited to get it blasted so I know how bad my wallet will hurt to fix the body. It's not "terrible" but it's not great. What's the saying? Good from far but far from good?

Been working on the car for about 5 days now and accomplished that. I know it will slow down, disassy is always the fastest part!

[tones2SS]

Good work Will! At this rate, you'll be ready for Power Tour 2011!!
Keep us posted bud.:cheers: :thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Definitely will. Hope I can keep the pace up. Goign to be working after work and on weekends starting this upcoming week and I can guarantee I'll miss a couple months in offshore time. Going to try to time it so those months are the ones it's in the body shop.

May push it out of the garage today and power wash the car to get it a little cleaner. Just gotta get the rest of the dash out and the headliner before I do that.

William

[will69camaro]

Ok sorry for lack of updates but not much has been happening with the work schedule I've had. Well I got a little "time off" to work (3 weeks between jobs) that I plan to use on the 69!

Car will continue to be stripped this weekend. Going to finish pulling all panels and glass out as well as the body wiring.

Goes in to be media blasted on Monday morning and should be in a "bare" state by the end of the week. Going to get pics of the bare shell to see damage before the self etching primer is completed.

Found a reputable blasting company in the area, so excited to have them do the work!

Time to get back to working on this thing and see what I can get accomplished!

[tones2SS]

Good luck Will. Keep us posted.

[will69camaro]

Will definitely keep you posted. I do hope to have some pics later on this week when it's blasted and bare metal. Then you can all criticize and give pointers as to the direction to go (whole new paneles, patch panels, etc).

We'll see!

William

[black2002ls]

Glad to see you getting some time to work on this!

[will69camaro]

Update:

With Kat's (fiance) help we got the 69 stripped down a good bit more.

- All wiring removed from the body.
- EVERYTHING is out of the inside. Not a single nut/clip/screw/bolt/etc left inside. All removed.
- Steering wheel removed.
- HVAC removed ("astrovent and heater mainly).
- All weatherstripping removed.
- Fuel system removed (tank/lines/etc).
- Firewall cleaned/clear of nuts/bolts.
- Transmission cross member pulled.
- Doors completely dis-assembled.

Left to do before blasting:
- Remove braking system (brake lines, master cyl, e-brake).
- Remove exhaust.
- Remove doors
- Remove windshield/rear glass.

As far as I know that's all that's left!

Getting excited as areas I thought would be worse aren't that bad. We'll see how it looks after media blasting but window frames, interior behind dash, behind doors, cowl panels on sides by lower fenders, inside cowl vents, etc all good and appears rust free!

Time will tell!

[89 RS]

Good progress, keep us posted.

[black2002ls]

Glad to hear the two of ya'll are still together. Built any model cars lately?! I met you guys over on automotiveforums.

[will69camaro]

Yep still together and remember meeting you over on automotive forums. Haven't been building many scale models but she still has a large supply of them and the room to do it. Now it's just the time to do it. She swears she's going to start again.

Will definitely keep you posted on the progress. Hopefully blasted pics by this upcoming weekend. Going to get pics on the trailer headed that way monday.

Pretty excited!

[will69camaro]

Didn't get the car to the blasting place today. Had to remove the exhaust, doors and get it on the trailer still. Got that all finished up today so it'll be dropped off first thing in the morning.

Friend of mine that has built a few of these already said it looks like a pretty solid car to start with. Quarter panels we know need work but pillars/pans/rockers/cowl, all look good. Rear window channel has a little damage but all will be replaced with the new quarter panel. We'll see if we still feel the same after the blast work.

Pics:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1194620374_Z4BiL-XL.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1194623639_2cd2D-XL.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1194625285_Tc8KE-XL.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1194627623_sSfw7-XL.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1194629315_PEuFE-XL.jpg

More pics to come when the paint/bondo is off the car!

William

[tones2SS]

Very cool William.
Good thing Kat got that Dodge truck.:thumbsup: Keep us posted.

[will69camaro]

So while the camaro was away I started looking at more improvements to the garage. Sorry for the messy pics and plan to get better pics. Started to clean up camaro stuff and it got dark and it hit me...Garage needs more light!!!

Before:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202216556_XJK3P-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202216643_Z5eSs-L.jpg

As you can see it was dark at best with the 2 incandescent bulbs. I have 2 drop lights and some halogens on a stand (cheapies from Northern Tool). Not NEARLY enough light for a working space for the car hobby!

The lights to be installed:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202217037_BgeLq-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202218375_3h599-L.jpg

Lights are 1ft x 4ft fluorescent recessed fixtures each with 2 - T8 6500k bulbs. I picked up 9 of these lights, 3 for each car bay! Ended up spending quite a bit of cash on lighting and got to learn a lot about working with sheetrock and mounting for these guys. I think the results however are well worth the hassle (2 solid days in the garage hanging lights).

After:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202223338_2N3mp-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202223551_mrPQg-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202218403_swYmx-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202220053_vgBar-L.jpg

More pics to come when the garage is cleaned up a little more. It's VERY bright inside the garage. Back row of lights are on a separate switch so when it's daytime and the garage is open and the lights are blocked, they can be turned off. Front lights are far enough forward to light up the work bench and under the hood of the cars. Roof will be painted eventually, just not high on the priority.

William

[waynieZ]

That should make it easier to see. Nice job installing them.

[will69camaro]

I'll put up some teasers before getting into any details.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202234699_2JuBm-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202236295_AkXDr-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202236335_KPNP9-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202254695_CeGPF-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202256915_XcXEQ-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202258623_7HfGc-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202260552_xmAka-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202260798_Lun3y-L.jpg

That's all for now. I can get into specifics later on areas of concern. Obviously you can tell (and as I suspected) quarter panels are "rough." Few surprises like small rust bubbles (common areas just didn't see it) in the roof cap on windshield channel, and down by the vin on the sealing surface of the front window. Both areas are very small but still should be address and patched at the very least. Bottoms of the front fenders need some patch work and the doors need some patch work. Trunk lid will need to be replaced.

William

[black2002ls]

It could definitely be worse!! You drove this while attending A&M right?

[will69camaro]

It could definitely be worse!! You drove this while attending A&M right?

Only for a short while. Then I took it home and parked it at my parents house. Didn't want it living uncovered outside.

William

[will69camaro]

Got a call around 10am saying the body of the car has been primed. They were working on fenders and small pieces. No call to pick it up yet so I'll plan on picking it up Monday. That's ok as I have some more work to do in the garage getting it ready for the car/project.

Here are a few detailed shots to hold you guys over until I get the primed pictures.
Tail Panel:
Showing most the bondo on panel.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202234736_hmZ5o-L.jpg
Small tear behind bumper and line of rust.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202234791_gudFx-L.jpg
Showing the bondo on the lower valence.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202239464_XhUb4-L.jpg

Passenger Quarter Panel:
Worst panel on the car.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202237761_UbXwY-L.jpg
Top of the wheel well rust (could see this through paint).
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202238023_y8YK4-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202254731_JNZEY-L.jpg
Split quarter just in front of the rear wheel.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202256676_eytDv-L.jpg
Window channel on passenger quarter.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202238039_kTGn2-L.jpg
Rust in the trunk area on passenger side.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202252924_QzbiH-L.jpg

Driver Quarter Panel:
Bondo in weird places.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202245966_JJrnS-L.jpg
Small amount of rust above the wheel well. Not as bad as the other side.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202240954_fDFT6-L.jpg
Small amount of rust in front of rear wheel.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202241284_2stjp-L.jpg
Rust in the seam between the quarter panel and the panel above the trunk below the rear windshield.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202239664_yRRYt-L.jpg

More to come!

[will69camaro]

Passenger Side Door:
Very little rust in this panel.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202256915_XcXEQ-L.jpg
Looking at the bottom right of the panel above, you can see this small spot of rust.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202256912_FEfFi-L.jpg

Driver Side Door:
Little more rust but not terrible. Will be patched.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202258623_7HfGc-L.jpg
Previously filled side mirror hole. Will be punched out and mirror installed.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202258857_Rz4BM-L.jpg
Rust in bottom front corner (similar place as other side).
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202258858_2JC87-L.jpg
Leading edge of the door hit the fender (misaligned). Will be fixed.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202262596_cN2rD-L.jpg

Passenger Front Fender:
Looks pretty good, had a dent pulled out in the past, will be patched.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202260552_xmAka-L.jpg
Closeup of the bondo repair work on lower side behind wheel.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202260841_oARUm-L.jpg

Driver Front Fender:
Little rust but again it will be patched.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202260798_Lun3y-L.jpg
Closeup of the rust on the lower section behind the wheel.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202262379_Kjc2S-L.jpg

Dash:
Cant find the pic but it has a nickel size rust spot on the dash sealing area for the front windshield below the vin. It will get patched.

Roof:
Pretty good shape, little rust in the window channel and some surface rust/dents. Will be patched where necessary.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202244044_dKNqk-L.jpg
Front window channel (approx 1ft from passenger a-pillar).
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202244127_ZCJnC-L.jpg
Closeup of the same spot showing a small spot of rust.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202244094_iNfA6-L.jpg

[will69camaro]

Floors and rocker panels:
Overall very good shape. Small patches in rear floor near the drains to fix pin hole rust (not bad)
Passenger side rear floor drain.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202242410_PDLRT-L.jpg
Driver side rear floor drain.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202242410_PDLRT-L.jpg
Driver side rocker panel. SOLID.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202249425_p4Zmn-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202249330_gf6F5-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202247830_DJPLM-L.jpg
Passenger side rocker panel. SOLID.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202251116_T9n82-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202251094_bmMFN-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202251184_d7BW5-L.jpg
Hole in trunk pan for previously modified tank (patching and going different route).
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202252954_bD2vm-L.jpg
No pics after blasting but shifter hole(s) will be patched with an auto tunnel panel and will cut a single hole for T56.

Trunk lid:
This will be replaced. LOTS of bondo on it.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202242714_pZLmU-L.jpg

Header panel:
Looks good, no dents, rust, etc.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202264043_9ZB9w-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202264277_xbxRw-L.jpg

Front Valence:
No rust, but a few small dents that will need to be fixed.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202262761_32EKQ-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202263863_5LDwh-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202265090_UfDYa-L.jpg

Vent panel:
No pics (can be seen in some of the above), but all is good. No real rust or dents.

That's all the detailed updates I can give for now.

William

[waynieZ]

Thats a lot better than mine was.

[bonecrrusher]

Where did you get these lights?


So while the camaro was away I started looking at more improvements to the garage. Sorry for the messy pics and plan to get better pics. Started to clean up camaro stuff and it got dark and it hit me...Garage needs more light!!!

Before:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202216556_XJK3P-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202216643_Z5eSs-L.jpg

As you can see it was dark at best with the 2 incandescent bulbs. I have 2 drop lights and some halogens on a stand (cheapies from Northern Tool). Not NEARLY enough light for a working space for the car hobby!

The lights to be installed:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202217037_BgeLq-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202218375_3h599-L.jpg

Lights are 1ft x 4ft fluorescent recessed fixtures each with 2 - T8 6500k bulbs. I picked up 9 of these lights, 3 for each car bay! Ended up spending quite a bit of cash on lighting and got to learn a lot about working with sheetrock and mounting for these guys. I think the results however are well worth the hassle (2 solid days in the garage hanging lights).

After:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202223338_2N3mp-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202223551_mrPQg-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202218403_swYmx-L.jpg
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1202220053_vgBar-L.jpg

More pics to come when the garage is cleaned up a little more. It's VERY bright inside the garage. Back row of lights are on a separate switch so when it's daytime and the garage is open and the lights are blocked, they can be turned off. Front lights are far enough forward to light up the work bench and under the hood of the cars. Roof will be painted eventually, just not high on the priority.

William

[will69camaro]

Where did you get these lights?

Home depot. Had to look around for them as they were harder to find. Its the only "flange mount" fluorescent they sell.

Car is back in the garage now. Waiting on a call from the resto shop i'm looking at using for the panel replacement...Contemplating conquering it myself however...We'll see!

William

[will69camaro]

Update for pics. Picked up the rearend today. Couldn't wait until tomorrow. Guy was thinking about keeping it but lots of folding green changed his mind :)

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1236609366_mS7Dn-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1236608883_zjEJH-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1236610036_8Eyy3-L.jpg

Quadralink (4 link) brackets already welded on already.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/1236611807_6z6HF-L.jpg

Interesting question however. Guy gave me the coilovers with the rearend. They have a DSE part number on the spring. However in my research I see that DSE offers a revalved QA1 as the shock choice. Also upon further observation, I see that the shocks appear to be front shocks that DSE used to sell.

Anyone have an insight on this? I'm ok with it as I got a good enough deal on it all to justify buying new coilovers if I need to, just interesting that it has what appears to be front shocks that came with it. I got it from a guy who bought it from the original purchaser. A twice hand me down 9" that has never been run...

Details are 54.75" width, 31 spline axles, ford tru-trac diff and 4.10 gears. Is powder coated gloss black and has the moser "N" spec center section.

William

[waynieZ]

Thats a nice set up you picked up.

[will69camaro]

Thanks I'm pretty happy with the purchase. Definitely not what I needed right now (need to work on body of the car) but it was too good a deal to pass up IMO. I paid a little over 1/2 price.

William

[tones2SS]

Very cool William. Keep us posted.:thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

I promise to try and get back on this. I haven't touched the car besides getting all the panels/etc I need for it and getting quotes on body work. Couple job changes and some long nights at work later, I'm seeing HOPEFULLY some potential time to get back on this project.

Initial quotes on body work...$8k with me providing the metal, just panel replacement...God have mercy on my bank account...

William

[cencalc6]

Very nice job on your Detailed pics,looking forward to your progress :thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Thanks. Hopefully I can get the work started soon. Helping a few friends with cars they're trying to finish for power tour. Been out of the country the past two weeks (get back Saturday). Trying to get body shop lined up and last remaining body parts needed.

William

[will69camaro]

Ok so a little "LONG OVERDUE" update to this thread. As mentioned earlier I had to put the project on hold due to job changes, and a few other things going on in my personal life. This however has been taken care of and all parts had been acquired for the body work/sheet metal replacement. Saved up the cash necessary for the work and picked a shop after months of research.

I'm happy to provide for you, the newest round of "update pictures." I took these today when we dropped the car off at the body shop :woot:

Where the car will spend the next 3-4 weeks:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-q7zC32D/0/L/i-q7zC32D-L.jpg

Unfortunately this week the TBSS had a slight accident putting it out of commission for the towing of the car to the shop. This was rectified by the loaner 2006 Dodge sport dually and a friends enclosed trailer. This made the transportation of the camaro to the shop a breeze!
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-XMHKsZW/0/L/i-XMHKsZW-L.jpg

I got a shelf of my own at the shop. All parts needed for the build I provided. Should be pretty simple and quick turnaround as there SHOULD be no reason to purchase more panels!
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-GrnTSXR/0/L/i-GrnTSXR-L.jpg

MORE PARTS! Not all of it would fit on the shelf, so we stacked it where there was room.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-QQMpvZm/0/L/i-QQMpvZm-L.jpg

Here is how I left her. In good company and in good hands. In a few short weeks a LOT of metal will be replaced and the cars rust issues will be a thing of the past!
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-7d6L6zp/0/L/i-7d6L6zp-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-FF5kgs6/0/L/i-FF5kgs6-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-WJPjHbf/0/L/i-WJPjHbf-L.jpg

I have my work cut out for me still on this project. I'll get it back from this stage and bring it back to the house. I'll install the 9" rear end and 4-link setup so I can get the old rear end out of the car and free up more space in the garage. I got everything from DSE that I need now, and the body mounts will be installed, and the springs/arms are waiting at the house with the rear end.

After that, we'll get to patching the floors and doing the subframes. I'll work on the DSE firewall fill plate that should help smooth up the engine compartment quite a bit as well.

It is likely that while I'm doing the floor we'll begin fabricating the cage for the car (nothing too serious. Probably a 6 point for the time being.

Special thanks to Roy and Dennis at Camaro Concepts. I know Roy posts on here when he has time. Very good meeting you and have been very happy with the help that Dennis has given me so far. I look forward to getting the car back from you guys in MUCH better shape than it left!!

ENJOY! I know I am :)

William

[waynieZ]

Congratulation's on getting it to the shop. You'll have to keep us up to date on your progress..

[tones2SS]

Good to see the updates Will! Keep us posted.

[will69camaro]

WOW those guys don't waste any time. Here are some updated pics...Keep in mind, this car was dropped off Saturday.

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-fTRSqm2/0/M/i-fTRSqm2-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-K8Wk2vZ/0/M/i-K8Wk2vZ-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-smxPRkX/0/M/i-smxPRkX-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-BVT2NFj/0/M/i-BVT2NFj-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-GSCQNLq/0/M/i-GSCQNLq-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-ktq4KRm/0/M/i-ktq4KRm-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-CV3VzV3/0/M/i-CV3VzV3-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-XfvvSpm/0/M/i-XfvvSpm-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-mzSMCCj/0/M/i-mzSMCCj-M.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-94TzM3Z/0/M/i-94TzM3Z-M.jpg

Looking forward to the future progress pictures already!

William

[NvrDun71]

Was checking out your car last night when I dropped off my Nova. Yours should be a whole new car once they are finished up, looking forward to seeing it take shape. Good group of guys over there :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Underneath the panels doesn't look bad at all. A lot of progress for the short time its been there.:thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Was checking out your car last night when I dropped off my Nova. Yours should be a whole new car once they are finished up, looking forward to seeing it take shape. Good group of guys over there :thumbsup:

Awesome. What are you having done on your Nova? They just got my car this past weekend so similar timing for drop off. I'll be headed up there hopefully this afternoon to give them the door hinges and templates for the DSE quadralink brackets. Definitely a good group of guys over there. Helped me make the decision to use them easier!

Underneath the panels doesn't look bad at all. A lot of progress for the short time its been there.:thumbsup:

Yea I'm happy with how the panels look on the backside. All look to be in pretty good shape. Luckily this car lived most of it's live in the desert that is west Texas. Going to see about having them paint the inside structures before the new panels go on just to help control it and keep it from rusting in the future.

William

[will69camaro]

Was checking out your car last night when I dropped off my Nova. Yours should be a whole new car once they are finished up, looking forward to seeing it take shape. Good group of guys over there :thumbsup:

I went by last night and checked out the progress as well as your nova! Looks like you got a very good start on that nova. I like the color a lot. Plans for powertrain? Apparently you're working over the transmission tunnel for clearance (reason for the visit?)

They're telling me mine could have sheet metal back on the rear by Friday/Monday. It's moving along VERY quickly. I'm going to have them do the trunk pan and the floor patches as well while the car is there. Labor rate and hour estimates are good. I'm getting excited to get it back already and it's only been gone a few days! :woot:

William

[NvrDun71]

Awesome. What are you having done on your Nova? They just got my car this past weekend so similar timing for drop off. I'll be headed up there hopefully this afternoon to give them the door hinges and templates for the DSE quadralink brackets. Definitely a good group of guys over there. Helped me make the decision to use them easier!
William

I went by last night and checked out the progress as well as your nova! Looks like you got a very good start on that nova. I like the color a lot. Plans for powertrain? Apparently you're working over the transmission tunnel for clearance (reason for the visit?)

They're telling me mine could have sheet metal back on the rear by Friday/Monday. It's moving along VERY quickly. I'm going to have them do the trunk pan and the floor patches as well while the car is there. Labor rate and hour estimates are good. I'm getting excited to get it back already and it's only been gone a few days! :woot:

William

Yea, I believe you were pulling out as I was pulling in last night actually haha. Really like your other Camaro as well. Yea they are clearancing the tunnel for the T56 and I am hoping I can have them do a few other small fab/welding jobs for me while it is there. Hoping I can get them to fab up a DBW pedal mount, clutch pedal stop, and hopefully weld out my clucth master bracket to the firewall if budget allows. Appreciate the compliments on the car its not much but it is getting there, it has been a really slow moving project but should make for a fun driver. Drivetrain is a cam only LY6 6.0 with L92 heads and LS3 intake.

That is moving fast for the new sheetemtal install, was checking out the DSE tub fit up while I was there. I'll be headed over there a few times a week until mine is finished up so I am sure we will run into each other if your there in the evenings. :cheers:

[will69camaro]

Cool, I guess you were in one of the two trucks? I've been there the past two days. Think I'll give them a break and maybe try to visit Saturday or something. Let them get a couple days without me bugging them! Looking good. Frame notched on both sides and the inner and outer are in on one side (fitted, still need welding). Figure the other wide will be put in and fit today.

William

[NvrDun71]

Spied a new driver side quarter when I stopped by real quick on my lunchbreak today to drop off some parts. Looking good :thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Sweet. Prob stop by tomorrow around noon to check it out and get some pics before heading to buddies place. Wanted to give them a few days before going back. Don't want to become the annoying customer.

[will69camaro]

Well decided to give them a couple days to work on it and what a transformation the car has made! Went up there Saturday before heading to a friends house that's down in the area. Met NVRDUN as he was there tinkering with his 71 Nova. You can see it in a few of the pictures to follow...Not sure why he doesn't have a build thread on here. Really cool car and very cool plans for it.

On to the pics!
Had Roy rebuild the tired stock hinges so the doors will function better than ever before. Never realized how worn they were until we had them off!
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-p39zVMw/0/L/i-p39zVMw-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-Qz2vFLK/0/L/i-Qz2vFLK-L.jpg

It looks like a car again! Very excited to see these panels going back on. They're still fitting them and they fit "ok." AMD makes a nice panel and fitment is pretty good on them, but as always, some work will need to be done to get them "right."
http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-sL3hk4B/0/L/i-sL3hk4B-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-dKXnVNQ/0/L/i-dKXnVNQ-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-FNxqqhM/0/L/i-FNxqqhM-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-TcVTXxF/0/L/i-TcVTXxF-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-njwWFtx/0/L/i-njwWFtx-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/photos/i-2WM9NcN/0/L/i-2WM9NcN-L.jpg

I will keep updating this thread. Probably give them a couple days unless I get excited on Monday and head over there after work. Probably swing by middle of the week at the latest to see how progress is doing. Still need to take them the floor panels so they can patch in the sections needed to get rid of the minor rust issues there.

William

[waynieZ]

Wow nice progress! They're moving right a long. Very Nice.

[will69camaro]

YEP! There is still a lot of work to do. They quoted 3 weeks and I think there is little doubt that they'll meet that mark. We're starting week 2 of it being at their shop.

After the quarters are finished, the rest of the work should go quickly.

William

[will69camaro]

Heading up to the shop today so I SHOULD have more pictures ready. Going to talk to them about bringing the floor pans up. My trailblazer has been waiting on parts for the past 2 weeks so not looking like I'll have it back before the weekend...:censored:

Eventually I'll have it back...

Not the big question is do I sell my current 2010 SS to help fund this project. Certainly would be nice to have the cash out of that car. Could go a long way towards finishing this car...

[ruquik]

hey William, just checking out your thread. glad you are happy with everything on the car. Its going to be a great project. Hope to have you back home with your baby next week!

[will69camaro]

Yea sorry for lack of updates to the thread for anyone following. Been busy at work so haven't had time to go by and when I do I don't have my camera!

Right now the car has:

Quarter panels installed/completed
Tail panel installed/completed
Upper fill panel installed/completed
Trunk pan patched/completed
Outer wheel housings installed/completed
minitubs installed/completed
Toeboard patched/completed (had dented in area by where clutch fork was)
Transmission patch panel installed/completed
Dash patch installed/completed
Front roof patch installed/completed
Driverside door patch installed/completed


What is left?

Trunk lid is being fit to the panels and gapped. Almost completed.
Passenger door patch
DSE shock cross member
DSE quadralink brackets
rear roof panel patch work
Floor patch panels


Car is moving along great. VERY happy with the work that's been done by Camaro Concepts.

I believe they'll fit the trunk and do the rear roof section, then the car will go on the rotisserie for the floor/suspension work. I'll try to go and get pictures of the car Friday to show how it sits and post updated pictures.

William

[tones2SS]

Very awesome Will. They are really moving on that car. Should be really nice when complete.
Any luck with selling the "other" Camaro?

[will69camaro]

Time for another update:

Roy gave me an email letting me know the car will be ready to pick up this week. I went by to take some more photos of the progress to update this thread and give you guys something to see :) Plus I have proof that it's been on a rotisserie now so that should increase the value (LOL - Frame off "resto").

New dash is in. Caught them welding in my rear brackets!
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-X282Rm5/0/L/DSC01658-L.jpg

They also got the transmission tunnel patch put in.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-NDNmBPx/0/L/DSC01665-L.jpg

They also did a little work and got the door gapped pretty darn well. Hard to tell in the picture but it's almost identical top to bottom. When it started the bottom was VERY close to the quarterpanel. Didn't get a picture of the driverside but it started out better and outcome is just as nice.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-mrJmF9j/0/L/DSC01662-L.jpg

They had to do a lot of work on the new trunk to get it to fit the rear fill panel well. It was good side to side on the quarterpanel gap but needed work on the top edge as it had a significant gap on one side and touching on the other. They managed to get it all looking pretty good :)
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-dzFMwq5/0/L/DSC01669-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-kzKncfZ/0/L/DSC01670-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-NfZjLtX/0/L/DSC01671-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-fJ8KWX7/0/L/DSC01672-L.jpg

You can see here, the minitubs are in (as already mentioned) and they have the quadralink brackets installed as well as the shock crossmember.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-LscJ2tM/0/L/DSC01667-L.jpg

Another shot of the shock crossmember and the trunk patch panel.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-sngg96T/1/L/DSC01721-L.jpg

Driver door patch has been made and completed.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-dRHMNVv/0/L/DSC01673-L.jpg

Passenger door patch panel has been completed as well.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-JTNWPwn/0/L/DSC01718-L.jpg

[will69camaro]

The two small floor patch panels that were needed have been installed and completed.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-hzMgkM7/0/L/DSC01720-L.jpg

Lastly a few misc shots of the car on the rotisserie :)
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-3mPbqkZ/0/L/DSC01716-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-7MMMVgT/0/L/DSC01717-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-GTmm3PM/0/L/DSC01724-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-WWwcx3H/0/L/DSC01725-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-tgPDPg5/0/L/DSC01726-L.jpg

These old crusty parts await their limited time back in the car. These will be replaced before the car is driven. The DSE 9" awaits in the garage and I will be buying a new front subframe (yet to be decided). These will stick around until the car is through paint.
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-Tb2Xzwg/0/L/DSC01715-L.jpg

William

[Rick D]

Looking good Will :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Very Nice Will, Those guys really stick to their time table, thats nice to see. It looks great. Keep the pictures coming.

[tones2SS]

Looks awesome Will.

[will69camaro]

Got the call today. Car is ready to be picked up rushed over for more pictures. I'll post them when I get back to the house.

[will69camaro]

As promised, here are the completed pictures of the car. I hope to pick it up on Friday/Saturday.

Passenger fender has had the lower portion patched due to rust and the antenna and badge holes have been filled:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-chSpKdC/0/L/DSC01727-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-vtpzXjF/0/L/DSC01728-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-chSpKdC/0/L/DSC01727-L.jpg

Driver fender has received the same treatment:
http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-77mJ65B/0/L/DSC01730-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-7VbNGRf/0/L/DSC01732-L.jpg

Car looks "complete" with the suspension back under it again. This suspension, as mentioned is temporary until we can get the car through body work. Rather not have to worry about taping everything off when being painted. Front subframe will be after paint anyway so definitely waiting on that!

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-vn89t7T/0/L/DSC01735-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-PjkgnxC/0/L/DSC01738-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-D83SBBS/0/L/DSC01734-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-QhVG6Bt/0/L/DSC01743-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-xmdgfmD/0/L/DSC01733-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-XX834tz/0/L/DSC01737-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-kFJqnM9/0/L/DSC01736-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-HGxTh68/0/L/DSC01739-L.jpg

http://hybred.smugmug.com/Art/1969-Camaro-Project/i-KQdLHQT/0/L/DSC01740-L.jpg

[waynieZ]

Thats great news! It was good that they had enough time to get right on it and finish it up this quick. It looks good.

[will69camaro]

Yea I'm very happy with the results and the work the guys at Camaro Concepts put in the car. They were always updating me and very welcoming for the times I could stop in.

William

[black2002ls]

Looking good Will! I see your down in Houston now, who are you working for these days? Its been a while since we've talked over on AF in the modeling forum!

[will69camaro]

Yea definitely been a while since I've been on AF. Down in Houston working for a subsea construction company.

[tones2SS]

Yea I'm very happy with the results and the work the guys at Camaro Concepts put in the car. They were always updating me and very welcoming for the times I could stop in.

William

That sounds like a great shop.

[BBC71Nova]

Wow. Looking good. That's a whole lot of work to be done in what seemed like a relatively short timeframe. Congrats. Now the fun begins :)

[will69camaro]

Car is back home in the garage. Wish I had taken pictures of the TBSS with the 69 on the trailer but I didn't get a chance. Far to hot to spend too much time outside!!!

Hope to have some time to get the front end on the car and planning to take it by a body shop to have them look it over and give me a good estimate on a paint job!

[NvrDun71]

Car is back home in the garage. Wish I had taken pictures of the TBSS with the 69 on the trailer but I didn't get a chance. Far to hot to spend too much time outside!!!

Hope to have some time to get the front end on the car and planning to take it by a body shop to have them look it over and give me a good estimate on a paint job!

Car has come a LONG way in a short time man. She was in good hands up there at Camaro Concepts. Thanks again for the tow home, I owe ya one :cheers:

[will69camaro]

Sorry for the delayed responses yet again. My build has several months where it goes dormant. I am determined to build this car 100% out of pocket. I have been working a lot out of town lately and have identified a body shop that I trust with working on the car. Several good references and seen the work up close. He is VERY good and local to me. On my way home from work so I can see the car regularly!

He is coming to see the car saturday to give me a good estimate on the car but feels he can stay within my 7-8k budget in and out from blocking to cut/polish. I will update as my discussions with him proceed.

His shop is full right now for his custom/restorations. He said maybe 1-2 months before he will take on another project, so I plan to leave him with a deposit to hold my spot. He says 3-4 months after taking it in to completion.

One thing he mentioned was to put the subframe I plan to run in the car prior to final body work so we can make sure the front end fits on the frame that will ultimately be in the car. Now I have to push to sell the 2010 so I can buy the subframe!!!

Do you guys have any advice as to what questions to ask him when he comes to view the car? I have already been by his shop but want to be sure I have my bases covered. I have already discussed underside of the car and we're going to do lizard skin on the entire underside. Will check what paint to be used. What do you guys suggest? Remember, the car will see time on the road.

William

[glr0212]

Roy at Camaro concepts has worked on my car as well. Best place to take your car. You will get it back quick and its done right.

Any of you guys in the Houston area needing sheet metal work or parts shouldn't even consider using anyone else.

[will69camaro]

Agreed, I was VERY happy with their work. For that, any small parts I need, I call them first to see if I can get them local. Good group over there and I recommend anyone in the area to take their car in. Honest and fair with pricing and work. Timeline they worked on if anything was FASTER than I had expected!

William

[TMIProducts]

She's looking great! :thumbsup:

Theres always such excitement at that stage for me...well...maybe thats every stage. I just love cars. :D

You'll love that T-56. I have one in my 66 Chevelle and its flat out amazing.

[will69camaro]

Car had a T56 in it when it was an LT1/6spd. I'm going built T56 now to handle the power.

[TMIProducts]

Car had a T56 in it when it was an LT1/6spd. I'm going built T56 now to handle the power.

Ah okay. Mines behind a very mild 454. Been beating it up for a few years now and no issues. Definitely a nice upgrade over the 4 speed my car did have.

[will69camaro]

Well little update. Today I took advantage of MCB Black Friday sales an picked up a full set of Marquez lights. Got the standard 3d tail lights with backup lights, turn signals and marker bezels.

I also got the DSE subframe powdercoated and assembled. Solid bushings (stock height) an stainless hardware.

My painter called and said he is ready for the car. Going to get the subframe installed and welded into the car along with the DSE subframe connectors. An have a 6pt custom Chrome moly cage out in as well.

Going to be an expensive and exciting 4 months or so but it will be well worth it. I will update as I can but I've been spending most days offshore or away from home. Pictures will be tough to take until Feb or so.

William

[will69camaro]

Well the car is out of my hands for now. Dropped it off at the paint shop yesterday and then took the subframe connectors, quadralink brackets and rearend to the chassis shop.

Paint shop
They're going to try and have the car in the first coat of primer by the end of the week. Blocking to start next week. In talking to him it looks like we'll hopefully stick to the 2-3 month expected duration. Discussed with him about a few additional touches (nothing serious, just small things like rolling the wheel wells) and he has a paid of 345/30/19s we're going to test fit and work with until we have room for them

Chassis shop
Painter is going to work with these guys and get the subframe installed and welded into the subframe connectors/car as soon as it arrives. They're going to install the rearend and bracketry and set it all up. They have a mock up engine/T56 that they will put in as I am planning to run the motor mounts that move the engine back ~1.5". This will give me more room up front for "accessories." While the car is with them they will also install the 6 point cage that now has been decided to just have removable rear bar, and fixed door bars. They're going to fab up a custom transmission crossmember as well that is welded into the car with just a bolted plate for the mount.

I'm excited and nervous. Hoping I can have the car DONE (painted and caged) by mid March. Lets hope these two guys can stick to their schedules!

William

[tubbed69]

sounds like you are really building one heck of a car,good luck

[will69camaro]

Yea not really good at putting together a build and taking forever as I've said before, everything to be paid in cash so taking me a while.

Short list now is:
DSE suspension front and rear
6pt cage
18 or 18/19 combo wheels
335-345 in rear
Tranzilla/Magnum transmission
LSX 427"
Twin turbo
Hugger Orange

We'll see how it goes, engine will take me a LONG time to get the funds for, but I figured I have enough invested in the car, no reason to cheap out on the engine. Build what I WANT and just wait for it to be "finished."

William

[will69camaro]

Well some shiny parts showed up today. Got my Marquez 3d standard tail lights. They're not tinted, but the dark background doesn't show that.

Also got good news from MCB that my subframe was shipped yesterday. Expecting tracking information tomorrow!

Car is already at the painter, and I will be dropping off a few more parts tomorrow (hood, hinges, etc). Ready to see it start getting some work done!

William

[will69camaro]

Well more stuff showed up today. Got word from the guys at GAP Racing that my subframe arrived. Will be going by this afternoon to check it out and see all the parts/pieces that came with it.

Excited! :thumbsup:

[illmatic96ss]

Well more stuff showed up today. Got word from the guys at GAP Racing that my subframe arrived. Will be going by this afternoon to check it out and see all the parts/pieces that came with it.

Excited! :thumbsup:

wow can't wait to see this one done , who are you using for the engine build ?

[will69camaro]

I'll likely build the engine with machine work being done locally in Houston by LME. I have considered seeing if I can find a SAM student that wants to build it as his "project."

[tones2SS]

Good to hear Will. Hopefully they get it on your car soon.

[will69camaro]

Well life has taken a bit of a mixup. Took the car to the body shop and dropped it off. Had some changes in my living situation and some recommendations from shops to change the paint plans. Car has been pulled from the painter and taken to chassis shop first while I sort out the path forward.

GAP will be installing the subframe, subframe connectors and rearend while I am out of the country. We will be building a custom crossmember for the transmission that is welded into the car. After I return we will start on the cage.

Given that I am now a single man (first time in 11 years), I may have a little more expendable cash to spend on the car. Not sure on when it will be finished. If this year goes well maybe this year!

I will be posting pictures as the shop sends them to me.:woot:

William

[will69camaro]

Also forgot to mention, may have a lead on a block for the engine build...LSX tall deck. If I get that, I'll be looking at high 400" TT LSX build :)

[tones2SS]

Keep us posted on the build William.
Good luck man.

[will69camaro]

Teaser photo that the chassis shop just sent me. This is in and they're putting the rearend in today. Need to have my friend take the panhard bar I forgot to take when I dropped the parts off!!!

Lets just say, I am very excited right now to see this...

p.s. Dont mind the wheels, they had them at the shop and just using them as rollers for now.

[will69camaro]

WOW, these guys work fast. They got the front end installed and verified it's square with the car. Removed the tired 8.2" 10 bolt and put in the DSE 9" with quadralink and got it centered and setup. Car is now a roller on suspension!

In their body shop for the firewall fill and weld in the subframes. Then we'll look at firewall modification for setting back the engine and trans tunnel mods to match. Going to make a custom crossmember for a T56 magnum.

Then the cage goes in :D

William

[will69camaro]

Might be time for a thread title change. Project has grown a good bit and some of the changes in my life make this car one of my new top priorities. May have to think about that for a bit.

As for updates:
Subframe connectors are in and the firewall fill panel was started. Also delivered were the engine mounts that push the engine a little further back. This will require some firewall and trans tunnel modifications but going to try and keep it "stock" looking. If we cant, I'll go back to the normal mounts that came with the subframe originally.

Probably ordering the brakes this week as well and maybe the tires so we can be sure they fit. Then I'll get Nineball to spec out my wheel fitment so we can get these tires to fit. Still expecting to run a 345 DR on the back.

William

[tones2SS]

Awesome. Keep us posted Will.:thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Yep I'll try. Getting updates from the guys at GAP and putting them up here. Maybe ordering some more goodies for it soon. I'll post up when I do :)

[NvrDun71]

Lookin Good Man :thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Cage has been started in the car. 1-5/8" 4130 and will be a 6 point cage. crossbar will be removable to be more safe for passengers and easier for people to get in the back.

Pricing out fuel system now. Looks to be pricey to get pumps to support over 1000rwhp.

William

[waynieZ]

It looking great! I like the front wheels.

[will69camaro]

Front wheels are loaners that GAP is letting me use. Going something a little more "old school" for mine with a touch of modern feel.

The guys at GAP so far have been awesome. Doing excellent work on the car, keeping me updated and it's going FAST! Got a few more updates today besides the cage...

Engine/transmission mock up is complete, no cutting of the firewall or transmission tunnel is needed :) Starting the build of the transmission crossmember and a little more surprise for me :)

William

[tones2SS]

Awesome Will.:thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

I can't wait to see more.

[John510]

Did you buy your turbos, BOV, waste gates, already? I have some brand new turbonetics parts for sale.

Car looks pimp by the way

[will69camaro]

I haven't purchased any turbo stuff yet. Those were borrowed headers. Same ones I'll be running on mine however and they had a set so I asked to have them fit tested before spending the money on them.

Hit me up in a PM what you have, I may be interested.

Thanks for the compliments guys. Car has been down for far too long and finally seeing some legitimate progress.:G-Dub:

[GAP Industries]

Looks even better from where Im sitting. LoL. Should have most of the cage finished up today. With the exception of the side bars. Gonna make a cool trim piece for the shifter hole and build the crossmember today. I will post up more pics soon!!!!!!!!

[tubbed69]

looks like great progress and great work

[will69camaro]

Looks even better from where Im sitting. LoL. Should have most of the cage finished up today. With the exception of the side bars. Gonna make a cool trim piece for the shifter hole and build the crossmember today. I will post up more pics soon!!!!!!!!

Excellent! Looking forward to the updates from you guys :)

[will69camaro]

Few more updates on the cage. He went a little custom on the rear and I like it. Added a Halo for the rear window and it will have the down bars coming from that to the shock crossmember.

http://i.imgur.com/fXJpbye.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HQUW8P6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Fgmbt24.jpg

William

[will69camaro]

More cage pictures from today. Just about done. Waiting on the bar ends for the removable rear bar so they can build that, and my seats to build the door bars. Should be finished up at GAP very quickly!

http://i.imgur.com/ks0qINT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SCSgvXB.jpg

Doesn't hurt the visibility hardly at all!
http://i.imgur.com/PyP7vn4.jpg

Nearly completed!
http://i.imgur.com/ChDVfh9.jpg

William

[waynieZ]

It looks good.

[will69camaro]

Seats have been in and they got around to test fitting them.

http://i.imgur.com/DJFwgbX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/pjNA9fE.jpg

All that's left is to finish up the cage with the rear bar and waiting on me to arrive to build the door bars. Rear bar clamps are back ordered so may have to wait for those. They also still have to finish the transmission crossmember I believe. Car is nearly done there! Then we get it gone to paint!

[frankv11]

I like that roll bar,especially the rear how it's tucked in close to the wall/sail panel. you mentioned the rear piece was custom made does that mean front piece is a DSE ?

[will69camaro]

No the entire thing is custom. He likes doing the rear like that because it appears more custom and tucks up even further. Cage was built for this car by GAP.

William

[frankv11]

Great work on that. I'm looking to get some thing like that made.
Build is come along nicely

[will69camaro]

Tim at GAP is talking about making it a "kit" so it can be finished by a local shop and just mail out the components ready to tig into the car. He's using the car as a mock up I believe.

Also, seats will be covered in leather and houndstooth to look like factory seats. Want the interior to look completely stock. Goal is a stock appearing car with modern technology :)

[GAP Industries]

Yes. We are working on making a fixture to offer these in 1 3/4 and 1 5/8 both in chromoly and ms. That way it can be mig welded also. I will post some pics of the progress

[frankv11]

That's a good idea. Just wondering is that rear piece a multi piece?
While your at it may as well offer a 6 point one that completely hidden. Most folks are replacing quarter panels, roof etc.
if I could do mine over I would runn it between exterior sheet metal and interior structure. Best of both worlds all the protection while keeping it out of the way

[will69camaro]

Been a while since some updates. Car hadn't had a lot of work done the past month until recently. They knocked out a few more things on it. Finished up the cage after multiple iterations of the door bars and last minute decision to smooth the firewall a little more with a hidden wiper motor kit.

http://i.imgur.com/PfT5otC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/IlsPMe6.jpg

I'll be going by today, they're putting a stock seat in the car to do a check on the main hoop of the car. Rear wheel wells should be finished up (outer lip cut/welded for more clearance). Then the car goes off to the paint shop. Will ask them about schedule but hoping the paint could be finished in under 2 months.

Also got all my brake parts in for the car! Wilwood SL6/SL4 setup with Kore bracket to adapt the 9" rear to use the C6 style rear brake/parking brake setup!

William

[tubbed69]

progress is always good,nice work

[waynieZ]

X2 Nice work.

[DOOM]

Keep the pictures coming Will!!

[will69camaro]

GAP finished up their work and now the car is onto the paint shop.

Prior to it leaving we tried out some 345's to be sure they'd fit. PLENTY of room. (NOT my wheels, just some test pieces)

http://i.imgur.com/AgSiuc3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/J0PmrS1.jpg

Car's front end went back on for test fitment and to begin blocking the car. First time the car has been "complete" looking in 2 years...

http://i.imgur.com/POy3XbU.jpg

:headspin:

[tubbed69]

cage looks real good in car,starting to look like a car again

[NvrDun71]

Awesome man, Congrats! Looking forward to seeing it in color :cheers:

[tones2SS]

Looking good Will!

[will69camaro]

So it had been probably 2 years since the car was blasted. Turns out there was a little surface rust under the primer. Easy enough to fix, just have to get it back to bare metal!
http://imgur.com/QsFj6FH.jpg

All gone!
http://imgur.com/sQdxDvR.jpg

Acid etching was next to be sure good bond for the primer
http://imgur.com/v1RfgZt.jpg

Primer back on the car
http://imgur.com/0itRwy2.jpg

William

[tones2SS]

Awesome Will!
They are moving at a pretty good clip.

[will69camaro]

So went by yesterday to check out the car and progress. First time I've seen it in a few weeks. Very happy with how it's looking!

http://i.imgur.com/sCV7j0i.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/VjaZL9O.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Bo4HJtC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4yVpU0I.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OIg2bkn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QvGUAR9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dJG3hbC.jpg

Also snapped a picture of the door bar as well as I hadn't seen the completed one in person. hard to tell but it runs very close to the door panel. They make a stock appearing removable wheel for the 69 camaro. I'll likely be picking one up to assist with ease of entry. Depends on how it shakes out with the new seats and seeing how it all fits together!

http://i.imgur.com/TOX6Gkm.jpg

I'm told by next week the car will be completely stripped of the green and uniform white primer. He'll start blocking on the car and fixing some small areas (mostly gaps). My marquez designs stuff (turn signals, and billet marker lights) finally showed up, will be picking it up today and likely posting pictures.

William

[waynieZ]

Nice progress Will.

[will69camaro]

Thanks. I'm definitely excited to see it finally at this stage. Car looks like a complete car again and it hasn't been that way for a WHILE. Getting a lot of memories coming back from when I drove this car to high school...

Cant wait to relive and remake some of those in the near future :)

[tubbed69]

looking good Will,wont be long now

[will69camaro]

Thanks it's definitely getting there!

FINALLY, after months of waiting the fog lights and markers are in!!!

http://i.imgur.com/JiFixVp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/b0o7YQ2.jpg

[will69camaro]

http://i.imgur.com/zHhOv1z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kLLCdcX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/voCEGem.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/XYWZclq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/z5DXRcT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Z2tC2Er.jpg

William

[will69camaro]

http://i.imgur.com/wD5Tyqb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mFKXUFM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5H0zuZ5.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Xp7nl5M.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/a8SgDiN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Ph0g3om.png

William

[tubbed69]

That's good progress Will,looks good in primer.

[waynieZ]

It looks good moving along nice.

[will69camaro]

It's getting there. Still unsure a completion date. I'm just taking my time and being sure I do everything to the car I want.

Going to be happy to have it back from paint. In my possession and able to start wrenching on it myself!

Should be at that point soon!!

[will69camaro]

Blocking has begun!

http://i.imgur.com/gghyMeF.jpg

[GAP Industries]

Looking much better.

[meenaggie]

Any updates or closer to spraying color? How do you like the Elite Lumbar seats so far?

[will69camaro]

It's closer to color but still not there. Accident work comes in and delays the restoration stuff (typical). It's through a full round of blocking and has a couple more that should go a bit faster. Was hoping to have color on it by now but it is how it is I guess. Still need to find the missing tail lights that disappeared in some of the shop trips. They're around somewhere, just no one knows where!

Elite Lumbar seats would be awesome if I were a couple inches shorter. Going to sell them off to another customer of GAP I believe. The tracks just sit the seat up too high for someone that is over 6ft IMO.

William

[will69camaro]

Update:

Car got trapped in paint jail for a while. With the help of GAP we got the painter lined out a little more and some color went on the car finally! Went to see the car. They were wet sanding with 800. Has 3 coats of clear. They'll finish the sanding and put 3 more coats down. Car looks very nice.

http://i.imgur.com/L8H5FkS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/cYVzqZf.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8sFHd3l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Ki8YYUg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZaYkrOR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/cgT9nYo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TGQogf2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hCzjiww.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1U3Yi5D.jpg

William

[rickpaw]

Looks good William. Just read thru the build thread. I work not too far from GAP so may have to stop by sometimes to check out the car.

[will69camaro]

Car isn't at GAP right now. I live in that area so we're close.

It's at a paint shop. After may stop in at GAP for some finishing work on the cage. Then it's coming home to me!!!

[tubbed69]

very nice Will,what color red?

[will69camaro]

Pics are deceiving. It's hugger orange.

[rickpaw]

Car isn't at GAP right now. I live in that area so we're close.



We need to get together sometime. I work near BW8/290, and live near Lake Houston on the NE side.

[will69camaro]

Definitely! Now that I got my living situation resolved it'll be a little easier for me. Work at BW8/Westheimer, and was living in Woodlands, then EDo (right by Minute Maid) and now living just north of City Center.

[NvrDun71]

Looking Good Man :cheers:

[tones2SS]

Looking good William. Nice to see the updates man! I was actually thinking about your build the other day.
Keep us posted.

[will69camaro]

Thanks guys. It's been a long time coming to get it to this point. Really hoping that by the time I get back to land (just went offshore) the car will be back together and ready for me to pick it up. With the delays that have happened, I am doubtful about that being the case.

I'll be posting more pictures when it is back together and when I get it back to my house and can finally start working on it. Got some garage setup to do to make it nicer to work on at the place, but luckily "garage season" is upon us in Texas it seems.

[rickpaw]

If you need a hand putting it back together, let me know.

[will69camaro]

Thanks I definitely will do. Right now most my assembly should be relatively simple. I'm sure I'll come across some stuff that I'll need assistance with along the way.

William

[tones2SS]

Got some garage setup to do to make it nicer to work on at the place, but luckily "garage season" is upon us in Texas it seems.

That's one good thing about the winter, I guess. lol
Will, any pics of your 2013 Raptor?! Love those beasts! When did you get that?

[will69camaro]

Yea picked up a couple new toys:

2013 Raptor:
http://i.imgur.com/OzKQSkV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/doOiAc0.jpg

2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1.2L:
http://i.imgur.com/Q2UuyUt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/h9U8XbD.jpg

[tones2SS]

NICE!! Good for you Will. How do you like the Raptor? I drive by one a couple times a week. I love it.

[will69camaro]

I love it. Been on the beach, through the mud and some urban offroading to avoid traffic. Passes every test I give it and works VERY well as my daily driver. Only issue I had was recently and I picked a parking garage that was too short to go into...Resulted in me backing out onto a busy road (no damage to the truck, i stopped in time!)

William

[tones2SS]

I love it. Been on the beach, through the mud and some urban offroading to avoid traffic. Passes every test I give it and works VERY well as my daily driver. Only issue I had was recently and I picked a parking garage that was too short to go into...Resulted in me backing out onto a busy road (no damage to the truck, i stopped in time!)
William

Yeah, that thing is beastly! (Still talk to Tony and all those guys? I haven't been on the new forum much.)
Enjoy bud. :thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Yep I talk to them regularly.

[mexMan]

I don't know if new Raptors still have the bent chassis problem, but I'm gonna go ahead and warn you just in case, the chassis of the first models used to bent on the separation between the cab and the bed, so watch out for that if you're gonna give the Raptor a hard time, you might want to look for a strengthening kit.

[will69camaro]

Newer ones are revised but still some have the issue. They sell stiffener kits for the frame to give more support in the problematic area!

Thanks for the concern. I need to get the kit, just haven't yet.

William

[will69camaro]

Ok so went for a visit to the paint shop. Car is at least shiny now. He has some work to do on buffing still on the front fenders and hood but the doors, and small bits are done as best I can see. He had missed a piece to paint as you can see in some of the photos (front valence - where the running lights go...) So that will get body worked/painted this week. I suspect it to be another 3-4 weeks before it's completed.

Anyway, new pics:

When I showed up to see the car this is how it sat (you can see the valence being used to hold the plastic down...
http://i.imgur.com/RELivHD.jpg

See valence with no work done on it
http://i.imgur.com/qf4PLFQ.jpg

Bits and pieces either completed or waiting for buffing.
http://i.imgur.com/RKcjWDs.jpg

More bits
http://i.imgur.com/4PpNuna.jpg

Grille unpainted.
http://i.imgur.com/y1SZUwb.jpg

Bumpers look pretty good...Shame the rear bumper wasn't supposed to be painted
http://i.imgur.com/34qt8fA.jpg

The car is VERY shiney. Happy with the reflection the color puts off.
http://i.imgur.com/2lpB3St.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZXWYVaD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/M9GBKoc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1XQxC4j.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/fcAIXUS.jpg

That's all I got for now. There are a few issues with the car, and he says he will resolve them. They will be before I pay for the car for sure.

William

[Rick D]

Hey Will just wondering did he show what needs to be fixed or did you have to show him?? Car looks nice in the pictures must feel great to get it this point!!!

[DOOM]

Hey Will just wondering did he show what needs to be fixed or did you have to show him?? Car looks nice in the pictures must feel great to get it this point!!!

Was wondering that myself ? That's usually not a good sign if you find the problems before the shop. Color looks awesome! Are you going to paint all the interior trim yourself?

[will69camaro]

I got there a little before he did. one spot he showed and it was obvious (i had already seen it). The other I had carefully inspected prior to him coming in and I showed him that one.

Interior/cage/tail panel/engine bay will be painted prior to me taking the car back. All semi flat black. Bottom will be done as well in Lizard Skin/Flat black.

William

[tubbed69]

very nice Will,glad to see you making really good progress,hoping to be at that point next week:gitrdun:

[tones2SS]

Awesome Will. Paint looks killer. Can't beat Hugger Orange.
Great to see to the updates bud! :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

I got there a little before he did. one spot he showed and it was obvious (i had already seen it). The other I had carefully inspected prior to him coming in and I showed him that one.

Interior/cage/tail panel/engine bay will be painted prior to me taking the car back. All semi flat black. Bottom will be done as well in Lizard Skin/Flat black.

William

Just a couple words of caution .... Lizard Skin is an awesome product if used correctly. Read "spraying minimal thickness is 0.040" wet over two coats" and that's is almost impossible to judge after it's dried (unless you cut out a chunk and measure it) .... just saying, don't want you to get something you didn't pay fer.

Good luck .... car is come a long way!!!

[will69camaro]

Just a couple words of caution .... Lizard Skin is an awesome product if used correctly. Read "spraying minimal thickness is 0.040" wet over two coats" and that's is almost impossible to judge after it's dried (unless you cut out a chunk and measure it) .... just saying, don't want you to get something you didn't pay fer.

Good luck .... car is come a long way!!!

Thanks for the comment. The person painting has applied this in the past and is familiar with the product. I'll be sure to remind him :)

[SpeedyV10]

Great project thread! The camaro looks fantastic! Oh- and love the Raptor as well!

[will69camaro]

Thanks for the compliment. Working to make it the car I want. It may or may not fit into any "category" per say (pro-touring, pro-street, etc) but just building it to make me happy.

[will69camaro]

Blackout is underway.

http://i.imgur.com/VGUiOWo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GrwJWpE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ydFcvaE.jpg

Those lights blow that color out bad. Dont worry, still the right color ;)
http://i.imgur.com/lYtWTyS.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iBHZ3dB.jpg

William

[tubbed69]

Looking good Will:thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Thanks,
Yours has been keeping me motivated and giving me something to drive for. Your car looks AWESOME. I hope my motor setup comes out looking 1/2 as good as yours!

[tones2SS]

Nice updates Will.
When do you expect the car back?

[will69camaro]

Best guess 2-3 weeks.

[waynieZ]

Looking good!

[rickpaw]

Car looks good Will.

[Frankenstine]

Hey Will, Just checked out your updates, your car is looking great:thumbsup:


Keith

[will69camaro]

Thanks! Hoping to have more updates soon but the latest is my hardware was lost. Not sure where int he various shops it has been in but I bought a totally stainless bolt set and all the front sheet metal and bumper bolts are missing from the kit...Slightly pissed.

Now I have to order another set and the body shop is on hold waiting for them.

[LS7 Z/28]

Love the color you picked and the wild idea on the roll bar by the rear window. Very cool.

[will69camaro]

Well got a picture update from the painter. Car is looking more and more like a car. Doors are on. Waiting on the new stainless bolt kit I ordered to arrive and we'll finish the front end sheet metal assembly.

http://i.imgur.com/fpMRqlf.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Jce8Lvj.jpg

William

[jfreakofkorn]

looking good =)

[will69camaro]

Well got the front end of the car finally. Took the painter forever to get all the hardware together. Hoping to go see it today and take some photos myself. Expecting the hood, spoilers, and bumpers to be installed. Just about ready to come back to my house :)

http://i.imgur.com/c4GAr3u.png

http://i.imgur.com/U7AMG7W.png

http://i.imgur.com/dDj3EH1.png

William

[waynieZ]

It looks good.

[tubbed69]

Looks really good Will,get us some better pics when you get it home,making good progress now:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[will69camaro]

Definitely will get more pictures when I get it back. Can not wait for that to happen. At this point I just want it to be before the end of the year...

[will69camaro]

Painter stayed late last night apparently and got the hood, trunk and spoiler on. Just bumpers and undercoating left!

http://i.imgur.com/yWVlIda.png

http://i.imgur.com/OwJJMAM.png

William

[Frankenstine]

Looking good William, :thumbsup: keep the updates coming.

[Ron in SoCal]

Looking good William! Question: how is the painter going to undercoat the car with the front sheetmetal on? Will he just put it up on jackstands and shoot from the floor?

[waynieZ]

Its getting exciting now! Very Nice.

[will69camaro]

Looking good William! Question: how is the painter going to undercoat the car with the front sheetmetal on? Will he just put it up on jackstands and shoot from the floor?

He has a full lift in the shop. He puts it on the lift, takes wheels off and shoots it that way.

William

[tones2SS]

Looking good William.
How long before she goes home to you?

[will69camaro]

Good question. If historical data is correct I'm guessing a month.

[will69camaro]

Car is just about completed at the painter. It's going to be picked up to have the undercoating done by GAP. Their schedule will get it done MUCH sooner than the painter can. He's done beyond finishing buffing the car. Looks very nice. Took over some wheels I'm considering and going to be honest, I like them more than I thought I would. I took a rear wheel from a friends Z06 to see how it looked (19x12 w/ 345 tire). If I get these wheels, I'd be looking at 5" lip on the rear and probably 2" on the front with my offsets.

Now for pics:
http://i.imgur.com/4bRJ2mK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FBHMRFE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/C7qDZmu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/T5ZIeTr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/K4DDdiv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SGXWuMO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HAOpjjv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9jxUKYD.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zc7Kgn9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZCzZuM1.jpg

William

[sleepertime]

Looks like the car is moving along quite nicely... I am just now getting to the point of being able to see paint in my near future on my own car. Keep up the updates, it's looking really good. :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

It looks great Will

[tones2SS]

Looking good Will!

[will69camaro]

Car is finally back from paint prison! After dropping the car off in October of 2012, I pulled the car and sent it to GAP a couple months later to have the suspension work and cage installed. GAP has the car till mid Feb performing the work I had for them.

Car left GAP mid Feb and went straight back to paint. Several missed deadlines and lots of disappointment on the schedule side of things, and a short 11 months later (not including the first month or two), the car has been returned with minimal work needed to complete it. Keep in mind original quote was 2-3 month turn-around.

We will complete the remaining work on the paint at GAP primarily. Some wetsanding/buffing needed as well as repainting of the front bumper (thin paint and couple small chips).

Either way, that's enough drama :ttiwop:

http://i.imgur.com/RokjG2i.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EfIYNff.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rbMMVyw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/VMpyrVQ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/q1LgLTT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/luhd4lt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GbIfFW2.jpg

It has pretty decent reflection I'd say!
http://i.imgur.com/goAiDZW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jTrIOtU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1CwNfPL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8Ke3zQ9.jpg

I'm thrilled to finally have this car back! Time to get moving on getting wheels on order. Working to get some wide front inner fenders to get a wider front tire on it.

http://i.imgur.com/pB010iu.jpg

Finally this project can start to move again!
William

[Vince@Meanstreets]

very nice shade. nice shop, is that yours or was that GAP?

[meenaggie]

The shop in the last pic is GAP (dark green trim on metal building).

Will, glad to see your car has color on it and has left the paint shop. I think you have a good plan for finishing it up. Talk to Tim if you want "try" out my Budnik Tiller 5 wheels one your car to check widths and back spacing. They are 17x8 and 17x11. Might save you the rework of replacing the inner fenders if you like the look of an 8" wide on the front. The wheels are at GAP right now but the car is off-site getting color. Don't like them too much though as I plan to keep them.

[will69camaro]

I can run 10" fronts already with the DSE frame. It's all about extra room though. I'll check out the wheels. Going to put "Voodoo's" wheels on the car to see how I like them.

Very excited about the cars freedom. Ready to get to work!

He's right about the shop. Last is gap. First showing it inside is the painters shop. The prison my car has been in since 2012 basically.

William

[tubbed69]

looks good Will.sure getting alot closer:thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Nice paint.
She's looking good Will!

[GAP Industries]

It looks great. Even better in person

[will69camaro]

Like many things, the longer you wait the more doubt you have. I am conflicted on wheels. I'm going to post up some options I'm looking at right now and let me know what you think. All are Forgeline, and all will be titanium w/ brushed lips. 18x9.5 in the front and 19x12 in the rear. The options with some details are below. I will try to find wheels that are as close to the finish and the expected offset as possible.

Forgeline GA3:
I like these, they're VERY popular which is part of the downside. I know of 3 first gen camaros in Houston that will be using this wheel. Two are being built where my car currently resides (GAP, 68 and 69 camaro) and the third is Black with HTM finished GA3's. Another downside is they sorta remind me of FR500s from SN95 glory days.
http://www.forgeline.com/product_images/product_photo-xlarge_image-439.jpg
Examples:
http://i.imgur.com/Bql0ocu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/AVTvPp6.jpg

Forgeline CF3C:
This is the same wheel that Gray (BigBronco) has on his Z06. I took them and put them next to my car and they looked good. I'm a sucker for 5 spoke wheels. Recently forgeline put up a CF3C in titanium with a black lip that they put on a C10 and it sparked my interest again. Downside is they're a little on the plain side and maybe a little to "delicate" for the 69 camaro (spokes on the thin side). Concave wheel will reduce the lip and the concave is not available in a stepped lip for 18" wheels, so they would have straight lip. One benefit is no one is really running this on a first gen. Definitely not one with any ability to have offset.
http://www.forgeline.com/product_images/product_photo-xlarge_image-509.jpg
Examples:
http://i.imgur.com/3gcdTjB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cJV05Yu.jpg

Forgeline GZ3:
There is a 69 camaro with these north of Houston. Really growing on me, and different. Pictured below are silver w/ polished, these will all be titanium/brushed. Stepped lip on this and high offset really looks good. Downside to me is I'm MORE a fan of 5 spoke. That being said this rim does get my attention. There are several first gen camaros with these wheels. Believe it or not, more than GA3's i think! Just not as many in Houston!
http://www.forgeline.com/product_images/product_photo-xlarge_image-451.jpg
Examples: (the 69 camaro near Houston)
http://i.imgur.com/vutXzuL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/r2sFLTo.jpg

Feel free to throw up options. Been looking at this a LOT today and this is about all I can come up with. I want to like the CF3C the most. GA3's and GZ3's both look good. GZ3 has more on first gens probably (going by forgeline's website), I KNOW of more first gens with GA3's on them in Houston.

William

[Texas Bob]

I'm partial to the GA3s. There's a reason they're popular :trophy-1302:

[will69camaro]

Yea I know and in that popularity is my only real issue with them. They're "common" in Houston on first gens.

Not saying I wont go with them. Why I'm asking opinions on the wheels. They're all excellent choices in my opinion. Just want to see what others think :)

[tones2SS]

I like the look of the GA3's as well. Not to say that the others aren't good looking. It's just that the GA3's catch my interest most.

[will69camaro]

Few updates on this:

I've been offshore and one bad thing about that is TONS of time to research parts and :G-Dub:

So far I've picked up:
LS2 block
Stock pullout with stock bore (4.000") and stock main caps
Contacted machine shop I trust for machine work for stroker rotating assembly
LS3 Heads
50 mile pull offs from a 2014 1LE Camaro.
Will remain stock w/ upgraded springs for cam
402" rotating assembly
Compstar 4340 4.000" stroke crank
Compstar H-beam 6.125" rods w/ ARP hardware
Stock LS3 intake pulloff from 2010 Camaro

Items to be purchased soon:
Pistons
Looking at Weisco 4.005" -20cc reverse dome. (Should yield 9.5:1 compression)
ARP main studs and head studs
Throttle body
Stainless Works Turbo headers
Vintage Air Front Runner drive aseembly
GT35R turbos w/ Tial V-band stainless housing (0.82 A/R)
Ron Davis Radiator

Currently checking options on fuel system to see what will be best. I've been in contact previously with CarlC who is excellent source of knowledge on this and seen Josh Kalis' Camaro making similar power (slightly more actually) than I'm looking at making with mine and his Dual CTS-V pump arrangement. Trying to see if that's the way I want to go, or if I can use the single CTS-V flange and use a drop in tank setup that holds 2-3 Walbro pumps 255, 340, 400, etc).

As you can probably guess, I've put off the wheel search for now and focusing on trying to pay for things that will be time consuming aspect of the project as the wheels will take 4-6 weeks to build, and about an afternoon to mount/balance and install. I can do that later!

William

[tmadden]

Solid plan going. No bad choice with Forgeline wheels

[tones2SS]

Sounds like a game plan Will.
Keep us posted.

[Jay Hilliard]

GA3's look the best. In the end, its what you want and makes you happy. The last thing I would want is to buy rims and wish I had got the ones I really wanted, but didn't just because others had them.

[Ron in SoCal]

^ Jay you said exactly what I've been thinking.

[will69camaro]

Yea that's a good point. If that's the case I may end up going with Fikse Profil 5...

I'll have more than just this set of wheels but those are the wheels i've loved since I saw them on the mule and SW's black camaro. Just iconic.

I got time to decide on that, it's motor building time now!

[will69camaro]

Well few updates on the car. Still sitting at GAP, and looks better than I remembered.

http://i.imgur.com/7bmE1cA.png

I picked up a few things for it since I've been back.
LS2 block - Stock pullout. Will be machined for 402" stroker

http://i.imgur.com/dTLs2y4.png

http://i.imgur.com/1tarWmr.png

LS9 heads - Will be sent to be ported and new springs for cam swap.

http://i.imgur.com/DC3zutz.png

Fast 102R intake - Unsure if I'll use these rails, may go bigger billet rails

http://i.imgur.com/e9udDOC.png

Also to celebrate the sale of my TBSS today I just placed the order for:
2 x GT35R's w/ TiAL stainless turbine housing (0.82AR), antisurge compressor housing
2 x MV-R TiAL 44mm WG
2 x 50mm TiAL Q BOV

Will be going to GAP tomorrow and they have a set of SW headers I am going to be buying. We're going to get the underside lizard skinned and painted. Measure out for wheels so I know what to order as well.

I also picked up Fesler door handles and Ring Brothers hood hinges. I'll post some pics of them when I get a chance.

William

[GAP Industries]

Cant wait. This thing is gonna be cool

[tones2SS]

Awesome updates Will!

[NvrDun71]

Nice lookin parts pile man, big congrats on getting the TBSS sold also :cheers:

[will69camaro]

Thanks!

Yea parts are piling up. Hoping I can progress with this build as much as I want. Seeing finished first gens at all the local events is just making me want it done more and more. Jumped on the turbo stuff so I could be "committed" to that route and not go back and forth anymore. It's set now!

William

[waynieZ]

Looking good Will!

[tones2SS]

Jumped on the turbo stuff so I could be "committed" to that route and not go back and forth anymore. It's set now!
William

HA HAAAA
Locked and loaded! :thumbsup:

[Gambit]

Have you looked at the forgeline rb3c? I've got them for my 69. Can't wait til it's back but the few times I've seen them I think they look awesome.

Sweet build you've got going mate. Hope to read the rest of your thread shortly.

Cheers

[bonecrrusher]

Stroked, Turbo'd LS - nice!

[will69camaro]

Just ordered an autorad radiator w/ everything. Having then integrate twin intercooler setup that will work with the factory hood latch and support the power I'm looking for. This will all be painted black to fit with the understated theme.

[GAP Industries]

Might As Well !!!!!

[will69camaro]

Yep need to get around to changing the project titles. After this week my project has finally developed a name.

"Might as well"

Started te project as a budget $20-30k build...After getting full DSE and the paint job, I keep blowing the budget with every "small" change. I have no regrets at all as I want to build it the way I want regardless if budget or timeframe. I have said "might as well" before just about every expensive upgrade!

[Biggum]

Yep,I know the feeling. Mine started out as a pretty simple build that escalated as well. Seems like every time I visit Tim I dig myself in deeper. He has way to many great ideas brewing in that head of his! Maybe I need to start bringing my wife with me to keep me under control when I visit. By the way, your car looks awesome! Can't wait to see it finished.

[will69camaro]

Thanks. Which car is yours?

At this point I'm gimping we have the car to a point it can maybe go to autorama as a "project" phase display for their booth. Not sure they'll have room with all the other badass projects they have going though!!!

[Biggum]

Mine is project Voodoo. Yes, they have a lot of great builds going!

[will69camaro]

Oh awesome. Can't wait to see that car progress. Going to be ridiculous.

[will69camaro]

Ok so a couple updates since the last post.

Got something else being built now. Decided if I was going to make big power, I wanted big cooling ability. I went with Autorad who builds custom setups for pro-touring cars.

I'm going with their core support w/ 950hp+ radiator setup (2x 1.5" tube setup), condenser, oil cooler, closeout panels, and two SPAL 14" fan w/ shroud. The trick part to this setup is we asked them if they could integrate twin intercooler setup for the TT setup I'm going with and they have already done one that fits my bill! Running twin Air to Air intercoolers and brackets made to mount and setup to clear the stock hood latch mechanism. I will be anodizing everything so it's not as noticeable behind the grille.

Now for some pics of the radiator stuff and the setup they're building for me!

This is a nova but same center section. You can see the difference in available area for air to pass through and additional radiator size!
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/BBC71Nova/NovaProject/OE_Autorad_Overlay_zps77a364bb.jpg

It comes with very nice closeout panels to make sure the air goes where you want it.
http://cdn.speednik.com/files/2013/09/autorad_radiator_installed.jpg

Mine is being built just like this one but with an oil cooler setup as well!
http://i.imgur.com/iMmMGCZ.png

http://i.imgur.com/SRcWr3P.png

Build time is 7 weeks so not expecting this till the end of April. Turbos etc should be here this week. I'll get some photos of course when they arrive!

[will69camaro]

Last update for now was from today! Felt like Christmas day!
:ups:
Hard to believe it all fits in this small box. Weighed under 30lb!
http://i.imgur.com/RfJvGk1.jpg

Seems well packaged!
http://i.imgur.com/TyWKwwT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/1UCgThs.jpg

Turbos look NICE! They're SMALL but I guess the cars I've been around are either big singles or HUGE power cars...These are baby turbos!
http://i.imgur.com/YRhokJ2.jpg

You can see the TiAL stainless turbine housing here
http://i.imgur.com/oWBR9YQ.jpg

Antisurge Compressor housing
http://i.imgur.com/PLeZtHQ.jpg

Matched pair :)
http://i.imgur.com/dcK8egG.jpg

The whole family together for a photo
http://i.imgur.com/alXO7me.jpg

William

[frankv11]

That thing looks super cool,
Do they use special type welding rod on items that get anodized ?
Thinking anodizing my set up as well it's just too much bling.,

[will69camaro]

To be honest I'm no expert in that field. I know Autorad doesn't do anodizing anymore. I'll have it done locally.

William

[waynieZ]

That is one sweet set up !! Its going to be awesome.

[GAP Industries]

Can't wait to see it all come together

[tones2SS]

Nice updates!
Keep us posted on your build. That is going to be beastly. :confused18:

[tmadden]

Dang so. You are all in and I'm happy for you.

[will69camaro]

Car is on the lift, rearend pulled back out of it for underside painting/coating. Hoping to get that done this week and get the rear pulled apart to replace the gears (4.10s to be replaced with 3.50s).

Get that all done and spec the rear wheels.

Excited to get this going and make some progress. I'll get pictures up soon!

William

[will69camaro]

Well according to GAP my radiator/intercooler setup shipped so looking forward to receiving that in the near future (was scheduled for 4/21 so little ahead).

Went to GAP the past few days to work on the car a bit and get the bottom finished up. We pulled the rearend out and set it aside so we had good access to the bottom of the car.

I went to prepping any areas showing surface rust and knocking down any high points in the patch panels that had been done. All looking good now!

We went from this:
http://i.imgur.com/FJ3g3Pp.jpg

To this:
http://i.imgur.com/ZrQwf9L.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0wwHTOx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jTgRqo5.jpg

Back down on the ground on the roller wheels, waiting to test fit some nice wheels. May order wheels at the end of this week/beginning of next.
http://i.imgur.com/FQJwVNa.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HvBLjjo.jpg

William

[sleepertime]

:thumbsup: Little by little, it's moving in the right direction. It's looking really good.
What did you guys shoot the bottom with?