Let the games begin.. work starts on Penny transformation

[Steve1968LS2]

I have a sufficient pile of parts to start the process of turning Penny in a road warrior.. I'm just so damn ready to have a car to drive.. HARD! lol

Here you can see the 21st Century Street Machine Subframe, C5 parts, double adjustable Varishocks and AGR rack/pinion.. woot!

I have figured out my LS2 woes, the special T56 is in the house and brakes are on the way from Wilwood.. Afco is busy making the radiator and parts are flowing in.

Car is at a great shop in San Diego (Best in Show) and the she is just about ready for the new firewall and larger trans tunnel. After that she is off to party in Vegas with the guys at ATS then back here to get the front sheet metal hung.

So many details to keep track of but at least there's progress :thumbsup:

[camcojb]

:thumbsup: Great job Steve.

Jody

[96z28ss]

Know your other cars, this one will be just as good.

Good luck with your project, can't wait to hear you tear up the track with it.

[XcYZ]

I love those 21st CSM subframe connectors.

[Kendall Burleson]

It going to a keeper can't wait to see more. :bow:

[Roger Poirier]

Car is at a great shop in San Diego (Best in Show) and the she is just about ready for the new firewall and larger trans tunnel. After that she is off to party in Vegas with the guys at ATS then back here to get the front sheet metal hung.

So many details to keep track of but at least there's progress :thumbsup:

Steve, What front sheet metal, When you shipped it out a few weeks back in had the front fenders on it. What are we talking about here? Why a new firewall? Did you have to move it back to fit the new engine?

Questions, questions, questions....

P.S. Its my feeling the R&D of a project is the most fun next to drving the car when finished.

R.P.

[4mm]

Its 1am where I am at right now and I hope you are assembling your parts, I want to know how the ride with the new C5 sub will be! :captain: And soon!

[RussMS]

Awesoime Steve. :thumbsup: Keep us posted.

[Musclerodz]

Sounds like you had an awesome Christmas!

Mike

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, What front sheet metal, When you shipped it out a few weeks back in had the front fenders on it. What are we talking about here? Why a new firewall? Did you have to move it back to fit the new engine?

Questions, questions, questions...


Well, you know how I just can't leave well enough alone :)

we pulled the front sheet metal and we are completely smoothing the firewall.. the only remaining holes will be for the MC and the steering column, even the wire block is gone. the inner fenders and firewall will be shot in body color. I also have a core support closeout coming from DSE. I haven't decided what color I am gonna paint it.

The only mods needed for the subframe was a slight enlarging of the trans tunnel for the T56 (21st Century supplies the pre-formed parts).

The shop just recieved in their new tool to cut heavy gauge steel so my firewall should start next week.

As she sits now..

[XcYZ]

I also have a core support closeout coming from DSE. I haven't decided what color I am gonna paint it.

Those are trick. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress you make with the car. :thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

Those are trick. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress you make with the car. :thumbsup:

Since I am gonna run the AeroCatch hood pins I am thinking of ditching the factory hood latch.

If so I will weld up the center of the closeout. This will give a much cleaner look.

Here are the latches I am gonna run

http://www.aerocatch.com/automotive-home.html

[XcYZ]

Steve, if you remember, those came up when we were talking to Matt Delaney at SEMA about those very latches for my car. He said he was going to talk to them about having them machined out of aluminum. I'll give him a call and see if he's made any progress with that. :thumbsup:

[ohcbird]

Have you thought about mounting those on the underside of the front cowl, with the pin assemblies attached to the hood? This way, no visable latches on the top. I know they'd have to be set back & maybe a little grill trimming done- but it could work.

Either way- nice pieces...

[slownova]

how much do those 21st century subframes go for?

[68protouring454]

4000 bare, with only custom rack, inserts, sway bar and tranny crossmember, i believe near 7000 complete
jake

[Payton King]

I have driven 21st century's test mule...drives just like a corvette with a smoother ride.

Well Steve I guess the race is on...mine goes to paint this week.

[Steve1968LS2]

4000 bare, with only custom rack, inserts, sway bar and tranny crossmember, i believe near 7000 complete
jake

I think that would be with the headers as well.. right aroud $5k with all the suspension parts and that's if you run brand new C5 stuff.

I need to brush up on my sway bar theory some so I can make the most of this splined swaybar deal.. Personally I think this is the nicest subframe currently on the market given it's features.

The real test however will be on the test track once it's all installed and dialed in :)

[Rybar]

Steve, the car is coming along nicely. Have you planned any mods for the motor? Or is it staying stock?

[slownova]

I think that would be with the headers as well.. right aroud $5k with all the suspension parts and that's if you run brand new C5 stuff.

I need to brush up on my sway bar theory some so I can make the most of this splined swaybar deal.. Personally I think this is the nicest subframe currently on the market given it's features.

The real test however will be on the test track once it's all installed and dialed in :)
thanks, i would of called but im more of a window shopper then a consumer at this point.

[B Schein]

I think that would be with the headers as well.. right aroud $5k with all the suspension parts and that's if you run brand new C5 stuff.

:)

That does not include headers. The prices very on depending on exactly what type and of headers and material you want.

[Steve1968LS2]

That does not include headers. The prices very on depending on exactly what type and of headers and material you want.

Yea, I talked to Ed today.. frame is $4k.. with everything including C5 brakes and suspension it's about $6500.. without brakes it's $6k.. headers are extra. Considering the prices of other frames and the features of this one the price does not seem out of line. Certainly not cheap but quality rarely is.

The guys at the coating shop today were digging the headers though, can't wait to test them on the dyno.

Oh, engine will not be "stock".. Will get AFR stage II heads, 230/232 114+2 COMP Cam. Will run the ATS oil pan, 21st long tubes and I am going to test the FAST intake. I will run the LS2 fly-by-wire throttle body.

Oh, got my brakes today.. sweet.. 6-piston Wilwoods (C5 kit) with 14" rotors and their new aluminum tandem master cylinder. We are still working out the back brakes.

[rwhite692]

Steve that is really looking nice!

[68protouring454]

i told ya, :yes:

[Steve1968LS2]

i told ya, :yes:

I bow to your knowledge

:hail: Jake

If this was The Price Is Right you would be coming back tomorrow night and I would have the consolation toaster.. lol

[68protouring454]

"your funny" :D
:yes:

so not knowing the price, means you must have gotten a killer deal, care to enlighten us??? lol

[steemin]

Steve,
It is certainly interesting watching these projects come together.
However I also enjoy following the evolution of peoples thought processes in regards to what they really desire from their Toys.
I remember following your Z069 project. As the car was nearing completion you decided that the project had kind of taken on a mind of its own and although it was a great car it was not exactly what you wanted.
I am thinking that this time you have nailed down what you are looking for.
Keep us posted.
Scott

[Steve1968LS2]

"your funny" :D
:yes:

so not knowing the price, means you must have gotten a killer deal, care to enlighten us??? lol

I don't think it's any secret that magazine guys pay far less than retail for parts they are doing stories on. :D

I still don't get the price though.. it's $4k for the basic frame with rack.. then you need some brakes and C5 parts. If you hunted your own parts (used) off Ebay you could get the whole deal, ready to go, for closer to $5k. Of course in the story I will list the retail price.

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve,
It is certainly interesting watching these projects come together.
However I also enjoy following the evolution of peoples thought processes in regards to what they really desire from their Toys.
I remember following your Z069 project. As the car was nearing completion you decided that the project had kind of taken on a mind of its own and although it was a great car it was not exactly what you wanted.
I am thinking that this time you have nailed down what you are looking for.
Keep us posted.
Scott

Yea, on the '69 l let my "showcar" side take over a bit and the car came out more blingy than I wanted. It still performed good and I was still proud of it, but it didn't have that "angry look" that I wanted. I have also learned a lot about suspensions and handling since then, so I will be able to get this ride closer to my "vision".

I was also less than happy with the body on that car, this car has pristine original sheetmetal.

[steemin]

Steve,
I agree that having a car with great original sheetmetal makes it easier to "invest" more money into the project...
It has become increasingly difficult to find cars from the 60's with a solid foundation to start with..
This issue became an important factor in my search for a car as well.
Good luck with Bad Penny.
I am sure she will be nasty enough for you. :lol:
Scott

[Damn True]

I was also less than happy with the body on that car, this car has pristine original sheetmetal.

As does mine.

PSYCHED!

[68protouring454]

ya, i hope to have under 6 in mine if i got that route.
i got c5 upper and lowers with knuckles for 300, bearings for 300, then i need coil overs and brakes, i already have 13.5 inch c5 base brakes so i will be into it for around 5500, which like you said a pretty good buy, compared to others out there.
when will yours be on the road??
jake

[Steve1968LS2]

ya, i hope to have under 6 in mine if i got that route.
i got c5 upper and lowers with knuckles for 300, bearings for 300, then i need coil overs and brakes, i already have 13.5 inch c5 base brakes so i will be into it for around 5500, which like you said a pretty good buy, compared to others out there.
when will yours be on the road??
jake

Damn.. $300 for those parts is a steal.. I had a hard time finding good used ones (bent arms) so I just went with new. Who's shocks are you going with? I am going to try some AFCO's and then swap to some double-adjust VeraShocks.

Hmmm.. I am hoping March for "on the road" and April for "done".. First story should be in the July issue and run for about 4 or 5 stories.

Then I will be ready to start my low-buck Mustang project.. I'm sure I will get hate mail for doing an expensive Camaro, but we need to do the nice stuff along with the low dollar stuff.

When should yours be on the road?

[68protouring454]

i am shooting for mid may to get a few miles on it before power tour, a opurtunity may come up that may delay it, but i highly doubt it, my motor will be done and on dyno by end of feb, waiting on wiseco to get me my custom pistons, and the rest is ready, well block has been align honed and decked, and bored to within .005 waiting on pistons for internal balance and final torque plate hone. have t-56, also need to -pull trigger on subframe if my other source does not pan out, i hope it does. the body is rock solid, all i need is a tulip panel (panel betwen trunk and rear window, and a 1/4 (by my choice it had a previous repair thats fine but i want a untouched 1/4 on it)
so cross your fingers, lol
oh ya which afcos you looking at?? i was looking too, maybe something mid level, let me know
jake

[Steve1968LS2]

i am shooting for mid may to get a few miles on it before power tour, a opurtunity may come up that may delay it, but i highly doubt it, my motor will be done and on dyno by end of feb, waiting on wiseco to get me my custom pistons, and the rest is ready, well block has been align honed and decked, and bored to within .005 waiting on pistons for internal balance and final torque plate hone. have t-56, also need to -pull trigger on subframe if my other source does not pan out, i hope it does. the body is rock solid, all i need is a tulip panel (panel betwen trunk and rear window, and a 1/4 (by my choice it had a previous repair thats fine but i want a untouched 1/4 on it)
so cross your fingers, lol
oh ya which afcos you looking at?? i was looking too, maybe something mid level, let me know
jake

Sounds like you are on track.. I am just waiting for my AFR heads. I got the 230/232 cam, rockers and pushrods today from Comp.

I was looking at the cheaper 1350SR's.. they are reccomended for the 21st Century frame. I will most likely sway durring the story to double adjustable Varishocks. It's a long story.

The adjustable AFCO's are nice but damn.. they are pricey..

[Steve1968LS2]

Most of the parts are in.. now I just have to put them on the car! lol

Gonna go check on the bodywork tomorrow and see how the firewall is progressing. I am also going to beef up where the fuel cell mounts.

Still waiting on the AFR heads, McLeod shifter, FAST intake and the wiring harness with the fly by wire pedal.. Oh, and the fuel tank by Ricks :)

So many parts to keep track of.. :willy:

[zbugger]

Wow. That's a nice little pile of toys. Now I'm jealous. Thanks.

[Steve1968LS2]

Well.. she isn't 2/3rds the car she used to be.. :rofl:


All the bumps have been cut off the firewall, looks like I am commited to running the fly by wire throttle body now since the factory gas pedal mount is GONE. A solid plate of steel is going to be welded over the factory firewall.

[Musclerodz]

And to think you wasn't going to make this one "nice". :rolleyes: Should be twice the car it was before. :thumbsup:

Mike

[61Bubbletop]

Steve,

That car is just plain bad-ass :yes: :captain:

J.T.

[Steve1968LS2]

And to think you wasn't going to make this one "nice". :rolleyes: Should be twice the car it was before. :thumbsup:

Mike

I never said I wasn't going to make it "nice".. just wasn't gonna let it become a show car.. lol..

Penny will be.. "presentable".. I haven't been to the chrome shop or polisher once! :faint:

[Musclerodz]

I haven't been to the chrome shop or polisher once! :faint:yet. :D

I shouldn't talk. Mine started out as a paint job 12 years ago. :lol:

Your old '69 is still one of my favorite Camaros. The '68 is just as good but with a different personality.

Mike

[mazspeed]

I can't wait to see that car finished. It looks like it's going to be one of the greats.

[Todds69]

Hey Steve, I was wondering if you were planning on putting stripes on this one. If so what color are you planning. I'm in the need of a Guinea Pig, and your my best bet at the color combo. I am planning a color similar to yours but haven't decided on striping color yet. Not to mention if I will do the traditional Z/28 stripes or a modified Motion stripe. Thanks...those are some sweet components your putting on her.

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Steve, I was wondering if you were planning on putting stripes on this one. If so what color are you planning. I'm in the need of a Guinea Pig, and your my best bet at the color combo. I am planning a color similar to yours but haven't decided on striping color yet. Not to mention if I will do the traditional Z/28 stripes or a modified Motion stripe. Thanks...those are some sweet components your putting on her.

no stripes planned.. I want a very simple look to the outside. If I did I would most likely use the same smokey silver as was used on my '69.. If you wanted a more "race" look then flat black Z stripes would be cool.

You should have someone photochop the stripes from my old car onto my new one :)

[olds87]

When you finish with the car. Are you going to put a article of your car in the magazine that you work for?

[Todds69]

no stripes planned.. I want a very simple look to the outside. If I did I would most likely use the same smokey silver as was used on my '69.. If you wanted a more "race" look then flat black Z stripes would be cool.

You should have someone photochop the stripes from my old car onto my new one :)
Yeah I thought about asking someone to do it, but kind of hate to impose. But I suppose the worse thing that could happen is no one would reply.

[rockdogz]

Penny will be.. "presentable".. I haven't been to the chrome shop or polisher once!

I think he's worried about what Johnny would say if it was too 'pretty'... :D

[TravisB]

Penny will be.. "presentable".. I haven't been to the chrome shop or polisher once! :faint:


yet! :_paranoid

[Steve1968LS2]

When you finish with the car. Are you going to put a article of your car in the magazine that you work for?

Well, the build will have around four stories (engine, suspension install, engine/trans install, misc and test)

If it's good enough I will most like like do a feature like I did on the '69.

[markss28]

Are you going to stay with the same color.

[Steve1968LS2]

Are you going to stay with the same color.

Yep, I bought the car for the clean body and paint.. saved me months of work :)

[Little Bob]

This car was awesome before. I can't wait to see the outcome. :drool:

[TravisB]

steve what are your plans for the exhaust.....you just going to tie your new headers into the exisiting tubing??

[rocketman]

Most of the parts are in.. now I just have to put them on the car! lol

Gonna go check on the bodywork tomorrow and see how the firewall is progressing. I am also going to beef up where the fuel cell mounts.

Still waiting on the AFR heads, McLeod shifter, FAST intake and the wiring harness with the fly by wire pedal.. Oh, and the fuel tank by Ricks :)

So many parts to keep track of.. :willy:

your pic looks my shop,with to cars going at once.a 69 vette and my 37 ford.

[rocketman]

Most of the parts are in.. now I just have to put them on the car! lol

Gonna go check on the bodywork tomorrow and see how the firewall is progressing. I am also going to beef up where the fuel cell mounts.

Still waiting on the AFR heads, McLeod shifter, FAST intake and the wiring harness with the fly by wire pedal.. Oh, and the fuel tank by Ricks :)

So many parts to keep track of.. :willy:

your pic looks my shop,with to cars going at once.a 69 vette and my 37 ford.my shop is a speed shop warehouse.

[Steve1968LS2]

steve what are your plans for the exhaust.....you just going to tie your new headers into the exisiting tubing??

Yep.. the new stepped long tubes into the existing oval tubes/spintechs/nascar tips :)

Will have the whole deal thermal coated..

[Steve1968LS2]

New parts arrived for Penny..

1. 14" 6-piston Wilwoods

2. DSE Radiator Blockoff

3. McLeod shifter (see post in transmission section)

4. Headers back from Coater.. they are done in a termal coating called "titanium".. I really like the industrial look which is what I am shooting for in the engine bay.. Them 21st Century tubes are sweet!

[rwhite692]

Steve I like the color on the hi-temp coating. Very nice.

[Steve1968LS2]

Damn... these things are sweet.. is it weird to get excited over new tires?

335/30/18 Toyo R1 Competition tires for the rear
275/35/18 Toyo R1 Competition tires for the front

All four tires stacked up are almost 5 feet tall :bow:

[Speedster]

OK Steve, just don't get too excited with your tires, we don't want you to, uh, well, uh, make them too sticky !!! LOL

[XcYZ]

Nice tires. Hmmmm... ;)

[TravisB]

we don't want you to, uh, well, uh, make them too sticky !!!



:rofl: :rofl: :lol:

[Steve1968LS2]

OK Steve, just don't get too excited with your tires, we don't want you to, uh, well, uh, make them too sticky !!! LOL

I could save a bundle on VHT though.. :rofl:

[4mm]

Must be nice to be able to stick 275's up front!

[Steve1968LS2]

Must be nice to be able to stick 275's up front!

Well that's what was on there before as well and I am hoping the the 21st Century subframe will give me even a bit more turning radius. I just don't like the idea of running 335's with 245's.. I wish they made 265's :)

[XcYZ]

Won't be long and I'll be stuffing those 275's up front on mine too. :thumbsup:

Steve, you have a PM.

[69MyWay]

Steve,

This car is going to be really cool. You took an amazing car and will be making something far more amazing out of it.

No doubt it will be great inspiration for many others to come. I am excited you are going the de-bling route. That is my big thing right now too.

I would love to see you be the first (that I know of) on a first gen to flip the intake backwards and build a special recess in the firewall to duct the air intake into a true cal-induction hood. How cool would that be?

Or...if you go the traditional intake route PLEASE route the intake tube all the way into the fender and conceal the airfilter. It seems to me most of the EFI swap guys end up making the air cleaner the last possible thought on the whole car and end up with a cone on a short pipe huffing hot air off the radiator.

p.s.--still need the right address to mail the picture cd of my 69.

[Steve1968LS2]

I would love to see you be the first (that I know of) on a first gen to flip the intake backwards and build a special recess in the firewall to duct the air intake into a true cal-induction hood. How cool would that be?

Or...if you go the traditional intake route PLEASE route the intake tube all the way into the fender and conceal the airfilter. It seems to me most of the EFI swap guys end up making the air cleaner the last possible thought on the whole car and end up with a cone on a short pipe huffing hot air off the radiator.

p.s.--still need the right address to mail the picture cd of my 69.

NOOOOO don't give me ideas!! lol My car will never get done.

On my 69 the air filter was way up inside the fender but the '69 design of the grill allowed for more fresh air there. I will try to do the same on the 68..

Oh, on my 69 the filter went to the passengers side.. on Penny it will be going to the drivers side.

[Steve1968LS2]

New pics..

Painted the inner fenders and bottom of hood.. love this color ..

Cut out more of the firewall in preparation for bonding on the 18 ga. steel replacement. The only holes will be for the MC, Clutch MC and steering column.. that's it.

Also designing an inner firewall brace (bracket?) that will stand away from the firewall and give me a place to mount my ECU, track computer and other stuff (since I dont have heat or AC).

Oh, and haters beware.. my DSE billet hood hinges arrived, man are they sweet (even my wife liked them :)

[XcYZ]

Nice. That's great color.

[almcbri]

awesome update Steve!

I am really starting to think this car will be magazine material when finished! lol:D

That firewall fill plate looks killer! Keep up the good work

[syborg tt]

very nice firewall, can't wait to see more

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Looks good! love that color too :thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

Firewall is almost ready to be bonded and then welded. The holes are cut for the master cylinder and steering column. Not that I have my ATS clutch master and bracket we can cut that hole as well.

That's it.. only three holes in my entire firewall.. The new trans tunnel has been tacked in place and it is raised almost 2 inches at the firewall for T56 clearance. The pre-fabbed pieces from 21st Century made it a LOT easier. Next week it will all get bonded with the super epoxy and welded. Then the studs for my fly by wire throttle peddle will be welded on.

Last pic is where I have decided to mount my GPS antenna for the track data logging computer. It's magnetic so if I want I can open the trunk.. unstick it from the outside and stick it to the inside of the trunk.

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Man thats going to look sweet!!! :thumbsup: Keep us udated, Steve.....

[syborg tt]

Last pic is where I have decided to mount my GPS antenna for the track data logging computer.

Can you tell me more about the system you choose

[Rybar]

Looking good Steve :thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

Can you tell me more about the system you choose

http://www.g2extreme.com/

:yes:

[69MyWay]

Looking slick!

Here is a challenge for you.

Is it possible to sheetmetal trim the inner upper horizontal lip of the fender so that it is smooth and slick from the exterior lip going into the engine bay? I had thought about doing this on my car because that is an unattractive area that I don't see anybody doing anything about.

[Steve1968LS2]

Well the project should be moving FAST now since we have programing lined up for the LS2. The dyno stuff should happen in the next 1.5 weeks.

The new firewall has been bonded on and will be welded on Monday. The new trans tunnel has been welded in place along with the transition.

All holes have been cut in the firewall (brake master, steering column, clutch master). The ATS bracket made installing the clutch master a breeze!

In less than two weeks the whole deal will be painted and the undercoating done.

The subframe from 21st Century is at the shop now and I will start bolting on parts next week. I need to figure out a way to weigh it.

Rick's Hot Rods is finishing up my new tank and all the other parts are in my garage except the new guages. There might be light at the end of the tunnel..

[Steve1968LS2]

Looking slick!

Here is a challenge for you.

Is it possible to sheetmetal trim the inner upper horizontal lip of the fender so that it is smooth and slick from the exterior lip going into the engine bay? I had thought about doing this on my car because that is an unattractive area that I don't see anybody doing anything about.

I don't know if I am following where you are talking about..

Did did cover over the holes where you can see the subframe jam nuts since that was an unsightly area I hated to look at..

[Teetoe_Jones]

Did cover over the holes where you can see the subframe jam nuts since that was an unsightly area I hated to look at..

You better pray your body nut for the subframe never breaks. That is a great recipie for un-happy Steve.

Looking wicked. I really do like the ultra clean race car look of a full sheet of metal.

Tyler

[Sales@Dutchboys]

:thumbsup: Looking good! thanks for the update...

-Paul

[Steve1968LS2]

You better pray your body nut for the subframe never breaks. That is a great recipie for un-happy Steve.

Looking wicked. I really do like the ultra clean race car look of a full sheet of metal.

Tyler

They are in great shape and once this sub goes in it aint never coming out.. it might as well be welded in.. lol

if I ever need in there I will holesaw my way in and then make a nice little plug for the whole.. I just couldn't stand looking in there..

[Speedster]

Car is coming along and looking awesome Steve !! :)

[syborg tt]

looks awesome

[Steve1968LS2]

So close to getting paint that it hurts...

Recieved my ATI super damper and ARP bolts today..

Two old guys at Best of Show Coachworks working on Penny.

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Your getting there ....... :thumbsup:

[67Fastback]

Since I am gonna run the AeroCatch hood pins I am thinking of ditching the factory hood latch.

If so I will weld up the center of the closeout. This will give a much cleaner look.

Here are the latches I am gonna run

http://www.aerocatch.com/automotive-home.html

Nice - I've been sweating the likelyhood that I would have to use hood pins on my car - I hate them.

Here's an idea though. How about mounting them backwards with the pin attached to the hood and extending down and the latch grabbing it from the bottom = invisible?

Jeff

[Steve1968LS2]

Nice - I've been sweating the likelyhood that I would have to use hood pins on my car - I hate them.

Here's an idea though. How about mounting them backwards with the pin attached to the hood and extending down and the latch grabbing it from the bottom = invisible?

Jeff

How would you operate the latch??

There is a model of AeroCatch where it flush mounts to the hood, but it's a lot more work to install.

The firewall was shot in primer a couple hours ago.. hey, it's almost like realtime progress..

[jimhamptons]

Looks great Steve!

[XcYZ]

Here's an idea though. How about mounting them backwards with the pin attached to the hood and extending down and the latch grabbing it from the bottom = invisible?

I've thought about that... the AeroCatch latches can be mounted sideways which could make it doable if a guy had an RS setup and could open the doors manually and reach back to the the core support and open the latch.

Maybe. Possibly. lol

[Steve1968LS2]

welded in the bracket for the fly-by-wire gas pedal, so it was time to shoot the firewall.

Came out nice. It's not perfectly flat, but it looks damn good and will look better once all the fenders are re-hung and the engine is in there. It was tough to get it all flat without cutting away the entire factory firewall. Certainly good enough since this isn't a show car but a street car that I won't be embarrased to take to shows :)

Next week we assemble the 21st Century subframe and on Thursday we dyno the stock LS2 and stuff all the go-fast goodies in to it. After that it should go fairly quickly.

[Sales@Dutchboys]

:thumbsup: Shes getting their.........Wont be long. Keep up the good work steve!

-Paul

[Speedster]

Lookin' good Steve. Now just bolt on that front differential and you'll be ready to go 4-wheelin'. Wait, that must be for a different website. Looks like a lot of work went into that firewall. How much did you have to raise the tunnel for the tranny ?

[Steve1968LS2]

Lookin' good Steve. Now just bolt on that front differential and you'll be ready to go 4-wheelin'. Wait, that must be for a different website. Looks like a lot of work went into that firewall. How much did you have to raise the tunnel for the tranny ?

We went 2 inches.. 1.5" would have most likely been fine but better safe than sorry.. :)

Undercoating went on today.. sure makes the underside look better..

Engine dyno is on Thrusday.. Monday we assemble the 21 Century subframe and mount it to the car.

Progress

[Payton King]

was that a spray on like Line-X or the kind you can spray or roll on?

I almost forgot...she is lookin' real purdy

[Steve1968LS2]

was that a spray on like Line-X or the kind you can spray or roll on?

I almost forgot...she is lookin' real purdy

Spray on using a special spray gun.. thinner than Line-x.. like lizard skin..

Thanks

[XcYZ]

I really like that, I think that's what I need to do after I get the DSE subframe connectors installed. Do you think it added any appreciable weight?

[Steve1968LS2]

I really like that, I think that's what I need to do after I get the DSE subframe connectors installed. Do you think it added any appreciable weight?

Couldn't be much.. I will find how many tubes we went through and how much each tube's volume weighs.. It's not super thick and heavy like Line-X. I will also get the exact name of the stuff.

[Nutsy]

Spray on using a special spray gun.. thinner than Line-x.. like lizard skin..

Thanks

What product is it?

[B Schein]

It looks like Wurth, a water based under coating that Mercedes uses. Are you going to install the subframe conectors on Monday when you put the frame in .

[Steve1968LS2]

It looks like Wurth, a water based under coating that Mercedes uses. Are you going to install the subframe conectors on Monday when you put the frame in .

Not sure.. might be another week before the subframes go in.. I am still wrapping my mind around how they mount.. lol.. Once I get the subframe in it will be easier to see where they need to weld.

The subframe is damn nice.. I can't wait to get it in.

I will get you guys the brand of the undercoat asap..

[B Schein]

I can send you some pictures of the bottom side of our convertible if you want. let me know and will take some pictures tomorrow.

[Steve1968LS2]

I can send you some pictures of the bottom side of our convertible if you want. let me know and will take some pictures tomorrow.

That would be great.. just not sure of how the back attaches.

you have my email.. right? if not Ed has it. Thanks!

[trapin]

My Duplicolor Bedliner Coating arrived today. It comes with a special gun to spray it on that hooks up to an air compressor. Seems pretty straight forward. Sounds a lot like what you've got on Penny.

[Steve1968LS2]

My Duplicolor Bedliner Coating arrived today. It comes with a special gun to spray it on that hooks up to an air compressor. Seems pretty straight forward. Sounds a lot like what you've got on Penny.

Most likely the same concept.. but it was a name I hadn't heard before. I will drop by the shop tomorrow and get the actual name

[Steve1968LS2]

My Duplicolor Bedliner Coating arrived today. It comes with a special gun to spray it on that hooks up to an air compressor. Seems pretty straight forward. Sounds a lot like what you've got on Penny.

I finally got that info on the stuff we used for the underside..

FUSER – Wheelhouse textured coating and sealer .. part number 805

7 tubes weigh about 5lbs.. Once the solvents evap away I bet it only added three-four pounds to the car. The finish is slighly rubbery, good for rocks.

Hope this helps..

[4mm]

Steve, have you already coated your pulleys? I recall you metioning you were looking into powdercoating or anodizing.

[Steve1968LS2]

Steve, have you already coated your pulleys? I recall you metioning you were looking into powdercoating or anodizing.

Yea, I just have to go pick them up.. I did them in black so they would match the black bell on the water pump and the black ATI dampner.. nothing fancy..

The alum pullies were stripped, media blasted then hard annodized in black.

[4mm]

Were they originally coated in a clear powdercoat similar to March pulleys?

[Steve1968LS2]

Were they originally coated in a clear powdercoat similar to March pulleys?

They came from various sources so they had diff finishes.. that's why we media blasted them.

[roddr1968]

just wondering what is to become of the fat man fab sub frame that was under the car before???

[Steve1968LS2]

just wondering what is to become of the fat man fab sub frame that was under the car before???

It had "issues" the guy who had it cut off the mounts then re welded other ones on there.. It also has some other rough spots and needed some welding done. Sold to a guy at the shop where my car is since 1. he knows what's wrong with it and how to fix it and 2. I didn't have to try and ship it.


As for Penny:

we were supposed to do the suspension yesterday (Monday) but I was sick as a dog.. Now we have to wait till Thursday or next Tuesday (Monday = holiday).. :mad:

To rub it in the shop sent me this pic.. she was all ready :(

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Looks good shell be looking AWSOME! :thumbsup:

-Paul