Gibby's 1968 Camaro Family Ties

[gibby]

Hey everyone some of you know me because I have bought a lot of parts off here and received a lot of help from everyone on here.I have been working on my Camaro for about a year and a half I have posted on Team Camaro but due to the help I have received from everyone on here I thought I would start a build thread on here to. Let me start off by telling you why I named my car Family Ties. My Grandpa worked for GM for many years and in 1966 was promoted to the shop Foreman of the brand new Camaro plant in Norwood, Ohio.Also my Dad and uncle would work there in the summers pulling the cars off the line. Since I can remember probably about 15 or 16 years old really I have wanted a first Gen Camaro. The bummer part is that my Grandpa and Grandma have passed so they will never get to see the car. So last summer I saved some money and went on a search for a Camaro I knew that I would never get one because it seemed that everyone wanted a arm and a leg for a piece of crap. I was about to give up when I found this on Craigslist it was 1800 OBO I know rust bucket but it wasnt it was way worse. It had been in a field for 15+ years in Az good right. well I live in the mountains of AZ 7,000 feet it rains and snows a lot its a common misconception of AZ we actually have 4 ski resorts in the state. The guy had bought it to restore with his daughter and sounds like it never worked out so it sat and he was moving to Arkansas and needed it gone. Well I have never done a project before and having more time than money I went for it. While I was there I noticed a Rotesserie sitting next to the car rotting. So I offered him to buy the car if he through it in and delivered it to my house we agreed on a price and it was delivered across town. These are pictures of the day it came home.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/05b2d9e1.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/8820c4b4.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/1d2299aa.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/40c7a2c3.jpg

[gibby]

I spent a few days with the kids tearing down the Camaro and getting it on the rotisserie.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/eacb2d5f.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/47717eaf.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/a17ff934.jpg

Then the task of removing bondo started this sucked.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/c720754f.jpg
Found out that the quarters had been replaced by cutting the crap out of the old ones and then hammering the seam down and filling the quarter inch gap with bondo. The new quarter replacement were cut off an old Camaro that was beat up so all the imperfections namely the whole panel was under about a quarter inch of bondo some places more.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/2b208453.jpg

Finally on the rotisserie and there more problems were found
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/25a7271c.jpg

[gibby]

Floor looked decent until I got it on the Rotisserie and found that floor repairs had been done with a street sign and just overlapped. Decided to brace the car and get to work only problem I didn't know how to weld and didn't have a welder so it put my car on hold for over 6 months. One of my buddies who is a member here said lets start trading work days on our cars and I will teach you how to weld. So then my wife surprised me with a welder for Christmas and I started to practice with Nik. We got the floor and toe panels replaced toe panels looked good but they where loaded full of bondo to cover the rust holes.

http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/108b0d4a.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/4f0fd8e8.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/89fbd213.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0076.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0084.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0091.jpg

[gibby]

So after I dug in and removed the right quarter I noticed how the tailpan was a nice shape of bondo, under it a rusted mangled mess. So I dug into the left side and found it to was a bad patch job so off it came. I found a sock shoved in a rust hole and bondo over the top. As well as both wheel tubs so i decided to tub it with the Dynacorn wide tubs they had just made for the 68. Wish I had the money for DSE there was a lot of fit issues but we got it.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0020.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0021-1.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0080-1.jpg
So the clean up began and I POR 15 Silver with metal flake on everything dont ever want rust again. Found some rust under the quarter support so I patched it
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0087.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0130.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0079-1.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0081.jpg

[gibby]

Sorry for posting so fast just trying to get the post up to the point where I am now. I also found that while I was pulling the 1/4's off, the trunk looked like it had cardboard put under it and liquid bondo poured into the trunk to cover the roton floor. Also the trunk drop offs where totaled, rusted and cut by the hack job with the 1/4's.

http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0062-1.jpg
I cut out the roton part and measured the new pan to fit.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0065.jpg
I put the new piece in by myself so I had to be inventive but it worked.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0073-2.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0071.jpg
Found a rusted bumper supprt took it off and found the floor under was rusted out.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0064-1.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0131.jpg

[ProTouring442]

Cool project!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[gibby]

So on to the wheel tubs I used Dynacorns wide wheel wells honestly if I could have afforded the DSE I would have preferd it. This is such a budget build every penny helps.
So I started by making my own template to get the cut the right shape. I took black construction paper and white sidewalk chalk and colored the outline of the shape of the floor.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0108.jpg
This a pic of my buddy Nik who is also a member here I believe its Nikwho is his screen name. I cant say enough about him he is the reason my car is where it is. So Thank you Nik. This was our how we cut the tub to match the floor.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0119.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0120.jpg

This was the first try at fitment realized it was hitting the support so we cut it where it needed to be.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0115.jpg
This is the tub in had to cut because at this point didnt want to cut my frame but now have decided to due to the new suspension that we are designing. more on that later.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0116.jpg
Here it is all welded in
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0114.jpg
We have made adjustments to these last week when they are done I will post them.These are from 6 months ago Like I said trying to play catchup in the right order. I cut about 1 1/2 inches off the brace and rewelded it got a little crazy with the por15.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0118.jpg

[strtcar]

Nice build. Are you going to add any supports, with most that back half gone id be scared with the body on the rotisserie that thing will sag.

[G-Body]

It never stops amazing me the extant people go through to own a camaro!
Wow amazing work good luck!

[Track Junky]

Outstanding effort Gibby!! :thumbsup:

[elitecustombody]

It never stops amazing me the extant people go through to own a camaro!
Wow amazing work good luck!

You haven't seen Mopar guys:lol:

OP, next time use Rust Bullet instead of POR15

[gibby]

I got the trunk pan mostly grinded enough that I could start putting the back half together.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0133.jpg
I welded the new trunk extension on.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0134.jpg
Then started to fit the quarters there were some fitment issues but a little cutting and welding got it fixed.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0140.jpghttp://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0139.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0138.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0137.jpg
I cut some of the tabs and had to adjust the weather strip channel but it fit perfect after that.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0141.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0142.jpg
Had to use tie downs to pull all the body gaps together.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0162.jpg
Then I welded all the body seams in the tailpan and 1/4's here are some pics of the tailpan.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0229-1.jpg

[gibby]

Nice build. Are you going to add any supports, with most that back half gone id be scared with the body on the rotisserie that thing will sag.

I was worried to after I did it and added support from the frame to the weather channel were the hinges connect and also took it off the rotisserie and supported the frame. As you see in the next pics it didn't sag at all. It was a learning experience and I am glad it didn't hurt anything.

[gibby]

So after many months of body work I took a break and started on the frame and suspension. Also worked a few days on my buddies 67 GTO.
I replaced the body mounts on the frame mine were so rusted and wallowed out. I also welded the frame solid and ground down all the factory welds and splatter.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0203.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0205.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0225-1.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0204.jpg

Then I painted it with Eastwood 2k with ceramic this tuff is so thick dont shoot it through a gun you care about it takes forever to clean and still cant get it all.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0238.jpg
So I sold my motorcycle and went shopping on Lateral-g
I picked up my front coilovers from Bill Fadden his buddy posted them for him.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0223-1.jpg
I bought CPP uppers and stock lowers with CPP ball joints and Energy Suspension Bushings. Ran all grade 8 bolts with advise from mild2wild.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0241.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0240.jpg

[kmdracer]

WOW!!! That's a lot of patching. Kudos for taking it on, Hope you make it to the finish!

[gibby]

WOW!!! That's a lot of patching. Kudos for taking it on, Hope you make it to the finish!

Thank you it is slowly coming together I think its more of a money issue than time but I will keep plugging away.

[gibby]

We are almost caught up to where I am now just finished the frame today. Installed the CPP sway bar and just painted and installed the spindles waiting for my brakes to come in.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0252.jpghttp://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0251.jpg

Yesterday I shaved my own firewall used left over metal from the old floor welded in the bolt holes and grinded it smooth, also found a ton of rust in the dashboard cut it off ordered a new one that didn't have all the holes in it so I can smooth the dash. Don't know if I am going to make my own dashboard or leave it metal. I kinda like the look of the shaved metal.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0248.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0250.jpg

It was kinda late when I finished the dash so the pictures aren't that great.
Before with the holes in the dash.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/108b0d4a.jpg
Dash off had a lot of patch work forgot to take pictures.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0019.jpg
New dash
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0247.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0246.jpg

[gibby]

I picked up my tires a couple weeks ago from Gaetano Cosentina AKA trackjunky.Thank you very much for your help.Put the front fender on to see how they fit. Just motivates you a little more to see it like this.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0230.jpg

Back view they seam to fit great had about 1/4 inch to play with. I was a little nervous when I got them they looked so wide I thought no way but it was a perfect fit.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0232-1.jpg

[gibby]

It never stops amazing me the extant people go through to own a camaro!
Wow amazing work good luck!

Well I have wanted a Camaro all my life and everyone wants a arm and a leg for them so to even get a decent one would cost me more than i have in all the metal and suspension. I will tell you my next car will not go this way. My buddies GTO had no rust and it is already where mine is and about a year faster. It is unreal the price people ask for Camaro's, supply and demand I guess.

[Track Junky]

I picked up my tires a couple weeks ago from Gaetano Cosentina AKA trackjunky.Thank you very much for your help.Put the front fender on to see how they fit. Just motivates you a little more to see it like this.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0230.jpg

Back view they seam to fit great had about 1/4 inch to play with. I was a little nervous when I got them they looked so wide I thought no way but it was a perfect fit.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0232-1.jpg

Happy to hear the tires are going to work out for you. Progress is going great!!

[gibby]

Spent most of the day cleaning up welds and putting the gas tank supports in finished up the trunk area, shooting to have the bottom sprayed by next week.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0254.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0255.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0256.jpg

[gibby]

So I decided to finish my mini tub I didn't want to cut my frame but now that I am designing my own 4 link there will only be trunk weight to support so I went ahead and cut it. It took about 2 hours to get it done I have to finish up the front of the tub but this is what I have so far.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0260.jpg

I have some grinding to do in the front but my grinding wheel broke last night and I thought it was a good time to quit.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0259.jpg

[KPC67]

I think you will be happy you made the extra room. Keep on it:thumbsup:

[gibby]

i got the wheel tubs all buttoned up a little more grinding to do but I am on the home stretch. I finished up all the welds on the floor and under the trunk and my big milestone was actually pulling some of the supports off. I actually have a car back.
I used some of the original sail panels to cover up the cut tubs. Just a little piece of history back in the car.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0261.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0262.jpg

http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0263.jpg

[gibby]

Today I got all the welds cleaned up, tubs primed and the trunk welds skim coated sanded and POR 15 over the whole trunk.

http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0269.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0270.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0272.jpg

[gibby]

I also got my new brake rotors and hubs in took a quick pic need to pu all the new bearings in though.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0268.jpg

[elitecustombody]

Two words, Rust Bullet. You're asking for problems down the road with POR

[gibby]

Two words, Rust Bullet. You're asking for problems down the road with POR

It is not really POR 15 its Eastwood Encapsulator just didnt want to spell it all out. Why do you say that about POR 15 just out of curiosity? I did use it under the quarters after I cleaned them up.

[gibby]

I welded in the seat mounts today and finished welding the tail panel found a couple spots I forgot. Sanded the bottom and got it in primer ready to shoot upol tomorrow.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0274.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0275.jpg

[gibby]

Today was kinda cold but I wanted to get my u pol sprayed before I went to work for the next 48 hours and lost my window on the primer but it was so cold today. I put a heater in the garage for hours and finally got it to 70 degrees so out came the u pol I sprayed the bottom and up the base of the firewall to the line and around the tranny tunnel. I also had one bottle left so I sprayed the trunk area. This stuff lays down so easy and it looks like Line X bed liner. I would definitely use this on all my projects.

http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0279.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0276.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0277.jpg

[gibby]

My buddy came over today we got the subframe on and the driver door, it is some what close we thought it would be wise to wait until all the front metal was on to finish but its close. We also lowered the car to find the right hight but I think it needs to go about 1 1/2 " lower to where the wheels almost tuck in. It harder on the 68 but well worth it when its right.

http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0308.jpg
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab263/mlgibby/IMAG0309.jpg

[DIGI-TAILS]

:thumbsup:

[68vert]

nice progress man. Keep it up!