Mr. Brownstone - 69 PT Camaro

[Richio1]

My story starts like so many others and follows a similar path encountering many of the same obstacles that many of you have along the journey to building our cars. As with most, my passion for muscle cars started back in high school where I owned a couple of hot rodded bowties and an awesome 66 Galaxie 500 convertible which took me through college. God I loved that car… so many good times were had in all of them; cruising, street racing, auto shop class and the weekly grudge match races out at Sears Point.

Then real life happened after graduation and hot rods became compact cars, luxury sedans and SUV’s. Once the career was established, I found the right woman, was done having kids and settled down it was time to reignite the fire that had been smoldering for many years while I was getting my sh*t together.

Well about 4 years ago now I was able to pull the trigger and picked up a really nice 69 Camaro badged as a Z/28. She was a beautiful black with white rally’s, had deluxe houndstooth interior with a good start on the suspension including 4 wheel disc brakes and Hotchkis drop spring. The 350 was solid but with the TH350 and a 3.42 12 bolt it was slow out of the hole and around town.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Daddyscoolcars-40.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camarointerior.jpg


The car came with records and receipts dating back about 15 years so I had an idea of how it got to its current state. The paint was a great 5 footer… had some checking in the lacquer paint and some rust over both rear wheel wells. Soon the itch and inability to leave well enough alone took over and I started checking in to what it would cost to fix the rust and checking.

After doing some poking around at a few shops around the Bay Area and Sacramento I landed at West Coast Auto Craft. I hit it off with Chris & Jared who, at any given time, had 15 – 20 muscle cars in various stages of builds. They were mainly a metal and body shop but could handle all the other aspects as well so I was confident they could give me what I wanted.

What started as a 3 month simple repaint project back in November 2009 turned into a 6 month job, then 12 months, now 2 years this week… and hoping for completion before Autorama in Sacramento this February. So, on my 2 year anniversary of sending my baby off for some TLC I finally got around to getting the build chronicled to share with you all and to provide some much needed therapy for me.

After blasting the car it was recommended to replace both quarters, the trunk pan and tail panel. While we were in there might as well minitub it and replace the damaged frame rails too. So it’s not entirely their fault that it has taken this long as the project has evolved along the way as so many do… although they have not been overly “diligent” either...


So... since I am starting a build thread I guess there needs to be a project name. But what’s in a name? Does a car or project really have to have a name? If you post a build thread it seems you have to come up with some clever or not so clever but catchy name, right? I don’t know but I think I read that thread on here too. :lol: All the real cool cars seem to have one...

So the other day I was driving home from work, thinking about my car, of course, and Guns N Roses came on… and wouldn’t you know it, there it was, Mr. Brownstone. And then it hit me, my car & this PT thing is my Mr. Brownstone… “it keeps knocking and just won’t leave me alone”. Cant ya hear Axle singing it now? “Because you just gotta have a little and the little wouldn't do it so the little got more and more… just keep trying to get a little better than before”.

Well, I can’t tell you how many countless hours I have spent on these forums, on vendor websites and ebay researching and reading. I haven’t missed a GG show in years and drool all over myself at all the autocross events. I am so jealous reading about the road trips and great times you guys are having at all these events. God I can’t wait to get my car back!!!!!

I am totally addicted to this PT stuff! Addicted, is that the right word? I don't know... Do you feel the same way?

As defined by Mr. Webster… Addicted -To become compulsively and physiologically dependent on a habit-forming substance or activity. Addict - a person who is addicted to an activity, habit, or substance.

Synonyms
1. devotee; fanatic; junkie

Seems to me that there are a few of us on these forums that fit this description.

So now that you know the back story lets see some pictures.

Started with this - love the belt drive BTW

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Daddyscoolcars-02.jpg

Ended with this - a little 383 stroker

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/motor.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/PICT0011.jpg

At break in it dynoed 470HP and 515TQ ... a definite improvement

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/DaddysCamaro001resized.jpg

That was about all that I did the first 2 years I had her... besides a new fuel tank and lines (the old one must of been original and was pretty beat up) I also swapped out the de-arched leafs for Hotchkis drop leafs and rebuilt a couple dead QA1 shocks. I also added CPP tubular control arms which raised the front 3/8 of an inch.????

I drove her all I could and won a couple awards at some local shows. But then, as I mentioned above, and thanks to many of you who inspired me, I couldnt leave well enough alone and decided to kill the rust and fix the paint problems.

Tare down
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/IMG_1479.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/IMG_1480.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/IMG_1481.jpg

Back from the blaster

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0374-2.jpg

While replacing the tank and leafs I noticed one of the framerails had a lot of undercoating on it. After scrapping it off it was evident that it had been straightened and the damage had been hidden nicely by the undercoating. Bastards! there was even a crack all the way around it that was filled with the undercoating. When I bought the car it wasnt visible as it was right behind the shock and well disguised. This picture shows where she was hit.

With that and the rust over the fender wells it was decided to replace both quaters since the truck was pretty much toast. I knew something was repaired since one quater lip was a 1/4" higher than the other when measuring ground to fender lip. The frame rail and body damage explained it and I'm sure it lead to the trunk not sealing properly causing the rust.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/March2009062.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/March2009061.jpg

So the start of the "evolving" project... since we were going to basically have the back half of the car off we might as well minitub it right? So new quarters, trunk, valance, tail panel and frame rails went in along with a set of DSE minitubs.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/DSC01614.jpg

Unfortunetly all of the good pictures of the panel replacements were lost by the builders. (Camera issues) Above you can see the driver side wheel well out and the new quater on the passenger side.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/DSC01613-1-1.jpg

All the new sheet metal back on. It only took about 4 months to get to this point.

[Richio1]

Mock up with the wheels for rear end measurements

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/progress.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/progress1.jpg

As you can see the Rated X's will fit Nicely. Once we had the rearend out I did some research on the numbers. Come to find out it was out of a Chevelle and the upper control arm brackets had been cut off and ground down. Another nice little surprise. So that led to the next decision... suspension. I have always loved the the look of a slammed 69 so I decided to swap out the suspension and go with AirRide. Since I was going to have to shorten the rearend to accommodate the back space I wanted on the wheels I decided to just get a Moser setup from Frank at Prodigy with all the bracketry already in place.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/DSC_0598.jpg

Nice set up and I found a guy who wanted the date code rearend I had for his Chevelle and was willing to weld on the missing brakets who paid me more than half of what this one cost. (This has been a constant theme through my project. I have been able to sell the parts I am replacing, in most cases, for at least half of what the replacents cost). I ordered the Moser from Frank... having to deal with some of his "delays" that you have likely read about... and finally got it about 6 weeks later.

I got the AirRide setup through Matts Classic Bowties out here in the Bay Area. These guys are awesome!!!!! I know some of you think Frank walks on water and I know he has helped a lot of you out, shoot he's helped me with advice too which I appreciate... but the "shipping issues" where too concerning for me being 3000 miles away. So, for us left coasters, I've found the team at Matt's is just as resourceful, competitively priced and they stock most of the parts they sell which is way more convenient.

More updates and pics tomorrow night...

[Ron in SoCal]

About time Jeff! Keep going Sir....:thumbsup:

[CornHusker4Life]

I Love the white Houndstooth Interior:thumbsup:

[Rybar]

Awesome build, thanks for posting.

So what are the plans for the build? Front suspension, engine, trans or are you keeping the 383 and stock subframe? At any rate it looks good. :thumbsup:

Thanks for insight on Matt's Classic Bowties. :yes:

[jy211]

nothing like pissing gasoline on a fire

[cencalc6]

Great Story and Build :cheers:

[gibby]

Great project and name, I do believe you picked the perfect name because you just gotta have a little and the little wouldn't do it so the little got more and more just keep trying to get a little better. Yes the great axle rose

[coolwelder62]

Very Cool.:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Scott M.

[Richio1]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I Love the white Houndstooth Interior:thumbsup:

I do too. I fell in love with the car as soon as I saw it. The interior was in perfect shape and really looked great with the black with white rallys.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro0909012.jpg

I even upgraded to the TMI Sport buns & covers which are a great upgrade for someone wanting to keep it looking kinda stock.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0975.jpg
Awesome build, thanks for posting.

So what are the plans for the build? Front suspension, engine, trans or are you keeping the 383 and stock subframe? At any rate it looks good. :thumbsup:

Thanks for insight on Matt's Classic Bowties. :yes:

Ahhhh thats a tuff question. Like with most builds it started off with just a couple mods then snow balled. Cost being a big factor I am focused on the most bang for my budget. I will stay with the 383 as its a good strong motor. Planned on a TKO600 but not in the budget anymore. Just swapped some parts for a rebuilt M20 so atleast I will be able to bang gears now. I know I will likely blow it up eventually but I had to get rid of the TH350. Stock sub with full AirRide. Baer T4 and SS4's. VA and a bunch of bolt ons...

As for Matt's - Long time sponsors on the forums - MCB is their logo. With being in sales myself I know just how important customer service is pre and post sale. Nothing worse then not getting a call back after you pay for something, right? My personal experience with them has been great. When I am treated well I make sure to let people know. They are a retail supplier not a builder so they stock much of what they sell or always have orders coming in which means you get the items faster. Only down side is having to pay sales tax.

nothing like pissing gasoline on a fire
It is what it is... enough said

[Richio1]

So as I left off... got the car back from the blaster. Hung all the sheet metal and ready for gap alignment, panel fitment and body work. Fortunetly all the metal from the doors forward is original and in great shape.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0580.jpg

Mounted all the suspension and rearend. Have stock spindles on there now but have Heidts 1.5" drop spindles ready and waiting if stance isnt just right.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0578.jpg

Sprayed first coat of poly. First of what has been many coats of poly... as you will soon see.

After reading Renners posts I made sure to use some of that killer "Gap Spray". Worked out great :thumbsup:

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/photo412.jpg

Fast forward a few months... after more delays... The blocking is under way and we finally got to see her with the new shoes on, all aired out. I am going with the Marquez front valance. I also got one of their first production front bumpers. You'll see that in a bit

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/Camaro0101-1.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/camaro004-1.jpg

[Richio1]

So I went up to WCAC to check in and see how things have been coming along and bring my rear seat to measure for cuts to fit with the mini tubs.

Wouldnt you know it, my damn builder has been painting some other guys car instead of working on mine. Just kidding John (John510 with the Bloodline project) His 68 just got shot in black and looks awesome. I am happy to see another one in color and now that John's shot it means mine is next :unibrow:

So as most projects go changes happen along the way. As mentioned before I had the white houndstooth interior which was in great shape. Well in staying with the theme of changing my mind I went from these

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0978.jpg

to these.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro%20stuff/sportseat-265.png

My initial build plan was to shoot it in black with the white rally's again and keep it as a Z/28 clone but that changed too so now the white wont work.

After having the seats stripped and the new TMI buns and covers installed, which looked awesome by the way, I had the covers removed and went with the black. Kim @ Matt's came to my rescue again and found another builder from Oregon who buys all his stuff from them to take the white set off my hands. Ended up only being a $180 set back.

Thanks to "redz" for posting this awesome thread on how to narrow a 69 back seat to fit with DSE tubs... http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=28606 These pics and overview were perfect. I just needed to double check before we cover them.




So as the project has morphed we have decided on a few subtle and not so subtle body mods. The subtle included:
Weld the lower fenders
Fill the side markers, door locks, antenna
Remove fender trim, rocker trim and gills (basically all chrome)
Marquez valence
RS grille conversion with DSE motors
tuck rear bumper
razor sharp body lines

Then there are the not so subtle:
one off rear spoiler
front bumper and grille

Since I was going with the the Marques valence I decided I needed one of their new endura bumpers. While at a GG show I talked with Judas about the one on their car and he mentioned they were going to be producing them. I think I got the first or second one. There were no brackets or mounting points which made it a little more challenging but I just had to have it since the lines are so sharp and fit perfectly with the rest of the cars lines. I wanted it tucked real tight. Here are a few picks before and after the mods to it.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0971.jpg

Below you can see the fit. Pretty good but stuck out too far for me and wasnt flush on the sides like I wanted... but again, nice sharp lines.

The fit to the lower grille and fenders. Not bad but I wanted mine tight and to flow together like a modern car does now.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0970.jpg

I'm sure you also noticed the additional stock welded all around the nose. Chris welded a 3/8" piece of stock to achieve a couple things... bring the edge out and in to make the bumper fit better and to help hide the grille shroud that always seems to fit so crappy and looks all wavy.

So a little slicing, dicing and glassing was needed to get all the lines to line up and tuck tight.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/photo2.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/photo3.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/photo5.jpg

And we are just about there...
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/photo-1.jpg
I will tell you, Chris has at least 40 hrs in the bumper with cutting, glassing and fabrication mounting brackets. Here are a couple of it finished. I love how sharp it is.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/camarodec016.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/camarodec015.jpg

Then there is the rear spoiler. I wanted to do something a little different and keep it subtle. I really like the flush mount look so Chris went to work removing the base to get it flush and rework it entirely. Now it is about the size of a second gen (about 1/2 as tall as stock). It looks great.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/rearspoilerflushfit.jpg
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/tail-1.jpg

Next time we get into what Chris is doing with the grille...

[Ron in SoCal]

Hey Jeff....car looks great! Love the clean execution and all the body mods. :thumbsup: :hail: I also thought about killing the side markrer lights, but living in Cali felt that was a conversation w Johnnie Law waiting to happen.

[Richio1]

Hey Jeff....car looks great! Love the clean execution and all the body mods. :thumbsup: :hail: I also thought about killing the side markrer lights, but living in Cali felt that was a conversation w Johnnie Law waiting to happen.

Yeah I hear ya Ron... rolling the dice and hoping for the best. I guess when I tint the front windows too I'll really be asking for it.

I had originally purchased the Anvil Phantom side markers and was going to paint them body color to hide them but when I decided to not paint it black again I bagged that plan and just filled them in.

So someone who has already filled them in and gotten a fix it ticket needs to come up with (or share) a creative temporary fix before I have my conversation with Mr. Po Po. Ideas are welcomed...

[CornHusker4Life]

I almost threw up when I read that you switched from white houndstooth to black:(

[CornHusker4Life]

The car will look sick either way:thumbsup:

[Richio1]

I almost threw up when I read that you switched from white houndstooth to black:(

I know... I love the white too but the white doesn't go with the new color scheme so I had to change to black.

[Richio1]

Here are some pics of the RS custom grille conversion. I have always loved the RS front ends so I was adamant about having that as part of my build. I ordered the complete kit with the DSE motors almost 2 years ago. Well as the project progressed Chris kept planting seeds about modifying it... a little. Well after wearing me down I gave in allowing him free reign to let the creative thoughts flow.

He kept telling me about how he had always wanted to sink the grille back a couple more inches to give it greater depth. Me being a very visual person just couldn't see it the way he did so it led us to Keith Kaucher to have him do a rendering for us about a year ago. Once I saw it I was "all in" and the further it comes along the more I am liking it. Chris just finished the Pullmax tooling this week so the metal will be formed in the next week or two.

So here is a picture of how it looked with the stock grille as a reference

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/photo2.jpg

The start of the fiberglassing of the outer shroud

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/grillefab.jpg

With the RS buckets and doors recessed back he had to cut the core support and build boxes for them to sit into. Here is the back side where the battery would be

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/camarodec020-1.jpg

Front with the box visable to the right of the door where is will rest when open.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/camarodec021-1.jpg

With the the doors open in the box

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/DDEA5DCB-A5AA-4759-88E4-52A59140658C-1.jpg

Here you can see how much the shroud has been deepened. He needs to fabricate the grille before determining where it will sit.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/032F3CDC-B387-4F95-816F-E492D75366C4-1.jpg

Playing around with a some cardboard. Just wait, It's going to look awesome.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/5D320770-E31D-4C6A-8834-E48BEE49410B-1.jpg

[Richio1]

As I mentioned earlier, I inteded to paint the car black again but along the way Chris, once again, planted seeds but this time of other colors. We discussed the new Chevy Cyber Grey, bright red and a variation of the LeMans blue... all of which would have looked great with the white houndstooth but we decided to go with a brilliant silver. I have always loved the Cortez silver 69's so it had always been in the back of my mind and was easy to get excited about... especially after owning a black car... If you know what I mean.

After being presented with the idea I did some poking around as I knew I had seen some killer silver 69s and came across this one that Kenny Davis did. Coincidentally it has the Rated X's too.

Plus the silver will really accentuate the level of detail Chris and Jared went to with the body lines. I really think these guys have OCD. I have never seen lines so sharp as they are on my car. More about that later...

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/camp_1007_02_o1969_chevy_camaro_zl1left_side.jpg

I love these wheels... but of course, the ones I have wont stay looking like this because that would be too easy :willy: Chris will put his touch on those too in keeping with the build theme.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Rushforthratedxbrushed.jpg

Here is a blown up view of the front end. I show this because I just noticed, coincidentally, another builder came up with the same front spoiler. Great creative minds think alike. It is amazing how close they apprear. I want to get it out there that mine isnt a copy. Below is a rough scetch Chris sent me about a year ago. Keith did a great job capturing it in the rendering and adding the crease in the center. No wonder they came up with the same concept, it looks killer and they build some increadible cars :thumbsup:

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/zxcvxcvxc.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/miscpics8-11017.jpg

[Bryan O]

...So as most projects go changes happen along the way. Well in staying with the theme of changing my mind I....

It's just you Jeff. Most of us stick to the script. Personally, I never changed my mind. Not once. :rofl:

Great write up on your build. :thumbsup: Keep it coming.

Let us know how that Moser works out for you.

[Richio1]

Thanks Bryan. Love your build!

Sure would be cheaper to if we all just stuck to the plan...:lol:

[Richio1]

Been working on the dash.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/CopyofCamaro019.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/b96bccd0.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro004-1.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro005-1.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Camaro009.jpg

Dash will be painted satin black

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Pics029.jpg

[tones2SS]

Great looking dash. Those gauges will look killer with the satin black finish.

[Bryan O]

Been working on the dash. Dash will be painted satin black.

Oh yeah. :thumbsup:

Love the entire setup. Course I'm a little biased. :lol:

[Richio1]

Well its been a couple months so its time for an update... in this case, more of a lack there of, an update. Builder hasnt spent much time on my car. Family health issues and he says he blew up the bit on his Pullmax forming my grille.

Very frustrating as we all know! I'm going to do a drop by visit on Monday to see whats up and encourage him to get back on it.

So in the mean time I have been working on my rear seat making the necessary modifications for the minitubs. Followed these instructions from Redz which worked out perfectly. http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=28606

Ready to take it in to be covered

[Bucketlist2012]

How did i miss this Build ??

Incredible work and car..:cheers:

[Thumpt]

So what siver exactly did you go with? Was it the cortez silver or a diiferent silver. Love the so far by the way. :cheers:

[Lenie]

Great look dash,where'd you get you lights and wiper controls?

[waynieZ]

The dash looks great I love the switches.

[Richio1]

Great look dash,where'd you get you lights and wiper controls?

They are RideTech

[Richio1]

Well its time for an update... and again there isnt much to update. Its been 3 more months with little progress much to my frustration. We are still creeping along with the grille which is the "reason" for the delayed progress... more on that below.

I have wired my dash though. Thanks to these forums I found several examples of how others have organized their dashes. In the picture below you can see the printouts I used. This is my first attempt at wiring anything so I am hoping for the best. The AAW kit is great.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/pics032.jpg

I think it turned out ok

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-04-22_16-48-25_331.jpg

Props to Jay, aka - Jamess113, for the lead on where to get the 3 prong connectors for the Autometer guages. Way cheaper than from AAW. For anyone else looking for them here you go. http://www.delcity.net/store/Wire-Co...Quick-Splices


Now for an update on what has come to be the "Grille from hell" to me. My builder kept telling me he always wanted to do a recessed grille on a 69 (as I mentioned earlier in the thread). I was reluctant not being able to see or understand what he was describing until we had a rendering done. Once I could see it I wanted it so I gave him the green light. Knowing it would take some custom fab work I was prepared for a little delay. Maybe a month or two max... well that was more than 7 months ago now.

With what I see the other shops around here doing in 7 months it is killing me and has me second guessing if I should have even done it.

Whats worse is nothing else is being done while waiting for the grille to get done. Its not that it is that hard it is just him spending the necessary time on it to get it done. Once the grille is done he will finish the paint prep, blow it apart, then shoot it.

I know it is a little hard to tell by this piece of the redering but it will give an idea of what we are after. Oh, and the reason I havent posted the rendering (that I have had for over a year and half now) is because you know how it goes, once its out there, there will be others just like it. So for now it is staying under wraps and thankfully so. If I would of posted it when I got it who knows how many others would of been completed by now... while I am waiting on this damn grille... :lolhit:

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Picture1-1.jpg


We are using perforated metal for the back and the cross bars. We had expanded metal but it didnt look as good.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/grillephoto1.jpg

He used his Pullmax to form the cross bars. The first bit he made didnt cut it so he had to have a longer/larger one made so it would keep its form and alignment. They look really cool in person.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/grillephoto2.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/photo3-1.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/photo2-1.jpg

To his credit, I am really digging it and cant wait to see it in the car. I also know it has been very time consumming welding the cross bars to the back support with all those little holes. As of today (he is out of town again for a few days... major part of the reason it is taking so long) but he claims he has one more day on the grille then a day of firberglass work on the surround and it is ready to mount.

So if history repeats it self I should have another update by the end of summer... LOL...

[Bryan O]

Jeff,

Make sure you have real intense bright LEDs for those gauges. They won't light up the gauges sufficiently if they are not real bright. I've got to replace mine so that's how I know. :mad:

Bryan

[Richio1]

Jeff,

Make sure you have real intense bright LEDs for those gauges. They won't light up the gauges sufficiently if they are not real bright. I've got to replace mine so that's how I know. :mad:

Bryan

Thanks Bryan - let me know what you come up with so I can upgrade before I install the dash. Does Autometer offer a replacement or are you looking elsewhere?

[IMPALA MAN]

Any chance you still have your old rear quarters laying around? I need the artificial vent sections right in front of the rear wheels. I am grafting them into my project car. How much? If you woudl cut the section out we wouldn't have to ship the entire quarters, just two maybe 2' x2' sections.
PM me if you are interested.
Thanks!!

[Richio1]

Sorry those are long gone. Good luck with your search.

[DFRESH]

Dude, the gap spray paid off big time. Where did you buy your "Grill" spray from?

Sweet execution all the way around--love all the mods. Can't imagine waiting like you are---the progress must make you feel great when it happens.

I like the change you made on the seats---white looked great, but you are right--it would not work with your new color combo---black with the inserts on those seats will look killer in the car. Did you mention what you will be using for a trans?

Renner (spelled backwards and forwards--it's the same) :lol:

[Richio1]

Dude, the gap spray paid off big time. Where did you buy your "Grill" spray from?

Sweet execution all the way around--love all the mods. Can't imagine waiting like you are---the progress must make you feel great when it happens.

I like the change you made on the seats---white looked great, but you are right--it would not work with your new color combo---black with the inserts on those seats will look killer in the car. Did you mention what you will be using for a trans?

Renner (spelled backwards and forwards--it's the same) :lol:

Dougy Fresh - I found a secret stash of that special gap spray just out side Humoldt. You know, that sticky NorCal kind that really tightens things up.

Who knows maybe my builder isn't wearing a mask when spraying that stuff and is getting too sleepy ( and hungry ) which is causing some of the build delays.

As for the seats, got the rear welded up and is sitting at the upholstery shop. He is in no rush since the builder isnt. I think I have smelled some of the gap spray at the upholstery shop too. Maybe it's Super Tight Stitch Spray???

As for the tranny. I am dumping the TH350 and planned on a TKO600 but being in cash preservation mode in case my builder doesn't perform and I need to go elsewhere to get it done I have pulled the trigger on a rebuilt M20. Got the whole setup minus flywheel for $800.

It'll do until I blow it up then have to upgrade the tranny :wow: the 2 pedal is just not fun enough so a Muncie is better than nothin for now.

I can't wait to get it done and be able to get out and play with you guys.

[Richio1]

Its be 2 more months... time for an update.

Well he finally got the grille finished. Dont have any good pics to share but am going to the shop tomorrow so I will hopefully be able to shoot a few.

My car is now over in the body shop for final paint prep. They pulled the front clip and are finishing up the firewall.

"Should be" in the paint booth early next week. (fingers crossed)

I was really pushing to get to GG West Coast Nats. in 5 weeks. We will see if he can pul it off and get the car in and out of paint so we can get it assembled.

Praying for a Miracle :D

[DOOM]

Jeff its looking BADAZZ!! :faint:

[John510]

Jeff, how was the WCAC visit?

[Richio1]

Jeff, how was the WCAC visit?

Good, Chris had Juan and his team working on her when I got there. One guy was preping the underside of the hood, another was working on the trunk lid and Juan was finishing the grille surround. Front clip came off yesterday and they are working on the firewall today.

Chris say he will have it in the paint booth by the middle/end of next week.

Unfortunetly there was nothing worth while to snap pics of.

Your interior looks awesome. I love how the dash pad turned out and the Screamin Performance kickpanels look sweet covered in leather. Now I'm thinking I need some of those.

We were talking about hood latch options since there is no opening in the grille to access the lever to pop it and I think I am going to have to go with the Screamin Performance set up he has so I may need to add a set of those kickpanels too. Only problem is I plan on running the Vintage Air hoses through the fresh air and blower hole so I would have to cut the closeout can.

[DFRESH]

Post up pics of it when you can. Looking forward to seeing the progess that's been made. Let's plan for June GG 2013 to be at the Auto Cross. We will road trip down--would like to see it in person.

Dub Fresh

[Richio1]

Post up pics of it when you can. Looking forward to seeing the progess that's been made. Let's plan for June GG 2013 to be at the Auto Cross. We will road trip down--would like to see it in person.

Dub Fresh

Yeah that would be awesome. We can get John510 too with his awesome 68. Maybe he can even hook us up with some killer pizza pie... Right John

I'd love to get down to Del Mar this fall. We'll play it by ear. Need to make sure she is all sorted out before a road trip like that.

[John510]

Maybe he can even hook us up with some killer pizza pie... Right John




Pizzas on me!!! My store is like 8 minutes from the Pleasanton Fairgrounds.

[DFRESH]

Pizzas on me!!! My store is like 8 minutes from the Pleasanton Fairgrounds.

Seriously? Man--let's plan on that for sure! June of next year--Road Trip to Pleasanton. Maybe Jason's car will also be ready to go---if he can stop fabricating stuff for it.

You guys just have to finish up the cars--easy right? :lol:

D

[Richio1]

Seriously? Man--let's plan on that for sure! June of next year--Road Trip to Pleasanton. Maybe Jason's car will also be ready to go---if he can stop fabricating stuff for it.

You guys just have to finish up the cars--easy right? :lol:

D

If either of our cars aren't done by next June I think we will kill somebody. :evil:

[Lenie]

Pizzas on me!!! My store is like 8 minutes from the Pleasanton Fairgrounds.

Now there's my motivation!:D

[Richio1]

From this...

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-07-29_15-07-57_749.jpg


to this... in just about an hour.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-07-29_17-18-34_2.jpg

Turned out pretty good. I used the OER interior paint.

[Ron in SoCal]

De-Lux...:cheers:

[waynieZ]

It came out great nice work.

[John510]

If you head back up to the shop can look for my car?. It went back up there Monday to get the interior put in.

[Richio1]

So its been a few more weeks and our goal to have it at the GG West Coast Nats is another miss. Why cant these damn body and paint guys tell the truth? It always take 3 times as long to do something as they tell me it is going to. They are making progress but all the little stuff I was riding him to do while working on the grille has proved to be taking way longer than expected.

Over the past 3 weeks the body guys have smoothed the fire wall, removed the wiper arm holes in the cowl, preped the DSE dash and are massaging all the gaps in final prep for paint.

When I asked them to "clean up" the fire wall I was expecting something like this. (a friends car)

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-08-17_14-32-01_571.jpg

Just weld in the DSE plate and clean up all the holes, wiper motor, etc.

Well I ended up with this

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-08-09_14-34-26_470.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-08-09_14-34-38_769.jpg

Ended up being a lot more detailed then I expected but I guess it is better to be nicer than not nice enough. The only issue I have is they spent a week on it. Sure looks killer though. Too bad all the hard work of cutting out the wrinkles will be mostly hidden by the motor.

So we are getting much closer to paint. Dare I say maybe by the end of the month? Interestingly no one has inquired about seeing the rendering yet.

Remaining to do proir to paint is: drill holes for the door wire looms, trim the rear quarter panels so the tires dont rub, seam seal, improve the fitment of the Fesler tail lights and massage the rear bumper some more. I am not satisfied with the fitment. Its not tight enough so I would like to see them tuck it in a little more.

Heading up to the shop on Monday to do some suspension work. More to follow afterwards.

[Al Moreno]

Nice progress! OK, I'll bite, can you post the rendering? :D

[John510]

Nice!

[Richio1]

Nice progress! OK, I'll bite, can you post the rendering? :D

Well thanks for playing along Al... so here she is :woot:



Having this rendering for almost 2 years now and keeping it to my self has been killing me. I have wanted to post it in my build thread but needed to wait until we were ready for paint. Chris my body & paint guy, Keith Kaucher and I swore we would all keep it under wraps for fear of others running with our ideas. Over the past 2.5 years there have been a couple other 69's that have had some similar cues, but there is still plenty of originality.

So now that we are this close to paint, it's time.



http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/front_view_render_4MP.jpg

Keith did an awesome job with the rendering to help us visualize what we wanted. He was very patient, going back and forth with Chris almost 30 times making little tweaks to get it just right. We played with a couple different stripe layouts and landed on this one. I think HE NAILED IT!

Now it is all about the execution.

[garickman]

Nice job on the rendering, looks sick! I really hope you keep the knock offs on the wheels, very nice touch.

[Richio1]

Nice job on the rendering, looks sick! I really hope you keep the knock offs on the wheels, very nice touch.

Thanks Greg. Definetly keeping the knock offs. I have them sitting in the car now just waitng to go on. It was something I hadnt thought of that Chris and Keith came up with. Once I saw them it was a done deal.

We went back and forth with Rushforth about them but he was slow to come around on adding them to his wheels sp we ended up finding a manufacturer that makes them for Shelby wheels and they fit the Rated-X's perfectly. They are very nice billet pieces.

[Richio1]

Well we missed the goal of paint by the end of the month but I do have confirmation the car is in the paint booth. They were massaging the gaps last week and I was told it was shot with the sealer today.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed it gets shot this week.

[89 RS]

That rendering is awesome. :thumbsup:
Looking forward to seeing it come together.

[cencalc6]

your guys did an awesome job on the firewall! hopefully we can start prepping my firewall this weekend. :cheers:

[Richio1]

We're getting there.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG956981.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG954781.jpg

I also have a buddy here in Napa who started his own powder coating business and is hooking me up.

Just got these back. Look awesome in person. Hard to get a good picture of a black door handle.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-08-31_22-24-34_512.jpg

[Rick D]

Looking good Jeff, but lookimg at the pictures I see you are missing the trunk gutters on both side for the qtrs?? It's what holds the weather striping in place?? Unless you guys came up with a different way to hold them in place, you will want those on before you paint as the are body color.

[Ron in SoCal]

Looking good Jeff, but lookimg at the pictures I see you are missing the trunk gutters on both side for the qtrs?? It's what holds the weather striping in place?? Unless you guys came up with a different way to hold them in place, you will want those on before you paint as the are body color.

RD you just got your Chevy card back...:D

Huge step Jeff! Can't wait to see some color on this baby. I'm sure Paintgod will make her shine :cheers:

[DFRESH]

Well thanks for playing along Al... so here she is :woot:



Having this rendering for almost 2 years now and keeping it to my self has been killing me. I have wanted to post it in my build thread but needed to wait until we were ready for paint. Chris my body & paint guy, Keith Kaucher and I swore we would all keep it under wraps for fear of others running with our ideas. Over the past 2.5 years there have been a couple other 69's that have had some similar cues, but there is still plenty of originality.

So now that we are this close to paint, it's time.



http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/front_view_render_4MP.jpg

Keith did an awesome job with the rendering to help us visualize what we wanted. He was very patient, going back and forth with Chris almost 30 times making little tweaks to get it just right. We played with a couple different stripe layouts and landed on this one. I think HE NAILED IT!

Now it is all about the execution.

Dude, that is money! Make sure to nail that stance as closely as you can---that is sweet! June 2013 is coming!

[214Chevy]

I like the rendering. Nice!!!:yes: :yes:

[Richio1]

Looking good Jeff, but lookimg at the pictures I see you are missing the trunk gutters on both side for the qtrs??

Well how do you like them apples. Thanks for catching that. The deck lid had been on every time I have seen the car since the qtrs went on 33 months ago so I never noticed.

[Track Junky]

Well thanks for playing along Al... so here she is :woot:



Having this rendering for almost 2 years now and keeping it to my self has been killing me. I have wanted to post it in my build thread but needed to wait until we were ready for paint. Chris my body & paint guy, Keith Kaucher and I swore we would all keep it under wraps for fear of others running with our ideas. Over the past 2.5 years there have been a couple other 69's that have had some similar cues, but there is still plenty of originality.

So now that we are this close to paint, it's time.



http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/front_view_render_4MP.jpg

Keith did an awesome job with the rendering to help us visualize what we wanted. He was very patient, going back and forth with Chris almost 30 times making little tweaks to get it just right. We played with a couple different stripe layouts and landed on this one. I think HE NAILED IT!

Now it is all about the execution.

Wow!! Love the paint scheme!! You both nailed it!! :thumbsup:

[John510]

Nice! When are they going to paint it?

[Richio1]

Nice! When are they going to paint it?

Paint supplies were delivered today so soooooon.


Still dialing in the grille surround and bumper... Sorry for the cell phone pics.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/e9ad71d751e3970d2eec342470082dfc.jpg


http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/d2a493b2288e70e3128c51a7eee8926e.jpg


http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/eba0587aa777a74f55485b7ac3e4e264.jpg

[Rick D]

Looking god Jeff almost there :thumbsup:

[Richio1]

Went by yesterday and they were just getting ready to pull it all apart after the final test fit. They had to do some massaging of the bumper/grille surround. As seen in one of the pics above the bumper cracked in the center while being moved around so they had to reinforce and refinish.

They started dis assembly yesterday and will be final priming the surround as it heads to the booth. We are closer than we have ever been so pretty excited to see color on her soon.

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics. The surround fits awesome, cant even tell it is hand made. Props to Chris & Juan for spending so much time on the fit and finish.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-09-27_12-42-09_674.jpg

FWIW, the headlight doors are just sitting in there not bolted in so in the picture they sagging a little.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-09-27_12-41-24_291.jpg

Hard to tell but in person it is obvious. Chris spend a ton of time on the rockers cleaning them up.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2012-09-19_12-23-06_362.jpg

[snappytravis]

Looking good Jeff, but lookimg at the pictures I see you are missing the trunk gutters on both side for the qtrs?? It's what holds the weather striping in place?? Unless you guys came up with a different way to hold them in place, you will want those on before you paint as the are body color.

Guess they can use panel bond to install them now

[Rick D]

Looks great Jeff your getting closer!!

Guess they can use panel bond to install them now

Travis, yes they can panel bond them on but two issues with that, first the channels are painted body color and second panel bond is designed for shear strength, the issue that I world have using it in this application is opening and closing the trunk all the time. It might not fail or it might. Don't get me wrong panel bond it very strong but does have its limitation. :cheers:

[coolwelder62]

Can't wait to see it Painted.:thumbsup:

[Richio1]

Looks great Jeff your getting closer!!



Travis, yes they can panel bond them on but two issues with that, first the channels are painted body color and second panel bond is designed for shear strength, the issue that I world have using it in this application is opening and closing the trunk all the time. It might not fail or it might. Don't get me wrong panel bond it very strong but does have its limitation. :cheers:

Yup they decided to weld them in instead of using the panel bond. Took a little longer but a better result.

Hoping for some color this week.

[Richio1]

Well no color this week. Went up to the shop today hoping they would painting. Unfortunately they weren't but at least they had 4 guys from the body shop doing the final prep work, so that was a good thing.

Hopefully next week.... :question:

The waiting is killing me but would rather have it done right the first time then have to redo it.

[Richio1]

It's been a long road but this week we hit a huge milestone... Chris got her shot.... Yeee haaa

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/e1b5aa10e49b313287aab8c728f5cf71.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/1de049e77fa0562e792d80ac06a62c55.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/379f67e0aef0231371cac9cf348cb09a.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2658a7e979fc9f0ce5965b561f7dd0f8.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/cade6bb6099dd337cebd8dbc421a62a7.jpg

[Matt@BOS]

Nice! Gotta love paint booth pictures. Way to go Jeff!

Matt

[Richio1]

Thanks Matt. Can't wait to see it out in the sun.

Next week. :woot:

[Rick D]

WOW awesome Jeff!!!:cheers:

[Frankenstine]

Very nice I'm digging the color. Great choice:thumbsup:

[melman109]

:wow: Looks Sweeeeeet!!! :thumbsup:

[Richio1]

Time for an update... I gotta say I am very impressed with Chris and the guys. Over the past couple of months we have made a huge amount of progress. He has a couple new guys that are all business and get things done. It's great to see thing moving at this pace.

So since the color was shot they have finished the underside cleaning up the mini tub welds and detailing the underside before completing the seam sealing and shooting it with Raptor Liner. I really like this stuff since it is textured but not rough like many bedliners.

Chris also had his guys clean up the weld on the subframe. He went way beyond by basically rewelding the whole thing. Here you can see some of the clean up stuff he did. The pics don't do it justice. They look way better and a whole lot cleaner.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/0216175ab4c8c4178ab9c73f38c0520b.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/c2d355963aac4e13c95b4b474b49df9c.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/e70220d9b854206981972b9b3b0eae41.jpg

Once that was all done and cleaned up it was ready to go back in the paint booth. He shoot the engine compartment, subframe, the underside of the car and the dash in Rally Matte black. It's going to look killer with the brilliant silver.

Cell phone picks so they don't show too much detail. I will get some better pics next time I'm up there.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/4a7b8b049a24a515aa49fc6472d5ef70.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/01077e4346fa03fb29c8176154be0dab.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/e1e743480a05ca755e6a58ef69558b19.jpg

We are very close to assembly :D

[Richio1]

I just have to throw out a big thanks to Lat-G and PT.com and all the great forum members selling their unneeded parts. Over the period of my build I have been accumulating some much needed parts.

Now that I am in the assembly process I have been going through the boxes of goodies and want to give a big thanks for the great deals.

Most recently picked up a pair of Borla XR-1 mufflers from Scott- aka Scottysimp7

I also picked up a DSE brake booster and Doug's D386 headers from Don - aka JennDon

I picked up a Vintage Air front runner set up with DSE PS pump from Jess - NvrDun71

I got a set of Fesler brushed hood hinges and trunk hinges from Steven Rupp

These forums have been invaluable for information and has really helped me stretch my budget because of these deals.

Thanks guys!!!!!

Now I just need to get them out of their boxes and onto the car :unibrow:

[Richio1]

In addition to the deals from the forums I have to give a big thanks to Matt's Classic Bowties who I have gotten all the other needed parts from without any problems. The only item I didn't get from them was my Moser "Prodigy" rear end from Frank. As other have experienced, I too had delays and we are now in the process of having to modify it to fit the AirBar.

I just took advantage of the MCB's Black Friday deal and ordered the RideTech Tru-Turn set up and Muscle Bar to complete my suspension set up.

[Richio1]

Wasn't satisfied with the ride height or laid out height so we had to make some "adjustments" to the AirBar. Don't tell Brett... LOL

A little touch up on the Raptor Liner and we are good

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/3d2314371224e4faff02e22b902a81d8.jpg

Ride height

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/c5b3d4ca492abea02dffbd029de25cad.jpg

Aired out... Sorry about the pic. Someone needs to take a photography class :lol: got more qtr panel than wheel

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/562c16613296244ed5d54c30121e67c0.jpg

[WSSix]

Man that's low! Those pedals look fantastic too.

[Rick D]

Looking great Jeff, yah that's low :yes: Very nice!

[Ron in SoCal]

That's all you got? :lol: Looks great Jeff! :thumbsup:

[John510]

Nice!

[214Chevy]

Lookin good sir...darn good!!:yes: :yes:

[Richio1]

Thanks guys. Really fired up to see things coming together.

This week got the motor in, headers on, running the fuel and brake lines, installed booster and vintage air front runner.

Next week install gas tank, Tru-turn kit, front brakes, vintage air unit then start wiring...

[geberhard]

Jeff, how are things? Have any pics of the raptor liner on teh underside? I was debating good old herculiner, but also came across Raptor and teh texture seems perfect.

Thanks!

Gui

[Richio1]

Things are good... Coming right along which is awesome. Shoot, I was at the shop this morning dropping off some parts and would of snapped a couple pics for ya if I'd of known.

I really like the Raptor Liner. Good texture to it and is smooth so it won't take the skin off your knuckles it you smack it.

Here is a pic I found online.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/8e4f890923f1485f70f3c79414fcc4d9.jpg

[Ron in SoCal]

Scroll down --

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showpost.php4?p=343346&postcount=75

[Richio1]

Ahhhhh reduced 15%. Wish I would of thought of that. I like that even more Ron. Looks good :thumbsup:

[brandonc707]

Love the pedals!! Who makes those?? Great job with your build...... Hope to see you around this summer :)
:thumbsup:

[ELVIS_PRESLEY]

Beautiful build!

I love your title too...just by chance do you know why Axl wrote the song Mr. Brownstone and what it's actually about?

[John510]

Coming along super fast now.

[Richio1]

Love the pedals!! Who makes those?? Great job with your build...... Hope to see you around this summer :)
:thumbsup:

Clayton Machine Works. Don't think they are a sponsor here but they are over on PT.Com.

They are absolutely beautiful, even more so in person. Pricey but beautiful.

Yeah looking forward to Peggy Sue's and the Napa Main Street Reunion.

Beautiful build!

I love your title too...just by chance do you know why Axl wrote the song Mr. Brownstone and what it's actually about?

Oh yeah. Never went that route myself and never will... although going to college in Chico we had plenty of fun but never that much. Too scary. I dont know how he/they did it and still functioned and performed.

They were playing at the Hardrock Hotel last month. We were there during Sema and a few guys I talked to said he's up around 200 pounds now. Guess he's off the smack and eating well. Probably making up for the those missed meals while whacked out back in the day. :lol:

Coming along super fast now.

Yeah which is great. Yours is looking good too!

We hit a couple bumps this week with the Vintage Air front runner and how the compressor is currently mounted so I have Jim talking with them to figure it out. Also working with RideTech to get adjustable rod ends for the lower Air Bar rods so we can fix the pinion angle on the Prodigy/Moser 4 link rear end. Fun stuff...

[brandonc707]

Yeah looking forward to Peggy Sue's and the Napa Main Street

I've done Peggy sue's the last few years, LOTS of fun!! The poker run and the chili/beer contest is the best:cool:
I'll be looking for you there, can't wait to see this car in person:hail:

[Richio1]

I've done Peggy sue's the last few years, LOTS of fun!! The poker run and the chili/beer contest is the best:cool:
I'll be looking for you there, can't wait to see this car in person:hail:

We'll see if we can get John (Bloodline) out there Also. His Camaro is coming along nicely too.

[John510]

Im down. Been looking forward to driving my car and going to a show.

[Richio1]

Pulled the trigger on the complete Ridetech Tru-turn kit with spindles replacing the Heidts tall spindles I had bought. With all the positive feedback on the kit I wanted it to round out the suspension with it.

Well we hit a little hurdle... I went to the shop today and found out the Doug's 368 headers I have won't work with the kit. The pitman arm hits one of the tubes on the driver side header when turned to the left.

No big deal, just need to cut the tube and have the header re coated. I searched the forums and called Ridetech to check the fitment with my Doug's headers and know one had an answer. Well now we know :lol:.

I have seen confirmation that the Dynatech headers clear with no modifications.

I will say the kit is top notch.

[coolwelder62]

:thumbsup:

[Richio1]

Props to Cris at JCG for the fine craftsmanship on these cage nut covers. Very nice quality product. They are actually a nice dark gunmetal (hard to tell with the flash). I think they will look awesome against the rally matte back firewall. Will be noticeable but not too obvious.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/7bfae06de541f7fd128774a7bcc23dd1.jpg

[John510]

What is a cage nut cover?

[syborg tt]

What is a cage nut cover?

Front lower body mount on the firewall.

The cage nut is the nut that is square and basically has a hat surrounding it so it won't turn when you tight the body bolt

and yes this car is looking awesome !!!

[Richio1]

Still plugging away at the assembly. Working through the typical issues. We have had to swap out a few items here and there and the wait time has slowed things a bit.

This week got the trunk and interior sprayed with Raptor Liner, fabed up brackets to mount the electric fuel pump and the Vintage Air unit. Also finishing up the fuel and brake lines.

I picked up the DSE dash carrier and loaded the gauges. The VA vent surround was too shiny so I hit it with a red scotchbrite pad which got it much close to the Autometer bezels.



http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-01-02_18-48-45_166.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-01-03_08-58-12_552.jpg

[Richio1]

Picked up my seats from the upholstery shop today. TMI covers with the bolstered buns. Turned out much nice then they look in the pictures.

Sure hope the rear fits. I measured twice before I cut... Well more like 7 or 8 times then got scared and didn't cut enought and had to cut more. :D

I sure like these a lot better then the white I had before.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-01-05_12-51-10_346.jpg


http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-01-05_12-47-30_546.jpg

[tmadden]

Still plugging away at the assembly. Working through the typical issues. We have had to swap out a few items here and there and the wait time has slowed things a bit.

This week got the trunk and interior sprayed with Raptor Liner, fabed up brackets to mount the electric fuel pump and the Vintage Air unit. Also finishing up the fuel and brake lines.

I picked up the DSE dash carrier and loaded the gauges. The VA vent surround was too shiny so I hit it with a red scotchbrite pad which got it much close to the Autometer bezels.



http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-01-02_18-48-45_166.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-01-03_08-58-12_552.jpg

what are the switches for?

[syborg tt]

Jeff I don't know what I like more the seats or the dash. I just hope mine looks half as nice as yours.

[BBC71Nova]

That's a beautiful dash console. I keep hoping that one of these days DSE will release one for the Novas...

[Richio1]

Thanks guys...

Yeah i'm very happy with the dash. I really like the Ralley Matte Black. Not to shiny, not to flat... just right. I'm doing all the interior metal, engine compartment, wheels and stripes in it.

This week we got the front brakes installed, booster mounted, vintage air unit mounted and the brake lines finished. Still working on modifying the headers so the Tru-turn kit fits, working on the wiring, installing the column and all dash components and sound deadener.

Last week we realized I had the wrong rear brake set up. Received a 12 bolt rear end kit but I needed a 9" since I have the Torino big bearing ends on my 12 bolt. New set up arrives tomorrow.

Thanks to Kim at Matt's for the trouble free exchange... 2 years later. :D

[Dereiter]

Thanks guys...

Yeah i'm very happy with the dash. I really like the Ralley Matte Black. Not to shiny, not to flat... just right. I'm doing all the interior metal, engine compartment, wheels and stripes in it.

This week we got the front brakes installed, booster mounted, vintage air unit mounted and the brake lines finished. Still working on modifying the headers so the Tru-turn kit fits, working on the wiring, installing the column and all dash components and sound deadener.

Last week we realized I had the wrong rear brake set up. Received a 12 bolt rear end kit but I needed a 9" since I have the Torino big bearing ends on my 12 bolt. New set up arrives tomorrow.

Thanks to Kim at Matt's for the trouble free exchange... 2 years later. :D

My respect to you. It is an outstanding project. Congrats!
I consider to buy a 1969 Camaro Z/28 and then to modify it.

[Richio1]

Took advantage of having the day off today and spent it at the shop.

Started the morning scraping all the crap off the underside of the roof. What a P I T A. Got 90% of the sound deadening down so check that off the list.

The dash is in. The AirPod is installed. Chris cranked out a custom controller mount that goes in the ashtray today.

[Richio1]

Oh neglected to mention that the thrash is on, not just on my car but on John's 68 and a 37 Chevy to get them to the Sacramento Autorama on Feb 15-17th.

Chris has a nice spot for the 3 cars. Pretty much everyone in the shop is working on these 3 cars until they are done. They all have a long way to completion. I was impresses to receive a call Saturday from one of the guys who was at the shop working on my car.

They are committed so my fingers are crossed. Very excited to see things coming together.

[Frankenstine]

Build is looking Great, what paint did you use on the dash? you might have already mentioned it but I couldnt find itin earlier posts.:thumbsup:
Thanks Keith

[Matt@BOS]

Oh neglected to mention that the thrash is on, not just on my car but on John's 68 and a 37 Chevy to get them to the Sacramento Autorama on Feb 15-17th.

Chris has a nice spot for the 3 cars. Pretty much everyone in the shop is working on these 3 cars until they are done. They all have a long way to completion. I was impresses to receive a call Saturday from one of the guys who was at the shop working on my car.

They are committed so my fingers are crossed. Very excited to see things coming together.

That is good news to hear. I look forward to seeing your car and John's car finished. Hopefully you guys will be at Pleasanton in June so I can see them in person.

[Al Moreno]

Looking good man! :thumbsup:

[Richio1]

Build is looking Great, what paint did you use on the dash? you might have already mentioned it but I couldnt find itin earlier posts.:thumbsup:
Thanks Keith

Thanks guys. We used Rally Matte Black. Looks awesome IMO. Way better in person.

[Frankenstine]

Who is the manufacturer of the Rally Matte Black paint. Or is that the manufacturer? I really like the look. :thumbsup: Thanks. Keith.

[Richio1]

Things are coming along nicely. This week Chris and Jim finished;

Rear brake lines
Installed the rear brakes
Installed the fuel pump and filter - they fabed up a nice piece to mount both together
Installed the fuel regulator and new engine fuel line
Finished up the AirPod controller mount insert for the ash tray and painted it
Tig welded the newly modified Doug's headers to work with the Tru-Turn kit. We had to reroute tubes on both sides. What a PITA. Need a new starter now too since the solenoid is now too close to the header tube.

This weekend / next week they are installing the core support, radiator and hanging the front sheet metal. Should be firing her too. She has been quite for tooooo long.

3 weeks until Autorama....

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/0125130747.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/0125130745.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/0125131254.jpg

[Richio1]

Who is the manufacturer of the Rally Matte Black paint. Or is that the manufacturer? I really like the look. :thumbsup: Thanks. Keith.

Keith, it is a Spies Hecker product. Can get it from any automotive paint supplier that sells Spies. DuPont Hot Rod Black is close and easier to find.

I went with the Rally Matte Black from Spies because that is the brand of paint we used to shoot the car with. Great stuff.

[Richio1]

We are two weeks from the Autorama so I thought I would check in with the guys and see how things were coming along. It's all hands on deck with the whole crew working on Johns 68, the 37 and my car.

As you guys have seen, Johns Bloodline Camaro is coming along nicely. The stripes turned out awesome. The pictures don't do it justice. Looks so awesome in the sun.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_10-55-26_949_zpse586ce1c.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_11-04-31_990_zps2fa12c58.jpg

We are still over coming a few obstacles like trying to get the correct hard lines for the VA front runner compressor. We've been back and forth with them a few times and hoping to get the right setup next week. Got the core support and radiator on.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_11-18-00_28_zpsf38374cc.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_10-10-29_61_zps72684d11.jpg

As you can see, we are waiting on the Ridetech Muscle Bar so we can complete the Tru-Turn install and wrap up the front suspension.

Still finishing up the wiring

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_10-11-24_709_zps01d13688.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_12-14-30_402_zps6f6a2929.jpg

Got the AirPod wrapped up

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/0131130934_zps83eed2f5.jpg

There will a lot of changes in the next week. Many late nights to come to meet the deadline.

[tubbed69]

hope you make the show,car looks great

[Ron in SoCal]

We are two weeks from the Autorama so I thought I would check in with the guys and see how things were coming along. It's all hands on deck with the whole crew working on Johns 68, the 37 and my car.

As you guys have seen, Johns Bloodline Camaro is coming along nicely. The stripes turned out awesome. The pictures don't do it justice. Looks so awesome in the sun.

We are still over coming a few obstacles like trying to get the correct hard lines for the VA front runner compressor. We've been back and forth with them a few times and hoping to get the right setup next week. Got the core support and radiator on.

As you can see, we are waiting on the Ridetech Muscle Bar so we can complete the Tru-Turn install and wrap up the front suspension.

Still finishing up the wiring

Got the AirPod wrapped up

There will a lot of changes in the next week. Many late nights to come to meet the deadline.

THAT is a great post Jeff! So much happening all at once. I know what a show deadline is like: not enough people and not enough hours in the day. That assumes all the parts are on hand :lol: I'm sure you guys will make it. It'll be epic!...:cheers:

[John510]

very very nice! The anxiety is killin me.

[frankv11]

very nice , I especially like the silver and the fine lines on the nose

[Rybar]

Both cars look great, good luck making it to the show. :thumbsup:

[214Chevy]

Damn that looks good!!

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_11-04-31_990_zps2fa12c58.jpg

And the rear meat profile is sick the way it sits.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2013-02-01_12-14-30_402_zps6f6a2929.jpg

[Richio1]

Thanks guys! Yeah totally psyched that things are coming along so quickly.

Ever better is seeing the other two builds moving so fast too. I gotta get some picks of the 37. The candy apple red looks soooo killer in the sun. I also can't wait to see the wheels on it. They are doing custom 18/20 True Spokes.

Looks like the guys are at the shop working away. Just got this pic... Looks like we are finally a "roller" again after being on the lift for about a month. Can't wait to see it in the sun.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG953215_zpse8ed2088.jpg

They got the headers finished and a rep from Flowmaster (which is just down the road in Santa Rosa) was there earlier this week helping with the exhaust set up on all 3 cars. The headers and exhaust tubing should be back from the powder coater on Monday for install.

[tmadden]

Man thats killer. Congrats and good luck!!

[Steve Chryssos]

Very cool build! You're close. Keep after it. :thumbsup:

[melman109]

:drool:

[Lenie]

Jeff/John, looking great:thumbsup: Hope all works out the next couple of weeks and you make your show. Man they look good, I'll be watching:popcorn2: Good Luck

[Richio1]

Man thats killer. Congrats and good luck!!

Very cool build! You're close. Keep after it. :thumbsup:

:drool:

Jeff/John, looking great:thumbsup: Hope all works out the next couple of weeks and you make your show. Man they look good, I'll be watching:popcorn2: Good Luck

Thanks guys. Making progress everyday. Just under two weeks out from the show now.

Chis says the paint on my stripes will be drying in the trailer on the way to Sacramento. :lol:

Each time we talk something else changes which doesn't make it any easier on them. The latest is we want to brush the hoops on the rims before they spray them Rally Matte black. I like the brushed look better and wish I would of ordered them brushed with flat black anyway.

Just goes to show... Don't order the wheels until you need them... as thing usually change along the way.

[Richio1]

So a little update. We are a week out from the show and everyone is all over the 3 cars. It's kinda scary as there is still sooo much to do. Everyone is working late and most are working all weekend through until the show. I really appreciate the commitment to get them done. It is great to see the crew working so well together.

On Johns Camaro the touch up is done, they were adjusting the fitment of the center console and getting ready to install the front clip and interior hopefully this weekend.

One the 37, the 20x12 Tru-Spokes showed up today but the color used to powder coat them was off. Now they have to scramble to get them redone before next Thursday. That's going to be fun.

On mine, they have the front clip on. Are fighting to get the DSE RS headlight door motors dialed in which is proving to be a challenge. We got the correct Vintage Air compressor hardline delivered today so hope that bolts up with no issues.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/33b0e8cf492d67736fdd8db0cff73dd9_zps6fa90465.jpg

Mine is the last of the 3 to get cut & buffed. Everything is done but the shell which they are working on now. They are hitting it with 800, 1000, 1500 then 2000 grit. The panels they have wet sanded look awesome and they haven't even buffed any of it yet.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/fd8ea0b4a19427cc8159922fe016c5aa_zps54873aa0.jpg

One of the guys has spend the last 4 days working on my wheels. As I mentioned before, we decided to brush the hoops. What a PITA! With the clear powder coat they had to bead blast the whole wheel to get it off and down to the aluminum. Then hit it with 4 different grits before the scotchbrite to get the brushed look. Came out nice but a ton of work. Now they are taped off and ready for the Rally Matte Black.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/dd7decf08c445db6435d5dcda496dbac_zps095caa27.jpg

Here is a pic of the insert Chris and Willie made to hold the AirRide controller on the ashtray. Turned out real nice.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/84e2fac54fd2a213077ddd0576e3ceac_zpsa571fd55.jpg

As you can see in the first pic above, there is some touch up in a couple areas. Chris was spraying a few of John's interior pieces this afternoon. He is probably shooting my touch up areas as I type this. He said he is staying tonight until they are done.

[214Chevy]

You guys are thrashing away at it...huh? Keep it up. Posy pics of the wheels when finished. :thumbsup:

[Richio1]

Oh yeah, will do.

There will be lots of pics to follow over the next week or so... if I can get them to stop and take any shots before they wheel the wet car into the trailer. I bet they will have guys in the trailers still putting on parts while driving to Sac. :lol:

As many of you guys know, all the little misc. trim stuff takes a ton of time to install and dial in.

Worst case, we will get a bunch of pics at the show of all three cars and post them up.

I'm just as excited to see John's 68 together as I am mine... well, almost.

The West Coast Auto Craft guys are going to have a busy booth with these 3 killer cars on display :excited:

[Matt@BOS]

Jeff, that front grille came out great! It looks very subtle and... what would be the right word? Upscale? compared the stock grille without looking blatantly aftermarket or gaudy.

[John510]

Looks killer with the front on. The wheels will look a lot better in black also. Gives the car contrast. This is going to be a tough week for those guys. There is 4 weeks worth of work that will be squeezed into one. Both of our cars still need the whole interior done also.

Cant wait until next weekend!

[Richio1]

Looks killer with the front on. The wheels will look a lot better in black also. Gives the car contrast. This is going to be a tough week for those guys. There is 4 weeks worth of work that will be squeezed into one. Both of our cars still need the whole interior done also.

Cant wait until next weekend!

Yeah, we'll see how close they get. I got am email from Chris at 8:30 this evening and they are still there. He said 5 of them where there all night.

Show is going to be fun for sure.

[Richio1]

Jeff, that front grille came out great! It looks very subtle and... what would be the right word? Upscale? compared the stock grille without looking blatantly aftermarket or gaudy.

Thanks Matt.

Yeah, I am really pleased with it. The inserts in the Marquez lower valance will match (same material). It looks way better in person - doesn't photograph very well.

[sds machining]

Jeff.
just got caught up on the thread,,,, Looks killer! so many cars out there i have to catch up on... hope to see you and the car at Autorama...

[Richio1]

Jeff.
just got caught up on the thread,,,, Looks killer! so many cars out there i have to catch up on... hope to see you and the car at Autorama...

Will be there. Done or not. Can't wait to see G90 too.

Update:

The team is scumbling to get the car done. We are just over 2 days away from the show. Tonight they are buffing out the car. Chris is holding out on me and not sending any picture updates. It's torture.

Just had to order more Ralley Matte Black today. They should be shooting the stripes tomorrow.

Drama update... Had to order about 40 little odds and ends to get the assembly tied up so I call Ricks this morning, place my order, am promised it will go out today next day delivery (for an extra $250 shipping). On my way home from work I decide to call and check on it since I hadn't received an email confirmation.

The girl I talk to informs me the order is on hold pending CC co approval since the ship to is different from the billing address. WTF! Oh sorry we forgot to call you, she says. So I keep my composure, explain we have a show on Friday so she starts digging and finds out the "new guy" screwed up the order causing the hold. :smiley_smack:

Since I was nice about it she gives me an extra discount saving $125 which helps a little. Will go out tomorrow and arrive Thurs morning. It's going to be a late night for the WCAC guys putting it all together before leaving for Sacramento Friday morning. :confused59:

[Cole]

Go Baby Go!

Damn NEW Guys!

[geberhard]

Jeff you can do it!! Sleep is overrated anyways!!!

[Richio1]

Jeff you can do it!! Sleep is overrated anyways!!!

I hear ya G... half the guys were there until 5 am this morning. :thumbsup:

They got most of the interior went in, windshield and trim, and a lot of polishing. Today the other half of the crew is already back at it. The back glass & trim, more interior and a bunch of the little stuff. This afternoon its back in the booth for the Rally Matte stripes.

[John510]

Im jealous you got updates!!!! Im still in the dark as to whats going on with mine.....

[Richio1]

Its All who you know... :D

[GregWeld]

Looking GREAT!


Why is it though - that dates are known month in advance and it still always comes down to the last 2 hours....


Don't answer - that's a rhetorical question -- it happens to everyone.

[Al Moreno]

Looking GREAT!


Why is it though - that dates are known month in advance and it still always comes down to the last 2 hours....


Don't answer - that's a rhetorical question -- it happens to everyone.

LOL, I heard from a time management guru that a project will take as long as allotted.


Looking AWESOME Jeff, can't wait to see it come together.

[waynieZ]

It looks Awesome. I like the idea for the Ride tech screen.

[Richio1]

LOL, I heard from a time management guru that a project will take as long as allotted.


Looking AWESOME Jeff, can't wait to see it come together.

Al & Greg... Oh so true. Especially since this has been a 3 year adventure. But now there is a big bride light at the end of the tunnel.

Update for today:

Unfortunetly Ricks dropped the ball some how and the all important order didn't go out today. No one knows why since they show that the order is fufilled and all the boxes are ready for shipping. Get this... The Sales Manager thinks the order was noted to ship when complete and the one item missing is the rear view mirror mount screw. One $1.29 part prevented a order of 54 items from shipping overnight. :guns:

In return for jacking it up they gave me a $100 credit back and now I don't have to do overnight so it will save me a couple hundred more on shipping. :G-Dub:

So as you can tell the car won't be complete but it will be there. 90-95% complete is better than nothing.

On a positive note, the stripes got shot today and they are loading up the 3 cars this evening and heading to Sac. Chris wants to be in line early tomorrow to get everything all set up. But the damn guy won't send any of us any pics. Says we need to see it in person first.

Pics to follow Sun night.

[GregWeld]

90% for a show car is pretty good --- as long as it's not missing it's wheels or something!! I'm getting a good belly laugh out of this thought...


I hope the show is a hoot and you LOVE the car! That's what counts.


:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[KPC67]

[QUOTE=Richio1;Pics to follow Sun night.[/QUOTE]

SUNDAY!!
What if I get swallowed by the snow storm thats sweeping through right now and never get to see it.... I need pics now:warning:

[John510]

Would you know whats hes completed on each car?

[Richio1]

Would you know whats hes completed on each car?

Nope. I only got 5 min. On the phone with Chris today. He had to run. I tried to get some details out of Todd and Jim but they were tight lipped too.

[John510]

What day are you heading to Sac for the show?

[Richio1]

90% for a show car is pretty good --- as long as it's not missing it's wheels or something!! I'm getting a good belly laugh out of this thought...


I hope the show is a hoot and you LOVE the car! That's what counts.


:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thanks Greg.

Now I'm looking at it as a soft reveal. Kinda like many of the restaurants here in the valley do a soft opening before the grand opening :idea:

I don't know... It is what it is. 90% is better than 50%.

The show will be a blast regardless and the car has come so far in the past 2 months. I'm just happy to be this close to having her home in MY garage again.

[Richio1]

SUNDAY!!
What if I get swallowed by the snow storm thats sweeping through right now and never get to see it.... I need pics now:warning:

Kevin, I will pray for you. That you can survive the storm and live through the weekend. Stay strong brother.

Believe me, it is killing both John and I that he is torturing us like this. I am ready to pay someone (Jody, hint hint) to go to the show tomorrow and get us some spy photos.

Who lives near Sac that can run a recon mission for us so we all don't have to wait? I know John will offer up free Pizzas for anyone getting a few shots. :thumbsup: Right John?!?!

I couldn't sleep last night and I know I will have trouble again tonight. Hell, tomorrow will be impossible. I will probably be the first one in line to get in Saturday morning.

[John510]

Sneak peak of Mr Brownstone..... Wow !!

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc352/JohnS510/5E314C8F-C853-4332-9667-F0CD896838B5-7894-0000053732A138D5_zpsaecce178.jpg

[Che70velle]

Oh yeah!!!!!!

[waynieZ]

Sweet!

[Richio1]

Well we finally got Chris to cave in and send us a couple tease pics. Can't wait to see it in person for the first time tomorrow and get some good photos. Here's a couple cell shots.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG955081_zps09c26808.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0435_zps0999c553.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG956704_zps32d26641.jpg

:cheering:

[Cole]

Awesome..... thing is slammed.

[Lenie]

Perfect, enjoy the show:thumbsup:

[DOOM]

Jeff all I can say is oustanding bro!!! :faint:

[Che70velle]

Hands down my favorite camaro build ever. This car is perfect. I can't wait to see more!!!:thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

Car looks fantastic Jeff! Let's hear some impressions. I'm sure you've looked at it top to bottom a million times :lol:

[Richio1]

Car looks fantastic Jeff! Let's hear some impressions. I'm sure you've looked at it top to bottom a million times :lol:

Yeah I have stared at it daily. I have the rendering as a screen saver and the poster board that Kaucher sent me on my wall in my office.

I have to say that every aspect of the car has exceeded all my expectations. Keep in mind I have not seen it in person with the front end on with the drop spindles and aired it and have not seen it in person with the stripes or wheels finished. I have to say Chris totally nailed it. Stance is exactly what I wanted.

I know, I am biased but some of the comments overheard today just put a big fat smile on my face.

I heard all the typical adjectives along with a "They slaughtered that Camaro". To each their own, I don't care. It's mine and I love it.

Chris did mention that Fesler came by several times yesterday. Asking a lot of how did you type questions. He noticed that the front fenders were widened 2 inches and that the rear quarters were also pushed out 2. I haven't mentioned that before and it is really interesting seeing who can pick things like that out and who can't. He even came back with a tape measure and measured it then went over and measured another 69, shook his head and walked off. :D

I also got several complements from Scott @ SDS Machining with the 67 G90 Camaro. His is so much nicer in person. As with mine, the pictures just cant do it justice. Scott mentioned today that he got an invite to Columbus to be included in the SMOTY running. He deserves it.

There were people taking pictures all day long, especially of the front end. So many people wanted to know about the grille, bumper, spoiler and how it was all done.

Im looking forward to hanging out again tomorrow. I'll get some more pics up tomorrow night or Monday.

[Ron in SoCal]

Chris did mention that Fesler came by several times yesterday. Asking a lot of how did you type questions. He noticed that the front fenders were widened 2 inches and that the rear quarters were also pushed out 2. I haven't mentioned that before and it is really interesting seeing who can pick things like that out and who can't. He even came back with a tape measure and measured it then went over and measured another 69, shook his head and walked off. :D .


You Dog. I see it now! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG955081_zps09c26808.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/IMG_0435_zps0999c553.jpg


I also got several complements from Scott @ SDS Machining with the 67 G90 Camaro. His is so much nicer in person. As with mine, the pictures just cant do it justice. Scott mentioned today that he got an invite to Columbus to be included in the SMOTY running. He deserves it..

Yep. Scott's a good dude and he deserves it!

[John510]

Jeff,
Your car is AWESOME!!!!. The front and rear came out very clean. Usually the people who say "You slaughtered that camaro" are just jealous pricks who dont have a car anyway. Those are the kind of people that dont see the amount of work it takes to build a car like that.

While I was standing next to my car a guys looks at his friend and says "I bet a 50 year old guy whose wife cheats on him with his neighbor owns this thing" ..

Kinda comical.

[Richio1]

Thanks... Yeah I was talking with Scott about G90 and a guy walks over and asks, "is that a Firebird shell on there". We were standing right in front of his build sign with a big bold 67 Camaro on it.

It is funny to just stand there an listen to the broad range of comments people make. Some are so out there.

[John510]

Or "How did you paint the stripes to look just like carbon fiber?" :rolleyes:

[Richio1]

Or "How did you paint the stripes to look just like carbon fiber?" :rolleyes:

Yeah that was a good one too. :D

[Greg from Aus]

Wow what a killer car. :thumbsup:

Greg

[Richio1]

Here are a few from yesterday. Still a lot of items to install, adjust and tweak. Overall couldn't be happier with how it is turning out.

Art Himsl came by and was very complementary of the paint, body and fitment. Chris was really excited since Art is one of his idols. If not familiar with Art, google him. Does amazing work.

Also had a few photographers come by expressing interest in future shoots once its done.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/c4910b85-eaca-4bf3-a6c2-7e996956a514_zps1e9ae3ba.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/ffac7d5b-4a70-4bac-8d94-b05321a956b7_zps23aefedb.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/7797e83b-aa30-4073-9daa-65b15c12aa00_zpsb8c14e11.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2cd5394d-2d27-4ea6-81e1-7d5708ed2b94_zpsab692721.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/4b282bec-0e21-41a3-89c2-24cf47c5534c_zps975face8.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/ecc9fb8b-182e-4e80-a2e0-75c3de1d99c4_zpsa380a996.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/DSC_0093_zpsa8b1cadd.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/c5b7609e-a4d6-4f78-bcfc-af3590c59c0e_zps1625cb7a.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/55159383-c357-42f6-9618-8c3bb8151d30_zpsc9ab32b4.jpg

[pokey64]

Wow!!! Car looks great!! :thumbsup:

[rsgt]

Jeff, the car is looking great! Very cool.

[geberhard]

Jefffffff!!! Awesome you made it the car looks so sexy!!

[tubbed69]

car looks great Jeff

[KPC67]

Wow Jeff:wow:

Love everything about it

[sds machining]

.

There were people taking pictures all day long, especially of the front end. So many people wanted to know about the grille, bumper, spoiler and how it was all done.



I am guilty as charged,,,I must have stared at the front end and the grill detail for an hour.. very distinctive, unique and well executed design..:thumbsup:

[sds machining]

What is the status of the car anyways?

[EBMC]

Turned out really nice, look forward to seeing it in person!:thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Wow it looks Sweet!

[michaelh440]

Outstanding. Looks awesome!!!

[Richio1]

What is the status of the car anyways?

Turned out really nice, look forward to seeing it in person!:thumbsup:

Thanks Scott and Steve... They are back on it after taking a little time to rest after the big 3 car thrash to get to the Autorama show.

The plan is to have it done and a shake down to work out the bugs before the Pleasanton GG show at the end of the month. I would love to get it out on the autocross for a few laps.

[sds machining]

Thanks Scott and Steve... They are back on it after taking a little time to rest after the big 3 car thrash to get to the Autorama show.

The plan is to have it done and a shake down to work out the bugs before the Pleasanton GG show at the end of the month. I would love to get it out on the autocross for a few laps.
That would be awesome to debut it at Plesanton, I hope to make it there myself...

[FathomGreen69]

Beautiful job! That front grill treatmeant and spoiler are fantastic.

[John510]

Did you get a hold of the shop this week? I still have no reply from them.

[214Chevy]

Stance is perfect. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Richio1]

Yep, going to swing by the shop and check in tomorrow.

[frankv11]

Yep, going to swing by the shop and check in tomorrow.

dont forget we like pictures here " lots of pictures" congrats car looks awesome.

[pw2006]

Jeff- are u going to make it to good guys? The car turned out awesome!

[Torq'd Design Lab]

The front spoiler and the stance of the car looks great!

[sds machining]

suspense is killing everyone... get those pics coming already....:poke:

[Richio1]

suspense is killing everyone... get those pics coming already....:poke:

I'm holdin out:relax:

[broken1234]

Somebody tell me what the "gap spray" mentioned earlier is??

[Richio1]

I'm holdin out:relax:

Alright... So not a lot to provide an update on. We are in the "get all the little crap on" stage. They have been working on getting the side windows/hardware in, working on wiring, headliner, etc.

I did order a set of Screamin Performance kick panels this week. Looking forward to getting them in and covered.

Here are a couple additional pics from Autorama to tied you over for a bit until we can get better updates

Hand brushed outers... Billet knockoffs that were shot preened for that old school look.
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/ea85aa9b-c045-4ff1-939d-ef5f1ba2d3a2_zps1af529d6.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/809615b4-7c56-4ca2-9b2f-b205360278da_zps4bfc007a.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/1201caa1-39c0-4858-b62d-db7092cf08dd_zps4179f9ac.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/6de9b7053bf20f0a62936753a5c1e7c6_zps5cb3183d.jpg

[fleetus macmullitz]

What started as a 3 month simple repaint project back in November 2009 turned into a ...

Jeff,

It has obviously turned into a :trophy-1302: !


BTW-Some guys put their PT ride on a diet. Glad you decided that phat makes right and added a couple of inches all the way around. :unibrow:




Chris did mention that Fesler came by several times yesterday. Asking a lot of how did you type questions. He noticed that the front fenders were widened 2 inches and that the rear quarters were also pushed out 2. I haven't mentioned that before and it is really interesting seeing who can pick things like that out and who can't. He even came back with a tape measure and measured it then went over and measured another 69, shook his head and walked off. :D

[qnitro]

That car is awesome..

[frankv11]

that is one nice looking wheel, perfect

[Richio1]

That car is awesome..

Thanks guys.

Went up to check in on my car yesterday. They are still plugging away on the assembly. Putting weatherpak connectors on everything is taking a lot longer than I expected. Got the side glass in and adjusted. Sent the intake out to get it powdercoated. Got it back today so hopefully she will come back to life soon after a long 3 year hibernation.

Still have to work out the hood latch assembly and some close out panels, work on some panel fitment, etc.

Also have to get the stereo installed. Pretty excited about the new head unit I got. I can run it off an app on my iPhone. Allows me to play iTunes, pandora, Internet radio, control the CD, flash or SD card all from the phone. Maybe I'm getting old but seems pretty cool to me.

[Richio1]

I just realized I haven't posted any engine pics. It's as good a time as any to put a few before, during and soon, after pics.

Here is what it looked like when I bought her

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/Daddyscoolcars-02-1.jpg

Not the prettiest but got the job done. I actually liked the belt drive. It was different.





Here is the 383 that will remain once we are done. I cleaned things up and made it more my own.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/PICT0008-1.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/PICT0010-1.jpg

Very functional, dynoed at 470 hp and 515 ft lbs tq. As with many things, taste change and I decided to get rid of all the shiny bling bling.





Here are a couple crappy cell phone pics. Going for the clean sanitary look hiding as much as possible. Less chrome, more black. I'll tell you what, we had to preform major surgery on the Doug's headers to get them to clear the Tru-Turn set up. I'll post more on that once I get her back and can take more pics.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/684984e3c66bda624ff27bbc82bfcd8a_zps31280cb4.jpg

I stole this ides from Todd (Vegas69) on hiding the coil on the back of the manifold.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/09f1bbcacee2a79794ab6e915a7dfd87_zps06348d3d.jpg

Even ran the fuel line up the back of the block with the fuel regulator mounted to the back of the head so no holed in the smoothed firewall.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/2de402e4ccf590e69bc50f1512820c13_zpsedc5f01e.jpg

Vintage Air front runner. Went through 3 hardline adapters to get the one I wanted which dives down between the compressor and head. It isn't on yet in this pic.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/c13c8a5cd85a6ed69cda4077f235e762_zps3d283328.jpg

As mentioned yesterday, we just got the manifold back from being powder coated yesterday. The black block & manifold with the aluminum heads look killer together. Everything will be black and brushed. The chrome breathers gotta go.

[Cole]

Like the updated engine bay. Looks clean!

[Richio1]

Took a trip up to BFE to visit the shop today. Thankfully its a beautiful drive up 101 through the "other" wine country.

They are still chipping away on the cars. I posted an update on John's. The interior is looking great.

On mine they got most of the wiring trouble shooting done. They had to re-do a few things that should have been done better or differently. Got the Morrison 3pt seat bets installed, the intake is back on and looks way better black. Side mirrors installed. The Screaming Performance speaker cans installed in the fresh air holes and are ready to be wrapped along with the MODO electric door locks. They also had to surgically remove the glove box door latch since it was installed incorrectly and didn't work. Alarm is getting wrapped up today.

With the guy who started the wiring gone they are having to go through ALL the wiring to confirm it was done correctly and make corrections where necessary. This process has been very time consuming and really slowed the progress. Better to go through it now and make the changes than after the bugs show up. The weather-pak connectors they installed are a nice addition too.

Hiding all the wiring and wrapping it in sheathing takes a lot of time but looks so much better. It will be worth the time even though it wont be seen.

Would have taken some pics but she is so dusty now I didnt want to. Soon though.

[Cole]

Thanks for the update, sounds like its getting close.

[frankv11]

I like it!!!!
glad you got rid of those raditor hoses

[Richio1]

I like it!!!!
glad you got rid of those raditor hoses

Oh hell yeah. I couldn't wait to get rid of those and the old heater hoses. The guy who bought them off me loved them. To each their own. Just not the look I am after.

[geberhard]

Jeff really making me start jonesing for a 69! What did you do on the door handles? Powdercoated or R Bros?

[brandonc707]

Looking good!!!!! Can't wait to see it in person!!
Also VERY interested to hear about the headers vs the tru turn :( I have the tri y Doug's and was wanting to run the tru turn......... I guess I will wait to hear a full report from you to see if its worth it?? :G-Dub:

[Richio1]

Jeff really making me start jonesing for a 69! What did you do on the door handles? Powdercoated or R Bros?

I had my buddy here in Napa powder coat them. Turned out really nice. He's opening up a new shop. Does great work and is cheap. PM me if you are in the Napa area and needing some powder coating done.

[Richio1]

Looking good!!!!! Can't wait to see it in person!!
Also VERY interested to hear about the headers vs the tru turn :( I have the tri y Doug's and was wanting to run the tru turn......... I guess I will wait to hear a full report from you to see if its worth it?? :G-Dub:


Thanks Brandon. We are shooting for Goodguys and Peggy Sue's the first two weeks of June.

On the headers, I would call Ridetech and see what they say about the Tri-y's. I just know that my long tube weren't even close. It's not the end of the world having them modified but in hind site, I should of had Sanderson build me some custom ones. My buddy had a set built to fit his 66 Chevelle with D port heads on his 572 for way less than I have in mine now.

[onefast70elco]

Love the wheel color combo.. Looks badass man.

[Richio1]

West Coast Auto Craft will have my car and John's Bloodline 68 Camaro in their booth at the GG show this weekend in Pleasanton. If your going, stop by and check them out and say hi. I'll be there Sunday. They will be in the big hall on the south side.

Getting very close to having her back home...

Peggy Sue's in Santa Rosa next weekend.

Oh and got a new eBay find

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/BC539627-FDD1-4896-B0EF-677369E2D3E9-1012-000000AC2AEC4C85_zps395806eb.jpg

[John510]

awesome cant wait to see the cars!

nice plate

[windycitychev]

Awesome Build

[Ron in SoCal]

Jeff what's left to do?

[Richio1]

Jeff what's left to do?

Well the rewire and working out the kinks in the braking system and Vintage Air install took WAY longer than anticipated. A lot of work for one guy.

Next week one of the header tubes will be modified and the header sent out to be re-powder coated then they can fire the engine. Also need to fab the closeout panel & fender to core support close outs and get the hood latch assembly installed.

Chris is hoping to have the door panels on and head liner in before they leave for the show tomorrow. We are also having some issues with the P.O.S OER dash pad. Fits like crap so will be playing with that and see what they can come up with. Once that is done they just need to cover the Screamin Performance kick panels and install them, build the package tray to hold the 8" Focal's, mount the head unit, amp and sub in the trunk and we are done...

Then comes the break in and tweaking once she is on the road. I want it FINISHED when I get it back and not have to fix little leaks, adjust stuff, search out gremlins, etc. Getting close though... :)

It just cant happen soon enough if you know what I mean. I expected to be autoXing it at this event. :hitaxeonthehead:

[Ron in SoCal]

Jeff no slacking. Brownstone pics please :)

[Richio1]

Jeff no slacking. Brownstone pics please :)

Ok Ron, since you said please. :lol:

Last week in the booth for a little touch up

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/12A3D194-5DDB-4B30-9C62-98CB3929595D-4104-00000266B32EBA81_zps8e08ea79.jpg

Two from the GG show this weekend. Still need to fab up the hood latch assembly, that is why the hood is popped

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/B7BE9F23-D16F-44E2-9795-BFF499E01A56-4104-000002681AB515D7_zpsf4aecb67.jpg

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/BDACA040-8631-4BC7-8A45-195B944E13DF-4104-00000268423197AA_zps1340d5e5.jpg

[Ron in SoCal]

I'll never get tired of that :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Lenie]

Outstanding:cheers:

[Greg from Aus]

Wow :trophy-1302:

[214Chevy]

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/Richio1/BDACA040-8631-4BC7-8A45-195B944E13DF-4104-00000268423197AA_zps1340d5e5.jpg

Stance is sick...right on the money!:G-Dub:

[Richio1]

Thanks guys... It's exciting to see it so close. Can't wait to get in and rip it.

One of the things I like best about these shows is just hanging out and listening to the comments people make. When I got to the show Sat I walked up and just stood there listening to Chris argue with another builder about some of the body mods. As the guy is walking around the car he is asking Chris how he did some of them and when Chris wouldn't tell him the guy starts getting all pissy and walks off all frustrated. Pretty funny to watch.

I'm looking forward to more entertaining conversations to come.

[Spiffav8]

Dang Jeff! Can't wait to see you driving it!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Rick D]

Jeff that just looks sick, in a good way!

I get what your saying about when people come up to you at a show, when I did restos I would love it when you would hear someone say look the color is wrong on the hood latch, or the gloss is too much on the inner fenders :bitchslap: custom is way better. But then you get well how did you do that, and when you won't tell they get mad!

Most builders start to make something and f it up a few times before the get the look they want that's building cars. Awesome build you have here!

[WestCoastAutoCraft]

Jeff that just looks sick, in a good way!



Most builders start to make something and f it up a few times before the get the look they want that's building cars. Awesome build you have here!

That is more true than anyone could ever imagine!

[waynieZ]

I agree it looks awesome.

[Rick D]

That is more true than anyone could ever imagine!

Yup I am ordering two hoods for my new car as I know I will need them before I'm done!! :secret:

[Richio1]

Vicious rumor that my baby will be coming back to life this week.

I'll see if I can influence the stars to align so I can take her for a ride this Friday.... :headspin:

I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve. It's so close I can already smell the gas fumes.

[Ron in SoCal]

^ Congrats Bro :cheers:

[tubbed69]

Vicious rumor that my baby will be coming back to life this week.

I'll see if I can influence the stars to align so I can take her for a ride this Friday.... :headspin:

I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve. It's so close I can already smell the gas fumes.

thats cool to hear,enjoy the ride

[Richio1]

Everything is a go except the Pertronix distributor didn't like the MSD 6AL box. Fried something inside so had to order a new MSD Pro Billet from Summit today.

Gotta love standard 1 day delivery...it will be here in the morning.

Vroom vroom tomorrow?!?!?! :hapdance:

[GregWeld]

MSD works with Pertronix --- but you have to wire it correctly.....

Not saying you did or didn't... just saying that the two are compatible.

[Richio1]

Yeah don't know what happened just know they fried it so I could either rebuild or get a new one... Opted for a new one. What's a few more :G-Dub:

[Richio1]

Its alive, its alive :dance:

And she sounds angry... in a good way. Wants to go out and play.

[Richio1]

So fired up I can't even explain it. For those of you who have been though it you know what it's like.

Cell phone vid but most importantly you can hear her... I think my neighbors are going to hate the new Borla mufflers :thumbsup:

I hope to get up to see her on Monday and go for a drive.



4nPAdhX_LbE

[tubbed69]

Jeff that's sure is a great feeling to hear it for the first time,you built a super nice car,congrats on getting on getting it fired,sounds like a party at you and Ron's house tonight.

[GregWeld]

Sounds bad ass for sure Jeff!

Glad it's all coming together.

You suck at video by the way.... :mock:

[Ron in SoCal]

Sorry I'm late to the party Jeff! Just got back from dinner....

CONGRATS Bro!!! We got us a two banger going on. Car sounds awesome and I can't wait to see it in person. :D :cheers:

Oh, and Greg is right :lol:

[Flash68]

Man it's nice to see all these motors firing up these days! :bigun2:

Is that a Quick Fuel carby?

[Richio1]

Sounds bad ass for sure Jeff!

Glad it's all coming together.

You suck at video by the way.... :mock:

It wasnt me behind the phone... but you are right. Going up there Monday and will work on getting something better so I can delete this one.

[Richio1]

Man it's nice to see all these motors firing up these days! :bigun2:

Is that a Quick Fuel carby?

yeah it is... working on rejetting it this afternoon.

[FETorino]

Good feeling isn't it :thumbsup:

[Rick D]

Nice Jeff, man all these engines firing up what a great day on Lateral-G! And yes who every took the video needs some practice. :bigun2: