This is MY 67 Camaro

[Sonar Chief]

This is my 67 Camaro, she's not new but I am new to this site. I have been looking for some time now and decided to join this site and share my project and get inspired by other projects.
Let me say there are some awesome rides in here! I don't have that kind of money to throw at her and I pride myself by doing it myself!!
Let's see, original Gold/ Gold 327 210hp with PG all numbers matching, bought her off the original owner while stationed in San Diego in 1990. I have all the original reg slips since new and the protecto-plate, she is a black plate from CA.
While stationed in CT she didn't do so well with the weather and salt, so .... I'm going through and replacing all the sheet metal that warrants new. The floors and the roof are great, the quarters behind the rear wheel and associated outer wheel well need patching. I already patched the trunk weatherstrip under the rear cowl (rusted bad), and the right inner rocker panel under the side cowl rusted out. The biggest problem was the cowl and associated side panels, seems the windshield leaked and it took out the dash and the cowl. I already have a replacement mocked in, just awaiting some side cowls and some warm weather.
I have a ton of pictures since I got her shipped out here last fall, some not so pretty with the rust, but she's coming along. This isn't my first restoration, I've restored a 69 Porsche 912, 82 Ford Bronco, 69 VW bug, 74 VW bug and my 70 Chevy C20 truck. Mainly did all the body work and a couple I painted with the help of a body shop in CT (thanks Lane) I learned a lot at this shop.
My plans - hmmmmm..... going with AME 4 link for sure, Mini tubs, I have a 327 out of a 67 Chevelle that has been warmed up, AFR's, forged crank and rods, and awesome machining work. I used John Lingenfelter's book as my bible, so she oughta run nice. Contemplating a Pro Charger for her if the budget allows. DSE stage 3 upgrades for the front and give her a bath in her original GOLD (maybe a tint change a little), keep the interior simple - 4 pt DSE cage, harnesses, minimal add ons - sleeper kinda.
Thanks for reading this thread, I'm new to this so I don'
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/soslyJ.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/537/9oVPe7.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/673/ZkQnR3.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/674/4Gbs8i.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/qOLSY6.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/538/8nKjnf.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/673/aFosgq.jpg

[Autokraft]

Welcome aboard! :thumbsup:

[DETON8R]

Nice project, have fun bringing that beauty back to life. Looks like my 67 from way back when. Same color from the factory. Your car had more rust problems than mine did, but my car never went to the rust belt, it was a west coast cancer free car, although it did have some rust problems where the factory never sprayed the car. Keep posting those photos!!:thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Thanks for the welcome, I will add some more photos today of the repairs I've completed.


Just downloaded most the pixs on my ImageShack account ... easier than picking and choosing pics to replace the OLD ImageShack. Just click on the link below and they are all there!


Thanks for looking .....

[214Chevy]

Welcome to the site bro. You are off to a good start and can save gobs of money by doing it yourself. Keep us updated.:lateral:

[Sonar Chief]

Got out to the garage today! I got most of the outer rocker panel patch welded back to original (I cut out the skin to get to the inner rocker panel). And I hung the drivers door with the new/ rebuilt hinges, it's pretty close.
The passenger door had been repaired before with slide hammer and bondo - so that door gets a new AMD skin here pretty soon.
Well here are some new pictures of my progress.

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/1873/2011dec012.jpg
Inner rocker panel patched

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7893/2011dec015.jpg
Outer rocker skin re-welded, still need to fill a couple holes

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/848/2011dec020.jpg
Rebuild the hinges so I hung the door, excellent condition.

[72Z/28]

Welcome aboard, nice fabrication work:thumbsup: Keep up the posts coming

[Sonar Chief]

About ME, I guess I introduced my car but not me. I am a retired Navy - Sonar Chief Submarines . Traveled a lot, (by traveled I mean deployed) mainly Europe and being stationed in CT took it's toll on my car (not to mention the guy at the dealer where my then wife worked who buffed all the paint off the edges of the car).:mad:
I live in Ft Collins,CO now, just recently bought a house and that's a dream come true - cuz I can work on my car when I want. I don't have a better half, as you might have guessed from my signature, oh well - I kept my car!!! :woot:
If there are members in NoCO drop me a line, I have been to Pinkees Rod shop pretty cool shop, I go to the Goodguys here in Loveland every year. I take a lot of pictures for ideas, there are some really cool cars that come up here.
Thanks for the welcome, I have some work to do in the garage now - reskin the passenger door!

[Sonar Chief]

Update, didn't get to my passenger side door yet, had to finish the passenger side cowl repair I started. Finished welding the patch and cleaned the rest of the outer rocker with 36grit. Thought I'd show the rest of the problem areas of the my car, really - it's worst than it looks!
The under coating actually saved the wheel wells, the only rust is where the spot welds attached to the trunk, to mini tub or not? :unibrow:
The trunk is pretty good with the rust limited to the corners where the water leaked past the weatherstrip and sat in the corners, simple patch.
The door is on my to do list this weekend, can't look at this anymore:(


http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/1910/2011dec00201.jpg
Rocker repair, much better.
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/261/2011nov015.jpg
Cleaned the undercoating off the wheelwells.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/6771/2011nov017.jpg
Undercoating actually saved these wells - kinda- rust at spot welds!!
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/844/2011oct030.jpg
The lovely door repair :mad:
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/5632/dscn1929n.jpg
Left wheel well again, not bad
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9485/dscn1941l.jpg
Close up of the rust at the spot welds:mad:
http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/3522/sep2010053.jpg
Left rear quarter rust cut out.
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2066/sep2010043.jpg
This is my bondo door
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2717/sep2010073.jpg
Trunk rust is limited to the corners where the water sat.
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6449/sep2010071.jpg
Rest of trunk is great!

[DIGI-TAILS]

WELCOME.... :bow:

[Sonar Chief]

Got out to the garage and got the passenger door skinned, and did that ever make a mess, some rust in the corners of the frame should come out nice with some POR15. I cleaned and vacuumed the inside and thought I'd put some pixs of the floor that I DON"T HAVE TO FIX! :woot:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8840/2011dec00901.jpg
Floor that doesn't need fixing!

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4343/2011dec00801.jpg
Ditto
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/9491/2011dec01201.jpg
Got the skin off the frame.
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/9151/2011dec00202.jpg
Rust in the corners of the frame, not bad

[settintrendz]

Welcome Buddy! Looks like a pretty solid foundation. Great job so far. Keep up the good work!:thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Welcome Buddy! Looks like a pretty solid foundation. Great job so far. Keep up the good work!:thumbsup:

Thanks for the welcome. It's the shops and the magazine coverage that have kept me going with my Camaro, you guys do some fantastic work and inspire me to do my best with what I have to work with. Now ..... to narrow done some of these choices.:unibrow:

[Sonar Chief]

WELCOME.... :bow:

Thanks for the welcome.

[Sonar Chief]

Nice project, have fun bringing that beauty back to life. Looks like my 67 from way back when. Same color from the factory. Your car had more rust problems than mine did, but my car never went to the rust belt, it was a west coast cancer free car, although it did have some rust problems where the factory never sprayed the car. Keep posting those photos!!:thumbsup:

Thanks, I thought I'd share my build, don't really have a deadline, guess.... when it's done it's done. :unibrow:

[Sonar Chief]

Update 12/31 Garage time spent wisely with the passenger door, cleaned all the rusted areas and POR15 the frame. When the POR15 dries I'll put a coat of POR black on the frame and tackle the skin later this weekend. I haven't done a skin before so .... this is new to me.:D
I need to do the same with the back side of dash that has the same level of rust, that will be next on my to do list.

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/5276/2011dec00203.jpg
Rusted areas POR15'd

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2913/2011dec00103.jpg
Better than new!

[Sonar Chief]

[B]Happy New Year I worked in the garage last night waiting for 2400, I thought I'd post these pictures of my rotor that was rusted from sitting around (bought the 12 bolt already set up and never run), I used a plastic flapper wheel and used Eastwood's Fast Etch, soaking for an hour (?). Following the directions these came out pretty nice. :thumbsup:
The dash in on my list, not enough bad rust to replace but definitely needs some POR15.
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7536/2011dec00204.jpg
Wilwood rotors - not a pretty sight
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5180/2011dec00902.jpg
Fast Etch really worked well, left a zinc coating!
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/7347/dscn1628m.jpg
The not so good dash:(
Thanks
Michael

[Sonar Chief]

Update 1/2 Nice day to work in the garage, got the back side of the dash cleaned and used POR15 to preserve the metal, when it gets warmer outside I'll spray some POR black on the dash and the inside of the passenger door. Really wished the factory would have galvanized more than the trunk drop off and the rocker panels - sure would have saved me some time!
One thing at a time and something every day makes progress!

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9479/2012jan002.jpg
Dash POR'd and better than new
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8778/2012jan003.jpg
Ditto

[Sonar Chief]

Logged some time in the garage Did some work on the firewall, used a circular disc and cleaned off the paint and surface rust in preparation for new cowl. Not sure if I'll delete any factory mods yet. Just getting ready for some epoxy primer when the weather gets a little warmer, don't have to worry much about rust issues here in CO!

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/7384/2012jan00201.jpg
Cleaning firewall

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9877/2012jan006.jpg
Getting there, looking much better!

A little time in the garage everyday helps!

[KPC67]

Great project, your car looks to be in very nice shape.
:cheers:

[Sonar Chief]

Great project, your car looks to be in very nice shape.
:cheers:

Thanks, if it wasn't for the CT weather rusting out the upper dash and cowl areas she'd be a pretty easy fix. But if it were easy everyone would do it!

I was looking at your 67 today, nice build, I like your outer wheel well stretch. My quarters are original and don't need replacement, so .... DSE mini tubs will have to get the room I need. :cheers:

Michael

[KPC67]

DSE mini tubs will have to get the room I need.

The mini tubs alone should be enough room. I now have over 15" (maybe unnecessary in your case). Research the tub install before you do it; I ended up doing mine twice because I was not happy with the room I had the first time around.

[Sonar Chief]

DSE mini tubs will have to get the room I need.

The mini tubs alone should be enough room. I now have over 15" (maybe unnecessary in your case). Research the tub install before you do it; I ended up doing mine twice because I was not happy with the room I had the first time around.

I was looking into using AME and their 4 link under my 67, that way I will have a stronger foundation (factory rails gone) and should not have to cut into their rails. I emailed them about the mini-tub and clearance - no answer yet!

Michael

[KPC67]

I was looking into using AME and their 4 link under my 67, that way I will have a stronger foundation (factory rails gone) and should not have to cut into their rails. I emailed them about the mini-tub and clearance - no answer yet!

Michael

Thats a good idea.
I ended up with only 1/4" of frame rail left.:_paranoid
I don't have a good picture of it, I will take one tonight and post it up for you.

[Sonar Chief]

Thats a good idea.
I ended up with only 1/4" of frame rail left.:_paranoid
I don't have a good picture of it, I will take one tonight and post it up for you.

Yeah, that would be great to see. I just don't like the idea of cutting the frame rail and leaving a 1/4 inch? That can't be as strong as OEM!

Just got off the phone with AME and the 4 link frame is made to fit 335mm inside the wells (no cutting their frame), the drawback for me at least, I can't use my 12 bolt. :( The upper link mounts can't be welded on a 12 bolt, so .... guess I'll sell this one and save for a nine inch housing.

Michael

[Ron in SoCal]

Yeah, that would be great to see. I just don't like the idea of cutting the frame rail and leaving a 1/4 inch? That can't be as strong as OEM!


Hey Michael/Kev - I was also concerned about how little frame rail was left after the mini tub - even though we boxed the frame rail - so we ended up putting in 1/4" steel plate on the inside of the raii. There's a pic in this post:

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showpost.php4?p=339962&postcount=3

Of course, the AME rails avoid all this...:thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Hey Michael/Kev - I was also concerned about how little frame rail was left after the mini tub - even though we boxed the frame rail - so we ended up putting in 1/4" steel plate on the inside of the raii. There's a pic in this post:

Ron ... you bent up the 1/4" steel plate or you welded a plate on the inboard side of what was left of the rail? Can't tell from those pictures.
Thanks for chiming in.
Michael

[Ron in SoCal]

Ron ... you bent up the 1/4" steel plate or you welded a plate on the inboard side of what was left of the rail? Can't tell from those pictures.
Thanks for chiming in.
Michael

Welcome Michael! We welded to the inboard side. I guess you could bend 1/4" steel plate, but I didn't see the need...

[KPC67]

Michael, I couldn't get any decent pictures tonight, my camera died.
I actually cut all of the frame out just leaving the sheetmetal on the inboard side of it, and bent up a 1/4" steel plate for the close out. I still think it will be plenty strong, and I plan on boxing it in once i get the car on a rotisserie.

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/Kcarter67/part%201/3b26a966.jpg

[KPC67]

the drawback for me at least, I can't use my 12 bolt. :( The upper link mounts can't be welded on a 12 bolt, so .... guess I'll sell this one and save for a nine inch housing.

Michael[/QUOTE]

It depends on what you want to do. I just bought a nine inch from DSE and the housings start around $900; or you can source one from a junk yard, the mid seventies trucks are a good place to start.

[Sonar Chief]

Welcome Michael! We welded to the inboard side. I guess you could bend 1/4" steel plate, but I didn't see the need...

Michael, I couldn't get any decent pictures tonight, my camera died.
I actually cut all of the frame out just leaving the sheetmetal on the inboard side of it, and bent up a 1/4" steel plate for the close out. I still think it will be plenty strong, and I plan on boxing it in once i get the car on a rotisserie.

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx299/Kcarter67/part%201/3b26a966.jpg

Ron ... looks like Kevin bent the 1/4" plate version. WOW, I guess there isn't much frame left. Thanks for the Pictures Kevin.

[Sonar Chief]

the drawback for me at least, I can't use my 12 bolt. :( The upper link mounts can't be welded on a 12 bolt, so .... guess I'll sell this one and save for a nine inch housing.

Michael

It depends on what you want to do. I just bought a nine inch from DSE and the housings start around $900; or you can source one from a junk yard, the mid seventies trucks are a good place to start.[/QUOTE]

Kevin ... AME has a pretty good price on their 9 inch with the brackets welded in place, of course they want you to buy the WHOLE kit at once 3700 bucks - saves money and you only have to pay for shipping once. :wow:
So.... thinking.

[Sonar Chief]

Some Garage Time Didn't feel too motivated to think tonight, so I did the mundane job of cleaning up the front floor pans, and did that ever make a mess. :D Got all the glue off and the surface rust in the toe board, seems there was water sitting under the carpet/ underlayment, go figure!
Had to be done.:)

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/756/2012jan00102.jpg
Using a circular disc to clean the floor, not bad!
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7346/2012jan00302.jpg
Passenger toeboard. Little bit of surface rust, that **** will buff out!

Michael
Something everyday is better than nothing.

[Sonar Chief]

UPDATE 1/7 Did some clean work on the Camaro today. Used POR Chassis Black over the POR15 silver, first I had to break the skin of the silver with a gray scotch brite pad and then used my work garage and heat to give the dash and the door frame a couple thin coats. I think the sheen will fad a little. :cool:
Now the back to the dirty work, finish the floor!:rolleyes:
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/2599/2012jan00103.jpg
Good for another 45 years.
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/3576/2012jan00901.jpg
Dash POR Chassis Black
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/2659/2012jan00503.jpg
Ditto

Michael
Something everyday!

[Sonar Chief]

Got Dirty again! Got out in the garage with the heat on and finished cleaning the rear floor pans. Some surface rust to deal with :( , but nothing the POR15 can't handle, it's just too cold to use right now!
Why is it every time I pull a body plug there is NO undercoating under the plug? I guess that was an option in 67, not with me - my cars future will have everything coated! Here is pictures of the mess I made :thumbsup:

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/4815/2012jan00603.jpg
Rear floor pans done

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3750/2012jan00104.jpg
Surface rust - POR15 when it warms up!
Michael
Got out there today!

[Sonar Chief]

Left my door frame and dash at work over the weekend to dry and what a sight when I went in this am, the black is just what I was going for - just a hint of sheen! :thumbsup: I think it looks better than the shiny POR15. If any one is wondering - POR Chassis Coat!
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/9420/2012jan00105.jpg
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/2593/2012jan00305.jpg
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9040/2012jan00902.jpg

Michael

[Sonar Chief]

1/10 Next project Nothing too exciting, just thought while I was cleaning up the dash frame I should do the glove box. Thought I had a picture of the mouse house that caused this to rust, could not find one. Should have this cleaned and POR'd soon. Hopefully this is reusable.
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1346/2012jan00306.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/442/2012jan00306.jpg/)
Michael

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Sonar Chief]

Update 1/14 Not too exciting, but I did get out to the garage with the nice weather we have and did some cleaning on the driver's door and both door jambs, will be ready for epoxy primer when the weather gets nice:) And I thought I'd show the rust damage in the weatherstrip channel around the trunk :mad: I have to make this with my stretcher/ shrinker, that should be fun! I have the weatherstrip channel new, that will help. Yeah, both sides are the same. :( DID get the glove compartment door POR'd, waiting for the second coat and then topcoat like the door.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7788/2012jan011.jpg
glove compartment door POR'd
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/7766/2012jan00803.jpg
Driver's door ready for epoxy
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/5293/2012jan00207.jpg
Rusted channel :(
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8592/2012jan00704.jpg
Got the door jambs almost cleaned up!

[John510]

I can't even imagine how many hours you have using a circular disc to clean up everything. Why not just have it media blasted and epoxy coated? It will save you a TON of hours.

Nice work by the way

[Sonar Chief]

I can't even imagine how many hours you have using a circular disc to clean up everything. Why not just have it media blasted and epoxy coated? It will save you a TON of hours.

Nice work by the way

John ... thanks for noticing. I asked around here for soda blasting and it's roughly 900 - 1000 USD. I went to a body shop here and they were using this company that I was interested in soda blasting my car and they had some miscommunication with the company and after they painted this guy's Mustang the paint started to lift! So they got a hold of the company and they said you have to WASH IT WITH WATER/ soap before you paint! Well the body shop had to start all over with the Mustang :wow: (at least it was a FORD! Kidding!)
Anyhow, I would rather save that kinda money on suspension stuff, wheels and tires, etc... (money is tight, paying off doctor bills). Yes I have a lot of hours cleaning up everything but I know it's done right and I didn't introduce any chemicals and I didn't put water in any seams that would rust out later.
Besides .... it's winter and I can't do any real body work cuz of the temp. so might as well keep busy - it's only a dirty job once :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

1/14 Update Started working on the trunk rust issue and cleaned the seam sealer from the inner ww to trunk and just affirmed the need to mini tub - kinda knew this from the view after I cleaned all the undercoating off the inside of the wheel well. I did a rough cut on the corner trunk floor to see what I was up against, should be a simple patch which I already have in hand. There is some light surface rust on the trunk floor but should be OK with POR and splatter paint.
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/2746/2012jan00108.jpg
Rough cut the floor for a patch
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7713/2012jan00308.jpg
Seam sealer was hiding the rust, yeah mini tubs :thumbsup:
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5241/2012jan00705.jpg
Both sides of course!
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8234/2012jan00804.jpg
Tail pan is in really good shape.

Michael

[Sonar Chief]

I can't even imagine how many hours you have using a circular disc to clean up everything. Why not just have it media blasted and epoxy coated? It will save you a TON of hours.

Nice work by the way
I have seen your 68 SS on Flickr, very nice! I found your thread, wicked black paint!
Thanks,
Michael

[John510]

I have seen your 68 SS on Flickr, very nice! I found your thread, wicked black paint!
Thanks,
Michael


Thanks... Instead of soda blasting call and see if anyone does garnett media blasting. It is a plastic that looks like red sand. The soda leaves residue and sometimes doesn't get out of all the cracks. Garnett night be cheaper than soda also. I was using a wire wheel myself at first but got tired. Car looks pretty clean. Not too rusty. Floor looks really good

[Sonar Chief]

Thanks... Instead of soda blasting call and see if anyone does garnett media blasting. It is a plastic that looks like red sand. The soda leaves residue and sometimes doesn't get out of all the cracks. Garnett night be cheaper than soda also. I was using a wire wheel myself at first but got tired. Car looks pretty clean. Not too rusty. Floor looks really good

I have never heard of garnet blasting, but will look for companies that do use it. If they soda will they use plastic media?
Yeah, I'm getting tired of the circular disc on the DeWalt drill, but I figure little by little it will be done!:unibrow: if I still have a drill left.

Thanks,
Michael

[Sonar Chief]

UPDATE Nice to be in the garage again. Working on the trunk floor/ bumper bracket that rusted out. I had to fix the tophat portion of the frame that I mangled, new metal was the way to go,and the tail pan needed a new piece in the corner welded in to make it right. The patch for that floor does not come with piece that climbs onto the tail pan :mad: so I have to make one, but that's another day!
At least my trunk drop off is in good condition!

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/7570/2012jan00508.jpg
Fixed the tophat portion of the frame

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1998/2012jan00209.jpg
One more piece to make and then the floor goes in!

Michael

[Sonar Chief]

Made some progress Used every tool I had to make these come together... including plasma cutter, MIG and assorted body tools. Kinda a PITA but well worth the effort, really does look better than a rusted out trunk floor. Still need to cut and weld the two together and weld the bumper bracket to the patch and the rear tail pan.
Need to spray some weld thru primer on the back (too cold right now) and drill the bolt holes.
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/3981/2012jan00210.jpg
Patches in place.
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/3794/2012jan00310.jpg
Another view of patch.
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/5853/2012jan00409.jpg
This was the tail pan piece that I had to go from ....:thumbsup:
Something everyday!

[Sonar Chief]

Almost done with this side!:thumbsup: Good to be in the garage, had to use the heater for awhile, but made some progress on the trunk floor. Welded the two pieces together and stitched the panel to the floor and plug welded the bumper bracket. Still need to plug weld the tail panel to the patch and dress up the welds.
And then ..... the other side! :unibrow:
Michael

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1605/2012jan00311.jpg
The trunk patch almost done!
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/5669/2012jan00509.jpg
Much better now. Hopefully I never have to stress test this, you know!

[Sonar Chief]

Sunday Finished the one trunk patch with the bumper bracket all welded in, I'll finish with Evercoat Glass and trunk splatter and it will look nice! I rough cut the drivers side trunk floor w/o mangling the tophat structure and it was not as bad as the other side :woot: Got the patch roughed in, I'll finish it another day, should be easier this time!

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6905/2012jan00212.jpg
Passenger side finished.
http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/1542/2012jan00411.jpg
Didn't mangle this side :unibrow:
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1856/2012jan00312.jpg
Patch roughed in, almost done!

Getting there little by little!
Michael

[makoshark]

I'm enjoying watching your build. I, too, have a 67 that I am building. I look forward to seeing your progress. What are your plans for how you want the car to turn out, as way of looks and use?

[Sonar Chief]

I'm enjoying watching your build. I, too, have a 67 that I am building. I look forward to seeing your progress. What are your plans for how you want the car to turn out, as way of looks and use?

I am only glad to post new pictures of the progress, I know it's not a shop build and there is nothing too exciting ... but this is a home garage built Camaro that I work on a often as I can (keeps me off the couch or this dang computer):lol:
Having a realistic budget in mind - the end result would look like the 48 Hour Camaro, stock looking but with all the right bolt on's to update the suspension, brakes and tires. A sbc is in order cuz I have all the parts from 8 years of planning, knowing that things change ... an ls2 would be nice. This is part one!:thumbsup:

[makoshark]

I am only glad to post new pictures of the progress, I know it's not a shop build and there is nothing too exciting ... but this is a home garage built Camaro that I work on a often as I can (keeps me off the couch or this dang computer):lol:
Having a realistic budget in mind - the end result would look like the 48 Hour Camaro, stock looking but with all the right bolt on's to update the suspension, brakes and tires. A sbc is in order cuz I have all the parts from 8 years of planning, knowing that things change ... an ls2 would be nice. This is part one!:thumbsup:

I love the garage builds:cheers: Mine is a garage build. Anyone can pay someone else to build them a car. Building them yourself gives you that much more appreciation and pride for your car. Blood, sweat and tears is the real builds:thumbsup:

Here's my garage build with my old school SBC. LS1 sitting in my shed. I preferred the SBC over the LS1. I love them both, but the SBC has a better feel and sound to me.

[Sonar Chief]

I love the garage builds:cheers: Mine is a garage build. Anyone can pay someone else to build them a car. Building them yourself gives you that much more appreciation and pride for your car. Blood, sweat and tears is the real builds:thumbsup:

Garage Built :hail: Thanks for noticing my effort, I think most members would agree with this statement. I plan to do everything .... paint might be contracted out, but I built my SBC, all the bodywork and prep work will be from this garage.:thumbsup:

[makoshark]

Looking good. My original motor was long gone when I got it, so I went with a new late model roller motor with an all forged bottom end that I built. I look forward to seeing more of your build

[Sonar Chief]

Looking good. My original motor was long gone when I got it, so I went with a new late model roller motor with an all forged bottom end that I built. I look forward to seeing more of your build

Should be a sweet motor :thumbsup:going with ROLLER CAM! Nice. I started the motor build (327 outa 67 Chevelle) back in 02 and I just pulled the NM motor just before Xmas, she rolled over by hand and the pistons looked to be in good shape when I pulled the heads. The original plan 10 years ago was to build a sleeper, motor all painted and optioned to look like a 327 with headers, OD tranny .... so I'm steady on course.
Thanks for checking back

[Sonar Chief]

Finished the trunk Got out in the garage today and finished the trunk, had to use the heater to get the temp up to a comfortable 40 and dress like an eskimo:lol: I stayed til the patch and the bumper bracket was welded and dressed, man it was cold until I fired up the welder - nice heat source! And then my air angle grinder went kapuut, this is the second Craftsman that I've gone through - not happy!
I have been putting off the rear quarter patches cuz the patch is not the same thickness :( I may just order another patch from AMD if they have the same gauge as OEM, I need to call.

Little at a time!
Michael

[makoshark]

Don't feel bad, I have gone through more IR's than I can shake a stick at. I suggest going to Harbor Freight and picking up a few cheap ones. Or, spend the coin and get a high grade one.

[Sonar Chief]

Don't feel bad, I have gone through more IR's than I can shake a stick at. I suggest going to Harbor Freight and picking up a few cheap ones. Or, spend the coin and get a high grade one.

I thought the Sears brand was going to last longer than 4 months, what would you consider a high end? I will invest if it will last through the build. We do have a Harbor Freight here in town, and I have never had a problem with IR, I think I have four different tools from them - never a problem:thumbsup:

[makoshark]

The higher end IR is good, I just never willing to spend that extra coin for it. The problem with the IR's I have is where it says to oil it is not where to properly oil it. There is another oil spot near the head of the tool. It requires a special apparatus to oil it properly there. There is a detent that has to be depressed to get the oil in. Snapon and Matco have some good grinders as well. The HR one's may last one go and may last a while. The main problem with the HR's is they just don't have the power to do the work I need them to do. I'm on the hunt right now for a high end one as well. I'm tired of working with broken grinders. That is one of my most used tools in my project.

[Sonar Chief]

Snapon and Matco have some good grinders as well.

Then I will be on the hunt for one of these grinders, Thanks!!!!

[makoshark]

You're welcome

This is the grinders I have been using...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IR-Air-Right-Angle-Die-Grinder-1-4in-Inlet-3-CFM-20K-RPM-90-PSI-301-/330682037741?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfe2f75ed

A friend, who is a mechanic by trade, swears by these, but he uses some special tool from IR to oil properly.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IR-3102-Super-Duty-Right-Angle-Air-Die-Grinder-/260803961058?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cb920a0e2


If you look on the head, you'll see where you have to oil it to get proper life from the tool.

[makoshark]

Great! If you do find the oiler, then post it up.

[Sonar Chief]

Great! If you do find the oiler, then post it up.

Found a link to the oiler and found a site for less $$$$ http://www.airtoolsforless.com/cutting_tools_menu.html

Hope this helps!!!

[makoshark]

Glad you found this! I'm going to order one myself. Thanks for finding it and posting it up.

[Sonar Chief]

Glad you found this! I'm going to order one myself. Thanks for finding it and posting it up.

You bet, I ordered the 3102 and the oiler kit, should last as long as my project ... hopefully longer!:thumbsup:
Good luck!

[makoshark]

I think you made a good choice!

Get this thread over to the projects section so it will get more exposure:cheers:

[Sonar Chief]

Get this thread over to the projects section so it will get more exposure:cheers:

I don't know how to do that..... do you?
Thanks

[makoshark]

Contact a mod and ask them to move it to the projects section. They will gladly do it for you.

[Sonar Chief]

I'm in the projects section :cheers: .... I am learning from reading these posts (sometimes it's hard to get through 264 pages in one sitting:lol: ) and hope I can contribute something as soon as I get off this computer and get out in the garage!

Thanks for looking,
Michael

[makoshark]

It's now officially a project. Congrats:cheers: Now go get busy:D I need to practice what I preach:cool:

[Sonar Chief]

It's now officially a project. Congrats:cheers: Now go get busy:D I need to practice what I preach:cool:

I'm going, I'm going .... it's snowing outside and the garage temp isn't that much warmer even with the heater on.:( My air grinder is shipped. I'm syked, thanks for the suggestion.
Later:thumbsup:

[makoshark]

Numb hands just mean you won't feel it when you cut your finger off. I mean, you have 10 fingers, it won't hurt if you lose 1:P

We started having normal weather here today. It's been unusually warm around here this winter.

I got out this afternoon ready to drop my motor in and ran into another snag, so I gave up. I'm pushing the motor back into the corner and going to start my micro-tubs and get my AirBar installed when it shows up:D Now I need to sell my Hotchkis springs to help come up with the rest of the money for my front wheels and tires. I stepped up and bought some 18's. They weren't my first choice, but the GM Rally's just weren't doing it for me anymore.

[Sonar Chief]

going to start my micro-tubs and get my AirBar installed when it shows up:D Now I need to sell my Hotchkis springs to help come up with the rest of the money for my front wheels and tires. I stepped up and bought some 18's. They weren't my first choice, but the GM Rally's just weren't doing it for me anymore.

Are you doing DSE tubs or splicing your inners? I am going with the Air Ride system, front and back (unless I win the lotto then I'll go RS stuff).
Good luck!

[makoshark]

I'm going to just splice into the inners in there now. I'm going to try not to cut into the frame, hence, micro-tub. I am trying to accomodate 10.5 wheels with 295 tires.

Hit the lotto! I hear ya! No telling what I would do:_paranoid

[coolwelder62]

Awesome Build thread.:thumbsup: I love home built car as much I like love the over the top build's.:thumbsup:Keep up the great work.

[Sonar Chief]

Awesome Build thread.:thumbsup: I love home built car as much I like love the over the top build's.:thumbsup:Keep up the great work.

Thanks, I love the high end builds for their ideas and attention to detail - gets me motivated to do my best and gives me ideas :unibrow:

[Sonar Chief]

2/11 Update Well ... I worked on the drop off patch today, I did hear the radio guy say it was 19 this afternoon, so it had to be just above freezing inside :wow: I stayed until I had the patch where I could tack it in and work on the outer panel before I fully welded the both together, and then I could not feel my toes!
So ... this is where I am today, I'll weld tomorrow, should be middle 30's :woot:

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/8052/1202119.jpg
The front of the patch ready to weld, galvanized YEAH!!!!
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/7761/12021111.jpg
I still need to clean off the undercoating before welding
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/785/12021110.jpg
This really bugs me, I'm gonna wheel this soon!

Thanks for looking,

[orangevert]

Welcome Sonar Chief, The car is coming along good,

Kirk

[Sonar Chief]

Welcome Sonar Chief, The car is coming along good,

Kirk

Thanks Kirk Wished I could have stayed out in the garage longer, just too cold to keep going. You know how cold it was today huh? Tomorrow should make more progress.

Michael

[makoshark]

Some progress is better than no progress. Did you get your new mini-die grinder?

It was sunny here today, but very windy. I was driving to the hardware store today and saw a bird flying but not moving. haha! It was also snowing. Temperature in my garage showed a balmy 61*'s:P

[Sonar Chief]

Some progress is better than no progress. Did you get your new mini-die grinder?

A little at a time ... then you're done right? I wished I could get the garage up to 50 let alone 60!!!!
The email said I should get my air grinder on Tuesday, and I'll put it straight to work:thumbsup:
More to follow, thanks....

Michael

[Sonar Chief]

2/12 Plan B The plan was to tack in drop off patch and then work on the outer skin for the quarter ... NO gas for the welder, What? There should have been ... Plan B go back in the warm house or get the bottom of the trunk cleaned up. So I made a mess with the fiber disc and then cleaned the garage:thumbsup:
Not real exciting but... better than nothing. Just have the floor boards to do now!

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/5299/12021212.jpg
I'll need to get a disc on the rough spots, maybe sand blast?
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1413/12021213.jpg
She's solid :thumbsup:

It's snowing out now!!!
Later,
Michael

[Sonar Chief]

Garage time w my sweetheart! Good couple hours in the garage, got the drop off welded and dressed. I cut it too short at the tail pan the first time :mad: and it bugged me so ... I welded the piece back on and then cut again to fit:unibrow: had to! Came out pretty nice, dress the back side and undercoat, good as new:woot:
So here is the progress so far .... not that exciting, but it's progress.

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/290/12021422.jpg
Drivers drop off patched and dressed
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8836/12021423.jpg
Need to dress the back, she's good.

Hopefully I can get the outer patch welded on this weekend, that's the plan.
Later,
Michael

[coolwelder62]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thanks for the :thumbsup: :thumbsup: , I am getting there slowly, can't wait for some warm weather. :yes: I'm heading out to the garage after dinner to work on the quarter skin!
Michael

[Sonar Chief]

Finished the drop offs got the passenger side welded in dressed both sides, that was the easy part - now to the outer skin patches. I don't like the way they sit, if you look at my last photo you can see where I've rolled the patch under and it now sits flush with the drop off and doesn't have that step from the factory. It should be ok as long as I do both sides the same:_paranoid

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/125/12021830.jpg
Passenger drop off welded:thumbsup:
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/5179/12021833.jpg
Driver side dressed

Thanks for looking,
Michael

[makoshark]

Looking good. Now, how is that new cut off wheel working? Better? I finally ordered one the other day too as well as the oiler for it

[Sonar Chief]

Looking good. Now, how is that new cut off wheel working? Better? I finally ordered one the other day too as well as the oiler for it

I ordered the right angle die grinder from that website and it came in for Valentine's Day and I put it straight to use. The manual says to pump grease into the head every 8 hours or every days use. and a little oil in the air inlet.
It's working well, wished I could keep the moisture outa the line, I brought desiccant granules from work and put them in the air trap and that seems to help - the compressor runs and the differential temp causes moisture.:mad: I could see my breath out there in the garage :unibrow:
Later...

[makoshark]

I'm having moisture problems as well. I'm about to move my compressor 100 ft from my garage and add an air dryer setup to it as well as install my new filter setup. I've had it with moisture issues

[waynieZ]

It looks good nice job.

[Sonar Chief]

It looks good nice job.

Thanks, she's coming along nice, albeit slow :thumbsup:
Any comment on the quarter skin being rolled under verses the step that came from the factory, I think if I do both sides nobody will know the difference :unibrow:

Thanks
Michael

[Sonar Chief]

Thought I'd throw in some pix of the original and the patch clamped in the original spot

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5783/12021840.jpg
Bottom flange even w drop off original
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3522/sep2010053.jpg
The original panel before I cut em off with step

Any comments would be appreciated!
Thanks

[makoshark]

I'm cornfused as to what you are referring to as a step

[Sonar Chief]

I'm cornfused as to what you are referring to as a step

See where the clamp is holding the panel on in the previous post- that is where the original panel is supposed to end, and now I rolled the panel under (clamp in same place on drop off) and it makes the quarter curve under and this step will get cutoff!
The two sharpie lines shows how much I lowered the patch and rolled under.

Clear as mud? Wished I could draw a line on the pix.
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/6246/12021835.jpg

[makoshark]

Considering reproduction parts are never correct, I would do whatever I had to do to the repop part to make it fit and look like the original did.

[Sonar Chief]

Considering reproduction parts are never correct, I would do whatever I had to do to the repop part to make it fit and look like the original did.

Yeah they're not so good ... thought I'd put up some pix to see what others thought - it's tough to see the diff.
Thanks

[makoshark]

Unfortunately, that is the nature of repop parts. They simply do not fit like they are suppose to fit. That is why I went with NOS quarters and NOS outer wheel houses. They cost me some coin, but the time saved from not have to 'make' them fit made up for their initial cost. Just keep plugging away on those panels and you will get them to fit. You'll have to do some slicing here and there to get them to the original shape. It's only more work:lol:

[Sonar Chief]

Unfortunately, that is the nature of repop parts. They simply do not fit like they are suppose to fit. That is why I went with NOS quarters and NOS outer wheel houses. They cost me some coin, but the time saved from not have to 'make' them fit made up for their initial cost. Just keep plugging away on those panels and you will get them to fit. You'll have to do some slicing here and there to get them to the original shape. It's only more work:lol:

I expected some mods w these patches, but I wasn't gonna replace a good quarter for the small amount of rust, ya know! My second set of front fenders are NOS GM and I bought them back in '98 from Rick's :unibrow: Lucked out!

It's only more work :thumbsup: that's the reason we're doing this!

[Steve68]

Nice work!! just went through 10 pages!!!,

where in CO are you?? have friends in Denver, Longmont,

[Sonar Chief]

Nice work!! just went through 10 pages!!!,

where in CO are you?? have friends in Denver, Longmont,

Thanks for the compliment, I am Northern Co, Ft Collins.... it's cold as heck right now, oh yeah -it's winter:lol:

Thanks

[Sonar Chief]

make sure you give the grinders a few drops of oil EVERY time u use them . also there is a grease zerk fitting on the 90* grinders for the gears in the head, grease it once a month of heavy use. they should last a lot longer if you do this, the snap on and matco's are not cheap

Yep ... I got the IR Super Duty 3102 with the oiler/grease tool, I oil and grease every time before I use it. My craftsman has the same grease fitting on the 90* but no one ever told me about the greasing the head - I even read the instructions:( Oh well, I'll return it to Sears.
Thanks

[Sonar Chief]

you need to burn one up take it apart to see why it broke to know about greasing the gears in the head.lol

I have the grease kit now :thumbsup: .... I'd rather get some money back from Sears and buy something I need. I'll tear the next one down and post pixs.:unibrow:

[Roberts68]

I actually only read as far as the cars original color and drive train and subscribed with the knowledge that you were also complemented in another thread for your attitude and abilities.

My car was born in the same configuration. :yes:

Anyway, I will backtrack now and read up... and follow along from here. Inspire away.:thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

I actually only read as far as the cars original color and drive train and subscribed with the knowledge that you were also complemented in another thread for your attitude and abilities.

My car was born in the same configuration. :yes:

Anyway, I will backtrack now and read up... and follow along from here. Inspire away.:thumbsup:
Thanks for looking, she's coming along slowly. Been so cold I have stayed in the house lately :( , need to get out there this weekend. Waiting on some parts to finish the front cowl.

Thanks again!

[Roberts68]

I am all caught up on the thread now.:thumbsup:
Lots of similarities between our cars except the most glaring difference is a year of age.

Mine came to me in '89 so that is similar as well. I also have the Protecto-Plate, Van Nuys build sold in CA, 327 2bbl, Powerglide... "Chic's car".:_paranoid
:P

Mine was a nice Emerald Green lacquer when I got it and was painted in '96

Body is pretty good as far as I know, but there will come a time to learn more of her deep dark secrets. For now I just want to get her back on the road and shake her out a bit... the memory of what bugged me is a little foggy. As I put it, " I have a pretty car that handled poorly and didn't stop well."

I ought to start a Project thread but time is a precious commodity.

Keep up the good work. I feel for your working conditions as I know all about working in the cold and alternating between motivated to keep moving despite numb fingers or in my case being too warm and slightly asphyxiated by fumes of the torpedo heater. There is no middle ground it seems.

By the way. Thanks for your service Sailor.:cheers:

[Sonar Chief]

I am all caught up on the thread now.:thumbsup:
Lots of similarities between our cars except the most glaring difference is a year of age.

Mine came to me in '89 so that is similar as well. I also have the Protecto-Plate, Van Nuys build sold in CA, 327 2bbl, Powerglide... "Chic's car".:_paranoid
:P

Mine was a nice Emerald Green lacquer when I got it and was painted in '96

Body is pretty good as far as I know, but there will come a time to learn more of her deep dark secrets. For now I just want to get her back on the road and shake her out a bit... the memory of what bugged me is a little foggy. As I put it, " I have a pretty car that handled poorly and didn't stop well."

I ought to start a Project thread but time is a precious commodity.

Keep up the good work. I feel for your working conditions as I know all about working in the cold and alternating between motivated to keep moving despite numb fingers or in my case being too warm and slightly asphyxiated by fumes of the torpedo heater. There is no middle ground it seems.

By the way. Thanks for your service Sailor.:cheers:

Thanks for the compliment on the car, I have a lot to do still but plugging away when I can makes a big difference, I can't wait for warmer weather.:woot:

You are welcome, I would not have had it any other way- Submarines all the way!

My motto about the submarine service: There are more airplanes in the ocean than there are SUBMARINES in the air!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Thanks for looking,
Michael

[makoshark]

I know you been too busy to post any updates:lateral:

[Sonar Chief]

I know you been too busy to post any updates:lateral:

I have been busy and it's been cold here! And my danged air compressor is heating up the air (differential air temp) and there is water to my tools :(
But today it was nice so I got out there and removed the drivers side cowl panel - I knew there was gonna be rust behind all this and now I can see it!
What a mess, those frigging mice had a house in there and its rusted bad, so ... I'll sand blast this POR15 when it's warmer. My side cowls should be here this week from Year One but I don't want to put them on until I fix the inside.
So here is a couple pictures of the damage:(

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/5707/120311121.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/120311121.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Side cowl removed, rusted of course

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8994/120311120.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/651/120311120.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Better view of the damage
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5205/120311119.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/515/120311119.jpg/)
The top shelf is were there was a mouse house, sand blasting soon!!:thumbsup:
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

I had to do it right or it would have bugged me knowing there was rust behind all this!!!! Time to do the other side :thumbsup:

Later
Michael

[makoshark]

Sandblaster will make quick work of that. It doesn't look too bad, but does need attention. I'm sure you'll have it looking all new in no time. Warm weather is coming! It has finally started hitting 70's around here. I can't use the excuse its too cold to work on the car anymore, but I can use the excuse I'm waiting on parts:)

[Sonar Chief]

Sandblaster will make quick work of that. It doesn't look too bad, but does need attention. I'm sure you'll have it looking all new in no time. Warm weather is coming! It has finally started hitting 70's around here. I can't use the excuse its too cold to work on the car anymore, but I can use the excuse I'm waiting on parts:)

The temp here got to middle 60's :cheers: and it should be good for a couple more days and then I'm sure it'll snow, gotta keep plugging away - so I'm outa here to do the other side now!

[Sonar Chief]

More rust! on the other side cowl! Happened to be the lower section below the air vent opening that rusted the worst, may need to replace with a patch :(
I did get out the ol fiber disc and cleaned the parts I could get to and they came out pretty good, still need to blast the area I can't get to and POR15 em.
Not too exciting but the weather has been nice and it's progress:thumbsup:

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2886/120312126.jpg
Cowl removed and more rust above the patch I welded in:(
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5809/120312123.jpg
Drivers side cleaned with fiber disc
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4291/120312122.jpg
Ditto, still need to sand blast!
Later,
Michael

[makoshark]

I just noticed you have the whole cowl removed from your car. Was it that bad of shape? Also, are you going to smooth your firewall?

[Sonar Chief]

I just noticed you have the whole cowl removed from your car. Was it that bad of shape? Also, are you going to smooth your firewall?

Yeah, the rust had eaten its way through the seams of the firewall by the wiper motor and the upper cowl, and the dash was rusted out from the windshield leaking. Seemed like the more I dug the worse the rust, so .... to do it right I have to replace everything.
I was going to replace the side cowl panels first and then do a firewall panel, not sure if I'll use a DSE or just make one, that will be a first for me :wow:

At least my floor and the rest of the firewall is good ... gotta think positive right? It could be a lot worse :cheers:

[makoshark]

I ended up using the DSE panel and modified it. If my firewall had not been beat to death, I would have just used some sheetmetal to smooth it. I wouldn't weld anything till you have the upper cowl fitted. I would fit the upper cowl as well as those sides all at the same time. Once all is lined up, then I would start welding it.

[Sonar Chief]

I ended up using the DSE panel and modified it. If my firewall had not been beat to death, I would have just used some sheetmetal to smooth it. I wouldn't weld anything till you have the upper cowl fitted. I would fit the upper cowl as well as those sides all at the same time. Once all is lined up, then I would start welding it.

Roger that, I have the cowl assembly in hand and the side cowls should be here Thursday and I'll start mocking it all up before I weld. With the DSE panel did you weld on top of your original or did you cut out the perimeter and weld?
That's the route I was looking at ... don't see the need for two pieces of metal.

[makoshark]

I cut out the original panel and trimmed the lip off the DSE panel. It has a folded lip around its perimeter to fit over the original firewall. It took me an easy day to cut out and install the DSE panel. Its easy work. I am thinking of going back and welding up the seam around the perimeter of the firewall now.

[Sonar Chief]

I cut out the original panel and trimmed the lip off the DSE panel. It has a folded lip around its perimeter to fit over the original firewall. It took me an easy day to cut out and install the DSE panel. Its easy work. I am thinking of going back and welding up the seam around the perimeter of the firewall now.

Nice, that was my thinking. I had to go back a ways to find this pix, she's come along way since October.

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/8782/dscn1528d.jpg
Rusted BAD!!!!!!!!!

Later,
Michael

[makoshark]

Yowser! Well you almost got it all buttoned up. You'll be driving this summer right?

[Sonar Chief]

Yowser! Well you almost got it all buttoned up. You'll be driving this summer right?

I don't know about this summer, my job (Fisheries Biologist) has me out and about most of the summer, that's why I'm hitting her hard during the winter. I expect next summer would be a good goal :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[makoshark]

Bummer!

[Sonar Chief]

Bummer!
Yeah, but I'd rather have a job and take a couple years to finish than the other choice :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Little at a time and then you're done :cheers:

[Sonar Chief]

Nothing now! I should have known the drivers side rocker was gonna be in the same shape as the passenger side, after cleaning with a fiber disc I found a pin hole and sure enough pushed a screwdriver through it :( So I cut off the outside rocker panel to inspect and I found a bunch of mouse related stuff that took awhile to get outa the rocker. (I think there was a sock from the 70's in there :lol: )
So ... I'm waiting on the part from AMD to replace the same patch that I did on the passenger side, should go faster the second time around, right?

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/6889/120316132.jpg
Rusted inner rocker!
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6855/120316127.jpg
Little POR15 and she'll be better than new!
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3566/120316130.jpg
Have you looked inside your rocker panel?

My side cowl panel came in yesterday, think I'll mock them up and see how they fit and what mods I need to make them fit.
Later,
Michael

[waynieZ]

Its amazing what gets in there.

[makoshark]

Now we know where the missing socks always ends up

[Sonar Chief]

Its amazing what gets in there.

Ain't that the truth, but how?
I got a rough cut done to the inner rocker tonight, waiting on parts now. Then I mocked the cowl and both side cowls in place ... they need a little work to meet my specs. :thumbsup: My dash looked outa place with all that black sheet metal, so ... I broke out the DeWalt and the fiber disc and cleaned all the paint off the front, supposed to be in the 70's tomorrow so I'll get some epoxy primer on it.
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3556/120316135.jpg
Rough cut the inner cowl.
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/6018/120316137.jpg
Ready for epoxy primer, looks as good as the back now :cheers:

Until next time,
Michael

[Sonar Chief]

Now we know where the missing socks always ends up

I thought only dryers ate socks, how did the mice get that much stuff in there?

Well, this is how nice a day it is here in CO, you never get to work outside in March :willy: Dash is ready!

http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/5764/120317140.jpg
Nice to be outside!

[Sonar Chief]

Got in the trunk and back out again (getting too old for this) to get the outer and inner wheel houses cut out PITA. One thing I have learned with this car is if there is rust on one side you better do both sides, sure enough there was rust on the lower front quarter/ outer :( And I figure it's best to get everything out and sand blast once and be done.
I'll order my DSE tubs soon and replace the outers, in Stielow's book he make reference to the body shop that did his mini tub and they always replace the outer and inner wheel houses- and this is why!
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4563/120318149.jpg
the quarter panel looks good from here.
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/5710/120318147.jpg
Not so good from here.
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1460/120318152.jpg
Looking straight up - needs some attention!
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/5732/120318154.jpg
This is the lower front, needs to be fixed :(

This has been a good weekend to be in the garage with the temps, still need to get the other side cut out, the weather is changing as I'm typing - snow?
Anyone have a preference on outer wheel houses? AMD? Year One?
Later,
Michael

[makoshark]

I prefer NOS. That is what I used, but they are hard to come by these days and the price for them is 'out there'. Look at Rick's and see what they have. I bought a lot of panels from them. They offered US Made panels and they were always very nice pieces with the correct gauge thickness.

I'm in the mini tub process right now and they are not as easy as DSE made them out to be. I started out going to just split the stock inners and then decided to just use the DSE deep tubs. The main difficulty I have found with their directions is they give you no reference points for their templates. However, I haven't used their templates other than for my own reference. There really isn't any real clear cut way of doing the tubs, so DSE has made it as painless as they possibly could I suppose. It's not a painless operation though. It just takes time and a little tweaking here and there. Don't try to cut it out all at once. Make your cut lines and then creap up to them fitting the new tub in during the whole process. That way you'll get a perfect fit for the end result. I have already cut my frame rail out a little too much and am going to have to go back and weld a little bit of metal back in to make up the gap. I hope I can have these done by next weekend.

What do your quarters look like at the rear window channel and rear trunk/window filler panel? Mine were rotten there necessitating me to have to replace both quarters. I sure wish I had mini tubbed the car then instead of doing it now:mad:

[Sonar Chief]

What do your quarters look like at the rear window channel and rear trunk/window filler panel? Mine were rotten there necessitating me to have to replace both quarters. I sure wish I had mini tubbed the car then instead of doing it now:mad:
I would get NOS but ... yeah right? I have ordered from Ricks before, I'll call them this week.
Did you get the DVD with your tubs?
My filler panel was gone and I've already replace that piece and the sides I have replacement pieces (Ricks) and the quarter panel lip I will make a piece with my shrinker/ stretcher and weld in place. That's a lot easier that a full quarter for sure :wow:

Thanks for chiming in and looking,
Michael

[makoshark]

Yes, I have 2 of them. Need one?

[Sonar Chief]

Yes, I have 2 of them. Need one?

Yes ... whatcha want for one DVD? PM sent.

[Beach Cruiser]

Funny story on the Rocker panels. When I cut mine out I found a bunch of old newspapers stuffed in to fill the rust holes and then covered with Bondo! Funny thing is the newspapers were dated 1983! Three months before I bought the car! I found them in 2010! And you could still read them plain as day!

[Sonar Chief]

I prefer NOS. That is what I used,

Well... I think I am going with NOS outers after reading about the aftermarket stuff. I found a pair NOS outers I'm gonna order, my birthday is a month away and I need a present :woot:

Thanks for hooking me up with the DSE dvd,
Michael

[Sonar Chief]

Funny story on the Rocker panels. When I cut mine out I found a bunch of old newspapers stuffed in to fill the rust holes and then covered with Bondo! Funny thing is the newspapers were dated 1983! Three months before I bought the car! I found them in 2010! And you could still read them plain as day!

Were the coupons still good? Sorry I'd be kicking some butt there :yes:

[makoshark]

Well... I think I am going with NOS outers after reading about the aftermarket stuff. I found a pair NOS outers I'm gonna order, my birthday is a month away and I need a present :woot:

Thanks for hooking me up with the DSE dvd,
Michael

Good call there. I ended up using NOS outers and quarters. I got them all for a good price some years ago. No prob on the video. Its on the way to you:)

[Sonar Chief]

Work continues took on the passenger side outer last night, rusted in the same spot as the drivers side.:mad: Well ... at least it will be new when I'm done and I don't have to worry about rust.
My patch for the lower side cowl is here so that is on my list. I think I'm gonna build to body cart before I do any more welding, there is not much there anymore between the cowl and the wheel houses being gone.
So, more pictures ...
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/6779/120323159.jpg
View from the trunk - not bad!
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/8823/120323157.jpg
The rusted spot that I replace w/ the patch ... didn't get it all!
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/7728/120323166.jpg
Needs some attention up high on the quarters.

Of course the weather is nice and I have to go outa town for a week ... but the weather should be nice from here on til summer. :cheers: Then it's sand blasting time!

Thanks for looking,
Michael

[waynieZ]

Nice progress.

[makoshark]

Looking good. What kind of rear suspension are you going with? That video ever arrive?

[Sonar Chief]

Looking good. What kind of rear suspension are you going with? That video ever arrive?

Well I like the AirRide Tech package, but I'm not too keen on the poly bushings that mount the upper links to their frame. I'd rather have a swivel bushing like the Chassisworks on the AirRide frame .... so I may have to order my own links to replace the AirRide ones. Wasn't it VEGAS69 that had problems with the poly bushings on his upper links?
So yeah ... AirRide package is where I'm leaning, is that port or starboard? :rofl:

No the DVD isn't here yet, should be tomorrow. I have to get ready for a trip to Jackson Hole WY for a meeting all next week and there will be some fly fishing days, somebody's gotta do go!
Thanks

[Sonar Chief]

Nice progress.

Thanks for the kudos, can't go back now!

[makoshark]

Your talking about the Airbar right? That is what I am running. Yes, I did see in his thread where he was having that problem. That could be an easy remedy though. Like you said, build new links.

If you go with the Airbar, then I have fabricated a bracket that fits inside the frame rail. It allows you to bolt the Airbar in place and have it bolted in to an actual nut and not the flimsy sheet metal frame. It will also strengthen the rear frame in that area. This will allow you to not weld the Airbar in and fatigue the sheet metal, which is what cause several to have broken frames. If you're interested, then I can hook you up with some templates.

[Sonar Chief]

Your talking about the Airbar right? That is what I am running. Yes, I did see in his thread where he was having that problem. That could be an easy remedy though. Like you said, build new links.

If you go with the Airbar, then I have fabricated a bracket that fits inside the frame rail. It allows you to bolt the Airbar in place and have it bolted in to an actual nut and not the flimsy sheet metal frame. It will also strengthen the rear frame in that area. This will allow you to not weld the Airbar in and fatigue the sheet metal, which is what cause several to have broken frames. If you're interested, then I can hook you up with some templates.

I would definitely be interested, yes the Airbar is what I meant. Do you have the kit already?

[makoshark]

Yes, I already installed the upper cradle per the factory instructions. I did that before I started my mini tub so I could know exactly where all the holes would be in the frame rails so I could make my brackets to fit inside the frame rails and allow it to be a true bolt in. I'll go snap a picture of the bracket I am almost finished with. I did have to move one of the holes on the Airbar cradle because it was interfering with one of the other holes they had going in the frame.

[Sonar Chief]

Yes, I already installed the upper cradle per the factory instructions. I did that before I started my mini tub so I could know exactly where all the holes would be in the frame rails so I could make my brackets to fit inside the frame rails and allow it to be a true bolt in. I'll go snap a picture of the bracket I am almost finished with. I did have to move one of the holes on the Airbar cradle because it was interfering with one of the other holes they had going in the frame.

Yeah I'm a picture kinda guy, what are the bushings?

[makoshark]

This is a picture of the bracket bolted in. I still have to add one more plate with 3 more nuts welded to it. The plate that I have not made yet has to be installed after the bracket is made and installed. You bolt it in and then weld the plate to the lower part of the bracket and then your done. I will drill a few holes randomly to plug weld the bracket to the frame once I have it finished and am ready to close the frame rail back up.

[makoshark]

The bushings that came with my Airbar are heim joint on one end of the upper link, rubber on the other end and the lower link came with poly on one end and rubber on the other. I'll change that all up after I get the car on the road

[Sonar Chief]

This is a picture of the bracket bolted in. I still have to add one more plate with 3 more nuts welded to it. The plate that I have not made yet has to be installed after the bracket is made and installed. You bolt it in and then weld the plate to the lower part of the bracket and then your done. I will drill a few holes randomly to plug weld the bracket to the frame once I have it finished and am ready to close the frame rail back up.

Nice :hail: :hail: so your plate goes in before you close up the frame for the mini tubs? Very nice!

[makoshark]

Nice :hail: :hail: so your plate goes in before you close up the frame for the mini tubs? Very nice!

Yup! Nothing pertee, but it will serve it's purpose well. The close up picture of the frame rail from the inside shows where the hole I had to raise up from where Ridetech had the hole on the cradle. I had to move the hole up on the cradle as well. I am using 1" 7/16"x14 thread grade 5 bolts with matching nuts. I'll post it all up on my thread tomorrow evening if I manage to get it all done and back in. I'm going to make a template so I will be able to duplicate the bracket for the passenger side. I'll make one up for you too and scan it.

[makoshark]

Oh yeah, Matt's Classic Bowties is having a sale on all of Ridetech's products till the end of the month. They also offer the best prices I have found. I have been dealing with them lately for all of my parts.
This is a free plug for Matt's Classic Bowties:lol:

[Sonar Chief]

Yup! Nothing pertee, but it will serve it's purpose well. The close up picture of the frame rail from the inside shows where the hole I had to raise up from where Ridetech had the hole on the cradle. I had to move the hole up on the cradle as well. I am using 1" 7/16"x14 thread grade 5 bolts with matching nuts. I'll post it all up on my thread tomorrow evening if I manage to get it all done and back in. I'm going to make a template so I will be able to duplicate the bracket for the passenger side. I'll make one up for you too and scan it.

Very nice ... I'd like a copy to duplicate and then you can sell the print to Mr V at Ride Tech :cheers:
I see you have your DSE tubs already, trial fit? Nice?

[Sonar Chief]

Oh yeah, Matt's Classic Bowties is having a sale on all of Ridetech's products till the end of the month. They also offer the best prices I have found. I have been dealing with them lately for all of my parts.
This is a free plug for Matt's Classic Bowties:lol:

Yeah I saw that, I have to build a jig for the car and buy NOS outers and DSE inners before I can get the Airbar ... lack of funds is a bummer.

[makoshark]

HAHA! I have been thinking about contacting them to share the bracket with them, but not sell it. Who know's though:unibrow:

Yeah, they are nice. I still haven't gotten them to fit like I want. They are difficult to get in there with the outer wheelhouse already installed. Tight squeeze. I think they will fit fine once I get the car all tweaked to fit them properly. I should have the drivers side buttoned up by the end of the weekend.

[makoshark]

Yeah I saw that, I have to build a jig for the car and buy NOS outers and DSE inners before I can get the Airbar ... lack of funds is a bummer.

I hear ya! I'm scrambling right now to come up with the money for my front Ridetech coil-overs and the Truturn before the end of the month.

[Sonar Chief]

DOOR cuz I'm learning that if there is rust on one side better do the other side too! Sure enough, driver's door that looked good on the outside was rusted all along the bottom :( This time I used the Eastwood door skinner tool and what a difference - all I had to do was grind down the spot welds and pull the skin back :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Who ever said to grind the edges of the door has not used one of these and should :hail:
So guess what I'm doing tomorrow? It's gonna be 80 out and I need to clean all this mess up and get some POR15 on the shell and paint it black, don't have to worry about this rust coming back!!!!!!!
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/3093/120330169.jpg
Using a door skinner, easy job!
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3573/120330175.jpg
Rust never rests, what's under your skin?
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9431/120330179.jpg
Over all not too bad, another skin in route.

I have been looking at the doors that only replace the outer skin with a patch .... now I know what is under the skin and it sure would have continued to rust.
If it's worth doing it's worth doing right, thanks DAD :cheers:

Thanks for looking,
Michael

[makoshark]

Do you have your fenders installed and lined up on the car? Door skins are notorious for the lines not being correct. The only way to install the skins properly is to have the door installed on the car and lined up to the quarters and fenders lined up to the door. Just trying to keep you from having any future headaches:)

[Sonar Chief]

Do you have your fenders installed and lined up on the car? Door skins are notorious for the lines not being correct. The only way to install the skins properly is to have the door installed on the car and lined up to the quarters and fenders lined up to the door. Just trying to keep you from having any future headaches:)

Thanks, that's why I haven't put the skin on the passenger door yet, still have to get the subframe blasted and then remount and go from there. I should have my NOS outers by the end of the month and then work on the mini tubs.

[Sonar Chief]

Yeah, this is what a good door is supposed to look like :thumbsup: Have two coats of POR15 on today and will get some chassis black on tomorrow and she'll be better than new!!! It was a PITA to clean all the rust and the GM waxy stuff off the inside, but persistence paid off (DeWalt still going) and got her down to metal :unibrow:

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/2565/120331191.jpg
Better than before
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2644/120331190.jpg
Closeup of the corners
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9624/120331189.jpg
Almost done with inside, now for the black!

Keep plugging away and I'll be done ... someday.

[makoshark]

WOW! that was some work. Sandblaster would make quick work of that:yes:

[Sonar Chief]

WOW! that was some work. Sandblaster would make quick work of that:yes:

Yeah, but I don't have one of those!! I have a DeWalt fitted with a fiber disc and lots of time :thumbsup:

PS ... I got the CD, thanks!

[makoshark]

Wheel it over here and we'll fire my sandblaster up and take care of it next time:lol:

Looking good. I should have my driver's tub installed in the car by tomorrow. I got it and the brackets I made cleaned, primed and ready to go.:woot:

[Sonar Chief]

Wheel it over here and we'll fire my sandblaster up and take care of it next time:lol:

Looking good. I should have my driver's tub installed in the car by tomorrow. I got it and the brackets I made cleaned, primed and ready to go.:woot:

CO to MS is a bit outa the way don't ya think?
Waiting for pictures on your tub and brackets, should be sweet!!!!!

[makoshark]

Well, it shouldn't take a day or so to get here:lol:

If all goes well, they will be installed tomorrow

[Sonar Chief]

sanding the quarters! I didn't get the door prepped, IAW POR15 if you let it dry overnite you have to rough the skin with a scotch brite and then you can topcoat. I'll rough it up this week and take it to work and get some black on the door.
So plan B, get the quarters down to metal and see if there are any surprises under all that paint. Chemical and mechanical stripping started and I almost finished in one day ... :D Just some touch up left and when I get the wheel houses going and the patch I can start body working the rear half.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/4644/120401196.jpg
Needed two rounds to get it down to metal
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4295/120401207.jpg
Still needs some work
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/7375/120401202.jpg
Driver's side looking better
So ... not too exciting but it's progress, I put the trunk lid on for trial fit - pretty good fit.
Not bad for 45 year old quarters :cheers:
Thanks for looking

[coolwelder62]

Look's Good,:thumbsup: I am lovin your progress.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Look's Good,:thumbsup: I am lovin your progress.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thanks for noticing ... little at a time and then she's done!

[waynieZ]

Nice progress. They look really good , you must have felt happy seeing those in that shape once the paint was all off. :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Nice progress. They look really good , you must have felt happy seeing those in that shape once the paint was all off. :thumbsup:

Thanks ... I was very happy to see the quarters in bare metal knowing I don't have to replace them :woot:

[Bucketlist2012]

Thanks ... I was very happy to see the quarters in bare metal knowing I don't have to replace them :woot:

A little at a time......then you will be Done...Keep at it..:thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

A little at a time......then you will be Done...Keep at it..:thumbsup:

Thanks for the :thumbsup: Those words are so true ... so I keep plugging away!

[Sonar Chief]

Well I'm glad I didn't put away the heater, it was snowing this morning and I needed it tonite in the garage. Finished the quarter panels and did both door jambs. While I was removing the paint on the rocker panel I came across a hole?:( I think while I was discing the hole came through, there is a repair I need to do - glad I found it now!

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3228/120403213.jpg
Cleaned both door jambs
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/555/120403212.jpg
Hole that needs attention :mad:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7194/120403215.jpg
My Great Dane came out to see what I'd been doing all nite.

More to follow .... thanks!

[makoshark]

Is your car an RS?

[Sonar Chief]

Is your car an RS?

No, but the front fenders are NOS RS fenders, I'll have to modify them a little :thumbsup:

[orangevert]

SonarChief do you need a rotisserie?

The car is looking good, Lots of great metal work.

Thanks Kirk

[makoshark]

No, but the front fenders are NOS RS fenders, I'll have to modify them a little :thumbsup:

Don't wanna run the RS setup? I love the RS grill look, but I understand not everyone does.

[Sonar Chief]

SonarChief do you need a rotisserie?

The car is looking good, Lots of great metal work.

Thanks Kirk

Kirk ... eventually I'll need one. Do you have one?
I have to build a frame jig first and weld the cowl and the tubs in first and then she'll be ready for a rotisserie to do the underside.

[Sonar Chief]

Don't wanna run the RS setup? I love the RS grill look, but I understand not everyone does.

I think I like the non RS version better, steady the course :thumbsup:

[orangevert]

Kirk ... eventually I'll need one. Do you have one?
I have to build a frame jig first and weld the cowl and the tubs in first and then she'll be ready for a rotisserie to do the underside.

Yes, If i have it when you need it PM and if you want to drive to Denver you can use it.

Kirk

[Sonar Chief]

Yes, If i have it when you need it PM and if you want to drive to Denver you can use it.

Kirk

Kirk ...PM sent.

Scuffed the POR15 and put two coats chassis black on the drivers door, came out great :thumbsup: I'm glad I took the skin off and refinished the inside ... don't have to worry about rust no more.
Hey is some car porn!

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/8531/120406228.jpg
Looking better!
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/5959/120406230.jpg
Nice sheen and protected from rusting :thumbsup:

Thanks for looking, I'm out to patch that hole in the rocker panel.

[Sonar Chief]

Nothing special just patched the rocker panel hole, still need to finish it tomorrow, that's another day.

Patched the hole :thumbsup: http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/237/120406233.jpg

Thanks for looking!

[Steve68]

the pics are great, what are you using to clean the door jambs,

I need to redo the Nova body, I like how yours is coming out!


I like the RS look, my car will be getting the RS upgrade, have all the parts!

[Sonar Chief]

the pics are great, what are you using to clean the door jambs,

Steve ... I use a nylon abrasive circular disc purchased at Harbor Freight for the jambs and the firewall, I think the 4 inch is 4 bucks or so. There is a 80 grit coarse and a 120 grit, attached to a drill and away you go! It's time consuming but does the job :thumbsup:
Good luck with your 68RS.

[Steve68]

thanks, I'll look into those, my cars a SS, now a SS/RS, I like the flat grill look,

[makoshark]

The 67 bug eye grill is a good looking grill as well. I'm not a fan of the standard 68 and 69 grill though. Of course, the RS is my favorite. I'd keep yours the way you want it.
I'll have some updates early this week. I have those templates made as well. I'll tell you though, those brackets made the mini tub install a pain in the big ole rear end. I think the passenger side will go a whole lot smoother now that I have it all figured out.:_paranoid

[Sonar Chief]

thanks, I'll look into those, my cars a SS, now a SS/RS, I like the flat grill look,

You are welcome, good luck :thumbsup:

I'll have some updates early this week. I have those templates made as well. I'll tell you though, those brackets made the mini tub install a pain in the big ole rear end. I think the passenger side will go a whole lot smoother now that I have it all figured out.:_paranoid

I will look for your updates ... have you welded the closeout pieces already? I'll wait for pictures. :unibrow:
Thanks

[makoshark]

I have welded in the frame closeout and the shock tower closeout. The frame closeout gave me a few fits though with the bracing I put inside the frame. I had to set the frame closeout inside the frame to get the tub to fit better. The result of doing that forced me to notch the closeout around the nuts welded on the bracket inside the frame. That left a hole in the closeout around the nuts. I have to weld a piece over that hole to finish the frame closeout.

I spent the weekend doing that and welding in metal in areas that I cut too much out. I have been looking at the exposed rocker area wondering what I want to do there. I was over on Detroit Speed site early this morning looking through the projects and saw where they closed that area out as well before installing the new tub. I like that idea because the new tub doesn't want to fit all the way up against the back of the rocker like I want it to, so I'll follow that idea.

I used 11 gauge plate to make all the brackets and closeout pieces. It is quite thick, but I feel it has greatly strengthened the frame. Sure feels a lot stronger and stiffer in that area now.

[Sonar Chief]

.... I was over on Detroit Speed site early this morning looking through the projects and saw where they closed that area out as well before installing the new tub. I like that idea because the new tub doesn't want to fit all the way up against the back of the rocker like I want it to, so I'll follow that idea.

I used 11 gauge plate to make all the brackets and closeout pieces. It is quite thick, but I feel it has greatly strengthened the frame. Sure feels a lot stronger and stiffer in that area now.

Do you remember what DSE car you were looking at? You are going to have to show some pixs! I'll check your build site too.

[makoshark]

Yeah, it was Stuart Adams blue 69 Camaro. Go to page 4 of the build and you'll find the pictures there of the mini tub install.
I'm working on updates. My week is not, as always, working out as planned, but I definitely want to get this driver's side tub finished before the weekend. Super Chevy Show is in town this coming weekend and I'm taking off Friday to go to it, keeping my weekend clear for project time. I have a bunch of new parts trickling in this week too, so stay tuned:cool:

Also, I'm kicking around a neat mod to my rear tail panel to deal with exhaust exiting:unibrow:

[Sonar Chief]

Yeah, it was Stuart Adams blue 69 Camaro. Go to page 4 of the build and you'll find the pictures there of the mini tub install.
I'm working on updates. My week is not, as always, working out as planned, but I definitely want to get this driver's side tub finished before the weekend. Super Chevy Show is in town this coming weekend and I'm taking off Friday to go to it, keeping my weekend clear for project time. I have a bunch of new parts trickling in this week too, so stay tuned:cool:

Also, I'm kicking around a neat mod to my rear tail panel to deal with exhaust exiting:unibrow:

I see what you mean, they filled and then did the install of the tubs. I just missed out on the deal of the week - DSE mini tubs for 175.00 called too late.:faint:
I'll check your site for the finished tub .... by the weekend?

[makoshark]

Man you did miss out on that deal! MCB has the best price on them.

I'm hoping I can get this tub done before the weekend. I didn't make it home yesterday till 5, so no time to work on the car. I was expecting some half days at work this week:mad:

I'm picking up something later this week to build a new tool for my car. I had built one before and someone came by and made an offer I couldn't refuse, so now back to build another one. You'll know what it is by the weekend. :)

[Sonar Chief]

I'm hoping I can get this tub done before the weekend.

Well ...:_paranoid I need to get out to the garage today and get some stuff done, update with pixs.

[Steve68]

Hey, do me a favor, next time your doing pics, take a pic of the wheels that you clean the metal with, theres a HF near work and I cn run in a grab some, thanks

[makoshark]

Well ...:_paranoid I need to get out to the garage today and get some stuff done, update with pixs.

haha! yeah, didn't make it:mad: Was at Super Chevy show yesterday most of the day. Ran into a guy that has 4 40x100 buildings slam full of parts and several other buildings full as well. He said he wants it all gone and is very motivated to sell. Says he has quite a few of first gen builders as well. I will be heading over to his place within a few weeks and see what I can dig up. He's been collecting parts for 40 years.

[Sonar Chief]

Hey, do me a favor, next time your doing pics, take a pic of the wheels that you clean the metal with, theres a HF near work and I cn run in a grab some, thanks

Steve ... this is the disc I use with the Dewalt drill, they also make a 4" and it's better for getting into odd places. The 3" will heat up the metal faster cuz the shorter bristles. Have fun :unibrow:

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5314/120414240.jpg

haha! yeah, didn't make it:mad: Was at Super Chevy show yesterday most of the day. Ran into a guy that has 4 40x100 buildings slam full of parts and several other buildings full as well. He said he wants it all gone and is very motivated to sell. Says he has quite a few of first gen builders as well. I will be heading over to his place within a few weeks and see what I can dig up. He's been collecting parts for 40 years.

Had to give you a hard time about the tubs :lol: Sounds like you're in the money if he says he has that much stuff ... that opportunity only comes around once in a lifetime and you'd better take it :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Got out in the garage and did some more investigating surgery ... yep RUST :mad: Took the inner piece off and sure enough rusted ... I have a replacement piece from AMD for the inner rocker panel repair. It should go easy, I will POR15 the original outer rocker that I cut to get access and get this wrapped up.


http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/8659/120414236.jpg
Rust under this panel ... I knew it :mad:

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/8840/120414237.jpg
This will clean up well ... more POR15 going here:thumbsup:

Thanks for looking ...:thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

What a POS patch panel I cleaned the piece I cut out and will POR15 the backside and weld this one back in place tomorrow. Too frustrated to continue tonite :(

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9866/120414241.jpg

That's all for tonite!

[Steve68]

thank you sir!!!

I'm waiting to get a 50x50 building to be built then I can make some progress on my toys,

[Sonar Chief]

thank you sir!!!

I'm waiting to get a 50x50 building to be built then I can make some progress on my toys,

Steve ... that will be an awesome workshop, good luck.

Too cold in the garage so I'm using the laundry room to paint the patches with POR15.:thumbsup: I'll do the rocker and inner hinge when the weather warms up, maybe later this week? Got the patch rough cut and I'll finish the welding after area is POR'd.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/3315/120415256.jpg
Used the disc to loosen the rust
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8153/120415246.jpg
First coat of POR15 .... much better!
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/3682/120415247.jpg
Ready for POR15when it warms up!

Not too exciting but it's progress :cheers:
Thanks

[Sonar Chief]

Been busy at work mostly. Did get some time with the Camaro today, working on the fit of the trunk lid and the rear valence.

Got the frame built for the frame jig, with borrowed 3X3 square stock from my father's business (junk pile) welded a 4X6 frame today and put some wheels on ... I know it's OVERKILL :lol: But beggars kant be choosy!!!! The frame may out weight the car :lol:
Anyway ... it's progress, I'll work on the uprights next weekend and get it under the car, a mobile car - yeah!


http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9369/120421258.jpg
Sanded the trunk and the valence
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/695/120421259.jpg
The frame for the car started

Thanks for looking,
Michael

[Al Moreno]

WOW, just went through the whole thread! This is a lesson in persistence! keep up the great work :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

WOW, just went through the whole thread! This is a lesson in persistence! keep up the great work :thumbsup:

Thanks for looking ... it has been a challenge, but if it were easy everybody would do it :hail:

I forgot to post this picture last nite ... if anyone is wondering I used Eastwood Fast Etch (same stuff I used on the rusted rotors) and it's reusable - just filter out the gunk and keep going.

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/4641/120422321.jpg
Fast Etch with zinc coating

Thanks

[Sonar Chief]

TGIF worked in the field all week and man I'm glad to get in the garage and work on the frame jig. Got the rear uprights done, measures three times and cut once (plasma cutter and grinder), had 36.5" between rails .... hmmm it does not fit:_paranoid Then I remembered non parallel rails and kept jacking up the car until I could roll the jig under the car .... she fits really snug :hail: :hail:
So... this was my Friday nite, I'll work on the front uprights tomorrow and should be able to roll her out Sunday!!!!!

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5083/120427378.jpg
3X3 kinda overkill .... don't have to worry about flex!

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3263/120427382.jpg
I got this thing snug against the rail ... not going anywhere :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

More to come tomorrow ... thanks for looking!

[Sonar Chief]

Sunday heck I got her out in the sun today, first time in 17 months since she's been outside :woot:

So ... I finished the front uprights with the 3x3 and 3" 1/8 inch plate and bolted the plate to the body mount. The frame will keep her square and I can finish the cowl and the wheel wells .... and it's pretty kool that I can roll her outside!

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/9008/120428396.jpg
Driver's side upright with plate.

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/9787/120428394.jpg
Mark time 1700 and she's outside for the first time!!!!

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/7453/120428399.jpg
Looking good from the rear too!

Now I can get rolling on the cowl and the wheel wells ... moving forward :thumbsup: :thumbsup: And I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the garage ... what a mess!!!

Thanks

[Al Moreno]

Wow, happy day for sure! Going to be nice when done :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Wow, happy day for sure! Going to be nice when done :thumbsup:

Thanks :thumbsup: ... happy day for sure. She's coming along nice, now I can sandblast the areas that need to be POR'd in the driveway and not make a mess in the garage BIG PLUS :thumbsup:

Thanks for looking!

[Sonar Chief]

Fitting the cowl today and nothing was lining up, go figure Taiwan POS, so I measured off the old piece and they are not the same. So I decided to take off the old corner pieces (lines up the fender bolts) and use them instead of the POS already on there.
Just need to POR15 them and then I can weld them in place and start lining up the side cowls.... man it's goood to measure off the frame knowing it's square :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5841/120429406.jpg
I didn't trust those nuts anyway!
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6093/120429410.jpg
Got the cowl level and it lines up now!
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2017/120429408.jpg
Geee ... the bolt holes line up with the firewall now, kool.

Nothing too big ... but that was bugging me so I had to do the right thing:D

Thanks for looking,
Michael

[makoshark]

You're making some great progress! You'll be setting up suspension here soon. Have you ordered any of it yet?

[Sonar Chief]

You're making some great progress! You'll be setting up suspension here soon. Have you ordered any of it yet?

Thanks .... been waiting on your pixs and fell asleep :rofl:
No I haven't ordered any suspension parts yet, figured I'd get the body ready and save $$$$ and go from there.

I did ran into a snafu with the POS side cowls last nite, I'll post some pixs tonight and get some ideas!

[Sonar Chief]

:mad: The fit of these side cowls are horrible, if I clamp them to the hinge support like the original there is a 3/8 gap to the firewall, the dang things are not wide enough.
And the outer panel is the same width as the side cowl ...grrrrrrrrrrrr so I can't just slice and weld in the diff .... any ideas? Other than return and hope someone else has better quality, would like to find an OEM but that may prove to be difficult.
Has anyone replaced side cowls with better luck than I am having, please chime in.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7276/120430414.jpg
Gap with the cowl clamped to the hinge support.
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4048/120430417.jpg
Ditto ... those circles are where the OEM was welded.
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/8542/120430420.jpg
Clamped to the firewall and short on the inside :mad:

[makoshark]

Dang, those do fit like sheeot. I don't know what to do other than drill out the spot welds on them and make them fit better that way

[Sonar Chief]

Dang, those do fit like sheeot. I don't know what to do other than drill out the spot welds on them and make them fit better that way

Naw ... I'm returning these POS and will get some AMD parts when they are in stock. Craig Hopkins at the AMD installation center said all their parts are test fitted and should fit like OEM :thumbsup:
I should have order from AMD in the first place ... lesson learned!!!!
I did get the floor pan cleaned and POR'd the rusted spots ... it's something while I'm waiting on parts.
Thanks for looking

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/8932/120501423.jpg

[Sonar Chief]

Got to work on the cowl assembly tonite, filled the holes from removing the old corner pieces and drilled new holes similar to OEM, and then welded the POR'd corner pieces at the correct width (52 3/4") across the cowl.
Everything lines up well:thumbsup: :thumbsup: A little more work on the welds and then get some black POR15 .... but that's another day!

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/176/120502426.jpg
Welded the corners.
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1/120502428.jpg
POR15 black needs touching up!
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/177/120502429.jpg
Work in progress while I'm waiting for the side cowls :thumbsup:

Thanks for looking

[Sonar Chief]

Bolted the front fenders to the cowl to make sure everything lined up (still waiting on my side cowls before I weld anything to that cowl!) Then I decided that I would take the fenders down to metal while they were bolted to the body, I still need to DA them, so yesterday and today I that's what I did:unibrow:
I still need to get in the jambs with the fiber disc.... but overall she came out nice. This way when I am ready for epoxy primer I can do the whole car at once .... that's the plan anyhow.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9263/120504431.jpg
Bolted the NOS fenders to the cowl!
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5852/120505442.jpg
Couple hours later ....
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1526/120505443a.jpg
Another day of sanding.

Thanks

[coolwelder62]

Great Job.:thumbsup:

[Al Moreno]

Starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel! Keep up the great work. :thumbsup:

[makoshark]

Hard at it. What are you coating the bare metal with to keep it from flash rusting? I know CO has some humidity

[Sonar Chief]

Great Job.:thumbsup:

Thanks ... keep plugging away!

Starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel! Keep up the great work. :thumbsup:

Thanks ... a light? That's oncoming traffic!! Again thanks.

Hard at it. What are you coating the bare metal with to keep it from flash rusting? I know CO has some humidity

No rust here ... I have not coated the metal in anything, the quarters have been bare since early April and the firewall has been almost 4 months. I am hoping to get some epoxy on her at the end of the month, Holiday?

Thanks

[Sonar Chief]

Not too exciting today... just finishing the fenders and getting ready for epoxy primer, still have to do the fender extensions ... and POR the surface where the fender and the extension meet. Bad news for the header panel - RUST :( ... so put a NOS header panel on the list!

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7070/120506456.jpg
Rust ...grrrrrr, scrap now!
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/3212/120506462.jpg
Still need to get into a couple corner.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3736/120506470.jpg
Scuffed the back side EDP for primer.

That's all for the weekend ... still getting something done when I can:thumbsup:
Thanks

[waynieZ]

Keep at it, its looking good.

[Steve68]

you cant sand blast the inside of the header???

[Sonar Chief]

Keep at it, its looking good.

Thanks... :thumbsup:

you cant sand blast the inside of the header???

If it were a single walled I would, but it is double walled on the ends and the middle ....and the rust would come right back to haunt me. So to play it safe get a new one.

[Steve68]

ohhh, ok,

[makoshark]

Thanks... :thumbsup:



If it were a single walled I would, but it is double walled on the ends and the middle ....and the rust would come right back to haunt me. So to play it safe get a new one.

If that is an original header panel, then I would have it sandblasted. Reproduction parts, no matter who made them or what part of the car they fit, are NO WHERE the quality of original GM. Get that sucker sandblasted and prime it and you'll be happier in the long run. You shouldn't have to worry about any future rust issues if its properly blasted and primed

[Sonar Chief]

If that is an original header panel, then I would have it sandblasted. Reproduction parts, no matter who made them or what part of the car they fit, are NO WHERE the quality of original GM. Get that sucker sandblasted and prime it and you'll be happier in the long run. You shouldn't have to worry about any future rust issues if its properly blasted and primed

I get what you're stepping in, but ... there are still OEM header panels out there to be had and it's cheap insurance against rust. I don't want to do this level of rust repair again!

Rick's still has a few left, so that's the plan.

Thanks for chiming in...

[makoshark]

Look for some local shows and swap meets. I had to replace mine due to dent damage and I found a NOS one at a show for $75:) Of course that was quite a few years ago, but I know you can see find them, just might be a little more

[Sonar Chief]

Look for some local shows and swap meets. I had to replace mine due to dent damage and I found a NOS one at a show for $75:) Of course that was quite a few years ago, but I know you can see find them, just might be a little more

I think I found a used one in Colo Springs ...have to go look at it first.
Thanks

[Steve68]

GM the only way to go!!!

[Sonar Chief]

GM the only way to go!!!

:thumbsup: NOS is the way to go .... everything else is mediocre!

My goal for today was to finish the driver's side inner rocker repair, got most of it done and then my air hose started to hiss with a leak ....:mad:
Anyway, I finished the driver's fender and started on the rocker repair today, didn't get it all welded but she's' close and I'll finish the outer rocker welding tomorrow.
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/697/120512483.jpg
Driver's side NOS fender prepped!
http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/1575/120512473.jpg
This is where I started today:thumbsup:
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8441/120512499.jpg
Cut the patch to fit.
http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/1629/120512494.jpg
Welded the top inner rocker ... upside down welding .
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6725/120512500.jpg
Outer rocker almost ready to weld :thumbsup:

The temperature only made it to 46 degrees and I had to get out the heater ..... I thought I was done with the cold garage and now we have this cold snap?
Well, more tomorrow .... when I can get the garage above 50 degrees!

Thanks for looking!

[Sonar Chief]

Finished the inner rocker panel :thumbsup: Long day to get it right ... but she came out nice. I think I might cut out a patch for the front and close this off and prevent any further issues, GM should have done this from the beginning, now it's good for another 45 years.
The next big project is getting ready for some epoxy primer, hey!!!
Take a look at the pixs....

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9790/120513503.jpg
Think I'm gonna close off the front!
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7499/120513505.jpg
Waiting for the side cowl to finish the front.
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2926/120513509.jpg
Overall she came out nice :thumbsup:

Thanks for looking .... one day at a time!

[Sonar Chief]

Had a good couple hours in the garage tonight. Bought some 18ga to close out the front of the rockers and ... the firewall. So I fired up the cnc machine (read poster board and the plasma cutter) and cut out the rough shape to smooth the firewall :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Think I'm gonna wait til I get the side cowl panels mocked in before I cut the original firewall. I am gonna flange the bottom for strength and try to flange the curve up towards the top ... then weld. Should be stronger ...yes?
Here's the pixs ....

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/2580/120516516.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2483/120516517.jpg

Still needs final outline smoothed, but she's close!

Thanks

[John510]

lookin good

[Sonar Chief]

lookin good

Thanks John .... I see your project is outa control again, still? :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Keep it up!

[Spiffav8]

Looking good Chief!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Looking good Chief!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thanks ... little something everyday!

Went and picked up some epoxy primer today and then realized I still needed to strip the lower valence and the upper cowl ... so I got the lower valence down and a couple hours later she's almost done.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/130/120518520.jpg
Still need to get in the corners ... chemical stripper I guess!

Nothing too exciting ... just had to be done sooner or later:thumbsup:
Yeah I know I still have to get the lower tail pan done also, but that's another day.
Thanks for looking,

[Steve68]

Looks good keep going foward!!!

[Sonar Chief]

Looks good keep going foward!!!


Thanks Steve ... forward is slowed sometimes, especially when you find rust like I did with this lower valence. Well, it's only metal and I can reweld the piece back on after I POR15 the rust :thumbsup: so that is what I did today.
Wasn't so nice out so I had to retire to my workshop (laundry room) and apply two coats of POR and work on the upper cowl in between coats...good day fer sure:thumbsup:

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/8281/120519526.jpg
Rust under the bracket ... had to remove!
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4202/120519543.jpg
POR15'd valence and the bracket!
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3014/120519537.jpg
Worked on the upper cowl .... those vents are PITA!

Good day in the garage .... now my laundry room smells like POR, Yeah!!!!
I have to get ready to go fishing in the morning .... later:thumbsup:

Thanks

[Sonar Chief]

finished the cowl yesterday ... all those grates were a PITA but she's done and ready for epoxy primer. The back of the cowl had some rust issues but nothing that epoxy can't handle.
So .... today is the day to break out the spray gun and get some epoxy on the cowl. the upper dash, the lower valence and hopefully the fenders ... we'll see how far I really get today.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9083/120526544.jpg
Much better now :thumbsup:

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8005/120526546.jpg
Little rust .... epoxy will take care of the rust.

Gotta get off this computer and get outside and get panels wiped down and get ready for some epoxy primer.

Thanks for looking and take a couple minutes tomorrow and thank all the vets for the freedom you enjoy.

[Sonar Chief]

when it's too windy outside to spray epoxy you go to plan B, POR15 some engine parts in the laundry room, right?
I did learn that the aluminum does soak up more POR than iron (porosity) so I will let the first two coats dry and then scuff and get a third coat later, should be enough to cover and look like the engine. Of course I still need to do the AFR heads the same way ... but she's looking good:thumbsup:

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/3268/120527551.jpg
had the Performer intake drilled for the oil tube ... OEM 327!
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5701/120527552.jpg
Edelbrock water pump.
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1133/120527555.jpg
And these parts are going on this engine :thumbsup:

Getting there ... tomorrow should be better for spraying, we'll see!
Thanks

[Roberts68]

Hey Vet!

Thanks!!

By the way, I like the intake oil filler... I did that to my Performer RPM back in the mid nineties for the same reason.
:thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Hey Vet!

Thanks!!

By the way, I like the intake oil filler... I did that to my Performer RPM back in the mid nineties for the same reason.
:thumbsup:


You are very welcome! Submarines all the way :hail:

[Sonar Chief]

Guess what trees are good for? YEP ... perfect for hanging parts off and spraying some epoxy primer, and that is what I did today :thumbsup:
Now I know that the parts are protected from rust and can keep plugging away at the rest of the body, did get some work done on the interior and the speaker tray.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/904/120528561.jpg
Took advantage of the trees!
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/5043/120528564.jpg
Cowl panel mo'better :thumbsup:
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/7863/120528563.jpg
Lower valence and the rear valence looking good!

Hope all had a good holiday, later
Michael

[makoshark]

Looks good! What did you do to the rear package tray? Also, was your car a vinyl top car?

[Sonar Chief]

Looks good! What did you do to the rear package tray? Also, was your car a vinyl top car?

Thanks ... thought the wind would never die down.

I removed the glue and paint from the tray and the surrounding areas (discing anything with gold) and started on the inside panels up to the roof, surface rust of course :mad:
No vinyl top car here just a plain coupe!

[makoshark]

I see you have a replacement rear window filler panel you primed. It's been with my experience most vinyl top cars would typically rot in the seam of that panel. My car is originally a vinyl top car and it had some pretty bad rot there which forced me to replace that panel. As with all reproduction panels, it needed tweaking to fit right up against my NOS quarters.

My computer won't read my memory card for some reason, so I haven't been able to make any updates on my car. I've been making progress though.

[Sonar Chief]

I see you have a replacement rear window filler panel you primed. It's been with my experience most vinyl top cars would typically rot in the seam of that panel. My car is originally a vinyl top car and it had some pretty bad rot there which forced me to replace that panel. As with all reproduction panels, it needed tweaking to fit right up against my NOS quarters.

My computer won't read my memory card for some reason, so I haven't been able to make any updates on my car. I've been making progress though.

The filler panel rusted from water sitting in the lip under the weatherstripping was glued. I know now to use the self leveling sealer in this area to prevent water from getting between.
Hey, did you ever get the parts from that warehouse deal? I saw you got one mini tub in, how's the other one coming along? I haven't ordered mine yet.

[makoshark]

Self-leveling seam sealer where? In the rear window filler panel to quarter or in the trunk weatherstrip seam area?

I have the mini tubs done. I still need to attach the passenger side trunk support brace and then make the closeout pieces at the package tray area. I'm thinking about making a panel that closes off the trunk completely from the interior compartment, so not ready to finish that part yet.

I do have the new part here. Ready whenever you are:)

[Sonar Chief]

Self-leveling seam sealer where? In the rear window filler panel to quarter or in the trunk weatherstrip seam area?

I have the mini tubs done. I still need to attach the passenger side trunk support brace and then make the closeout pieces at the package tray area. I'm thinking about making a panel that closes off the trunk completely from the interior compartment, so not ready to finish that part yet.

I do have the new part here. Ready whenever you are:)

In the trunk weatherstrip lip where the rear filler and the speaker shelf meet needs self leveling seam sealer.

Congrats on the mini tubs :hail:
Thanks on the gas cap ... I won't forget!

[Steve68]

Primer looks good, now your tree wont rust!!!

[waynieZ]

I know money doesn't grow on trees but your lucky down in Texas you have Camaro parts growing on trees. If you wait longer do they turn from green to another color when they're ripe?? It looks like you did a nice job laying down the primer. :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Primer looks good, now your tree wont rust!!!

You know I didn't think of that :D ... thanks for the words.

I know money doesn't grow on trees but your lucky down in Texas you have Camaro parts growing on trees. If you wait longer do they turn from green to another color when they're ripe?? It looks like you did a nice job laying down the primer. :thumbsup:

Yeah, these parts will go from green to GOLD when ripe :lol: I have had my DeVilbiss HVLP gun for 15 years and I keep telling myself I need a new one, and every time I spray something new it comes out perfect :yes: No need to change I guess.

Thanks for noticing!

[Roberts68]

I had forgotten that your car was gold. You have mentioned it a couple times lately and that reminded me that was a commonality we had, except mine was Ash gold being a '68.

You should be very proud of that tree. If you have anything small like a sidemarker bezel or bracket off of it you don't need ship it to MN!

I could plant it. We'll see if it takes. I'd water it real well, it is farm country.... Similar growing season and climate really.:D

Keep up the great work Chief! A little every day is a tough oath to keep but I am trying to get there.

[Sonar Chief]

I had forgotten that your car was gold. You have mentioned it a couple times lately and that reminded me that was a commonality we had, except mine was Ash gold being a '68.

You should be very proud of that tree. If you have anything small like a sidemarker bezel or bracket off of it you don't need ship it to MN!

I could plant it. We'll see if it takes. I'd water it real well, it is farm country.... Similar growing season and climate really.:D

Keep up the great work Chief! A little every day is a tough oath to keep but I am trying to get there.

Yeah thanks, I think that tree is a 67 only year, as of yet - no marker lights, sorry :rofl:

Little everyday is right - colonoscopy this morning and I'm sitting on the porch with a grey scotch brite scuffing the intake and the water pump for the third coat of POR15 :thumbsup:
Just gotta get done ... might as well be now!

[Steve68]

I thought after the procedure you were having a "grey scotch", and I was thinking whats "grey scotch", then I saw the word "brite"? LOL