LSA Powered 69 Camaro -"Lou's Change" [Archive] - Page 2

Lous69

09-10-2013, 08:34 PM

It is true that Nathan is as much artist as he is talented body man and painter.

Like all the members of the V8TV crew, he is also very customer focused. He kept asking if the stripes were to my satisfaction while he was laying them out.

To be honest, we had Dan's awesome rendering to go from but I still had to have Nathan switch some things back and forth in order to actually make my mind up. He never once complained, even when we ended up going back to something he had already done.

Kevin also helped with a lot of good, experience based suggestions on how to lay out the stripes so our eyes would not play tricks on us or make them look out of place.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Body%20and%20Paint/IMG_2185_zps7c129371.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Body%20and%20Paint/IMG_9686_zpsfa80a08b.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Body%20and%20Paint/IMG_9447_zpsf610494d.jpg

69MAROLS7

09-10-2013, 09:01 PM

Lookin sweet!..
It's really comin along:thumbsup:

Vince@Meanstreets

09-10-2013, 09:22 PM

That came out great... I was think it would look cool with the yellow pin stripe too.

Jon69RagTop

09-11-2013, 05:08 AM

It's so cool how the clear coat just makes paint pop. Fantastic job on laying out the stripes, they are perfect!!!!!

V8TV

09-11-2013, 08:06 AM

Thanks for all the positive feedback, the car really looks sharp. Lou eluded to the stripe process which was challenging at times. First, it was late in the day when we started the stripes. Second, it was hot as blazes. Third, the hockey stripe on a Camaro is a pain in the a** on both ends... plus the middle! The door point is tricky, the taper is crucial, and the bend at the nose has to look right or it all looks goofy. Nathan and Lou stuck it out and made sure it was what Lou wanted, and it ended up being early AM by the time they were sprayed. Every step builds on the previous, and you don't want to compromise at this stage. The good thing is that the persistence paid off, and everyone is happy with the result. Thanks to Nathan and Lou for working together on this!

V8TV

09-13-2013, 05:59 PM

It's been a big week at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop... got the stripes & clear sprayed, plus the first round of cutting and buffing. Big assembly thrash starts Monday. Getting closer!

BTW, our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/V8TV/184624995922) has some updates as well.

https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1231251_10151853798855923_1165964610_n.jpg

EBMC

09-14-2013, 09:20 AM

Looking great guys !:gitrdun:

V8TV

09-14-2013, 09:52 AM

Thanks Steve, I'm a huge fan of your Riv project! When can we do a video shoot with that one? :thumbsup:

EBMC

09-14-2013, 12:06 PM

Thanks Steve, I'm a huge fan of your Riv project! When can we do a video shoot with that one? :thumbsup:

Thanks Kevin, I'm ready when you are, the owner picked it up yesterday but Im sure I can borrow it back for a bit!

waynieZ

09-14-2013, 06:10 PM

Its looking great Kevin,, How tall did you make cowl on the hood 3" ?

Lous69

09-16-2013, 03:24 PM

The hood scoop is something less than 3". It really isn't much higher than a conventional first gen. cowl hood.

I think it seems higher because it is both wider and longer than the conventional cowl hood scoop however, it is amazing how much the raised area "softens" and looks "lower" when the carbon fiber insert is in place.

waynieZ

09-16-2013, 04:39 PM

It looks awesome Lou. Thanks

tmadden

09-16-2013, 07:36 PM

Man I love the build and the color. Not a fan of the roof stripe unfortunately! The rest is nailed!

DOOM

09-17-2013, 07:19 AM

Kevin it looks awesome! Keep the updates coming!!

Lous69

09-27-2013, 11:59 PM

Update pics
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/Frontview_zps0b73bc1e.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/FrontDriverview_zps0563c6e5.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/FrontPassengerview_zpsa4b7b112.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/Rearpassengerquarterview_zps0f0cceb9.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/Rearview_zps2538e80f.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/EngineBay_zps03cfb604.jpg[/URL]

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/BottomRearView_zpsfac3a2d0.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4799_zps0295b0d0.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/Bottomfrontview_zps376e9f63.jpg

Richio1

09-28-2013, 12:16 AM

Looking good Lou! You gotta be pretty fired up to see things coming together. I bet you can't wait to hear her fire up. Wont be long now. :thumbsup:

tubbed69

09-28-2013, 06:12 AM

Looking good Lou,sure is close

kwhizz

09-30-2013, 05:50 AM

A "Work" of Art!!!!!!!:king:

syborg tt

09-30-2013, 08:54 AM

Lou I think you need to let me have this car. :king:

Stuart Adams

09-30-2013, 08:56 AM

Nice orange.

Jay Hilliard

09-30-2013, 09:15 AM

Very nice...great work guys!

waynieZ

09-30-2013, 11:25 AM

Definitely looking awesome!

fleet

09-30-2013, 11:56 AM

It's lookin' like www.mcacn.com (http://www.mcacn.com) material. :unibrow:

GMTILT

09-30-2013, 12:05 PM

bad to the bone ,love that orange ! i have to build me another camaro soon, after my yukon is done,,,,,next !!

Boostable

09-30-2013, 12:22 PM

Car looks great, really motivates me to continue pushing on mine.

Lous69

10-07-2013, 10:56 PM

A couple of more details coming together. I couldn't resist asking Trevor to just set the hood insert in place to get a look see.

We did not fasten it down so it is sitting up on the soft foam seal around the perimeter so it is a tad high in these pics.

I think the V8TV crew nailed it. It looks exactly like Dan's rendering.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4857_zpsc3af681f.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4858_zps6fed4e26.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4856_zpsf11e57c1.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4855_zps2780baa9.jpg

The grille is also coming along nicely.

Jeremy spent the better part of his weekend making the paint finish on the grille perfect. He is very conscientious. He told me he couldn't sleep well until he got it just right.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4874_zpsddeffb04.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4880_zps7483d4bf.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4887_zpsbf153b1f.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4886_zpsf36d9421.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/491e7419-5d80-4451-a4f9-ff8b48bd0ba3_zps18238ed8.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ZL1%20Hood%20Pictures/Final%20Assembly/IMG_4875_zps36cb574e.jpg

tubbed69

10-08-2013, 05:23 AM

very impressive work,sure making progress now

fleet

10-08-2013, 06:30 AM

Not easy to do something different on a '69, but you guys nailed it.

Very impressive.:thumbsup:

Rick D

10-08-2013, 06:36 AM

Lou this Camaro is coming out sweet!!

As Skip said very hard to come up with something new on a 69 Camaro and still not lose the original car in doing so, yup I think you and Kevin's team nailed!!

214Chevy

10-08-2013, 08:56 AM

I like the grill....sweet!! :flashie:

Al Moreno

10-08-2013, 11:12 AM

I agree Lou, the boys and the good looking girl at V8TV nailed it!

Lous69

10-08-2013, 02:55 PM

I agree Lou, the boys at V*TV nailed it!

And Girl....:)

Al Moreno

10-08-2013, 03:38 PM

And Girl....:)

Fixed it, LOL.

coachwinbush

10-16-2013, 07:39 AM

Any updates

Steve Chryssos

10-16-2013, 10:18 AM

Wow, I just read this build thread start to finish. What a great car! Tasteful, yet creative and bold. Well done.

Quit screwin' around and show it to us on the ground.

syborg tt

10-16-2013, 10:25 AM

Wow, I just read this build thread start to finish. What a great car! Tasteful, yet creative and bold. Well done.

Quit screwin' around and show it to us on the ground.

I'm with Steve - Post up some pics !!!!

or a Video

V8TV

10-18-2013, 11:54 AM

We'll post more pics soon, just got it back from the interior shop for the headliner and rear seat work. Looks sweet. Doing the SEMA thrash, got lots of details to take care of. Pics soon, I promise!

Lous69

10-22-2013, 11:08 PM

SEMA thrash is on. Trevor and Kevin elected to use a chassis dyno to properly run the engine through its first heat soaks and check out all systems. Everything checked out fine.

Our PWM fan controls worked great and were nice and quiet. While they did not make any hard pulls yet, it looks like Dave Mikel's tune is great so far too.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_04.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_06.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_07.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_09.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_11.JPG

Bruce and Matt, of Hytech Auto Trim in Columbia, Ill. did a very nice job installing the headliner, carpeting and fabricating a rear seat to match the Recaro front seats.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_13.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_15.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_24.JPG

Dakota Digital Gauges and dash installed.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.18.13_36.JPG

Roll cage modifications made to make it as discreet as possible complicated the headliner install but it all came together in the end.

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.21.13_01.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.21.13_16.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.21.13_17.JPG

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_10.21.13_26.JPG

tubbed69

10-23-2013, 04:36 AM

Lou I bet you are getting excited now,sure would like to go to Sema and see this one.Which headliner did you use Lou,looks like it is nice and back seat looks really nice,good luck you sure are close now.

waynieZ

10-23-2013, 12:58 PM

Its coming together nice ! its going to be gorgeous with the cut and buff. Nice work guys.

JON Q

10-23-2013, 01:09 PM

LC is looking good, that LSA engine looks perfect...

fleet

10-23-2013, 02:00 PM

That beast looks stout. :thumbsup:

Lous69

10-30-2013, 10:29 PM

The grille is coming together, just as planned.

Final assembly is getting exciting as the V8TV team turns all of Dan's design elements into real life.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Lous%20Change%20grille/IMG_4895_zps64b28fc5.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Lous%20Change%20grille/IMG_4897_zps3d12feb8.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Lous%20Change%20grille/IMG_9742_zps433e682d.jpg

CarlC

10-30-2013, 10:35 PM

Awesome does not do your work justice. It's a great tribute to both generations.

For the rear seat, did you use the stock frames or build your own?

waynieZ

10-30-2013, 10:38 PM

[QUOTE=CarlC;513756]Awesome does not do your work justice. It's a great tribute to both generations.

I'm with you Carl. I love the way the front came out with the hood and Grille.

V8TV

10-30-2013, 10:42 PM

Wait until you guys see this thing finished... it is unreal in person. The V8 Speed & Resto Crew was able to transform Lou & Dan's amazing vision into reality and it is just sick in real life.

Can't wait for the public unveiling... we're all super stoked!

The rear seat is a cut & modded stocker to fit around the tubs.

Lous69

10-30-2013, 10:46 PM

Awesome does not do your work justice. It's a great tribute to both generations.

For the rear seat, did you use the stock frames or build your own?

Thank you. It has been the ultimate Father - Son project, that's for sure.

We live 1000 miles from one another but our projects help us to feel like we're still close by.

The stock seat frames were narrowed for the wheel tubs and then Hytech custom fabricated the seat shape and covers to match the Recaro front seats.

V8TV

10-30-2013, 11:06 PM

We are super excited about Lou & Dan seeing the car in person at SEMA. They are a really unique father and son team... Lou is a technological wizard who maintained a clear and sharp vision of the systems and mechanical aspects of the car, and Dan is a brilliant designer who visualized something that makes your heart pound. Add to that the mission of integrating the ZL1 DNA, and you have a car that will turn heads forever. We are fortunate to have had the chance to bring it to life, and as you can see, we're completely stoked about the car!

Musclerodz

10-30-2013, 11:20 PM

Looking great! Tick tock,tick tock......

Al Moreno

10-31-2013, 12:35 AM

Man that looks really good. Can't wait to see it!

tubbed69

10-31-2013, 04:23 AM

cant wait to see this one Lou,show us some pics asap.

Rick D

10-31-2013, 06:52 AM

This is all I can say :king: :king: :king: man I wish I was going to Sema this year!!

syborg tt

10-31-2013, 10:45 AM

Okay I am in love !!

LS7 Z/28

10-31-2013, 10:53 AM

Amazing job on the grille, too cool!

Rybar

10-31-2013, 12:58 PM

Man that looks awesome! great work

waynieZ

10-31-2013, 01:19 PM

Kevin you guys did an awesome job, I can't wait to see the finished car video.

69-nova

10-31-2013, 04:09 PM

sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lets see some pics of it in the sun!!!!! :D

V8TV

11-01-2013, 03:20 PM

Here's the last snap shot before SEMA, right before the big clean and detail party. More to come!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/941824_10151957269070923_142941729_n.jpg

tubbed69

11-01-2013, 03:29 PM

very nice job guys:king:

streetbird

11-01-2013, 03:34 PM

this is a real piece of art
so beautiful

Sieg

11-01-2013, 04:41 PM

The list of need to see's next week is growing! Very good looking Kevin. :thumbsup:

Musclerodz

11-01-2013, 05:02 PM

Looks great. See ya Wednesday!

Spiffav8

11-01-2013, 10:19 PM

The list of need to see's next week is growing! Very good looking Kevin. :thumbsup:

Yeah...that's one I have to see!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Vegas69

11-01-2013, 10:25 PM

I have to admit that I wasn't feeling it until now! It's better than the rendering.

Greg from Aus

11-02-2013, 02:09 AM

Love it.

rchaskin

11-02-2013, 12:23 PM

Love it.

x2. Awesome.

waynieZ

11-02-2013, 01:33 PM

Sweet!

coachwinbush

11-10-2013, 07:22 AM

love it

Musclerodz

11-10-2013, 11:39 AM

V8TV built an awesome Camaro. Very cool car in person.

Lous69

11-11-2013, 09:24 PM

Well, the car was in the Toyo Tires Tread Pass area at SEMA last week.

That turned out to be a really nice spot to display the car because the sunlight really causes the color to pop. The color we chose looks more orange in the sun and more red in the shade.

Here are some pics taken while the car was on display there:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_5561_zpsf0f1e382.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_5560_zpsf3c322bb.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/b5939440-db18-4687-8897-bd8b2372faf3_zpsc93d9a15.jpg

Here are two awesome shots taken by Sieg. Thanks Sieg. Your shots always put the others to shame.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/GrilleshottakenbySieg_zpsbce88eb6.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/CarbonhoodinsertgrillesshottakenbySieg_zps95da6154 .jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_5551_zpsbf68896d.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/e5832243-93fa-4403-ab31-30c39973b54f_zpsaf94dbb2.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_5289_zps2b5af584.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/aa2b6d34-86e4-4b37-9f3c-f80949e0134a_zps11ec0396.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/2df7e396-468f-4177-991e-431c7dd15359_zps3a80f8d3.jpg

Sieg

11-12-2013, 01:31 AM

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mkW3W2k/1/XL/i-mkW3W2k-XL.jpg

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QHS9CjP/1/XL/i-QHS9CjP-XL.jpg

Jon69RagTop

11-12-2013, 04:44 AM

That car looks incredible, congratulations!

tubbed69

11-12-2013, 04:52 AM

That looks great outside Lou,I bet it got lots of attention at SEMA.:trophy-1302:

syborg tt

11-12-2013, 08:43 AM

All I can say is this is one of my top Ten 69 Camaro's ever built.

Sonar Chief

11-12-2013, 08:52 AM

The car came out stunning!!!! That red makes it pop and the custom touches came out great :trophy-1302:

Hats off to the crew :thumbsup:

67ragtp

11-12-2013, 11:46 AM

Congrats Lou, Absolutely Awesome!!

Kevin and company, killer job, out did yourselves :thumbsup:

Rich

Jay Hilliard

11-12-2013, 02:36 PM

AWESOME! It really turned out great. Very nice touches with the grill and hood.

Rybar

11-12-2013, 03:14 PM

Does look awesome! Congrats

Ricochet

11-12-2013, 04:24 PM

Great job on the car! Looked great at SEMA!

Tom.A

11-13-2013, 11:28 PM

In a sea of firstgen camaros this really stands out imo. Great job.

V8TV

11-20-2013, 08:58 PM

Thanks for all the kind words! The car will be in Chicago at the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals this weekend, please come by and check it out and say "Hello" if you are in the area!

http://www.mcacn.com

camcojb

11-20-2013, 09:50 PM

Loved the car Kevin and Lou. Beautiful work.

syborg tt

11-21-2013, 10:42 AM

redfire69

11-22-2013, 02:40 PM

This is one awesome build, congrats! :thumbsup: This is the money shot:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/b5939440-db18-4687-8897-bd8b2372faf3_zpsc93d9a15.jpg

Lous69

01-03-2014, 02:21 PM

While at SEMA, a lot of great people (including a lot of you ) came by to see the car. It was great getting to meet a lot of you in person.

To preserve the moment, we asked a few of our "heroes" to sign the car while they were there. Here's a sampling:

Tom Peters, GM's Director of Design for the present day Camaro:
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/TomPeterssigning_zpsdeb1bf6e.jpg

Al Oppenheiser, GM's Chief Engineer for the present day Camaro:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_0832_zps48f5876b.jpg

Mark Stielow, also from GM but more importantly the father of Pro Touring:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_0841_zps7bfd104e.jpg

Charley, who assured I had the Pro Touring bug by taking me for a ride down the drag strip in Jack Ass during Power Tour 2012:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_0847_zpsb8558f00.jpg

Kyle Tucker, who along with his wife Stacy, created many of the parts we used to build this car:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_5720_zpsd8770a86.jpg

Later, at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago, I was totally blown away and honored that these two gentlemen showed up to see the car:

Eric Stemmler, the person I bought the car from:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/MCACN%20SHOW%202013/sigs2_zps11cba08d.jpg

Chris Dunham, the person Eric bought the car from:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/MCACN%20SHOW%202013/sigs5_zps1c6d484e.jpg

How Cool is that??!!!

Another opportunity came up when my good friend Kelly invited me to her recent hangar party. It turns out one of her flying buddies is Bob Lutz, world renown car guy. He signed a copy of Dan’s rendering:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_2563_zps3745717e.jpg

Last but certainly not least, the V8TV crew that built the car signed it too:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/SEMA%202013/IMG_0817_zps428076f8.jpg

http://v8tvshow.com/1969_Camaro_LC2/slides/69Camaro_Lou_11.08.13_03.JPG

INTMD8

01-03-2014, 02:51 PM

Wow this car is awesome. Hood, grille, engine, emblems, everything ties together nicely.

Excellent work. It's obvious a lot of thought was put into this car.

waynieZ

01-03-2014, 07:24 PM

Cool !

tmadden

01-03-2014, 10:34 PM

Just plain cool!!

protour73

01-04-2014, 06:34 AM

Lous69

01-04-2014, 08:12 AM

I (along with Marty and Rick) got to meet Lou and see the car at the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals and it leaves one speechless. I noticed the immediate absence of fender struts and their solution on this car was quite amazing, very innovative!! The use of 3D printing parts on the car is so cutting edge.

Also got to meet Kevin and Kelle, a couple of real cool car people for sure!!

All of the folks that signed the trunklid is a VERY unique deal, GM design director, GM engineer, Stielow and Charley, and the previous owners....hard to top that one.

.....and you got Bob Lutz's autograph? super cool. I just finished reading his book "Car Guys vs Bean Counters". A car guy must read for a behind the scenes look at his time with GM from 2001-2010 as Vice Chairman of Product Development.

Great post Lou!!

Thank you for the kind words Scott. I'm pretty sure the fender braces were Kevin's idea. From day one of the build, he was determined to find a new way to replace the traditional fender struts. The best solutions are usually the simplest ones. It's amazing how many people study those when the car is on display.

Bob Lutz is truly a car guy. He talks about cars as passionately as any of us do. It was awesome to listen to him in an informal setting and hear his perspective on things in the automotive world. He said he would like everyone to bring some cars to the hangar party next year. If I get invited to that one the car is going with me for sure!

Al Oppenheiser and Tom Peters are also true car guys through and through. They both have their own first Gen Camaros and speak as enthusiastically about their personal car projects as we do about ours. Al took pictures on his phone and sent them to his son right away. That was extremely flattering.

I suppose the bottom line is what we already knew. "Real" car guys are cool and fun to be around, no matter how successful they have been.

I believe there is a HUGE difference between people who work in the automotive field to make money and people who happen to make money pursuing their passion for cars.

V8TV

01-10-2014, 03:39 PM

Good shot for a Friday - Lou's Change the chick magnet at MCACN:

http://www.v8tvshow.com/2013_MCACN/slides/MCACN_11.23.13_124.JPG

V8TV

01-17-2014, 10:58 AM

raewobLH18Q

We wanted to run some big Forgeline wheels shod with Toyo Proxes R888 tires on the "Lou's Change" Camaro, but stock wheel tubs dictate the largest tire size on first generation Camaros. To gain more clearance, we installed a pair of Detroit Speed Deep Tubs while we had the body on the jig for repairs. When installed, these tubs retain a stock appearance, but they are significantly wider to accommodate wider wheels and tires to help put the power to the ground.

tones2SS

01-17-2014, 06:00 PM

That is so wicked awesome! :thumbsup:

tmadden

01-18-2014, 06:04 PM

Great video.

V8TV

01-30-2014, 08:25 AM

JOXlVUh2EdI

The quarter panels were hiding rust and previous crash damage "Lou's Change", so we replaced them with a pair of full quarter panels from Classic Industries. This video explains a few tips to replacing quarter panels successfully.

V8TV

03-14-2014, 10:31 AM

C2lYvoof6DQ

In this chapter, the V8 Speed & Resto crew creates a custom hood for the 1969 Camaro called "Lou's Change" featuring a new carbon fiber insert from a 2013 Camaro ZL1. The hood reflects the Steinhauser Design rendering, incorporating new design elements into the original '69 shape for a fresh take on a classic design.

efs69

03-14-2014, 12:05 PM

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Lous69

03-14-2014, 12:47 PM

I remember when we started the project how badly I wanted to retain the stock SS hood since I always liked that design so much.

Now, I wouldn't want any other hood design on this particular car more than what we ended up with.

It's always cool when people work together and leverage their various talents. Often, as in this case, obstacles and problems have a neat way of turning into new opportunities.

waynieZ

03-16-2014, 10:47 AM

Lou I love the car. You and your son did an awesome job coming up with the idea's for the design, and you picked some great people to work with. Kevin and the crew did some beautiful work, and I love the job they did on the hood. Its a Beautiful car!

Lous69

07-31-2014, 12:58 PM

Well, the car has been home for a few months now.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Camaro%20at%20home/fd450e67-fde2-4d95-ae8f-8d40f369d5eb_zpsfe36ed23.jpg

Dave Mikels recommends I put a couple hundred more miles on the car before we do the final calibration on the chassis dyno.
That should help minimize rear end noise down the road and assure everything else has been sorted before really beating on the car.

Tony, the GM tech who installed the engine upgrades recommended by Dave and Thomson Automotive, stopped by to check the car out. I asked him to sign the car too.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Camaro%20at%20home/IMG_5247_zps62a8da5f.jpg

While the car is not yet ready to beat on, I took it to Gateway when the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge series was in town.
They offer an option to enter in just the design and cruise portion of the event. I learned a lot by observing and talking to people during the event.
I found everyone there to be VERY outgoing, friendly, and wanting to offer help if needed, in any way they could.

Unfortunately, while they did "judge" my car for design, they apparently do not tell you how you scored unless you also race.
Oh well, I really went to learn more than compete anyway.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/724eaf06-b22d-431f-b005-5d716f09266c_zpsc9c38378.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/c6ee34f1-84d5-40c8-838f-f9a4d1393312_zpsdc21aef6.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/96418a3c-1099-4c95-9f8c-e87c75d76895_zps643aa53f.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/a45c8b21-1e52-4f91-9ae5-505547d1add8_zpsac2ecf97.jpg

As is usual on total builds like this, there are numerous things that show up and need sorting/tweaking.

This is the phase when you find out which manufacturers and service providers really meant it when they told you how much they care about your enjoyment of their products and services.

I've found that some really meant it and some couldn't care less once they no longer saw me as a source of additional revenue.

Most everyone already knows this but Detroit Speed really means it when they tell you they want you to enjoy their parts.

I ran into Kyle and Stacy on separate occasions during the event. They both made it a point to say I should let them know if I needed anything at all, anytime.

I took Stacy up on the offer and asked her to sign my car. Kyle had already signed it at SEMA.

Check out what she wrote next to her name:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/IMG_5283_zps44466c8b.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/67568c22-2a6e-44b0-82d4-9cf1c9908bf9_zpsf27e56f5.jpg

The cruise part of the event was fun. It was cool to park among such high class company for a couple of days.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/IMG_5286_zpsa1c54467.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/IMG_5285_zps86a6bbdd.jpg

tubbed69

07-31-2014, 01:09 PM

You built a very nice car Lou,one to be proud of for sure.This car will look great anywhere you park it:trophy-1302:

Bryan O

07-31-2014, 02:34 PM

As is usual on total builds like this, there are numerous things that show up and need sorting/tweaking.

This is the phase when you find out which manufacturers and service providers really meant it when they told you how much they care about your enjoyment of their products and services.

I've found that some really meant it and some couldn't care less once they no longer saw me as a source of additional revenue.

Amen to that!!

It's surprising to see how many companies are very short sighted and place no value on customer service. It's as if they either do not care or are unaware of the impact poor customer service has on their bottom line. Bizarre mentality in the age of the internet.

As I type, I'm tallying up the sales companies have lost just due to people contacting me and asking my opinion of the products on my car. I know for a fact that two engine makers have lost at least half a dozen sales between them because of my negative review. Two wheel manufacturers have lost four sales between them. One radiator manufacturer most likely lost two sales in the last two weeks alone. Who knows how many sales are lost when I speak my mind at car events... but my guesstimate is I speak to maybe a thousand people a year at cruises and get togethers.

Most everyone already knows this but Detroit Speed really means it when they tell you they want you to enjoy their parts.

:thumbsup: Great company! I bought a C&R Radiator through them a couple weeks ago. Could have ordered direct from C&R but I'm such a fan of DSE that I ordered it from them.

I'm bringing my Sharpie to Good Guys Scottsdale. Maybe I can get the faster Tucker to sign my car, too.

Oh, and orange Camaros rule. :lol:

HBRod

07-31-2014, 08:25 PM

You have such a great car. Starts with having a vision, being able to communicate the decision to the builder, and seeing it through to completion. It's unfortunate that some companies drop the ball after the sale. What worse is that this happens at many different levels in the auto industry. After nearly 30 years working for OEM auto makers it's amazing the issues that they have to deal with from suppliers that say "It's not my part that's the problems after a 2 hr powerpoint presentation on the issue and the research to identify the problem.

I was so fascinated with the build that I followed all the episodes on V8TV, checked their website for updates, and eventually downloaded all the video clips from YouTube at 1080p so that I could watch them on my big screen tv freezing it to study details that I couldn't see on my PC monitor.

Really outstanding build and vision. My project vision is far more modest, but Kevin and his crew certainly show a lot to think about in a build plan and how to be flexible when changes occur for some reason.

I hope that you are enjoying it in spite of the issues that have been coming up. And you have to love Staci's signature - definitely being the 2nd to sign has it's advantages.

Rod

Rick D

07-31-2014, 08:40 PM

Still LOVE this car Lou, I saw it in person this past fall in Rosemont so nice!! You really don't get all the details until you see up close and in person!!

Lous69

08-14-2014, 09:58 PM

I generally enjoy spending my hard earned money with companies who say what they will do and then do what they said.

I'm thrilled when they also under promise and over deliver on what they say.

That was my experience this week with Todd Finley at Forgeline Wheels.

I recently curbed one of my wheels and it left a 4 inch scar on the outer rim. Son of a *****!! :bang:

I called Todd and asked what my options were to get it fixed as soon as possible. He gave me some options and prices and then said the easiest fix would be to just unbolt the wheel and tire and send it to him. I chose that option since I haven't yet had time to find out who in my area has the ability to remove and reinstall tires to these wheels without damaging them in the process.

Of course Forgeline was able to make the wheel look like brand new again. The parts that thrilled me included getting the wheel back in less time than Todd estimated and at less cost than I expected. Since they were able to simply refinish the outer rim they did not charge me for a new one which they certainly could have because that was what I had agreed to pay for. They also don't try to make extra profits on shipping.

I just wanted to publicly say THANK YOU to Todd and Forgeline for taking care of me. During the transaction Todd repeatedly stated he likes to treat his customers just like he would want to be treated. He certainly did that and more.

Arrived a couple days earlier than promised

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/IMG_1340_zpsfc1f85fd.jpg

Good as new!! Thanks Forgeline!!

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/IMG_1342_zps46a5b41c.jpg

Anybody know if JC Whitney still sells those curb finder thingeess???????

waynieZ

08-14-2014, 10:51 PM

That's great to hear Lou, and glad you'll be back out and about with the car.

Payton King

08-15-2014, 06:25 AM

Glad you are getting out and enjoying your car. Your front grill is the best custom I have seen. Great job!

Rick D

08-15-2014, 06:48 AM

It's always great to hear the good stories Lou!! So many times time people just want to shout about the bad and forget the good!!

Lous69

09-15-2014, 02:34 PM

I just have to tell you about another very positive customer experience.

I decided to buy an enclosed trailer for my car. I didn't even know what to look for when I began my search. I just knew I wanted to find one in time for an already planned trip.

By searching some of the threads on this forum and others, I at least started to understand some of the choices and trade offs.

It wasn't until I started talking to Chad Servais of Becker Custom Trailers in Wisconsin that I really started honing in on what I needed for my purposes.

Chad and I only talked on the phone but he was WAY more helpful than other sales people I called and even the local trailer distributors I visited in person.

I especially appreciated how he answered all my questions with more than yes and no answers.

After I missed an opportunity to buy a trailer Becker had in stock, Chad scurried to find another one for me. Luckily he found one at the factory that had just been built. He then worked with the factory to have some special modifications made before it shipped to me. (Little things like welding in a plate for me to anchor an electric winch to.) Some how he got it all orchestrated with the factory and on its way in time for my trip.

With people like Chad it is truly a pleasure to do business. He genuinely cared about me finding the right trailer for MY needs versus trying to upsell me or convince me to buy something else that wasn't exactly what I wanted. He never showed fatigue from all of my newbie questions.
He never pressured me to buy more than I really wanted. It was a pleasure to do business with him!

Here a few pics of my new trailer taken before it left the factory:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/12_zpse578fabb.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/32_zps8a7ff294.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/52_zps8a30da5f.jpg

I knew I wanted to have an escape door. This one also has an easily removable wheel well making it more likely that I will be able to open the door on almost any car I decide to trailer.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/62_zps53e2db66.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/72_zpsaa216551.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/112_zps30e9f3f3.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/122_zpsc9cbcd56.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/92_zps57cdb4a6.jpg

Even though it's just a big box on wheels I'm really excited.

Thanks Chad!

camcojb

09-15-2014, 03:06 PM

That's awesome, great trailer!! :thumbsup:

kwhizz

09-15-2014, 04:49 PM

Finally common sense has arrived in the Trailer industry......Great Idea with the removable wheel well.........that will save paint chipping and dents on the edge of the door when getting in and out.........

Ken

Rick D

09-15-2014, 06:45 PM

Nice trailer, I really like the removable fender as well, I've seen the door before and the removable fender but never together!! :idea:

V8TV

09-15-2014, 08:02 PM

Wow, that is nice!

Ron in SoCal

09-15-2014, 09:41 PM

Can't go wrong with Becker. They are on top of their game!

Vegas69

09-15-2014, 09:44 PM

Now all you need is a full detail crew inside and air conditioning. Don't want the car getting to hot.:D

HBRod

09-16-2014, 08:51 AM

That's a cool trailer. Looks nice and simple but the added touches of the removable wheel well, escape door, winch mounting plate are great. Looks like a winner of a trailer to go with your winner of a car.

Rod

Lous69

10-08-2014, 09:33 AM

The trailer works great. In a recent trip to Detroit I was able to check several items on my bucket list including a visit to the Dutchboys Hotrod shop, a friend's hanger party and a chassis dyno session with Dave Mikels at Thomson Automotive.

First, the car fits very nicely and my car door can swing wide open with the trailer escape door open and wheel well removed. It could not be any easier to get in and out of the car. There is even a convenient step between the trailer wheels.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/IMG_1391_zpsdc33218f.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/ATC%20Trailer/IMG_1397_zps81e5ffac.jpg

My first stop was Dutchboys Hotrods in Kalamazoo. Paul and I have talked via phone and email for some time so it was nice to finally meet him and his father Joe in person. They could not be nicer people.

Their shop is spotless and very well organized. Every car under construction is being built with the same high level of craftsmanship and quality they put into Stielow's cars. I was surprised how much custom fabrication work they do in addition to world class body and paint work. It is no surprise that they are already building an addition to their shop to support their growing business. There is just something about their father and son business story that makes them heroes in my book. Accordingly, I asked both Joe and Paul to sign my car along with the other people I admire and have asked to sign it.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Dutchboys%20visit%202014/IMG_1405_zpsbd0d0dd3.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Dutchboys%20visit%202014/IMG_1401_zps1f954064.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Dutchboys%20visit%202014/IMG_1402_zps51ec1832.jpg

Next stop was a hanger party/private car show that a good friend of mine hosts every year. The weather did not co operate as it was cold, windy and rainy so the car show portion of the party did not fully materialize. Bob Lutz did show up in his ZR1. Bob was very complimentary of the design elements my son Dan contributed to our car. Of course I asked him to sign it too.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/2014%20Hangar%20party/BobLutz2014HangarParty_zpsc1b5313c.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/2014%20Hangar%20party/BobLutzsigning3_zps48b5dc2c.jpg

The last stop was at Thomson Automotive in Wixom. Dave Mikels was nice enough to meet me there to do some chassis dyno tuning on my car now that it has some shake down miles on it. Dave is a great guy. He got home from his family vacation only hours before meeting me at Thomson. The Thomson Shop is also spotless and full of projects that made me drool.

It was totally cool for me to watch my car being tuned on the same dyno, and by the same guy who also tuned the likes of Red Devil, Mayhem, Hellfire, etc.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Chassis%20Dyno%20Session%20Oct%207%202014/GOPR0172-Copy_zps02999236.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Chassis%20Dyno%20Session%20Oct%207%202014/IMG_5313-Copy_zpse301540e.jpg

The first pulls revealed that my LSA clutch is slipping at WOT up to about 3500 rpm. That really baffles me since the car has been babied so far and it only has 700 miles on it. The car also threw the AC belt for the second time now.

Subsequent pulls were from 3500 rpm to redline.

Dave did not go for maximum possible numbers. Instead, he purposely left some power on the table so I would not have to worry about bad gas here and there or long term reliability.

The bottom line was 581 HP and 571 torque at the wheels.

Here is a link to some video of the dyno pulls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFDvshlZPrs&list=UU6uiumO7gnllqjaOttBF4CA

Of course, I asked Dave to sign the car too.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Chassis%20Dyno%20Session%20Oct%207%202014/DaveMikelssigning3-Copy_zpsbef65b6f.jpg

A great trip overall!!!

Now to figure out why my brand new clutch is slipping.

LS7 Z/28

10-08-2014, 10:50 AM

That sounds like an awesome road trip! I bet you had a great time. Thomson's shop is also definitely an impressive site to see in person.

waynieZ

10-08-2014, 12:03 PM

That sounds like it was a great time. Its nice to put faces to the names we see online. Thanks for posting.

tubbed69

10-08-2014, 12:21 PM

Lou that sure sounded like a fun trip and good numbers on the motor.Car turned out perfect and glad you are enjoying it:king: :king:

tones2SS

10-08-2014, 06:09 PM

Sounds like a great trip. Car looks great too.
Nice hp and tq numbers for sure. Better to leave a little power on the table for the reasons you stated above. Nice car.

NovaBlue71

10-11-2014, 10:04 AM

Lou, It was great to finally meet you and thanks for the kind words. Glad you took time on your road trip to stop at shop and see us. You have a great looking car. Hope to see you soon, take care . Joe

ModernDay67SS

10-12-2014, 10:40 PM

I love it! Great build. Car should be fun on the streets and track.

Lous69

10-29-2014, 04:04 PM

I probably should have waited until we have this installed in our car but couldn't wait to share.

We had the same company that makes the ZL1 hood scoop for GM make our custom grille in matching pre preg Carbon Fiber. This is the real deal and not imitation or simulated carbon fiber.

The first parts just arrived today and they are absolutely perfect. We can't wait to get it all installed. Of course, we'll post more pictures when it is.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_142741_zpsc410137a.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_151638_zpsacb4db5f.jpg

Notice how the angle of the weave is consistent from vertical to vertical bar. That is way easier said than done, especially on complex, deep parts like these.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_145013_zps72fd1ceb.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_144300_zpsb9971127.jpg

Dan designed the pieces with close tolerance recesses on the back side to allow the invisible use of double stick tape to hold them all firmly in place.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_142719_zps876fa840.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_144249_zpsc339d886.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_151824_zps2151545f.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ceramic%20Fiber%20Grille/20141029_151925_zpse9dc0827.jpg

waynieZ

10-29-2014, 05:06 PM

Wow that looks awesome! Its amazing they can get the carbon fiber so straight around all those different angles. I loved the grill before and this brings it up another notch.

frankv11

10-29-2014, 05:26 PM

One word comes to mind. PERFECTION!!

syborg tt

10-29-2014, 05:48 PM

Sick and I love it !!!

Rick D

10-29-2014, 08:15 PM

Wow just bad azz!! That's just soooooo cooool!!

:king: :king: :king:

redfire69

10-30-2014, 04:59 AM

Wow, that is just wicked! What a well executed part. Ron

:trophy-1302:

Lous69

08-20-2015, 10:02 PM

We've been pretty busy building a new shop but I thought I ought to post a few picks of the carbon fiber grille installed.

When we showed the GM designers our 3D printed grille and emblems at SEMA they were complimentary but also warned us that 3D printed parts typically have a limited life span in real world use.

Even though our 3D printed parts were still holding up just fine, we just installed the first prepreg carbon fiber version.

We worked with a U.S. company that uses the same materials and process used to make the OEM hood scoop so it matches perfectly in appearance and quality.

While we were at it, we also had all the 3D printed emblems including the front and rear bow tie assemblies CNC machined out of billet aluminum.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ideal%20Solutions%20Grille%20Install%20Instruction s/IMG_5092_zpsx76zegfg.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ideal%20Solutions%20Grille%20Install%20Instruction s/IMG_5100_zpst6qdhsxl.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ideal%20Solutions%20Grille%20Install%20Instruction s/IMG_5104_zpszdbbswau.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ideal%20Solutions%20Grille%20Install%20Instruction s/IMG_5122_zpsvlmvoqfk.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ideal%20Solutions%20Grille%20Install%20Instruction s/IMG_2882_zpshztf5obj.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ideal%20Solutions%20Grille%20Install%20Instruction s/IMG_2883_zps6wf9cqem.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/nv8rdi/Ideal%20Solutions%20Grille%20Install%20Instruction s/IMG_2884_zpsosymmd48.jpg