1969 Camaro LSA

[regraves77]

This is my first post for my first build. I am currently under way and I will be posting pics along the way. I have been saving for a long time for this and plan on doing it right. I will start posting pics tomorrow and thought that i would get my thread started tonight. I am starting with a 1969 Camaro and i have currently mini tubbed the car and smoothed the firewall, DSE subframe connectors welded in as well. The rear end is also mocked up in the car at them moment as well. i am only going to be able to go as fast as i can afford, so bear with me. Parts acquired so far:

DSE Subframe assembled and powder coated
Stainless bolts for sub
JRI Coil Overs, base JRI's in sub and rear currently, I have the remote res JRI's in box to install later, ended up w two sets...long story
DSE Quadralink w JRI's
DSE Subframe connectors
DSE Wiper motor
DSE Frame/motor 1.5" back mounts
DSE Fender braces
DSE Rearend/Moser 3.89 Gears powder coated
DSE Mini Tubs
DSE Rock Valley VaporWorx Supertank, duel CTS-V fuel pumps
Forgeline Wheels GA3 HTM Center, Polished Outer Hoop, Silver Powder coat inside hoop, 18x10, 18x12, BFG KDW's
T56 Magnum
Quicktime Steel Bell Housing
McLeod/Wilwood Hydraulic Clutch/Throw out bearing setup

Engine- Cadillac CTS-V LSA-Lingenfelter goodies, heads ported and polished, cam, pulley upgrades and upgraded harmonic balancer, upgraded springs, ARP head studs/bolts, upgraded head gaskets

Will be posting pics soon.

[intocarss]

Nice build but.....:ttiwop: :thumbsup:

[FETorino]

Welcome

Looks like you have a top shelf parts list to start with. :thumbsup:

You'll have not trouble getting Camaro build questions answered here.:lol:


Nice build but.....:ttiwop: :thumbsup:


Gotta agree:D

:cheers:

[Richio1]

I will start posting pics tomorrow and thought that i would get my thread started tonight.

What time...LOL. We'll be looking forward to seeing your progress.

Parts acquired so far:

DSE Subframe assembled and powder coated
Stainless bolts for sub
JRI Coil Overs, base JRI's in sub and rear currently, I have the remote res JRI's in box to install later, ended up w two sets...long story
DSE Quadralink w JRI's
DSE Subframe connectors
DSE Wiper motor
DSE Frame/motor 1.5" back mounts
DSE Fender braces
DSE Rearend/Moser 3.89 Gears powder coated
DSE Mini Tubs
DSE Rock Valley VaporWorx Supertank, duel CTS-V fuel pumps
Forgeline Wheels GA3 HTM Center, Polished Outer Hoop, Silver Powder coat inside hoop, 18x10, 18x12, BFG KDW's
T56 Magnum
Quicktime Steel Bell Housing
McLeod/Wilwood Hydraulic Clutch/Throw out bearing setup

Will be posting pics soon.

I bet DSE loves you and your credit card :lol:

You have a great list of top quality parts and looks like you have a great plan.

[frankv11]

sounds like a nice build.

waiting on pictures

[214Chevy]

Pics or it didn't happen. :mad: You should have gotten the pics together first. :rofl: But for real, sounds like it's gonna be a fun project. I'm following along. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Frankenstine]

Nice list of parts:thumbsup: subscribed to this one fo sho:thumbsup: where are you located:question:

[regraves77]

i tried to post pics last night but i was having some issues with resizing the photos. Can anyone send me in right direction to get this resolved? I have an imac if that matters.

[regraves77]

Located in Houston, TX

[MTMouse]

i tried to post pics last night but i was having some issues with resizing the photos. Can anyone send me in right direction to get this resolved? I have an imac if that matters.

Upload them to Photobucket.com and use their links to post your pictures. Go to your photo click on 'get media links', then I use the IMG code link.

[WSSix]

x2 photobucket is what I use. Up load the photos there. Hover your mouse over the picture you want to post. There will be a sprocket or star that will appear in the top right corner of the picture. Click on it and then click on Get Media Links. Go to direct link. Click on the code and it should then say copied. Come back here and right click and paste or ctrl v the link between these brackets and the picture should show up nicely resized and everything. Like this

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr90/Speed_Hound/PICT0306.jpg


Also, when you go to quote someone's post, the coding they used to post a picture of video appears. You can use that as a reminder or to figure out how someone posted something special.

[regraves77]

First try at some pics

[regraves77]

How can i get the pic to show on the page in a bigger format? i got one on here and it is a thumbnail. i followed Wssix info and understood everything except when he said to paste between the brackets [img] [img]??

[Rick D]

Try the next option down on the list, you used the one for thumb. Not sure on the whole bracket thing.

[regraves77]

rick, down on which list, the photo bucket or the lateral g (manage attachments) page. i review both and can't get it to work. i did not manually resize my photos. do i have to do that or does photo bucket do that automatically?

[Rick D]

On phototbucket, no you do not have to resize the pictures.

[Rick D]

Should be the second one from the bottom IMG Code not the IMG thumb.

[regraves77]

another try

[regraves77]

i have tried all the options on photo bucket as instructed, for some reason it will not post the pic properly, all the other options that i have used to insert the file say invalid, i don't understand why, the only oven that will work is the thumb pic. Very, very frustrating.

[FETorino]

are you pasting the img code from photobucket directly into the body of the message you are posting? Or are you using the attach files option> Just past in the img code.

[intocarss]

are you pasting the img code from photobucket directly into the body of the message you are posting? Or are you using the attach files option> Just past in the img code. You know this is a Chevy thread with pics of Chevys :yes: :willy:

[FETorino]

You know this is a Chevy thread with pics of Chevys :yes: :willy:

:wow: Holy crap, forget what I said....:willy:

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1038.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1039.jpghttp://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1037.jpg[/IMG[IMG]http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1037.jpg[/IMG[IMG]http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1035.jpg[/IMG[IMG]http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1034.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1035.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1037.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1034.jpg

[regraves77]

Finally got the pics figured out. Got a few parts ordered over Thanksgiving break. Battery relocator kit and DSE headers, should be in later this week. Game plan is to bolt T56 and engine up and check the trans tunnel for clearance needed. I went with the frame and motor mounts from DSE to move the motor back, they said those would be needed to make the headers work. Does anyone know if there is a company that offers a pre fab tunnel to clear T56 tranny? I have been told that it will probably take about 2" to clear.

[Rick D]

Does anyone know if there is a company that offers a pre fab tunnel to clear T56 tranny? I have been told that it will probably take about 2" to clear.

Not that I have seen, in the past I have just pie cut the tunnel and raised it up and then filled in the gap. I have also used the trans tunnel repair panel they sell, just cut out the old one and put the new in a little higher. Then you need to adjust the front from the firewall to tunnel a little.

[MHORTON79]

Located in Houston, TX

Welcome to the forum from one Houston guy to another. You have a serious list of parts there. It's gonna be nice.

What part of town are you in?

[214Chevy]

Uh oh...Texas in the house!!:fluffy: :fluffy:

[regraves77]

I am located in Kingwood

[Rybar]

Man it looks awesome, please keep posting pics of this build :thumbsup:

[regraves77]

Thanks Rybar, i will get more pics up this week, I've recieved a lot of parts since my last round of pics.

[will69camaro]

Loving these builds in Houston. I'm working in one myself. Similar parts list.

Who did your body work? Car looks awesome! I have friends in Kingwood and would love to see the car in person when I get back to town. I live in the woodlands.

[69x22]

Welcome to the forum. I'm 20 miles south of Houston, like your color combo. Is it going to be a RS?

[MHORTON79]

Cool. I lived in Summerwood & Fall Creek for a while. My mom still lives out there in Summerwood. I'm all the way in the Pearland now. Build is looking really nice.

[regraves77]

Thanks for all the good comments, I will post more pics this evening.

I am not sure on colors scheme, I traded for this car and it was previously painted with an average paint job. I am thinking non rs front, black with white hockey stripe. I really like the ABS Camaros that have been built, very classy factory look with the right parts list. I am waiting on the DSE headers to come in next week so I can mock up the LSA & T56 to go ahead with the tunnel modification. After that, shoot the bottom and trunk and get it back to the house to start some assembly. My goal is to get it ready to make good guys next October.

I have not decided what to shoot the bottom of the car with, maybe bedliner. Anyone have any suggestions, one of my cars had liner on the bottom and it seemed to help to sound deaden and was a semi smooth finish that allowed for easy wipe down.

[will69camaro]

Sorry if you already answered this but who is painting the car? My body guy suggested lizard skin for the underside of the car.

[frankv11]

Sorry if you already answered this but who is painting the car? My body guy suggested lizard skin for the underside of the car.

I'm also leaning towards lizard skin. saw it at SEMA and liked it's heat resistance and sound deadening attributes and texture.

also make sure you have the 1.5" set back engine mounts ( p# 060404 ) otherwise DSE headers will be a problem. something I'm working through right now.

[will69camaro]

What tunnel modifications are needed with the DSE sub with and without setback mounts? What are the benefits?

[regraves77]

A friend will be doing final paint on the car in Crosby, Tx. I was considering lizard skin actually. Would you prime and then leave the lizard skin for the finished surface?

[regraves77]

From what I have been told, I will need approx 1-2" of clearance (on top) for the T56 to clear the tunnel, maybe a little to the bottom of the firewall as well. It sounds like it may be necessary with or without the setback mounts. When I mock it up next week I will know for sure. Plasma cutter on standby.

Frank, I read your post previously and ordered my mounts to work with the headers. Thanks for the heads up.

[frankv11]

You are correct. Firewall and tunnel will need to be cut either way it will be minimal difference and also depends on which body mounts. The big difference will be drive shaft length and crossmember location 1.5" difference
I'm glad I could help, I'm currently working with DSE to figure mine out.

From what I have been told, I will need approx 1-2" of clearance (on top) for the T56 to clear the tunnel, maybe a little to the bottom of the firewall as well. It sounds like it may be necessary with or without the setback mounts. When I mock it up next week I will know for sure. Plasma cutter on standby.

Frank, I read your post previously and ordered my mounts to work with the headers. Thanks for the heads up.

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1222.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1220.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1221.jpg

[regraves77]

A couple of pics of the DSE Vaporworx Super Tank that came in last week. Headers and battery relocating on the way for next week.

[214Chevy]

Looking darn good there sir!!:yes: :yes: I see you've gotten the hang of posting the bigger pics now.:thumbsup:

[regraves77]

Yep, got the pics down finally.

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1001-1.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_0999-1.jpg

[regraves77]

A little blurry on the second pic, these are the rear wheels.

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1226.jpg


JRI's w remotes

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1227.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1228.jpg


I found a pic of one of the front wheels. 18x10 on 275's

[Rybar]

Nothing better than top-end shiney new parts :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Nice.

[Frankenstine]

VERY nice build and parts:thumbsup:

[regraves77]

Thanks for the comments guys. I went to Mascoat today in Houston, the company that makes Lizard Skin. I am impressed with the qualities of this product and I am going to try to shoot the car on bottom, inside, roof, door panels and trunk as well in the next two weeks. I am using both products, the sound and ceramic product.

I am really getting excited about working on this car. Hopefully I can take some days off work to get some thing done this month.

[MHORTON79]

Didn't know Lizard Skin was based outta Houston. Where exactly are they located?

[regraves77]

They are at 4310 Campbell Rd, Houston, TX. Its called Mascoat, I dont know if its made at that location, but it is definitely distributed from there. There was plenty on hand and they sell it direct. I was interested in looking at the final texture of the sound and ceramic products. They told me it would be best to do two light coats of sound on the interior and exterior and then inside with the ceramic for heat resistance. The have kit called a jobber kit, its comes a couple of different ways based on how much you need. It includes the spray gun as well. On my car I am going to purchase 4 gal of sound and 4 gal of heat. Looks like it will run approx $600 or so. I can hopefully start next week.

[JON Q]

Hey Eric, it's me Jon from Houston... It is the same Lizard skin kit I will be using, one of their reps was really cool and answered all the questions I had when I stopped by..

[Ventura]

I sprayed the bottom of my car with Lizard skin. Seems like it sprayed better when it was hot outside. Also the sound control was easier to spray than the heat control. I couldnt get the glass beads to smooth out in the tight spots. It could have been my method though. Takes a little practice to get used to spraying. Waste a litte and get the gun set right on a piece of newspaper etc. If you began to use a partial full can, make sure to take the top part that has skimmed over out. It will get in the gun and cause you grief.

[regraves77]

thanks Ventura, they makes sense. They did tell me to make sure the air temp and the metal surface is 70 degrees or better. He said that both could effect the outcome of the application.

[regraves77]

DSE headers showed up today. WOW, the flanges and welds are rediculous. Pics to follow.

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor017.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor020.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor025.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor023.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor024.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor026.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor031.jpg

[Ron in SoCal]

DSE headers showed up today. WOW, the flanges and welds are rediculous. Pics to follow.

It's unreal how nice their headers are. :thumbsup:

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor029.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor030.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor042.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroMockUpmotor043.jpg

[regraves77]

Well, got the motor mocked up in the car, very, very tight fit. The back motor mounts from DSE get the LS engine about 1/2" from the firewall on the passenger side, driver side more clearance. Had to take the oil cooler off as well. Headers are an awesome work of art, we did have to trim one spot of each of the headers lightly to gain a little clearance on the ARP head studs, not a big deal. As suspected, we will need to raise top of the tunnel close to the back of the bell housing, my guess would probably be 1-1.5", 2" max. I ordered a Camaro oil pan today, 98-02 pan.

I have never had a six speed before and noticed the casting of the housing at the top leans a bit to the drivers side where the stick mounts. Curious to what others have seen and why this is made this way.

[will69camaro]

What did you have to do for the transmission crossmember?

[frankv11]

T56s are a few degrees off counter clock wise. Nothing to be alarmed about. It's standard

[will69camaro]

I'm speaking in reference to the engine setback. Considering it for mine to give more room for turbo bits.

[regraves77]

For the crossmember, its is just a tubluar crossmember that was a from a late model car. The cross bar was cut and moved back to keep from bending and dealing with more issues than needed. The bottom side of the crossmember now has a plate welded to it for a spacer to achieve the correct drive line angle. I will clean it up and make it look nice after all the mockup when i get to paint stage.

My plan is to shoot all the lizard skin on the car in the next two weeks and get my garage arranged to do wiring and plumbing and general assembly. I cant wait to hear this motor turn over.

Tunnel is in process of being raised.

It looks like I will also have to trim part of the back of the supercharger for clearance on the DSE wiper motor. I believe that they cast the back of it to protect the fuel rails and provide a little ear for a brack to act as a wire loom. It will need to be removed, still a snug fit but will work niclely.

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroPics020.jpg

With the plates/spacer welded in on the crossmember to get the right drive line angle i picked up a little more clearance on the firewall. Everything fits perfect.

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroPics019.jpg
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/CamaroPics021.jpg

[tubbed69]

very nice so far,lots of good parts,really like wheels and headers,good job

[tones2SS]

Very nice. Great build here.

[regraves77]

Thanks for all the comments guys

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1325_zps5e049cfd.jpghttp://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1327_zps85192547.jpg[/IMG[IMG]http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1329_zps5ea08f4e.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1327_zps85192547.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1328_zps45cfdcde.jpghttp://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1328_zps45cfdcde.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1330_zps6e88eeec.jpg

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1363_zpsa6d027fd.jpghttp://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/IMG_1364_zps5205825a.jpg

[regraves77]

Latest update. The trunk was modifies slightly to help with 3" exhaust clearance and checked with clearance on the gas tank. Plenty of room now with no issues. The back seat springs have been narrowed to fit the DSE mini tubs. The entire bottom of the car was shot with Lizard Skin with two coats of the sound and two coats of the ceramic. I didn't like the Lizard Skin for a final finish. It seemed a bit gray and I wanted a black bottom and when wiped or scratching the bottom you the material became a little scuffed and I was looking for a little more ease of cleanup. I called and spoke with Marx here in Houston at Lizard Skin and asked if I could shoot paint over the material and he said no problem. We used a single stage urethane black satin and the finish came out great. The bottom of the car is now complete. The interior will be next. We will repeat the same process with exception of the painted finish and then I will lay Dynamat on top of everything. I want a quiet car and this should do the job. I am very happy with the Lizard Skin, huge difference wi just the bottom done already. I will post picks of final finish, these pics are of the ceramic finish before the paint.

[regraves77]

waiting to warm up to finish lizard skin, cant shoot below 70 degrees

[Ralphlovs72chev]

Ive used Lizard skin before. It was good stuff. Yes you should wait for it to get warmer. Im stuck too with the tempreture being cold. Your car is coming out nice. :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Its looking good.

[will69camaro]

Updates on this car? Was looking forward to the progress pics!

[regraves77]

Been busy with work and life my friend. I am acutally just getting back started on it as we speak. I will start posting some pics. Currently working on accessory drive to make the LSA fit the DSE subframe. Unfortunately it looks as if I will have to make a cut on the frame below the A/C compressor, going with Sanden SD7.

I want to give Kevin at V8TV thanks for making me the brackets for the A/C and alternator. He sent me a setup that was identical to what he used on Lou's Change. Im ordering he Alt and A/C compressor today to fit them on the engine for the subframe modification. I plan on running the factory setup. I did notice where Ridetech has used a Vintage Air setup on an LSA that was modified and was wondering if anyone else had run a setup other then the stock drive system?

Where is the best place to buy Baer 6p brakes? Recaro Seats?

I am going up to North Carolina this coming week for work and go by DSE to get a plan on what I need from them to finish as well and visit with my buddy Chris Mozley and go for a spin in his Blue DSE 69 Camaro. I cant believe he has it on the classifieds on here. Beautiful and nicely built car.

[will69camaro]

Check with Matt's Classic Bowtie as I believe they're a dealer for those brakes or GAP Racing. I have dealt with both and BOTH are excellent vendors.

Nice thing about GAP is you being in Houston you can drop in and say "Hi."

Thanks for the updates and looking forward to more.

William

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/1969CamaroLSA2_zps80cc4148.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/1969CamaroLSA2_zps80cc4148.jpg.html)
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/1969CamaroLSA_zps1aec7a66.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/1969CamaroLSA_zps1aec7a66.jpg.html)
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/1969CamaroLSA1_zps4e5363db.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/1969CamaroLSA1_zps4e5363db.jpg.html)

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/photo3_zpsc7cb1937.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/photo3_zpsc7cb1937.jpg.html)
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/MoreCamaroPics066_zps3bc844be.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/MoreCamaroPics066_zps3bc844be.jpg.html)

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/MoreCamaroPics068_zpsa68ceb61.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/MoreCamaroPics068_zpsa68ceb61.jpg.html)
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/MoreCamaroPics067_zps4a3f42ca.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/MoreCamaroPics067_zps4a3f42ca.jpg.html)

I was very happy with the way these wheels turned out and the stance.

[will69camaro]

Yea man looks awesome. What size are those? I'm probably going to end up ordering GA3's for mine as well. There will be a few cars in Houston with those wheels but all different finishes as far as I know.

Car looks really good. LSA looks right at home in there :)

William

[regraves77]

18x10 front, 18x12 rear

[tubbed69]

I really like your wheels,looks great:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[pitts12driver]

Great work! Looks amazing and coming along well.

[regraves77]

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/claytonmachine_zpseb9864b6.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/claytonmachine_zpseb9864b6.jpg.html)

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q782/regraves77/autorad_zps1f31cb97.jpg (http://s1359.photobucket.com/user/regraves77/media/autorad_zps1f31cb97.jpg.html)

[regraves77]

Received Clayton Machine pedals today and the AutoRad new core support with radiator. I will have to say, I was impressed with the packing on the AutoRad parts, WOW.

[NOPANTS68]

Man those pedals are incredible.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Man those pedals are incredible.

X2... Never get tired of seeing those. :cool:

[tubbed69]

Man those pedals are incredible.

They are super nice,just put a set in mine last week

[ProPont]

Looks Great and coming along nicely. Forgeline wheels are the best, can you tell me what are the back spacing measurements you used?

[waynieZ]

Any updates ?