Project Double Tap...

[XLexusTech]

Place holder for my project...
67 Camaro...
Jakes Rod shop Apex front suspension system
Jakes Rod Shop Torque Arm with Watts link.
Fiske Profil 10 wheels. 18x12 and 18x10
Big brakes. TBD..
LSA/6 speed Magnum, pending engine source but this is the plan... if not.. then likley will be a boosted LS3...
Light weight body panels galore.... Hoping for around 3150 #'s and 600 HP..
More to come as progress is made...

The day i brought it home in its 80's glory... :rolleyes:

[Rybar]

:ttiwop:

[XLexusTech]

My car has been @ JRS this winter for a suspension upgrade. I selected JRS for several reasons, The fact That the JRS APEX system is track Tested offers the best geometry for my plans, uses OE C6 parts that I can service easily.. I did a lot of research on JRS and got rave's reviews from everyone. Also he had great idea in regards to my objectives, adding custom flare and something different for a Gen 1 Camaro. In the first photo below is one such example of thinking out of the box, the trunk inclosure not only look's killer but it also provide for 3.5 inch tail pipes around the Watts and a large fuel tank for the road.
The Watts and torque are system is a perfect system for me. In the This pic is the JRS front subframe all powder coated and ready to install. I also really like that Billet shock mount... it's like Jewelry to me :-) Jake has his own shock Dyno to tune in all four corrners we are going with Three way adjustable Bilstiens spring rate I dont know off hand
Next steps are to get in on the ground, weld in the cage and raise the tunnel and then coat the Bottom.
Before it went to Jakes I had installed new toe boards, inner rockers, One piece Floor, tulip panels and Mini Tubs.
Anyway let me know what you think, questions comments welcome.

[XLexusTech]

I wanted to add some pic of the tire tuck and wheels that I chose. I am a little turned off by the really deep Lip so you will notice the majority of the rim is all on the inside.. 18X11.5 335/30/18

[Rybar]

Looks really good, congrats on the progress. Thanks for posting pics to shut me up :lol:

[Ron in SoCal]

XLTech your project is looking great and I agree with what you said about Jake. Track proven stuff and an innovative builder. He's a really good dude too...:cheers:

You gonna do something to tie in that green? :D

[XLexusTech]

Looks really good, congrats on the progress. Thanks for posting pics to shut me up :lol:

I am a dope, i cant believe it took me that long to find the "manage attachments" button LOL :smiley_smack:

XLTech your project is looking great and I agree with what you said about Jake. Track proven stuff and an innovative builder. He's a really good dude too...:cheers:

You gonna do something to tie in that green? :D

Yes, that green is dark olive. The body color is going the be Porsche Dark Olive metallic. It will tie in nicely.... :thankyou:

[XLexusTech]

For the First time in several years my car has all four Axles/spindles/corners..
very psyched...

[chr2002ca]

For the First time in several years my car has all four Axles/spindles/corners..
very psyched...

It's always a great feeling when you get that foundation-level stuff sorted out. Congrats on the progress. :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Yeah! Fun stuff seeing it all come together... nice that you got Jake there to dial it all in for ya. :thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

It's always a great feeling when you get that foundation-level stuff sorted out. Congrats on the progress. :thumbsup: Thanks! :thumbsup:

Yeah! Fun stuff seeing it all come together... nice that you got Jake there to dial it all in for ya. :thumbsup:
Yep that's for sure... momma didn't raise no fool :D
Another great milestone.. She rolls... Holy crap she rolls!

[Rybar]

Looks awesome man, congrats!

[XLexusTech]

Sneak peak of the roll cage like the trunk mount bracket..

[XLexusTech]

Raising the floor up fr the T56 Magnum... check out the finish..

[XLexusTech]

Main hoop, removable seat back bar with the removable joints. Halo bar going in..

[Payton King]

Going to be a very nice car when finsihed.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Going to be a very nice car when finsihed.

X2. :thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

X2. :thumbsup:

Going to be a very nice car when finsihed.

Thanks Payton and Skip... I really appreciate it... I am really happy with Jake and they way things have progressed... now setting goals relative to events I want to attend seem so close.. Some pics of the frame connectors going in and the floor bottom being prepped for seal and protection.

[Payton King]

Jake is a good dude. He has my car up there now

How long do you think it will be for you to get it up and running?

[XLexusTech]

Jake is a good dude. He has my car up there now

How long do you think it will be for you to get it up and running?
Hope to be running by September.. shake it out for a few months then Paint.
SubFrame Connectors going in... Jake made them so I can take the Subrame in and out if i needed to.

[XLexusTech]

You cant see them completely because they are taped.. but check out the dimple die tank supports...

[XLexusTech]

Ahhhhh..

[Flash68]

Very cool. Lookin good man.

[FETorino]

I wanted to add some pic of the tire tuck and wheels that I chose. I am a little turned off by the really deep Lip so you will notice the majority of the rim is all on the inside.. 18X11.5 335/30/18

For the First time in several years my car has all four Axles/spindles/corners..
very psyched...


Another great milestone.. She rolls... Holy crap she rolls!

congradulations on the progress. I'm with you on the rear backpacking :thumbsup: With the Jakes set up it should be a good track car.

[XLexusTech]

congradulations on the progress. I'm with you on the rear backpacking :thumbsup: With the Jakes set up it should be a good track car.


Street.. too.. I hope to be driving this in some of the West coast tracks.. But driving it there too. I plan on a cross country drive to the coast... PCH is on my bucket list..

[FETorino]

Street.. too.. I hope to be driving this in some of the West coast tracks.. But driving it there too. I plan on a cross country drive to the coast... PCH is on my bucket list..

:drive: might as well do it when Silver State is being held :idea:

Having just done two 2000 mi loops on different ends of the country I can say there are stretches of road I can't wait to see again, and some I wish I could avoid from here on out ;Most of those involve CA fwys. :lmao:

[XLexusTech]

:drive: might as well do it when Silver State is being held :idea:

Having just done two 2000 mi loops on different ends of the country I can say there are stretches of road I can't wait to see again, and some I wish I could avoid from here on out ;Most of those involve CA fwys. :lmao:

Silver state... YES! when is it usually held? I just poked around on thier site and didnt see the date.. .

I will hit you up for route advice before I go :thankyou:

[XLexusTech]

Jakes got a few more little things to button up but were closing in on done.
I love these Pics.. the idea of the underside being finished and it being a roller is really amazing.. 6 months ago it was pretty much a stalled project with a gaping hole where the trunk used to be, with no suspension and a twisted up old subframe sitting behind my garage... Now its a power plant and wiring short of a North East beast,, Anyone up for a little North / south friendly competition...? Maybe the RU faster boys vs the Yankees?

[Payton King]

Looks very nice under there.

[tubbed69]

very nice progress,sure will be fun to drive

[XLexusTech]

Roll Cage is done, Car is ready to come home..

[fleetus macmullitz]

Roll Cage is done, Car is ready to come home..

Nice bones. :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Jakes got a few more little things to button up but were closing in on done.
I love these Pics.. the idea of the underside being finished and it being a roller is really amazing.. 6 months ago it was pretty much a stalled project with a gaping hole where the trunk used to be, with no suspension and a twisted up old subframe sitting behind my garage... Now its a power plant and wiring short of a North East beast,, Anyone up for a little North / south friendly competition...? Maybe the RU faster boys vs the Yankees?

Now those underside pics are tasty.

[XLexusTech]

Back in the garage...

[XLexusTech]

Rust repair, plated form the rear then filled with the welder form the front.
Any advice on how to fill the divits... appreciated.

[XLexusTech]

Fond the final rust spot (everything else is already replaced or clean)
Under the dash, ground out the rust, welded up the seams and holes and locked it down with SEM, self etching primer.

[XLexusTech]

Decided to take my own path mounting the DSE heater delete plate.. For my 2 cents... drill out the spot welds across the top.. then cut te rest completly out.. leave enough on the bottom to overlap. weld the seam form the inside if possible..

[XLexusTech]

Some updates... Fitted the VA, unit.. IdidIt steering column, DSE Clutch master bracket welded in ... and Upper dash rough in...... What do you guys thing.. weld the dash panel to the a Pillar bar ? Pros Cons...?

[XLexusTech]

Been on a buying spree lately.
Picked up my Harness and petal from PCI looks awesome. trying to figure out where to mount the ECM.
Got my Driving lights (69 style) from Marquez.
Ordered the auto meter/GMPP gauges.. those are on back order so I wont have them for a bit.
Picked up a DSE wiper kit and a DSE master and booster assembly.
Clutch master should be arriving next week.
Next steps... Mount DBW petal to floor, fit the clutch master an weld up a bracket on the petal as needed..
Moc up engine harness and start to build body harness, figure out where I am going to mount ECU and Fuse box...
FAB up dash center for VA 3 knob, top vent and three gauges... Hopefully like what DSE did on Dale Jr's car.
Should be posting Pics next week.

[FETorino]

Hey you're making some great progress there. :thumbsup:

You may make it out here to Silver State this year at the rate you are going.

I'd say weld the bracket on the firewall while your in there.

Looks like a nice parts purchase spree :G-Dub:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Excellent progress 'X' . :thumbsup:

[Rick D]

Nice job!! I'd say weld the brackets as well.

[XLexusTech]

for Ratman67 this is where i measured for ya... 115".

[XLexusTech]

Today I made up a floor mount for the DBW and then made a bracket for the ECU. I have to wait to get my gauges in so I can make sure the ECU location works. If its good clearance wise I am thinking of just welding it to the cowl
Not a lot of room with the AC ducts right there....

[XLexusTech]

Took the day off.. got a good amount done... started with wiring made a lot of progress then decided to make some changes that require weatherpack connectors I dont have... (if anyone now a good source let me know)
Got the clutch master hooked up. I took a slightly different approach. I shortened the rod on both sides, then drilled into the fat end and ran a tap into it. Then ran a Die over the small end. this gives me about .5 to 1 inch adjustment.
started on my gauge panel.. too some 3" exhaust pipe slash cut them @45 degrees this is a rough in it will be much better fitted into the dash before its done. hoping for a factory look when its done.

[XLexusTech]

working my way through Dash Moc up.

[XLexusTech]

completed my wiring on the bench.. now time to MOC it into the car. Fist step Batt.... (BTW Optima no stickers with a new Battery? ) the cutoff is removable goes through the lower bolt hole of the bumper for track days.

[waynieZ]

The gauge cluster looks Great! The battery install looks good too.

[XLexusTech]

Brown truck delivered some Bling this week :G-Dub:

[tubbed69]

Definitely some nice work so far,keep it coming:thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

Thanks you Mr UPS man

[XLexusTech]

I feel like that "Hump Day camel".... so excited...
:ups: :hello:

[XLexusTech]

Progress or lack their of.. Update: I have coined a new phrase.... most of you are famailar with the expression C##K blocked and or Body shop Hell... well this is a combination of the two.. it called Parts F###D its when you're waiting on parts forever and it completely stalls progress and momentum.

:bang:

[syborg tt]

Here is something that I learned long ago. Unless your building the car for a specific show or race then what is the hurry. In the end you beat your self up because we make these unobtainable deadlines that could only be met if we had millions of dollars and an entire team of people building the car.

So take your time and work on the details of what is next and just make sure you have everything planned out for the next phase of the build. Make sure you have all the parts you are going to need when the car comes home from the body shop so you can start assembling the car right away and you won't go into sticker shock when you have to start ordering parts.

I personally plan each phase of the build to every minor details. During the disassembly I am already planning what parts need to go where and what parts are going to be sold so I can fund media blasting and powder coating.

Look at it like a job and while it is in the body shop you should be ordering your wire harness and everything you need to put in the shell of the car before you hang the doors, fenders, decklid.

The move forward to the engine bay / sub frame. Build the subframe in your head and make sure you have everything you are going to need to put it together and have all the parts painted, powder coated or even polished.

So there is a lot you can be doing right now. I am certain your engine is sitting on a stand somewhere waiting to go in your subframe. Look at it in detail. Is it exactly the way you want it to look when it's in the car. If not now is the perfect time to change the nuts and bolts to some cool ARP fasteners and maybe even look at the colors of the motor itself.

Heck if you look at the motor in 2nd chance the block is black so all of the hardware on the block is polished and the heads are aluminum so they have black hardware and where there is red paint there are polished bolts.

In the end there is plenty you could be doing right now it's just not what you want to be doing. Life is really like a box a chocolate. You never really know what type of chocolate your going to get unless you read the instructions.

Most people don't know but when they drizzle different designs on the chocolate candy it actual is telling you what it is.

okay enough of my long winded rambling

[XLexusTech]

Was prepping to drop motor and trans in for moc up

Glad I took the shifter off found the seal under the shifter torn...
Then I found this post. http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/87423-T56-Magnum-leaking-from-shifter-HELP

Booooo Tremec :sarcasm_smiley:

[Build-It-Break-it]

I think that transmission isn't worthy of your build anymore. Just put it back in the box and send it to me....:ups:

[XLexusTech]

The good ..... The engine dropped in perfect F body oil pan worked like a gem
Stainless works headers fit like a glove...

The bad the harness fits like crap it's defiantly short and two wires fell out of their connector without so much as a tug on them. It's a good thing I found it now because it was the cam sensor connector which would cause a no start and likely drive me nuts

:waveflag: :waveflag: :hairpullout:

[XLexusTech]

Stainless works fit perfect

[WSSix]

Those headers look good. I love the look of burnished stainless too. So once they burn in, they'll look even better.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Those headers look good. I love the look of burnished stainless too. So once they burn in, they'll look even better.

yep!

looking good

[fleetus macmullitz]

Those headers look good. I love the look of burnished stainless too. So once they burn in, they'll look even better.

X2...very nice. :thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

Forgive me for bing bitchy and with recognition that this hobby is more about making things then bolting things together that you take out of boxes...

But when you spend good money on things that simply don't work as delivered its bullship ... See what I did right there :secret:

In this case vintage airs bracket .....designed and delivered as an assembly isn't even close and theirs not enough material to alter the holes to hack it together.

:bigun2: :bigun2: just pissed that everything I touch is less then what it should be... These are not cheap parts fellas ...

[Vince@Meanstreets]

i maybe numb to it but a hammer adjustment seems to be the norm for every damn thing. Made in the USA right?

[XLexusTech]

i maybe numb to it but a hammer adjustment seems to be the norm for every damn thing. Made in the USA right?

Your used to it I guess but I hear what you are saying... I was able to finesse this together with some tweaks and bends but not over ally impressed with VA at this juncture :hairpullout:

[WSSix]

It just seems to be a fact of life when dealing with cars when modifying them. I think it's to the point where if you don't go numb to it, you'll go crazy. Don't let it get to you. Just use it as a reason to buy more tools and equipment and do it yourself. That way, you know who to bitch at, lol.

Good luck!

[syborg tt]

I've started working on my 2010 Camaro and being honest the fit and finish on the parts for these cars is light years better them on my 70. So far everything has been a bolt on. It's also nice working on a clean car and not having to wash my hands when I want to eat the chicken sandwich on the bench.

[XLexusTech]

Got my clutch and flywheel... And the radiator suggestion you made... Freaking awesome real nice piece!

[XLexusTech]

Fits nice

[Vince@Meanstreets]

All the holes line up with no hammer-age right? :underchair:


glad to have helped!!

[cwylie]

What radiator is that? The cap is hard to read.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

Forgive me for bing bitchy and with recognition that this hobby is more about making things then bolting things together that you take out of boxes...

But when you spend good money on things that simply don't work as delivered its bullship ... See what I did right there :secret:

In this case vintage airs bracket .....designed and delivered as an assembly isn't even close and theirs not enough material to alter the holes to hack it together.

:bigun2: :bigun2: just pissed that everything I touch is less then what it should be... These are not cheap parts fellas ...

Typical!
I love "bolt in" stuff.
That's why order cheaper stuff or junk yard dive when I can. I just do it with the realization that I'll have to modify it anyway. Then it doesn't make me feel so bad. Of course, there are always those parts that you've got to have that are supposed to fit. When they don't, I always call the company and tell them the issues I had, hoping it will help the next guy.

Oh, Cars looking good BTW!

[67XR7]

What radiator is that? The cap is hard to read.

looks like a griffin cap to me.

[XLexusTech]

looks like a griffin cap to me.

this one.. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-cu-00009-ls/overview/year/1967/make/chevrolet/model/camaro

[XLexusTech]

Moc up of the Front Runner....

[grendel]

Looks good, let me know if you're up for some beer drinking or need a hand wrenching. I am not that far from you, in Chester, NH. I have a few projects going. I have a 70 GMC C10, a few Jeeps and a few bikes.

[XLexusTech]

Got my rear shocks I mocked in... Looks like I have plenty of interference clearance on compression... Their was a fear that the watts ascushion was going to mash the watts crossmember... Still want to drop it down a few turns but plenty of room now I think

[WSSix]

That's certainly good news. Rear suspension is looking pretty, too.

[Payton King]

Is that at ride height?

[carbuff]

Got my rear shocks I mocked in... Looks like I have plenty of interference clearance on compression... Their was a fear that the watts ascushion was going to mash the watts crossmember... Still want to drop it down a few turns but plenty of room now I think

You have a lot more clearance on the driver's side than I do. Looking at the picture below, you can see that the mount for the upper Watt's rod on the driver's side is about 3-4" further out than on yours. That caused me some grief trying to clear the shock...

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m23/carbuff69/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/IMG_20140808_202936_zpssi8mnl6k.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/carbuff69/media/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/IMG_20140808_202936_zpssi8mnl6k.jpg.html)

[XLexusTech]

Is that at ride height?

I think it's still about 1 inch above ride hight but not too far off defiantly not done I literally just put these in Sunday ..

From the side the tire is level with the lip but I like it lower... Not out the woods until the car is loded with fuel on the ground or on scales

Perhaps I am be hopeful and optimistic but for now I am thinking positive

[XLexusTech]

You have a lot more clearance on the driver's side than I do. Looking at the picture below, you can see that the mount for the upper Watt's rod on the driver's side is about 3-4" further out than on yours. That caused me some grief trying to clear the shock...

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m23/carbuff69/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/IMG_20140808_202936_zpssi8mnl6k.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/carbuff69/media/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/IMG_20140808_202936_zpssi8mnl6k.jpg.html)

Yes looking at your pic my watts mount is right up against the end of the center section. Yours looks 3 to 4 inches out from center section end...

[XLexusTech]

Let too much Bull crap get in the way... Back at it ... She sit on her own two feet .... :whenitsdone:

[grendel]

Let me know how I can help.

I've cleared out a few projects.

[Payton King]

Congrats

[XLexusTech]

Digging into problem areas like around windows and finding no rot to worry about ... Sometimes it's the small things that make me happy

[XLexusTech]

Dropped the trunk on too just because it feels better to put stuff on then always take stuff off

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Yeah it does!!!!


Looking good. Wheels are nice!!

[fleetus macmullitz]

Let me know how I can help.

I've cleared out a few projects.

That's a class move. :thumbsup:


X,

Glad you're able to make progress again.

[XLexusTech]

Let me know how I can help.

I've cleared out a few projects.

Thanks! May need a hand in July .. I am taking a week off to work on the car...

:thank you:

[WSSix]

Glad to see you back at it. Good luck keeping the forward momentum going.

[no go nova]

Nice project bolt on parts means it will bolt on but how you have to figure out lol. How do you adjust the pinion angle on the rear end? Nice setup tho.

[XLexusTech]

Nice project bolt on parts means it will bolt on but how you have to figure out lol. How do you adjust the pinion angle on the rear end? Nice setup tho.
If I needed to.. the two lower arms, and the spacer on the torque arm..

[XLexusTech]

Got an hour in the garage which is rare on a Saturday ...

[XLexusTech]

New tulip panel and upper dash today .. Progress is better than nothing

[fleetus macmullitz]

Way to keep at it. :thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

Way to keep at it. :thumbsup:
Thanks... Slow progress but if I just take on something and finish it the to do list keeps shrinking . This weekend I put in the seat pans... Check off, one less thing to get done

[XLexusTech]

Laid down the sound deadener earlier this week then the Ceramic coating.. really the product..

[XLexusTech]

Took off Friday and spent the whole day with a stripper... It was cheaper this time, last time I had buyer's remorse for weeks..
Hit the Jams with a little SEM self etching to prevent Flash... Just getting the grunt work done for the yet to be determined shop that does the bodywork and Paint...

Also stripped the doors apart and dropped them , the valance, header panel, and fender extensions off at this place to media blasting..

http://www.classiccarblasting.com/

[awr68]

Nice progress! As you know it's all about the hours and hours and hours of prep work that makes all the difference! Keep at it!

[Che70velle]

So you spent the whole day with a stripper?
Sounds expensive. Does your wife know?
Progress on the car looks great!

[XLexusTech]

So you spent the whole day with a stripper?
Sounds expensive. Does your wife know?
Progress on the car looks great!


Shhh... don't tell her... lol :king:

[XLexusTech]

Whenever you take a car down to metal you find things ... Found a little rot spot... Cut it out replaced the metal and the body shop can finish it up

[XLexusTech]

More stripper shannagans. :gitrdun: No surprises unlike my holy doors .....

[XLexusTech]

Stripper :G-Dub:

[waynieZ]

That's some good news!

[paulk68]

looks good!!, Those fiskes look great what finish did you get on the center section? also did you shorten the rear end at all or is it stock width?

[XLexusTech]

That's some good news!

Thanks Wayne...

looks good!!, Those fiskes look great what finish did you get on the center section? also did you shorten the rear end at all or is it stock width?
Thanks Paul, If I remember correctly they are the stand finish center with the polished hoop.

The rear is "Close to" stock length.. I would have to measure it to verify but when Jake built it is said it's "basically stock length"

[XLexusTech]

That day you had to remove the entire suspension just to mount a brake line bracket :headspin:

[XLexusTech]

The afore mentioned pain in the ass bracket getting the drill in there and then the nutcert tool is why I had to rip it apart ...

[grendel]

Have to love it. Had my rear suspension down a few times today, alone. (I feel your pain)

[XLexusTech]

Remember that time you figured out that your nice billett steering arms are hitting the tie Rod ends and locking up the steering ... Gee that as a fun time wasn't it :smiley_smack:

[XLexusTech]

Jesus thus could have been bad :hitaxeonthehead:

[grendel]

Glad you found it now.

We spent a lot of time, cycling steering, suspension, etc. Found things like control arms hitting and locking on coil over springs, sway bars hitting and locking suspension down... I guess "that's hot rodding" :drowninga:

[XLexusTech]

Since I had to take the entire front suspension off to drill two holes :-)
I figured I would replace the wheel studs with longer ARP studs..
In keeping with the theme of Scary stuff I find.. I think a shorter bolt should have been used on this hub to spindle connection....

[grendel]

Is it longer for your steering arm or something?

Yeah, it's a bit close.

When are we going for that beer?

[XLexusTech]

Is it longer for your steering arm or something?

Yeah, it's a bit close.

When are we going for that beer?

Just too close for comfort I cut 1/4 inch off it and it still had more to go...
Let's plan the beer gimme a call or pm

[XLexusTech]

So haven't seen anyone do this but I got obsessed with the idea to be able to adjust the brake pressure from the drivers seat

[XLexusTech]

So I picked up the detent type valve ran these neat bulkhead connections with -an to the valve . It's in a good spot to get to it without being in the way

[XLexusTech]

Had to redo this as it was interfering with the steering column

[waynieZ]

The lines look good.

[XLexusTech]

So I got a little creative with the AC lines. Camped up with a way to make the ez clip ends and line look a little better.

Nylon shield and shrink tube for the win

[XLexusTech]

I like how it came out

[grendel]

Looking good. We got ours all wrapped up too.

[XLexusTech]

I though about several different options decided to go with the Holly rocker covers with built in coil mounts ... I like them.. what's do you guys think? Here's the before and after

[craig510]

I though about several different options decided to go with the Holly rocker covers with built in coil mounts ... I like them.. what's do you guys think? Here's the before and after

Those look great. I never like hiding things that are critical to the function of the vehicle but you might make it look good.

[grendel]

I like them too. Both sets of valve covers I fabricated stick them in a mostly stock position.

[XLexusTech]

Those look great. I never like hiding things that are critical to the function of the vehicle but you might make it look good.

Thanks .....that's my thinking too also maintance. Moving them to someplace that's impossible to get to or even worse someplace that exposes them to heat or the elements seems ill advised .

[XLexusTech]

I like them too. Both sets of valve covers I fabricated stick them in a mostly stock position.


We have to meet. For lunch soon: :poke:

[grendel]

I am around, broke two ribs, so not doing too much lately.

[gofastwclass]

I am around, broke two ribs, so not doing too much lately.

Sorry to hear that Grendel, I can't imagine how much that hurts. I bruised a rib once when I was younger and dumber. That was zero fun.


I really like how things are turning out XLexusTech. You came up with an elegant solution for the AC lines I'll probably commandeer when I get to that point. The new coil mounts cleaned up the valve covers tremendously.

[XLexusTech]

Sorry to hear that Grendel, I can't imagine how much that hurts. I bruised a rib once when I was younger and dumber. That was zero fun.


I really like how things are turning out XLexusTech. You came up with an elegant solution for the AC lines I'll probably commandeer when I get to that point. The new coil mounts cleaned up the valve covers tremendously.

Thanks man appreciate that :thankyou:

[XLexusTech]

Finishing up the last bit of plumbing ... fuel line goes to a bulkhead on the other side long run of PTFe back to the tank.... also some paint stripping car is targeted for the body shop by the end of the year....

[XLexusTech]

So I expecting to find problems ... what I found on the roof with no rust whatsoever...(that brown is primer) thought the tail panel was going to be screwed ...what I found was instead of pulling out a few dents with a stud gun someone just put brondo over the low points (1/4" thick is a few spots) so great news overall no rust no need to replace tail pan... will hit it with 36 grit before I ship it to a body shop :gitrdun:
:woot:

[XLexusTech]

Camaro getting the Bare metal treatment. The only thing left with any paint on it is the hood... it may not seem like much but getting a 50 year old car from the north east to a point were it's all steel no rust no filler is tough. Lots of hrs of cutting welding and grinding to get o this point. #HotRodPowerTour2017

[Mikael A]

I feel your pain,only original panel on my 68 is the roof.

[grendel]

We driving the power tour together? :gitrdun:

[XLexusTech]

A few more days of work in the garage and she's off to the body shop..

If anyone knows a good site we're I can preview colors pless pass it on

[XLexusTech]

Thumbs up or down?
:G-Dub:

[Spiffav8]

I REALLY like this. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SxbBfdD/0/L/i-SxbBfdD-L.jpg

[XLexusTech]

I REALLY like this. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SxbBfdD/0/L/i-SxbBfdD-L.jpg

Me too I actually asked about this car I don't know if I ever found out the color

[Spiffav8]

Does your painter have any of the color strips (wheel) from the manufacturer? Maybe you can find something close.

[XLexusTech]

Does your painter have any of the color strips (wheel) from the manufacturer? Maybe you can find something close.
Yeah I plan on having him do a few spray outs and making the final decision then... but wanted to get my top 3-5 for him

[DEIGuy38]

Lexus and Subaru both have a good looking green color

[Spiffav8]

Yeah I plan on having him do a few spray outs and making the final decision then... but wanted to get my top 3-5 for him

Nailing down a color is the hardest part of a build IMO. My wife won't even pretend to be interested in the topic anymore. Good Luck!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[paulk68]

I liked this one, also can I ask will your body shop still be bead blasting the car?

[XLexusTech]

Really like that green... I had the doors fender extensions header panel blasted by these guys http://www.classiccarblasting.com/index.html

The rest of the car is being stripped by hand by me. . Using chemical stripper to get through the clear and top coats then with 36 grit DA and rolock discs

You thinking I have to prep the metal ? Me too if so ... plan on cleaning with acetone then wax and grease remover before it goes to the body shop ... I expect the shop to know what to do from there ...

[paulk68]

Really like that green... I had the doors fender extensions header panel blasted by these guys http://www.classiccarblasting.com/index.html

The rest of the car is being stripped by hand by me. . Using chemical stripper to get through the clear and top coats then with 36 grit DA and rolock discs

You thinking I have to prep the metal ? Me too if so ... plan on cleaning with acetone then wax and grease remover before it goes to the body shop ... I expect the shop to know what to do from there ...

i was just curious about the little nooks and cranies, or the little pitted areas. Have you been able to get into those areas with no problem? I just was not sure if the body shop was going to be ok with not blasting. I am wondering cuz i would love to strip mine myself too something kinda rewarding about stripping paint.

[XLexusTech]

i was just curious about the little nooks and cranies, or the little pitted areas. Have you been able to get into those areas with no problem? I just was not sure if the body shop was going to be ok with not blasting. I am wondering cuz i would love to strip mine myself too something kinda rewarding about stripping paint.

So my arsenal also includes a DA sander, a few wire wheels of various sizes that I run on the 18 V drill until it over heats :-) , Steel Wool of various grits, a selection of sand paper flapper wheels a Dremel Multi max that i put 36 grit on ... I am doing pretty good at getting it 98% of the way... the last 2% + prep then Epoxy prime I am happy to pay a pro for :-)

[paulk68]

very cool, can't wait to see what color you pick!!!

[gofastwclass]

I am wondering cuz i would love to strip mine myself too something kinda rewarding about stripping paint.

Come on over to my place and help me strip the paint off my project then. Rewarding or not, I hate stripping paint. Hahaha!!!


XLexusTech, good luck on the colour choice. I think that is by far one of the most difficult parts of the process.

[XLexusTech]

Found a patch panel that would work so I decided to fix the OEM doors over buying a set of aftermarket ones. Was able to get to all the rust once the skin was off and it cleaned up nice. Somewhat disappointed that the panel warped a bit at the seam but nothing a professional will have trouble with

[dhutton]

When you butt weld a long seam like that the metal shrinks and you have to planish it with a hammer and dolly to stretch it back to remove the warping. Lots of videos on YouTube etc on planishing a weld.

Don

[XLexusTech]

When you butt weld a long seam like that the metal shrinks and you have to planish it with a hammer and dolly to stretch it back to remove the warping. Lots of videos on YouTube etc on planishing a weld.

Don

Thanks Don glad it wasn't something I did wrong I was pretty maticlous and a bit bummed with the warpage ... car is going to a good shop for paint and body he should know how to fix

[XLexusTech]

Strip the hood then it's off to body shop ... I used all metal to fill in some pitted spots... hit the inside with rustmort while it was open Then layed down a ton of Stitch welds ... I have to take another pass at the welds tomorrow but psyched to be do close to body and Paint.
:welder:

[XLexusTech]

Last piece left is the the hood . . then it's off to the body shop... It not as good as I would like it but definitely better then most production shops would do... Pete should have no trouble picking up where I leave it

[XLexusTech]

Off to Competition Specelties for body and paint

[paulk68]

Off to Competition Specelties for body and paint

Nice, can't wait to see color!!

[XLexusTech]

Some may hate this but I really like the Rally look (that's what I was going for at least ):welder:

[XLexusTech]

Pete is making some progress..lots to do but it's moving forward which is a blessing

[WSSix]

That's always good to hear while the car's at the paint and body shop. Hopefully, he'll be done soon.

[fleetus macmullitz]

That's always good to hear while the car's at the paint and body shop. Hopefully, he'll be done soon.

X2. :thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

Headed over to Competition Specialties to pick up the Camarillo. Body work phase 1 done

[Spiffav8]

Looking good!!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

Final install of the running gear then back to the body shop

[waynieZ]

Very nice, I've up to see a couple of cars that Pete did, they do nice work. The motor looks good in there, especially since it's staying there.

[grendel]

Looking good man.

When are we lining them up? :lostmarbles:

[XLexusTech]

Looking good man.

When are we lining them up? :lostmarbles:

Lol...
I am down for down for some club motor sports action... http://www.clubmotorsports.com/

[grendel]

Lol...
I am down for down for some club motor sports action... http://www.clubmotorsports.com/

I am in. The mule is over at Pole's getting aligned and shocks set.

[XLexusTech]

Thins are getting serious in the booth

[grendel]

Looking good.

How can I help?

[XLexusTech]

Looking good.

How can I help?
Thanks for the offer JJ know anyone that rebuilds / rechromes wing windows ?
Got one price of 800.00 which seems silly... I was going to take them apart and use a local chrome place but can't find any how-to info on disassemble the windows

[XLexusTech]

Sometimes I feel like it has taken me far too long to complete my Camaro project. It's been 10+ years. Then I spend 4 hrs on something like this and I feel better. It would be easy to just order aftermarket crap that is nowhere near the quality. Take the easy way out, just through money at it and get done sooner... but where is the satisfaction in that?
PS removing tempered glass that has been in place for 50 years without breaking the glass or bending the very fragile frame it's in is time consuming and really difficult... but what worth doing is easy...

[WSSix]

Good job! Does this mean you're keeping the vent windows? Because I dig vent windows on the early car.s

[XLexusTech]

Good job! Does this mean you're keeping the vent windows? Because I dig vent windows on the early car.s

Definitely I like that the vent windows make the 67 unique... also nostalgic

Took them apart to rechrome and rebuild

[fleetus macmullitz]

Good job! Does this mean you're keeping the vent windows? Because I dig vent windows on the early car.s

Agreed. :thumbsup:

[grendel]

and den?

[MCB Matt]

Xlexustech, I am trying to PM you on the PW kit but your PM box is full. I can send a paypal invoice or you can call in.

Thanks,
Matt

[XLexusTech]

Xlexustech, I am trying to PM you on the PW kit but your PM box is full. I can send a paypal invoice or you can call in.

Thanks,
Matt
Sorry Mat I will call in the morning

[XLexusTech]

Getting closer

[Spiffav8]

Getting closer

Yes!

:captain:

[XLexusTech]

Getting closer hor rod power tour 2018 ... must Go #done by spring

[syborg tt]

Power Tour 2018 or bust - C U on the Tour

[grendel]

Power Tour 2018 or bust - C U on the Tour

How do I get in on this?

[syborg tt]

How do I get in on this?

http://www.hotrod.com/events/power-tour/

[XLexusTech]

How do I get in on this?

Yeah buddy get on the list,

[randy]

did you recess the vintage air controller or just cut it out and mount it?

[XLexusTech]

did you recess the vintage air controller or just cut it out and mount it?
Anything is possiable but you can’t recess it without a ton of work which wouldn’t be too valuable (effort vs output)

It mounts with a built in recess but is not flush..

[dhutton]

Anything is possiable but you can’t recess it without a ton of work which wouldn’t be too valuable (effort vs output)

It mounts with a built in recess but is not flush..

I used one of these. He has them for the louvers too. Nice custom look.

https://holohanshotrods.com/product/18-gauge-stamped-recessed-panel-vintage-air-gen-4-knob-streamline-controller-panel/

Don

[XLexusTech]

did you recess the vintage air controller or just cut it out and mount it?

I used one of these. He has them for the louvers too. Nice custom look.

https://holohanshotrods.com/product/18-gauge-stamped-recessed-panel-vintage-air-gen-4-knob-streamline-controller-panel/

Don
Thanks Don that would have been an option. For me that’s a step where the juice wouldn’t justify the squeeze...
Their are details and then their are details .. I hyper focus on the functional differences or things I can do myself

Off topic but I was in a shop the other day, super cool nice guy in his 70’s came in chatting up the guys then left. He just finished a car at a different shop with complete custom everything no detail overlooked .. spent 650k on the build ... car got 150k at auction a year later. Another PT car I know built locally to me which is a feature car on Camario performers ... customer dropped 260k on the build brought just over 6 figures at auction ... guess my point is some of these little details when getting done by a shop really add up and don’t add value

[dhutton]

Thanks Don that would have been an option. For me that’s a step where the juice wouldn’t justify the squeeze...
Their are details and then their are details .. I hyper focus on the functional differences or things I can do myself

Off topic but I was in a shop the other day, super cool nice guy in his 70’s came in chatting up the guys then left. He just finished a car at a different shop with complete custom everything no detail overlooked .. spent 650k on the build ... car got 150k at auction a year later. Another PT car I know built locally to me which is a feature car on Camario performers ... customer dropped 260k on the build brought just over 6 figures at auction ... guess my point is some of these little details when getting done by a shop really add up and don’t add value

I’m retired and do my own work so stuff like this doesn’t cost much and I enjoy it.

Don

[grendel]

Yeah buddy get on the list,

Working on it.

[XLexusTech]

Spent three weekends straightening sanding and polishing 51 year old stainless so I felt compelled to post a pic

I could have bought the repop rechromed aluminum but this to me is a better route ... takes much longer but feels so much better to me ... I want my car to be a mix of new technology and throwback style... Plus paying homage to the craftsmen of the past

And they wonder why it’s taken me 10 years lol

[XLexusTech]

I may or may not have over spent on myself for Christmas
Ring Brothers
Eddie Motorsport
NubRelics
Scott Rod Fab

[tubbed69]

You can never over spend on old cars,nice parts:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[tubbed69]

Spent three weekends straightening sanding and polishing 51 year old stainless so I felt compelled to post a pic

I could have bought the repop rechromed aluminum but this to me is a better route ... takes much longer but feels so much better to me ... I want my car to be a mix of new technology and throwback style... Plus paying homage to the craftsmen of the past

And they wonder why it’s taken me 10 years lol

How did your chrome turn out and what did you polish it with?I plan on doing the same with mine.

[XLexusTech]

How did your chrome turn out and what did you polish it with?I plan on doing the same with mine.
Not to split hairs but the only chrome I have left on my car is the rear bumper and the wing windows .. I had those show chromed at an old school shop in Lawrence MA they use nickel came out amazing.

For the stainless I used a body hammer a mini anvil and small piece of hardwood for minor dings. Then wet dry sand paper 400 800 1000 1500 ... picked up a bunch of of cotton wheels and white and red metal polishing compounds
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-white-rouge-buffing-compound.html?SRCCODE=TXT00020&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlaL3sorK3wIVB2SGCh2OEwlpEAAYASAA EgLsA_D_BwE

Then I used jewelers polish for the final finish... lots of work and still more to do but so worth it. Hope this helps

[XLexusTech]

Its closing in on 2 years at the body shop.. small shop + Lots of work= it takes a long time for quality.. I am so psyched to see color getting laid down.

For the first time.. the end is in sight..

PS is Not black its Green :confused59: 3 more color coats then 5 coats of clear to go .. :gitrdun:

[XLexusTech]

Car is in color and cleared baked over the holiday... sanding then another night of clear to go.. then assembly.. very excited..

[WSSix]

Congrats on getting the paint done! I bet this is going to look great in the sun since it's so dark. Is that also a picture of all the flakes?

[XLexusTech]

Congrats on getting the paint done! I bet this is going to look great in the sun since it's so dark. Is that also a picture of all the flakes?

yes its a dark green metalic with lots of pearl and flake

[shelteredV]

That looks sweet!Is that a color you made, or a formula pulled from a factory card?

[XLexusTech]

That looks sweet!Is that a color you made, or a formula pulled from a factory card?

Factory, I was torn between three, Porsche, Lexus and Honda.

This is dark olive metallic from a 2018 CRV

[syborg tt]

Congrats on getting the paint done! I bet this is going to look great in the sun since it's so dark. Is that also a picture of all the flakes?

The paint looks incredible :goggles: !!!!

[waynieZ]

The paint looks sweet!

[Flash68]

Looks great ... you must be stoked.

[ZMAN1969]

lovely build XLT, looks like your coming down to the finish line, and I love dark metallic green, my first camaro was a Fathom green 69 and it night looked black and it really pops in daylight cant wait to see final pics of this...
Great Job!

[XLexusTech]

Still very slow going at the Body shop.. but I am on the one inch line.. just passed the 3 year mark on that.. :lolhit:
Ordered Glass.. bought the Best i could find .. paid close to 2k....took weeks to get..
Problem 1..
Windshield has a chip in the bottom.
Problem 2.. just found it today
door glass is for a 68/69
Delay.. at least 2 more weeks..

Ordered new arm rest kit comes with arm rest, arm rest pads and hardware..
What arrives.. a single are rest pad in an open bag..
Wait a week after calling.. what shows up. a pair of arm rest pads.. no arm rests, no hardware.. Call # 2.. Still waiting on rest of kit.. (ricks Camaro/ Ecklers)

Ordered headliner trim, first problem.. ordered black.. red arrived.
Take 2 arrives black, rear OER bag is open its a 3 piece kit,, center piece missing.. Call Classic industries.. and they knew with almost no explanation what was missing like it happens all the time. More delay..

I haven't even started the motor yet.. still have to find the multitude of gremlins.. i expect to encounter just cause thats the wya things go. :headspin:

Things just aren't going my way.. and I am really getting tired .. all the bull**** is sucking out any fun this hobby is for me right now . :drowninga::bang:

[214Chevy]

The sad part about paint jail is, crooked shops will take forever to paint your car and its cool as long as you leave it there. Once you say that you want to take or pick up your car, they try and charge you a storage fee as if you did something wrong to them. Then you're in a cross match if you don't pay them, they'll keep your car and punch a title on it and sell it. You can't go to court in a timely manner and calling the cops will do no justice as it's a civil matter.

[XLexusTech]

The sad part about paint jail is, crooked shops will take forever to paint your car and its cool as long as you leave it there. Once you say that you want to take or pick up your car, they try and charge you a storage fee as if you did something wrong to them. Then you're in a cross match if you don't pay them, they'll keep your car and punch a title on it and sell it. You can't go to court in a timely manner and calling the cops will do no justice as it's a civil matter.

Nothing like that going on here, just a single man shop with super high quality outcomes which takes longer.. Demand is high and when big dollar cars roll in they move to the front of the line .. because there owners are rich.. I am not..
But I am literally days away from paint and body being done.. .. I am just feeling worn out on all the things that have been going on with my car and parts ect.. I just need to get back to enjoying this hobby vs feeling beat up by it.. it doest help that its winter in New England.. so things slowdown..

[Gmachine1911]

Nothing like that going on here, just a single man shop with super high quality outcomes which takes longer.. Demand is high and when big dollar cars roll in they move to the front of the line .. because there owners are rich.. I am not..
But I am literally days away from paint and body being done.. .. I am just feeling worn out on all the things that have been going on with my car and parts ect.. I just need to get back to enjoying this hobby vs feeling beat up by it.. it doest help that its winter in New England.. so things slowdown..


Hang in there, don’t get discouraged! Sometimes getting the last 10% done seems to take 90% of the effort. No shame in taking a week or two off...it usually helps me so I don’t rush the outcome and make mistakes. Just “embrace the suck” and keep making forward progress. When you get there, it’ll all be worth it!:cheering:

[grendel]

Nothing like that going on here, just a single man shop with super high quality outcomes which takes longer.. Demand is high and when big dollar cars roll in they move to the front of the line .. because there owners are rich.. I am not..
But I am literally days away from paint and body being done.. .. I am just feeling worn out on all the things that have been going on with my car and parts ect.. I just need to get back to enjoying this hobby vs feeling beat up by it.. it doest help that its winter in New England.. so things slowdown..


We still need to go have a beer.

[XLexusTech]

got my wheel and hub..
PS anyone with a roll cage have any tips for installing a headliner :bang:

[XLexusTech]

We still need to go have a beer.

YES.. we will .. spring is around the corner..

[XLexusTech]

I am sad to say the only update I have is that I modified my kick panels.. .. the stock ones were very hard to navigate the roll cage.. and since I am am not using astro vents... I cut out the old and plastic weldled in a 1/16 piece of sheet plastic. will be covered in leather..

Body Shop Jail is F%^&* torture..

[XLexusTech]

So my car has been suffering in paint prison I am supposed to get it this week.. please say a prayer that it happens cause this time it has to be true otherwise I am going to loose it.. .. in the meantime Frank V sent me these awesome panels. https://lateral-g.net/forums/member.php?u=11526

[WSSix]

Fingers crossed for you!

[XLexusTech]

But love how well these have been fitted plus the hrs spent polishing the moldings sure appear to be paying off

[XLexusTech]

Today , Headliner, rear bumper license plate light, fuel gauge on the rail, some hose tightening preparing for startup and a piller plates
Getting closer to coming the home shop..

[waynieZ]

The headliner came out great.

[paulk68]

headliner does look great. Is it stock? i keep going back and forth between stock and the TMI one piece.

[XLexusTech]

headliner does look great. Is it stock? i keep going back and forth between stock and the TMI one piece.

Stock

[XLexusTech]

SO planned to have the car home for the 4th of July long weekend and Get **** done.. but alas. not ready to leave the Body shop yet.. One more week..
GOD Willing.. keep yer fingers crossed for me..

[WSSix]

Fingers crossed for you. It looks good in that picture:thumbsup:

[XLexusTech]

First pic with the nose on painted.. cant wait to see what it looks like with the billet lights and Grill...

[XLexusTech]

still lots to tweak but .. here is the look form the Grill

[XLexusTech]

Still stuck in Body shop hell.... posting this to keep the flame alive and my hope up that I will get her home soon

[ScotI]

Paint prison sucks.

[XLexusTech]

Paint prison sucks.

Agreed.. Never Again.. !

[waynieZ]

Keep the faith it's looking sweet!

[XLexusTech]

man this has been a journey of highs and lows..
Finally getting the exhaust done.. after so many years in paint prison..
Getting around the watts is going to be a chore but excited for the outcome.

[Spiffav8]

Hey it’s looking good! Just dump those muffler and call it good. :lol:

[ScotI]

Super low cars w/crowded rear real-estate sometimes favor going under the rear axle to route the pipes to the end of the vehicle. Keep that possibility in mind.

[XLexusTech]

Super low cars w/crowded rear real-estate sometimes favor going under the rear axle to route the pipes to the end of the vehicle. Keep that possibility in mind.

Yep I am confident we can get over the Watts. so when I did the suspension we built it a 4 inch riser to fit the exhaust and the trunk is over the frame rails buying more room.

Project Dead cat.. did this and an I following Paytons lead.
https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32491&page=7

[WSSix]

Congrats on getting the car out of jail! Exhaust looks great. You're almost there.

[XLexusTech]

some really nice work.. a new a local shop made of up a team tired of other shops ripping folks off.. it a conglomerate.. of people.. very cool..

[cpd004]

Nice work! We don't have much in the way of a dedicated exhaust shop cable of that work anywhere near me.

[214Chevy]

Being that I'm at that point and waiting to get my exhaust done...that looks very nice. Super nice to be quite exact. :king:

[paulk68]

looks great!! what Black widow mufflers did you go with?

[XLexusTech]

looks great!! what Black widow mufflers did you go with?

3" Venom 250

[XLexusTech]

Next up... First Fire.

[thedugan]

Wow very nice

[XLexusTech]

Its been a long time since i've posted.. I had a really tough time over the last 2 years but I've come out of it gratefully.
I stalled big time on the car when my health failed.. but I am fortunate enough to have made it back into the garage.

Took the car to its first event this weekend.. it was. good experience.. and people really enjoyed the car.

Also pictured my Truck that I recently lowered and supercharged.

[WSSix]

I'm glad you didn't give up! Congrats

[paulk68]

looks great glad to see you enjoying it finally. Any chance you have a pictures of how you mounted your holley adjustable master cylinder? thanks

[XLexusTech]

I will snap a few shots for you and post later today

[paulk68]

I will snap a few shots for you and post later today

I appreciate that very much thank you!

[Jimbo1367]

I love the wheels on the Camaro. What brand and model? Fiske?

[XLexusTech]

Fiske Profil 10

https://www.fikse.com/wheel/fikse-profil-10/

[XLexusTech]

I appreciate that very much thank you!

NO problem got busy today so will try again tomorrow.
But Here is the Cliffs notes.. I have the DSE bracket welded into the firewall.
It through bolts to that no problem. I dint use the square wrap around stap they provide.
As for the clutch petal, I welded a tab to the top of the stock clutch petal that attaches to the rod.

[Cramer4918]

Its been a long time since i've posted.. I had a really tough time over the last 2 years but I've come out of it gratefully.
I stalled big time on the car when my health failed.. but I am fortunate enough to have made it back into the garage.

Took the car to its first event this weekend.. it was. good experience.. and people really enjoyed the car.

Also pictured my Truck that I recently lowered and supercharged.

I'm sorry to hear you had a bout with health issues. I am glad to hear that you were able to bounce back and finish your amazing project! Your hard work has paid off! It looks amazing!

Hopefully you will be able to enjoy it and other projects for a very long time! :thumbsup: