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Leadfoot1
08-31-2014, 03:30 PM
Hey Guy's,

I've been a member for a long time here and had a very nice project beginning at the debut of the PT craze (05/06) that i finally ended up finishing as a Super Street "Fastest Street Car" styled car in the end. It had air Ride, a ne C6 Z 06 brake set up, the first 345's, 19/ 20's, Forgelines, t-56 and LS yadayadayada....

Anywway, I have been doing different street cars over the years and have matured a lot id say (not everyone will agree but hey, if i say so!) i have been mostly still into Camaro's and last summer i got the deal of a lifetime on a mint 69. It has only 49k orig miles on the clock and has never been apart. Its an all numbers match car and is ultra clean. It has had one repaint and is all ori panels. No rust can be found anywhere on, under or around the thing!!! The paint is not the best but is a nice 7-8 footer. I love it. Its the first time i get a car this clean and to tell the truth.... I stole it!!! Yep that good, it almost had a bad ending when the guy wanted to back out of the deal when he realized he sold it for too little when a few friends tol him what he could have gotten for it. Long story short, he finally apologized and said that he was wrong and that was his bad to not have made his homework before selling and he was the one that accepted my offer....( my way of doing everpything in written via email and my sister beeing a lawyer - as i told him to put pressure - surely had a part in his excuses coming that fast!) but the important thing is shes with me and weve now had two great summers and im getting the itch to start working on it more and more.

I was really on the brakes as i was seeing the potential $ to be made by flipping her and i was also having some personnal stuff that was making that venue even more interesting. Now, things have settled down and me and my wife have now both retired (me at 38 and her just now at 36, me now beeing 41) and both from stupid work accidents. Her case having just been settled, we are officially getting paid in full 'till we're both 68 years old from Canadian work incident insurance. That might sound bad but im getting used to it and since now we're both secure financially i think i can start playing again and further more, at the level i want to, not one im imposed to.

That doesnt mean im rich or anything by any measure, it just means i now feel like i can do some stuff and also keep my 3 little girls (well...6, 10 and 12 if you call that little!!) eating and having whatever i want to offer them.

Maybe my introduction will sound a little weird to some of you, but the sport has grown so much over the years that even if i had one of the most promising cars at the beginning of the rapidly growing sport, i felt at some point, that it was impossible to follow or do everything like i wanted to and that.... I think got me to stay away for a few years. I looked et the cars and i saw all those cars beeing built like in the first years of Pro Street. It also came to the same build manner; Always try to top the others. And thats fine. Competition is great! But it got the better of me and rendered the sport un-fun as i was having serious back problems that were preventing me to work on my cars.

Now, a few years have passed and i'm back on my feet better than ever, i have the greatest foundation and my financial status has never been so stable lol!!!! So im thinking i can try on for one more bad ass car.

I wasnt sure if i was going for another Street Machine car or if i was trying out on a new PT build until life made me decide all in the most natural of ways. Having that 100% stock car made me stay away from any modifications as i didnt want to lose any value off of it. And that, made me have a STOCK car, and stock isnt all bad when you think about it.... It starts every time, drives super smooth, i have a radio (i put in a high end hidden Alpine unit recently too!!) it gets good mileage, has very nice manners i can jump in anytime at a moments notice etc etc and that made me realize i really liked that and that i never had that with my pseudo street cars (more like race cars with plates) and that is what made me think i really want a Pro touring car!!

Now... If it would have been a few years ago that i would have realized that i would certainly went and tore apart the whole car and it would have been 5 years until i would have seen it on the road again!!! But not this time around. I want to keep enjoying it and i want to keep it streetable. So i am thinking the foundation should be the beginning and for that,ill start from the bottom up.

I have already bought and installed a 600 steering box with 14 to one ratio (yeah i got that instead of a 12 thinking i would show my new way of "not over doing things" and going for the middle unit..... But i wish i had gone 12.7 now lol!!! And i also have some new sway bars on the wall waiting for their turn they are Hellwig units front and rear and the rear is the adjustable one with the link bars. The interior is mint and has a new carpet (i tried a cut pile instead of the orig. loop style and am VERY happy i did. Its nice! I got a few nicks and nacks replaced just to make the car be all it can be. The car had a/c (working) but i removed it when i replaced the rad as it was leaking and i was tired of having to deal with the a/c radiator in front taking all the space and also my alum rad not having a tranny cooler was the last drop when i needed space in front to install a seperate oil cooler and could not cause of the lack of space!!,

When i got the car it was on its original 14 inch rallye wheels and had the dealer style littl pinstripes... I removed all that and put some SS396 repro wheels w/225 and 275 tires in 15 and a black hockey stripe to add a little style to a gold and black vinyl top car.

At first the gold wasnt much for me but i have grown to LOVE it and im even going to repaint the entire thing and keep it as it is!!

Now. My newly refueled fire has got me thinking and dreaming and the plan is slowly taking shape in my head. Im thinking since i want to keep it Gold that some black wheels could be a very nice addition and once lowered the car will look Menacing!! So, i started looking at the styles i liked and at first i wanted a 5 spoke Concave wheel and i didnt really find somethink i liked...then i stumbled (back) onto Charlie's Jackass.... Uhmmm.....ZR-1 Replica wheels eh? (Replica for me real ones for Charlie lol! Hey!! I said i was stable budget wise i didnt say i was going bananas no budget style!!!) and started loking at the available wheels. I just now sent for two bids on 18x8.5 and 19x12 2012 gloss black ZR-1
Replica wheels. The plan is to mini tub the car and shoe it over the coming winter. I also want to change the 4 wheel dripums to 4 wheel Wilwood brakes.
Im looking at what i can do rear susp wise but brakes, wheels and tires plus a complete tear down and rebuild of the whole under car (with repaint of floors) is what im planning for the next season. That should keep me occupied for the winter and make the car even more fun to drive.

The motor is the stock 327 2 bbl so i at least am going to put in a 4 bbl and intake plus a MSD pro billet (bran new) dist i have laying around or, i have been looking at the Atomic system but my ultimate plan was a LSX 454 crate motor and t56 or Tko 600 to keep my floor intact.

Im very excited to be starting a new project. Even more so as i know what i want and that has been a long time coming. I was frustrated and i had lost the taste of building cars for a while and i didnt really know why. Having found a way to build my car and enjoy it is a great feeling!!! I know that you guys can understand what im saying.... And i think that is something i also missed not beeing here for so long.

Hopefully my plans go as well as i did thinking them up!!

So.... If things havent changed too much round here you guys like pics right???

So here is the car!!

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/031_zpsc8fda961.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/031_zpsc8fda961.jpg.html)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/094_zpsbf266a29.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/094_zpsbf266a29.jpg.html)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/69Camaro049_zps6e046d70.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/69Camaro049_zps6e046d70.jpg.html)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/69Camaro093_zps81a9bda0.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/69Camaro093_zps81a9bda0.jpg.html)


Ever seen a REAL speckle paint???

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/69Camaro024_zps4e805408.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/69Camaro024_zps4e805408.jpg.html)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/69Camaro025_zpsf5526883.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/69Camaro025_zpsf5526883.jpg.html)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/69Camaro021_zpsf20dd79f.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/69Camaro021_zpsf20dd79f.jpg.html)

Thats before wash and new carpet

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/Leadfoot1969/69Camaro020_zpsdc198ebe.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/Leadfoot1969/media/69Camaro020_zpsdc198ebe.jpg.html)


Hope you like it!!!!

Lead.

Leadfoot1
08-31-2014, 03:45 PM
Oh.... And i forgot! The title of the thread is in reference to the LOOK of Jackass with the ZR-1 styled wheels. That is pretty much where it ends aside that they are both 69 Camaro's.


Just in case someone didn't get it.... Lol!!

The black wheels will go very well with the gold and black of the car.

Looking at the pics above, they are not the best quality and really dont do the car justice. Ill try and get some better ones.

Id love to see it dropped over some black Zr-1 wheels if someone is photo shop savvy till i get a rendering done.

Lead

Oh, and sorry for the long read!!! I saw that when i close it after writing hahaha!!! What a read!!!

NovaBlue71
08-31-2014, 04:28 PM
Great looking car to start with. Wish some of the Camaro's we've had come into our shop were that clean to begin with. Have fun starting your new build. :thumbsup:

WSSix
08-31-2014, 04:37 PM
Sounds like a great plan. Starting with a good candidate will surely help you achieve your goals sooner. Good luck!

streetbird
08-31-2014, 05:00 PM
One day Mario I have to meet you, it will give me some motivation to continu my built. Do you have an idee of what suspension you will use? Speedtech, dse, ridetech?

214Chevy
08-31-2014, 05:36 PM
and to tell the truth.... I stole it!!! Yep that good, it almost had a bad ending when the guy wanted to back out of the deal when he realized he sold it for too little when a few friends tol him what he could have gotten for it.

So, uhhh...I guess I'll go ahead and be the one that just had to know. What did you give for it? :underchair: :underchair:

Leadfoot1
08-31-2014, 08:49 PM
One day Mario I have to meet you, it will give me some motivation to continu my built. Do you have an idee of what suspension you will use? Speedtech, dse, ridetech?

Hey! You're on anytime!!! I just never meant to bother you at your place and also, since you had mentionned you were selling your project, i didnt want to rubb it in you know... But i could come by your place or feel free to drop by anytime!!

I have had this decision coming a long time. I want to make the car a super tight driver but not an over the top ride with all the available bolt ons. Kinda if you could buy a new 69 Camaro as they were sold, but with the new suspension design/parts and mechanicals. (LS) The looks and interior would be as they were.... Well, Kinda. ;-)

The market as come to be so much of a "gotta have" VS "need" that i think its a bit funny. I mean, i drive my car and i plan on driving it harder and harder as its performance permits, but i dont plan on driving it professionnally, (dont get me wrong i LOVE those over the top builds!!! They are a very nice inspiration but i realized i enjoy driving....and also having money for other stuff lol!!! I also just want to put parts that are the 'bare bones', necessities only, not "bling" and "hey i have it" stuff.) so a set of ATS spindles, good coil overs and A-arms, I'll notch my frame to clear tires, and it should be as good as it will need to be.

For what i plan, i dont need to invest in a DSE or other subframe as the difference in performance it will provide for my use, doesnt justify the cost.
I also want to keep beeing able to go do the groceries with it and not worry while im inside and also let the kids still put their bikes near it w/o having a heart attack, you know lol!!! Keep in mind, (well your 10 minutes from me so... You guys! Keep in mind here in Montreal we dont have those monster events that you have so building a competitive car is a bit less interesting....when there is no competition!!! So im building it to enjoy...and i also take my wife on vacations!

I realized i have began to enjoy my car as .... A CAR!!! And i really like that!!

The rear is anothe story. I like the Quadralink as its still plenty affordable for what it is also like the Speed tech stuff but fint the t/a a bit clunky...
First will be the wheels, brakes, suspension and stance before i rear end a Civic with those 4 wheel drums!!! Then motot, trans and paint.


Marcus, does it help if i say its between 10 and 20 Lol!!
I turned down a few offers already. So, now its staying!!!!!

Thanks for the props guys ,

Lead.

Spiffav8
08-31-2014, 09:13 PM
Super clean! I like your approach to the use of the car and maintaining the balance of what you need vs what you want. Hard to do... ask me how I know. :lol:

Get out, enjoy it and keep us updated!

214Chevy
08-31-2014, 09:49 PM
Marcus, does it help if i say its between 10 and 20

Niiiiice!! You've got a beautiful one there Mario. :flashie: Due it justice...

Build-It-Break-it
09-01-2014, 12:25 AM
So, uhhh...I guess I'll go ahead and be the one that just had to know. What did you give for it? :underchair: :underchair:

X2 I'm curious

Lopeycam
09-05-2014, 07:50 AM
Great foundation for a build.

streetbird
09-23-2014, 03:41 PM
Any updates Mario?

Leadfoot1
09-23-2014, 04:34 PM
Hey StreetBird,

Well..... Some. I am looking around on LS stuff and i found out that MSD is coming out with a new Atomic LS system in a few months. Wanting to run an LS /Turbo set up, i had my eyes on the last 2 articles Car Craft and HotRod issued about the simplicity and self tuneability (even with the Turbo!!!) of the MSD system, but the new up and coming version is said to have a whole lot more tuneability in it so that sounds good!!! (That's what was making me also look into the Dominator system from Holley, but the holley doesnt have the self learn/ tune which i really like). I really want to try one of those systems. I have chosen my turbo system from CX Racing. I am going to try out the Holley Hi Ram intake, it just looks too good and just seems to do the job on top of things.

I have bought a 6.0L and i am almost done buying a low miles '12, 5.3L, it sems when you start looking at those LS motors everytime you toss a garbage can one comes up!! Lol!!!! So im piling up on motors just in case my turbo experience doesnt go as well as planned ......

I almost got my wheels.... But every place i checked says they are on Back order till end of October for the 12 inch rears in 19. They have 20x12 and i must admit i tought about it seriously, but i remembered when i had my 20x13 Forgelines on my black one and with those 345-25-20 the tire band was so thin i was afraid to even get the car out of the garage. And you knowing how bad the roads are here... A 345-30-19 will be much more forgiving. Plus, i personnally think that 4 /19 inch wheels is the perfect set up on a first Gen. I dont know if you know of "Orion" the Camaro of Marquez Design? That car had 4-19's and was the first one i think to do that and i have never looked at Camaro's on big inch wheels the same after seeing it. So i will have to wait till they are back in stock.

I had a fight with the town about my mufflers and that took most of my summer down the drain. (Kept the car in the garage) and this has grown out of proportion with the law about this and i have had more than 600 person sign a petition and write their stories online on a Facebook page dedicated to that and to the cop thats issuing the tickets aggressive /totally unproffessionnal's behavior.(many have filmed him- this is really serious matter) He is not liked here and even his boss says so (captain) so i have an appointment with the town's Mayor (who said he heard of the whole deal already) on Oct 7th with 3 other guys about all that and we have an article thats due in 2 weeks in the Journal about this also, you can say i am NOT letting go of this lol!!!! I will keep my Flowmasters!!

Its funny you wrote tonight, i was going to sit down and look at the pricing on the new Weld Racing "V" series wheels lol!!! .... Its my "Fastest Street Car" look and feeling calling again.... I just cant get it out of my system. I am picturing the car with some 15x4 and 15x8 with some 275 drag radials and 27 inch front runners, dropped over them and the same gold /black vinyl top scheme. I think it would bring the wheels and car together very well.

At this point i am doing stuff on the house, i have my 1970 olds Cutlass Convertible i am trying to sell (i just bought a 1970 Buick GS/X project car to take the frame off of to put under the Cutlass that is perfect except for the frame and nobody wants it because of that so i will change it and then be able to sell it. Then i will be stuck with the GS's body.... So i tought i could do a drag car out of it and that would keep me satisfied drag wise and id keep the Camaro on the PT line. See.... I am doing all i can to keep the project inline!!!

I have started to look at the rear suspensions also and i think id like to go with the simple Air Bar. Does the job, not too expensive, and the ride should be awesome. The front, just a super tight rebuild with some ATS spindles, some tube A Arms of undetermined kind and some 13/12 Wilwoods with the Sway bars i bought this summer (that are still not on the car) from HellWig's pro line.

Ao thats about where i stand.... I picked up a 4.10 posi 8.5 10 bolt for a song and put it in stock last week... And oh! That makes me think, i was taking measurements under the car for the wheels and the spacers im gonna need and stuff when i realised i have a long 12 bolt out of a Chevelle that i was keeping to cut to fit at some point, but i then tought that i could probably fit it under the Camaro with the 12 inch ZR1 wheels, it should help me into not needing as much spacers!! Its good to keep some stuff on the shelves!!

Ok, letting you go, but you are the one that asked what i was up to.... Hehe.

I have a tendency to think as i write, and that page of lecture is often the result lol!!

Sorry for the long rear, but your now up to date!,

Drop by when you want if you want to see my car and shop!! Im always home!

Lead.

streetbird
09-23-2014, 05:23 PM
Still on my plans to visit you but for the moment my life is a karma. Problems with job and back pain so I can't do anything.
But the good news is I have experience in turbo(built a 400whp civic for a friend) and a lot of smaller project for me and I know a very reputable shop in mtl for turbo. He can built your manifolds to your specs et sell you all you need at a reasonnable price. He also have a dyno for the tuning.
Check his FB page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rd-Turbo-Production/158511934211056

tubbed69
09-23-2014, 05:35 PM
I really like the Olympic Gold,Black combo.I was so tempted to do these colors on mine but went with resale red instead,good luck with your build,looking good so far:thumbsup:

6t9 camaro
09-25-2014, 06:42 AM
Leadfoot1
You've got me hooked on your thread! Reading your story about building your car before the scene took off sounds very familiar for me as well! Looks like you've got a great start with this camaro now! I noticed you mentioned choosing msd vs holley for your build. I have a LSx turbo car and I run the holley dominator and it does have self learn capabilities and I love it it works great!

Leadfoot1
09-28-2014, 06:19 PM
Ahah!!! See, thats interesting.... I read that there we're some base tunes that came included with the system when purchased. They dont really advertise that. And now is the first time i hear about the fact it has a self learning.... Is it like an option or is it just that you either select self learn or "manual" if you will?cause if it is, now thats getting really interesting!!

I bought that 20k miles 2004 6.0L last week and just got to open it this morning. I knew it had been sitting as the guy that sold it to me had bought it with the truck it came in as a totaled truck and repaired the truck and took the motor out of the parts truck he bought to fix the wrecked one and mine has been sitting since, so thats 10 years sitting! The pan was cracked and there was no intake on it so i took a chance when i decided to buy it (hey at 200$ Delivered, i figured i had a set of low miles 317 heads and a 6.0L block w/rotating to work with at the very least lol!!) So, i finally put it on the stand today, undressed it all and tried to turn it over.... Wont. No way it will at this point. It has been soaking in penetrating oil for 2 days tough and everything moves a little (rods move side to side, pins are free, chain is like new, cylinders are super nice, its just the 2 front cylinders that had rust but kinda seriously. I put some wd -40 and cleaned what dissolved and there is some left but a lot less. There was some prestone/water in the cyl and it turned to varnish/dust and that paste welded the piston to the walls. When i removed the heads i saw it was those two creating the lock up. Im just hoping i can free it and then well see.

What ive seen guys do with set ups like what im planning is they change pistons and rods, so if it comes to that, ill be in good shape, assuming the block cleans up. Id put some good pistons and rods, good bolts through out a baby turbo cam give the heads a once over and be done. I want to put a manual trans in it but am afraid cause of the planned power output.... But i need that to enjoy driving. You cant be spirited driving with an auto, just not the same, you dont have the same control over the car.

Im fighting with myself every day to find the line between Pro touring and Super Street style of car, man thats tough for me. Its so easy to just drop in a spool and some big and little tires and be done. But i really want to drop that car over those monstrous black wheels!!

Tubbed69, about the color, i think thats what's going to seperate my car from the rest. I loved it from the start. The body is virgin on my car and the paint job is nice, but really not the best. I will eventually get to it but when i do, itll be a rotisserie show car finish, i want the under side painted gold too and to be fully cleared and super gloss, all detailed with black A/N fittings or maybe even some some Jiffy Tight's gold ones mixed in. I want to enjoy the car as i build it, ive had it with project that take years! I have too much fun enjoying it right now!! My last project was 5 years long and i sold it as i was finishing it so i had been w/o a running car for too long, not going thru that for awhile!!! Lol!!! When im ready and everything is sorted out, ill tear it apart and refinish everything.

So, im trying to decide if im doing a trans/ brakes/ wheels for this winter (with a minimal suspension upgrade of some kind, altough maybe not all of it. But i already have my new sway bars on the wall waiting to be put on and i'd see with whatever would be leftover of the budget after the trans/ wheels/ brakes and of course, the minitub job) OR, i could do the motor (LS) and trans, full tilt, with the Atomic MSD and turbo set up, Manual trans swap and just a suspension drop. Then, I also have a 4 bbl intake and a carb in stock that i could just throw on the 327 to make it a little more fun if i was to do the trans/ brakes and wheels and i think that doing the trans/ brakes/wheels first would be the better idea.... cause driving the car with the 4 wheel drums in 2014 is really kinda dangerous and with the stock suspension it makes for a not as fun as it could be ride. Thinking about it like that makes me think that "preparing the whole car" to receive the power the year after, probably is / would be the best /most logical choice. Id get to enjoy it more right away and it would also look better right next summer slammed and on its new bigger shoes and big brakes and with the 4bbl stuff thrown on it, it would at least have a little more oomph to keep me waiting the new motor. So even tough just a small upgrade in power, it would still be an upgrade.... On top of all the rest.

....But im knocking on all doors and keeping the possibilities opened as you can see with the 6.0L deal.

It really is new for me to have a plan looking something like 2 years down the road lol!!! But realising that its realistic, reasonnable and even more important, "the fact that im getting to enjoy the car as i go", makes it easier for me to wait and do it like i really want to. The funny part is, im really liking that way of doing it, i never tought id be saying that lol!! The fact i started with a very nice car to begin with, has a lot to do with that tough. If i had known about that way of doing things, i might not have built all those rusted out hulks in the past years!! This way lets me concentrate on building the car and not "repairing" it to THEN build it. I always had a problem with buying "someone else's" car, but this Camaro was out of province, completely original, had only 2 woman previous owners and so it was no ones "project" per se, so i felt like i was starting with a virgin canvas... And a very nice one at that.

So thats where i stand right now. :-)

Im trying to see what size tires i can fir up front with the stock subframe. Of course idd like 305's. (I checked but i dont think Chris Alston sells their new line's -complete frame- front subframe by itself, (the one that fits 305 front's?) but im looking at what can be done, even if id need to notch my sub for tire clearance when turning. A 265 or 275 would be nice and with those ZR1 wheel's backspacing making me need some spacers will actually be beneficial, as i ll be able to place the wheel where i want it. For the rear, i have in stock a Chevelle 12 bolt, its longer and will make it nice, as it beeing a little longer than my Camaro unit, ill have less spacer neede than if i kept my orig 10 bolt. But im seriously thinking of ordering a custom rear as putting any money in a used diff is money out the windo when you start looking at what it costs to have an old one built vs ordering a brand new crate piece.

Ill get you guys some pics of the 6.0L andi have taked some good shots of the car last weeks too.

I have so many ideas going on i could keep you reading all night lol!!( the tubular radiator support im thinking of building to accomodate the turbo and intercooler and the under car frame bracing i want to incorporate with the frame connectors are part of those ideas...)

Meanwhile... Thanks for the interest!!

(I dont know why i had not gotten any responses since MY last post so thats why i had not come by to anwser before that... Go figure?!)

Lead.

StreetBird, i know A LOT about back pain, went thru 2 back surgeries and even tough i do very well nowadays, i still have to stop working when i feel its getting to me, and beleive me i know when its time!! I have learned to respect my body otherwise i end up forced to stop for like 3 weeks every time... Not fun. Take care of your health. Period.