69 RS/SS Build

[DKz Garage]

Thought I would start a thread on my 69 Camaro build that started a couple of years back..... I get a lot of inspiration /ideas from the members. Here is a pic of the car as it was the day I purchased it. California RS/SS small block (originally) w/air. Lemans blue with black standard interior. Very clean car, and a great starting point for the build.... Plans are an LS motor with manual trans along with the usual upgrades. Let the journey begin!

[DOOM]

Nice! Now keep the updates coming!!

[tkkleinjr]

Good start!!!!!!!!!

[tubbed69]

Glad you started a thread,keep updates coming.

[WSSix]

Please tell me the green one is your avatar is the car now? That's a great looking green. Welcome to the site!

[waynieZ]

Welcome Nice project.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Everything comes from somewhere

[DKz Garage]

Please tell me the green one is your avatar is the car now? That's a great looking green. Welcome to the site!

Yes.... the Avatar is my car as it is now. A lot of guys give you that "look" when you telling them you are painting your car green??

[DKz Garage]

Couple of more shots of the car as it was being taken apart. The previous owner had put in a 454 with a turbo 400 trans. He was a writer with one of the car magazines and did a write up on the motor "Budget build 454". He put the motor in the 69 and ran the hell out of it. The motor was strong and ran great, but I really had the itch to do an LS drivetrain.

[DKz Garage]

Got started by cleaning up the firewall a bit and closing up some of the unneeded openings in the sheet metal. I will be welding in a DSE firewall panel to get things smoothed out.

[DKz Garage]

More pics of the firewall

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Also want that Landcruiser in the background!

[DKz Garage]

Couple of pics of the rear wheel mock-up. 335/30 17's.....

[DKz Garage]

Don't laugh at the wooden dolly/cart...it works! :D

[tubbed69]

You are doing a great job so far,stance,firewall look good,who cares about the wood crate,whatever works:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[n77nxc]

Don't laugh at the wooden dolly/cart...it works! :D

Shoot....my son and I built one and it worked like charm. There is nothing wrong with a wooden cart.

Nice project. I sure do wish I mini-tubbed mine. 335's look great.

[DKz Garage]

Some more updates on the progress...

[DKz Garage]

A few pics of the Mini-tub process...

[DKz Garage]

Last of the mini-tub pics

[Jay Hilliard]

Nice work. Keep the pics coming.

[streetbird]

Great work, you work fast

[ProPont]

Question, when you install/weld in the DSE brake/clutch bracket do you have to make a sheet metal filler panel to make up to space from the bracket to the firewall?

[DKz Garage]

Question, when you install/weld in the DSE brake/clutch bracket do you have to make a sheet metal filler panel to make up to space from the bracket to the firewall?

Hi Scott, I did actually fab in some sheet metal to close out that area...attached are some pics. I metal finished the welds once it was done to make it look "seem-less". Is your Avatar the rendering of your car??...Love it!!
Dave

[ProPont]

Thanks Dave for posting some photos, that helps me out a lot. My profile photo is just one idea. I still go back and forth with color combos. Keep up the good work on your project and I will keep watching for more updates. Thanks again. Scott

[DKz Garage]

Some pics of the G-Link install and trunk work. The trunk floor replacement was not planned, but the car had a vinyl top and had the typical water leaking/rust issues that caused some pin holes in the trunk...

[DKz Garage]

A few more pics of the floor / frame connectors installed Underside and trunk being finished off....

[randy]

all clutch brackets should be like that.

[waynieZ]

Nice work! it looks great.

[DKz Garage]

A few pics of the subframe being converted to coilover shocks. One of those decisions I wished I had really thought through. After spending all the $$AND LABOR to convert to coil-over shocks, mounts, control arms, upgraded steering box, sway bar, etc... I should have spend a little more and just put a DSE subframe in the car..... Oh well, lesson learned for the next build.

[DKz Garage]

Some more updates... motor is a 408 stroker with LS3 ported heads, LS3 intake w/FAST throttle body.

[DKz Garage]

A few shots of the bodywork in process........

[DKz Garage]

And it finally got some color...

[DKz Garage]

My reaction when the car came out of paint...

[DavidBoren]

Yes! Love it! Great choice of color.

[tubbed69]

Very cool color choice,looks great:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[tmadden]

Yeah that paint is sick! Hurry up and finish

[DKz Garage]

Thanks for the compliments on the color choice...wanted to do Synergy Green, but was a bit worried going with a "candy" 3 stage paint (color match, touch ups, etc)..... this is about as close as I could get using a base/ clear (thanks to my painter). A few pics of the radiator support work...

[Jay Hilliard]

Nice job on mounting the condenser. Where did you get the grommets? Do you have a part number?

[DKz Garage]

Nice job on mounting the condenser. Where did you get the grommets? Do you have a part number?

Hi Jay.... I actually got these from ACE hardware, similar to what GM uses to mount voltage regulators on stock 69s only a little larger thread size. Rubber well-nuts + stainless fasteners..... hope this helps.

[Jay Hilliard]

Thanks. Great job on the car. Paint really pops

[SlowProgress]

Good stuff. Keep posting lots of photos to give those of us behind you more ideas !

[Intimidator3]

Man, lovin' this build.:trophy-1302:

[DKz Garage]

Some more pics of the paint work..... Looking for some opinions?? Tail panel was painted with Custom Flatz gunmetal grey.

I am planning on putting a hockey stripe on the car soon...can't decide on color of stripe...

option one: same gunmetal color as tail pan

option two: some other color, pearl white, silver, etc....

Leaning towards the same gunmetal flatz color and pin striping an accent color as an outline on the stripe.

Thoughts??

[DKz Garage]

More pics of the assembly process... decided on a Vintage Air Front Runner system, awesome setup, fits perfectly.....they really do a nice job on this. Keeps everything nice and tight.

[waynieZ]

Damn that look nice! If I had a vote the same color would probably look sweet.

[Sheck44]

I agree with Wayne .. :popcorn2:
Will look cleaner/finished in all green

Cheers
Steve

[WSSix]

If you stripe it, I'd go same color as the tail panel and possibly look into an accent pin stripe around it.

Then again, solid green does look good.

Keep up the good work!

[98ssnova]

What do the bumpers look like chrome, green, gray? I thimkmthat wou
D make a decision in my choice of color for the hockey stripe.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Love the color and drivetrain

[DKz Garage]

What do the bumpers look like chrome, green, gray? I thimkmthat wou
D make a decision in my choice of color for the hockey stripe.

Thanks for the compliments/ input guys....My rear bumper is chrome, probably going to paint front bumper green to match body. I'm leaning towards the Custom Flatz gunmetal grey hockey stripes outlined with an accent color....

[DKz Garage]

Last pics for the week.... exhaust/tailpipe work. The G-ling set-up presents some challenges if you get the car down low (read, little room for the tail pipes). I did not want to run the exhaust under the rear axle, so I spent the better part of a Saturday making my own tail pipes.

[Intimidator3]

Last pics for the week.... exhaust/tailpipe work. The G-ling set-up presents some challenges if you get the car down low (read, little room for the tail pipes). I did not want to run the exhaust under the rear axle, so I spent the better part of a Saturday making my own tail pipes.

This is exactly the same issue I am seeing with my 4-link setup and your pictures get me to thinking. Hard to tell for sure from the angle in some pictures, but I assume you are running 3 inch? I gotta crawl back under again. Hmmmm. :)

[DKz Garage]

This is exactly the same issue I am seeing with my 4-link setup and your pictures get me to thinking. Hard to tell for sure from the angle in some pictures, but I assume you are running 3 inch? I gotta crawl back under again. Hmmmm. :)

I used 2.5" stainless front to back, probably gave up a few hp by not using 3", but I was real concerned about getting everything tucked up tight. Again, after all was said and done, probably should have gone the DSE route given all the welding and modifying I did to get the desired ride height and clearance needed for exhaust to fit.

[DKz Garage]

Some pics of the interior going in..... At this point you can almost feel like you are getting close to being done????

[Sonar Chief]

Last pics for the week.... exhaust/tailpipe work. The G-ling set-up presents some challenges if you get the car down low (read, little room for the tail pipes). I did not want to run the exhaust under the rear axle, so I spent the better part of a Saturday making my own tail pipes.

Looking great ... :trophy-1302: question, is that a MagnaFlow SS kit you are cutting up? I'm looking into that kit knowing I'll have to cut it up to get over my Ride Tech 4 link, just wondering.

Michael

[waynieZ]

That is looking nice! Is that the cut pile carpet, where did you get it?

[Intimidator3]

That is looking nice! Is that the cut pile carpet, where did you get it?

Wayne,
Not sure about his, but I got cut pile in mine too. I got mine through Ricks...

http://www.rickscamaros.com/camaro-carpet-set-cut-pile-molded-nylon-black-1967-1969.html

It is molded so it is an easy fit. Good quality with the jute backing.

[DKz Garage]

Looking great ... :trophy-1302: question, is that a MagnaFlow SS kit you are cutting up? I'm looking into that kit knowing I'll have to cut it up to get over my Ride Tech 4 link, just wondering.

Michael


Hi Mike, It is a Magnaflow 2.5" stainless system. I had to order some extra mandrel bent tubing with some 90degree and 45 degree bends. Otherwise, I just cut up the tail pipes the system came with and welded it up from there.
Dave

[Intimidator3]

Car is looking good. You are about the same stage as me on interior. My kicks are coming from Clint too.

[DKz Garage]

That is looking nice! Is that the cut pile carpet, where did you get it?

Hi Wayne, It is cut pile... I think I got it from Rick's. Don't have the manufacturer, as I took the carpet out of the box ages ago trying to get it to relax before installation. Looks nice, but unlike the 80/20 loop, it is a lint/fuzz magnet! Dave

[Sheck44]

Dave, fantastic color !! great job on the interior, and some excellent choices on parts there...cant wait to see her done

Cheers
Steve

[DKz Garage]

Dave, fantastic color !! great job on the interior, and some excellent choices on parts there...cant wait to see her done

Cheers
Steve

Thanks Steve ........ If everything goes as planned, I will have it done for the Car Craft Nationals here in Milwaukee. Only 8+ weeks away! Dave

[DKz Garage]

A few pics of the tailpipes after all the welding was done....

[tubbed69]

You sure are doing a great job on this one,also a couple nice rides in the background pics:trophy-1302:

[DKz Garage]

You sure are doing a great job on this one,also a couple nice rides in the background pics:trophy-1302:

Thanks! It's been a long haul..... I need to put it overdrive and finish it.

[Neil B]

That looks awesome.

[Z06Joe]

Nice car!! Looks like you've got a very clean look going. I can't wait to see it done!!

[Spiffav8]

That bad boy is looking SO sick!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[DKz Garage]

:thankyou: I appreciate the input.....working hard to get it on the road!

[DKz Garage]

Going through some of my old pics and found a few of the 67 Camaro known as the Cherokee. GM design car from 67, had a lot of "Vette" styling influence. I had the car in my shop for 6 months and did some work on the car for my friend who was the 3rd owner of this rare car. The car sat for many years in a garage hidden away in Northern Wisconsin.... It was really cool, original lacquer paint and a big block with Weber carbs! My buddy eventually sold the car at auction. The Cherokee was recently restored by Charlie Hutton.

[workng247]

Car looks great and is coming along nicely, some real quality workmanship going on there. Can't wait for some more updates. Couple of questions if you don't mind.

Was the shifter rotated to the forward position to accommodate the console or was the console moved back to accommodate the shifter in its factory rearward location?

What seats are you going to use? I saw an earlier pic with a bucket in the car, is that one of them?

Thanks, keep up the good work!

[DKz Garage]

Car looks great and is coming along nicely, some real quality workmanship going on there. Can't wait for some more updates. Couple of questions if you don't mind.

Was the shifter rotated to the forward position to accommodate the console or was the console moved back to accommodate the shifter in its factory rearward location?

What seats are you going to use? I saw an earlier pic with a bucket in the car, is that one of them?

Thanks, keep up the good work!

Thanks! I left the shifter in the original position and the console is in the stock location. My plan is to make a bracket to center the shifter and make a custom shifter boot/ cover. The bucket seats are from a Hyundai Tiburon. I had to make custom brackets to get them to work....... I'll get some updated photos soon.

[DKz Garage]

A few more update pics..... I relocated the battery to the trunk and built a platform for the battery mount. I know these batteries can be mounted on an angle, but thought this looked a little more "finished" to have the battery sit level. I ran the positive battery cable all the way to the front of the car, but ran the negative cable to the body and to the frame at the rear of the car. Of course the motor will be grounded to the frame and body as well.

I know there has been some debate on the best way to do this...... Any thoughts on NOT running a Negative cable all the way to the engine????

[DKz Garage]

A few pics of the throttle cable bracket I fabbed up for the drive by cable FAST throttle body. I was leaning towards buying the billet version, but making parts is half the fun (cheaper)..... Also put in my radiator hoses with the heat shrink clamps. These look real clean when installed.

[workng247]

I'll be anxious to see what you come up with for the shifter as I am in a similar situation. Also very interested in learning more about those Tiburon seats, are they power and or heated? I don't know if I missed it but whose radiator is that? The hoses look great with the heat shrink. What hoses did you use? The pics are great, really like the battery support. Thanks

[DKz Garage]

A few pics of the interior.... finally feel like I'm turning the corner. Let's hope all that wiring was done correctly!

[Rybar]

Car is looking good, any chance you can let me know what part number that lower rad hose is?

[DKz Garage]

Car is looking good, any chance you can let me know what part number that lower rad hose is?

The lower hose is a Gates 20450 and the upper is a Gates 22358 "cut to fit". These worked out great.... it was like they were made for the car!

[Scott Haggai]

nice build!

[waynieZ]

Nice job, its coming together great.

[DKz Garage]

nice build!

Nice job, its coming together great.

Thanks guys.... a couple of pics fabricating my frame / firewall closeouts to hide the front sub frame pockets...also finally hung one fender and set the gaps. All the "pre-paint" work paid off.

[DKz Garage]

Some more updates of the front end assembly. Finally have the A/C condenser and lines hooked up and the headlight wiring finished. Hope to have all the sheet metal done and the car fired up in the next 2 weeks.

[DKz Garage]

A few more pics of the front end coming together.....

[tubbed69]

Looking very good,almost time to drive:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Spiffav8]

Love dropping into this thread.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[minendrews68]

No offense, but I don't like your car!....... That's because your way farther along than I am, :woot: lol. JK, your car looks great, I'm just jealous.

[Intimidator3]

:popcorn2: This is just really coming together I like the way you used a couple of junction blocks for wiring the relays for your fans, etc. I was just debating on how I am going to remount mine to clean things up. Before I tore it down and got it painted, it did not matter. May need to grab a couple extras myself.

[DKz Garage]

A few pics of the air intake I put together.....not really a cold air intake, but moved the filter as far as I could to the drivers side and fabbed up a bracket to hold the filter. Also put in the catch can/bracket. Almost time to fire it!

[SlowProgress]

Very nice, clean and organized, just a joy to look at!!

[DKz Garage]

Very nice, clean and organized, just a joy to look at!!

Thanks! Looking forward to driving it real soon....

[tmadden]

Dude it's so clean and purty

[Musclerodz]

Very nice build. I make some billet covers that look just like the ones you made.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Looking good and getting so close.

[Sheck44]

Fantastic work !! Big fan of clean, and you've nailed it

Cheers
Steve

[DKz Garage]

Dude it's so clean and purty

Very nice build. I make some billet covers that look just like the ones you made.

Looking good and getting so close.

Fantastic work !! Big fan of clean, and you've nailed it

Cheers
Steve

Thanks for the feedback.... fired it last night and it sounds nasty (good)! Tuner will be over soon to get it dialed in and I'm ready to go.

[DKz Garage]

A couple pics of the interior...I had Hyundai Tiburon front bucket seats recovered in leather and the back seats recovered to "match". These seats are super comfortable with a ton of side support...may have extend the seat brackets to move back a bit further. My dog like the back seat...decided to take a nap.

[waynieZ]

According to your dog your back seat looks comfortable too! Nice job.

[workng247]

Car looks great, very nicely done.

What A/C unit is that? Doesn't look like Gen IV.

Thanks

[tubbed69]

Interior looks great just as the rest of your work:trophy-1302:

[DKz Garage]

Car looks great, very nicely done.

What A/C unit is that? Doesn't look like Gen IV.

Thanks
It is a genIII mini system..... I picked it up from a guy who lost interest in his project

Interior looks great just as the rest of your work:trophy-1302:

Thanks!

[Neil B]

Beautiful attention to detail!

[DKz Garage]

Beautiful attention to detail!

Thanks!

[DKz Garage]

Finally got my stripes painted on today..... can't decide if I outline (pinstripe) them with a contrasting color or leave "as-is"?? Hard to tell in the pics, but the stripes are a gunmetal grey with a hint of pearl. Any thoughts??

[Neil B]

Finally got my stripes painted on today..... can't decide if I outline (pinstripe) them with a contrasting color or leave "as-is"?? Hard to tell in the pics, but the stripes are a gunmetal grey with a hint of pearl. Any thoughts??

Maybe see how it looks with the grill back in if you can. Without the grill, it looks like it needs something, especially with the polished wheels.

[tubbed69]

Stripes look good,so close now.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[workng247]

It is a genIII mini system..... I picked it up from a guy who lost interest in his project



Thanks!

Good deal thanks. I think I need to go Gen IV to meet the demands here in FL.

Is that a C6 master/booster? Where did you get it? Did you consider the DSE version?

Stripes look great!

[DKz Garage]

Good deal thanks. I think I need to go Gen IV to meet the demands here in FL.

Is that a C6 master/booster? Where did you get it? Did you consider the DSE version?

Stripes look great!

I actually did some digging and pieced my own DSE set-up together. It's a Tuffy booster (Vette I believe) and a Chevy s-10 master cylinder.

[DKz Garage]

Couple of shots of the stripes...had them outlined / pinstriped in a darker orange for a nice contrast.

[DOOM]

Friggin car looks badazz!!!:trophy-1302:

[tubbed69]

Friggin car looks badazz!!!:trophy-1302:

Yes it does:trophy-1302:

[WSSix]

The outlining was a good choice. I think it helps give the stripes a border and it's subtle enough that it doesn't distract from the stripes.

[DKz Garage]

Friggin car looks badazz!!!:trophy-1302:

Yes it does:trophy-1302:

The outlining was a good choice. I think it helps give the stripes a border and it's subtle enough that it doesn't distract from the stripes.

Thanks for the props.... I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

[anotheroldguy]

Please forgive me if I missed it, but was your paint a production paint that was altered by the painter or a stock production mix. If so from what? I have Synergy green but your's does look different but every bit as nice! I do like your car!

[DKz Garage]

Please forgive me if I missed it, but was your paint a production paint that was altered by the painter or a stock production mix. If so from what? I have Synergy green but your's does look different but every bit as nice! I do like your car!

Thanks! I was going to do the Synergy Green, my painter came up with this color, not even sure what car the color is from (if any)....it's a BASF color from the color chip chart. It seemed to be the closest I was going to get without doing a tri-coat color.

[DKz Garage]

I was able to get the car done in time for the Car Craft Nationals in town this weekend.... A lot of real nice cars in attendance. Here is a link to the short write up on my 69.... they had my car and several other cars in the "undiscovered builders" area.

http://www.hotrod.com/events/car-craft-summer-nationals/2015/1507-unknown-unloved-builders-at-2015-car-craft-summer-nationals-dave-kelley/

[minendrews68]

Outline was a good choice IMO.. Good looking car by the way!

[workng247]

Dave,

Congrats on finishing the car and for the attention it recieved. Nice write up, well deserved as the car came out awesome. Keep up the good work.

Jeff

[DKz Garage]

Decided to revive this post ....after taking a break from the cars for the last couple of years (working on my daughters new home), the 69 is going to get some updates to take it to the next level.

I'm going to replace the 4-link in the rear with a DSE Quadralink, Replace the stock/modified sub frame with a DSE Sub, new 14" Bear brakes all the way around and some sweet Forgelines. Let the Fun begin!!

[DKz Garage]

FED EX guy dropped off some goodies today

[WSSix]

You're keeping the green though, right?

Best of luck with the changes.

[Tinker]

You're keeping the green though, right?

Best of luck with the changes.

I see green calipers in the boxes.

Welcome to the never done club...we are all members.

[JD67SS]

Your car looks awesome now, I’ll be looking forward to seeing your updates!

JD

[WSSix]

Good eye, Chris. I didn't read the labels.

[DKz Garage]

I see green calipers in the boxes.

Welcome to the never done club...we are all members.

Yes we are!!

[DKz Garage]

Your car looks awesome now, I’ll be looking forward to seeing your updates!

JD

Thanks! Thinking about adding some videos to my YouTube channel showing the progress...

[DKz Garage]

You're keeping the green though, right?

Best of luck with the changes.


Thanks! Car is staying green..... Already tearing it down. Check out my YouTube channel for some videos...... I'll be uploading in the near future. DKz Garage

[DKz Garage]

Began the process of disassembly (interior), to make way for the DSE harware. Let the cutting/welding begin!

[DKz Garage]

A little more progress on the 69 "re-do". Finished up the fuel pump access door and the DSE cross member in the trunk...time to separate the body from the suspension.....

[WSSix]

Are you sure the camaro body is going to fit on that golf cart chassis? I'm a little concerned you measured wrong or something.

[DKz Garage]

Are you sure the camaro body is going to fit on that golf cart chassis? I'm a little concerned you measured wrong or something.

S**t ....... I knew the metric tape measure was a bad idea! :)

[DKz Garage]

A little more progress on the Quadra Link install...and the new power plant showed up at DKz Garage!

[WSSix]

Looking good. This should be a fun motor in the car

[waynieZ]

Nice!!

[DKz Garage]

Looking good. This should be a fun motor in the car

Nice!!

Thanks! I pretty stoked to get this "re-do" done for summer..... Got the DSE sub mocked up in the car this weekend..

[DKz Garage]

Plugging along on the 69 updates..... all the fab work for the Quadralink is done. LT4 requires some firewall mods, as the Holley Mounts put the motor low and back....

[DKz Garage]

Finished painting the rear end housing, bending up some brake lines. Painted and assembled the DSE sub...... ready to drop in the LT4.

[WSSix]

I can't say enough about how good it looks. The green just really does it for me and contrasts so well with the other colors. Keep up the great work!

[waynieZ]

Beautiful job, it came out great. It kills me I couldn’t make it Happen getting the DSE sub For my car. Your cars going to be great.

[Goosesdad]

Looks great. Could you share what black you used for the subframe? Looks like it matched the A-arms very well? TIA

[214Chevy]

Nice progress...

[DKz Garage]

I can't say enough about how good it looks. The green just really does it for me and contrasts so well with the other colors. Keep up the great work!

Beautiful job, it came out great. It kills me I couldn’t make it Happen getting the DSE sub For my car. Your cars going to be great.

Looks great. Could you share what black you used for the subframe? Looks like it matched the A-arms very well? TIA

Nice progress...

Thank you for the input..... I'm hoping the Green on the Bear brakes will play off the green color of the car....

I used Excel Satin Black (4004).....it sprays out real nice and is very durable. I would have had the sub powdercoated when ordering, but knew I need to weld the subframe connector end on. The control arms are a bit more glossy than the frame, but gives it some detail.

Can't wait to get the subframe/engine back in the car....summer is close!

[cjfirstgen]

Coming together nicely. Looks great!

[DKz Garage]

It's been a while since I have uploaded any updates.... making progress. Almost ready to jump to the interior and start on the "re-wire"

[camcojb]

:king:

[WSSix]

Very, very nice! Glad it's coming together well for you.

[srode1]

Awesome project! Did you have cut/ raise the transmission tunnel to get the right drivetrain angle?

[DKz Garage]

Very, very nice! Glad it's coming together well for you.

Thanks Trey!

[DKz Garage]

Awesome project! Did you have cut/ raise the transmission tunnel to get the right drivetrain angle?

Yes, cutting and raising the trans tunnel was needed. The T-56 is a BIG trans. I used the Holley motor and Trans Mounts which puts everything at the correct angle.

[Spiffav8]

That looks awesome!