Angry Johnny's 69 Camaro Build

[Rodknock]

I guess I never started a build thread for my car, so today seems like a good day to start.
For me it's very slow progress. I bought the car in 2012, while I was living in WY, and didn't start doing anything to it till 2016. Then I moved to a new house up there, and lived a couple of years, then ended up moving to AZ in July of 2018. Been busy working and moving it seems, so now time to focus. I won't bore you with anymore of my life. Lets get to the Nitty Gritty.

Bought the car off of Ebay. Drove to El Paso TX from WY to pick it up. I only have one pic of the car from when I bought it, since my other computer crashed, and I haven't been able to get the pics off of it yet.

I'll start off with a few basic pics and some as I have time.

Ebay pic of car, and what it looked like when I bought it.

These first few pics were all done around March of 2016, in the middle/end of winter, in my 1 1/4 car garage. It was cold, but not too awful snowy at least.


https://i.imgur.com/FWukswj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vkrUhFu.jpg

Finally got off my arse and started doing something.

https://i.imgur.com/hBtbTQX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pv8VvPR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/E8KUCO0.jpg

Next up was the rotisserie. I would never build a car without one again. Makes life soo much easier. Especially when you're old.:lmao:

https://i.imgur.com/ZIlmdBk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IrHyksr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BYzhtWd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NZlbBMX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6C8QC89.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/emiCElO.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4aO7dFt.jpg

I have since, changed the mounting on the rear, to use the old spring shackle holes.

https://i.imgur.com/Tcmx76E.jpg

[Rodknock]

This was an exciting day!! The day all the stuff from Heidts showed up, along with the DSE mini tubs. Thanks to the members here for recommending Randy Johnson over at D&Z customs. He honored the price he quoted me, even though I didn't order it for over a year, from the first time I talked to him about it.

https://i.imgur.com/QQyzFkW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5b3Jy3e.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SJ39Dx9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kSytQA2.jpg

[130fe]

Looking good John, can’t wait to see the green paint on!

Chris

[572Camaro]

Rodknock

Thanks for joining lat-G

Looks like you are making good progress.

What engine/trans are you going to use?

What color for car?

Again, thanks

Jim

[RdHuggr68]

I guess I never started a build thread for my car, so today seems like a good day to start.
For me it's very slow progress. I bought the car in 2012, while I was living in WY, and didn't start doing anything to it till 2016. Then I moved to a new house up there, and lived a couple of years, then ended up moving to AZ in July of 2018. Been busy working and moving it seems, so now time to focus. I won't bore you with anymore of my life. Lets get to the Nitty Gritty.

Bought the car off of Ebay. Drove to El Paso TX from WY to pick it up. I only have one pic of the car from when I bought it, since my other computer crashed, and I haven't been able to get the pics off of it yet.

I'll start off with a few basic pics and some as I have time.

Ebay pic of car, and what it looked like when I bought it.

These first few pics were all done around March of 2016, in the middle/end of winter, in my 1 1/4 car garage. It was cold, but not too awful snowy at least.

https://i.imgur.com/T3MoBVm.jpg

Finally got off my arse and started doing something.

https://i.imgur.com/hBtbTQX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pv8VvPR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/E8KUCO0.jpg

Next up was the rotisserie. I would never build a car without one again. Makes life soo much easier. Especially when you're old.:lmao:

https://i.imgur.com/ZIlmdBk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IrHyksr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BYzhtWd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NZlbBMX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6C8QC89.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/emiCElO.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4aO7dFt.jpg

I have since, changed the mounting on the rear, to use the old spring shackle holes.

https://i.imgur.com/Tcmx76E.jpg

That rotisserie looks familiar, I think I used the same plans you did.

[Rodknock]

Looking good John, can’t wait to see the green paint on!

Chris

Thanks Chris!! I managed to get a little body work done on it today.

Rodknock

Thanks for joining lat-G

Looks like you are making good progress.

What engine/trans are you going to use?

What color for car?

Again, thanks

Jim

Jim, thanks for the warm welcome. I joined a while ago, just never eally posted much.
I have an iron block 6.0L here and a 4WD 4L80e, that I need to make RWD.
The color is going to be House of Kolor Lime Mist. I will post pics of it when I get a chance.

That rotisserie looks familiar, I think I used the same plans you did.

Red Wing steel works, I think it was.

[Rodknock]

Next on the list of things I did, BACK THEN, was clean the bottom side of the body, to get prepped for trunk pan replacement, and what ended up being a top of dash replacement also. Even "rust free" cars, have rust in hidden places.

Some of the rust holes in the trunk. Way too many to weld shut.

https://i.imgur.com/bhb9h7h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1F4Yuof.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XFjwikO.jpg

Here, I used my plasma cutter to cut away a portion of the trunk pan, since there was rust in it, and will be replaced.

https://i.imgur.com/UIAzSfR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/o6yvFOo.jpg

After blasting

https://i.imgur.com/bMafiwq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/C2tEu1z.jpg

[Rodknock]

Also blasted the interior and had to replace the top of dash. I was just going to patch it, but it was recommended to replace it. Glad I did, because the rust under it was bad.

https://i.imgur.com/25ZNMRc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cIZvPFV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SJUcgdN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CGb1QiI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cpdtGtp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7IXEwtX.jpg

Measure twice cut once, ok, measure 3 times

https://i.imgur.com/wv7CGXI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bfQtoAS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QwZ0eOk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kCNTene.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/svfEHe2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tEoXD0D.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6zRxoEH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5vCnwP6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cyZJvYL.jpg

[Rodknock]

Next on the list is mini tubs. These are DSE tubs, and are very nice units. Having the trunk floor out made the job WAY easier. DSE has a couple of videos on their site showing how to install them. I had never done them before and it took roughly 40 hours to do.

https://i.imgur.com/caM0Jpm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pfqY9ET.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/COXSGqV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/D8f6YRN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/P5aILmr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8sP4p9T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/n6Awk1x.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2LRlOMg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SFfDjqA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1qA6Jkm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3Bz7LA4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lJTla3z.jpg

[Rodknock]

Next after the mini tubs, is the trunk pan replacement. I don't remember when this is, but it was probably spring of 2016 when I did this. Shortly after this, I did the firewall, then I moved to a new house, so there was a long break in the action.


I must have taken this thing in and out 100 times before I was satisfied with the fit

https://i.imgur.com/cFappDB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QazGf9z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/G6QLJ3T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Sa8EcaQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LbVfF3g.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hVTNKUY.jpg

[Rodknock]

This was the last major thing I did before I moved to a new house, other than bolting on the suspension to allow me to move the car.

Fully smoothed out firewall. I was just going to weld everything up, but decided this would be easier. Now I need to figure out my hole for the steering column :popcorn2:

Simple as drilling out the spot welds, straightening out the trans tunnel flange a bit, then test fitting a flat piece of sheet metal in place.

https://i.imgur.com/YHWtuQs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YA71jyC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/m5DNhPL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/P4KyASz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ymXnOmT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Nw0f3hY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/07CMcz5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/732BEeU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9iTM8u8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AmwVRAO.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kTQzwd1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7uBqvhP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/l6I315V.jpg

[RdHuggr68]

Thanks Chris!! I managed to get a little body work done on it today.



Jim, thanks for the warm welcome. I joined a while ago, just never eally posted much.
I have an iron block 6.0L here and a 4WD 4L80e, that I need to make RWD.
The color is going to be House of Kolor Lime Mist. I will post pics of it when I get a chance.



Red Wing steel works, I think it was.
same plans, it is a great rotisserie.

[WSSix]

Lime Mist is a great color choice! Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing your project.

[Spiffav8]

Nice!! John you're not messing around. Going to be a fun build to watch. Looking forward to seeing more.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Goosesdad]

Looks great!

[Rodknock]

Nice!! John you're not messing around. Going to be a fun build to watch. Looking forward to seeing more.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Thanks!! I'm not too far from you. Just over in Golden Valley AZ, by Kingman.

Looks great!

Thank you!!:thankyou:

[JKnight]

Looks great! Wanna come to Phx and help me do another trunk pan? Just kidding...kinda...

[Rodknock]

Time for assembling the Heidts front end components, then test fitting it all!!




https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/4urvvdL-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/09UrC2T-1.jpg

That's the new rotor, inside the original 14" Rally rim!!

https://i.imgur.com/h9G420X.jpg

Out with the old

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/io37r6w-1.jpg

Shocking, isn't it!!

https://i.imgur.com/PaOeQM1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WJIMcQM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xPIcWga.jpg

Totally Tubular!!

https://i.imgur.com/MD5ucsE.jpg

In with the new!!

https://i.imgur.com/4x2gP4v.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Og0BAX4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Eh0EXhl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/s7WE4Jx.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/HZ55Xen-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/r47tHYr-1.jpg


1 1/4" splined sway bar


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2020/04/CPsAYvu-1.jpg

[Rodknock]

Pre assembly and test fit of the Heidt's Pro G IRS system.

https://i.imgur.com/5b3Jy3e.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kSytQA2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ksiejrs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vpbs2kN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SJ39Dx9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rqvwGlg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/oURs6N1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MFwvXTL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Q2ertce.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/HwE8i9Y.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sNK4sLa.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sN4n4hh.jpg

Subframe connectors

https://i.imgur.com/034CdX0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mkL97Sf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/urJfyt2.jpg

[Rodknock]

Well, now things slow down, due to a move from the little house we were in with a 1 1/4 car garage, to a house we bought with a 30 x 45 pole barn building :D Only thing is, I stopped progress on the car to try to re-do the shop, and basically wasted time and money, I could have put towards the car :/

You can see a little of the shop in the background

https://i.imgur.com/LiFkVYN.jpg

Poor car, just siting there all neglected and stuff :(

https://i.imgur.com/IQ7DLlJ.jpg

I had big plans for this shop. Office, spray booth, insulated, heated. Almost got it finished, when we ended up moving south from Wyoming to AZ.

https://i.imgur.com/vfQYtey.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gEJZwYH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JvNgam4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/f3USZ8z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6tzV50S.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NjxFpmd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JoFcyAF.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ljY3cCt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Vj6StP3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nFvhG2A.jpg

[Rodknock]

In this extremely short episode, we have the move from WY to AZ. I hope to God, I never move again. Happy wife, happy life... This move happened in July 2018. Nothing like moving to the AZ desert in the summer. Oh, and lost the tranny in the truck, 3 days after we moved to the new house :mad: So ended up buying a new truck :G-Dub:
:animated_bye_bye_em:sarcasm_smiley:

I didn't even make it 30 miles out of town and that tarp was history, then on top of that it stated thundering, lightening, hail, rain... It really sucked :bur2:

https://i.imgur.com/LIn2wGj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qq8WFAn.jpg

To the new digs. At least it's a (mostly) finished shop. 3 car size, and a lift. What's not to like!!

https://i.imgur.com/Ot3JnmZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gcOmwGH.jpg

[Rodknock]

Sorry, I am a little out of order here. These pics are from when I was !@@#$%$^^ing with the front end sheet metal, while I still lived in WY. I was trying to get it to line up correctly. Needless to say, Angry Johnny made his presence known, with this nightmare.:superhack:

So, after inquiring about front end sheet metal, what I got from folks was:
Get AMD fenders, they are the best. Well, I bought 2 of them and initially I thought, yes!! They are pretty good, till I started bolting everything up. Then, it didn't look so hot.

First step was to make sure door to body gaps were good.

https://i.imgur.com/zWdgIVc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1Ibr5mT.jpg

OK, with door to body set, I just laid the fenders on the car, and they actually looked pretty decent.

https://i.imgur.com/ALLAat3.jpg

Mid gap was not great, but not awful

https://i.imgur.com/4LiCNhX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/c2SRFMY.jpg

Passenger side was actually a better fit than the driver side

https://i.imgur.com/UA0OuVb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rnnoL1O.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rVOt1o9.jpg

Alright, then I started bolting up everything else, and the poor fit reared it's ugly head. With the core support, and all the other front end stuff in place, this is what the driver door gap ended up looking like. That is pretty bad

https://i.imgur.com/1sqMghn.jpg

The gap on the grille to the header panel was almost an inch on the driver side. The passenger side was just about perfect.

https://i.imgur.com/rLl0rtJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/iRiyCQs.jpg

Now if I took a jack to the bottom of the fender where the lower extensions mount, I could get the grille gap to look good, but it was at the cost of tweaking the fender. It was almost like the core support was too high on the driver side. I had the correct bushings in the correct spot.

https://i.imgur.com/HU7ioPJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JSncXOP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mKRUzrH.jpg

[Rodknock]

Well, now that I have finally settled into the new house, and my current (same) job, in a new state, it's time to finally get back to it.

Since I was having such major issues with the front end sheet metal, when I was in WY, I decided to start from scratch. First thing I did was make absolutely certain that the subframe was centered on the body.

I also wanted to try and find some OEM fenders for it, to see if they actually fit any better than the aftermarket units. I ended up spending WAY too much money on a used set of OEM fenders, that were in need of repair work. I ended up only using the driver side fender, and an AMD passenger fender. Believe it or not, the OEM metal, didn't really fit much better. Some areas were better, while others not so much. I kinda messed up the OEM passenger fender, when I tried repair work on it. It can still be fixed, but I was too pissed off about it, so I just bought another AMD fender.

So counting all this up. The car came with two Chinese fenders of unknown mfg. when I bought the car. I then bought 2 AMD fenders on assurance they were the best. They were only marginally better than the unknown Chinese units that were on there. I then bought the 2 OEM fenders that were f!@#ked up, and screwed one of them up with my crappy welding skills. Then I purchased one more AMD passenger side fender that actually fit pretty well. So a total of 7 fenders to finally get a pair that I could live with.

So step one was making sure frame was centered. It was off a little, but not much.Maybe it made the difference. Door gaps were double checked, so it was time for action.Fender to door gaps look good.

https://i.imgur.com/lkbIMk4.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/lZhCMIO.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/946HuDN.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/QHb4rjJ.jpg

This was a major area of concern for me before, in that sad eye droop was really bad. A friend back east that's a body guy, gave me a tip on how to remedy it, and it worked quite well. Before and after

https://i.imgur.com/NgG6bFr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cPhghYu.jpg

Passenger side, was never really too bad.

https://i.imgur.com/xwXqRAW.jpg

Overall, I can live with this, so I bagged and tagged, every nut, bolt, and shim, so it can go right back in the same place ( I hope)

https://i.imgur.com/xA4kBT2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XZvifgL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mUecEtf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QOuo4n7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JIY0Q2c.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lwwIJaD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eSqURf8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mZbvn0u.jpg

[Rodknock]

Moving along to the day after Christmas of 2019.
Now that the panel alignment fiasco is behind me, it's time to strip her down to the skeleton. I was just doing sporadic body work on it, when my friend suggest taking it down completely and stripping all the paint off. He was telling me the fumes from the paint remover can actually loosen and lift the body filler, so it's better to start from bare metal, then deal with the body work.
The car only had a primer coat, and the original rally green under it, so it's not had much done on the last 50 years, but definitely has some road rash.

Take it all down. I wonder how many more times I'll do this :gitrdun:


https://i.imgur.com/I03WTIM.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/UkjROIt.jpg?2

What do you do when you have to take the hood off by yourself? You improvise

https://i.imgur.com/HrtWlsn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Lbc2DVo.jpg?2

I almost stuck with the original green, but chose something else. You'll see soon, if you stay tuned to this build

https://i.imgur.com/vGL37jZ.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/8OjhqoR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PPgD3Ce.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GSacM3S.jpg

Some rust in the lower left rear quarter to fix

https://i.imgur.com/CVZDEKb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/N60OMDO.jpg

Got'r up on the rotisserie

https://i.imgur.com/7XYGWxm.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/LoANBMy.jpg?2

Videos for your entertainment

dwtN6yX33lk

My FUBAR

qcXX0gFX89A

eeTTj8eOTOo

[Rodknock]

The door hinges weren't really too bad as far as slop was concerned, but I wanted to do them anyway, and replace the nylon bushings with metal.

https://i.imgur.com/9x3rmsI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LlVn8K2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NM4eN9M.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GXxnuza.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/j057YOK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DHzp1bw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nZRJqab.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wVN6i2b.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TQA4KFf.jpg

Primered everything, just to take it apart again for the stripping and tear down. Hey, I never said I was smart. :twak:

https://i.imgur.com/Qbd0qYB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QozEC2q.jpg

[Rodknock]

Driver side B pillar was pretty messed up, and had some shoddy repair work done. (not that I'll do much better) Looks like something fell against the car at some point, because the quarter panel had a dent in it, that lined up almost perfectly with the damage on the pillar.

Once I got it down to bare metal, I started welding up the holes, and also straightened it out as much as I could. I didn't get a good shot of the window channel, but it was bent inward about 1/2"

https://i.imgur.com/v1rbuJL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sGYXreP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/a8HZygg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/iz481n7.jpg

I decided to try out Eastwood's Body Solder kit, instead of slapping a bunch of filler on it. Especially a high stress area like this, that is prone to flexing and cracking. Works pretty well, although it's tough applying it to a vertical surface.

https://i.imgur.com/w4ZUgvR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sMXL2zV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OUf4oxC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/dgMTVrY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PoPgGHP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bEQfR09.jpg

[Rodknock]

I had some folks tell me to replace my quarter panels with new ones. To me, the car is only original once, so I wanted to save them, as much as I could. Also, seeing the fitment issues with aftermarket panels..NO, I don't want to deal with that headache!!

This is the second thing to repair after the roof B pillar.
Just bought a patch panel, cut out the old, treated the inside part with rust inhibitor, and welded the new panel in place.

https://i.imgur.com/sjIhwXZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NV3z9JJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/X87yfyC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/C5Ox573.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qvGvpqU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BJAniro.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xl2z2x2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hueK9Hh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/aRLMLci.jpg

[slimjim]

great progress, looking forward to seeing it complete

[Rodknock]

great progress, looking forward to seeing it complete

Thank you. Me too!:gitrdun:

[WSSix]

Good work! Don't leave me hanging too long on the color. You already said Lime Mist once!

[Rodknock]

Good work! Don't leave me hanging too long on the color. You already said Lime Mist once!

Thanks bud!! If you've seen the color, then it won't be a surprise. I've only gone as far as spraying a spare fender to see what it looks like.
I'm kinda going for the look this car has, only with different wheels.
This one was done with Dodge Viper Snakeskin Green though. Very similar.

https://i.imgur.com/HKAFi4r.jpg

[Rodknock]

I purchased a Tank Inc. fuel tank for a 67/68 Camaro, because I want to have the fuel filler up high, plus with a billet fuel filler, it looks kinda cool. I haven't yet fitted the tank into the car, but will be shortly, while I have it on the rotisserie. I hope I can make it work, otherwise, I'll have a tank for sale :superhack:

https://i.imgur.com/xdDcE00.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LsW3YQV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mNBZeAs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Vx1H0EM.jpg

[Rodknock]

I am, at a point of starting to do body work, which as you can tell, I don't do so well. Started working the top of the roof, when my friend suggested to not do anymore filler work, till I stripped the car of paint, because the paint remover fumes, can get into the filler and loosen it or soften it. I never even thought about that!! Also, this was originally a vinyl y top car.

Also, he said don't spot repair the roof. Skim coat the whole panel, along with every panel on the car, then sand it off, because it will fake you out, where the high and low spots are. Boy, he was right about that!!

So here I was, starting to do just spot repair on the roof, before the actual full tear down. I never said I was smart :hitaxeonthehead:

https://i.imgur.com/wOMpG6L.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5ueaQQZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/B0YUmG3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/m5PVckp.jpg

So here's a full skim coat before sanding

https://i.imgur.com/6bYiIA2.jpg

After some sanding

https://i.imgur.com/bd0vi7H.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ikcvC85.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xmq0jiW.jpg

Some guide coat

https://i.imgur.com/RKn0wjj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bd0vi7H.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sQVRDio.jpg

[slimjim]

This may save you some time depending on the route you take.

https://holohanshotrods.com/product/ridetech-universal-gas-cap-18ga-sheetmetal-panel/

[Rodknock]

You just never know what lurks under the primer that someone else did. Till you get down to a clean slate, you just never know.

https://i.imgur.com/ULXjdCG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/52NQv75.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3o9jjad.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Sve8Qrs.jpg

Little MAP gas torch works well for taking filler off. Just have to be careful not to get the panel too hot.

https://i.imgur.com/awqktC0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Bnq0ORR.jpg

Clean slate. It was suggested on a FB page that I should replace the quarter panels, but, I said no way!! After all the issues I had with front sheet metal fitment, there was no way, I was going to deal with full quarter panel replacement. Besides these are still the original panels, and the door gaps are perfect. Somebody did a decent job of getting that passenger side pulled out with a slide hammer, it just need the holes welded shut. No big deal. I think I counted 54 holes total though :weld:

https://i.imgur.com/l22yyG6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/snO4KCo.jpg?2

[Rodknock]

This may save you some time depending on the route you take.

https://holohanshotrods.com/product/ridetech-universal-gas-cap-18ga-sheetmetal-panel/


Slimjim, You're awesome!!!! Thanks buddy!! :thankyou::thankyou::thankyou:

[Rodknock]

Just a quickie. Driver side rocker panel. On this car, I plan to weld all the holes shut. If I decide later to do chrome trim, it will be attached with 2 sided tape of some type.
Skim coat for the rocker, after welding the trim holes closed, and trying to pull out some dents in the bottom, that were likely caused from a jack. That metal under there is thick and tough!!

https://i.imgur.com/k8V1r0n.jpg

[Rodknock]

Since I was mostly finished with the roof, I decided to put it in primer, since it has been exposed for several weeks. Luckily out here in the AZ desert, it is very dry.

https://i.imgur.com/e4rtE5k.jpg

[Rodknock]

This is more or less where I left off about a week ago. Got called to work and only part way finished it. I still have a few high spots, to deal with, as you can see from the exposed metal.

https://i.imgur.com/aiskOQw.jpg

[Rodknock]

Here's my almost last post, to bring us up to date, if you have been following along. It's pretty boring I know.
This is really exciting though!! At least to me it is. This is color choice, which I have spent over a year, trying to figure out. For me, wheel choice was easier than this!!

A little (boring) history, as to how this all started.
I was working in Alliance NE (I work for the railroad), and was there for over a year (Jan 2015 till March 2016) During my idle time, which there was a lot of, I found myself building 1/12 scale Foose models of the 69 Camaro, to test paint schemes.

So here's some examples:

At first, I thought blue.

https://i.imgur.com/lFJrfJn.jpg

Then I thought, why not be different, and try something other than the red, blue, black, Camaro. I liked it, but I didn't love it.


https://i.imgur.com/0wVkfiL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qvNSkfQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/435Hg4K.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IW4162j.jpg

Then I found this one online, which I liked better than the models I built, since it had the colors flipped

https://i.imgur.com/tEzuF5C.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7aCj1h7.jpg

That's when another friend said, " Think about it. You like it now, but, will you still like it 2 years from now?" Hmmm, valid point. I didn't want to do something that would be considered out of style in a couple of years. So, back to the drawing board. I decided just to keep it simple (ish). Can't go wrong with a solid color, and good ol SS stripes!!So, the hunt for the perfect shade of green began, because I wanted it green. That's when I found this car, while doing a search. It was difficult to find pics of this car online. Seems like not too many exist. I fell in love with the look, and the color, the moment I saw it

https://i.imgur.com/ntRwDUF.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/HKAFi4r.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KkehcV5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JdtkT7R.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/92ok4eW.jpg

[Rodknock]

The Camaro above is actually painted, Dodge Viper, Snakeskin Green.
The color of choice for me is, HOK (House of Kolor) Lime Mist. It was a limited edition color. I was about 2 weeks too late in getting the factory offering of this color, but luckily I found a paint supplier, that has the formula to make it for me.

https://i.imgur.com/ScHoOfp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IpApJnq.jpg

Here's C10 Chevy truck that was painted in this color

https://i.imgur.com/BsdcvMn.png

I painted a test fender, to see if I liked the color, and I just fell in love with it!! Even today, when I open the garage, and see it there on the stand,it still blows me away.

I first primed the fender with HOK KD 3000 primer/sufacer


https://i.imgur.com/haTyH1z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zUzwMxc.jpg

I then wet sanded it with 400 grit

https://i.imgur.com/1QU0A61.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BeD8sNR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/z2Z8pRW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2NFEXeu.jpg

As my paint guy suggested, instead of using a silver, gold, or white base, he said to use a tinted sealer, that's close to the paint color, so as to not have use as much of the expensive paint, to get the same coverage.

https://i.imgur.com/U1Ckuyn.jpg

[Rodknock]

Base coat. 3 total coats

https://i.imgur.com/58QxxSK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ooedxif.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mgtSaQo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fZkA3Gm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kgvIyw2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OAMRV6v.jpg

2 coats of clear

https://i.imgur.com/Q9cjQyU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fiQ9VdW.jpg

Sd7BLjInJK8

17Q5giJb-ZE

[Sonar Chief]

That's a cool color choice and great job with the fender :flashie:

[Tinker]

You are going to love that color! I do. I had my Harley painted snakeskin green 9 years ago, still don't regret it. My wife thought I was nuts, but I get a lot of compliments, and every time I do I give her a big smile.

[WSSix]

I still turn my head at Vipers painted this color. I love the bright greens. I swear there is also a 69 Firebird that is painted this green out there, too. If my memory serves me correct, they also changed the front to a camaro.

Test painting models was a smart move.

Keep up the good work!

[Rodknock]

That's a cool color choice and great job with the fender :flashie:

Thanks. I got a little too excited and had some runs in the clear coat, but it was just a test piece.

You are going to love that color! I do. I had my Harley painted snakeskin green 9 years ago, still don't regret it. My wife thought I was nuts, but I get a lot of compliments, and every time I do I give her a big smile.

I think the Snakeskin green would have been cheaper to buy, but not sure. This might have a little more pop to it, maybe. I've never actually seen a Viper with the green, to judge it.

My wife wasn't sure about the color either, till I painted that fender. Now she's a fan!!

I still turn my head at Vipers painted this color. I love the bright greens. I swear there is also a 69 Firebird that is painted this green out there, too. If my memory serves me correct, they also changed the front to a camaro.

Test painting models was a smart move.

Keep up the good work!

Thank you. I have never seen the Snakeskin green in person. Be cool to see if there's much of a difference between this green and the snakeskin.

[WSSix]

I believe you're correct and the HoK Lime pops more. Would probably have to park the cars side by side to see a difference.

[waynieZ]

Hi John, I just went through your build and YouTube posts, Nice job! You did a lot of nice work. Subscribed!!

[Goosesdad]

Great work, looks fantastic!

[cjfirstgen]

Looks great John!

[Jimbo1367]

I'm sure I missed it somewhere, but what brand body panels did you use? Car is coming together. Should be killer.

thanks,
Jim

[Rodknock]

Hi John, I just went through your build and YouTube posts, Nice job! You did a lot of nice work. Subscribed!!

Thanks brother. I'm finally getting motivated :gitrdun:

Great work, looks fantastic!

Thank you!! I appreciate it!!

Looks great John!

Thanks buddy!!

I'm sure I missed it somewhere, but what brand body panels did you use? Car is coming together. Should be killer.

thanks,
Jim

Thanks Jim. I did end up with an AMD passenger fender, and an OEM used driver fender. I also just bought an AMD 4" cowl hood, so I'll have to see how well it fits!

[Rodknock]

Today, I worked on the passenger side rear quarter. I had a lot of holes to weld shut, from a previous slide hammer experience (likely in the 70's) They actually did a decent job of getting the panel pulled out, so I basically just had to close the holes up. I'm not to handy with the welder on sheet metal, or it's just too hard to get it adjusted correctly (old Millermatic 200)

Had a guy tell me to just replace the whole quarter panel, but I just didn't feel it needed to be done. The fit of aftermarket panels sucks so bad, I just didn't want to deal with the headache, plus it would have been way more work that just closing up a few (50) holes. Only took a couple of hours, instead off weeks, for a quarter replacement. Plus the door gaps are perfect, and it's only original once.

https://i.imgur.com/BVaU2pn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ZO18F8K.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/t6EKdnI.jpg

Using a brass rod or copper plate behind the holes, helped immensely with keeping me from blowing the sheet metal away like tissue paper.

https://i.imgur.com/HbxLgir.jpg

In some areas, I couldn't get anything behind the hole and it shows (yes Angry Johnny made his presence known :censored:

https://i.imgur.com/OSKgtOL.jpg

Finally cover up the mess

https://i.imgur.com/D09EQAR.jpg

Geez, it got dark :lol:

https://i.imgur.com/0Bo2OZT.jpg

[Rodknock]

Finished out the skim coats on the passenger quarter and rocker panel. Next is the B pillars, but now the hardest part is behind me...I hope
Then, prime, block, repeat over and over.

Passenger rocker panels

https://i.imgur.com/TOyVH34.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6iQyBBa.jpg

Driver side

https://i.imgur.com/gJ7bVi1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FyGFVkj.jpg

Passenger side

https://i.imgur.com/vpXvReU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IKX79YY.jpg

[Rodknock]

Did some more work today. Got the roof, B pillars, and quarters all blocked, but this is only the first pass, so there will be more.

https://i.imgur.com/5NJ398T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IhwRI3T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7fSDDKM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wNuJA1o.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lh7LSeZ.jpg

Low spot on driver side

https://i.imgur.com/60qTXkD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/82Noqp6.jpg

Finished with the first sand

https://i.imgur.com/itTqjJW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JISCNTR.jpg

Roof

https://i.imgur.com/rwSeg7S.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/w6TrH2Q.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GLiWuLo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rwSeg7S.jpg

[slimjim]

Getting there. It's crazy the amount of hours you need to put in at this stage, and then spray and do it all again..

[Rodknock]

Getting there. It's crazy the amount of hours you need to put in at this stage, and then spray and do it all again..

No kidding. And then all that money on material, ends up being dust on the floor :hairpullout: :G-Dub:

[waynieZ]

The car looks great! You do nice work.

[Rodknock]

The car looks great! You do nice work.

Thank you Wayne!! You'll notice I don't do too many close up pics. If I do, it will show all my mistakes :lol:

[Rodknock]

Got the hardest part of the Ride Tech fuel filler/cap finished. Installing a 67/68 tank in my 69 and using the 67/68 style Ride Tech fuel cap. Also purchased a nifty little plate from Holohans Hot Rod Shop. This was worth every penny of the $38 they charge for it. Saves a ton of fabrication time
https://holohanshotrods.com/product/ridetech-universal-gas-cap-18ga-sheetmetal-panel/

Tanks Inc tank. Nice piece

https://i.imgur.com/LsW3YQV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xdDcE00.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Vx1H0EM.jpg

Of course the 67/68 Camaro fuel filler is offset to the passenger side. Didn't realize this, but luckily the RideTech cap is set up for it.

https://i.imgur.com/yVq40w2.jpg

Here's all the pieces parts. It was really awesome of RideTech to supply me with 7 10-32 screws and one 10-24 screw. Lucky I caught it beofre I stripped the threads.

https://i.imgur.com/qbpXYQg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DGfdtgC.jpg

Test fit the tank and start cutting the floor

https://i.imgur.com/geVUn7j.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fkBEtiI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jFRrxPe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/emJlnCy.jpg

Measure twice (6 times) cut once. My 4" hole saw was dull, so I had a 1 day delay, till I picked up a new one. Didn't want to burn my way through and warp the panel. I just threw my dented and bent bumper up there for measuring purposes

https://i.imgur.com/WSaMAA6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xD850Le.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DybOt16.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Ltf5DHW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cNR5MKj.jpg

[Rodknock]

OK, continuing on with the fuel stuff. My Eyecrometer says it good :lol:

Notched the top to fit where the trunk lock is at, and trimmed it down a little. I figured I would keep it on the larger side, to help with possible flexing. Shouldn't hurt anything.

https://i.imgur.com/V71i9Hc.jpg

Welded in place. I got rid of the straight Argon gas I had in my mig welder, and picked up some 75/25 CO2 argon mix. Now the welder (not me, the machine), works like it's supposed to. :lol:

https://i.imgur.com/EVMQ9f6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QemhSnY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/togbvET.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qQMqLi3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BKkpCIU.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JvxXJZQ.jpg

[Rodknock]

Been busy lately. I did a little seam sealer tonight, but that was it. In case anyone doesn't know, using masking tape before laying it down, helps keep it neat, and makes clean up a lot easier.

https://i.imgur.com/CYLG9YD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zaG9uPB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/r3nCAE1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/r8mV4ej.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kh1AyF1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/OFH7377.jpg

[slimjim]

What primer stage are you up to? I also need to seam seal similar locations and I'm currently in poly primer, I've just been trying to decide the best time to do it. I think I'll apply after epoxy sealer but before base coat but it may not matter. :EmoteClueless:

[Rodknock]

What primer stage are you up to? I also need to seam seal similar locations and I'm currently in poly primer, I've just been trying to decide the best time to do it. I think I'll apply after epoxy sealer but before base coat but it may not matter. :EmoteClueless:

Jim, I'm only on my second stage of primer, but haven't done the areas shown, where the sealer is. It's just some overspray from doing the quarter panels.

The seam sealer is paintable, so I think you can actually go over bare metal, then just prime over it.

[Jimbo1367]

Great job. I really like where this is going !!!

[Rodknock]

Man, I've been slacking on posting here. It was buried on the second page..lol
So, anyway, I'm finished with the second round of block sanding on the body. Still a little more fine tuning on the tail panel/valance, then I'll move up to the firewall, which should be pretty straightforward since it's flat and doesn't have all the contours the tail panel has.

Here's the primer still wet, so you can see it's getting straighter.

https://i.imgur.com/In24lIL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WhnbeJN.jpg

Close up of orange peel. It's just primer. :mock:

https://i.imgur.com/CSK5dS8.jpg

Primer all dry. Had to leave for work, so it will continue later. At least it will have time to dry.

https://i.imgur.com/LVqSWIW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xOYHBVZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4WNWsIz.jpg

[Rodknock]

Great job. I really like where this is going !!!


Thanks Jimbo!!!

[Rodknock]

I wasn't happy with the seam sealer. The primer ended up cracking on me, and as it turns out, paint prep melts it :smiley_smack:

We'll see how it turns out, when I prime it this time. As info, it was Eastwood seam sealer and there paint prep. I guess they're not compatible with each other.. Hmm

This side wasn't too bad, just had to do a small area

https://i.imgur.com/KkRlIHC.jpg

Redid this whole section here

https://i.imgur.com/rBrEcm0.jpg

Had to re-do both sides of this panel.

https://i.imgur.com/2tsktqQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hkpsLLP.jpg

[Rodknock]

Finally finished blocking the body shell. Did some 320 wet, so I could see how it looked. Seems straight enough to live with it.

Even though it's just grey primer, being wet really shows the light reflection.

https://i.imgur.com/oMyMl8L.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gRu3pc5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/s1Lc37H.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IwY48U4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qXc4yXy.jpg

[Rodknock]

I started mixing the tinted sealer the other day, just to see how it looked.
9 parts KD 3003 yellow to 1 part KD 3005 blue, to create a green, that's pretty close to what the color of the car will be.

These are cards listing some of the color capabilities using the HOK KD 3000 series primer/surfacers. Obviously the choices are limitless. You can actually spray your colors over this chart to see what your effect will look like.

I circled the one I'm using.

https://i.imgur.com/aDjMqsk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8gEYv9J.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YUpsFkI.jpg


Close as it gets

rvSBBKfXwYI

8f5N8IRlDSw

[slimjim]

I also used Eastwood seam sealer inside my car, also their paint and prep or whatever it's called. They actually have a cool video showing how to use them together to get a really flat and clean result, but you're right, it'll destroy it if you reapply the solvent to it again later. I switched to 3M for my underbody and preferred it.
Bodywork is coming together nice

[WSSix]

sorry you had to redo the seam sealer. The blocking turned out great though. That wet panel looks fantastic.

[WSSix]

Close as it gets

rvSBBKfXwYI

8f5N8IRlDSw

Here are your videos. You just need the letter and number code between the youtube brackets to get it to embed. Like this but with brackets
{YOUTUBE} rvSBBKfXwYI {/YOUTUBE}

[Rodknock]

I also used Eastwood seam sealer inside my car, also their paint and prep or whatever it's called. They actually have a cool video showing how to use them together to get a really flat and clean result, but you're right, it'll destroy it if you reapply the solvent to it again later. I switched to 3M for my underbody and preferred it.
Bodywork is coming together nice

Yeah, I tried using it to smooth it out, and it was getting out of hand, so I just dug it out and redid it..lol
I used the 3M self leveling drip check sealer for the drip rail. At least it went smooth :)

sorry you had to redo the seam sealer. The blocking turned out great though. That wet panel looks fantastic.

Thanks. It's all part of the game/learning curve.

Here are your videos. You just need the letter and number code between the youtube brackets to get it to embed. Like this but with brackets

Thanks for that. I was wondering. I'll go fix the original post..lol

[Rodknock]

Moving along, getting back to the fuel tank mounting, and also made a fuel pump/sending unit access panel.

I originally wasn't going to make this large of a hole, but decided it would be best to do it like this after all. Just easier to work with flat surfaces.

https://i.imgur.com/x6bbFLe.jpg

This is what you do when you don't have a roller to form sheet metal. Improvise..hahaha

https://i.imgur.com/AOI4njl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8eH9yZy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rOrhma2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IUIgmAE.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YgKpyS8.jpg

Lots of test fitting and trial and error

https://i.imgur.com/2cfnTHH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vsMzWAJ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/By6acVl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/koqZyBL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zLrabBI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wMDYK1C.jpg

[Rodknock]

Made the hole in the wrong spot and had to redo it. Didn't allow for the angle of the neck. :wacko:

https://i.imgur.com/vvJBcpQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/F4Cpdtb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Mbn2vZi.jpg

[Rodknock]

Decided to make a fuel pump/sending unit access panel. Found one online for $175 bucks. This cost me $20 and a couple of hours.

1" x 1/4" flat bar. Opening is approx 12" x 7"

https://i.imgur.com/FLz2cMg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/spgDTlQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/oKT0WdB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/I173ajA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/krxVjHH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/A2XDpEg.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LNGvApC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JZo7lrG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9XrMu3v.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sQqDBbW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FrZfaix.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/t8CF9vF.jpg

[Rodknock]

Time to work on the underbody. I painted the frame rails today. Tomorrow I'll mask off the frame rails and do the floors. I'll do them with Rustoleum bed liner, then I will paint it body color.

https://i.imgur.com/dpVtjun.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KF5ubtw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FNbzTWW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Z424Hdb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3Y4aPER.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/hU6cQbL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UfSHOJb.jpg

Ready for the floor tomorrow

https://i.imgur.com/orBN7bT.jpg

[214Chevy]

Very nice work you're doing there.

[Rodknock]

Very nice work you're doing there.


Thank you. Just doing what I can, with what I have and my limited skills. I just don't trust people to do my work. I figure I can buy the tools I need, and screw it up a couple of time for what some of these shops charge to do shoddy work. :lol:

[slimjim]

Thank you. Just doing what I can, with what I have and my limited skills. I just don't trust people to do my work. I figure I can buy the tools I need, and screw it up a couple of time for what some of these shops charge to do shoddy work. :lol:

I can relate to this!

[Rodknock]

I can relate to this!

Yes!!! I've seen some expensive paint jobs that look like crap. I was able to buy 2 high quality spray guns, and my materials for less than these guys paid for their paint jobs.

[WSSix]

Nice work, John. Glad to see you making progress again. Thanks for updating us.

[Rodknock]

Nice work, John. Glad to see you making progress again. Thanks for updating us.

Thanks buddy, I appreciate it!!

[Rodknock]

I sprayed Rust-O-Leum bedliner on the underside floor pan. I know everybody says to use Lizard Skin or something else, but this is what I had. I live on dirt road that is sand and also has wash board, so I wanted something tough, and I also painted it what the body color would be. Didn't know for sure if Lizard Skin could be top coated or not.

https://i.imgur.com/BSagcRu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0JbuJp5.jpg

[Rodknock]

Today, after letting the bed liner dry for 24 hours, I painted over it. First with a green sealer, then the base coat, then the clear coat. ALmost didn't have enough clear. Could have probably used another good coat, but that's ok, it will work. It looks grainy, because it's going over the bedliner texture coat. If I would have been motivated enough to body work the floor, I might have skipped the bedliner, but it does cover up imperfections :superhack:

I first tried an inconspicuous spot to see if it would look ok, and not have any bad reaction with the bed liner.

https://i.imgur.com/OhdQqbD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/REkSDTk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bWZbxeO.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Mbreipi.jpg

Time for base coat

https://i.imgur.com/438OQ3t.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5HSQEvh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/j9629GM.jpg

Time for clear coat

https://i.imgur.com/v92aflo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8E6ABez.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/aIydM23.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nQa2rVN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/j89Mx21.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Eg28Pqt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XW08tKa.jpg

[Rodknock]

Got the fuel tank, somewhat permanently mounted yesterday. I think I'll have to yank it back out to replace the filler hose. I need an angled one to work with the Ridetech fuel filler.

Prepping the anti-rattle strips. I decided to attach them to the vehicle instead of the tank itself. I don't know if it really matter either way.
Only 30,246 more parts to go :bang:

https://i.imgur.com/3PrHJcx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1YTU0fX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gxMKHVS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CR34Qvq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SohsrZF.jpg

[Spiffav8]

That green is insane! I like it.

[slimjim]

This really makes me wish I invested in a rotisserie

[Rodknock]

That green is insane! I like it.

Thanks!! I do too. Only took 2 years to find it :confused18:


This really makes me wish I invested in a rotisserie

I built this one. Found some plans online that were free. Although, I probably have $700 in it, with the cost of steel, the casters, and long ram jacks, it adds up quick. And that was in 2012. Who knows what it would cost now.
Realistically, it's probably cheaper to buy one. I know it would have been a lot easier :lol:

[Rodknock]

Started installing some of the rear suspension components. I was going to polish the Heidts aluminum center section, but it was recommended to just do "chrome" powder coating. Sadly, that didn't turn out so well, but I'll live with it. Not really going to show under the car anyway. The powder coater felt really bad about it. He said it might happen (gassing). He cooked it in the oven for 5 hours, hoping to get the impurities out of it, but it still pitted. Just cheap dirty casting from the mfg. Nothing he could do. Only charged me $100, instead of the original $200 quote. I can't fault him, he tried. Even put several hours of prep into it before hand, to smooth it out.

Before

https://i.imgur.com/7tULSYT.jpg

After

https://i.imgur.com/TFlbN7O.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BU3azDt.jpg

Other stuff going in

https://i.imgur.com/i7XsqXH.jpg

$500 doesn't buy much in the quality paint scene these days. The color I chose is up to $880 a gallon. I bought it a year ago for $600 a gallon. This is 2 quarts of jet black, 1 quart of black primer, and 1 gallon of clear, and the catalysts to go with them

https://i.imgur.com/FsOnfPo.jpg

[Spiffav8]

Started installing some of the rear suspension components. I was going to polish the Heidts aluminum center section, but it was recommended to just do "chrome" powder coating. Sadly, that didn't turn out so well, but I'll live with it. Not really going to show under the car anyway. The powder coater felt really bad about it. He said it might happen (gassing). He cooked it in the oven for 5 hours, hoping to get the impurities out of it, but it still pitted. Just cheap dirty casting from the mfg. Nothing he could do. Only charged me $100, instead of the original $200 quote. I can't fault him, he tried. Even put several hours of prep into it before hand, to smooth it out.

Before

https://i.imgur.com/7tULSYT.jpg

After

https://i.imgur.com/TFlbN7O.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BU3azDt.jpg

Other stuff going in

https://i.imgur.com/i7XsqXH.jpg

$500 doesn't buy much in the quality paint scene these days. The color I chose is up to $880 a gallon. I bought it a year ago for $600 a gallon. This is 2 quarts of jet black, 1 quart of black primer, and 1 gallon of clear, and the catalysts to go with them

https://i.imgur.com/FsOnfPo.jpg

It works.

[Rodknock]

It works.

Yup!! If I was building a show car, it would be a different story, but for a driver, it's good enough. Mainly wanted protection from the elements.

[Spiffav8]

Yup!! If I was building a show car, it would be a different story, but for a driver, it's good enough. Mainly wanted protection from the elements.

Powder coating holds up really well. I'm glad I used it on my AME frame, rear suspension an diff. Also super easy to clean and keep looking nice. I think it's the smart move.

[waynieZ]

Powder coating holds up really well. I'm glad I used it on my AME frame, rear suspension an diff. Also super easy to clean and keep looking nice. I think it's the smart move.

I agree 100%

[streetbird]

looking good, you work really fast

[Rodknock]

looking good, you work really fast


8 years into a 2 year project, doesn't seem too fast to me :lol:

[Rodknock]

Got just a little bit more done before I got called to work. Was expecting to do more, but a plumbing leak at home, and getting called to work 11 hours earlier than expected, sorta changed things.
Got the third member installed into the housing, and got it all bolted up. Started installing the stub shafts, but that's as far as I got. I realized, after moving 3 different times, since I bought all this stuff, I am missing some hardware.
Don't have a brake caliper mounting bolts. Not sure what happened with those, so I'll have to find some.

Tried putting that heavy ass iron third member in with the housing in place...that's a negative ghost rider

https://i.imgur.com/FRBGZGB.jpg

This'll work

https://i.imgur.com/duQwGzs.jpg

There it is

https://i.imgur.com/asmkL8d.jpg

Just swing it up into place

https://i.imgur.com/kZls6CJ.jpg

[Rodknock]

For those contemplating a Heidt's setup, some of their stuff is kinda quirky. For instance, the front aluminum hubs are Willwood, and take a 1/2" wheel stud, but the rear hubs, are apparently Corvette hubs and have a 12mm wheel stud. Had to spend $100 for 10 new wheel studs from ARP. These are specific for converting C5 hubs to SAE 1/2" studs. Just drill out the hole with a 1/2" drill, and good to go.
Don't make fun of my spark plug socket on the press. As soon as the stud bottomed, I stopped. It was the perfect fit for what I needed to do. :)

Get out the BFH

https://i.imgur.com/07syfVN.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/dBGi8Ns.jpg

I made sure the table was level with the drill head. Don't want it to be angled

https://i.imgur.com/rUmT4OL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/zF55K4r.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/M55NXVp.jpg

Don't laugh, it worked

https://i.imgur.com/q3zBVAd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/HSYVjPS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Cn5vmdr.jpg

[Rodknock]

Assembled more of the rear suspension stuff. Waiting on some Grade 8 fasteners to come in. Heidt's supplies Grade 5, which I'm sure is sufficient, but I like the pretty gold color of Grade 8:G-Dub::lol:

https://i.imgur.com/iFQMK4L.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/n5eSRCy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Kc593rw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MM9BpEH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/I7e1D2o.jpg

Almost time for wheel measuring!!345's babay!!

https://i.imgur.com/T9ZZoh6.jpg

[waynieZ]

Everything looks great in there. I'll be watching this part for sure, I've got 345's to fit too. Nice work.

[Rodknock]

Everything looks great in there. I'll be watching this part for sure, I've got 345's to fit too. Nice work.

Thank you!!!

[Rodknock]

Buttoned up the rear suspension stuff, and took the car off the rotisserie, for the last time...maybe
Straightened and cleaned the garage a little. Time to strip the doors to bare metal, and get everything hung, and body worked.

https://i.imgur.com/VaajMrT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KTiFbk4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/woGHHHV.jpg

[Rodknock]

This is a pretty neat, but not cheap tool, to figure out wheel size, backspacing, width, etc. Made by a gentleman named Mike Keller, who owns a company named Verified Fabrication. It is a very well made and thought out design. The tires (when I get them) actually mounts to it, and you can move your suspension through it's travel, with wheel turned (up front) and see where you might have clearance issues. I figure a $400 tool is a lot cheaper than $2000 wheels I can't use, if I got the measurements wrong. :hairpullout:

https://i.imgur.com/wVL2wQm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0Cx6fON.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ZqzOxXZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QAqSC3r.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FDUoa4Y.jpg

This was the only issue I ran in to with the tool. Of course it's not designed necessarily to use with the IRS suspension. I called mike, and he told me the tool is thicker in that area for strength to hold the tire, which is what I thought. So I can roughly take away about 5/8" from the thickness, and it should be good to go with 19" wheels. If I set the slides to 20" wheels it clears, but I don't want 20's and rubber band tires..lol

https://i.imgur.com/tcKLuB9.jpg

[Rodknock]

Wheel selection. Harder to decide than the color I chose!!!
The first pics are the wheel style I initially wanted (not the color), but have since changed. I'm pretty much going to stick with polished outer and brushed centers, but might go with the Royal Gold center (last pic), but not sure yet.

I'M OPEN TO OPINIONS!!!!

Old first choice

https://i.imgur.com/1T1Y2s8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jiWuSGr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Tts1J9C.jpg

New first choice

https://i.imgur.com/4PqHkKA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wJ36iRu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7N2FEYI.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/HzHJfgR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QEgEgva.jpg

Second choice

https://i.imgur.com/P4yqr9D.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/qeURdQB.jpg

Third choice. I do kinda like the deep dish look though

https://i.imgur.com/NQRzPsz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Rcssien.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/29bVIfl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/j3ErBY4.jpg

Color options for the center section

https://i.imgur.com/YFIPJCp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DueYBmE.jpg

And the Royal Gold color I mentioned earlier, but not this style of wheel

https://i.imgur.com/iZsCzvP.jpg

[214Chevy]

I like the third choice...

[WSSix]

Oh, this is hard. Of the three you've posted, I'm with Marcus. The third choice looks best to me. I'm not sold on the spokes coming out to the edge of the wheel. The others also look really difficult to clean, lol.

Color, not gold. Gold against a bright green doesn't look good to me. I'd go a dark gold/bronze or lighter gray rim. I'd suggest a center that's not so dark in color that you lose the details of the machining. Polished lips with machined centers sounds nice. The polished lip helps set off the wheel from the tire and frames the center to me.

Good luck. I hate the idea of picking rims so much that I'd just copy someone else or get something traditional like a Forgeline DE3P or Fiske FM5 or FM10 and call it done. They're not new but they look great. I'd seriously go mad if I had to choose something new.

[Ketzer]

All great choices!
I have the first style on my 911. I've been extremely happy with BC and the wheels look incredible in person. I ordered mine in the brushed black and they do have a bronze tint to them...which worked out great on the car.

Jeff-

[joeko23]

They John, I’ve got a similar setup to you. 69 Camaro, Heidts IRS, but I have a chassisworks front subframe. Anyway, I ordered 19x11 wheels with 15mm offset which equates to about 6.5” of backspace. I have no clearance issues. I’m also using a 325-30-19 tire.

Check out some pics of my build. I painted my whole driveline almost a candy red, engine, trans, driveshaft, and the diff housing. Came out amazing! Your doing amazing work too and it’s coming together so quickly!

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/125828-69-Camaro-RS-LSA-TR6060-and-0-Fab-Skills

[Rodknock]

I like the third choice...

Yup. It's basically like my prime choice, but with the deep dish look. I'm really leaning more towards that as well!!

Oh, this is hard. Of the three you've posted, I'm with Marcus. The third choice looks best to me. I'm not sold on the spokes coming out to the edge of the wheel. The others also look really difficult to clean, lol.

Color, not gold. Gold against a bright green doesn't look good to me. I'd go a dark gold/bronze or lighter gray rim. I'd suggest a center that's not so dark in color that you lose the details of the machining. Polished lips with machined centers sounds nice. The polished lip helps set off the wheel from the tire and frames the center to me.

Good luck. I hate the idea of picking rims so much that I'd just copy someone else or get something traditional like a Forgeline DE3P or Fiske FM5 or FM10 and call it done. They're not new but they look great. I'd seriously go mad if I had to choose something new.

DUDE!!! It was easier to find the color I wanted for the car, than to pick wheels now. Initially it wasn't like that. I had my heart set on Rushforth Night Trains, but now that I look at more wheels, I'm finding others I really like. Ugh

All great choices!
I have the first style on my 911. I've been extremely happy with BC and the wheels look incredible in person. I ordered mine in the brushed black and they do have a bronze tint to them...which worked out great on the car.

Jeff-

I think that style goes better on modern European cars. Just something about deep dish wheels on American muscle cars I guess. My wheel guy is the one that suggested BC Forged. He said it's the best bang for the buck!!
I'll likely just stick with the brushed centers, but I really do like that Crystal Coffee too!!

They John, I’ve got a similar setup to you. 69 Camaro, Heidts IRS, but I have a chassisworks front subframe. Anyway, I ordered 19x11 wheels with 15mm offset which equates to about 6.5” of backspace. I have no clearance issues. I’m also using a 325-30-19 tire.

Check out some pics of my build. I painted my whole driveline almost a candy red, engine, trans, driveshaft, and the diff housing. Came out amazing! Your doing amazing work too and it’s coming together so quickly!

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/125828-69-Camaro-RS-LSA-TR6060-and-0-Fab-Skills

I subscribed to your thread over there. That car is going to be outstanding!!
I have 345's coming in next week. Hoping they fit!! I haven't fully measured yet, but yeah, that 6.5" offset sounds pretty close just from the loose measuring I did.

[69Toronto]

also looking at some of the BC forged and ESR 3 piece wheels....
tough decision....

[Rodknock]

also looking at some of the BC forged and ESR 3 piece wheels....
tough decision....

So many nice wheels, it's a tough decision. I'm relying on my wheel guy for advice as to best bang for the buck, and he said the BC Forged are, and he's a dealer for several of the top mfg's

[cjfirstgen]

So many nice wheels, it's a tough decision. I'm relying on my wheel guy for advice as to best bang for the buck, and he said the BC Forged are, and he's a dealer for several of the top mfg's

Wheels are certainly a tough choice. Your third choice looks great. Project is coming along nicely.

[69Toronto]

So many nice wheels, it's a tough decision. I'm relying on my wheel guy for advice as to best bang for the buck, and he said the BC Forged are, and he's a dealer for several of the top mfg's

agreed BC forged for the money...for me its looking "too modern" or out of place on a 69 and Lip vs no lip

looking at litespeed wheels also https://www.litespeedracing.com/

[Rodknock]

My beefy rear meats came in today!!! They are definitely yuge compared to the stock 14" wheels. Looks like 12" wide rim and 6 3/4" B.S. will be perfect!

https://i.imgur.com/cypaULF.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SADs08Q.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/caYu0Zp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cC8JSCt.jpg

Time to play with the trick tool.

https://i.imgur.com/nyMM83i.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EhYx0Vs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MhwfydD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4quKGL3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FL8dS4M.jpg

[Rodknock]

Test fit #2. Re-mounted the doors back on the car. I'm going to pin the hinges this time around. Also need to fit the new Cowl hood, and Anvil parts, since I obtained all of these after the car was torn apart.
Was lucky enough to get a couple of days off of work to get a few things done, although most of my time was spent catching up on neglected chores around the house. Was really hoping to get more done on the car. I mounted the fenders today before work, but didn't get a chance to take pics.

Yes, the glass and the hardware are sitting in the door, to simulate the weight to make it hang properly. :D
I did find a little rust in the driver door, but it was easily repaired. Just goes to show what can be hiding under a primered or painted car, when you buy it.:welder:

https://i.imgur.com/ma1UfI9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/iyzpMoz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lrFqCb0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SoSrPW8.jpg

[Rodknock]

Got the fenders loosely installed. Funny how I bagged and tagged every nut, bolt, and shim, but it still ends up needing to be tweaked. They just never go back together the same way twice. :confused18:

I'm going to have to work the door gaps of the AMD fender on the passenger side, at the top along the curve, leading up towards the windshield. The angle of the curve in the panel is pretty far off from the curve of the door at the top. Also the door to fender gap at the very bottom of the door will need work. Not much though. It's more of an issue with the door, not the fender with that part. gaps are perfect at the rear of the door, and along the rocker panel, so doors are adjusted perfect.

Driver side has an OEM fender, so the gaps are fairly decent with that one. I just need to do some body work, and weld in the tab for the RS headlight stuff, since it was a standard fender.

https://i.imgur.com/aSUTTu4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Moj17nW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AUSCRg1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/p71SpSb.jpg

[Rodknock]

Been working on the door to fender, and door to quarter panel gaps. Not that they were too awful, but I wanted a little more consistency in them, and a little tighter. I basically just ran my mig along the edges to build them up, and then ground them down.

You can see where these areas are a little wide in some spots, but decent in others.

https://i.imgur.com/osawWm7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yyHL5QS.jpg

Didn't mark these but you can see it's a little wide at the top.

https://i.imgur.com/N488yKy.jpg

A little wide in the middle (like me) :lol:

https://i.imgur.com/CagJq4G.jpg

Needs a little build up to make it tighter against the fender. I couldn't move the door further forward, or the rear gap would have been huge.

https://i.imgur.com/tFLIrmd.jpg

Bottom along the rocker is perfect. Nothing needed here.

https://i.imgur.com/8RxqcOI.jpg

I'm a grinder, not a welder as you can tell

https://i.imgur.com/tk5JXtK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FUi9Awt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eME50dK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DioAEgY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/10c0nte.jpg



Second round. Adding a little more material

https://i.imgur.com/WfQ2QHW.jpg

[Rodknock]

Fun stuff here. Passenger fender is an AMD. They do not fit as great as everyone says they do. I had to build up along the top near the door. The body line along the top to the body line at the middle, is literally too short. Rather than cut and weld the whole rear section of the fender, I decided to try out Eastwood's body solder. At least it gives me the ability to use metal to build up the area as opposed to plastic filler, or doing all the work of cutting and welding it all.

Here you can see how bad the gap is.

https://i.imgur.com/PqJgLrr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RGZJnc4.jpg

First step is to "tin" the fender, using their tinning butter

https://i.imgur.com/UmalEqk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Yo4blsI.jpg

After it's tinned, then wash it with baking soda, to neutralize the acid. Then apply the solder.

https://i.imgur.com/Inqu9ih.jpg

Once that's finished, shape to desired form

https://i.imgur.com/n4ibLN6.jpg

[Rodknock]

Here, they are mostly finished. Still have a little adjusting to do, but they're pretty close to acceptable ..lol

https://i.imgur.com/muV8WjW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UfJTEZR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NEyHmFr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ND0ytZ0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/74dmGBb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5xEMFJG.jpg

[joeko23]

Hey John, have you tried to put a straight edge in the peak between the fender and door? On mine the the peak goes in and I have about 1/4” gap. Do you have this problem too? Wondering how to deal with this?

[214Chevy]

Looking good John...

[Rodknock]

Hey John, have you tried to put a straight edge in the peak between the fender and door? On mine the the peak goes in and I have about 1/4” gap. Do you have this problem too? Wondering how to deal with this?

I'm no body expert, but it seems as though if the fender peak is too far in, and it needs pushed out, you might need to remove shims at the top of the fender and possibly the bottom to make the fender "push out" in the middle. You'll still keep your door gap width. Just shim accordingly to keep the height correct.
Another thing to try is remove the fender and place it with the inside facing up on the ground and put blocks of wood along the top and bottom to support it, and then step on the fender to try to bend it outward a little. I had to do this with one of mine, but the other way, as the peak was too far out.

One thing with these cars, is you will be using body filler to perfect it. There's no getting around it, unless you're a metal working expert.

Also make sure the fenders are attached to the core support, because just a little bit of movement up front will make a difference at the door. I loosely bolt the entire front end, to the car, and don't tighten the inner wheel wells, because you want to be able to have movement of the fenders.

Looking good John...

Thank you!!

[joeko23]

Thanks John, I’ll try to push it out. Just don’t want 1/4” of body filler. That’s sure to chip off. Thanks!

[Rodknock]

Thanks John, I’ll try to push it out. Just don’t want 1/4” of body filler. That’s sure to chip off. Thanks!

That's why I used the Eastwood body solder to build up my passenger fender, because I knew to much filler isn't good. Tends to shrink over time as well. At lease the solder is actual metal, and won't shrink.
Is your fender an aftermarket one?

[joeko23]

Yes aftermarket doors and fenders. The peak bows in where it meets door to fender. If I add filler or metal it will then rub on the inside of the fender when I open the door. The body shop that was undercoating and painting firewall suggested to cut the edge of the peak and pull it out. Then weld it. That’s the only way they said it won’t rub.

[dhutton]

Yes aftermarket doors and fenders. The peak bows in where it meets door to fender. If I add filler or metal it will then rub on the inside of the fender when I open the door. The body shop that was undercoating and painting firewall suggested to cut the edge of the peak and pull it out. Then weld it. That’s the only way they said it won’t rub.

I have had to cut the inner edge brace of the fender to get the shape correct. Then reweld the cut once you have the shape you need.

Don

[waynieZ]

I agree with Don, that way you still get the stiffness you need to hold the fender shape and you get the room you need.

[Rodknock]

I have had to cut the inner edge brace of the fender to get the shape correct. Then reweld the cut once you have the shape you need.

Don

When I was having issues with an AMD driver fender, I had a guy tell me the same thing. He said cut the brace in the back by the "V" in the fender, and it will cause it to basically "relax" into place.
I ended up finding an OEM fender, so I didn't have to deal with that issue.

[Rodknock]

This is an issue that has plagued me from the start. Trying to fix the droopy eye, which seems to be a common issue on 69's on the driver side especially. Don't know why. When I had an AMD fender it was even more pronounced. Not quite as bad with an OEM fender.
The fix was so simple, I don't know why I didn't do it before. Just a little cut with a cutoff wheel, move it down, and re-weld. 10 minute fix.

Here's how it was before. It was way worse at one time, but some tweaking and pulling got it close. I'll post a pic of the original issue before the OEM fender first, so you can see how bad it was.

Here's the only pic I had. Even though the grille isn't bolted in, you can see the extreme angle it has.

https://i.imgur.com/VoglclS.jpg

Here's how it looked before the easy fix. I was almost willing to "live with it" till I tried one last thing.

https://i.imgur.com/eAnOCd5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Kfihyxc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/849vZop.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WNDTuLW.jpg

Here's where I made the cut, and welded back together.

https://i.imgur.com/srftZXp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9UyuaJ6.jpg

The final outcome, and a comparison shot. I even did the passenger side, just to flatten it out a little more.

https://i.imgur.com/l5bPfJE.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1AtvKw2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WnGjuRR.jpg

[waynieZ]

Nice job, that looks a lot better, and will make your life easier.

[Rodknock]

Nice job, that looks a lot better, and will make your life easier.

Thanks Wayne. Today, I'm going to try to do the RS headlight stuff. Get things cleaned up and test fitted.
I didn't want to go to work today, so I had a case of anal glaucoma :lol:

[Rodknock]

Started messing with the headlight items. Luckily I was able to source complete OEM headlight assemblies from a friend. The OEM stuff is much better than aftermarket. I tried just using an aftermarket bellcrank, and was having issues, so I can imagine what other fitment issues I would have with all aftermarket parts.

You can tell it's an aftermarket grille. Even with the outside lined up perfect the inside area is crooked. Guess I'll have to trim the grille a little.

https://i.imgur.com/QM9etph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Dgc1u95.jpg

That's pretty close. Going to need some fine tuning.

https://i.imgur.com/471BgTj.jpg

[Rodknock]

Today I disassembled the assemblies, sandblasted and painted the parts. I have new bushing kits for them, although the original bushings are in great shape.

https://i.imgur.com/6VEv6nY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LU0LkBs.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/T2e5iIV.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/j8Nym97.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bUSfi6R.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PHHAqfA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2YOIQvA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/57MJOb5.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/dyi4eab.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fO0syQT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1qyFLlx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5HFWETW.jpg

[waynieZ]

Check all the holes some of mine were a little out of round and gave me trouble,if they give you more problems.
They look nice all painted up.

[joeko23]

That green looks so nice! I just want to bit into that candy apple. Is it a tri stage?

[Rodknock]

Check all the holes some of mine were a little out of round and gave me trouble,if they give you more problems.
They look nice all painted up.

The holes are in good shape, luckily. Even the long shoulder bolt doesn't have any wear on it.

That green looks so nice! I just want to bit into that candy apple. Is it a tri stage?

It's just 2 stage. House of Kolor Lime Mist. I'm not that talented to do a 3 stage, unless you want to count the sealer before color as a stage :lol::lol:

[Rodknock]

Hopefully these are finished and can be boxed and put away till final assembly of the car.

https://i.imgur.com/DWBWbF6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xN5wtNE.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/06a4OYv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0ZqBK8a.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/oHD3duO.jpg

[Rodknock]

Not at all happy with the hood to fender gaps. I guess that's not surprising, considering I haven't been very pleased with much of this build, as far as body gaps go. 🤣
The gaps at the very front and rear are good, but it's like the hood/fenders are bowed in the middle. When I lay a straight edge along the length, I can see some daylight, so it is bowed a little.
I went ahead and added a 1/8" thick piece of metal along the length of the hood, to help close it off.
Hopefully, I can finish it off tomorrow. 14 and 15 hour days at work are taking it's toll on me.🥱

https://i.imgur.com/9GJYCJy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KLp3XWf.jpg

Looser than a hooker on 50 cent night :D

https://i.imgur.com/74DMlVu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SQi8pCu.jpg

Ends are good. about 3/16" or a little less

https://i.imgur.com/mo8UaBV.jpg

Middle is about 1/4" No bueno

https://i.imgur.com/6bcAw6J.jpg

1/8" x 1/2" flat bar, welded along the edge and ground down. Bottom side

https://i.imgur.com/0os55e4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IEhWDYC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/z74NSYZ.jpg

Top side

https://i.imgur.com/fcjo1RC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Kr83egz.jpg

Finish grinding

https://i.imgur.com/v5JUzlM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Rtl8Ki5.jpg

[Rodknock]

WOW!!! Has it been 3 months since I last posted!!?
I've been working pretty much, 7 days a week lately.
Here's a little update. I finally got my wheels ordered, built and received. Mounted the tires on the rear ones. It's a super tight fit, but these pics are with the springs out of the coil overs, and the suspension fully collapsed, which it will never be that far up in the travel, because I will be installing jounce bumpers to keep the suspension pieces from hitting the frame.

Just a little test fit!!! Like a kid at Christmas

https://i.imgur.com/xz1SwEz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/f76Ws2E.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/R1CQTnE.jpg


Now with the tires. You can see how close to the outer lip, the tire is. It doesn't rub, and like I said, that's with the suspension fully collapsed, and the upper arm hitting the frame

https://i.imgur.com/F6tfKfa.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7c5gDiY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bOmzaka.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/klSRf18.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8uYDQn3.jpg

[camcojb]

Looks great!

[Rodknock]

Thanks!!

[WSSix]

You didn't want to roll the fender lips to gain more clearance? Rims look great, John. Will you be adding some color or keeping them shiny?

[Rodknock]

You didn't want to roll the fender lips to gain more clearance? Rims look great, John. Will you be adding some color or keeping them shiny?

I'm going to install the jounce bumpers on the coil overs first, and see where the tire is after that. I may cut the lip, but I don't know if I'll roll it or not.
I don't think I'll add any color. Probably just leave them as is. Was hoping to paint the car at the end of this month when I'm on vacation, but I have way to much to do still, so it's going to wait another 6 months, till I'm on vacation again.. :mad: :(

[srode1]

those 335/30/18s? Yep, looks tight but centered in the wheel well nicely from what I can see in the pictures.

[Rodknock]

those 335/30/18s? Yep, looks tight but centered in the wheel well nicely from what I can see in the pictures.

345/30-19's actually. Surprised they're centered since the Heidt's instructions leave an awfully lot to be desired on the installation.:headspin:

[Rodknock]

Holy Beejeezus!!! 2 yeas since I updated this!!!
I'll have to get my act together. I have moved from AZ to WA and left my old job and started a new one, since I last posted. I'll try to update here shortly.

[syborg tt]

Holy Beejeezus!!! 2 yeas since I updated this!!!
I'll have to get my act together. I have moved from AZ to WA and left my old job and started a new one, since I last posted. I'll try to update here shortly.


Don’t worry we all understand. Life gets in the way sometimes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rodknock]

TEASER!!

I'm going to try and update soon, now that winter is here.


https://i.imgur.com/PsQ1ioJ.jpg

[syborg tt]

Us married guys don’t like teasers

Help her brother out show off some pictures


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rodknock]

Us married guys don’t like teasers

Help her brother out show off some pictures


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I have to get my pics off my phone and loaded to Imgur, which is a total PITA to navigate. I miss the old PhotoBucket for hosting pics.

[Juggernaut]

I have to get my pics off my phone and loaded to Imgur, which is a total PITA to navigate. I miss the old PhotoBucket for hosting pics.

I never visit forums on my phone, so I'm not 100% sure how it works there... but you can attach images directly to posts! No need to rely on another host which could shut down at any time.

Apologies for this huge attachment -- vBulletin made it twice as large as it actually is.

[Rodknock]

I never visit forums on my phone, so I'm not 100% sure how it works there... but you can attach images directly to posts! No need to rely on another host which could shut down at any time.

Apologies for this huge attachment -- vBulletin made it twice as large as it actually is.


I agree about pic hosts shutting down. I was just trying to keep from using site resources for pics, unless it doesn't affect anything as far as bandwidth etc.

[Rodknock]

I'll do some updating now :lol:

Last I left off, I was working on the hood gaps adding metal to the sides to close them up. I was living in AZ at the time and working for the railroad. I had enough of the Railroad BS and switched jobs and states. Moved from AZ to the PNW, just outside of Spokane WA. Some people think I'm crazy for leaving the RR, but it's hard to have any kind of life working that job (conductor/engineer). Basically home for 12 hours and gone for two days. 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
So, I left to become a field service technician and do forklift/warehouse equipment repair. 4/10 schedule/40 hours a week. Less money, but at least I have a life back. This was in January 2022.

I had to thrash pretty hard to get the car ready to travel to WA in the middle of winter. I needed to get all of the bare metal covered in primer, put the car together, and pack up all my stuff in a months time, while still working the RR job!

Loading up.

https://i.imgur.com/bT06C3J.jpg

On the trailer. Now to load the inside of the car and get everything secured.


https://i.imgur.com/SIjWsHX.jpg

Stopping for fuel, in ID.


https://i.imgur.com/6oLJpji.jpg

Made it to the new home.


https://i.imgur.com/pK94aft.jpg

[Rodknock]

Once I finally settled into the new house and after winter was over, I got back to it. Just that 1000 mile haul on the trailer through winter weather caused all kinds of issues I had to repair. It let me know where I missed with paint, as rust was forming in nothing flat.
Anyway, I'm not sure of the order of things, but I basically did the firewall and door jambs about the same time.

Front end sheet metal off and time to start smoothing out the firewall.

https://i.imgur.com/uknlGxW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/VauBiS6.jpg

It had a few waves in it that required some skimming.

https://i.imgur.com/wJd6yN2.jpg

All painted and cleared, along with the door jambs and trunk surround.

https://i.imgur.com/9HzGsYw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IwqAW48.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ahcQcn7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tiQcXQc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cwqytyt.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2qzNTu4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kXH0F7e.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RY3Pro6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1hMyB2l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/m4itdwp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/dEkaBFv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Rgu9VhA.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bbrdh5Z.jpg

[Rodknock]

I ended up having to re-block the whole car after moving to WA. Found a few issues from the trip as well as a few other things that needed repair before I could lay down paint.

[Rodknock]

Happy Thanksgiving!

I ended up not using the steel AMD hood that I out tons of hours into, and went with a Glastek Sunoco style hood instead. I like the look of it better. Also the gas shocks on my hood hinges are for a fiberglass hood not a heavy steel hood, so rather than tying to figure out what shock I would need, it was just easier to kill two birds with one stone. :lol:

Old hood

https://i.imgur.com/LHn7jFc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/VHOAkFp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/U20PlVm.jpg


New hood

https://i.imgur.com/vdwtW7x.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Tnxieiu.jpg

[syborg tt]

If your using your phone Taptalk is a great app that makes it super simple.

Hell, even I figured it out without my daughters help.

mj

I never visit forums on my phone, so I'm not 100% sure how it works there... but you can attach images directly to posts! No need to rely on another host which could shut down at any time.

Apologies for this huge attachment -- vBulletin made it twice as large as it actually is.

[Rodknock]

Just a few pics of door hinges and door jambs.

https://i.imgur.com/gzWyyPY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/LpNxpwo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tn6q7Qo.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PzeTPf4.jpg

[Rodknock]

Now that panel fit and body work is done, it's time for stripe layout.
First time around I tried black stripes, but I didn't care much for them, so I ended up doing a ghost/faux/carbon fiber type of stripe.

black stripe

[Rodknock]

Didn't like it so sanded it off

[Rodknock]

Deck lid and hood stripe layout. I really didn't want to do it this way, because I wanted the stripes to be buried and not noticeable, however doing it this way cause a "hard line" that is visible, but I was running out of good weather to get this car painted before the cold weather gets here.

deck lid/hood

[Rodknock]

I used shelf/drawer liner to simulate the look of carbon fiber. All I did was just add a touch of black to my base coat to darken it slightly.
Once the stripes were masked off, I applied the base coat, and let that dry for about 20 minutes, then I laid the liner material over that and applied the darkened base coat, then lastly, I cleared all of it.

[Rodknock]

Now that all the hidden areas and jambs are painted, it's time to reassemble the car for paint.

[Rodknock]

After reassembling the car and back masking the stripes it was time to put it in the booth. I bought one of those inflatable spray booths. It works well, if you're not using it on a windy day. Sadly, the day I chose to paint the car was a windy day, and the results were a disaster.

1. I had several stands in the booth with parts on them and I almost had them fall over on me several times.
2. I had my masking station fall over on the front of the drivers fender, taking a chunk of primer out of it, so I had to repair that. (1st pic)
3. I used fast reducer based on the projected temp for the day (mid 60's), forgetting that inside the plastic booth it would be 80 degrees, so when I applied the base coat, it was drying before it even hit the panels.
There was so much debris and dry spray that it completely ruined the paint job and wasted a gallon of paint :bang: At least I figured it out before trying to apply clear and waste more money.

Just a little bodywork before painting. :mad:

https://i.imgur.com/bsRaB08.jpg

All masked up and ready to shoot.

https://i.imgur.com/jm7bdOy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MmhJxyA.jpg

Sealer applied

https://i.imgur.com/Brpr7pp.jpg

Here's where things really went south!

https://i.imgur.com/0dawHvZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6bfI0Js.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GzED4AX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9FYbBOc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5EgN7lb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DKmq3AR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tGMZREy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/U8WlKDS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TQ8tnpx.jpg

[ScotI]

Well that's no-bueno....

[Rodknock]

Well that's no-bueno....

You can say that again!!! The positive that came out of it was that at least I had color on the whole car, and I learned a lot about what not to do when painting.
My next post will be the second round which came out much better.

[Rodknock]

Second time around came out much better.
10/09/2024 was when I did this.

Here's a video right after finishing the base coat. From here I'll unmask the stripes and apply clear to the entire car


caO8Z0s98dICvtNj

[WSSix]

Tough break on the first round of painting going so poorly. Glad you persevered.

I do like how you gave the stripes a pattern. That looks good.

[Rodknock]

For some odd reason, I can't get YouTube videos "shorts" to work properly. It always comes up with an error.:confused18:
I guess I'll stick to pics for now.

The second time around came out much much better. It wasn't a windy day, and I bought the correct speed reducer. I also added a couple of puller fans on the exhaust side to help pull the overspray out. I had to sand the entire base coat with 800 wet, and then re-mask it all, then shoot it. By the time I was finished it was getting dark and the temp dropped from the 60's to the 40's in the booth the minute the sun set.

Base Applied

https://i.imgur.com/RFFFfAS.jpg

Clear Applied

https://i.imgur.com/kDp6M7L.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/W8EdVwC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pSqEGH2.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/y9v5I6W.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RM8huD8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eQQ5izT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/X04UdYe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/A1U7Xmm.jpg

[camcojb]

I was trying to fix the video for you, but I couldn't find it on youtube based of that id #.

[camcojb]

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14032

qXIxZPT7HmU

[Rodknock]

qXIxZPT7HmU

[syborg tt]

Great progress and I am happy to see you were able to fix the paint.

And that stripe concept is awesome


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rodknock]

Great progress and I am happy to see you were able to fix the paint.

And that stripe concept is awesome


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Thank buddy!!
I'm not totally in love with it, but I can live with it. Just something a little different than the norm. When the sun hits the paint they almost completely disappear.
I still have to sand the clear flat, and re-clear it when spring comes back around. I have a few runs and some orange peel to take care of.

[Rodknock]

Got her out of the booth and into the shop before the weather got too cold. I'm getting too old for this :lol:

xOpOXW2SVcE

lYNX392T94E?si=JfSyYp64DcHfCB8A

[Rodknock]

Car outside the following day.

eO9XuesFuaU?feature=share

JVgO7DNwUkQ?feature=share

9BXhN39Gvuc?feature=share

4goseLCfmXY?feature=share

[Rodknock]

Reassembly begins. I did have to pull the whole subframe out and repaint it along with all the suspension pieces. Everything got messed up during the bodywork and paint process and also from when I moved to WA from AZ, since it was the middle of winter and there was salt on the roads.

KUgwC6sJy2M?feature=share

2aOo3BUXULE?feature=share

DN00LK4Zg3I?feature=share

[syborg tt]

Love this car and I freaking love the color

[Rodknock]

Love this car and I freaking love the color

Thanks Marty!! Yeah, I'm still diggin the color too.

Now I need to remove all the rear suspension pieces and get them cleaned up and re-painted, but that will have to wait till the weather warms up.
In the meantime I'll try to get the brake and fuel lines made up and installed. I need to figure out my fuel pump scenario. I'll be running a TT 6.0L, maybe around 700 WHP. I think two 535's should work ok, but I need to do more research on that. I have a Rick's Restomod tank, so I could put 3 pumps in if needed. :headspin:

[syborg tt]

3 pumps.

More info please.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rodknock]

3 pumps.

More info please.

Don't have much info yet. I still need to build the engine. It's a GEN III Iron block 6.0L with 317 heads, but I still have to go through it. It's been recommended to install GEN IV rotating assembly for strength.
I have already bought twin mirror image VS Racing 67/62 turbos (DBB/Billet) when they were on sale earlier this year. I also picked up a couple of Tial 44MM wastegates from a guy here local to me. I'm going to have to look at camshafts and heads, compression ratio, all that good stuff, so it's all up in the air right now, but if I could get the pump and fuel lines (-12?) run, then I can be that much further along. I will be running pump gas (91 octane) as that's the most common around here.

[syborg tt]

Oh boy this is going to even more exciting to watch.

On a side note i went back to the start of this thread and looked at all of your posts. I forgot how much work you have put into this car. I a truly looking forward to more updates with lot's of pictures.


mj

ps I am picture guy

[Rodknock]

Oh boy this is going to even more exciting to watch.

On a side note i went back to the start of this thread and looked at all of your posts. I forgot how much work you have put into this car. I a truly looking forward to more updates with lot's of pictures.


mj

ps I am picture guy

Thanks buddy. I just hope I can get to drive it before I die :lol:

I need more :G-Dub:

I have Randy Johnson at D&Z customs getting me a quote for a TKX and all the stuff I need to put a manual trans in it, since the car was originally an automatic. But then, I still have to go through the engine. Run all the brake and fuel lines, have a driveshaft made, do the exhaust, get the cooling system stuff, wire the car, get gauges, do the interior :gitrdun::buttkick:
If I could only have the money my wife spends on horses, I could buy everything I need :lol:

[syborg tt]

Thanks buddy. I just hope I can get to drive it before I die

If I could only have the money my wife spends on horses, I could buy everything I need :lol:


Huh, looks like we have similar issue's with our wives. My wife travels a bunch with our girls and loves to shop.

[Rodknock]

Well, I ordered my T-56 Magnum kit today from Randy Johnson over at D and Z Customs. I think I'll do a trial run and install it with the engine in the Heidts subframe. Maybe I'll get lucky and I won't have to raise the tunnel.
I also managed to run the front brake line. I bought a pre-bent line kit from Heidts that was supposed to fit their subframe. Well, it was pretty far off, so I used it (somewhat) as a template to bend a new stainless line. Waste of $117. Basically all I got from the kit was the fittings that go in the frame to convert from the hard line to the flex lines that attach to the calipers.
I even managed to remember to install the fitting nuts on the line before I flared them [emoji1787]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250116/fab53cc6e4ad6198113846ee89c7478f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250116/07c75e686468943e6424088ea24cedd8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250116/178cb7719d60016df5a59a8d1bebd5e7.jpg

Sent from my motorola edge (2022) using Tapatalk

[waynieZ]

It looks great, nice job.