My 1967 Camaro Restoration/Rebuild

[SirGeo]

Well most of this is being posted/converted from a bunch of emails i've been sending all my mates and any other people who were asking me about the progress on my car.. i found it easier just to write up something and send it across to everyone with a few pics of the progress...

I'll try get it all in date order, so bear with me while i slowly get this up on this forum..

Steve...

This is what i bought early September 2005 (i'll include all the stats in the next post)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/camaro-orig.jpg

And this is what i want to build.. or very similar...

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/BlackCamaro.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/black67SS.jpg


P.S. Ignore all the dates in all my photo's as i don't know how to set the camera up properly i'll try put proper dates on all posts...

[SirGeo]

**Please ignore all dates on photo's, i'm still trying to work the friggen thing out....

After having owned and built numerous VL's (turbo and non-turbo) I decided to finally buy something different.. I had a few cars in mind.. the 3 leading cars were a Ferrari (308 GTx), a early Camaro or a T-Bucket. And of coarse the temptation to do something I know (a VL) was always there..
Each car was chosen for various reasons, Ferrari because ever since I was young I always had a matchbox Ferrari of some sort and I just wanted to say I owned a Ferrari in my younger years..

The Camaro again because I had matchbox versions, and always loved them, was starting see a few more here an there and they were GM's response to the mustang..

A T-Bucket.. well what can I say.. everyone loves a t-bucket.. it's a driveline bolted to a chassis and (literally) a bucket bolted down to it for the driver... can't get any simpler, and I can respray it every other weekend if I want..

In between I checked out a few other cars but nothing really took my fancy.. and as pointed out in the first post I settled on a 1967 Camaro.

In mid september 2005 i came accross one and deicided to buy it...


Now, I would just like to point out I did not jump on the "Camaro" band wagon. I bought it in Sep 2005 after nearly 6 months of looking. As far as I know the price hike and sudden popularity of them started in Jan '06, as that's when I noticed all the spare parts started rocketing in price ... So I got in just in time.

I bought it for a very tidy sum.. allot lower than what you'd expect to find a Camaro in very bad condition now days. I bought it with the intentions of having a project and building it up, i did not look for a "completed" car as it takes away a bit of the fun of having to build it up myself... So here's what i got.. Was only in Australia for a few weeks before i got to it.


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/1.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/2.jpg



It came with a chev-327 (originally a 350 according to the build plates) with a Powerglide, all being put to the ground by 10 bolt diff.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/3.jpg



The interior was a bit 'iffy' so the person I bought it off chucked in a brand new OEM black interior. Build plates say it came with the "special" interior but I'm not fussed.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/4.jpg


After going over the car thoroughly I knew it had a guard replaced and some rust here and there which was expected.. but the seller also gave me a new genuine rear valance panel and cowl hood. Also included was a rear spoiler, new interior trim bits and pieces, new chrome handles, new mirrors, wipers, badges etc.. also gave me a bush kit, chassis to body rubbers and a whole heap of other stuff.. (all for free) so I think I did quite well.

Also anytime I need anything, I can ask him directly he can find it for me and gives it to me at a very good price...

[SirGeo]

on the 03 of September 2005 i took delivery of my new pride and joy....

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/5.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/7.jpg

Came to my door and i quickly tucked it into it's temporary home until somewhere more permanent (and roomy) could be arragned

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/6.jpg

[SirGeo]

Original Sent: Monday, 17 October 2005 9:50 AM


Decided to do some work on Saturday morning. Firstly I traveled to my new favorite place in the whole wide word ‘Lylidale Industrial Park’ (in Vic), it has every single automotive business in regards to American cars any one can think off. I made the trip to talk to a Right Hand drive conversion specialist (as my can is currently left hand drive), although they mainly do mustangs there is a guy their named ‘Colin’ that knows his camaro’s and ffered to do it for me.
We worked out a price (lets just say my Girlfriend has to wait a bit longer for that ring), and figured out how he needs the car, front end striped, motor out, interior removed, and wiring gone. I went home just after lunch and started doing it all.



http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201610/1.jpg



Decided first thigs first... the front had to be stripped so i could take out the motor... Nothing too hard, just a couple of bolts needed to be WD40'd to "help" them out...
I thought no pointin screwing around and taking the motor and auto out seperatly, since they needed to both be out i just took them out in 1 piece.. allot easier.. disconnected the tailshaft etc first offcoarse...

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201610/2.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201610/3.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201610/5.jpg


and here's the 327 my girlfriend has claimed as her "spare" motor for her 39 Chev...

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201610/4.jpg

I continued stripping the whole front off, guards and all, took all the interior out, wiring dash etc was also removed, as it would make it easier for the RH conversion.

This is bassically what it ended up looking like by the end of the night..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201610/6.jpg



Didn’t finish until late, and only broke 1 thing.. but that one thing happened to be something expensive.. the windscreen, and it’s an old American car, so I can’t exactly call windscreen o’brians to get a new one like i'd be used to with the commodores.. And that was probably the only thing that i should have been able to salvage from it.. looked it was replaced not that long ago, oh well these things happen...

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Thursday, 3 November 2005 10:11 AM


On Monday the camaro was sent to conversion place to be changed to a Right Hand Drive, and I got some happy snaps after it arrived.


This is what it is like in it’s present state.. hopefully it’s only there a week or 2 then it’s home and I can start to work my magic….

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005 0111/1.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005 0111/2.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005 0111/3.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005 0111/4.jpg

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Monday, 28 November 2005 2:42 PM


I decided I wanted to go a big block, I have the opportunity to so why not.. if I wanted to build a small block car I'd go something cheaper...
And the BigBlock I decided upon... a 427.

They came out in the special edition Yanko camaro's so I could get away with it if I had any questions from the Authorities or Vic Roads..I can say it was a factory/dealer option :p

Anyway, apparently it's hard to find original 427's.,. there are plenty of 454's that have been down stroked (which is a last resort for me), since they have the exact same casts it's just a matter of changing the crank. and that's it.. (as far as I can tell from my research and questions)..

Anyway I've been looking for a few and any that do come up are very expensive (almost as much as I paid for the actual car)...

I constantly have with me a 427 "bible" that I can quickly index to check if it's original or not.. don't ask me why I'm being picky.. but I just am....

Here's an example of one of the first apparent 427's I checked out...


Casting

Casting Number 3963512

From this we know:

It was produced between the years 1969 – 1972

Can be either a 427 or 454

Can be a 2 or 4 bolt main


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/454n427/1.jpg

http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-chevy-engine-big-block-codes.asp?group=1



Suffix Code


T02I3CPD

(as it can be seen it has the layout of the post 70’s code of ‘F0114CMB’ and not the pre 70’s of ‘F0114MB’)


From this we deduce

T = Engine Assembly Plant Tonawanda Engine Plant
02 = Assembly Month February
13 Assembly Day 13th
C = Motor Division – Chevrolet Passenger car
PD = only on 454



(codes shown include motor division i.e. CPD)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/454n427/2.jpg

http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-chevy-bb-engine-suffix-codes.asp?group=12

[SirGeo]

*continued from above post.

Heads Casting No.

3993820

*was pulled from the left side head between the first and second cylinder (in the row).



Can be either out of a 454 or 402. If this was the only thing that had a 454 next to it I wouldn’t be worried, as allot of 427 were changed over to the bigger 454 heads. But it wasn’t.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/454n427/3.jpg

http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-chevy-bb-head-codes.asp?group=1





Production Date Stamp

Had the date stamp of ‘A27*1’

From this we can say it was produced:

A – January
27 – 27th
1 – 1971


January 27’th 1971


http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-decoding-help.asp (second Picture)


All this can also be checked on this site: http://www.nastyz28.com/bbcmenu.html#engine



Also the engine number..



*Engine number (found next to the suffix code)


11L141XXX (last 3 digits removed for privacy)


1 - Chevy
1 - 1971
L – Vehicle Assembly Plant – Los Angeles, California
141XXX – Partial Vin number


http://www.chevy-camaro.com/chevy-camaro-engine-suffix-code-help.asp



So by doing all this I concluded that the motor was a 454.. Maybe (but a big maybe) it is a 427 but I wasn't going to rush myself into it.. I have plenty of time until I need a motor...

[SirGeo]

**Late December 2005


Went and visited the conversion place to see how the car was going.. while I was there I organised for them to replace the rear valance panel with a new item that was supplied to me when I bought the car.. for very small cost they agreed to do it.

After a brief chat we decided to put an early model FORD power sterring pump and rack, as they fit in with minimal trouble and they had plenty on hand as it's the same they use on all the mustangs they do.

I also took a few quick happy snaps while I was there (sorry about the picture quality.. had to use my phone)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005 DEC/1xx.jpg


A pic of the old Rear Valance Panel..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005 DEC/2xx.jpg

And a pic of the new just before i got my hands back on the car..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005 DEC/3xx.jpg

Was told it would be ready in about 6weeks...

[SirGeo]

Well a few weeks after my visit i was contacted and told my car was ready.. :) :) the day after new years to be exact  so it was a great new years present for me.. we quickly organised to get it sent back to me.

While it was literally on it’s way.. I completed setting up it’s new house…. My father graciously allowed me to commandeer a small section of his factory.. I don’t see it staying this neat for long as he tends to run out of room quite quickly.. He repairs bumpers, headlights and makes/modifies/repairs bodykits as well if anyone was wondering..

Anyway.. took it off the tow truck and set it in it’s new spot….

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%20DEC/4xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%20DEC/5xx.jpg




I decided to start working on it straight away.. first thing that needed to be removed was the sub-frame (front chassis).. A task in it’s self… I had never had to remove a chevy front before so I will admit to be a bit perplexed at times..

I removed the front suspension bits and pieces, nearly shooting the whole thing in the air removing the first spring… (no one warned me!!)


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%20DEC/6xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%20DEC/7xx.jpg


And then it was so easy I thought I forgot something.. 4 bolts.. that’s it… that’s all that holds the chassis to the shell…. Anyway.. Here’s the Chassis off… Next project to tackle is to clean that up….

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%20DEC/8xx.jpg

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Monday, 9 January 2006 3:33 PM

Well this is what it currently looks like….

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/12xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/13xx.jpg

And here’s my new dash.. The conversion place , more importantly Colin done a great job changing everything from left to right,,, It is pretty much flawless… Even converted the wiper blade arms and mounts.. something a few other places i rang for quotes wouldn't do...


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/14xx.jpg

[SirGeo]

Again.. Please ignore all dates on Photo's

Originally Sent:[/B] Monday, 9 January 2006 3:33 PM (continued)

Anyway I pulled the front chassis (sorry “sub-frame”) off and hit it with a grinder/wire brush to get 30+ years of grime/old paint and surface rust off.. It took me 2 full days.. And that’s no stuffing around, 2-3 hour sessions in a row with a 15 min break in between, not for me, but for the grinder.. The grinder got so hot I actually burnt my hands, but I wanted it done as I couldn’t leave it half bare metal or the surface rust would re-start..

Anyway, I got it done late Saturday..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/1xx.jpghttp://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/2xx.jpg



http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/3xx.jpghttp://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/4xx.jpg

Here's the modifications they had to do to the chassi for the conversion and the new power steering pump.
Picture on the left is where they filled in the space where the old box was bolted..
Picture on the right is where they made the new section.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/5xx.jpghttp://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/6xx.jpg



After grinding the shiet out of it with a grinder/wire brush, getting it back to bare metal, I gave it a coat of Super Etch metal primer/etcher.
It should keep it from rusting up again, and the etch I bought can be used as an under coat so when I’m ready I can hit it with the shiny 2pak gloss black :)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/7axx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/8xx.jpghttp://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/9xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/10xx.jpghttp://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200701/11xx.jpg



Mmmmm looks like new…

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Wednesday, 15 February 2006 3:51 PM

After a few weeks absence from working on the Camaro due to may reasons (Girlfriends and all their functions), the Saturday that just past I was able to spend time finishing my firewall…

When I got it back from the conversion joint it looked as follows

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201502/1xx.jpg

I spent a good day grinding it all back to bear metal so I could see all the welds and any imperfection, unnecessary holes etc…

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201502/2xx.jpg

As it can be seen it was actually very warpy, and no way acceptable if I want to paint it black.

First thing I did was hit it with a disc grinder taking out all the high spots, grinding down any ugly welds.

This took me a good full day but before I finished up, I gave it a coat of some quality etch primer to make sure it doesn’t rust and that the paint I put on in the future holds and doesn’t flake.

Next opportunity I had to work on it, I spent the time filling any low spots with a special mix of black bog, high fill and plenty of love.

After initially filling as much as I could I hit it with a flat sander and found plenty more low and high spots (bad if you paint black as they show up)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201502/3xx.jpg

I filled them as best I could, and gave it a quick coat of black undercoat.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201502/4xx.jpg

And that is the semi finished product. It still needs another coat of high-fill just to get out any imperfections, and a coat of gloss black will go on it once I do everything else, as I will just end up scratching it.


Also I had the opportunity to work on the upper dash panel. Since I couldn’t find a 1967 top dash anywhere in Australia, I had to use a 1968 one, only real difference are a few extra holes along the top for the extended crash pad and a small slit on the left hand side.

While I was working on the firewall I decided to take it back to bare metal and convert it too a ’67 dash.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201502/5xx.jpg

As it can be seen by those pinkish dots along the top, I filled them with a mix of bog/high fill and a fiberglass mesh to give it extra strength. In the picture we are applying a special hardener to give it a steel finish and make sure it never cracks…


Anyway, that’s the firewall done and top dash panel.

This weekend I hope to complete the interior sections, floor scuttle panels etc… hopefully I don’t need to replace anything major.

Steve.

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2006 9:49 AM

Allot of people have been asking me how I’ve been going with the car and what I’m up to.. well here you go…

On Sunday while most of the boys went home to relax there weary muscles after a hot and hard 18 holes of golf, I had to head over to the factory and work on the camaro. With the inside of the factory nearing 40 degrees Celsius (perfect for painting), although hot, it was a good opportunity to paint the floor and boot.
To this date it currently looks like this:

Interior:
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/1xx.jpg


Boot:
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/2xx.jpg



To get it to this stage I had spent the previous few weeks grinding the floors to bare metal, I blew up 3 grinders doing it, thank god for Bunning’s no questions asked return policy, I was able to go and replace them after 30min use and still smoking. As was assumed it had a fair bit of rust, mainly surface, but at many points it hard started pitting the surface (making it look like lots of bubbles had popped).

Here’s what it looked like before the grinding:
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/3xx.jpg


Boot:
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/4xx.jpg

[SirGeo]

(continued)

I returned to the factory this past Saturday, and with a bare metal floor and boot I proceeded to make sure I had gotten rid of all the rust.

I used a new’ish product called POR15 ( www.por15.com.au (http://www.por15.com.au) ) a great product I would recommend to anyone restoring a car.
It comes in 3 main parts, a cleaner/degreaser, a rust killer and a epoxy/2K paint.

Firstly made sure the surface was clean with the cleaner, then I added the rust killer/converter. What I thought was bare metal and free of rust, this stuff proved me wrong, it showed spots of rust in little crevices. After leaving it for nearly an hour it had turned all the rust into sulfur. Another quick clean with the cleaner and this is what it looked like after a few hours of drying.

*white sandy areas = rust converted.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/5xx.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/6xx.jpg



While waiting for this to dry, I removed the fuel tank and assessed at how I am going to remove the Diff and make sure it is still moveable.


I decided to let the floor dry properly and left it over night in the heat.

As I mentioned before on Sunday we went played golf, and when we finished I headed straight to the factory and gave the floor 2 coats of the por15 paint. 3 hours dry time in between. Finished up at 11:30 that night and went to bed.

When POR15 is completely dry it is as hard as cement and completely seals the metal from outside elements. It Is basically what is used on industrial floors, but with a rust preventative mixed within it to stop rust coming up again.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/7xx.jpg


All I need to do now is rub down and paint all the turquoise parts in the interior with a etch 2pack paint and the interior is done. But I’ll leave that for when I have more to spray.

So that’s where I am with the Camaro.

Next week I plan on tackling and finishing the roof, and if I can, start on the rear quarters.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200703/8xx.jpg

[EAT-30T]

Looks good man.....

I'll have to post up progress of my 69 Pro touring!!! :D

Kurt

[RD2HVN]

keep up da good work , its cummin alone good , same model as my godfathers camaro :p all da best with it and cant wait till it finishes ;)

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Wednesday, 14 June 2006 2:33 PM

Some people have asked for updates.. others haven’t.. but your on the list anyway… you should feel special…

Well it’s been 3 months since the last update.. and to tell you the truth I haven’t done as much as I’d hoped.
A few small glitches have come up along the way requiring me to order pieces from America and wait for them to arrive, I’ll explain as I go along.

Well after completing the floors and “sub-frame” (front chassis) , I thought I’d finally get to start the easy stuff… Prepping a body although takes time *shouldn’t* be a hard task.. well I thought wrong, having only previously worked on ’80 model Australian cars, where “repair” quality is allot better, and the most rust you’ll find is in the window sills, I was slightly taken by what I uncovered……

I thought for starters I’d bare metal the doors, being a 2 door it shouldn’t take as long.. Although finding out that the paint was mostly still the original from 1967 which is a benefit normally, unfortunately it was the cheap GM acrylic.. which unfortunately tends to clog up sanding disks quite quickly.. it doesn’t sand/powder off, but melts and spreads.. Easy fix.. I used some paint stripper and a wire brush on a grinder and some thicker sanding disks (looks like paper with rocks stuck to it…)

The worse I came across was a bad repair of dint, which was filled with bog.. to help the bog stick to the door, a hole was drilled through, you’d think it would have been pulled out, but doesn’t look like it, and the holes were too small for a dint remover, anyway.. easy fix..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/1xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/2xx.jpg


As you can see I finally took the door down to bare metal (here’s 1) (door jams were completed after the photo was taken)

I resisted the urge to fill the dint on the metal, I tapped it out as much as I thought I could without warping the skin (it will be smoothed over and covered in the final undercoating stages) I then painted it in etch primer, so it’s now ready for undercoating.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/3xx.jpg



So far so good.. or so I thought. I proceeded to strip the rest of the body of it’s old paint, a longer than expected task due to the paint…. I stripped the roof and to be honest was relieved as I knew it was dinted, but thankfully it wasn’t too major and will not require a replacement. All the lines are still right so I was semi happy.


The guards on the other hand were a surprise…

[SirGeo]

(Continued)

I started taking it down to metal bit by bit and this what I came across..



http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/4xx.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/5xx.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/6xx.jpg



As you can see the bottom corner has plenty of bog covering it, the most disconcerting part is/was the lower rear part.. Somewhere along it’s life it looks as if someone tried to repair some rust that had built up in that corner (a common problem on early camaro’s), the repair method used was to simply knock in the panel and weld on a new piece of steel. I wouldn’t have complained if it was done right, but it was bad.. real bad…

So I decided to do it properly and replace that section. I ordered a replacement rear quarter panel fresh from America and had to wait a few weeks for that to come in..

In the meantime I thought I’d tackle a piece of rust I found on the B-Pillar where the roof meets the guard, a no brain’er at this stage was to just cut it out and weld a new piece of steel in.. which I done.. easy enough….


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/7xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/8xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/9xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/10xx.jpg



That’s just in the tacked in stage, the welds still need to be gone over and filled properly but I knew I’d have more welding to do so I thought I’d leave it for when I have more to do…



The new panel arrived and I started to measure area I needed to cut out… (in this picture you can see where they simply welded a new piece of steel ontop of the old panel.)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/11xx.jpg


*Tech info – the two lines are ruled in to show where I need to cut the panel (bottom line) and the top line indicates where the new piece of guard will sit. The panel is stepped in with a tool surprisingly named a “Stepping Tool” it literally crimps the metal and makes it look like a step which allows the new panel to sit on top of it. It’s better than butt-welding a panel in as it has extra support..
Step-Welding
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/12axx.jpg



Butt-Welding would involve simply cutting the metal to best fit and welding the two ends together (as I did for the B-pillar section)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/13axx.jpg


Unfortunately But-Welding isn’t always the best method as you (or I) can never get the measurements spot on to the millimeter, and you end up getting ugly gaps that then need to be filled.


Any way.. I finished measuring everything up I needed to cut out, made sure everything was as precise as pissible and proceeded to remove the offending piece of metal… when I found another problem….

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/14xx.jpg



The problem, the lower trunk side panel and the outer wheelhouse panel had a bit of rust… obviously what originally caused the rust in the rear quarter panel (that’s what happens when you do things half assed).. I got a price check and thankfully they are cheap to replace, I’ve ordered some and they are currently on their way.. So I can’t weld in the new panel until they are replaced.. but here’s what the finished product should look like.. we’ve got it nearly spot on so it should be easy.. hopefully….

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/15xx.jpg




And here is a pic of the old and new panel for comparison…

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/16xx.jpg





I’ve started the other side, but that’s a whole email update on it’s own.. I’ll write something up next week…

Here’s a teaser of what I need to fix… hopefully done this weekend….

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/17xx.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201406/18xx.jpg

[EAT-30T]

Oh my god your just as brave me LOL ........ looking good steve!

BTW That subframe looks good hopefully the sand blaster will do mine sometime this century ?

[Brootal]

Great updates and some neat work on the Camaro. Make sure you keep them coming and don't worry if there aren't too many replies, lots of people just like looking and not saying much.

Me... I can't shut up! :)

[SirGeo]

Thanks guys :D

That last update was from about 3 months ago, i've done a bit more since then.. I've got a few more updates i need to post up, but i'll leave them for tomorrow.

Steve.

[OldGold]

Looks like things are coming along great Steve, always interested to see your progress on such a bitchin' car :cool:

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Wednesday, 21 June 2006 4:00 PM

Well on Saturday I (and my helper Rodney) welded in the Right hand side rear quarter panel we started the previous week.
As the previous email shows I came across some rusted inner panels that I thought I might as well replace as I don’t want the rust to come back up.

The parts came in over the week, and on Saturday we went ahead and replaced them before putting on the outer panel.


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/1xx.jpg


Old Rusted panels were removed, all the spot welds had to be drilled.
And I had to cut some of the wheel arch out as rust had started to come through on that also.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/2xx.jpg


Pre-fit test of the “lower trunk floor panel”, fitted in better than I expected..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/3xx.jpg


The lower trunk panel was tacked in just to hold it in place while we cut and fitted the removed wheel arch section.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/4xx.jpg


All welded in and sprayed with an etch to make sure rust wouldn’t bother it again…

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/5xx.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/6xx.jpg


As you can see it’s come up perfectly. It isn’t viewable unless you remove/cut the panel, but no point in doing something half arsed.


Once that was completed we could do what we started last week..

Fit the actual panel…

[SirGeo]

(continued)

It was step welded as explained in the last email, and mig welded (thanks to Woody’s/Ford Ragtop’s welder) in.

Nearly 30 holes were punched into the new panel to make the welds neater and stronger. It was also welded from behind in some section to reinforce the welds on the outside.

This picture shows the final test fitting.. we had to get it perfect as a stuff up here would show up only once the car is fully prepped.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/7xx.jpg


Lines came up really well, and the back was allot better than expected. I thought I’d end up with a big gap that would require a patch weld or something.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/8xx.jpg


Once we got it all right.. it was fully welded into place… and the semi final product is as below.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/9xx.jpg


All the welds need to be grinded flat which I’ll leave for another day as I’m going to have allot more grinding to do and might as well do it all at once.


So all I have left currently is the rust on the left hand side. All the replacement bits have been cut and shaped (7 pieces), and the plan is to get it all in this weekend..



This is the section that needs to be replaced… Where the holes are you should be able to make out a weld line. It’s where it seems as if the panel has bee replaced previously but was not prepped properly hence the rust came up.
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/10xx.jpg


This is a photo from inside where you can see the old panel overlapping the new one. The only weld I can make out is a line of brass along the top, which needs to be cut out.

The replacement panel they put in has a genuine GM stamp on it, and from memory it has a date stamp of 1978.. or ‘87 I can’t remember…

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202106/11xx.jpg


Anyway, as of next week hopefully it will look allot better….

Steve.


P.S. thanks Woddy for letting me borrow the mig again.. The Argon seems to make a big difference compared to the gasless welder…


http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/ - A Great site I found when I was trying to research and improve my welding skills

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Monday, 3 July 2006 9:49 PM

Over the last two Saturdays I’ve been working meticulously trying to finish off all the body welding so I could return the welder to Donna’s dad..

Here’s what I achieved…

Finished putting in the Right Hand side guard I had started a few weeks earlier… came up a treat, very happy with the end result…
*Again ignore the dates on he photo’s, every time I recharge it the dates reset…

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/1xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/2xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/3xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/4xx.jpg



After completing that I also replaced a small bit of rust in the same wheel arch section (below).. I had a spare guard so I thought I might as well use as much of it as I can… Again this came up very good, once painted it will be very hard to pick the new section.


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/5xx.jpg

[SirGeo]

(Continued)

Since the easy part was done, I thought I’d tackle to hard part… last email I sent a pic showing how bad the metal had been eaten through, it was due to the original repair not being prepped properly. You could make out the grind marks and see bog in it, it obviously wasn’t etched to prevent the moisture that can build up in bog contacting the bare metal, hence the rust.

Anyway here are a few photo’s of how it was repaired. Initially due to the large area and the fact that it curved in so many different way I could not fabricate a single piece of steel to encompass all the curves, so I had sectioned it off into 6 parts (later revised to 8) and I cut and bent sections to fit (thanks to a donated near new Civic bonnet that my brother and I “borrowed” because it most closely matched the material thickness)

In the following 2 photo’s you can see where I cut the first section and welded in the new piece.. this was done the whole way along, 1 at a time as to try and keep the original shape.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/6xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/7xx.jpg



As well as bending the metal into shape we (I and my helper Rod) had to heat the metal and stretch to more closely fit the area . This was achieved by using the oxy building up the metal heat until it got red hot then stretching it by lightly hammering and pulling on it. This helped make sure the pieces fit closer together as well.

In the following picture you can see the heat marks on the 2 pieces we stretched together before welding.


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/8xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/9xx.jpg




The following piece was initially cut out into 1 piece but when we trial fitted it we couldn’t get the angles right so we had to cut it into 3 separate pieces.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/10xx.jpg


And once cut up and welded in it fitted nicely.
Here are the finished product pictures.


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/11xx.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/12xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/13xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/14xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/15xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/16xx.jpg
http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/17xx.jpg




In the middle of doing that since I had the welder I thought I might as well fill in the holes that were hacked into the parcel shelf…
Unfortunately I forgot to take before pics.. but here is a “after” one.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%200107/18xx.jpg



So hopefully that concludes any major welding I need to do.. I can now concentrate on the easy stuff… trying to remove that crappy original paint, and taking the body back to bare metal properly. And prepping with some fillers/bog and undercoats.. I can’t wait..

P.S. Again big THANKS! to Woody (Ford Ragtop) for lending me the welder… I owe you a gas refill….

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Wednesday, 12 July 2006 11:32 AM


*ignore dates on photo’s.. etc..

I know most of you are probably sick of getting these.. but I need to do this so I have my own record of what I’ve done and it makes me get of my a$$ and actually do things if I feel I have to send updates out..

Anyway..

After the weeding on Friday night I was up nice and early Saturday morning to do some work on the car.

Since I’ve done 99% of the body repair work, I thought it would be time to put it up on a trolley so I could start moving it around.
My brother and I quickly dropped the diff (10bolt chev if any one cares).. and got it up on a trolley.

About 2 weeks ago, my father and I knocked up this trolley,

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201207/1xx.jpg


It came up surprisingly well, apart from the fact that I didn’t take into account the height of the wheels or the base they needed and hence I have an extra 6.5” (16cm).. nothing to worry about you say? Well it goes from having the roof line just under eye level to it being nearly over my head L .. I might make it adjustable height later on (or buy some milk crates) , but I’ll leave the roof till last..

Anyway the rails slot in under the car along the seals and I’ve rig a sort of “clamp” (bolts with big washers) that bolt along the trolley and the lower seal to stop it from sliding.

Shell is moveable along the trolley so If it’s in the way it’s only a matter of loosening the bolts and I can move it. It’s balanced quite well and does not tilt even with my brothers full weight on either side…

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201207/2xx.jpg


So now I can start the fun part..

I started taking it back to full metal and decided to start on the new section i’d welded in last week to see how it came up

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201207/3xx.jpg


.. and here is the end result (in etch primer)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201207/4xx.jpg


*I think I need to clean the camera lense…

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201207/5xx.jpg


Not bad yeah?

I still need to high fill and get the shapes 110% but hopefully it doesn’t prove to much of a challenge.

And that’s about all I really done.. I was dead tired and called it an early day, as I had a birthday to go to that night.

[SirGeo]

Looks like things are coming along great Steve, always interested to see your progress on such a bitchin' car :cool:


Thanks Neil :p It's a headache compared to the VL's i built.. but i love the new challenges it gives me.. constantly learning new skills can only be a bonus!

[EAT-30T]

It's a headache compared to the VL's i built.. but i love the new challenges it gives me.. constantly learning new skills can only be a bonus!


I know exactly how you feel....................

[SirGeo]

Originally Sent: Wednesday, 13 September 2006 2:02 PM


Well since my last update i missed out on a few weeks as i went to perth for a holiday with Donnalee. And this (just past) weekend was the first real chance i got to work on it..


Last update i left just neededing to finish up bare metaling everything which was done quicker and easier than i thought.. I've started using "Strip" discs on the grinder which work soo much better than sanding discs.. It's like a bit of rubery coral.. at first glance you don't think it would do anything to old paint but amazingly enough it takes it all off quite easily, doesn't heat the surface and smudge/melt the paint like the a standard sanding disk and does not grind/scratch the steel/metal underneath .. These speed up the process considerably.. Took a few goes to figure out how to use them properly (use them on the side not flat on the panel) and i used about 1 disk per panel.. and they are pretty cheap too. I bought a few box's, just incase ;-)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201309/1xx.jpg


Thats what they look like.. i bought them without the backing plates as i wanted to put them on the grinder (quicker).. mine look more like this...


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201309/2xx.jpg


Anyway.... So everyhthing was finished in bare metal, i didn't find any more suprises (thank god!) and i proceded to etch everything to seal it...

I spent most of this saturday finishing up the interior sections, boot and parcel shelf.. it was all taken back where neded and sprayed...

here's what it looks like inside currently..

**Again ignore the dates on the pics.. i'm going to figure it out one day.. I swear....

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201309/3xx.jpg




http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201309/4xx.jpg



http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201309/5xx.jpg





And my parcel shelf came up nicely as well.. if you remember I had the two big holes in it, they were welded closed.


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201309/6xx.jpg



http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%201309/7xx.jpg




Also just as I finished these bits up I was contacted by one of my fathers customers wanting to buy it as is.. Offered me some good cash.. more that what I paid for it, even more than what it currently owes me as is.. I refused it off coarse because I love to put my self through hell trying to finish things :p

Anyway.. that's it for another installment of "How much does Steve have left to do"....

[BLK747]

steve thats an awesome job mate well done! thats alot of time and effort put into it so dont give up mate your getting there :D if you ever need a hand mate u know who to call ;)

[SteveO]

Nice project Sirgeo! Will be a tuff toy when your finished:D

Congrats on the new site as well!

[coastvl]

Looking great Steve. One of my favourite models. Can't wait to see the finished project.

[Tuff39]

Looking great Steve. One of my favourite models. Can't wait to see the finished project.


Hi CoastVL, you will be waiting for the finished product for a while yet as it usually takes Steve 3-4 years to finish a car, take it from me, I know as I have been the chauffeur for the past 7 1/2 years :).

I really can't wait until my Camaro is finished but I guess I will just have to wait :eek:

[SirGeo]

Hi CoastVL, you will be waiting for the finished product for a while yet as it usually takes Steve 3-4 years to finish a car, take it from me, I know as I have been the chauffeur for the past 7 1/2 years :).

I really can't wait until my Camaro is finished but I guess I will just have to wait :eek:

lol.. I take time so i can do things properly.... and you love driving me around.. what else are you going to do in your spare time :p


my Camaro

lol.. so is the '39 mine aswell? ;)

[carcrazy]

Your Camaro is looking tops! Im so jealous...

[MadVk308]

lol...

Nice work Steve, I often wondered what happened to the camaro, having not seen any pics scince the ones before the steering conversion!

Top effort mate

[SirNick]

C'mon Steve get off ya bum we wanna smell some burning rubber allready.

lol

Good work mate. Keep it up. Can't wait till John breaks it - lol

[SirGeo]

lol... 'break' is his middle name... I think i'll have to make a rule that John can't drive it untill i've had a proper run in it...

Although i did break our last project before him :D

[EAT-30T]

Any updates Steve? :cool:


I will have some on mine shortly.......

[Mozzie71]

Steve is at Valla 2006.. he'll be back in a couple of days..

Hopefully with a fistful of pics!!

[PSI 05L]

ur going good man u a pannel beater?

[EAT-30T]

ur going good man u a pannel beater?


Your spelling is sh*t :p LOL


Ella Re!!!! Get this this thing cooking with gas LOL !!

Nah where you at with it Steve..... I think you been having too much fun by the looks of those Valla 2006 pics! get back to work!

[SirGeo]

lol... got back from valla and spent the next day working on my undercarage.. looks like we had the same idea ;) i got the back half done, taking it down to metal etc.. just need to do the tunnel and the front foot areas..

I'll get some pics up this weekend...

I'm no where near where you are...

ur going good man u a pannel beater?

thanks.. and nah.. just learnt how to do things over the years.. hence why my projects take so long :p
My Dads a plastic welder/fibreglasser which helps, and I have plenty of people willing to give me tips when i don't know how to do things...

[EAT-30T]

Yeah I still gotta do the back half of the floor once the front end is together I can pull the diff out build that up and do the back while I'm there!

anyways no more thread jacking from me:)

[PSI 05L]

Your spelling is sh*t :p LOL

thats why im the pannel beater and ur the pen pusher;)





lol... got back from valla and spent the next day working on my undercarage.. looks like we had the same idea ;) i got the back half done, taking it down to metal etc.. just need to do the tunnel and the front foot areas..

I'll get some pics up this weekend...

I'm no where near where you are...



thanks.. and nah.. just learnt how to do things over the years.. hence why my projects take so long :p
My Dads a plastic welder/fibreglasser which helps, and I have plenty of people willing to give me tips when i don't know how to do things...


man its good to put in as much as work as u can on ur own cars it gives u alot more appreiaion in the end and saves money and u learn alot along the way.

hangn too see more pics too:)

[BillyB]

SirGeo, you didn't break the last car, you drove it into a wall!! You noob!! LOL!!!
Cammon, i break things with a bit more creativity than that!!!

[SirGeo]

SirGeo, you didn't break the last car, you drove it into a wall!! You noob!! LOL!!!
Cammon, i break things with a bit more creativity than that!!!



:p but you break stuff we can't fix or costs a fortune...

[EAT-30T]

updates? :confused:

Cmon Re where you at?

[SirGeo]

yeah i forgot to take pics... i put the camera on charge and left it at home when i went to work on it..

I'll be heading to the factory in the next day or 2 and i'll post something up..

Steve.

[SirGeo]

Well I’ve been toiling away at getting my car done..

Last proper update I had just finished the inside of the car and the parcel shelf.

After my Valla trip I went and spent a day working on the car..

I was then meant to start on the fillers/undercoats but thought I’d finish off the undercarriage properly….

Biggest headache and hardest part was the inner wheel arch area.. getting 40year old tar off was a bit of work.. but I got it done eventually..

Here’s on that I started earlier…

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/37.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/38.jpg


In the above pic you can see the tar in the left.. most spots it was at least 2mill thick, in others upto 5mill.. was tough going.. the grinder and wire brush couldn’t do much as it just spread the thick tar.. those caral discs worked a treat but I went through a fair few of them getting it clean… came up a treat though… :D

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/44.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/47.jpg

As with everything I hit it with an etch primer to cover up the bare metal..

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/57.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/55.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/56.jpg

After doing 1 wheel arch I needed a break and started on the under carriage.. thought I’d do the boot floor part first as a tester…

Was harder than I thought.. sitting under it lying on my back wasn’t as cruisy as I thought..

Here you can see the area I wanted to do…

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/41.jpg


I hit it with the grinder and those discs, and for the tricky parts used a wire brush on the grinder and wire brush by hand.. I made sure I took off all the old dirt that had built up and 90% of the paint taking it back to metal… The paint was actually pretty good under there one the dirt was taken off.. I suppose it’s the only part of the car that doesn’t see any real sunlight being covered by the fuel tank… I removed most of it anyway as best I could.. Hit it with the etch and this how it looked..

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/117.jpg

After that I called it a day..


I returned a week later (this past Saturday) and decided to finish the other guard… and rest of the underbody….

I forgot to take before pics of the guard.. but here’s the finished product..

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/118.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/120.jpg

After doing that I started the rest of the under body…. Taking it all back to bare metal as best I could..

Here’s what it looked like before

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/122.jpg

And after all the grinding and a bit of etch, here’s what it turned out like..

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/130.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/131.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/132.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/135.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/137.jpg


Looks like I missed a spot :p

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/138.jpg


All in all it took me a good few weeks to get this stuff done (Saturdays only), and I’m going to say now.. doing the under body was by far the hardest thing physically I have had to do… lying down for 6 hours or so a day, only getting up every now and then for a drink, a new tool or go clean the crap from my eye’s, it was hell and I’m glad it’s done and over with.

Anyway, that’s where I’m up to at the present moment… car looks like this..

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/123.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202210/128.jpg


Next week I’m tossing up whether or not to do something a bit easier.. like strip the boot lid :p

[EAT-30T]

Looks good steve.........

those are some pretty clean wheel tubs and a clean floor pan...... you really gotta wonder about these cars hey? I have seen em rust 101 different ways

Go hard re!

Kurt

[Fitty]

Mate, that's looking awesome... I'm just waiting on the day when I can start my first project car (hopefully early next year), but it certainly won't be a ground up rebuild of a classic like this. Good job, can't wait to see more.

[MadVk308]

Im amazed mate, the dedication for perfection truley astounds me...

Good job man

[EAT-30T]

That's gonna look tops once the C-Gaurd goes on........ :D

[SirGeo]

I thought I’d give myself some light duties this week.. I was planning on painting under the car with C-Guard, but I thought I’d leave it for next weekend or 1 night this week…

So I had a quick look around for something easy and realized I still hadn’t prepped my boot lid…

A boot lid came with the car when I bought it, but I want to put on the spoiler and thought it a shame to drill holes in a perfectly fine one. Thankfully the guy I bought the car from gave me a spare boot lid he had that had the holes pre-drilled and was actually in very good nic..

Here’s a few pics of the replacement lid.. I only remembered to take a pic after I started…

http://www.Americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202810/67-camaro-bootlid-1.jpg http://www.Americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202810/67-camaro-bootlid-4.jpg

I had every intention of taking it back to bare metal, but whoever had painted it previously had done a great job and used good paints, all the undercoat/etch had a good hold of the metal and it was preety straight.. I made sure to take off all the clear and just gave it a good rub hitting any high and low spots..

http://www.Americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202810/67-camaro-bootlid-10.jpg


When I was happy with it, I hit it with a black etch/undercoat..

http://www.Americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202810/67-camaro-bootlid-14.jpg


Then a thin layer of natural color undercoat…

http://www.Americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202810/67-camaro-bootlid-15.jpg


I done it this way so I can use the undercoat as a guide coat.. once it dries (few hours, but I’ll leave it till next week) I’ll rub it with a block and see where any high spots come up (the black underneath will show up) and I’ll be able to see any low spots (won’t have been rubbed through) if any…



Also while I was doing the top I didn’t forget about the underneath… I took all the edges to bare metal first so I could check the folds for rust or any damage, but they all looked clean..

http://www.Americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202810/67-camaro-bootlid-5.jpg

I continued sanding the rest of the underside, getting rid of any lose paint etc.. but it was al pretty sound like the top, still I had allot of metal showing, so I hit it with some etch..

http://www.Americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202810/67-camaro-bootlid-8.jpg

And to be honest that’s about all I did… I took it very easy..

[EAT-30T]

cool you've done more than me lately:p

[Fitty]

You boys've got the only rebuilds on the site - better get cracking, I'm too impatient to see the final product!

[SirGeo]

You boys've got the only rebuilds on the site - better get cracking, I'm too impatient to see the final product!


Then hurry up and buy something :p no point in waiting.. things are only going to get more pricy and harder to get.. no better time than now ;)

[EAT-30T]

they say camaro's are like real estate ya know:cool:

[Fitty]

Yeah... exactly like real estate - I'd love some, can't afford any. Me and a couple of mates are in the planning stages of building a burnout car at the moment. It may or may not be based on a US car, but if it is, you'll be the first to hear about it.

[BillyB]

...think of it like a motor home you can drive at 200+km/h, but cant sleep in or sh|t in!! ;)

And for a burnout car, why limit your self to cars, why not a van with a 350 chev, lol....seen one before and damn could it fry the tyres and do a mean time down the quarter mile!!!

[Fitty]

Basically because I like the look and the idea of a 308 or a 355 sitting in the bay of a small car. Easier to get the rubber smoking with more power in a lighter car, obviously. I've seen some nice vans around, but this is what we've decided after much discussion, so it's what we'll stick with unless something really good comes up.

[MrVette]

A van with a 350? sounds interesting. And Fitty you can get anything to smoke the tires if you put enough power behind them. It all comes down to how good it looks when making the smoke.
Pick something with class, there are a few cars to choose from that are cheap, light and look good.

P.S. Sirgeo your camaro's looking good. wish i had the patience to tackle such a large project.

[Fitty]

What about a TX Gemini? Any Torana? H-Series coupes? Chrysler Galant? The list goes on - there are plenty around.

[SirGeo]

noooo.. stay away from Gemini's :p

[Fitty]

noooo.. stay away from Gemini's :p

Yeah, I expected that kind of reply on a US Muscle forum...

[SirGeo]

Yeah, I expected that kind of reply on a US Muscle forum...


don't get me wrong... a Gem with a 8 in it would be sweet.. but the base gemi's are terrible... well to me any way.. too small.. and as i say a giant go-kart :D

Whatever you do decide to do let us know it will be interesting to see how it turns out....

[SirGeo]

Well over the past few weekends I’ve been kept distracted/busy doing other things.. but Saturday that just past I managed to do a little bit of work on it..

Not much was done but I put it down to getting a flu (I blame it on my recent work trip to Armidale in NSW).

Anyway I finally took some pics of how the C-Guard came up.. I only used 1 tin and was happy with the way it turned out. With the spare tin I might give it another going over once I’m closer to completion to seal it up real good.

I actually did this a while ago but never got the chance to post the pics up..

First I taped up every where I didn’t want it to go.. just in case..

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/1.jpg

And then started spraying..

Here are the 2 wheel arches..

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/2.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/3.jpg

And underneath

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/4.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/5.jpg

The finish is a bit of a dull/matt finish. And as I was warned the stuff went everywhere.. not like normal paint and floated but went straight down.. my factory floor is ruined :p If anyone else is thinking of using it, I highly recommend it, but put down some drop/paint sheets on your floor.

As stated above I’ll probably give it another hit before I finish up on the body and then most probably go over it in a 2K chassi semi gloss black just to give it a nicer finish.


And a few days ago I finally got around to doing the part I actually like.. the body work.

Well first thing was unfortunately as much as I hated to do it was put on some bog/filler in the places that needed it.. not as much as I thought I would need…

Here’s the guard where I welded in the new section, most of it was welded over and grinded flat, the filler was mainly used to fill any spots we missed and help get the shape 100%

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/13.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/14.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/15.jpg

I applied the filler and lightly sanded it back until I hit the black etch.. Keep in mind this is bare no undercoats have gone over anything yet so it’s just the filler and etch…


And the other side where we welded up the new section…
This took me a bit of time and still needs more work before I’ll be completely happy…

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/16.jpg

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/17.jpg

And here is my board of how is this meant to look :p

http://www.americanmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2006%202111/11.jpg

Unlike the commodores I built in the past I don’t have someone nearby I can call over to bring their car so I can reference it and run my hands over it to feel how the contours are suppose to go… so I regularly have to drive 40+ mins to lylidale where my wrecker is so I can do that..

And to remind me of it I have printed a few pics I feel help me..

P.S. Any early Camaro owners in the S.E. Subs of Melb that wouldn’t mind me going over their car with a fine tooth comb let me know :D

[EAT-30T]

looks good.........

You better slow down Re your making a mockery of me LOL :p

[SirGeo]

I spent a good few solid days working on my car over the break.. in between family commitments etc... And i achieved what i wanted... I finished the body work.... Hooray for me :D


Here's what it looked like just before i stopped working so i can go back to my day job so i can pay for it all :p

41

Just at the stage now that i'm going to start putting all the panels back together to make sure it all fits and lines up right.. then i need to hit it with another coat of undercoat, lightly block sand it down and start putting on the first coat of 2K black before i send it out...

I know it's not going to be as easy as i'm writing it, but i can always dream :p

I'll write up a more detailed process of what i did over the next few days with more pretty pics....


Steve.

[EAT-30T]

I so need to get my ass into gear............. I love partying too much though LOL

Good stuff! :)

[carcrazy]

Thats looking tops Steve, good work!

[MadVk308]

nice man, cant wait to see it with all the panels on :)

[Tuff39]

I went and had a look at the Camaro a couple of weeks ago and I must say it is looking pretty good... it's getting there, slowly but surely :p

How are you going with tracking down that 427 big block?

[SirGeo]

nice man, cant wait to see it with all the panels on :)

I've started listing what i need ordered, and hunting them down, i've got a HUGE list of parts on the way as we speak..

So i'll be putting it all together slowly slowly....

I had a bit of spare time the other day so i decided i might aswell trial fit the spoiler.. I must say not a fan of finish/fit of the item, i had to do a bit of grinding (on the plastic/fibre spoiler).. still i suppose it's better they make it a little thicker/longer to fit better and can be shaved to shape...


anyway after about 30-40mins here's the end product.. not bolted up, just taped up. I had to grind the bolt holes on the spoiler a little aswell..

45

46


I went and had a look at the Camaro a couple of weeks ago and I must say it is looking pretty good... it's getting there, slowly but surely :p

How are you going with tracking down that 427 big block?

Project "Hunt for 427" isn't going to well.. but as i've said.. no great rush..

Just need a 427/454 block to start trial fitting.. so put the word out amongst your friends if you can Tuff39.. don't care if the blocks seized, cracked or split.. aslong as it's in 1 piece... and cheap :p

Steve.

[EAT-30T]

The race is back on.......:p

[EAT-30T]

this is just a kick up the ass for you! :p :p ;) :D

[SirGeo]

Yeah plan is to do a bit of work on it tommorow (public holiday).. I'll try do things that can be noticed :p

[TobyH]

Dude, the car looks nuts you are a gun! I have loved Camaros since i was a baby pretty much, i wish i was so talented and pull something like that off. I have found an ex drag LHD camaro with no engine i want to buy but im not sure about it. What do you reckon you clearly know your stuff!

[EAT-30T]

I have found an ex drag LHD camaro with no engine i want to buy but im not sure about it. What do you reckon you clearly know your stuff!


Like Nike says... Just Do it!

[SirGeo]

Dude, the car looks nuts you are a gun! I have loved Camaros since i was a baby pretty much, i wish i was so talented and pull something like that off. I have found an ex drag LHD camaro with no engine i want to buy but im not sure about it. What do you reckon you clearly know your stuff!


I'm the last person to be giving guidance.. i'm learning as i go along.. :p

but if you can get the shell cheap enough and it's in good nick.. do it... if not let someone here know where it is :p


And i did do some work over the last few weekends.. but camera shat itself and i lost the photos :(
i'll take some more over this weekend..

Basically I got my front inner guards, bonnet springs and Radiator Support back from the Acid dipper... Yeah i know i said i wouldn't go and get stuff dipped, but the radiator support had too many nooks and cranny's for a sand blaster to get at properly.. this way i know it's been done properly..

I then basically wire brushed the surfaces lightly and painted the rad. supp. in Etch...


And that's about it.. Just allot of running around...

[blothruroo]

Top effort I have a 68 firebird that is Rhd you will be glad you went that way one less thing to confuse the brain in tight situations such as merging and roundabouts I only left the race car lhd so my fat arse helps the front stay down and it even feels funny at the track. My Rhd street car is one of the nicest cars to drive hard because of the weight of it .I think its very forgiving compared to alot of the later model cars I have driven and the cops seem to have a little respect because of the amount of work involved mines gone beyond a joke over the years all the work you have experienced and a 4 link, cage,9inch,powerglide,small block chev , intercooler,F1r procharger 510 rwkw 11.0 132mph on radials pump gas and a stock converter. Anyway hope to see you on the road soon any I commend what you have done so far. I too am scared from doing the under side strip with the wire wheel and the subframe but I only think about that when its broken cheers Matt

[BillyB]

blothruroo, you're car sounds like a bit of an animal!!! 510 rear wheel, just enough to get to the local 7-11 and back home...lol...
Thats a great effort to be getting 11sec on the 1/4 with essetially a street car...love to see the beast, post up some pics if you get the chance.

[blothruroo]

:D blothruroo, you're car sounds like a bit of an animal!!! 510 rear wheel, just enough to get to the local 7-11 and back home...lol...
Thats a great effort to be getting 11sec on the 1/4 with essetially a street car...love to see the beast, post up some pics if you get the chance.

Yea Billy it was a real animal on the street but I changed from turbo 400 to powerglide and now the missus drives it no worries with her thrashing it after I showed her it smoking the tyres at 100 kph she has respect for the car im just puting a steve morris race cam in it and if it dosnt make 550 rwkw ill go he and a new converter should see the ets fall the streeter has an f1r procharger rated to 1300hp but im just learning so i can eventually pull the F4 I have in storage out and get my race car going ill post some pics tonight when I get home I know theres probably people who think im full of shyte but ill post some photos when I can ive had the bug for 12 years and all it takes istime effort and money

[blothruroo]

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/dlishfish/mattscar5.jpg


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/dlishfish/mattscar2.jpg


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/dlishfish/103_0040.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/dlishfish/103_0031.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/dlishfish/103_0028.jpg

Billy these are my 2 beasts the blue 1 got damaged in transit the slicks went down and it pushed the boot up into the body so I will redo the lot on that and the black one is getting a new cam as we speak that 510 rwkw was only at 15 pound of boost it has a motown block with billett caps and 15 degree racer pro heads so I feel theres a bit more in it.

[EAT-30T]

As the yanks say.... that's BAD ASS! :D

[blothruroo]

:D As the yanks say.... that's BAD ASS! :D

Thanks man its not everyones cup of tea but I dont see many others around and me mates dad used to pick him up in one from school and ever since I saw him lay a patch in year seven I had to have one.

[SirGeo]

I like :) both look very nice man, well done... Do you take the firebird out much?

[blothruroo]

I like :) both look very nice man, well done... Do you take the firebird out much?

It was going for about 6 weeks I did about 4000 km in that time and went through 2 sets of mt drag radials its been off the road alot because I just kept upping the anti but where not far away now I just cant resist caining it when its going I took it to Queenscliff and back in Jan and a few cruises and it performed grouse in upto 38 degree heat I had to remount the 9inch and fit a cage once it had 400rwkw my leaf springs were frowning instead of smiling they kicked me out of calder cause it run a 10.89 and all so far has been on mobil sinergy I have had no hassles so far its not tubbed has electric windows central locking subs amps and a stacker and powersteering so I believe its a true street car everything works including the washer bottle . Im in the process of building my heated garage with a hoist so its gunna be a big winter of long nights in the zone trying to get the best out of me and my streeter ive still got to sort converter shocks and cam we should see some vast improvements in et and mph once its all taken care of cheers Matt

[cluxford]

Blothruroo, all I can say is awesome!!! They are both amazing looking cars with the power to match...anyone that takes the time, effort and patiuence to build these cars.....then get out and drive em, is a legend in my book. Can't wait for mine to get on the road.

[blothruroo]

Blothruroo, all I can say is awesome!!! They are both amazing looking cars with the power to match...anyone that takes the time, effort and patiuence to build these cars.....then get out and drive em, is a legend in my book. Can't wait for mine to get on the road.

Yours is gunna be off tap the two shops you are getting to do work are couta at what they do and your goin balls n all on components recipie for success in my book. Keep us updated as I will when I start on mine again in 8 weeks or so when I have me new shed :D good luck Matt

[SirGeo]

lol.. heated shed.. now your making me jelous :p and giving me ideas.. ;)

[SirGeo]

Back to updating my car :p

Over the last 2 weekends as mentioned in my previous posts I did do "some" work..

I had the radiator supports, front inner guards and bonnet springs acid dipped to strip all the old crap paint off.

Took them about 1 week, from drop off to pick up, not sure how long they were in the tank for, but by what the guy was saying they needed longer than most stuff.. I guess that means my stuff is special :p

I had pics of them straight out of the tank, but they were lost when I accidentally had the memory of the new camera deleted (for someone that works in IT technology doesn't go well with me..)

Anyway, after getting them It was recommended to simply wipe them over with thinners and spray them in a sealer/etch, not sure if you have seen them straight out of the tank but there is a residual layer of the acid still there that is a bit powdery, and although I was happy with how I got them back it still had some residue of the paint in the corners. So I decided it wouldn't hurt if I hit them all with a wire brush before hand.

This is where the pictures I lost would have fit in nicely :p

You'll have to trust me when I say I took the radiator support back to metal and sprayed it with the black etch I am so fond of.

I had run out of time so I left the inner guards for the next week..

This past weekend I fixed up the inner guards.. Again I hit them with the wire brush to get that film off and this was the end product.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0189.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0190.JPG



Once they were to my satisfaction hit them with the etch and I was done..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0191.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0192.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0192.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0194.JPG


O, and I did the inner brackets as well.

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0195.JPG




And all this time I haven't been sitting on my hands with the body either. I basically finished of the rear end, aligned the spoiler etc….

*Ignore all the junk lying around it, because it hasn't move in a while my father (who's factory it is at) has claimed the space around and within it as his..
I'll have to spend a day clearing it out soon and re-marking my territory :p



http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0198.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0202.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0199.JPG



http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0197.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0201.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0200.JPG


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200104/IMGP0203.JPG



Not bad from what it was yeah?


Next step, in-between waiting for my front guards to arrive is assembling the front sub-frame.. But I've hit a bit of a snag there…

Hopefully though it's resolved soon and I can get it done..

Steve.

[cluxford]

Steve,

They came up real nice, great job.

Chris

[rodent]

Steve, without traipsing back through threads to much.......a while back you spoke of tubular a-arms. Did you end up getting some or have them on order?

The reason i ask is in the next six to eight weeks i'll be ordering some plus maybe some other brake stuff from theses guy's.....
http://www.classicperform.com/
...multiple orders=cheaper price(hopefully) :) Shipping in the States should be cheap as the dealer is only 1/2 hour from where the boxes get packed :)

5hit that big i get sent to Pomona and it comes out in a 40'er. If your interested get back to me.

I would have im'ed, but public posted incase others have an interest.

cheers
Jim

[EAT-30T]

looks good steve........ tell you what if we get done the same time I'll take a drive down to melb to say G'day and do some chap laps :) LOL

[rodent]

looks good steve........ tell you what if we get done the same time I'll take a drive down to melb to say G'day and do some chap laps :) LOL

IF and when, swing past my my joint :D

[SirGeo]

Nah i decided against getting the tubular control arms atleast untill after i have it registered.

Once it's registered and on the road i'll get a set and put them in.. I don't want to add anything that will make it harder to reg the car :p

I will go through that site and see if there is anything i need, if there is i'll help you cover the freight ;)

And if chapple st. is still open in 2010 when my cars finished you have a deal :p Jim your car should be ready well before then too.. so we can have all three first gen camaro's terrorising melbourne :p

[EAT-30T]

if chapple st. is still open in 2010 when my cars finished you have a deal :p


Oh no drama's I should have 69 Camaro Pro touring Version 2.0 ready by then ;)

[SirGeo]

Mozz should have his '70+ camaro by then too :p

[SirGeo]

Steve, without traipsing back through threads to much.......a while back you spoke of tubular a-arms. Did you end up getting some or have them on order?

The reason i ask is in the next six to eight weeks i'll be ordering some plus maybe some other brake stuff from theses guy's.....
http://www.classicperform.com/
...multiple orders=cheaper price(hopefully) :) Shipping in the States should be cheap as the dealer is only 1/2 hour from where the boxes get packed :)

5hit that big i get sent to Pomona and it comes out in a 40'er. If your interested get back to me.

I would have im'ed, but public posted incase others have an interest.

cheers
Jim

Jim,

Have you got a date set you are thinking of bringin stuff over? As i have a few things i'm interested in but will need to do a bit more research, and i'd like to know how lazy i can be, or if i should be rushing it :p

Steve.

[rodent]

Jim,

Have you got a date set you are thinking of bringin stuff over? As i have a few things i'm interested in but will need to do a bit more research, and i'd like to know how lazy i can be, or if i should be rushing it :p

Steve.

Steve, i doubt i'll doing anything within the next month, i'm a bit slack myself you see :D In the mean time if i do get of my arse there are a few smaller things that i'm getting posted out. Not on the car side but i want to get 4 gb of ram sent out for my box, $600 bucks a slice out here yet you seem to be able to buy it from the states for around $200-250 for the 4 gig :confused:

[SirGeo]

ebay is your best friend for that type of stuff :p

or Mozz from here can organised computer parts relativly cheap if you ask him nicely enough ;)

And cool that gives me plenty of time to suss out what i can do with brakes and suspension...

[Fitty]

If/when you find that stockish bt1 you're after and build it to this standard, you're going to have one seriously enviable garage.

[SirGeo]

If i can ever find one that hasn't been chopped up and modified beyond repair.. and for a decent price.. then yeah it will be good :p

O, and i still need to finish this Camaro ;)


I have been doing some work over the last weekend or 2.. in the little time i've had..

Just getting the small stuff ready cleaned and prepped.. while i wait for bits...

I will do an update once I’ve actually done something noticeable :p

[Fitty]

Can't wait.

edit: What about probti's CEPTR? (http://calaisturbo.com.au/showthread.php?t=106425)

[SirGeo]

Can't wait.

edit: What about probti's CEPTR? (http://calaisturbo.com.au/showthread.php?t=106425)



"Asking Price: Offers over $17k" Lets just say my budget for my next VL is considerably lower than that :p.

Have to admit, nice example though...

[Fitty]

Yeah, doubt he'll get that though. Original BT1s are a false economy.

[Fitty]

With your RHD conversion, how did they convert the dash? Did they just cut, mod, move and weld?

[SirGeo]

Yeah, doubt he'll get that though. Original BT1s are a false economy.

I think to certain people they will always be worth more money, purely because of the stigmatism associated with them (ex-police car), but unfortunately i am not prepared to spend that much on one

With your RHD conversion, how did they convert the dash? Did they just cut, mod, move and weld?

As for the dash.. the 1 time i went in to see the progress they had already completed the dash, but i could see all the welds.. from what i could tell yeah they basically just cut out what they wanted and moved it across.. That was one of the first things they converted, if they are like me they would have done the easiest part first

A 67-68 dash seems fairly simple and even, only problem i'd say they would have is for the wiper controllers etc.. apart from that the rest looks pretty clear, no major curves etc.....

I'll try take a pic or 2 from behind if i can.. won't be able to see much

But overall they did a great job on it.. it's basically ready to paint, hence why i haven’t touched it yet, i'll wait till the final stages..

[chevy68]

I think to certain people they will always be worth more money, purely because of the stigmatism associated with them (ex-police car), but unfortunately i am not prepared to spend that much on one



As for the dash.. the 1 time i went in to see the progress they had already completed the dash, but i could see all the welds.. from what i could tell yeah they basically just cut out what they wanted and moved it across.. That was one of the first things they converted, if they are like me they would have done the easiest part first

A 67-68 dash seems fairly simple and even, only problem i'd say they would have is for the wiper controllers etc.. apart from that the rest looks pretty clear, no major curves etc.....

I'll try take a pic or 2 from behind if i can.. won't be able to see much

But overall they did a great job on it.. it's basically ready to paint, hence why i haven’t touched it yet, i'll wait till the final stages..

Hi Steve..... doing a top job as a car like this deserves.
Im doing a 68 camaro got it from the states in Feb from the pic's it didnt look to bad.... but you know a pic dont show all ...... I see you going to post some pic's of your dash ... will be good as Im doing my convertion myself an will be good to see. Would it be posible for you to post some pic's of the fire wall from the outside where the steering colom gose through the firewall.
When I work out how to post pic's will post some of mine ..... but must say yours didnt have as much rust as what I got to do.... hope to have all the floor an boot pans in from the states at the end of the month....:D

[Fitty]

Thanks mate - looking at a '68 at the moment, so I'm just trying to scope a few things out to give me a rough estimate of cost for the things I can't/don't have time to do myself.

Not to hijack your thread, but what I meant about the BT1s is they don't have any inherent value like the Phase IV - still mean cars, I'm buying one later this year (mock up, most likely) as a daily.

[RSZ28]

Sir Geo, fantastic resto you are doing on that Camaro. A true magician at work. There is life after rust!

[SirGeo]

Hopefully i've treated all the rust properly and it doesn't ever return..

I'm hanging to get more work done on this, but waiting around for parts and quotes is killing me. I've been resorting to cleaning and painting hinges to pass the time and feel like i'm dong something on the car....

I think i need another project :p if only i had more room... and money...

[MadVk308]

getting there mate, looking forward to some more pics :)

[SirGeo]

Finaly i have something to update :)

Well over the past few weeks I was feeling bit depressed as not much had changed on the car visibly, I'm being held back by delays on ordering bits and pieces and being held back by I admit my inability to make snap decisions about what I need/want :p

Anyway, after deciding I couldn't use the original Left Hand door as the skin had too much bog, and not wanting to re-skin it unless it was 100% necessary, I was put onto Shane from Canberra, and he organised me a 67 door.. He told me over the phone it wasn't pretty, but the lines where there, no bog what so ever on it, but had some surface rust. I was more than happy to accept that.. He drove down to melb, not just for me but to deliver other stuff and I picked up my door.

I was so glad to have something to do that as soon as I got back I went straight to work..

Here's how I got it..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200206/Image018.jpg


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200206/Image017.jpg



As you can see it's got plenty of surface rust on the top half, it's all original paint, very thin, and sun faded..

I took the top to bare metal and began the underside, it started getting too dark so I called it a day. Still need to finish it off, and strip the bits from my old door, like 1/4 glass etc so I have it ready for this one. It's far from perfect, but allot better than my old one, the dings on the line seem easier enough to get at and aren’t too much of a concern to me.. So I'm happy :)

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200206/Image025.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%200206/Image032.jpg


Having a bit of trouble getting one of the old hinges off, just putting plenty of WD40, and plan of trying again this weekend.. Hopefully I don't strip the head.. I don't feel like trying to drill them out….


Apart from that finally got around to ordering my brakes, they should be heading to the shipper today, need to be there before Friday so they can start heading to Melb..

I got..

2" Drop Spindals (CNC)
Cross Drilled and gas sloted Rotors (11" I think)
S10 calipers
11" power brake booster with a 4-wheel disc brake master cylinder, OE style proportioning valve
bearings, seals, dust caps, spindle nuts, banjo bolts and Stainless Steel Braided Brake Hose, etc..

All for just over $1,000 ($US) delivered to the container…

Once that all comes in I'll start assembling my front sub frame, make sure everything lines up and I have everything so I can start thinking about paint :)

Steve.

[Fitty]

One thing I've wondered while following your build up is how you get into the space between the frame and the outer on pieces like the door in your post above.
More so with other items that don't have such large gaps, do you get in there to take it back to bare metal and prime it, just prime it, or leave it altogether?

[SirGeo]

I try take it back to bare metal, using anything I can, from wire brush's (by hand and drill/air/grinder) I use sand paper, anything..
I get as much as I can out. I make sure it's clean with thinners/prepsole and if I think there is rust i spray in some POR15 rust killer as well and go through that process.

And i always cover it back up with etch, and intend on putting paint on all parts..at least try too. I've seen too many cars (more commodores) have been half done and that’s what lets them down... I use so much etch the rep thinks i have shares in the company :p

And my primer/undercoat comes in 60L drums so i try to use it as unwisely as i can :p

[Fitty]

Be a prick to get into some of those places. The satisfaction of driving the car you've built perfectly from the ground up will be worth it and more though.

[SirGeo]

Just to keep Kurt Happy, here's an update of what I did last week, not much but at least I did something :p

266

267

Doors de-rusted and coated in etch, have 3 minor dings to fix up on it, at least they are in easy places. I knocked 2 of them up pretty good, but 1 I couldn't get too. But I'll find a way :p

I could have drilled a few holes and pulled it up if I wanted to follow the same method they used on the car by the previous panel shop :rolleyes: but thought I'd better not :p

I would have started fitting it all up, but I was busy helping to finish the office we built in our factory..

Anyway, it's all going to have to wait till next weekend to be fitted.. hope they fit.. which reminds me.. I need to check the door hinges.. now to just find them....

[EAT-30T]

yes I'm happry now... LOL

Looking good.... me I'm waiting on the world!

[69camaro]

Hey Steve,
Have you decided what engine you'll run in your 67? I may have found an era correct 427 if you're still heading in that direction. The guy also has a 69 dated 396 which i'll probably do something with.
Let me know and I can pass on contact details.

[SirGeo]

yeah still hoping to go a 427, it's the highest on my list, only reason i was looking at other options because i couldn't find anything decent enough.. Would be greatfull if you could pass the PM the info across :)

[muggz]

mmm 427 & 4 speed "rock cruncher" do it, do it!! :D


you getting a crate 427 or go 454 block and 396 crank?
i was going to that route myself but decided for new SBC :)

[SirGeo]

nah if i were to get a crate motor it would be something else.. 502 etc..

And yeah 454 with a smaller crank was an option, but if i can get a proper 427 numbered block i'd be happy :0 it's all about $$ now.. Thanks for the contact number 69camaro, he's getting the owner to give me a buzz, hopefully we can agree on $$$ :p

[69camaro]

Thanks for the contact number 69camaro

Yeah Miles is a handy contact to have and knows is stuff, been doing it for a long time. Here's an article Unique cars did on him and one of his more publicised restorations... Bob Jane's 69 ZL1. Good read if your interested.
http://uniquecars.carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__uniquecarsau/tabID__203009/ArticleID__7274/DesktopDefault.aspx

[Jim]

What have you done in the last month Steve?
We should have a private bet to see who finishes first. The loser buys the first beer when I get over there around Melbourne Cup.

[SirGeo]

Hey Jim, atleast you have all the parts (or most of) in front of you :p

As for what i've done in the last month.. nothing much really.. just getting the doors ready to fit up (still), and organising to pick up my new front guards, front header and valance panels... "Should" be picking them up with my brakes this saturday if they get cleared by customs this week...

Apart from that, been helping my brother with his new project.. I'll try get him to put up something about it... ;)

[SirGeo]

My Brakes Finally arrived!!! :)


After an initial scare, thinking they forgot to send my lines and drop spindles, I figured out they sent them to me pre assembled.. Not bad.. Considering I didn't pay extra for the bearings etc… I'll still pull them apart to make sure they put it all together properly before I fit them, but still not bad from COP considering the hassles I had keeping in contact with them..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5285s.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5293s.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5288s.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5290s.JPG

All up I was only charged $66 for shipping :) I'm not going to complain about that :p


While I was there picking them up I also got my front end.. The guards, front Header and Valance panels as well…


http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5296s.JPG



And Just because Kurt got me thinking, I picked up a hinge repair kit too..

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5298s.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5299s.JPG


Started pulling one apart but had the wrong tap, right size but it was the long nose version which would have needed to go to far in, So I couldn't finish putting in the new wheel… I Changed the brass bush's (sp?) and was going to put in the pin but the old one was still nice and tight… Anyway, waiting to get the new tap which I'm sure I will need again later on.. So I'm going to try and finish this off during the week if I have time…


So all I need now is the start putting the sub frame together (planning on using my old springs for now).. But I have 1 small set back..

I need to replace one of my control arms, Upper left (I'm 99% sure).. Anyone got a stock one lying around…. :(

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5312s.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5309s.JPG

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201808/DCP_5310s.JPG


So to anyone that has upgraded.. Let me know and I'll take it off ya.. :)

I know I can get one new.. But thought I'd try here first….


And here is where the car is currently at with the RH door on… lined up quite well with the back guard.. Interesting to see what happens in the front……

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201308/Picture%20062s.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201308/Picture%20064s.jpg

[rodent]

Steve, I'll be changing my Control arms in the near future. Mine have both been checked out a bit due to the Headers hitting them. They would only take a whisker of welding/sanding to build it up and you wouldn't tell the difference :D

If you'd like it you are more than welcome to it :D I could repair the checked out bit for you or you could have someone else do it.....Let me know :)
PIc.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/rodent4/leftcontrol.jpg

[SirGeo]

When you say near future.. how far into the future ;)

Or you just using me as an excuse to upgrade.. :p

[rodent]

SOON:) tried to get my nephews to clean the car on the weekend....slack turds never turned up :( I can't do it on my own as it takes more than one to push it in and out of the shed and I have gout :( I really want to get my cover back on it before I start doing the brakes.

That said, If I can get it cleaned this week they could be of as early as Sunday :) If you would like me to fill that top bit in and smooth of I might be able to have it done by next weekend :D Only thing I ask is it possible for you to pick up?

Your call..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/rodent4/arms.jpg

[SirGeo]

Sunbury yeah? Not that far from the miss's place...

Sending PM now :)

[SirGeo]

P.S. It's not on so I took a guess it's the left... can anyone confirm that from the pics... without me having to go and figure it all out again..

[SirGeo]

Looks like it's all sorted... Thanks Jim :D

[EAT-30T]

Good to see some progress.... I'm still waiting on paint shop! :confused: There is a VL in the bay where my camaro is going... there we go again VL's doin there best to mess up all my plans:p

Good to see you found the golden legion panels too.... :)

[SirGeo]

lol.. VL's.. always holding a brother back! :p

I'm just wrapped i can start assembling it and see how my body work has gone :)

[SirGeo]

Picked up the replacement Control Arm... Thanks Jim, I owe ya :)

Finished of re-doing the door hinges.. very easy.. too easy if anything....

Project "Assemble the friggen camaro to get it out of the workshop" will continue :p

[MadVk308]

Damn those brakes are nice man..


A bit early I know, but any ideas on rims yet?

[SirGeo]

rims.. nah havn't decided yet... Whatever I choose though, they will have a nice deep dish.. :D

[mobche]

on the 03 of September 2005 i took delivery of my new pride and joy....

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/5.jpg

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/7.jpg

Came to my door and i quickly tucked it into it's temporary home until somewhere more permanent (and roomy) could be arragned

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2005%201509/6.jpg

nice job. Do you know what steering box they use?

[SirGeo]

The new one? The guy's put in a XY steering box, apparently it's just a standard ford item, it's what they use in their mustang conversions because parts are easy to get :confused: atleast I hope they are...

When I got it back, it was all hooked up, steering was fine, nice and smooth, I know it will be different when there is the added weight of the motor etc, but it steered into the factory alright while my brother was pushing it :D

[SirGeo]

Well i'm excited.. all my door hinge bolts and subframe bolts arrived last night.. so I can finish putting it all together.. got my front shocks and springs too, so i'll have fun putting together the jigsaw puzzle that is my front subframe.

Then fit up the guards and see what the lines are really like... it's getting there... slowly....

[rodent]

The new one? The guy's put in a XY steering box, apparently it's just a standard ford item, it's what they use in their mustang conversions because parts are easy to get :confused: atleast I hope they are...

When I got it back, it was all hooked up, steering was fine, nice and smooth, I know it will be different when there is the added weight of the motor etc, but it steered into the factory alright while my brother was pushing it :D

Only thing with the Ford steering box is you end up with a huge turning circle :(

[SirGeo]

i'm sure i can do something about it later on if it's a hassle.. but I was just happy they got it in with minimal fuss... and it will be easy to get bits and pieces for it if anything goes wrong...

I guess i'll find out how bad the circle is when I get it on the road...

[muggz]

castlemaine rod shop do sell weld in brackets and a shortened R&P non power steering (originally from a commonwhore) why settle for the opposition..... ;)

[SirGeo]

lol.. i'll see what the future brings.. But i need power steering.. if the miss's is going to drive it, i don't want her complaining :p

Besides subframe is all 2K painted up and ready now.. i don't want to do anymore welding on it...

[CI-1968]

great progresion to tell you the truth yours and EAT-30T build have been my inspiration to carry on with mine every chance i get when funding comes in keep it up

[SirGeo]

Well i thought if anything i might aswell put up a pic of where I am at..

357

Sub-frames not bolted up, but ready to be... just ran out of time..

I'm bassically still in the process of bolting all the panels up to make sure i don't need to do any "creative" alignment, and make sure i have everything I need :p


Anyway, over the last couple of weeks, been just doing small things, while I was waiting for bits and pieces to arrive...

I bolted up the other door and like the RH side door i was amazed at how good it actually lined up first shot.. considering it's a second hand door from another 67..

360


I sprayed my control arms (thanks Jim ;) ), bonnet hinges and various washers bolts etc... and before anyone says.. why spray them now... my answer will be.. because I could and I was bored...

mmm shiny!

358

359



With allot of other stuff hapening in between i bolted up the brakes on saturday morning..

361


and was going to bolt the subframe up but realised one of the braces on the the trolley we made was about 1 inch too high.. so we need to cut it and drop it a bit..

And i just wanted to add this pic because i think it looks cool..

362


And apart from that I had to work on tuesday (Melbourne cup public holiday here :mad: ) so I didn't get time to bolt it up..

I did put the steering gear on just to make sure I hadn't stuffed anything up with the turning circle on the brakes and it bolts up fine...

I know it's not preety but it will do for now...

363

Anyway, thats about where i'm at.. not much done, but getting there... now to just switch those brakes around....

[EAT-30T]

Looking good.... very good

[cluxford]

Looks awesome...how big are those front discs 285mm ?

[SirGeo]

thanks guy's.. and yeah they are 280'ish.. they are 11" 1979-81 Malibu rotors.

[CI-1968]

any progress on this steve?cant wait to see it once it is finished

[RSZ28]

[QUOTE=SirGeo;3858]Well i thought if anything i might aswell put up a pic of where I am at..

360


I sprayed my control arms (thanks Jim ;) ), bonnet hinges and various washers bolts etc... and before anyone says.. why spray them now... my answer will be.. because I could and I was bored...

mmm shiny!

358

Hi Sir Geo,

Your Camaro project is inspirational. A real transformation. A real credit to you and looks better all the time.

What type of paint did you use on the subframe and control arms etc?

And....did you remove/replace all the control arm bushing personally? If so, any special stuff you needed like spacers etc in conjunction with a press?

Thanks for any info.

Cheers.

[SirGeo]

Cheers.. I'm hanging to get more work done on it…

For the paint it's just a Protec (#604) 2K chassis black, good thing about it is it is designed to go directly on metal, as long as the surface is clean it will stick (i.e. you can just wipe with degreaser if you feel lazy enough).. You loose some of the gloss if you just wipe and spray but it works, used it on the undercarriage of some of my other cars...

I prepped it properly though, with etch and undercoat, hence why it's a bit shinier… Good stuff, only thing that sucks about it is you need to use the protec reducer/thinners/hardeners.. I found other brands just wouldn't mix well…

I removed the bushings myself (all but 1), just used a hammer bit of pipe and wood :p A press would have made it easier, but I'm not afraid to hurt myself (which I did) and sweat a bit (I need the exercise)… For putting them in, basically the same way, bit of soft wood hammer and I also used a clamp to help squeeze some in (didn't have a vice handy).. I found I didn't need any spacers, which I was told I would.. All of them fit in very snug, I had to actually open one or 2 up a bit to get them in.., All except 1, but I think I've fixed the problem… I'll put up a post during the week with the issue…

Biggest issue I had putting them all together was getting the spring and shocker in together.. I bought some spring compressors but they wouldn't fit.. But I found a use for them, I used them on the bracket the holds the rubber stopper at the top and the control arm at the bottom to help squeeze it all together, worked out great...

And here's the most recent pic I took of it (have been working on the other project a '26 Chev and am running out of room.. Hence the new guards :p)

397


As you can see I flipped the brakes, easy enough.. And now the turning circle is much better ;)

[RSZ28]

[QUOTE=SirGeo;4011]Cheers.. I'm hanging to get more work done on it…

And here's the most recent pic I took of it (have been working on the other project a '26 Chev and am running out of room.. Hence the new guards :p)

397

Thanks Sir G,

The 2k is only for spraying in a filtered air booth right? Or am I missing some details in what I have read.

Now wouldnt a camaro with a 26 chev front turn some heads on the street.... (?)

Cheers

[SirGeo]

Yeah 2K should be sprayed in a booth if it's going on the body an your going for show quality.. but for subframe etc, just a clean sealed area is fine.. make sure you wear some masks so you don't inhale too many fumes and it's fine...

We actually do have a spray booth at our factory.. not a proper running water booth etc.. but an old office at the back that we sealed and converted to a booth with fans, filters etc... does the job... Thats where i sprayed all the little stuff...

Steve.

[RSZ28]

OK. Great, thanks. Do you notice any effects even with masks? I have done epoxy with a mask (rolled on a floor) and well ventilated, if I did it in the evening I had trouble sleeping.

Cheers.

[SirGeo]

nah no probs, I use proper masks with in date filters and im fine....

How much epoxy you spraying to cause you that much trouble?

[RSZ28]

nah no probs, I use proper masks with in date filters and im fine....

How much epoxy you spraying to cause you that much trouble?

Rolled on water based epoxy on concrete. 50 sq m. Can't smell the fumes with the right filters in the mask, but it did have some effect.

[MadVk308]

looking good steve

[SirGeo]

Finally an update worth putting...

spent the last few days prepping the front to get the guards on.. bolted the subframe on, made a stand to hold it all up etc..

Had a few hic-ups getting one of the guards right, but all in all I think they sit fairly well.. no where near the %110 I would like them to be, but I have plenty of time to work on that..

Thing I'm most happy about is when I put the bonnet in it sat square, not wonky edges, all nice and straight.. still need to get it on the hinges but its looking good so far..

418

419

[cluxford]

Very cool...wish I could show as much output over the break....but sadly I can't

Now, are you running a bumper bar wrecking yard in the background there....

[SirGeo]

I have to share my work space with my fathers busineess (it's at his factory).. He's a plastic/fibreglass repairer, thats just some of his old stock in the background.. i think he piles it up to try and hide my car....

[EAT-30T]

Looks great.... I'm hoping to have mine to that stage in within the next month..... glad to hear the aftermarket panels haven't given you too much greif with alignment!!!!

[SirGeo]

Yeah the non gen weren't too bad.. a lot better than some of the ones i've used for later model aussie cars..

Don't get me wrong, I still had to open up some of the holes properly to fit where I wanted it to, and there are a few small dings or warps on the outer skins but all in all they were pretty good, only a few steps below some gen stuff you buy for commodores here...

[MadVk308]

oooo starting to come together now :)

have you put any more thought into the driveline yet?

[SirGeo]

Driveline is still in the "hoping for" stage.. I still want a 427, but getting a proper one is very hard... might have to settle for a 454 till i can hunt one down... but i'm not stressing over that yet, main priority is getting the body ready..

After that, if i have money left and the miss's lets me, i'll do the driveline :p

[RSZ28]

Driveline is still in the "hoping for" stage.. I still want a 427, but getting a proper one is very hard... might have to settle for a 454 till i can hunt one down... but i'm not stressing over that yet, main priority is getting the body ready..

After that, if i have money left and the miss's lets me, i'll do the driveline :p

Looking good SirG! Re the 427....seems in the US because 454 is so plentiful that people fit 427 cranks in 454 blocks so they can honestly say they have 427's. If I was not going LSX I would do this (i.e. downsize the 454 I had). Would like to go LS7 but they are a chunk of $$$. 6L it is.

Cheers and happy new year to youse all!

[SirGeo]

Yeah that is an option, i've had a few engine builders tell me to just do that. As I said i'm in no rush at the moment.. when i need to get the car moving i'll stress out and try pick an option then :p

[CI-1968]

Just a Question Steve, As the biggest motor your camaro came factory with was 427, If you go larger then that will you need too upgrade seat bealts like those ugly ones hanging from your roof? As this rule applies in Sydney for my Impala? If so hunt the 427 down, If I find anything on my search for a 327 I will Let you know I also have a genuine 454 Block I can let go to you for cheap as I dont need it anymore. On anouther note I absoulotly love your build as iv mentioned before your's and others have been my inspiration to carry on with my Impala. Good to see the aftermarket panels worked out well too, good luck with the rest of the build.

Steve.

[SirGeo]

From what I understand (even after re-reading the VicRoads rules FORDI6 posted) I don't need to change the seat belts... I don't even need seat belts as it's manufactured pre 1/1/69, it is only "recommended" that I retain my seatbelts if they are fitted.

But one of the reasons I wanted a 454 over the bigger 502 is so I can argue it’s the same block.

But I suppose it all depends on the engineer... and Vic Roads...

I'll take all this into account when I pick my motor I suppose, I'd love a 427 and to be honest I’ll probably go the 454 down to a 427.. but I’d like to leave my options open.. By the time I’m ready for a motor I’ll probably be forced to use a electric motor the way fuel prices are going.. :p


Thought i'd make sure my grill still fits.. (was bored waiting for undercoat to dry on FORDI6's project he's forcing me to work on in this unbearable 40deg melb heat)

452

453

[SirGeo]

And a pic for FORDI6

454

It's nearly done...

[FORDI6]

From what I understand (even after re-reading the VicRoads rules FORDI6 posted) I don't need to change the seat belts... I don't even need seat belts as it's manufactured pre 1/1/69, it is only "recommended" that I retain my seatbelts if they are fitted.

But one of the reasons I wanted a 454 over the bigger 502 is so I can argue it’s the same block.

But I suppose it all depends on the engineer... and Vic Roads...

I'll take all this into account when I pick my motor I suppose, I'd love a 427 and to be honest I’ll probably go the 454 down to a 427.. but I’d like to leave my options open.. By the time I’m ready for a motor I’ll probably be forced to use a electric motor the way fuel prices are going.. :p


Thought i'd make sure my grill still fits.. (was bored waiting for undercoat to dry on FORDI6's project he's forcing me to work on in this unbearable 40deg melb heat)



You may find an engineer could demand seat-belts be updated as it will be considered a "modified vehicle", If it was stock those rules would apply as far as a "roadworthy is concerned.

I do know a bloke who presented a 56 Chev for reg. with a RWC and told them it was stock and got away with it, although they were produced in right hand drive.
(although his was converted):)

And hey it was your idea to go over the top on the '26, Don't blame me.

[SirGeo]

Yeah i have a feeling i will be going to a few engineers to find one i like ;)

The guy's who did my conversion offered the name of an engineer to sign off on my RH conversion, i'm hoping i can get away with just getting a sign off on that, because really apart from that i won't be changing anything past factory options (thats if I stick with a 427).. The only real thing they could get me on is the new brakes.. and I've made them better...... so i don't see how they can put me down for that...

and the 26.. not going over the top.. just doing it properly.. blame my old man for that :p it'll be ready soon... P.S. We need blinkers so you can drive it home when it's done..

[anychevy]

Yeah i have a feeling i will be going to a few engineers to find one i like ;)
and the 26.. not going over the top.. just doing it properly.. blame my old man for that :p it'll be ready soon... P.S. We need blinkers so you can drive it home when it's done..

I could be wrong but would vic roads have access to casting numbers on blocks or even know the difference between a mark IV and a later block ?
Your car could be optioned with a 396 or maybe even a early COPO 427 ?
So to be safe you could use any mark IV 454 block (and a 396 crank to make it a 427)
The blinkers are a no brainer, I've converted many from original (brake lights)to using the back up lights and then back to original again.

[EAT-30T]

And how does your grille fit steve?? I'm having a little bit of issues with mine...but I'm not quite done yet.. actually far from it....... :o

[SirGeo]

And how does your grille fit steve?? I'm having a little bit of issues with mine...but I'm not quite done yet.. actually far from it....... :o


Well thats my original grill, and the fit is good.. a bit of a gap on the left hand side where the guard meet the lower front valance, but that was fixed by opening one of the bolt holes and just adjusting the panel .. I will need to tidy some of the edges still, but..

...i've decided to get a new grill.. it's just over $200 US for a complete set, i can't see it being much different from the original fit wise....

The main reason i fitted up te original one was just to make sure i'd set the front up right... so far so good...

You using your original grill or a new one?


I could be wrong but would vic roads have access to casting numbers on blocks or even know the difference between a mark IV and a later block ?
Your car could be optioned with a 396 or maybe even a early COPO 427 ?
So to be safe you could use any mark IV 454 block (and a 396 crank to make it a 427)
The blinkers are a no brainer, I've converted many from original (brake lights)to using the back up lights and then back to original again.


Yeah i'll have to check up on that, if i need an era correct block... but a 427 was an option, dealer option mayee, and not many were made with them, but it was an option....

And yeah blinkers for the camaro should be fine.. I was bugging FORDI6 for blinkers on our other project, the '26 Chev.....

[69ss427]

SirGeo, your 67 is looking good mate.

Judging from the pictures, I assume that you went with the Hopper Stoppers front brake kit?

Sorry to hijack the thread, but what master and slave cylinder combination are you going to use, do the HQ-WB series fit?

Congrats on the car and I hope you get to drive it soon!

[SirGeo]

Nah i went with a brake kit from CPP (US company).. i saw the hoppers stoppers kit but was too lazy to hunt down the rest of things i would have needed :p

And thankfully this came as a complete kit so i didn't need to hunt down a master cylinder etc...

[camaro_1967rs]

We need blinkers so you can drive it home when it's done..

What is the deal with blinkers and the US cars? My car got through the RWC with no modifications to the RS tail lights or dropping the putting a twin bulb in the reverse lens fand transferring the blinkers from red to white.

Arnt we allow to use red?

[SirGeo]

I don't know what the go is with that, but i always had in mind that I would get a half red, half yellow lens for the rear tailights anyway.... I know i've seen plenty of old US cars going around with the flashing red tailights, and they had full rego...

[FORDI6]

I don't know what the go is with that, but i always had in mind that I would get a half red, half yellow lens for the rear tailights anyway.... I know i've seen plenty of old US cars going around with the flashing red tailights, and they had full rego...

That's the way the Yanks did it early days.

So if your registering it as a stocker there is no problem:)

[SirGeo]

yeah but once you (or I ) change 1 thing such as a RHD conversion i always thought they would pick me up on that, hence why it is on my "to do" list.. along with a million other things :(

But first things first.. i need to finish this '26 :p

[EAT-30T]

Whats the latest? Your about as good as me Steve!!! Not very good at all :p

[SirGeo]

nothing much has changed.. just busy trying to finish the other Chev ('26).. going to go talk to my spray painter in the coming weeks and see how he wants it delivered.. but i'm no longer in any rush to finish it this year...

[james68ss]

Nah i went with a brake kit from CPP (US company).. i saw the hoppers stoppers kit but was too lazy to hunt down the rest of things i would have needed :p

And thankfully this came as a complete kit so i didn't need to hunt down a master cylinder etc...

what was in the hoppers stoppers kit?

[SirGeo]

almost everything except the spindals and brake booster.. I think... I have the catalogue at home... i can check it out if you want..

Or.. actually.. http://www.hoppers.com.au/ it's available there.. the 10mb download...

[james68ss]

almost everything except the spindals and brake booster.. I think... I have the catalogue at home... i can check it out if you want..

Or.. actually.. http://www.hoppers.com.au/ it's available there.. the 10mb download...

thanks for the link, i checked it out.iwonder if i can use my drum spindles? looks like i may have to source BA spindles plus no booster or master cyl. could be pricey. matts bowtie classics in the states had a 4 wheel kit with everything for $995 on ebay, dont know the quality, but wanted $1000 to send it to melbourne! will keep investigating

[camaro_1967rs]

Nah i went with a brake kit from CPP (US company).. i saw the hoppers stoppers kit but was too lazy to hunt down the rest of things i would have needed :p

And thankfully this came as a complete kit so i didn't need to hunt down a master cylinder etc...

I to used a CPP kit on my car, I went the 11" not the 12", they are lincoln continental brakes from memory for the rear. The car stops better than expected. These 11" single pot have a large caliper, similar to size of some HSV's but bigger than standard production cars.

My recomendation is when dealing with them just double check the order down to the last hose when they arrive, mine was missing several things and they ended up just doing a credit to my credit card.

One regret I should have gone the hydro setup as it looks cool but would have kept the project open for an easy drop in of a tall deck bb.

The reason I didnt go hoppers were two things; the spindles were drum brake units, and they did not fit well in the rear lots of welding and engineering stuff, they quoted me $3500 supplied and installed front and rear, yet I got a better system bolt up $2700.

[usautomotives]

WOW! I have spent the last hour or so checking out your thread. Unreal! I cannot wait to see the car finished, will be a real head turner.

Good luck with finishing the beast off. Great work!

[CamaroSS]

Nah i went with a brake kit from CPP (US company).. i saw the hoppers stoppers kit but was too lazy to hunt down the rest of things i would have needed :p

And thankfully this came as a complete kit so i didn't need to hunt down a master cylinder etc...

Hi mate, I have just joined (today) your site/forum, this is a first for me (forum)! Conratulations on a great site.

I have just landed my second Camaro last week, it's a black 67SS, it too has the CPP set up you have mentioned above.

As with most imports there are always a few "suprises" awaiting you when you take delivery. I was hoping to contact like minded fellas on your site to keep on the pulse, see upcoming events and draw on plently of experience.

At this stage I am chasing the below parts if anyone has for sale or could point me in the right direction:

Power steering set up for LHD 67 Camaro
Extractors (same car) to suit power steering 327
Performance intake manifold for 327 (dual plane pref)

Thanks in advance, talk soon and thanks for the warm welcome.......

[SirGeo]

Welcome.. and those suprises are welcome ones.. it's when you expect something and it's not there thats the problem.. or if you get an extra helping of rust it isn't always appreciated :p

[EAT-30T]

Updates updates updates...... ???? Last post was Feb.... its now May LOL

[SirGeo]

Yeah haven't really been able to do much, just bought a house and have wedding plans that are taking all my time and money now... so I thought I'd let it settle for a bit...

Although I have started cleaning up my old diff as I've decided I need it in to get it rolling, I probably could have just left it as it was, but no point leaving things half done, I have nothing much else I can do that won't cost me too much :p

I think I have a spare weekend coming up that I might try and do some of the small things I've meaning to do.. but apart from that, I think I'm out of the race to get it done by this year :(

[PSIWOG]

Hey Steve. Well done on car mate. Ive been following it pretty close. Has inspired me to move on to a 67-68 camaro. Will be looking to learn a lot off you mate, dont stuff up to bad :D haha
Also one thing I figured after doing a couple commodores is I got so dam sick and tired of sanding ! Did you just consider bead blasting it ? I got a quote from dandy place (close to both of us) and was less than $700.

[mobche]

Hi mate, I have just joined (today) your site/forum, this is a first for me (forum)! Conratulations on a great site.

I have just landed my second Camaro last week, it's a black 67SS, it too has the CPP set up you have mentioned above.

As with most imports there are always a few "suprises" awaiting you when you take delivery. I was hoping to contact like minded fellas on your site to keep on the pulse, see upcoming events and draw on plently of experience.

At this stage I am chasing the below parts if anyone has for sale or could point me in the right direction:

Power steering set up for LHD 67 Camaro
Extractors (same car) to suit power steering 327
Performance intake manifold for 327 (dual plane pref)

Thanks in advance, talk soon and thanks for the warm welcome.......

G'day I've been contemplating importing a 68 from the US but I'm now nervous handing over $20,000 and hoping I get my car in 6 weeks. Have you ever had any problems and who do you use to get your car imported? Thanks heaps!

[RSZ28]

G'day I've been contemplating importing a 68 from the US but I'm now nervous handing over $20,000 and hoping I get my car in 6 weeks. Have you ever had any problems and who do you use to get your car imported? Thanks heaps!

Hi Mobche,

When importing cars, you are mostly at the mercy of everyone else: seller, transport, packing, US customs, shipping, Oz Customs, Oz Quarantine, OZ Customs agent, local importer. It's luck of the draw, but mostly an OK experience. The local importer is probably the best of the lot, after the seller.

Try Mick at US Musclecars in Carlton (Syd). I have not got any cars through him, have got some boxed parts ok, and wished I had got my 68 through him. High quality standards. He may even have or can access a 68 that fits your need.

There is also Gordon Taylor at Narellan. Both these guys know the story well.

Another place is "Cars a Float". They purely focus on shipping. And are growing quite quickly, so they must be ok. They typically trans ship, so may take a little longer.

What are you targetting for $20k? Is that your budget in USD before shipping and GST?

Cheers and welcome!

[EAT-30T]

Steve are you still alive mate?

[SirGeo]

Yeah I'm still alive... Nothing much has changed on the camaro, it's just sitting there collecting dust until I get some spare time..

Here's an updated pic... :p

864

[EAT-30T]

Looks like all is well then! :o

[muggz]

http://www.usmuscle.com.au/SirGeo/Camaro/2007%201308/Picture%20062s.jpg

Sorry to hijack but just looking over your pictures Sir Geo and saw your door hinges are 3 bolt ( to the pillar)
Im intrigued because i noticed they changed to 4 bolt on my '68 as i found out when ripping my doors off. I only thought the transition from '67 - '68 was just windows!

Oh and your car is looking good by the way :D

[cluxford]

No the doors are completely different...different hinges, hinge positions, no wing windows....the lot...basically just the outer skin is the same..put it this way, you can't put a 68 door on a 67...well not easily anyway

[muggz]

Cheers for clearing that up.. i never thought/investigated it before, but definately makes sense :D

[CI-1968]

Steve, how is this thing going??

[SirGeo]

Not going at all :p

Getting married in about.. um.. 5 weeks.. So getting that organised and my house ready has taken priority unfortunately.. once I get back from my honeymoon i'll be hitting it hard though..

Just trying to chase up a bung BB for test fitting... If anyone has a dead block they want to get rid off, let me know, i'll come pick it up... :)

[anychevy]

Just trying to chase up a bung BB for test fitting... If anyone has a dead block they want to get rid off, let me know, i'll come pick it up... :)
I remember seeing dummy plastic BB & SB chev blocks you could bolt accessories to for trial fitting, that was a while ago, but I'm sure they're still around :confused:
EDIT
Now I know why I haven't seen them in a while, they're too F :eek: ing expensive
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-454-Big-Block-Short-Block-Plastic-Replica_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el 1247QQcategoryZ33613QQihZ002QQitemZ120126168409QQr dZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

[CI-1968]

I have one you can use, BUT I am in Sydney sorry man.

[camaro_1967rs]

I remember seeing dummy plastic BB & SB chev blocks you could bolt accessories to for trial fitting, that was a while ago, but I'm sure they're still around :confused:
EDIT
Now I know why I haven't seen them in a while, they're too F :eek: ing expensive
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-454-Big-Block-Short-Block-Plastic-Replica_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el 1247QQcategoryZ33613QQihZ002QQitemZ120126168409QQr dZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

VPW IN EPPING VICTORIA SELL THEM, ALLWAYS ON DISPLAY

[SirGeo]

VPW IN EPPING VICTORIA SELL THEM, ALLWAYS ON DISPLAY

Might have to see if my contacts there can pass along a slightly used one :p

[camaro_1967rs]

Might have to see if my contacts there can pass along a slightly used one :p

I looked at them prior to deciding on my combination, they are made out of some foam stuff and painted to the right manufacturers colors, they have all the holes there to trial fit all accessories, need to put on your rocker covers and manifold. I never asked the price. So these are not the solid plastic type and they are light as.

[CI-1968]

Steve. I remember before you where after a 427. I was reading a guy a works with issue of street machine and in the back it had advertised a 427 crate motor. If you want to know more pm me man.

[SirGeo]

i've seen plenty of crate 427 small blocks, i don't think i've seen many BBC...

PM sent..

Steve.

[coastvl]

Hey Steve, getting married hey!
Good to see you haven't stalled on the car ;)
Still been checkin for a finish.
cheers
Glenn

[SirGeo]

Cheers Glenn.. yeah the wedding has slowed me down, but i'm looking at it as a small break so when i get back i can hit it hard and finish it.. It's kinda good though, giving me a chance to organise the small things to help me later on that I didn't have time for previously...

[AUSCAMARO]

OOOOooooohhhhhh Boy.... What have I gotten myself into...

After seeing this thread and thinking WOW that 67 looks pretty clean as it came off the truck and then seeing it as it was stripped I think I'm in for a bit of a rude shock when I strip mine down!!

It would be nice to have your knowledge when it comes to panel repair too.

Nice work mate...

Mitch

[69camaro]

Hey Steve, are you watching this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120315265191

[SirGeo]

I got excited for a minute.. but it's a tall deck.... :(

Anyway, my wedding is this saturday, so i don't think i should be making any purchases for a month or two.... :( :(

[TUFF68]

I got excited for a minute.. but it's a tall deck.... :(

Anyway, my wedding is this saturday, so i don't think i should be making any purchases for a month or two.... :( :(

I reckon that tall deck block would have made a lovely stand for the wedding cake at the reception :rolleyes: :D :D

Good luck with your wedding, hope all goes well

[SirGeo]

lol.. would have been a great centre piece..

And thanks :) I actually broke my wrist, and cut up my face 3 weeks ago, and then scratched my face up even more on my bucks 2 weeks ago, she's not happy about that.. face has healed nicely, but the wrist is still in a cast... atleast i'll have a story to tell :p

[EAT-30T]

Broken wrist?? Stop floggin it :p LOL

[69camaro]

Broken wrist?? Stop floggin it :p LOL

Don't you have to start once you get married.... That's what I hear anyway :D

[S[_]SPECT]

Any updates Steve ??

[SirGeo]

Nah no updates, actually, I pulled apart the diff because I was bored, but I don't think that counts as actually doing anything :p

Been getting a bit twitchy though, seeing everyone else's cars looking good and driving :p

So i'm trying to get back into it.. winter has kicked in, so I should have some more spare time to devote to it. I've let it mature long enough. And currently the most taxing projects i've had on the weekends, consist of change a light globe and cut the grass :p

Now to start getting all the bits together..

WANTED/To do List LIST (so far):
Dead BBC for fitting
Win Lotto
Multi leaf fitting kit
12 bolt diff
427 4bolt build 65-69 :rolleyes:
Organise to send out for final touch-ups and spray


That should get me started... i'll have plenty more to add along the way :p

[FORDI6]

N.

WANTED/To do List LIST (so far):
Dead BBC for fitting
Win Lotto
Multi leaf fitting kit
12 bolt diff
427 4bolt build 65-69 :rolleyes:
Organise to send out for final touch-ups and spray




You Forgot

"get off my arse" :D :D :D

[SirGeo]

I wish I could spend more time on it.. Someone doesn't let me relax at home :p

Well I got the spare BB from rodent.. thanks mate.. so now it's a matter of finding where i hid my engine mounts, and picking up a sump so i can dummy it up.

Also FORDI6, did you see the 46 Ute in the things that go? $1200, and you can get a good set of guards, bonnet etc from it.. it's in VIC as well...

Also since you have some spare time, feel free to hunt down a 427 for me :p

[FORDI6]

Also FORDI6, did you see the 46 Ute in the things that go? $1200, and you can get a good set of guards, bonnet etc from it.. it's in VIC as well...

Are they online ???

Also since you have some spare time, feel free to hunt down a 427 for me :p

Yep I'll have one for you by the end of the week.....not :confused:

[SirGeo]

Are they online ???




Not sure.... I have the latest copy at my place if you wanna swing past.. it's on the floor in the living room...

[Steve]

Bump??

[SirGeo]

lol... nothing to report.. just collecting dust.. weather is getting better so i'm trying to organise some time to get the crap that has collecting on it off and start it.. first order of business is to get the diff, and suspension on it so i can take it off the trolley i made and start rolling it around.. then it can sit like that for another year :p

[GarryL]

SirGeo,

who did the conversion?

[USA-69Z]

SirGeo,

who did the conversion?

Hi Gaz, welcome to the site mate. What kind of vehicle you got?
I see your in terrigal , im up at charlestown. If you need a conversion i could give you a number?


Gav

[Mozzie71]

Steve.. get off your but and finish the darn car...

I need a wedding car.. next year.. theres a goal for you!!!

[SirGeo]

Mmmmoooooooooooooooozzzzzzzzzzz..

Next year.. that's only like less than a month away..

I was at the factory the other day contemplating working on it, dropping it and test fitting the rear lights and bars etc.. but got a call from my brother that he needed a hand replacing cladding on the bungalow at the back of his house.. So didn't get a chance to work.. Taking a few weeks off work over the chrissy break and i'm hoping to get some work done on it.... finish the half things i've done etc...

Took a quick happy snap so I can remember where it is though..

I think you can just make it out in there....

3852

Might have to spend a few hours tidying up the factory as payment for leaving it there for so long :p

[18htan]

Crikey... Here we have a 67 Camaro! (Steve Irwin style)

Its in there somewhere.

[SirGeo]

Yeah might have to put on my khaki shorts when i tackle that...

[rodent]

Barn find !!!!!!!!!! :p

[Mozzie71]

lol... see, i told you getting married would ruin your life...!!! KIDDING

still... looks like you got a lot of the hard work done already...

let me know when its done... would like to take some photos.. and use it in my wedding... if you dont charge too much that is!!

Kylie had Mustangs the first time she got married.. Id like her to experience a real muscle car... ;)

[SirGeo]

Barn find !!!!!!!!!! :p


lol... i've had a few people make that connection :p


let me know when its done... would like to take some photos.. and use it in my wedding... if you dont charge too much that is!!

Kylie had Mustangs the first time she got married.. Id like her to experience a real muscle car... ;)


if it's ready in time it's yours for the day :p

[camaro_1967rs]

What I see is, a lot of Australian Cars that have gone to GOD, but the Camaro is rising up through their crappy plastic bumpers.

Good to see you still have interested, and that its still a labor of love.

[MadVk308]

Any progress mate? Hope you get some time off the ball and chain soon!

[CI-1968]

Steven how is this thing going?

[SirGeo]

Sorry guy's been MIA for a bit..

Car been collecting a lot of dust :p Apart from that no real updates to report, but I have been scouring the net for bits and pieces....

The heart of my project, a 427 (at a reasonable price :p) is still very elusive, coupled with the wifes hotrod getting it's new motor, i've had to put finding one off for a little while longer...

[blackoutsteve]

...The heart of my project, a 427 (at a reasonable price :p) is still very elusive...

Go the 427 Anniversary.. You know you want it.;)
Hey, you can use small block or even 6cyl springs! :D

[rodent]

Sorry guy's been MIA for a bit..

Car been collecting a lot of dust :p Apart from that no real updates to report, but I have been scouring the net for bits and pieces....

The heart of my project, a 427 (at a reasonable price :p) is still very elusive, coupled with the wifes hotrod getting it's new motor, i've had to put finding one off for a little while longer...


Give me a $110k Steve and I'll give you one wrapped in a Corvette :D

[blackoutsteve]

Give me a $110k Steve and I'll give you one wrapped in a Corvette :D

As much as I'd love to pull that dough out of my butt and hand it to you (bad choice of words? :D).. I was referring to the limited edition GMPP ZL1 re-issue.;)

[SirGeo]

Both options are just that weeeee bit above my budget...

Just hold onto those ideas though, i got a feeling i'm winning lotto soon.... :p

[timsmothers]

Very nice! I am a new member here, and was just snooping around. I have always been interested in RHD conversions (well, since I was in Melbourne in 1999/2000). If theres anything you need me to track down for you in the U.S. please feel free to ask. I am currently working on two 68 camaro coupes, so spare parts are plenty!

Tom

[SirGeo]

Welcome to the site Tom!

If you have a era correct 427 lying around feel free to send it over :p

Thanks for the offer though, I don't think i'll be touching this project until closer to the end of the year. I need to take stock of what I need and i'll be making a big Wanted thread!! ;)

As for RHD, if I was to do it again, i probably wouldn't convert.. not for originality or anything like that.. just because it's so much extra stuffing around :p You should import a 60's Monaro and do a LHD conversion.. now that would be something different... pointless.. but different :p