Roof, top and trunk carbon and the car brushed?
It will be original, im not a wrap fan but im pretty sure it will be nice

I'm copying CHD on that 68 Camaro, I asked if I could borrow his hood design for my Camaro and he said I could .... so, brushed red Al and CF black design on front valance through to the windshield.

Messed w a small section on the trunk this am .... not knowing what I'm doing, it came out pretty bad, but the colors are outrageous together. Think I'll let the Pro Shop here in town complete it so it doesn't look like azz!!!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...913/gEoMWp.jpg
Looks cool in the sun ...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/9VjcRJ.jpg
I edited all the wrinkles out ....lol!

Its gonna be tough to keep the CF in straight lines and not scratch the brush red ... I don't think I can!!

Michael, that is going to look awesome together, good choice. No, I am done scraping that crap off so I nnow can use air tools! :hitaxeonthehead:

It looks nice! I like it.

Update 5/12
 

Thanks Wayne .... jury is still out whether to outsource this part of the build, kinda want to do it myself!

:ups: Christmas in May, gotta love the smell of fresh rubber in the morning! Had to fit them under the car just cuz.... Also received my SPI order today, now just got to get busy!!!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...538/P7Qj59.jpg
Got tired of waiting on Falkens!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/M2LPjf.jpg
Plenty of room ... I'm next to rent the Wheel Rite tool and then its RIMS!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...537/kUtYiy.jpg
I think they'll fit just fine!!!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...537/axCg46.jpg
Nothing like steam rollers ....:guns:
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/KswkAZ.jpg
Back into the spare room for now!!!

This is the last week of classes, the sun is shinning agian .... then its go time on the Camaro. I want to thank Chris Holstrom and Ron Sutton for taking care of me, they truly care for the sport and the customers!!

Got more stuff coming too :innocent:

Thanks for looking....

Coming along nicely! Like the color idea/choice.....should look real cool. How is the clearance looking on the g-bar for exhaust?

such a good feeling getting new parts!!!! looks great keep it up!!

:thankyou: That I don't know ... if I go with a full length (Magnaflow 2 1/2) I might have to notch the trunk pan, or I could go under the axle and call it good!!

Ain't it ... I now have to put in the time to get all this stuff on the car :ohsnap: :thankyou:

Awesome progress and nice work, love build threads, heart and soul ,sweat and tears ,ups and downs and serious perserverance . Well Done.

Looking great, Chief.

:thumbsup: Thanks ... I'm learning what not to do as much as what works!!!


Thanks ... things will be begin to move right along here next week, school session is done!:relax:



Not much here, just had to get out in the garage and do something ... so I made Version I stands for the frame mods that I did, I think I may want it a little taller for Version II .... or use limiting straps on the suspension!!!


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...538/03npcr.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/r1zoPe.jpg

Oh well, it's something ... back to homework!!!

Headers are in ....
 

however there is some inference .... that's hot rodding, need to move the engine and tranny back an inch to clear the aft lower control arm brace, already ordered a set of misfit adjustable mounts from Dirty-Dingo and that should be taken care of! The adjustable mounts will raise the engine 7/16" and that will help some!

Not too happy about the ground clearance thou ... hangin' a little low, about the depth of the tubes 1.63". Don't want to cut them up right now, not qualified to :headspin:

Really nice headers from AME, 3/8 flanges and ball and socket to 2 1/2 inch, even sent gaskets and ss bolts ... I'm gonna use my Stage 8 locking ones thou. After fit and all I'll send them off to be coated .... black!


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/QY4vaZ.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...540/DHGRP7.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...540/Ynz3jK.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...909/utMxa4.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...911/RWzuMA.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/4iSNuL.jpg

Should be able to order the driveshaft and route the steering shaft down to the rack after all this ... :popcorn2:

Thanks to Chris Holstrom for helping me, appreciate the expertise!

Thanks for looking ...

It looks like your going to have steering rod issues to. I had the same problems with the frame. What motor mounts are you running now?

Back in the garage
 

With Sweets DD and shaft there will be no issues, looks different in the pics. I bought Poly Urethane engine mounts for SBC ... not know the part #.

had to get something done while I'm waiting on parts, so I figured I'd get the roof corner fixed up to match the molding ... AMD part was CRAP!!!!

Anyhow ... here's the result, time to get the other side done!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...538/ErWbA8.jpg
That's mo' better!!!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...633/SzKesU.jpg
Little more dolly work and some metal filler should be good to go!

I'll work on the other side tomorrow!

Thanks for looking ....

Some of the most time consuming work, but some of the most noticeable.
It looks great.

Looking good Michael. :animated_bye_bye_em

Michael you have one of the most detailed and best build threads I have ever seen,keep up the good work:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

:thankyou: Wayne, when something ain't right ya gotta fix it!!


Kevin ... thanks! Dirty Dingo to my rescue too!

:thankyou: I do appreciate the comments, just trying to do this once and have it come close to the pics in my mind .....NO MULLIGANS!!! :hairpullout:

Was on a roll
 

installing the Dirty Dingo MisFit mounts ... then I realized they sent metric bolts for the engine block plate, ALL STOP!!! :ohsnap: Bummer, they are sending the correct ones tomorrow thou, so there sits the car and engine!

I did get most of the passenger side roof corner mocked up, real close to welding!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/NlbL03.jpg
Suspended there until I get the correct bolts!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/gk1180.jpg
Definitely a nice setup .... should be what the doctor ordered for clearance!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/0aQfb7.jpg
AME headers waiting to go back in .... nice pieces fer sure!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/NxMm3A.jpg
Gotta fill this hole ... the roof will have to wait!


Til next time, thanks for looking .... think I'll go put the old mounts in just in case the hoist loses pressure!

Got impatient
 

waiting for SAE bolts from Dirty Dingo ...
went to Fastenal and picked some up and got the engine back in the frame! All is well, except .... I can't use the block mounted fuel pump, I'll have to rig up an electric :rolleyes: and the drivers side bracket nut is touching #3 tube .... that's hot rodding thou!

Anyhow ... plenty of clearance for the headers, I'll probably have to move it a touch forward so the distributor will clear the firewall. I did put some heat on the drivers side header to see if I could raise the collector some w/o cutting the headers apart and rewelding ... got some clearance, it's cooling now, I'll see where it rests after it cools.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...537/qtuxSm.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...538/dbU4bC.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...540/NghqNn.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/QKytTC.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...910/VPxGwY.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/rd1pYw.jpg

Thanks for looking ...

Shocks are here!
 

my chiropractor is gonna love me .... heading out to the gym and FedEX pulls up, what am I supposed to do?

Anyhow, Ron Sutton valved RT SA are here, there is a problem thou .... the lower mount on the rear is 5/8 shaft and there are no male alignment bushing to fit the shaft. Am I retarded? I got plenty of 1/2 alignment bushings thou ... and even w the 5/8 female on both sides the shoulder is still taller and the shock rattles when the bolt and washer are tightened ... got it?

Look at the pics and see if I'm backwards and comment PLEASE ...

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...908/sAinPK.jpg
Shocks are here!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...537/lcxBTB.jpg
I get it .... male and female fit together!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/yI00KX.jpg
That's TWO 5/8 females on either side ....there still is shoulder there!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...537/VtICL6.jpg
Top is good to go w 1/2" bolt thou ...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/QZEf4O.jpg
6 bags if the same parts!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...633/C5Wn5s.jpg
I'd have to use 5/8 washers to take up the space .... not good!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/ApzB92.jpg
There are no 5/8 males for the female.


Ok I know I'm not the only one using RT ... please help! RT is gonna call me back tomorrow when they open! Am I missing something?

Oh, I sent the Dirty Dingo Misfit mounts back ... now I have to cut up some headers!:wacko:

Thanks for looking and helping!

The sleeves do not fit together. its 1/2 (what you can male) to 1/2 male top and 5/8 to 5/8 bottom. **
You have the right parts....The 1/2" ones go on top and the 5/8" go on the bottom. One 5/8" washer on eash side. So stud, washer, 5/8 spacer, shock, 5/8 spacer, washer then nut. Also real racers position the adjuster at the bottom. :)

I've seen guys not only install them upside-down --- I've seen it where they place the adjuster in what would be "toward the outside"... so that the adjuster is absolutely impossible to get to. LOL

Huh?
 

Vince .... I'm not a smart man, my picture 2 is what is installed on the top to take the bearing from 5/8 to 1/2 .... duhhhh, check image below!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...540/sDf7WH.jpg

The lower mount just change up the order? Install washer on the outside of the sandwich? I didn't know that's where they went, I just grabbed two washers.

Adjusters on the INSIDE bottom (Weld's comment) got it!

Now there is interference w the shock and the mount .... what's next? Longer shock stud to push the spring out away from the mount?
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/dg8hw3.jpg


Thanks ...

Michael

Check your piuion angle. The lower mount should be at 90 degrees with the pinion 2 degrees down.

Your a smart guy....you just took this literally didn't you. :gitrdun: :peepwall:

Chief, do you have any pics of how the dash and cowl come together? On a nova they are welded, does the camaro do the same?

Vince ... I called RT and Josh sent me out the correct spacers for the lower shock mounts. I did read the directions, they were not that specific ... they were actually outdated considerably, offered to send new pics to update their instructions.

Lance ... the dash and the cowl panel are welded on the top. My front and rear AMD glass just came into town, figured I'd mock it up first before I welded them together. Same thing for the rear glass, trial fit before the quarters go on .... OCD!

WOW ... had a flash back looking for these pics, glad it doesn't look like that now!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...633/XZqfUz.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/1u16UY.jpg

How does the AMD glass look and fit are you happy with it?

Thanks for those two pics. That was the before correct? Do you have any pics that show what it looks like after? Do I make holes and "spot" weld it or tack it in all the way across and then grind down? I'm sorry for the ignorance on this one? I'm just not sure how to move forward because my dash was already pulled apart and I cant tell how it was together?

I haven't picked up the glass yet ... the AMD rep used their glass on his Duster, said it fit well!

No problem ... in the first pic you can see where the 2" band of rust goes across the cowl, that is where the upper dash came to and I just drilled out the spot welds to remove that strip. I will use my hole punch to prep the upper dash for spot welding.

I need to fit the front glass to make sure the angle at the bottom is in-line with the A pillars when the glass is set inside the opening ... I may have to sharpen the or change the angle to match the A pillar.

Michael

I got ya now. So it is spot welded between the two. Thanks a lot!!!

Need some help
 

with the front shock setup! Lat G members I need some help figuring out spring clearance on the front, I thought I had it figured out and fabbed up some adapter plates to move the shock mounting point AFT 5/8".

Few days ago I started on the front shocks and found the spring hit the UCA ... hmmmm, I checked the static camber on the driver's side, added some washers to get -0.7, good now. Found out that if I moved the shock mount aft 5/8" the spring would clear UCA during travel. So I fabbed up a 1/4" plate and welded the RT mount on it!

Kool ... checked the passenger side camber, it was different, didn't need any additional washers to push the UCA out (see where this is going?) to get static camber at -0.7. NOW both sides have different thickness spacers .... should I be worried? Started making the same mount for the passenger side ... checking it the spring doesn't clear the UCA at all.

Part of this is due to the thickness of my adapter plate and the RT mount which pushes the mounting point out away from the frame ...

???? Should I account for the camber? Am I on the wrong track here?

I know what I need to do but don't know the best way .... I need to hack off the original mount and move it AFT 5/8" and possibly inward a little to give more angle of the dangle and clearance for the spring.

Any suggestions? Take a look at the pics I took and chime in with positive ideas to fix this.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...540/VIZ9xd.jpg
Passenger side static camber with less washers than the drivers side!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...673/VTOKtF.jpg
Passenger side washers .... spring hits UCA.
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...537/1j7qYd.jpg
Clearance on the DRIVERS side ... 3/16"?
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...540/qeiVcc.jpg
Drivers side camber washers and clearance!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/WklSUf.jpg
This is the RT mount I welded onto the plate to move the CL over 5/8"
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...538/yEfvC3.jpgOh yeah ... got my compressor in and bolted to the floor ... back in business!!

I know there is a lot going on here, hopefully the pics help visualize things here. I didn't want to hack off the frame mount just to move the shock aft 5/8" .... but I am outa options.

Any suggestions would be appreciated ...

Thanks for looking and helping me out ....

I think you should try and bolt everything up to the subframe and check everything else before you dig any deeper. Check frame rails for square and level ,steering linkage clearance, radiator support location and mounting, etc etc.

I think pushing that upper shock mount inward would cause more problems. Your basically going to have to rebuild/reconfigure the control arm mount/shock mount to be safe and still retain correct geometry.

Clean build, should be a beast.

Did you ever fix the subframe control arm/shock mount issue?

Fixed shock
 

mounting point, no more clearance issues!!! Been busy with classes lately ... had a mount design cut out and then I didn't like it. So I said to myself ... self, why don't you just move the original shock mount back the distance you need and be done with it?

So, that is what I did today ... played hookie from school work and worked in the garage until it was done, I just finished!

Cut off the mount, plated the hole leftover, squared up everything, checked, and double checked .... add welder!


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...661/FZZaQs.jpg
Mount all welded in secure!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...538/wJeqeJ.jpg
Idea of how much I moved it over .... I'll weld inside when I pull the engine next!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...540/dycs8I.jpg
Driver's side looks good ...
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...905/IW93Ij.jpg
Passenger side didn't take as long ... go figure!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/102...538/iexIk1.jpg
Sitting on all fours .... heck yeah!

Just had to get this done, it was bugging me soooo bad!

Thanks for looking .... I have some class work to do now :waveflag:

I think you might want to consider cutting off the complete square tubing that supports that coil over and make another.

The way you have it takes the strength out of that shock mount and puts the load just on the 3/16th upper a arm mount. I think once the coil over starts to compress up and down its going to act like if you bent a coat hanger back and forth and shear that upper mount off.

That's a lot of weight and load to trust it the way you have it now.

Ahmed,

I have wondered how much load the upper shock mount is subjected to. There have been a number of adjustable upper mount designs over the years and I've not seen one break; doesn't mean it didn't happen and if it did happen at speed ... it could be catastrophic! :wow:

Anyone know mow much force is exerted on the upper mount? And how to measure or ensure it is reliable?

That's a good question Ron ... I was thinking of using a 1/4" plate on the engine side of the mount to re-enforce the mount, say 6" and the full width now. Just need to fix the header clearance now and then I can pull the engine ... again!

Any other ideas?

Very nice build! :D