It's pretty cool when the girls come out and help. Some of our friends kids come over and help me and ask if they can help. If it takes us all day to do one simple job but I am able to teach or show them something that is all that matters.

Funny thing is my 3rd daughter ( not really mine ) is coming over on Saturday to help me put the engine in the car.

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/a...ceCamaro09.jpg

It's not that cold out, why is Mario wearing a coat?

Looking good!
Mike

LOL - heck it's was 34 out this morning. Maybe he's cold blooded

Because those pictures are from last winter and the car is most likely already painted and being put back together as we type :rofl: J/K Looking good Marty :thumbsup:

2nd Chance Camaro - Bringing the 2nd Chance Camaro home

Bringing the 2nd Chance Camaro home
Posted: Nov 01, 2011* www.2ndchancecamaro.com

*
Good Morning All,


Now that the car is heading home it's time to explain the build of this car. The goal is simple, build a car
that anyone can build using as many bolt on as possible.


Where most people make mistakes is they take on way more then they can handle. I've seen people spend
thousand on the latest and greatest bolt on part only to realize they don't have the time, tool, skills or funds
to complete the project. I've had people tell me they just bought a new subframe and they plan to install it
over the weekend in there garage. A couple months later I find out that they have finally given up on there
project and it's 4-sale for penny's on the dollar.


So my advise is.
Be realistic in what you buy, do you really need it and do you have time & skill to actually put that part on
your car. If you don't have a lot of free time in your life and you want a suspension upgrade. There are plenty
bolt on front end kits available.


Picture Time - Mario cleaning out the inside of the car.


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...a45d16e-me.jpg


That would be Scott (proTour73) reading a magazine while Mario & I look at the car. Seems Scott already been
down this road and is more interested in the latest issue of Hot Rod.* Just kidding Scott


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...fcb42f7-me.jpg


The car shell looks really nice and there are only a few spots that will need rust & dent repair.


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...125e918-me.jpg


One modification that I can't live without is mini-tubs I want plenty of tire clearance. The plan is either
to run a 295 35 18 or 335 35 18 BFG KDW 2 tire on the back of the car. I am leaning more towards the
295 since the plan is to actually drive this car. Bigger isn't always better plus going to the 12" rim cost
$1000 more and the tires cost about $500 more.


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...e46584a-me.jpg


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...a0fe7ae-me.jpg


Next Step is to put it on the Rotisserie so I can have Jay at iPro-Tek Powder Coating in Joliet, IL and media blast
the shell. I really want to see what is hiding under the paint and take care of the rust on the underside of the roof.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...c0fb7a8-me.jpg

No really Mario is always cold - just kidding Mario

Yep I am way behind at posting pictures.

Well that install seemed easy...


Mick

2nd Chance Camaro - Size Does Matter - Which in the end might not Matter
Size Does Matter- Which in the end might not Matter

Posted: Nov 04, 2011 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Last week I was looking at the tires stored in Mario's 69 Camaro. I couldn't help but notice that his tire
looked skinny compared to the 335 BFG tire sitting in my garage. I kept telling Mario that my 335 was
much bigger then his 345 and he said no way. So I took his tire home to find out if I was correct. I figured
a side by side test would be the only way to prove that the BFG KDW 2 are indeed bigger.

Left: BFG 335 35 18 ( 14" Wide )
Middle: Michelin 345 __ 19 ( 13" Wide )
Right: BFG 295 35 18 ( 12" Wide )


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...98838d7-me.jpg

Close up of the BFG 335 & Michelin 345 -- The BFG is 1" Wider


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5a61fdb-me.jpg

Close Up of the Michelin 345 & the BFG 295 -- Not much of a difference

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...7daef51-me.jpg

The BFG 335 height compared to the BFG 295 - you can see the difference is much greater

Also the height is much taller on the Michelin.


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...e7e5271-me.jpg


The plan has to been to run the 295's on the street and the 335's for Good-Guys events. In the end I may only be able to run the 295 on the back of 2nd Chance Camaro because I can't get the bracket from DSE.

Why you ask ?
The Mini-Tubs I purchased from DSE will fit the 335's. However, since I didn't buy there complete leaf spring conversion kit I am unable to purchase the front offset sping pocket I need to complete the conversion. Where I am confused is I can buy offset shackle & spring perch's but not the lower spring pocket - odd. I had the Allen (really nice sales guy) ask Kyle if I could purchase them and Kyle said no dice which kinda sucks.

So now I may be forced to run only the 295's full time. So Buyer Beware if buy the DSE Mini-Tubs you are going to have to make your own lower mounts for the front or by one of there 3 kits DSE offers. Sometimes you
win sometimes you lose.

I do have a couple Options

Option A:
Buy there Mini-Tub Kit # 041221 $1699.00 which doesn't include Leaf Springs & Shocks which will give you an 1.5" drop and then sell the other parts you don't need. Seems expensive but it's only money and you can't take it with you.

Option B:
Would be to have a local fab shop make a set of offset shackle mounts to complete the conversion. If I go this route I will make a couple extra to help out the two other guys I know that are in the same boat as me.

That bugs me when places won't piece out their "kits".

Price it to make money (that's what it's all about right?), either people will buy it, or they won't... :question:

I'd probably just make or have the front shackles made. Have you searched the 2nd gen forums? I'd think someone else may have been down this road..

I found this in another post about the front shackles:

"another way is to just flip sides.

The right pocket goes on the inside of the drivers side frame and visa versa. Make mounts for it and reinforce the floor. You have to move the dif and rear mounts in equally too. A better solution would be running a link type suspension."

Marty always has to show his is bigger than mine..........:D

Marty. I just went back and read your last post I thought these were the pictures you sent me a couple a weeks ago so I just paned through them . You did'nt tell me about this DSE ordeal ? I do have a question and I'm not trying to be funny here but did you offer to pay for these spring pockets? I'm shocked that DSE would do this !!! If you wanted them for nothing I would tell to go pound sand to! But if you offered to pay and seeing you have everthing else DSE back there I don't understand what the problem is here. I'll have to give you a call when I get some time.

2nd Chance Camaro - Putting the Car on the Rotisserie

Putting the Car on the Rotisserie
*Posted: Nov Oct 31, 2011 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Time has finally come to get the car on the rotisserie. I really want to see what is hiding under the 40 year old
paint job. Mario from US Collision was kind enough to loan me his rotisserie as we are really trying to keep this car
on a budget.

We made a couple modification to Rotisserie to make sure the car was securely mounted and wouldn't fall on Jay
the media blaster. He's got a family and I wouldn't want to be the guy who's car fell on him crushing him.* First thing
we did was to add legs to the Front End Dolly so we could slide the car onto the lift instead of bolting it directly to the lift.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...afbb05d-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...b44176d-me.jpg

I purchased the larger tube from a trailer shop. They use it to make trailer hitches so there is no seam on the inside
and it make for a nice tight fit.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...28768f7-me.jpg

Once I hauled the car over to High Speed Welding Dennis quickly made up these support brackets to take the load
off the lower body mounts. It's amazing how much the chassis mounts flexed or should I say bend when it's be
supported by the factory mounts.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...3211c81-me.jpg

Getting the rear on the Rotisserie was pretty easy with the help of a chain hoist and a couple guys from the shop.
However, It did cost me breakfast and yes that is the subframe back from Pro-Tek. Super Clean and getting ready
for some clean up work.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...017c8d0-me.jpg

In the rear we used the rear spring shackle mount to anchor the car to the rotisserie.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...18c5937-me.jpg

Four Hours later back in the trailer and heading to Pro-Tek Powder Coating to get stripped off all it's paint.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...4b03cfc-me.jpg

Dennis also put a couple extra welds on to prevent the car from sliding around. When the car is off the lift for the last
time I will just grind the welds off and it will be back to the way it was when I picked it up from Mario.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d86a395-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...af7c1ce-me.jpg

www.boommat.com

Yep I ordered up the rear set up from Ride Tech Looks like I am going Coil-Over. Ride Tech customer service is top notch.

Yep Offered to pay and no dice & I never asked them for anything free. Heck I just spent $2500.00 with them in the last 8 weeks.

Really I am not going to comment here ................

2nd Chance Camaro - ProTek Powder Coating Time for Media Blasting

ProTek Powder Coating Time for Media Blasting
Posted: Nov Nov 16, 2011 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Good Morning,

The car is in the hands of Jay over at ProTek Media blasting. In a couple days we are finally going to know what is hiding under what's left of the paint.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...49aceb4-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...61c71e0-me.jpg


You can see the car took a small hit on the Drivers Side rear but it*doesn't look to bad.


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...cedc381-me.jpg


Mario & I both agreed that I should look for a new rear panel since this one is to far gone. Time to see if Tom from Courtyard Camaro
(( [email protected]*)) *has a NOS piece he is willing to sell. If you need Camaro parts he is your guy.


http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...9df2bcf-me.jpg

We've got a few holes to fix*from previous body work.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...79e2ce6-me.jpg

Really, right on the body line - that stinks.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...8feda8e-me.jpg


pictures hosted by www.garagescene.net

Looking good Marty! As much crap as I give you I really love this build. Can't wait to see this done.
Mike

Marty bring the car down I can move the frame rail in so you can run the 335.:thumbsup:or you can install the new ridetech 4-bar rear suspension which will let you run a 335 also.Call me Bud.

Thank you for the offer brother you are the best.

However the Good news is I am dropping the car off at High Speed Welding Monday morning for them to move the sping pocket over & finish the exhaust & the Bike rack.

Hi Mike,

I probably deserve it.

Great News.Good Luck,And get that thing finihed up and come out and play W/us.bud.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

2011 12-04 Update - ProTek Powder Coating Time for Media Blasting Part 2

2011 12-04 Update - ProTek Powder Coating Time for Media Blasting Part 2
Posted: Dec 03, 2011 www.2ndchancecamaro.com
Good Morning All,

Quick Update from Media Blasting - Car is looking really good

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ff87dd0-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...18ecd15-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...586b926-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...927d946-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...1f4267c-me.jpg

more pictures to come this week.....

Pictures hosted by www.garagescene.net

Marty- great foundation to start with! Looking forward to more progress pics..

2011 12-06 Update - ProTek Powder Coating Time for Media Blasting Part 3

2011 12-06 Update - ProTek Powder Coating Time for Media Blasting Part 3
Posted: Dec 06, 2011 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Good Evening All,

Getting closer and the car looks really nice

www.propowder.com

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...dd68f85-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...33ef111-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...825b9f7-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d622aa1-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...5c3c036-me.jpg

Pictures hosted by www.garagescene.net

Nice progress! The Car looks very Solid... :cheers:

2nd Chance Camaro - Heading Back to US Collision Part 1

2011 12-09 Update - Heading Back to US Collision Part 1
Posted: Dec 09, 2011 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Good Morning All,

The car is complete and heading back to US Collision for primer.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...22be814-me.jpg

Getting the car in the trailer was easy. About a year ago my buddy Don at Village Auto installed an electric winch.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...84f65c4-me.jpg

Time to remove all of the original caulk.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...32701c0-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...eb44b05-me.jpg

Close up of the only body damage on the shell.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...da5de03-me.jpg

You can see the trunk floor has a little wrinkle in it. I might leave it there after we replace the tail panel. You have to keep some of the cars history.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...f63c10a-me.jpg

I want to thank Jay for doing such a great job on the car.

www.propowder.com

Pictures hosted by www.garagescene.net

"... the trunk floor has a little wrinkle in it. I might leave it there after we replace the tail panel. You have to keep some of the cars history."

I like that Marty! What about the 'history' on the quarters? :lol: (edit: repair or replace?)

Lookin good Bro....:thumbsup:

Ron .... I told Marty we should try and save them.. The car is rock solid it would almost be a shame to replace them. The floors no big deal either

The plan is to repair the quarter not repalce it. I've already spent more on this project then I wanted to.

The last project was over the top and I am doing my best to keep this one undercontrol. I learned from the last project that no one will ever notice all the 12 point ARP bolts and was it really worth the 6 grand.

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!

Keep it simple but do the right mods. There is plenty that I would love to do to my camaro, but it would be just for me, who else is going to care? Sometimes its best to leave it alone and focus the money else ware.

2nd Chance Camaro - Getting Blasted & Kore3 Brakes

2012 01-06 Update - Geting Blasted & Kore3 Brakes

Posted: Jan 06, 2012 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Good Morning All,

Wow am I far behind posting pictures and yes these pictures are from almost a year ago.

With the car over at US Collision it was time to start working on the sub-frame. Yep another trip to Pro-Tek Powder
Coating to get the sub-frame blasted. I just hate working with dirty or rusty parts. Call me a neat freak but I like a clean
work environment.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...b0c78d9-me.jpg

The frame is pretty much rust free and the should be fairly easy for Jay to blast.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...ef6f477-me.jpg

Now that the frame is blasted I can haul it to High Speed Welding. www.highspeedwelding.com Stubby is
going to clean up the welds and add some new weld to stiffen up the frame. Not going crazy just a little clean up.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...d172f4f-me.jpg

New Product Update: www.kore3.com

New Brakes arrived from Tobin at Kore3.

The price was incredible and it has factory reliability what more could you ask for and did I mention Tobin has to be one of
the nicest vendors I have ever worked with.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...16e7ec1-me.jpg

Pictures hosted by www.garagescene.net

Wow the frame is super clean. Tobin is a great guy he's always happy to help.

Marty,Look's great.:thumbsup:

2nd Chance Camaro - Cleaning up the old Weld

2012 01-08 Update - Cleaning up the old Welds
Posted: Jan 08, 2012 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Good Morning All,

The guys at High Speed Welding did a great job cleaning up the old welds. I'm very happy with the progress.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...56080a7-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...6a2189e-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...1f90069-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...42888af-me.jpg

Pictures hosted by www.garagescene.net

Looking good Marty, nice to see some progress.:thumbsup:
Mike

2nd Chance Camaro - We have a few new Welds

2012 01-09 Update - We have a few new Welds
Posted: Jan 09, 2012 www.2ndchancecamaro.com

Good Evening all,

Some quick pictures of the new welds on the subframe.

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...aa678b0-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...bc09fae-me.jpg

http://garagescene.net/_data/i/uploa...7d2886d-me.jpg



more pictures when I get it home.

Pictures hosted by www.garagescene.net

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Sheesh! I read the headline and thought I had babies.....


Looks good Marty!