Chicane-LM ATS 1968 Camaro Phase 1
 

The grandpa car is no more! You might remember that we scored an incredible deal on a bone stock 68 Camaro on Craigslist back in December. We drove it back from Cali and every day since until I blew the auto trans up about 2 months ago.
Here is the car the day we purchased it:
http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/6...randpa1mq4.jpg

So after the trans blew up I decided that another powerglide was not going to fit the bill. We seem to have quite a few parts lying around the shop and one of these was an LT1 style T56 six speed. That got sent back to Rockland Standard Gear for a rebuild, McLeod was called for the clutch setup, and we provided the install kit.

Wouldn't ya know it, the bench seat interferes with the six speed shifter location. So out it went in favor of some Sparco seats. Well, I remembered you should run a 6 point harness with race seats, so a Jake's Rod Shop 4 point cage was Tig welded in, as were a set of DSE subframe connectors. That led to Hyperco 225# composite rear springs, Del-a-lum shackles, and Bilstien shocks out back. From there I found an old set of Autometer Phantom gauges that went right in to the factory gauge pod. At this point the SSBC brakes were tossed in favor of Baer 4 piston Alcons and 13.5" rotors. We also added front and rear carbon spoilers, a tow hook, and the infamous gas cap from Larry Callahan of PT.com

Here it sits right before I took it 700 miles to Santa Barbera last weekend.

http://i33.tinypic.com/5ttfz9.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2wel6o6.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/jpfyjc.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/123724l.jpg

Tyler

http://i37.tinypic.com/34fyvj5.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/24vsnbl.jpg

She performed flawlessly. Stage 2 will be following after. Those plans include the LS1 with all the goodies, vintage air, rear brakes, new fuel and cooling system and related items. Stage 3 will be the full coil over front subframe with adjustable sway bar, new paint with trans am styled graphics, and updated rear suspension. We will update as we go.

Tyler

Tyler, nice work, looks killer, we are going to have to do some track days soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tyler,
That looks good. I can't believe you found that car in Newport...damn it.:thumbsup:

The old man is looking good! :thumbsup:

Cool car!

Working a very simular plan with the Nova.

Are you running a spacer with the ZR1's?

Looks killer. Have you had a chance to autox it yet?

Running the 97 SS rims from a 4th gen camaro- 17x9.5 all four corners with a 245/40/ZR/17 on the front, and a 275/40/ZR/17 on the rear.
Running wheel adapters from Skulte- 1.7" in front, 2" out back.



Not yet, but due to manual everything (steering, brakes, transmission) it will likely see more open track events than small parking lots. I like to drive for more than 30 seconds at a time, so I'll be heading to Buttonwillow, Spring Valley, and hopefully Laguna Seca.

Tyler

damn tyler looks sweet! i didnt know you had the actual cf rear spoiler hiding in the shop. im gonna have to come by some time this week to check it out!

I keep coming back to look at the car...and I see it at least twice a week in person. I LOVE the tow hook!! I can't wait for phase 2!!

:willy:

Very cool Tyler! What a change. That rear spoiler is reeeaaal nice. You gotta give me some good ideas for the 70 Camaro i'm starting on soon. Just about got my new shop done.

Yeah, I guess if I had a few tracks like that within range I'd be the same way.

Anyways I cant wait to see version 3.

Looking good my friend!! Have fun with it!! :thumbsup:

I checked my mailbox TWICE today and still no tow hook??? Did it get lost in the mail????

:rofl:

Love the car so far but I still hate you for stealing it from me!

Still running the Cali plates you thief? ;)

Awesome my friend. It's great that it came together for the trip and you were able to enjoy it after a long down time.

I think it's great to see a project develop like this - it really shows a fun and effective real world build that anyone can do with any first gen' without laying out a bunch of cash.

A serious driver that anyone can replicate! :thumbsup:

kewl
sign me up for another trip to in and out burger!!

looks much better! what are you doing with the wheels and tires that came off the camaro, i need some tires and diff wheels for the 70 nova i just picked up :unibrow:

tyler took me for a ride in this car today, and let me say this thing handles and stops like a CHAMP.... im amazed that such a simple suspension setup can handle so good:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: and even with drums still in the rear the car stop on a dime, also its ride real nice even though its got some stiff spring rates.
its is a great car that prove it doesent take tons of money or exotic suspension setups to still have fun.
and lets just say the finish product of this car is gonna blow some folks away!!!

Tow Hook and Spoiler are great .

When can I get the spoiler ?, we are going to need that real soon.

Car sure got a lot of attention at Cars & Coffee today!!

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...Z/DSC01682.jpg

Here is a close up of the tow hook. Steve- making one with an extended hook and bracket so you can trim it for Bad Penny.
http://i38.tinypic.com/10gbmm9.jpg

I also got bored at the shop and found something in my storage that I thought would bring the car up to an open track car. We still have to align the grill, install and wire the PIAA lights, and paint it, but you get the idea.

http://i35.tinypic.com/23s63xy.jpg

We even added a carbon splitter for fun:

http://i36.tinypic.com/nvo9rn.jpg

One more. I hope SatisTraction sees this- he is a HUGE fan of my body kit.
http://i38.tinypic.com/2ztbndw.jpg

Tyler

I give it about a week with your hot rodding. Looks good though:yes:

lol.. where did you find that front piece?

Looks good but parking bumps and curbs are NOT your friends now.


So, you going to make these? If so I can get into the next new products. Personally it seems like a no brainer.

Tow hook, yes, body kit no.

Tyler

ha!!! looks like i need to find another exuse to go to your shop this week lol.wheres the other body kit parts from 50/50? you still got them or did they get lost in the mayhem that is 50/50s legacy? :(

Don't come tomorrow- it's my 30th Bday and I will not be here.

The rest of the body kit is inside the interior of 50/50. this was an extra we made for the 05 SEMA show and it fit so badly that we scrapped it. I had to go through hell to get it on the car, so it will not be a production piece.

Tyler

o damn not in your 20s no more lol, well happy day before birthday!

thats good to hear about the body kit... i was thinking that was the original piece and couldnt believe you used it.

I knew I should have come by the shop today! :rolleyes:

Happy 30th Tyler !

What about a spoiler for the rear....?????
Car looks killer!!!!!!!!!:bow:

Happy Birthday old timer.

That valance is pretty awesome. If the rest of 50/50 looks like that valance I will bring her back to Bako for some minor surgery when were run the turbo car there the end of this month. I will have an empty spot in my big ol trailer on the way back from vegas. Wow I really do like that valance did I say that already.

But Tow hooks are for guys who wreck.

Tyler,

please give me an email or a pm regarding the spindles.

Alex

Tyler,

The ol' Camaro got a new lease on life in a big way. Very cool! Nice work!

Matt
ANVIL

looks good tyler Also I see you sent my spindles I can't wait. I think I will go out on a limb and say that I like the origional front end better. :cheers:

Tyler, the grandpa car is looking good. Did you get my pm about the landrum adjusters we talked about when I was out there last month?

Hi Tyler,
Was that front intended for my Car? (padilla Camaro) Good to see the the 50/50 is back underway
Thanks for your help in November Last year it was great to meet you
Regards
Adam