|
700 HP 1969 Camaro 540 BBC “Do-Under” Gets All New Underpinnings At V8 Speed & Resto
Some say these cars are never finished, and that holds true especially when a modified car changes hands. In this case, our customer purchased this killer 1969 Chevrolet Camaro as a freshly completed Pro-Touring machine complete with a slick silver paint job and a very cool red leather interior, but the 700+ HP 540-cube Shafiroff big block Chevy and 6-speed T-56 Magnum transmission are a bit much for the otherwise stock suspension. The huge torque easily overpowers the rear tires, and the handling isn’t up to the expectations of the owner. So, the car was sent to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop so our crew could take the suspension, rear axle, wheels, tires, brakes, and a few other areas of the car to the next level. The big challenge - installing a complete Detroit Speed QUADRALink rear suspension and front subframe, wheel tubs, Currie Enterprises rear axle, Forgeline wheels, Toyo Tires, Holley EFI, and more without damaging the beautiful silver paint or messing up the body panel fit. After all, something that looks this good should have the moves to match!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O...18-16_0002.JPG |
Like every car that arrives in the V8 Speed & Resto Shop, and our first task is always to perform a thorough inspection. We prepare a 10 page inspection form which gives us a good reference point on how the vehicle arrived in the shop, and provides the customer for an overview on the car’s shape. We also take a substantial amount of photographs documenting the condition, which provide a reference point not only of how things were put together, but also if there were any nicks or scratches or blemishes on the car when it arrived.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O...15-16_0063.JPG This is a really nice car, but we did find a few things to address here and there, like crushed fuel lines and the occasional chip & scratch. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0...16-16_0098.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U...15-16_0083.JPG Some of the wiring and plumbing would benefit from some detailing and cleaner routing. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R...15-16_0081.JPG 540 cubes of rich-running big block fury! https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f...15-16_0091.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U...15-16_0090.JPG Short exhaust misery… this one was loud and the lack of tips made a big mess when the car was idling. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r...15-16_0073.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i...15-16_0072.JPG Our customer had a pretty solid plan for what he wanted done to this car, so we put the part list together and began to order parts. |
This was kind of fun… an AN fitting installed with electrical tape. On a high pressure fuel line. Not something you want to have, as this thing could have let go and sprayed fuel all over the hot engine causing a big fire.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i...02-16_0040.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2...02-16_0041.JPG The plan called for installing a Detroit beat QUADRALink rear suspension which involves cutting the floor, so the interior needed to come out. The rear seat would also need to be narrowed as we are installing larger wheel tubs. Our team carefully disassembled the rich red leather custom interior and we carefully wrapped, labeled, and stored in these pieces to keep them safe. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g...29-16_0007.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5...29-16_0015.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d...29-16_0016.JPG |
This car had a layer of some type of foam insulation that was glued to the back of the carpet, so it made quite a mess coming out.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1...01-16_0021.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v...01-16_0023.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l...01-16_0031.JPG Removing the custom upholstered trunk mat… https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T...01-16_0037.JPG ...revealed more of the sticky foam sound deadener. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f...02-16_0044.JPG Fuel tank and exhaust out of the way… https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8...02-16_0045.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k...02-16_0046.JPG |
Most of the work was to be done on the bottom side of the car, so we wrapped the entire outside of the car with several layers of protective film and weld and 3M spark paper to keep it from getting damaged during the process. We also wrapped the dashboard and wrapped headliner to protect it from stray sparks. This paper isn’t cheap, but it’s far cheaper than paint repairs on a nice car!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x...02-16_0038.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E...02-16_0047.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9...07-16_0002.JPG The car was rolled into the fabrication center where Adam began the chassis disassembly process. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B...23-16_0004.JPG He unbolted the stock rear leaf spring suspension, brakes, and drives haft and slid the 12 bolt rear axle out of the way. We had ordered a Currie Enterprises 9+ rear axle assembly and to take it’s place, but the first task was to install the QUADRALink brackets and narrow the rear frame rails. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9...23-16_0005.JPG |
Soon, the cutting begins on the inner wheel tubs to make room for the Detroit Speed mini-tubs. The rear frame rails will be narrowed as well.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f...23-16_0001.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...23-16_0002.JPG We did not anticipate touching the outer wheel wells, but removing the undercoating revealed some previous repairwork that made us adjust the plan. Typically, we would have removed and replaced the outer tub upon this discovery, but that would require repainting the quarter panel where it meets and welds to the wheel house. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2...23-16_0006.JPG This second outer seam is not normally present on these cars. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w...23-16_0008.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I...23-16_0013.JPG |
The driver side had a similar repair.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y...24-16_0002.JPG Pinching the frame rail for the Detroit Speed tubs to fit. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...29-16_0003.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...29-16_0004.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5...29-16_0001.JPG After cutting out the previous repair, it was determined that a replacement strip should be welded in place of the old repair. This would preserve the outer wheel house, and this time, it would be metal finished to blend in and the repair would be undetectable. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_...29-16_0006.JPG |
Forming the new strip
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l...29-16_0005.JPG The new piece was made on the shrinker / stretcher to bend a 90 degree piece around to match the wheel tub shape. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t...29-16_0008.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e...29-16_0010.JPG The new strip was resistance spot-welded to the original welding flange on the new DSE deep tub, and then welded to the original outer tub with a series of tack welds all the way around. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2...30-16_0003.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1...30-16_0004.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N...30-16_0006.JPG Here, you can also see the finished narrowed frame rail. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...30-16_0008.JPG After grinding, the seam is invisible, but the original wheel tub seam is present. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X...01-16_0007.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k...01-16_0006.JPG The trunk floor was recessed to accommodate the wider tub. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q...01-16_0008.JPG |
Next, the process was repeated on the driver side.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T...01-16_0010.JPG Some filler was found in the trunk floor, so the area was investigated to assess structural integrity. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6...07-16_0003.JPG After some cleaning and grinding, some corrosion holes were uncovered. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e...18-16_0001.JPG The cabin floor was marked for trimming to accommodate the wider wheel tub. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s...07-16_0007.JPG The rusty area of the trunk and cabin floor was cut out. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X...07-16_0012.JPG |
The frame rail was narrowed, and the wide Detroit Speed wheel inner wheel tub was installed.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F...18-16_0003.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...18-16_0004.JPG The HTP resistance spot welder is used where the electrodes can access the panels, and the remaining welds are traditional plug-style welds. More body filler was found in the trunk floor in the location where the new rear crossmember will be installed. The crew hoped that this was confined to the area of the trunk floor that would be cut out. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...18-16_0006.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v...18-16_0008.JPG |
The white line represents the area that will be removed for the upper crossmember installation.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S...18-16_0010.JPG More filler deeper into the trunk floor. The decision on the repair was posed to the customer, and Adam proceeded to install the DSE crossmember. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p...18-16_0011.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7...-16_a_0001.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8...-16_a_0002.JPG In the passenger cabin, the DSE upper control arm mount pockets were installed in the rear passenger seat floor. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T...-16_a_0009.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q...-16_a_0010.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D...18-16_0014.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t...18-16_0019.JPG |
The rear seat will require some modifications to accommodate the wider tubs and control arm mount pockets.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b...19-16_0020.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7...19-16_0021.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B...20-16_0031.JPG Meanwhile, a new rear axle assembly was finished. The housing is a narrowed Currie unit that has been fixtured in preparation for welding the Detroit Speed brackets in place. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h...19-16_0022.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o...20-16_0026.JPG |
The center section is a Currie 9+ nodular iron unit, stuffed with a Detroit TruTrac limited slip differential and 3.70:1 gears, with 31 spline Currie axles.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m...20-16_0028.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x...20-16_0029.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e...20-16_0030.JPG Metalwork nearly complete on driver side wheel tub. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9...20-16_0032.JPG After considering the filler covering rust repairs in the trunk, it was determined a new trunk center pan would be the best course of action. The section was removed. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0...26-16_0017.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A...28-16_0009.JPG |
The new center was ordered from Classic Industries and installed. The perimeter was TIG welded with an HTP Invertig unit, and the center supports were resistance spot welded using an HTP VersaSpot 7000.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...28-16_0001.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u...28-16_0002.JPG The leading edge was MIG welded to the crossmember per the Detroit Speed instructions. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8...28-16_0003.JPG The perimeter was metalfinished to blend with the trunk floor. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6...28-16_0005.JPG The increased wheel tub size and narrowed frame rails are more visible from under the car. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...04-16_0001.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1...05-16_0002.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E...05-16_0003.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g...05-16_0005.JPG The rear axle assembly was lifted in place to determine the location for the upper shock mounts. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p...29-16_0015.JPG |
The new Baer brake rotors are test fitted as well.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0...29-16_0016.JPG The wheel was installed to locate the axle in the wheeltub. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A...29-16_0019.JPG Rear panhard mount installed. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n...06-16_0012.JPG |
A fuel line held together with electrical tape ? Are people just insane or what.
Totally criminal. |
Quote:
I know, right? Everyone knows masking tape is far better suited for fuel... 😜 |
You know the old line about how you're better off buying a completed car? Seeing these old shoddy repairs really hacks me off.
Oh well, on the right path now - |
Kevin I'm blown away at how they just let the exhaust blow right onto the gas tank!!!!! WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:hitaxeonthehead:
|
Another nice looking car that wasn't so nice under all the shiny bits. Excellent work again, the owner made the right decision to bring it to you guys.
|
Quote:
Kevin since you guys spent all that time wrapping it, I'm going to help you don't bother unwrapping it when your done. Just put a bow on it and let me know when to expect delivery. :) As always love the fab work. |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
|
At this point, we turned attention to the front of the car. The stock GM Camaro subframe was going to go in favor of a Detroit Speed Hydroformed subframe. We elected to drop the stock subframe complete with 540 cube V8 with the front sheetmetal in place, with the goal of not having to remove, reinstall, and realign the panels if we didn’t have to.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B...09-16_0001.JPG The body was placed on the lift and protected with spark paper. All the fluids were drained from the engine, the wiring harnesses were disconnected, brake lines separated, coolant hoses pulled, the A/C charge was evacuated and the lines disconnected. The body bolts were loosened from the subframe, and the car was carefully raised up off the subframe. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--...09-16_0003.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2...09-16_0005.JPG [img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fbb3xvW3ZUU/VzO28G8yrcI/AAAAAAACEsw/xeHDTQoLa5IU_qcjrZuT_IGD8KHOYaeugCHM/s1600/1969_Camaro_LA_05-09-16_0008.JPG[img] https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5...09-16_0010.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I...09-16_0011.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...09-16_0012.JPG |
In the doghouse…
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u...09-16_0015.JPG We’ll clean up the big harness hole with no grommet, and sheet metal screws in the shifter hole / transmission tunnel. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...09-16_0020.JPG |
Also discovered that the pilot bearing had eaten itself.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y...10-16_0025.JPG The starter was a bit hungry as well, as it ate some flywheel teeth. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--...10-16_0028.JPG The 540 on the stand, ready for a re-gasketing to stop some leaks. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z...10-16_0042.JPG |
The metal crew repaired the holes in the floor, and the entire pan was scuffed for new epoxy and coatings.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_...13-16_0004.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B...13-16_0005.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z...13-16_0006.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e...13-16_0007.JPG Bottom side cleaned and seam sealed. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O...13-16_0010.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H...13-16_0014.JPG |
Fresh repaint.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8...14-16_0022.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L...14-16_0031.JPG New trunk floor and suspension mounts painted. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g...14-16_0035.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i...14-16_0037.JPG |
I know you pro's already know this, but pilot bearings and flywheel teeth don't just destroy themselves without good reason. Some troubleshooting needs to be done there !
Thanks for showing the nitty gritty of the work, we always like to see it. |
Quote:
As for the bearing, the clutch was smoked when the car arrived in our shop, and the flywheel was blued from getting hot, and it looked like it melted all the grease out of the bearing and causing it to fail. We replaced the clutch and surfaced the flywheel, verified the alignment, clearance, and fit to make sure it didn't happen again. |
The Currie 9+ rear axle assembly was cleaned and prepped for paint. After a good bath with wax & grease remover, the crew taped off the threads and applied several coats of Axalta epoxy primer.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f...20-16_0010.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9...20-16_0011.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I...20-16_0012.JPG The axles were treated to the same process. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R...20-16_0013.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V...20-16_0015.JPG |
|
Next, the housing and axles were treated to a bath in Imron industrial urethane. That’s more like it!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y...23-16_0001.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v...23-16_0002.JPG |
The engine was next to receive some attention. This monster ran hard, but had developed a few leaks in addition to the clutch / flywheel issues. The hood clearance was tight, and the owner requested a different intake and EFI system to be installed as we re-gasketed the engine.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e...10-16_0043.JPG Intake removed and gasket surfaces cleaned and ready for new Holley intake. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u...16-16_0010.JPG “Big” roller cam, ported Dart heads, lots of power to be made here. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D...16-16_0012.JPG |
Jet-Hot coated Holley EFI multi-point intake manifold. This is part of a Holley HP big block Chevy package.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w...16-16_0017.JPG The intake was upgraded with some new squirters from Injector Dynamics. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...17-16_0019.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q...17-16_0020.JPG Here, the billet Holley throttle body, fuel rails, sensors, stat housing, and MSD distributor are in place. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G...17-16_0021.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y...17-16_0026.JPG |
We elected to swap the hard line for a braided crossover -6 hose for better flow, and a blacker look.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H...17-16_0033.JPG A quick flip to replace a leaky pan gasket and to have a look-see at the bottom end… what’s that on the pickup screen? https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k...19-16_0004.JPG Someone went a little strong with the silicone on assembly, and remnants were stuck to the oil pump pickup screen. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4...19-16_0001.JPG We made sure to scrape all the excess goo from the pan rails, and used far less on reassembly. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N...19-16_0009.JPG |
Big crate showed up… from DSE!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m...16-16_0008.JPG One powdercoated Detroit Speed hydroformed subframe. Here, Tara is installing new Baer 6-piston brakes on the spindles. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H...17-16_0034.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H...17-16_0035.JPG Incidentally, Tara came to our shop as a summer intern from an automotive tech program at a local college. She did well in our shop, and became the first recipient of our V8 “Holeshot” Scholarship. She is now finishing up an Automotive Technology degree at Southern Illinois University. Unfortunately for us, she won’t be back as an intern, as she’s got a summer gig lined up at GM in Detroit! Yep, THAT GM! Way to go Tara! https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8...17-16_0045.JPG Buttoned-up engine sitting proudly in the new subframe, and Baer 6P calipers installed. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7...25-16_0003.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h...25-16_0004.JPG |
Great seeing all the attention to detail and documenting the progress Kevin. :thumbsup:
|
1 Attachment(s)
Kevin it's lookin awesome ! To bad you couldn't talk him into the Hogan set up . I'm glade Troy talked me into mine.
|
Quote:
Regards, Larry |
Big & great changes. They certainly have the right guys and gals putting in work. Good luck
|
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:38 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright Lateral-g.net