Project CamaREM – 1972 Camaro
 

This story is not unlike many as the car has family history. I purchased the car in the late 90’s as a red street/strip car complete with 10” slicks and and a stout 383. Shortly after that I got married, started a family, and the car sat in the garage.

My Dad ended up buying it from me and decided to turn it stricly into a drag car. The car was back-halved, with monster tubs and slicks, and a 12 point cage. He traded a guy for some of the work (p.s. – that never seems to work out well for the trader) and that’s where the project stalled. Broken promises, shoddy work and the car was finally hauled home unfinished. Frustrated, he bought another project car and the ’72 sat. In 2007 my Dad passed away and the car once again was mine.

My dad’s initials are REM and rapid-eye movement (REM) is the stage of sleep dreams mainly occur in. Since this build was a tribute to my dad, and my dream car, it seemed like the perfect project name.

Here is what it looked like the day I brought it home…

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...ed/Camaro3.jpg

I had been “out of the game” for several years when I got the car back but knew I wanted to make the car street legal so the family could enjoy it. I started reading magazines and internet forums for ideas. One day at the supermarket I found Camaro Performers. That’s where I learned about the Pro-Touring scene :) .

In search of inspiration for my car I ran across a Ben Hermance rendering done for Eric (70rs). I loved the design and after talking to Eric I found out his plans had changed and we was working with Ben on another rendering. I talked to Ben about having a rendering done but kept coming back to the one he’d done for Eric.

My dad painted all of his cars (and trucks) to match his Fathom Green ’69 Corvette. With this in mind I had a friend photoshop Ben’s original grey creation, green. I don’t recommend anyone doing that…rookie mistake. I received exclusive permission to post this altered rendering by Ben.

If anyone is considering a rendering I highly recommend Ben. He’s talented, easy to talk to, and a second-gen Camaro owner!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...-rendering.jpg

First, I want to thank Tim for being forthcoming with what his friend created for him. He recognized the value of the original commissioned artwork and asked Eric and I for permission to use it. I also appreciate that he liked the rendering/design enough that it served as an inspiration for his vision.

In contrast, I've had to send out no less than 20 Cease and Desist notifications to various people and businesses that were either honestly unaware of art law or unscrupulously ripped off renderings/designs to use for stuff like business cards, event promos and even Tshirts. My personal favorite is when my signature is erased. It's frustrating to have to deal with that while you're trying to support a family that depends on my work.

Good luck Tim!

After digging into the car I noticed a lot of questionable work.

1/4 - 1/2" thick bondo
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...d/PICT0764.jpg

Rust painted over
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...d/PICT0756.jpg


Knowing the limit of my skills I decided to send it to a professional shop.

I like the rendering and where the car is going. Details of the plans for the car please? Motor, tranny, suspension, etc. Also, to Ben, to the people you had to send letters to, it's funny how they say they didn't know it was unlawful, but yet and still they were erasing your signature. :_paranoid :_paranoid I love your renderings!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I knew I forgot something! The car is nearly complete...this thread is just severely overdue. I will be posting the 4 years worth of progress over the next couple of days.

Modifications:
Rushforth Rated X’s – 18x8 front, 19x12 rear
DSE mini tubs, sub frame connectors and roll cage
LS1 with Texas Speed 228R cam and 4L60E
Wilwood brakes
Heidt’s front suspension and 4-link rear
Side markers filled
Combo RS/Standard header panel (think Dale Jr’s car) with standard inlet used for cold air induction
Billet tailights and RS indicator lights
Vintage Air

Popping off one of the quarters revealed more carnage.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...d/PICT2257.jpg

That’s when we pulled out the Dynacorn catalog to go shopping for new sheet metal:
Full floor pan
Trunk pan
Trunk drop off
Tail panel
Quarter panels
Inner/outer wheelhousings
Frame rails

I was able to find some original doors, fenders and hood in pretty good shape.

To make room for the new sheet metal the old trunk and floor had to be removed along with the non-structural cage bars.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...M/PICT3577.jpg

Then the rebuilding process starts!

New floor
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...M/PICT3913.jpg

Inners cut out to make room for the DSE tubs
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...M/PICT3919.jpg

Yeah that's right, the original part of the car is the rockers, firewall, and roof!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...M/PICT4073.jpg

More pieces of the puzzle

New trunk floor

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...CamaREM/27.jpg

Frame rails and coilover bracket next

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...M/PICT4169.jpg

Add some quarters and tail pan and it's starting to look like a car again

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/z...M/PICT4164.jpg