68 Camaro project finally on the road - Lateral-g Forums

rchandler · #1 11-29-2009, 04:19 PM

About two and a half years ago I decided to buy and or build some kind of hot rod. I had previously owned a 1971 Z-28 and Camaro's always had a place in my heart and so in August of 2007 I purchased a 68 that had been restored to stock condition. I drove it home about 35 miles and into my garage. The plan was to make it handle and stop and have some power like I remembered from the 71 Z.
Working with a limited budget I decided to spend the bulk on the suspension and a bullet proof driveline, as the plans proceeded it was clear I was going to have to save some $ somewhere and this would be the engine and bling as this could be up-graded any time. I purchased a subframe, subframe connectors, Quadralink and tubs from Detroit Speed then started cutting and welding. I did not have a rotisserie or much working room so I laid on my back scraping and washing off undercoat, (I think it had been undercoated 3 times) welding and painting. A Moser 9" ford rear with 3:89 gears Detroit Truetrack and 31 spline axles was installed. The brakes consist of Baer S6 fronts and Track Plus for the rear. The tire and wheel combo is ForgeLine ZX3P 19x 9.5 and 19x 11.5 with Bridgestone Potenza Pole Position's 275/30-19's and 305/30-19's. I acquired a new Edelbrock 435 hp 350 crate engine for $ 4800 that fit my budget and a TKO 600 trans from Classic Chevy 5 speed. At this point I chose to pre assemble the car and completed all of the plumbing, welded in threaded clamp bosses for the fuel and brake lines a 4 point Morrison roll bar and relocated the windshield wiper motor to the outer cowl. After disassembling the car, the bottom, firewall and front inner finders were sprayed with two coats of epoxy sealer top coated with black Imron polyurethane. As I Reassembled the car I installed an American Auto Wire Classic update kit, Auto Meter Ultra Light gauges, a Griffin radiator and Corbeau Seats. Almost two years to the day later I rolled it out and started it for the first time. I now have about 600 miles on it, completed my first oil and lube changes and my first Auto Cross - I am HOOKED! I am looking forward to many more trips through the cones and maybe some track days.

Rob Chandler

**tones2SS** · #2 11-29-2009, 04:31 PM

WELCOME ROB!!!
Wow. Nice job on the car, she looks awesome. I'm sure she handles and performs just as well from that "little list of goodies" that you had posted. Looking good!

Josh69 · #3 11-29-2009, 04:48 PM

Nice work! Very clean, and solid choices on the upgrades. I think you did it right, buy a finished stocker and then get to play with the fun stuff. I did it the long way...I think I'll do it your way next time!

awr68 · #4 11-29-2009, 05:47 PM

What a great build! And done in a timely maner! Congrats on making it to the finish line and now you get to enjoy it....I hear that's the best part!

70rs · #5 11-29-2009, 06:05 PM

Congrats on getting it on the road!! Very nice car. Great choices on the suspension and other upgrades.

almcbri · #6 11-29-2009, 06:07 PM

nice work!

Very clean looking ride. The wheels look great

**DFRESH** · #7 11-29-2009, 06:20 PM

Welcome and congrads!! Always great to hear of one coming out of the garage instead of going in!! Really like your list of parts and the color on the car. Keep us updated as you go along and make refinements--

Doug

T_Raven · #8 11-29-2009, 08:15 PM

Nice car!

**GregWeld** · #9 11-29-2009, 08:50 PM

Wow Rob! Nice Camaro!

Welcome to Lat G!!

There's several guys on here that are Auto X nut cases... so you'll fit right in!

rchandler · #10 11-30-2009, 01:19 PM

Thanks for the nice words, It means alot comming from "car guys".

Rob