69 Camaro Makeover - Lateral-g Forums

Tony@Roadster · #1 02-13-2013, 02:24 PM

With the ever growing vintage and pro-touring market, it is now easier than ever to find decent 'restored' vehicle as a starting point for a project.

Vehicles with older (80's and 90's era) simple restorations can be purchased at a fair price when compared to a completely new 'from scratch' pro-touring car build. This creates a much more enticing and affordable long term project for those on more of a strict budget.

At our shop, we are seeing more and more of this type of project: vehicles arriving in good running order, nice paint, simple interior and drivetrain. The owners are happy with the cars, but are seeking the ride comfort and quality of a newer vehicle. With a good foundation for the chassis and handling, many upgrades (such as bigger brakes, audio, wheels and tires etc) can come over time or as the project evolves.

As an example, I thought I would post up a thread on the makeover of this '69 Camaro we currently have in the shop. The aim, to help illustrate how the average builder can build a fun and competitive car without starting from scratch with drastically improved handling and ride quality. We will be removing the existing factory subframe and rear rails, doing the necessary modifications to the floor and installing one of our FAST TRACK full frame chassis. (info on chassis HERE)

This is our starting point. A decent and clean '69 Camaro with good paint, standard interior and a healthy little small block with a built TH400 which, at this point, the owner still plans to re-use.

The first step is to completely wrap it to protect the paint and start dissassembly and removal of the original suspension.

**GregWeld** · #2 02-13-2013, 02:54 PM

Okay! This will be fun!

I absolutely agree with you... there's plenty of guys out there with pretty decent cars that just want to "upgrade" the ride/handling/braking without
the complete custom re-do and it's costs. Good for you guys for being willing
to take it on!

**waynieZ** · #3 02-13-2013, 06:49 PM

I'll be watching for more.

Tony@Roadster · #4 02-15-2013, 01:26 PM

After pulling all of the suspension, exhaust and underpinnings out... we cleaned up everything and did a full inspection to see what we have. It turns out that the Camaro is as solid as it looked. The only item up in question is if we use the factory gas tank or go with one of our new stainless tanks. The OE tank will work just fine with the Fast Track chassis but this one looks to have some possible rot issues.

At this point we can go ahead and start removing the rear rails and outlining the portion of the floor pan to cut for clearance for the new chassis rails. On the 1st gen Camaros it is pretty minimal cutting and pan work. The tape marks here make it appear larger then really is so I will post up some images of the pan after we finish trimming it out.

Start removing the rails by drilling out the factory spotwelds

Rear rails completely removed to make way for the new chassis rails

This rear portion of the rail remains in place and becomes another anchor point for the rear of the chassis

These rear marks to cut are to gain clearance for the rear four-bar frame bracket. It will slightly protrude through to the rear seat pan area.

ChuckDriver · #5 02-15-2013, 02:45 PM

I like this approach a lot!

youthpastor · #6 02-15-2013, 03:04 PM

yep, find a finished car! I tell my customers to find a "quality" older restoration and let's update it. No paint jail and they get to get out and enjoy the car.

How 'bout the 66-7 Nova frame? Can you keep the stock floor pans with your chassis?

Tony@Roadster · #7 02-18-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youthpastor

How 'bout the 66-7 Nova frame? Can you keep the stock floor pans with your chassis?

Chris, The early Nova's like the 2nd Gen Camaro unfortunately didnt make as good as the first gen did and requires more pan work.

**214Chevy** · #8 03-20-2013, 05:20 PM

Very nicely done. The wheels were a nice update to the car.

mild2wild · #9 03-20-2013, 06:21 PM

Another hit out of the park by the RS team!

RBuhr69 · #10 03-20-2013, 06:46 PM

I would have to agree this is an awesome option for those looking to upgrade the underside to a solid chassis. My car is not top notch immaculate as it gets driven weekly and was made that way for a reason. No trailer queen as they say as I enjoy driving my car...This is the route I am wanting to shoot for to upgrade the chassis, suspension one day and glad to see this. I know there are a lot of different routes that could be taken but this a package deal...

Nice job....sent PM.