Yet another 2nd Gen Camaro - Project/update

[cpd004]

When you leveled the pitman arm, was that done at the flat area where the center link attaches or at the arm itself?

[gerno]

Originally Posted by Dave Pratt

This is so cool to watch guys doing all this great work in their own garage.I'm no welder but I'm looking at getting something for the garage...I'll learn as I go I hope. Great work on the build!!

I'm pretty much doing the same, learning as I go. It certainly gives you a whole different perspective on all aspects of the hobby.

If you are really thinking about a welder I'd look at the new Miller 211 MIG. I sold 1 large and 1 small MIG and replaced them with the 211. Its an awesome machine that's pretty amazing out of the box. Don't think you can beat it for the $$

Originally Posted by preston

I read somewhere that Bruce McLaren himself said designing a race car was primarily a packaging exercise.

Looks like you're on the right path. Of all aspects of (pro tour) car construction, I find the front suspension the most interesting and in fact the dis-satisfaction of trying to band aid the suspension on my '67 Mustang was what got me started building cars in the first place.

Looks like you're doing the right thing and with Ron involved your in the best of hands. And every time you decide not to compromise, you've made the right choice, especially if its mostly an issue of labor (everyone has $ limits).

As much as I like to work on "open design" tube front ends, I find there to be something really satisfying about working with the stock subframe and the original steering gear, for example I found 73CP's thread really interesting for that reason. As long as its someone else's car !

Agreed. I keep checking to see what else I can notice on Brian's car. He used the frame because it was for CP. I used the frame mainly because this is my first huge fab project and honestly I don't think I have the skills to build a complete frame that was correct and straight.... Maybe the next build

Originally Posted by waynieZ

It looks great, nice work.

Thank you

Originally Posted by Flash68

Impressive Steve. You are really goin for it (within reason) and stickin with it. I am glad you didn't bail on the Camaro.

Did I hear you picked up some other vehicle in the meantime?

I never planned to give up on the Camaro but I did get another car too. Picked up a 95 Mustang GT with the 5.0 and 5 spd for $1k. It was from the original owner with ~300k miles and the AC still works. Certainly no show car but its a great beater to practice Axing while I get the Camaro back. Last AX I put air in the old tires and added 2 qtr of oil. That was enough to beat out 3 of 5 BMW's on the course. Who knows what will happen with decent tires. Later on I plan to build it up as a NASA CMC car. Wont be as cool as Robs AI car but should be fun none the less.

Weld has seen the beast in person and can attest to how magnificent it is.

Originally Posted by SSLance

Nothing wrong with stepping back every now and then to tend to other priorities...it's all about balance.

Huge kudos for stepping into the deep end with your fab work, I agree...if you are in it this far just keep doing things right instead of compromising. It will pay off in the end.

Agreed. Funny how at first I was annoyed to step away from it but now I'm very glad I did. Although its coming time to get a bit more focus on it if I want to make the March deadline without stressing

Originally Posted by cpd004

When you leveled the pitman arm, was that done at the flat area where the center link attaches or at the arm itself?

I did use that part of the arm. It was the only part flat enough and I am assuming the centerlink hole in it is perpendicular. The Pitman needed to be level because the centerlink joint isn't a ball joint, more of a bushed shaft so I needed a closer tolerance to eliminate binding and keep things true.

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by gerno

Picked up a 95 Mustang GT with the 5.0 and 5 spd for $1k.

Awesome score.

Originally Posted by gerno

Wont be as cool as Robs AI car

Yes it will.

[cpd004]

Originally Posted by gerno

I did use that part of the arm. It was the only part flat enough and I am assuming the centerlink hole in it is perpendicular. The Pitman needed to be level because the centerlink joint isn't a ball joint, more of a bushed shaft so I needed a closer tolerance to eliminate binding and keep things true.

Thanks for that info! So the centerlink needs to stay level at all times throughout the steering travel, correct?

Please keeps the pics coming...definitely appreciate them!

[gerno]

Based on discussions I've had with Sutton, yes but I'm not the expert. Maybe after SEMA he will comment more about this, I know he's pretty busy right now. My understanding is that if the centerlink is changing angles that means your inner tie rod mount is moving. The location of this mount will directly impact your bump steer step as well as ackerman (I'm pretty sure) on the car. I don't have my notes from his class with me to confirm this.

[Dave Pratt]

Gerno thx for the info on the welder.Just got in from work so I'll look it up...cheers

[WSSix]

Good work, Steve. I know the feeling about stepping back. That's kind of why I've gone dormant on my build. I'm not giving up. I'm just not wanting to burn out. Good luck moving forward and making your March deadline!

[gerno]

A bit more progress has been made over the last week. The LCAs are all welded up with shock mounts added. I also tacked up the sway bar which has been driving me insane. Finally figured out a configuration that has zero binding during suspension compression, zero steering or wheel clearance issues and tucks above the x-member during suspension compression. I'm going to wait to weld it up completely until the frame is fully complete.

Next step is to clearance the frame a bit more for the tie rods during suspension compression and full turn, check the alignment to make sure I didn't screw anything up and then start to fill in all the holes I cut in the frame.

[gerno]

Small progress but progress non the less. Upper coil over mounts made.

Next step is to clearance the frame for the outer tie rods. After that I'm waiting on the new steering box and u joints to arrive and I'll double check everything including the alignment before I start final welding everything, reboxing the frame and adding additional gussets.

[waynieZ]

Your doing a great job!