69 Camaro - JKnight

[WSSix]

No idea how I missed this post originally. I love the tilt front end. I can't help with the work you're planning other than to say plan ahead and to wish you good luck.

[JKnight]

Originally Posted by WSSix

No idea how I missed this post originally. I love the tilt front end. I can't help with the work you're planning other than to say plan ahead and to wish you good luck.

Thanks Trey. The front end is a love-hate kinda thing. It saves a ton of weight over the front end, right where it helps most, and makes working on anything forward of the doors super easy. But...the grille opening is the incorrect size for factory parts, necessitating something custom for the grille and headlight mounting. The 80's-rific L88 hood scoop isn't exactly the hip look these days, but it's not horrible enough to make me want to get out the cutoff wheel and fiberglass to replace it with a smaller cowl scoop.

[minendrews68]

There's nothing wrong with the L-88 hood!! I like it.

[JKnight]

I'm refining my project plan as much as possible and ran into a packaging challenge. I'm trying to figure out how to mount the shocks inboard of the frame rails for tire clearance. But, the Fays2 watts link frame interferes with mounting shocks (using DSE lower plates) behind the axle. Upper mounts would be an issue as well.

Are there any inherent problems created by mounting both shocks in front of the axle?

[JKnight]

I'm working on some of the little issues now so that when April comes I can be focused on a smaller list of tasks. I decided I would tackle the drivers' door panel today. Around 2011 I installed one of the reproduction deluxe door panels I had acquired on eBay in 2003 for about $200. Subsequent I ssues encountered with this panel include 1) the door never shut properly, as if the panel was misaligned, and 2) window crank wouldn't reach the splines on the regulator.

So, first order of business, make absolute sure I have deluxe regulators. Based on the 1 3/16" length and 4 markers on the stub, I confirmed they are deluxe regulators. Whew...



Here you can see the thickness difference between the repro and original (I removed the vinyl in hopes of re-covering the originals,but the foam was probably too damaged to look smooth under new vinyl, thus the repro install)

Original


Repro

[JKnight]

As with most things on this car, when I look at one thing I find at least 3 more issues. This was the case today. I had always known there were lots of clunks and rattles when driving, but chalked it up to the 'character' of an old car.

Rattle source #1: 2nd gen side mirror adjuster just laying in the door.


Rattle source #2: rear regulator bolt hole in door frame had been mangled at some point, so the bolt wasn't actually clamping anything, allowing this leg of the regulator to swing free and bang about.


Rattle #3: petrified piece of tape stuck to...a mirror mount backing plate? Not sure...guessing they taped it inside the door for safe keeping, but it had come loose decades ago most likely.

[JKnight]

I resolved the mirror adjuster issue, at least temporarily, by wrapping it up in foam and securing it out of the way.


The door frame issue was resolved with a little cleaning, welding (I'm new to welding and desperately need the practice so I chose not to just use a bigger washer) and grinding.




So there, that's a couple minor issues I don't have to deal with later. I need to get new weatherstrip for the door before I try to re-install the panel. The original ones are crumbling so no point in trying to fit the panel with rubber that won't be used in final assembly.