1987 IROC Camaro Pro-Touring Build

[garage_engineer]

More progress! I have the final coat of paint on my K-member, the control arms and a few other pieces. I had to move everything into my basement as it's still pretty cold up here in the northeast. I'm using a Farm and Implement paint I got at Tractor Supply... it was super cheap and is apparently tough as nails. I'm not sure if I'm sold on the gloss finish though... I may switch over to a satin for the detail pieces in the engine bay.



I've also been ordering a bunch or parts that have started to come in. Even though I'm on a budget, I've been trying to order quality parts for important things like steering/suspension components and for pieces that are hard to get to once the engine and trans are back in the car:


Next I started going through a few of my subsystems to see what I need to order next...

I was hoping someone on here could help me assess the health of my clutch. I tried to take some detailed pictures below. I have been contemplating switching over to an AL flywheel and perhaps swapping out my slave cylinder for something with a stiffer feel. I am going to call SPEC this week to see what I'm working with here but if anyone has any comments that'd be awesome:

Clutch Disk:


Pressure Plate:


Flywheel Surface:


I also need to think about if I should repair my AC box or try to look for a replacement. I'm thinking I could maybe patch up these cracks with some epoxy and then paint it. Has anyone done something like this?
Here is a pic of the cracks:


The last thing I'm struggling with is how to clean up my AL heads. They're covered in a bunch of grime and a bit of paint overspray. I'd like to be able clean them up and leave them bare but I've tried a bunch of things and nothing seems to get them clean enough. Any thoughts?


Thanks for keeping up with my progress! Trying to bust my way through this boring stuff so I can start putting the car back together!

[LS1-IROC]

This is what i used, works great!

[garage_engineer]

Originally Posted by LS1-IROC

This is what i used, works great!

That looks awesome! I have some of that in my stash of detailing supplies and will give it try.

[garage_engineer]

Quick update for tonight:

Starting to strip down my motor to get it ready for paint. Borrowed a harmonic balancer removal tool from my local Advance Auto and it worked like a charm! Also got the starter off and a few other pieces. Working on getting the intake off now... I don't know if any of you have ever worked with a Super Ram intake, but they have a ton of fasteners and some are a b*itch to get to!

Starting Point:





Where she sits today:


I also got started on installing my Del-A-Lum bushings I got from Global West in my freshly painted control arms. Again I rented a ball joint press from my local Advance and it was just wide enough to work. I don't own a hydraulic press but I'm looking to pick one up for future jobs like this. I can't wait to see how the car feels with these new bushings installed!


Some of the delrin sleeves needed a little de-burring before they were installed but nothing a quick pass with a drill bit couldn't fix:


The bushings were supplied with a piece of angle iron to use a spacer between the control arm faces so they didn't collapse when pressing in the outer sleeves. I had to trim it just a bit but it worked great.


I only got 2 out of the 4 installed tonight and will post final picture if I can get to the others this weekend. Getting there, little by little!

[WSSix]

To remove the intake tubes from an TPI engine, I suggest either getting sockets with long torx bits, or switching to allen head bolts and getting sockets with long allen keys. Also, a swivel extension even if just a short one. This will really help you get into the area the bolts are located at and be able to confidently remove and torque them.

Also, just as a general rule, if you're ever having to buy allen keys, always try to find the ball end ones.

Keep up the good work.

[gofastwclass]

Originally Posted by WSSix

Also, just as a general rule, if you're ever having to buy allen keys, always try to find the ball end ones.

Keep up the good work.

I second the ball end Allen keys. There is nothing worse than trying to work with an Allen fastener using a standard Allen tool and not being able to get at it straight on. I would also make sure to buy some from a quality vendor. I have a friend who uses the stuff sold at your local nautical themed "tool" store and 90% of it is... junk to be polite. However I will buy blue rubber gloves from them.

You're moving in the right direction.

[shelteredV]

Great effort, another home build coming out nice!