Anybody use Campbell Auto Restoration Sub-Frame?

[tyoneal]

MAZSPEED:

"Hey Ty. I would have to ask, what are you going to do with your car? Their subframe when I say it's not for everyone, it's because of price, time it takes to build, and intended purpose. If it's a street driven car, then Art's frame and or DSE's subframe is good for those and more. The CAR subframe is a frame that's intended use is racing with some street duty, but it's a racing frame. It's that "over the top" kind of thing. Like I said it's an over the top racing subframe. The mods made to my subframe is custom wound Eibach springs, custom koni hydraulic front shocks, custom speedtech (I think that's the name of the bar) 3 piece front swaybar and additional plates welded in for the upper and lower A arm supports."
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I REALLY want
- Take lessons learn to drive the car correctly (Fairly hard)
- Auto X
- Open Track Days
- Occasional Drags
- Street Driving
- Hang out at the local shows and have something different

Let's face it, most of the people who have it probably REALLY don't need it. I am looking at all my options. I wanted the car to have the LD 3-Link, because based on what I could tell, and read about it here and on CC, it is a well respected first class piece. At this point I don't know much of anything that could be put in there that would be a better choice.

Do I need it? NO
Did I want it? Hell Yes!!!

Bottom line, I've been waiting 26 years to get another '69 Camaro and make it as Kick Ass as I could, this along with really learning how to drive well.

I don't need the car, hell we have 5 cars as it is already without the '69. I have it because I wanted it, and the Doctors said after my wreck, "Go out and have some fun and do something you've always wanted to do".

Well the truth is told, and that is it.

Irresponsible? Probably
Do I care? Nope ;-)

Is that an answer thats seems honest?

Having a good time,

Ty O'Neal
Lateral-1

[kp.touring]

Ty,
Got tied up working on Steve Broscoe other Camaro today will try and shoot a fax to you in the AM. BTW you are right nobody needs what we build! Now want that's a different story.

Kevin

[mazspeed]

I love the attitude Ty, do I need it no, do I want it, yes. That about sums up most of the people here. And you're right, all these parts are not going to do much good if you can't drive it and enjoy it at it's limits, and I do recommend driving schools of some kind. Also, you already have a pretty killer car, if you don't mind me asking, how much are you willing to spend for the over the top type of car you seem to be seeking?
Also I didn't get a chance today to run by the shop and snap photos. I worked a bit today and it ran long, tomorrow is also no good, unless I get done early, but I do plan on taking my camera to work anyways to snap some website photos of our work, maybe I can stop by the shop and take a few, maybe. If not Wed might be my only day. Is the frame out and about Kevin?

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by mazspeed

I love the attitude Ty, do I need it no, do I want it, yes. That about sums up most of the people here. And you're right, all these parts are not going to do much good if you can't drive it and enjoy it at it's limits, and I do recommend driving schools of some kind. Also, you already have a pretty killer car, if you don't mind me asking, how much are you willing to spend for the over the top type of car you seem to be seeking?
Also I didn't get a chance today to run by the shop and snap photos. I worked a bit today and it ran long, tomorrow is also no good, unless I get done early, but I do plan on taking my camera to work anyways to snap some website photos of our work, maybe I can stop by the shop and take a few, maybe. If not Wed might be my only day. Is the frame out and about Kevin?

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I have always heard to do it, and taken the advice of people who recommend taking lessons to learn anything correctly. I shot action Pistol Competition prior to my wreck and I took a bunch of lessons and I have a few trophies to show for it. As far as I'm concerned it's some of the best money you can spend if you really and truly want to learn to do something well. I don't live to far from the Ennis Drag Strip where John Force just crashed (Hope he will be all right) and not far from the Texas Motor Speedway. There is also a "Racing Country Club", being put in just south of Dallas and Fort Worth area.

As far as expense? I don't know yet.

Part of the problem has been learning about what is really being offered for these cars. I know I've bugged the hell out of people by bringing up the different subframes and attempting to distinguish the, "Real" differences between them.

In the past when looking for a competitive pistol you speak to people who shoot, then you find what they shoot and why. There comes a point when you find the, "Next Level", of quality/precision/craftmanship etc. At that point, you have to decide is that "next" level for you. I do believe I have found a product which would represent that "Next" level. I want to learn and understand what it does and doesn't offer compared to the other subframes. (I also would like to match the front suspension of Marks with something of equal quality on the front end)

If after looking over this, "Over the Top", Super Duper, Nitro Burning, tire shredding, front subframe and decide it would be fun to have, Since they have a waiting time, I'll put the money together during that time and buy it.

If not, I will go with one of the other fine subframes out on the market. I know C.A.R. requires that they put their subframe in themselves. Unfortunately, I have had my right shoulder worked on 3 times and replaced twice. I don't have the type of strength and dexterity needed to perform this type of task yet. (I hope I will someday) So I would need to pay someone to do it for me anyway. (At least the Lions share)

As I've mentioned in a earlier post, I have contacted several rendering artist about producing my two demential Camaro for me. Before I start that, I need to make up my mind which direction I want the car to go in. This is part of that decision making process research.

My Project doesn't have a hard time line yet, but I would like it completed in the next 3 years or earlier. If it is going to be apart, I want to do as much as I can to it at once so I can continue to drive it as often as possible.

I'm not going to be spending 300k on it that is for sure. For me, that much money needs to be invested making money, however I imagine it will take 80-100k to do a pretty damn nice job on it. (At least good enough for me) Kind of depends how hard I drive it. If it winds up being real hard, my paint jobs are not going to be show quality by any stretch. I'm not looking to fritter money away, because, "Bang for the Buck", is always a big part of my decision process.

Give me your thoughts, you know basically what's in the car and the condition of it. Is my price range crazy low?

BTW: Anyone who reads this if they are not a sleep by now, give me your honest thoughts on the level of front suspension that would be of equal quality to the LD 3-link already in it.

Plus I want to make sure the front and the back of the car will work well with each other, from a technical point of view.

Thanks again for all your interest and help.

Best Regards,

Ty O'Neal

P.S. Pssst! It would be fun to have something worthy of being in a magazine someday. Don't tell anyone this though.

[mazspeed]

Hey Ty. I spend far too much on my car in some areas and wish I had a clear plan from the get go. I should have done what you are doing now, so this leads me to believe that you are far smarter then I. Ill toss a few ideas your way though. What I would do it if I was you. You’re mostly transfixed on a total suspension overhaul. I think there are 3 subframes out there that are a cut above the rest. DSE, Art's, and 21st century. Art also has a full frame with a built in 3 link on the back for the camaro. The front half is just like their subframe, its killer. It's a full frame for a car. If I was doing this over, that would be the deal I would go with. Here is something else. Time Machines has put together or is putting together an Art frame with the 21st century c5 rear for the camaro. They are cutting the back half off for the c5 rear. This sounds pretty cool. But you would need a top notch shop to do it. This alone may eat up a substantial piece of your budget, but you would basically have a c5 suspension camaro. Personally, I would do the Art full frame and call it a day. Lot's of fab work, but ohhhh what a killer car you would have. If you don't want to spend that kind of cash on all that fab work, get a DSE sub, some subframe connectors, and spend your money doing other improvments.

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by mazspeed

Hey Ty. I spend far too much on my car in some areas and wish I had a clear plan from the get go. I should have done what you are doing now, so this leads me to believe that you are far smarter then I. Ill toss a few ideas your way though. What I would do it if I was you. You’re mostly transfixed on a total suspension overhaul. I think there are 3 subframes out there that are a cut above the rest. DSE, Art's, and 21st century. Art also has a full frame with a built in 3 link on the back for the camaro. The front half is just like their subframe, its killer. It's a full frame for a car. If I was doing this over, that would be the deal I would go with. Here is something else. Time Machines has put together or is putting together an Art frame with the 21st century c5 rear for the camaro. They are cutting the back half off for the c5 rear. This sounds pretty cool. But you would need a top notch shop to do it. This alone may eat up a substantial piece of your budget, but you would basically have a c5 suspension camaro. Personally, I would do the Art full frame and call it a day. Lot's of fab work, but ohhhh what a killer car you would have. If you don't want to spend that kind of cash on all that fab work, get a DSE sub, some subframe connectors, and spend your money doing other improvments.

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MAZSPEED

Thanks for the quick reply. I really like the LD 3-link that is already in the car. I've hit it a couple of times and it tracks straight, no hop, and plants the 315 rear tires solid to the ground. Plus it looks like a piece of engineering jewelry. I hear more oohs and aahs from people when they bend down to look at it than I would with a couple of 13 year boys seeing their first Playboy. (Who knows, It might even cause the same effect?)

It's really nice when engineers and professional mechanics take the time to check it out. It's truly is a fine piece of equipment.

Also when I bought the car from Mark he mentioned it had been a big part of the building of his business. As a small business guy, I understand and I want to keep those roots as part of the car.

Lateral-1 lives on.

Given this extra news, what would you suggest?

[kp.touring]

Ty,
Check your fax machine, you should have 7 pages.

Kevin

[Musclerodz]

Ty, let Mark come up with something for the front if you want something comparable and on the same level as his 3 link. I know there was something in the works, but don't know what ever became of it.

Mike

[Bowtieracing]

Pics...plese

[mazspeed]

Originally Posted by tyoneal

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MAZSPEED

Thanks for the quick reply. I really like the LD 3-link that is already in the car. I've hit it a couple of times and it tracks straight, no hop, and plants the 315 rear tires solid to the ground. Plus it looks like a piece of engineering jewelry. I hear more oohs and aahs from people when they bend down to look at it than I would with a couple of 13 year boys seeing their first Playboy. (Who knows, It might even cause the same effect?)

It's really nice when engineers and professional mechanics take the time to check it out. It's truly is a fine piece of equipment.

Also when I bought the car from Mark he mentioned it had been a big part of the building of his business. As a small business guy, I understand and I want to keep those roots as part of the car.

Lateral-1 lives on.

Given this extra news, what would you suggest?

I forgot that you had the 3 link. Keep that in there. I would go with either an Art's frame or the DSE, or ship your car to CAR for their subframe. I spoke to Kevin about it, and they alone have to put it in. I also understand the argument about not letting someone else do it, since they designed it, they would know how it goes in, and the liability of it. If you cannot take you car to CAR, then go with Art's frame or DSE's.