68 Camaro (Project Panther) Update - Lateral-g Forums

Gr8t68 · #1 08-20-2006, 01:55 PM

It's been a while since I posted anything on Project Panther. Work and little kids have a way of slowing things down but a lot has been done since my introductory post and I thought I would share it with the masses.

The rear suspension (Truckarm or Centerdrive) kit from Steve at Hot Rods to Hell has all but been completely installed with a few minor things left to do. The Track 9 rear end has been narrowed to fit based on the new clearance provided by the DSE minitub install. The third member is a Strange Forged Aluminum setup which should withstand anything I can throw at it and came in at a much greater weight savings then if I had stayed with (narrowed) my 12 bolt.

The front sub frame is a Wayne Due C5 setup and I finally hung the C5 suspension pieces and the QA1 coilovers on it. The roll cage will tie into everything and is the next thing on the list to do (hopefully completed by the end of the week). My friends (Ryan and Ryan) over at Ballistc Trux in Rocklin CA have been more then helpful and are skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work.

I'm hoping to have a Stop, Steer, and Roll chasis back at my shop by the labor day weekend so I can fit the LS1, 6 speed trans and fly by wire gas pedal along with the TCM from a C5 Vette.

As always, I am always open to comments and or suggestions based on your experiences. Likewise, I am always there to help any of you with lessons learned from my projects if anyone needs anything.

customcam · #2 08-20-2006, 04:53 PM

WD work is top notch! gott alove the c5
awsome project coming along
paint color/wheels ??
lots of 67/68 being built lately

Steve68 · #3 08-20-2006, 07:31 PM

Thats because everyone sick of 69's, ain't fraid to say it!!!

didn't like them then not a fan now!!! now dosen't mean I won't take/buy one, I'm a 1st gen fan since 73' only 5 yrs old!!!

really nice car by the way, front and rear look great!

Gr8t68 · #4 08-21-2006, 03:05 PM

I've had the car since highschool and can relate to liking the 1st gens since I was only 5yrs old (I was born in 63). I was always a big fan of the Donohue Penske Trans Am cars and loved the way they looked. Have to admit that I like the 69's too but there is something about a 68 I just like better.

I'm on the fence when it comes to color. As you might see from the pics, the car was originally Rallye Green and I just don't think I can go there again. I'm leaning towards last years Lexus color called Black Garnet Pearl. I plan on 20" wheels out back 11-12" wide with 335s and 19s up front with whatever width I can stick under the Fenders. As far as wheels go, I have been looking at Budnik's Cannon and a wheel from Koenig but am open to suggestions from my Camaro lovin peers.

Mike

ViperBlue68 · #5 08-21-2006, 03:25 PM

Looks like a sweet project! mine was rally green to start with too...I'm movin to Roseville soon...would love to take a look at this thing in person sometime...

Steve68 · #6 08-22-2006, 06:21 AM

Mine was originally Matador Red, damn ugly color, I went with a 69 deep Fathom Green Metallic, looks great in the bright FL sun,

Gr8t68 · #7 08-22-2006, 09:41 PM

ViperBlue68,

Drop me an email when you get to Roseville. Would love to see your ride in person as well. I think I've seen tha tcar on the road going up Hwy 70/99 towords Marysville/Yuba city. tried to catch up to take a look but got caught at the light at Riego Rd.

Steve68,

Matador Red is a much nicer color then Rallye Green anyday. All my cars wind up being a dark burgundy or wine color or just plain black. It is a hard habit to break. I'm still thinking about the Lexus Black Garnet Pearl color but haven't made up my mind yet. I still have time and there is a lot of other stuff to do over the fall and winter months.

Steve68 · #8 08-23-2006, 04:31 AM

Dark is good, but it's gotta be straight, there are a ton of new colors out there,