1969 Camaro Restomod Project Thread

[will69camaro]

Few pics of the distractions I've had.

Also, made the decision to make this garage more comfortable as interest rates have stopped my looking for a replacement house with larger space for cars. I'll survive with my large storage unit (15x50) and small garage.

I renovated it last year, with new paint, more lights and cabinets/storage.

I recently added a mini split to keep the Houston Temps and humidity outside the garage, and picked up a "small" two post that works for low rooflines. I cant raise the roof as we have a space above that is utilized. This will work for now, and they advertise a 48in lift, so it will be more comfortable than working on the cribbage stands that I've done everyone on previously. Friend swears by his MaxJax lift, so i went with it. I like that it can be removed and stored. I had planned ahead previously when i hung the cabinets, so happy to see my measurements were correct and they fit under!

Now onto what will be performed on the repair and re-fresh of the car.

1) Engine: Engine removed and repaired. Broke a valve tip, luckily not dropping the valve, just lost cylinder performance (and obvious valvetrain noise). Will do all new valvetrain (maybe including cam); all new valves, lifters, springs, rockers, and pushrods. Will also be inspecting the main/rod bearings and cylinders while the heads are off and assess from there. Not suspecting any issues there as the motor only has ~8k miles.

2) Electrical: Re-wire of the entire car. This car was my first attempt at wiring and used a AAW classic update. VERY nice kit, but not suited for custom setup (smooth firewall) and relocated to glove box. I have a highway 22 kit that will be used, and mounted in the trunk.

3) Comfort: Complete the A/C installation. In my haste to get it running early on i decided I'd complete it later, and that turned to years. It was 99% setup, just needing engine bay hoses/dryer/etc. It required pulling the front off (IC in the way) so that has become a priority.

4) Interior: I will complete the rear seat recovery to match the Recaros and fit the bottom cushion over the DSE suspension. Considering a rear seat delete also, but would want it to be a clean application like some have done (Dusold / Stielow / etc). Interior updates will also include new gauges. Racepack IQ3s was cool but feels a bit "dated" now. I will be removing and doing something similar as Stielow builds with a custom machined surround and Dakota Digital custom gauges. Also going to add in a console/stereo like Tony Whatley's "Overt" 69 camaro. Want a more complete interior, more street, less race inspired.

5) Suspension: Will send the JRI ride height shocks out to be re-valved and one repaired (adjuster damaged on passenger rear). Plan would be to use JJ for this. Unsure if i will connect the hydraulics to the ride height shocks, i dont run the car very low. There is a chance in all this, i sell the setup and buy another set of JRI without the ride height. May let me get a little more spring on the car / travel (unsure if i need it).

6) Performance: I will be changing the WG management. The car had unpredictable boost beyond 50% DC of the WG on a single solenoid and manifold pressure setup. I have an air compressor / small tank, that will be mounted in the trunk and have dual solenoid setup so i can take advantage of the PID controller the Holley EFI has. Goal will be to consistently make power and have more range. I can keep a 8-10psi spring in the WG and make over 25psi when commanded. Right now the car has been living on a 15psi spring, with no WG management other than dumping excess. Fun but traction at 1000+rwhp is a struggle, even on a drag radial. Beyond that, I will complete the wiring to the front hubs to have wheel speed of the fronts so i can attempt to utilize a form of traction control (straight line).

That's the rough overview of what will be the goal. I'm sure things will be omitted as others are added as well. Looking forward to getting back into the car and enjoying it!

[will69camaro]

Got the lift installed and positioned it with the ZR-1 and the Camaro. Tested it and so far so good! I think it'll be VERY helpful for work under the car.

Dont mind that the car is dirty. I had to have it outside when measuring and it was slightly raining. I'll get it cleaned up along with the garage.

[camcojb]

[BigBronco]

Hell yeah dude!

Looking forward to getting this thing back in action. I have thought about re-updating my nova thread but it might make me puke watching how long the car has been on the back burner LOL

[will69camaro]

Originally Posted by BigBronco

Hell yeah dude!

Looking forward to getting this thing back in action. I have thought about re-updating my nova thread but it might make me puke watching how long the car has been on the back burner LOL

Nah man just do it. Look at how far back this build goes!

[WSSix]

That lift looks perfect for working on wheels, brakes, and suspensions, or just detailing the lower portion of the car.

[will69camaro]

Originally Posted by WSSix

That lift looks perfect for working on wheels, brakes, and suspensions, or just detailing the lower portion of the car.

Absolutely. I’ve been considering getting and aerocreeper that people use on planes in hangers. Adjustable angle seat basically. Prob a good option as I can’t get it high enough to stand under it. So far been enjoying the use of it.

I’ll get some pics but stripped it down to long block in the car and transmission is out. Engine should hopefully be soon.