73 Camaro Z/28 Type LT (Massive scope creep inside)

[dipren443]

It would appear that I have been a lurker on Lateral-G for nearly ten years, yet I only have two posts. I think it is finally time to put together a build thread.

This was the summary of what I intended to do nearly 5 years ago.

Well, thanks to an err in judgment, my 100% original interior was burnt to a crisp (not my fault, and yes I got a nice check from the shops insurance co.). Instead of just throwing a new interior in, I am taking the opportunity to improve several things that just make sense to do at this point in time. The interior will need to be completely resprayed, the area behind the seat is pretty charred. So... Before that gets done, I am going to modify everything that would require the floor to be cut up.

My punch list of items...

• Keisler or CC5S TKO-600 swap
• Finally make my LS1 e brake functional
• Rip the front end off and weld in a proper firewall block off plate. Install a VA bulkhead and finally finish my A/C install.
• If I am really feeling gutsy (more funding related than anything), get my Lateral Dynamics coil over brackets installed up front with new upper and lower control arms.
• Move the battery out back.
• Once all this is done, I will get the interior resprayed and install fresh carpet, new headliner, etc...
• Already completed are my DSE SFC's. I took the car to G Force Designs for that work.

Some pics:




BMR A/C delete plate currently installed:




Some of the interior damage:

[dipren443]

Scope creep began pretty much immediately upon dis-assembly.





Firewall filling and smoothing begins:





Speedtech coilover brackets installed:



Stripped and ready for paint





Front suspension begins going together.






Time to get ready for work... Will post more later...

[coolwelder62]

Look's like the start of a great project!!!!

[dipren443]

I didn't include this in the original post, but there was a also a fender bender the day of the fire. Just rubbing salt into the wound. Not my fault either and was well compensated by the offenders insurance company...

I was completely overwhelmed and saddened by this, so there aren't a ton of pics, but here is the car on the way to the shop to be mended. The door, quarter and right wheel were effected.













AND.... FIXED

[dipren443]

Originally Posted by coolwelder62

Look's like the start of a great project!!!!

Thanks a bunch!!! She is a lot farther along than those pics. I am trying to add what I can to this post as I get a few minutes here and there.

[dipren443]

Ok, this next step is where the project goes off the deep end.

I purchased a DSE mini tub kit from a friend. At the same time, I bought a new (to me) MIG welder to replace the old Lincoln I had which had some serious issues. The cutting began... Got the passenger side tub in nice and tidy.



Then work intervened (I am a field service engineer in the Power Generation industry) and I spent the next few months on the road. As much as I hate traveling, the aspect of it is nice. Due to that and the fact I wasn't home, I sent the car back to G Force to finish the mini tub install... At the same time, I ordered a QuadraLink kit from DSE and 9", along with a 4 point roll bar, and Wilwood rear brakes to match the fronts.



In addition, the car was put on a rotisserie and the underside was stripped to reveal some of the cleanest sheetmetal the shop had ever seen. I had to pinch myself when I saw it. Not even a pinhole anywhere. The factory red oxide primer visible underneath undercoating that was painted on at some point too.

[dipren443]

Ok, back to this...

Four link installed, mini tubs complete, chassis repainted.













Gotta love the tire fitment of the old 9.5's with the narrowed rear and mini tubs. They are swimming back there.