new member intro-67 Camaro, "Pro-Storing"

[Mike Yamada]

hi everyone

Have been checking out the Lateral-g forum for some time but finally registered! I already know some of you so it's hanging out with friends.

I had a buddy who had a 67 Camaro in high school and we used to cruise around in it all the time. Good times.. My family always had Chevys so it was natural for me to get a Camaro at some point. I had a beater 68. Sold it but don't miss that one..

Got interested in better handling for Camaros awhile back, do you guys remember Herb Adams' VSE parts? Then there was Mark Stielow's Red Witch in HR mag (1996 IIRC) and the other Stielow cars. I got to know the guys at Campbell Auto Restoration (CAR) in Campbell CA and had the chance to see just what could be done! Mark Schwartz's niece had a nice 67 for sale so I bought it. My friend Tracy named her "Lola." Black plate car, 6-cyl, 3 on the tree, pretty clean except for some small damage on the left rear quarter.

Back then, I had more play money for toys so we started on getting the parts, 502 crate motor, T-56, Accell... had an unplanned job change (!) and so progress on the car has been on hold for awhile. The car is currently in storage, waiting for better times, hence "Pro-Storing."

I do automotive photography, both on-track and beauty shots/feature work, (and also family portraits and model portfolio work) on the side and have been able to do a lot of work with the guys at CAR. For a car shooter, this is like living next door to the Playmate dormitory.. We have been able to do a little bit of magazine work which is a lot of fun. I've been working on my portfolio with hopes of being able to submit work to more magazines in the future.

Picture attached is a scan of an old snapshot of my 67 taken awhile back.. I think my current photo work has improved somewhat since then!