Hello and Help! (longwinded) - Lateral-g Forums

Hatya · #1 12-09-2006, 05:14 PM

Hi folks, Im new to the site, Thanks Matt Jones for giving me this link. Great site very informative.

I have been a car guy for along time, got my first 68 camaro when i was 17, got my 2nd at 23, and now i got my 3rd on at 39. Im planning on this one being the car I have always dreamed of.

My initial plan for this car is a PT car. So i looked hard to find a car I could transfor into anything i wanted, without the guilt of chooping up a possible collectors item. The result was a bare bones no option 1967 Camaro convertible (I absolutely had to have a vert.) I think i got it at the right price, I drive it alot as is, and i paid 8k.

Aside from having a new top, the car needs everything, which means i have a lot of work to do. And alot of decisions to make. So i need some help and guidance. I have set a list of parameters the car must meet when completed. yet with a budget in mind I really dont want the car to sit apart for years, so im hoping to do it in stages that allow me to drive the car in the summer, and work on it in the winter. (yes i realize im nuts)

The part i need the most help with is the suspension. I have looked hard at the SWE full frame and the Art Morrison Max-G frame. Both of these option seem to be extremely attractive when it comes to making a vert handle well, especially seeing how i have a body sag issue. But, both require extensive amounts of work , and the car will be a complete teardown.

So Issue 1 would be to frame or not to frame, and in doing so trying to fix the body sag.

So since im in the planning stage of this car I was hoping to hear some ideas from you folks. Pretend there is no budget, and let me hear your suggestions.

Im tring to post pics also, have to resize them and Ill have em up soon..

**XcYZ** · #2 12-09-2006, 06:31 PM

I think full frames for the unibody cars is the next step for an all out g-machine. There are issues with headroom as it changes the floor, but you have a Vert, so that's a plus.

Oh, and welcome to the site.

ccracin · #3 12-09-2006, 08:51 PM

I agree with Scott. A full frame is next in the evolution. If you have the means go for it. I would also say go with Morrison. Those guys are great. I just ordered a front end and rear suspension package for our project. Craig, Matt, and Don have been very helpful. I talked to alot of the big names and these guys are the most helpful. They do it how it should be done. Just my 2 cents. 2 more cents, get in touch with Tim at PRRC for the rest of the build. Again the help he provides is great. Good luck sounds like a great project.

overlap · #4 12-09-2006, 10:12 PM

Welcome,
Looking at the pictures you provided the door glass or quarter glass is out of adjustment or there's a problem with the regulator, track, and etc. internally. Looking at the door gap at the rocker panel and where the door meets the quarter panel, it's not any different from most GM cars of this era.
This isn't to say don't do any frame or suspension mods, I say go for it with some discipline and planning and you'll have a nice ride to enjoy.
Gerald

youthpastor · #5 12-10-2006, 12:13 AM

Welcome- great buy on the convert, i"m building a '68.

Lots of cool parts out there, you are at the right place!

question: do you plan to cruise a windy road on the coast top down, or enter it into competion. That will determine how crazy you need to get with the suspension, brakes, etc.

Also as you have notices from another threat (s-curve paint poll) spend the money NOW for a designer, it is well worth it. Some things i though were cool even 5 years ago, are way out dated, a number of designers on this site can steer you in the right direction-Chris

Hatya · #6 12-10-2006, 09:41 AM

Im not planning any competitive driving. Its going to be my everyday car when its done, weather permitting. My biggest issue is myself. I tend to go over the top on everything i do. I'm trying very hard to restrain myself from turning this into a complete teardown 2year project. I love driving the car so much, even in the condition that its currently in.

I did a ton of reading last night and I may be swaying myself towards the hotchkis X bar & SF connectors, along with completly redoing the F&R suspensions, rather then a full frame. I think ill be very happy with the results.

This way i can keep from doing a complete tear down, then i can save the full frame for my next project.

But i wont make any final decision just yet, Im going to budget both options and look at the difference first.. I'll let you guys know which way i go

ProdigyCustoms · #7 12-10-2006, 10:13 AM

http://prodigycustoms.com/mikes-prodigy.asp

Let us know if we can help. Project Prodigy can be jacked up in the center of the rocker and still open and close the doors. It can also hang on a post lift and open and close the doors. And we do not have the raised seat issues. it is belly paned and the seats are mounted at the bottom of the rocker instead of on top.

customcam · #8 12-10-2006, 02:54 PM

cool project
me personally The MaxG will give you the stance that will always make u drool!
keep us posted on the build

Leadfoot1 · #9 12-10-2006, 04:01 PM

8 Grand! What a steal!!! Looks kinda original too.

Great deal/ find!

Good luck on the project and welcome!

Lead.

(Full frame would be Killer! What are the floors like? Rockers? trunk?)

BThibodeaux · #10 12-10-2006, 07:23 PM

You may want to check out Schwartz Extreme Performance. They have just come out with a full frame chassis that they claim is a bolt in. In bare form it is priced about the same as most bare aftermarket front subframes. There is an article on Schwartz in November CHP, and they have been on V8TV.

http://www.schwartzperformance.com/products.htm