I've mentioned this here before and a lot of people helped me out with leads and things, but right now it appears as if we have located the car! We're working out all the details as far as final price and shipping, but it looks like the car is ours!

For those of you who don't know, we're building a 67 Camaro for my brother-in-law who is serving in the Army in Baghdad for the next year or so. He'll ba back June 11th. We've gotten donations from all over, and some of these parts are just awesome! Here's the specs on the car:

67 Camaro
Late model Gen III 5.3L shortblock donated by Strictly Performance, cleaned up and rebuilt by HRT performance
5.3L heads milled, 3-angled, and mild porting by HRT Performance
Comp Cams Xtreme RPM (grind undecided)
Painless HI-EFI kit donated my Painless Performance
T56 6-spd with pedal covers from Modo Innovations
Stock interior with a custom shift boot for the T56 by Lightning Custom and seats donated by TA Specialties(78ta.com)
Complete LS1 brake system, slotted/drilled rotors donated by RotorsOnline
Upgraded suspension system (undecided components)
Aftermarket 17" wheels (undecided)
RS grille with hidden headlights
Car will be red with white hockey stick striped, black interior, and electric blue powdercoated calipers. :cool:

Pedal covers donated by Modo Innovations. These things are awesome, I'm gonna order a set for both my Trans Ams, too.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4745.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4750.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4749.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4748.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4747.jpg

Special thanks to Twist Machine! They donated a set of their core support bars and one of their cowl induction billet trim plates. These things are amazing, top notch quality and they look great! As a mechanical designer by profession, I must say these are some fine looking pieces. :cool:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4882.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4881.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4880.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4879.jpg

5.3L heads that we had sitting on the shelf in the shop that HRT Performance is reworking
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/05.jpg

Got the brake booster! Complete LS1 brake setup here we come.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4885.jpg

The engine will be at the machine shop in about two weeks or so, then the rebuild begins. Sold a bunch of Trans Am parts I had sitting on the shelf and bought some stuff for the engine. Got some sweet red anodized aluminum fuel rails with blue AN fittings and braided line.

Also got a set of stock valve covers that I'm going to smooth out and powdercoat wrinkle black, a set of LS1 injectors and clips, LS6 valve springs, and an LS1 Throttle body that I'm going to P&P.

So here's the engine combo that I'm going to go with.

Gen III 5.3L out of a 2005 truck with block painted black, donated by Strictly Performance (shipping by National Parts Depot)
LS1 intake smoothed and powdercoated bare aluminum color
Red anodized fuel rail, LS1 injectors, blue AN fittings, and braided line
Wrinkle black valve covers
LS1 TB powdercoated Super Chrome
Cam included in HI-RPM kit
HI-RPM kit donated by Painless Performance
5.3L heads, 3-angled and milled, LS6 springs, left bare aluminum
LS4 oil pump
Engine and heads will be built and assembled thanks to a donation by HRT Performance.

Can't wait to see this thing built, it's gonna look sexy.

Lightning Auto Customs has donated a shift boot for a T56 in a 67 Camaro, along with the plans for the bezel, which I am going to draw up in SolidWorks and have made up. This thing is NICE! They also hooked us up with some vinyl decals. :D

Our engine will also be at the terminal next Wednesday, so then the fun begins with that! Big thanks to National Parts Depot for the free ride for our engine on one of their trucks cross-country! :cool:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4980.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_4976.jpg

SPEC Stage 2 clutch and Billet steel flywheel graciously donated by SPEC Clutch!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5019.jpg

It is down to the wire here guys and there is still no car. Something always seems to happen when we find a car, and it is getting down to the wire. PLEASE keep your eye out for a 67 or 68 for $2500 or less. The last one a guy I know bought the car out from under me, knowing what I needed the car for. :(

Some ppl dont give a rats a$$ about the ppl dying daily for their freedom.

Doesn't matter anymore, we just bought a sweet 68 off of a guy up in NY. He's done most of the metal work and he's including about everything we need to put the car back together.

My dad and I are gonna run up there after the Trans Am Nationals are over, probably Labor Day weekend, and have good old' fater-son road trip.

Glad to hear ya got a car finally.

4birdman,
Can you give any info on the cowl induction trim plate, I checked out twist machine web site but dont find any info on this item,
Thanks,
Jerry

4birdman,
Can you give any info on the cowl induction trim plate, I checked out twist machine web site but dont find any info on this item,
Thanks,
Jerry

Made a deal on a car! The guy is going to install the floorboards for us before we go get it. Should be picking it up at the beginning of September. Grabbed it off of the pro-touring.com board. Can't wait to get this thing in the shop!

He's done more work since these pictures, but at least it gives you an idea!
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t91/aussiebj/newrideheight4.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t91/aussiebj/newrideheight.jpg

And the before shot:
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t91/aussiebj/68camaro.jpg

We also got our engine in today. Strictly Performance donated the engine and NPD had it delivered to us on one of their trucks. Heading to HRT Performance this week to start the rebuild.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5042.jpg

Hot67, I think it is a pretty new item. If you called them up they would be able to tell you more - (631) 610-4186

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/render.jpg

Here's the rendering of the finished product thanks to Hermance Design!

Custom show plate and cowl hood panel donated by Undercover Innovations. These things are NICE! They're gonna look great on the car. Pardon the terrible pictures, I am in the process of reorganizing and laying new floor down in the shop for the arrival of the Camaro and it is a mess in there!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/05-1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/06.jpg


and some LS6 springs and LS1 injectors I purchased off of LS1tech.com
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/02.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/01.jpg

Outer wheelhouses donated by Lutty's Chevys!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5091.jpg

Carbon fiber header gaskets and LED taillights donated by MuscleRodz!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5110.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5111.jpg

Automotive rotisserie donated by AutoTwirler! (going to assemble tomorrow, this is just off the truck!)
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5112.jpg

Looks like you have a great start! Keep us posted on the project.

Joe

I'm trying to get my garage organized so this project will go smoothly. Unfortunately I moved my 98 TA into the road while I am working on the garage, where my bro-in-law promptly backed into it. :(

Drilled and slotted LS1 rotors donated by RotorsOnline.com!
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa266/PatriotDream/brakes/rear.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa266/PatriotDream/brakes/front.jpg

Just got back from the TA Nationals, so I haven't had a chance to get the 2" cowl hood that Firewheel Classics donated home yet, it's in my office at work.

But I did get a LS1 master cylinder from a good friend of mine.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/19.jpg

Got some new goodies today!

Steel 2" cowl hood donated by Firewheel Classics. This thing is SWEET and is gonna look killer on the car!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5395-1.jpg

Also got a new gas tank and RS grille donated by Eckler's Camaro. These are gonna look sweet as well!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5396.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5397.jpg

Got a new black carpet set in today donated by Rick's First Gen!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5477.jpg

Sept 29th is the day we're grabbing the car. The truck is reserved and the trailer borrowed, the build officially begins on Sept. 30th!

Got some new parts in! Thanks to WS6 on the pro-touring board for donating this LS1 valley pan!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5567.jpg

And thanks to Gail Day Automotive Memorabilia for donating this T56 6-spd shift ball!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5566.jpg

And we also recieved this blue LED Raptor shift light donated by R&D Speed!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5569.jpg

I also just got back from AutoFair yesterday. I took a bunch of flyers and handed out about 50 to different vendors and told them what I was doing. Most of them seemed very interested, and all listened to me, so that was cool! I got the shift ball from a vendor, hopefully we get some more from it as everyone gets back home from the show!

Any news pictures or any build up info on the engine or other parts while you wait for the car to come to you?

Great project for deserving man serving our country. I wish they all could get something like this!!

The engine will be heading to the shop tomorrow. I've been redoing my garage so I have more room to work on the car. I had a guy donate all the LS1 accessories and all that good stuff, so once that gets here I'll be powdercoating it all and then we'll take it to the machine shop for assembly on the engine.

Once the car gets here, the pictures will be rolling, I'm going to powdercoat or polish everything on the car.

It is all set up to pick up the car on the 29th. The guy installed new front floorboards, a new door skin, a hood, and a new dash panel. Here are the pics he sent me so I know what I'm picking up on the 29th. 8)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/camaroprogresspics4.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/camaroprogresspics5.jpg

I can have it running in 4 hours. :D


J/K Nice car. Looks perfect for what your after. Not to little, not to much.

I can have it running in 4 hours. :D

Is that with or without the plane flight? :p

Got some more goodies in today! Toyo tires has generously donated a set of Proxes 4 tires - 245/45ZR17 for the front and 275/45ZR17s for the back.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5618.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5619.jpg

And my little boy can't wait to have his Uncle Shawn back home!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5617.jpg

And also dropped the 5.3L off at HRT Performance today for the rebuild! These guys know their stuff and are good guys to deal with. Helps that Joel is a good friend, but I'd take my work there anyway. :D

And check out those sexy powdercoated AMC valve covers on the bench. (yes, I do their powdercoating for them :lol: )

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5604.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5605.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5608.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5609.jpg

this is pretty cool.

OK, quick update here! I've been busy trying to sell off the extra parts to fund the AirRide setup for the car. AirRide is sponsoring us at a discounted price, so we want to jump all over it. Right now here are some photos of the car in the shop, along with the final rendering from Ben. Note the stripe on the cowl that he came up with and the Wheel Vintiques V40 wheels.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/79.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/81.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/82.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/newrender.jpg

We also received a set of brand new black front and rear seat covers thanks to 78ta.com!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5732.jpg

Got the front subframe on the AutoTwirler rotisserie tonight. This thing is sweet! I was able to load the subframe and adjust it by myself, I love this tool. :thumbsup:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5790.jpg

How many f-bodies can you pot in this picture?

Did a little work on the taillights tonight. The bezels were in terrible shape and were rusted and pitted. The pictures make it look a lot better than is actually is, but it still came out pretty good. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my powdercoat, so I'm going to block same it to take out some of the small runs and bumps and lay a second coat on it to see if it will fill some of the pits. I'm going to go tomorrow to pick up some stainless hardware for the back of it, too. I changed the lenses from the stockers to a set of LEDs that MuscleRodz hooked me up with.

So it went from this:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/01-1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/02-1.jpg

To this:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/11.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/12.jpg

Before and after:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/09-1.jpg

We got some work done last night on the car. First is my beautiful wife and her paintjob on the rotisserie!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/38.jpg

And then we move on to the car.

We took the rear spolier off and it looks like it was held on by two studs and a ton of silicon. One more thing to fix. The trunk lid looks very savable, though.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/37.jpg

Also got the interior most of the way torn down. The wiring is trash and most everything needs to be replaced, but I want to give Shawn a new car, so I would be replacing all of that anyway.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/39.jpg

And the rear axle that a friend gave me for the car. It is only a 8.2", but I'll freshen it up and it should do fine. I gotta use what I can if it isn't donated for this build, so 8.2" axle it is.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/40.jpg

And then we tore down most of the front sheetmetal and all on the car. Gonna try and finish smoothing the firewall and getting it cleaned up soon.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/41.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/44.jpg

Today I received a carbon fiber header and cowl panel donated by Anvil Auto! These things are friggin sweet and I bet only weigh about a tenth of the weight of the factory ones!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/3.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/4.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/5.jpg

American Auto Wire is also hooking us up with a new interior wiring harness for the car! All I could think about as I sat there holding the remnants of the car's harness in my hands was "I hope AAW is interested in helping out" and sure enough, they came through for us!

Got some new parts! A friend of mine gave me an LS1 intake and coolant tubes for the engine. I also got in the Bullitt replica wheels that Custom Wheels Market gave me a discount on.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5956.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5957.jpg

Haven't done much to the car since I just bought some new tools since I broke a few and some of mine just plain sucked. Gotta have the right tools to build a good car! The aftermarket frame is being lengthened for me by Staples Engineering, so once that is done I'll be able to get the back of the car back together.

The guys over at RotorsOnline.com hooked us up with some Axxis brake pads for the LS1 brake conversion! These guys have been a huge part of making the LS1 brake setup come into place.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_5984.jpg

Big day today! Got the tires mounted and mocked up on the car!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/4-1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/1-1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/2.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/3-1.jpg

We also got a fuel pump in that was donated by Walbro!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/5-1.jpg

Bryan...
Nice stuff...keep the pic's comming.

Kev

Well, it's going a little slow right now, but things are going on in the background! No photos worth posting though. The engine is being built, the trans is being rebuilt, and I still haven't gotten the frame back, but should have it back by the weekend.

The spindles are going out this week to be modified to fit the LS1 brake setup, and I have modified the firewall and brackets to fit the LS1 brake booster. Once it is done and cleaned up I will post photos.

So that's where I am at. Prothane just donated a total Motion Control package for the car, so I'll be finishing up the front subframe as soon as the POR-15 that was donated gets here.

So as you see, it is slow now, but will hit me like a sock full of pennies in a week or so!

Comp Performance Group came through huge for us. They hooked us up with a Zex LSX wet nitrous kit and also have hooked Shawn up with discount pricing on any Comp Performance Group part for the rest of his life. They are also going to be putting out a press release about the project and said they'll get us in with a few magazines!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/14.jpg
And my little man approves!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/05-2.jpg

Also got the body completely stripped down and the junk subframe off the car. This weekend we'll be POR-15 painting the front subframe and I'll hopefully have the rear frame rails by then as well. I built a little body cart for the front out of some junk 2x4s that were in my way. Worked out pretty well since the back is on casters.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/16.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/17.jpg

Bryan...
Nice stuff...keep the pic's comming.

Kev
I 2nd that.:thumbsup:

Prothane has sponsored the build and has hooked us up with a complete Total Motion Control kit. Now we've got all the bushings and mounts we need! We're picking the a-arms up from HRT tomorrow where they tanked and blasted our a-arms so we can powdercoat them. Should have the bushings installed in them next week!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6100.jpg

We received a donation from POR-15 of their rust-proofing paint system! We had hoped to get the front subframe stripped and painted this weekend, but I've got a wicked cold and am pretty much stuck inside. :( I was hoping to really get ahead on the car this weekend, but other than yanking the spindles to send to Ed Miller to be modified for the LS1 brakes, I haven't gotten crap done.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6139.jpg

Well, I felt a little better this afternoon and I got a ton of work done. I had to split my time between the Camaro and a huge powdercoating job for a friend's machine shop, so I wasn't as productive as I could have been, but gotta keep the side business going!

Anyway, I got the firewall modified to fit the LS1 booster and MC. First I took the booster and cut out a template for the hole. Then I traced it off on the firewall and went to town with the cutting tool. Fits like a glove! I still need to weld in the section where the old hole used to be and modify the booster shaft to fit the existing brake pedal, but so far so good!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6150.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6149.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6151.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6152.jpg

Do you feel that you'll have any issue with the MC reservoir not sitting level? I'm planning the same LS1 brake swap, but I'm not sure how to address the reservoir being out of level.

Maybe I'm making a bigger deal out of it than I should be. :confused:

This is really a cool project!

Rhino, several guys have done this swap and haven't had any issues. I'm not too concerned about it.

That's good to hear, I'm still trying to decide whether to do the LS1 booster or a hydroboost. Due to cost the booster is really seeming like a viable option. I'm looking for a donor for the drivetrain, so essentially the brakes are coming to me free.

OK, finally was able to get some real work done on the car! I got the pedals all fitted for the Modo Innovations covers, then I took everything down to HRT Performance to be tanked and blasted. Tonight I powdercoated it all semi-gloss black and reinstalled the Modo covers. Came out amazing. I also cleaned and painted the parking brake assembly. I ordered all new pedal bushings and pins and all from Firewheel, so those should be in tomorrow or the next day, then I can get the pedals all ready to go back in the car once I finish up the LS1 booster and T56 Master cylinder modifications to the firewall and get the seat supports welded in this weekend.
Before:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/18-1.jpg
During:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/01-3.jpg
After:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/11-1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/10.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/05-3.jpg

Got the LS1 booster conversion all finished up. I measured and cut the stock brake rod and welded it on to the LS1 booster shaft. The I welded in some metal and cut it to match the hole in the firewall.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6285.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6286.jpg

I was watching Aussiebj on this build. Did you decide on what to do with the rear frame rails and suspension?

We're running aftermarket frame rails and 2" drop leafs with relocated shocks.

Got any pics?

I am still trying to decide what to do with the rear of mine. I bought rails from 21 st century, but not sure what i am gone to do.
thanks

Big thanks to bulldog19 on the Lateral-g board for hooking us up with these very nice inner fenders and some RS headlight hardware!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6318.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6319.jpg

hotdog, no pics yet, as they are still at the fab shop. We took the Competition Engineering frame rails that aussiebj gave me with the car and modified them to make them do what we wanted.

Today I received a carbon fiber header and cowl panel donated by Anvil Auto! These things are friggin sweet and I bet only weigh about a tenth of the weight of the factory ones!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/3.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/4.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/5.jpg

American Auto Wire is also hooking us up with a new interior wiring harness for the car! All I could think about as I sat there holding the remnants of the car's harness in my hands was "I hope AAW is interested in helping out" and sure enough, they came through for us!

I hooked with Matt when I was in Ca a few weeks ago. A super nice guy and they are working on some great parts. You really need to see this stuff in person to understand just how trick it really is. The cowl panel is just flat awsome!! I think it wieghs the same as a sheet of paper ;), and it looks ohhh sooo cool!! :yes:

Joe

Got a lot of goodies in the last few days! Autometer sent us some SWEET new Ultra-Lite II gauges, along with some schwag.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/31.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/33.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/34.jpg

And Second Skin donated a TON of stuff. Damplifier, blankets, sprayer, knife, Spectrum, adhesive, etc. Basically, everything to keep this car quiet inside!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/1-2.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/2-1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/3-2.jpg

We also got the subframe out outside on the rotisserie before we realized our compressor was acting up and we'll have to call a mobile blaster. We also didn't get much work done on the floors and chassis because our BRAND NEW Hobart 140 welder decided that it didn't feel like feeding wire anymore. Gotta go exchange it tomorrow, but it really ruined my progress on Saturday.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/4-2.jpg

But, besides all the problems, I did manage to get the a-arms powdercoated in a semi-gloss black. I'll run them down to have the Prothane bushings pressed in this week.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/5-2.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/6.jpg

The Gear Box sent us this T56 rebuild kit and steel 3-4 shift fork for the T56 we're putting in the car. Jerminator off of the camaroz28.com board donated a T56 and the rebuild, so major thanks to him! We still need an LS1 4th gear/input shaft, 6th gear, and an LS1 front plate, so if anyone has anything lying around they might be able to help us out with, please let me know!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6412.jpg

Got some good stuff in this week! I got in the Hotchkis 2" front drop springs I bought off of brownz on the pro-touring board, and the VBP 2" drop leafs I bought off of 68sixspeed on the pro-touring board. Many thanks to them for hooking me up!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6446.jpg

Also got in the Covan's dash panel that Queen City Speed donated to the project. Major thanks to them for taking care of us there!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6450.jpg

And finally, we got everything we need to get the rear frame and suspension fabricated! But, our brand new Hobart welder crapped out after about 30 minutes of use. Yeah, it is covered under warranty, but I won't have it back till the end of next week. So I'll be able to fab everything up next weekend, but this week all I'll be able to do is mock it all up. At least we can do something, though.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6439.jpg

Been doing a bunch of work over the weekend. Got the front subframe all sandblasted, Marine Clean'd, and Metal Ready'd. Tomorrow night I hope to get the POR-15 on it.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6451.jpg

Also worked on fitting up the rear suspension. Here's a shot with the center and rear frame sections sitting on the leaf spring. I hope to have this all installed this weekend when I get my welder back from the shop.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6453.jpg

And we also got these sweet seatbelts donated by Morris Classic Concepts. They are a 3-pt replacement for the factory lap belts. Now Shawn will be safe when he's crusing around town.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6461.jpg

This is gonna be one sweet ride...

Got a lot done tonight! My wife and I painted the first coat of POR-15 on the front subframe! Tomorrow night we'll do the second coat and then it'll be ready to install the suspension this weekend, and then back on it's wheels when I get the spindles back from being modified for the LS1 brakes by Ed Miller!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6466.jpg

I also fabbed up a bracket and mounted the Wilwood adjustable prop. valve. I was going to bend the brake lines tonight, but they sold me the wrong fittings at the store, so I gotta go back tomorrow and get the right ones.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6462.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_6463.jpg

Big day today! I had the day off of work, so my brothers came over and we knocked out a lot on the car. I finally got my welder back from the shop and got the seat support all welded in. We also got the final coat of POR-15 on and a topcoat of Rustoleum semigloss black and then installed it on the car with the new Prothane bushings. Also had to run around town trying to find the right fittings for the LS1 brake booster before I realized I had a spare ABS module in the attic and could get the fittings off of it. I also started working on the subframe connectors and rear frame, I hope to have it all tacked in and mocked up this weekend. I told myself I'd have it rolling by the first of the year, and that could be a real possibility!

We also got a set of Bilstein shocks for the car donated by G-Machine!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/01-4.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/02-2.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/12-2.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/13-1.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/11-2.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/10-1.jpg

Bilsteins donated by G-Machine!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0215.jpg

I also got some of the rear chassis worked out. I used the Competition Engineering SFCs with the built-in spring pockets. I measured it all out and notched the drop crossmember 1/2" to recess them in there to make them fit tight. Should be really strong with them set into the crossmember and welded to the floorboard. Don't mind my ugly tack welds.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0402.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0403.jpg

I also fit the LS1 brake lines to the 1st gen brackets. I just painted them for now, but I'll powdercoat them later. It was pouring rain out and I didn't feel like having a powder cloud floating in the shop while I worked. I also used some stainless bolts on it.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0404.jpg

Ran into a major snag tonight. With the suspension and chassis setup the way we were installing it, there is no way we're gonna fit a stock gas tank in there. If anyone has any advice or can hook me up with anything, please let me know! For right now, we're just going to install it as far apart to get as big of an aftermarket tank in there as we can. He'll still be able to fit some big meats under there if Shawn ever wants to.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0425.jpg

We did get in some goodies, though! Goodmark donated some inner wheelhouses, a radiator support, and a driver's door shell!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0408.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0407.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0428.jpg

I also bent up a brake line for the front subframe. I need to get a junction block for the driver's side, but I got the crossover done. I used insulated line clamps and stainless bolts to fasten it down.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0423.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0424.jpg

And last but not least, I got the rear leafs painted and installed the Prothane bushings!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0426.jpg

Look or search this site or PT for a gas tank solution. Some posted a stock tank that was cut and welded.

Joe

I wish I had more progress to post, but a lot of the things I've been doing have been things not worthy of pictures! I powdercoated up the rearend parts, worked on the axle I'm using for mockup cutting off the spring perches to shorted the spring width on them, and just some other small stuff.

I had it all set up so I could install the rear frame, suspension, and axle and have the back rolling this weekend. Of course, my brand new Hobart welder broke AGAIN and I am not sure if I'll have a welder for this weekend. Needless to say, I am PISSED!

Anyway, if I get lucky I'll have a welder for this weekend and then all my front suspension and steering parts will be here by next week and then I'll be rolling by next weekend.

Powdercoated spring hangers, spring plates, and a-arm washers:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0432.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0434.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0435.jpg

I finished up the other taillight, too.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0436.jpg

And I even had some help from Shawn's wife on Sunday. I taught her how to powdercoat and let her try it out on the dash bezel that was looking rough. She did a great job.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0451.jpg

I spent a large majority of today on sandblasting and powdercoating. The door hinges on the car were in ROUGH shape. They were incredibly rusted and the rollers were bent and broken, not to mention the pins were bad off, too.

After much sawzalling, hammering, sandblasting, straightening, swearing, and PCing, here are the finished products.

The red is the color we will be painting the car. My powder supplier has a line of automotive paints that matches their powders, so we picked a red we liked and bought a bunch of powder.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0455.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0456.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0459.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0460.jpg

And I also powdercoated the rear calipers that RPM donated to the project. I went with a silver PC on the brackets and a Anodized Blueberry over a silver basecoat on the calipers. Tomorrow I'm going to do the front ones I have here.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0461.jpg

Got the steering stuff all put together. We blasted and painted the center link in semi gloss black and then I painted the tie rods with gunmetal. The Prothane boots really set off the part, too. I'm also replacing pretty much every bolt and nut with either stainless of grade 8 stuff. I'm also eliminating all the speed nuts that I can.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0462.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0464.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0465.jpg

And I powdercoated the front calipers. The slider pins were crap, so I didn't bother assembling them yet.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0466.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0467.jpg

And in other news, we're gonna be on TV! A NC show based out of the Charlotte area called Cruise Control TV is going to be doing monthly segments on the car, out first interview is this coming Monday! I'll keep you guys posted on the air dates.

Got the calipers assembled tonight. I bought new sliders, but found some old ones in the shop and used them just for mockup. I'll install the new sliders when we put them on the car. I am EXTREMELY pleased with the color scheme I picked for the brakes. The silver and blue just really pop.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/IMG_0468.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/IMG_0469.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/IMG_0470.jpg

I also got my welder back and they finally figured out the problem. This weekend the rear frame and suspension goes in!

Not any new pictures since it has been friggin cold and my son has been feeling bad, but I did get the mock axle ready to go on so I can fab up the rear frame and suspension. This week I'll get that all squared away so this puppy can be rolling again!

We also have some Patriot Dream stickers for sale to help with the project. They are $8 shipped and come in red, white, or blue. We only have a few right now, but I'll get more if they sell quickly. Here are some photos of them on my wife and my cars.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0499.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0501.jpg

If you want one, send an $8 paypal to donate@patriotdream.org or send me an email at that addy and I'll give you our mailing address if you want to send a check or money order.

No real updates on the car as far as work goes. My little boy has an ear infection and we've been up taking care of him all weekend and all. Poor little guy.

But I did get a Flaming River steering column in that NPD donated to the project!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0503.jpg

Been a rough few weeks here. We found out what caused the ear infection in my son. If anyone has heard of RSV my son had a bad case of it. He had a high fever, and a horrible respiratory infection. Basically every moment I had where I wasn't at work was spent with him lying beside me so I could see if he stopped breathing or turned blue. Yesterday he was pretty much through with it, but guess who has a cold now....yep, me! This weekend will be a work weekend, though. TV crew from Cruise Control is coming to film us, so we'll get a lot done.

We also got our first donation from Iraq! A guy in one of the local clubs heard we needed a fuel cell so he sent us a new Summit 16gal cell with fuel sender and mounting kit!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0523.jpg

Good to see progress being made!! It will come, family and kids take priority even know this is an important project for you.

Joe

More goodies! Ron Davis Racing Products hooked us up with an LS1 swap radiator with fans and shroud and all the goodies!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0525.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0528.jpg

Browsed through the pics, looks like you have a nice project here, nice to see the wife getting out there and getting her hands dirty also..

Sorry for the long delay in posting! After my son finally started feeling better I got sick for a few days, but then I got a serious case of Sinusitis that had me all messed up for a long time. I couldn't even walk for a few days my equilibrium was so messed up and then for a couple of weeks after that I was still a little bit wobbly, so I wasn't supposed to be working in the shop. And then, of course, my computer died. Got a new computer now, though! Now I am back and running, literally! Just got word that Shawn's group got fast-tracked and he is coming home on April 20th! AWESOME news for all of us, but I am in a total rush now, especially after losing a month to being sick! I am going to try my hardest to get this thing done, but I am not sure if I can do it. Worst case Shawn and I finish the car together, which would be something very cool as well. With our budget and all, it is going to be a squeeze. If anyone wants to come help out on any weekend, or if anyone has any parts or anything they can help us out with, please let me know! If you offered parts and I haven't gotten back to you, I will get with you soon. I need all the help I can get in any way you can help us!

So here are some photos of my day in the shop!

Mocked up the Wilwood clutch master cylinder. I'm going to relocate the fuse panel down and out a little bit and modify the clutch linkage to work with this MC, but this should work out perfectly.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/052.jpg

Upper a-arms powdercoated semigloss black with Prothane bushings installed. Thanks to HRT Performance for fighting the old bushings out and sticking the new ones in! Didn't even scratch the powdercoat! That's why they are the only machine shop I trust!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/053.jpg

IROC steering box donated by a guy in Carolina F-body Club. All painted up and clearcoated in gunmetal.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/054.jpg

Got the hinges mounted on the doors:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/055.jpg

Worked on setting up the rear frame and suspension. Gotta basically start from scratch. I need help with this if anyone local wants to come and do it for me!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/056.jpg

And finally, the sweet remote trunk release that Modo Innovations donated to the project!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/073.jpg

Tomorrow night I'm going to do some more work and try and get some more photos.

OK, got some updates! Got the gauges mocked up in there. The white circle in the middle I was going to use for another gauge, but I decided to use that spot for a few LEDs for turn signals and the like. I'm gonna mount the nitrous pressure gauge right into the dash somewhere. I have an idea, but not set yet. I have since painted the bezel semigloss black, so we'll see what I decide once I get the gauges in and in the car.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/074.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/075.jpg

Also had some rust and some spots that I wanted to remove to smooth out the firewall. We cut out a small section of the firewall and I'm going to weld in a piece of metal there and smooth it over. I'm going to relocate the wiring bulkhead to under the fender to keep the clutter to a minimum in the engine bay.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/092.jpg
Temporary tacked thin metal.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/095.jpg

And I had good help, too. My good friend Russ dropped by and had some fun with the angle grinder.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/093.jpg

My best friend also dropped by and sandblasted some parts for me, so last night I powdercoated them in semigloss black. These parts were ROUGH, so they came out pretty good for what I had to start with!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0851.jpg

I get multiple requests for what parts I still need every week, so here it is for those of you who might be interested!

Monetary donations always welcomed!
Trunk lid
Rear spoiler
Front spoiler
rear view mirrors
Bumpers
RS headlight parts
Hidden wiper motor
Entire windshield wiper setup
Rear interior panels
All the little trim pieces from the dash
LS1 MAF sensor
LS1 shorty headers
LS1 T56 bellhousing
LS1 T56 4th gear/input shaft
LS1 T56 6th gear
LS1 front plate
LS1 front and rear plates
Stereo system
2nd gen TA or Z28 rear axle, posi preferred!
New windshield and rear glass

And probably a ton of other stuff I'm forgetting. I'll update the post as I remember stuff. Feel free to PM me, post up, or send me an email to webmaster@patriotdream.org

Thanks!

A guy on the Z28 board donated the entire stereo system, so mark that off!

Got a little bit done on the car. Gonna try and knock out a ton this week and this weekend. I got the Covan's panel all smoothed out and the gauges installed. Also got the LEDs installed for the turn signals and high beams that TheLEDLight.com donated to the project! I took them apart and powdercoated the bezels in semigloss to blend with the bezel better.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0884.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0885.jpg

And I took some of the cash from the sale of one of my other projects and grabbed a better compressor. Now things should go faster on the car. My old compressor woke my son up when he was sleeping, so this new one is only 76dba and I can use it at all times!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0886.jpg

Got the classic update complete wiring kit that American Auto Wire donated!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_0918.jpg

I am going to have a BIG update this weekend, so keep posted! I REALLYU need help guys. We're running out of time and money.

Sorry for the delay in updates! Been a crazy few weeks! Here are soom shots of the progress:
A guy on the Camaroforums.com donated a brand new set of rearview mirrors from Rick's!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1062.jpg
Also got the rear frame laid out, squared, and ready to be installed this week. Check out all my plumb lines and tape on the floor.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1075.jpg
Also had a MAF donated! I blasted it, cleaned it up, powdercoated it, and installed some stainless hardware on it.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1076.jpg
Also had a spare throttle body lying around so I took it apart and powdercoated it, along with the bracket and spring. I need the sensors for it if anyone has one lying around!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1126.jpg
And also got in my modified spindles, hubs, and caliper brackets from Ed Miller! Ed left them bare for me, so I blasted and powdercoated the spindles and brackets.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1123.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1127.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1128.jpg

Tomorrow night look for some LS1 front brake pictures!

And we have brakes! Got Ed Miller's LS1 front brake setup on the car and it is SWEET! The rotors are drilled/slotted donated by RotorsOnline. I didn't put the pads and all in yet because I had to order the hardware kit from CarQuest. But here it is!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1132.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1133.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1134.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1135.jpg
And the steering linkages installed, with the exception of a pitman arm, which I still need one off of a power box for a 1st gen.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1140.jpg
And the front wheel installed!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1141.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1142.jpg

Nice to see the progress!!!

The rear frame is finally squared up and installed! As soon as I get the new spring pads in the mail I'm going to have this car rolling!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1263.jpg

I got the car down and on four wheels the other day! Unfortunately, then is started raining and we had to push it back in before we could get pics. We then jacked the car up and started working on getting the mockup engine and trans in the car. Speed Hound has been working with us on some retrofit brackets, so we wanted to mock everything up to see what needed to be done before we put the new drivetrain in.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/1-3.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/3-3.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/7.jpg

And more powdercoated parts by Triangle Musclecar. :)
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/8.jpg

Messed around a little more with the car tonight. I thought I'd work on getting the body together so we can start figuring out and contact issues we're going to have. I just loosely put them on for now, once we get the engine and trans mounting all figured out I'll get everything straight and bolted up so we can see how everything goes together.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1313.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1314.jpg

More work for today! A guy contacted me last week via email and wanted to help us out. He donated a 12-bolt with an Eaton posi, 3.55 gears, and it was pretty much brand new. PERFECT rear axle for the car! Not sure which forum he found us on, but he definitely had some nice toys in his stable at his place. So thanks a ton, Tim!

My brother-in-law (different one!) came over to help today. We cut off the spring perches since our frame rails are aftermarket and narower. Then we bolted up some new adjustable ones that would make it easier to adjust the axle once we get it on the car. After that, we yanked the axle shafts and bolted up the new LS1 rear brakes with some backing plates I got from a friend of mine, pads and rotors from Rotors Online (pads not installed yet), and some Triangle Musclecar powdercoated calipers.

Came out killer, don't ya think?
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1387.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1386.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1385.jpg

looks good, keep up the work. before you go bolting everything down on the rearend the rear rotors are on the wrong sides.

Yeah, I noticed that. :lol:

I worked a little tonight getting the old inner fenderwells out and getting the rest of the rusted trunk floor cut off. I hope to finish that up this weekend and get my templates finished up for the trunk so I can fabricate the trunk and rear seat area.

But in the meantime I powdercoated the intake and put the fuel rails on it. I'm going to run it over to Joel at HRT Performance to have him do the AN lines and all. :)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1402.jpg

More updates! I got the new engine mounts and got the mockup engine and trans sitting in the car with the intake and all:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1439.jpg

And then I finally got the old inner fenders chopped out and ground down and the new ones tacked in:
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1436.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1435.jpg

And then hit the front fenders with the grinder and found this mess. The fenders looked good from the back, but huge globs of bondo hid the horrors from the front. Ouch. Looks like more work I didn't count on, yet again.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1437.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1438.jpg

I had some fun tonight! After much careful planning and measuring, I welded up some braces for the fuel cell to mount to and got it sitting in the car. I mounted it so it will sit under the floorboard and I can use a 45deg filler neck and fill kit to mount at the stock location. I'm thinking of going with the Jaz kit with the 2-1/2" external cap, but I'm not sure if it will fit in the stock location. I guess I can always cut and trim to make it fit, not like anything on the car is stock anyway.

Here it is, though.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_1442.jpg

No pictures, but just wanted to give you all a quick update. We're working on the templates for the rear trunk and seat area. We've got them almost finished up. Shawn's brothers are getting some sheetmetal so we can fab them up and get the trunk in the car.

Also did some more work getting the front fenders cleaned up. The passenger side is good and we're going to use it.

The driver's side, however........is TOAST. I got to the point where I was about to weld in some new metal for the hole I found, but decided to do some further grinding to see if there was anything else. What I found was about 1/4" of bondo and a severe smack in the front part of the fender that was VERY well hidden with bondo. They even smoothed the BACK of the fender to make it look ok.

So if anyone has one standard driver's fender we can use, or two RS fenders, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

We're also going to be using Scorpion coating on the underside and firewall of the car. I have a new business starting up once the Camaro is finished, Triangle Specialty Coatings, and I'm going to be the Raleigh area OEM for Scorpion, so I am going to colormatch the undercoating and then spray the firewall black. Should turn out really cool and show off what Scorpion is all about! Hopefully I'll get all my training done and my dealer package in so I can start on the car as soon as the trunk is finished up!

Another no picture update.

I'm cleaning up all my work so far and getting some of the body worked on. The firewall smoothing is done and I'm working on getting the floorboards and trunk floor straight.

Ever since Shawn got home the donations have dried up and I am almost out of money on the car. I've used up all of the money I had saved for my own cars and just going day to day on small powdercoating work and whatever I can scrounge up by selling any parts I have lying around the shop. I still have a ton of parts and work needed, so if anyone here has a shop or knows a shop that might want to help or ANYTHING please let me know.

So with hope there is someone out there who has something lying around that they might be able to help with, here is the parts needed list again.

Monetary donations always welcomed!
Trunk lid
Standard driver's fender (or both RS front fenders)
Bumpers
RS headlight parts
Hidden wiper motor
Entire windshield wiper setup
Rear interior panels
All the little trim pieces from the dash
LS1 shorty headers
LS1 T56 bellhousing
LS1 T56 4th gear/input shaft
LS1 T56 6th gear
LS1 front plate
Performance LS1 camshaft
Steering wheel
New windshield and rear glass
Someone to fabricate the trunk floors and fix the floorboards!
And maybe someone who can do some body work?

And probably a ton of other stuff I'm forgetting. I'll update the post as I remember stuff. Feel free to PM me, post up, or send me an email to webmaster@patriotdream.org

Sorry for the long delay in updates. Here is an update on the progress:

We ran out of money on the project and the donations dried up. I am in the process of searching for a shop close to me that might be interested in finishing up the car. I am selling my 74 AMX to finish up the Camaro. I also started up a new business to make money for the car. All of my pay that I make in my business will be going to finish the Camaro. EVERY CENT of my pay will go to finishing the car. I WILL finish the car.

If anyone knows of a shop that might be interested, please let me know. I will not be checking the boards much because I am SWAMPED with my business, so please email me at bryan@tscoating.com or webmaster@patriotdream.org if you want!

Also, I know I'm not a sponsor on some of these boards, but please forgive me for this plug. I am trying like hell to scrounge together the cash to finish the Camaro, so every bit counts. If anyone needs any industrial coatings, I am now the Triangle area Scorpion OEM and installer and also sell a DIY kit called Al's Liner for truck bed liners/undercoating/etc. If anyone wants a DIY kit, or would like me to install a Scorpion spray-in bed liner in their truck, please visit our site at http://www.tscoating.com and let me know.

Since it has been forever and I don't want you guys to think it was dead.

We had a little change of plans. The project was dragging on and on, and really was going nowhere. We still had a lot of money to spend on the LS1/T56 swap and then the guy who had donated the T56 sold it out from under us. Rather than spend $1k on a trans that needed a rebuild, and then have to buy all the expensive swap parts, we've decided to sell off the LS1 and T56 parts and go with an old-school 327 and Super T-10 4-spd.

A local serviceman heard we needed an engine, so he gave us a complete running 350 and 700R4. HRT Performance is going to turn it into one mean little 327. We sold off some of the LS1 parts and bought a rebuilt Super T-10 4-spd that is headed our way now. A guy came by the house to pick up some parts and heard we decided to go to a 4-spd, so he gave us a 4-spd crossmember and driveshaft.

All we need now for the swap is a 4-spd bellhousing and the shifter and linkage. All we really need for the engine is an oil pan, good intake and a good carburetor.

We are headed in the right direction and can see real progress for the first time in a while. And do not worry, any sponsor donated parts we have will be sold and a comparable replacement for the new drivetrain will be bought from the sponsor. We will make sure all of our sponsors are taken care of and will do everything we can to make this project come to fruition!

Hey, now that you are going to a carb, I got one for you. I'll give you a Edelbrock 650 that didn't work out for me. I called Edelbrock and they agreed to completely go through it and re-spec it at no cost to you. PM me.

The new engine is sitting in the back of the truck right now, headed to HRT to begin the build tomorrow!

Thanks to rlyfst1 for hooking us up with the carb! :hurray:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2519.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/cam.jpg

Crappy cell pic, it came to work and I took a pic before I took it over to HRT.

286HR Magnum cam, springs, locks and retainers thanks to Comp!

And yes, my office is a mess.

I am glad that you are still trucking along with this project. Does the LT even have a clue that you are doing this for him?

Nope, he's got no idea at all. How, I have no idea, but he doesn't!

Got the new axle in the car finally! 12-bolt with 3.55 gears and an Auburn posi, new axle shafts, etc.

Thanks, Tim!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2521.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2522.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2523.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2526.jpg

Oh yeah, and LS1 brakes in the back!

Transmission is here! Super T-10 4-spd, SPEC traded out the T56 clutch and flywheel they donated for a ST-10 clutch and flywheel, and Hogshead Trans Am parts donated a bell housing. I'm working on Hurst to see if they'll hook us up with a shifter and linkage, should find out tomorrow.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2527.jpg

We had a good week with the project. ARP donated all the engine bolts, Flowmaster donated a complete exhaust system, Harland Sharp donated a set of 1.6 roller rockers, EPN donated a set of stainless 2.02/1.60 valves, and I'm working on a few header companies to see what we can score there.

IT IS COMING TOGETHER!

New clutch is here! SPEC traded out our T56 they donated for a new Stage 2 clutch and billet steel flywheel.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2532.jpg

Doug Thorley also hooked us up with a set of longtube headers, we'll post pics as soon as they get here!

More goodies! Got some main, rod, and head bolts and some 3/8" studs that ARP donated to the project!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2533.jpg

Also got in some stainless 2.02/1.60 valves that Engine Parts Network donated to the project!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2534.jpg

And more goodies!

Got a 4-spd bellhousing and fork that Hogshead Firebird and Trans Am Parts donated!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2538.jpg

Also got a set of 1.6 roller rockers that Harland Sharp donated!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2539.jpg

And more!

Got a new oil pan thanks to 1badchevelle!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2541.jpg

And a full exhaust system donated by Flowmaster!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2542.jpg

And we officially have everything we need for the engine! We hope to have it done in the next few weeks. The transmission is done and ready, now once the engine is here we'll be set to go!

Today we got a set of forged .03 327 pistons that Federal-Mogul/Speed-Pro donated to the project!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2585.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2583.jpg

Now all we need is to find someone to do the final metalwork and fabrication on the car. Install the rear trunk floor, finish smoothing the firewall, repair the window channel, and weld everything snug and tight and get it ready for bodywork and paint. A local friend of mine is going to do the paint and body, but he doesn't do fabrication. He said if someone can finish the final fabrication, he can get the car in paint and do a bunch of cool stuff to the car. He does amazing work, so I'm very excited about having him take care of the car!

If we can find someone to do the metalwork, this thing will be done by Christmas!

Many thanks to rlyfst1 for donating a carb, and then calling Edelbrock to convince them to donate an intake and rebuild and respec the carb!

We've now got an Edelbrock carb and RPM Air Gap intake thanks to Lane (and Edelbrock, too!)
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2586.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2587.jpg

MSD really took care of us with the new engine setup. They donated a Pro-Billet distributor, a Blaster coil, a set of Superconductor plug wires, and a Digital-6 Plus ignition box!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2590.jpg

We also found out that the hood hinges we had for the car were for some totally different car and didn't fit the fenders. Mark68 on the pro-touring.com board heard about it and sent us some hinges for the car! Thanks, Mark!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2591.jpg

More goodies! Doug Thorley headers donated a set of ceramic coated low clearance headers.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2703.jpg

And I also bought a set of brand new front fenders and extension from a guy on Craigslist. Very good guy to deal with and we're talking now about getting him to do the metal work on the car so we can get that finished up. I'm still looking for someone to either donate the metal work or maybe trade for some truck bed liners, interior liners, or even a few garage/shop floors from my business, but right now it looks like he is the front runner if I can't get some other deal worked out on a trade or donation.

So for the first time ever, here is a pic of the car with sheetmetal on it! All I need is a trunk lid and I've got all the sheetmetal I need.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2706.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2707.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2708.jpg

Those are some really nice headers, what is part number for them? Car is looking good also. I wish I lived closer to look into your bed liners. I would not be able to swap since i don't do metal work though.

Joe

Did a little bit of work this afternoon. In my quest to make this the quietest car possible, I am spraying the inner fenders with Scorpion. Since you can increase the sound insulation qualities with some rubber crumb, I threw some rubber bits in it for the wheel side. I want to keep a smoother look for the part in the engine bay, but I figured it would have a rough texture in the underside where you won't really see it. That way it'll help quiet down any road noise that might come out of that area. Once I get the stuff that Second Skin donated on the interior, and have the entire undercarriage, firewall, and wheelwells sprayed with a combination of Scorpion and Al's Liner, this thing is going top be completely rust proof and super quiet!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2710.jpg

Got some more good stuff. Hurst donated a shifter and install kit for the Super T-10! :)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2712.jpg

Now I'm off to watch my Phils win the World Series!

Sorry for the long delay, guys! I'll have some more pictures soon.

I gave Shawn the car for Christmas and he LOVED it. He can't stop talking about it and is unbelievably thankful to everyone who helped out.

He immediately made some phone calls and found someone to do the metalwork on the car, and last Saturday we took it over and dropped it off to get the work done.

The engine should be done by the end of the month and the body should be done shortly thereafter. Then the paint comes and the car starts assembly!

That's cool that he got the car. Even though incomplete, it'll probably help him to take some ownership in it instead of just a gift...albeit a well-deserved gift...

Sorry for the long delay, guys. Work has been a bit slow on it, but it is coming along. The guy doing the metal work had some other work he had to get out, but he's been working on the Camaro as he has time to. He's finished up a ton of it. The trunk floor is fabbed and installed, the rear has been minitubbed 3", the rear seat area has been all fixed up, and he's now getting into finishing up the final welds, cleaning up some of the welds, filling in some seams, fixing a bunch of the gaps and things on the car, and basically getting it ready for me to start getting it ready for paint once it gets back to my shop.

Here are the pics!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/CIMG0238.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/CIMG0236.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/CIMG0235.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/CIMG0234.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/CIMG0233.jpg

And a picture I forgot to share with you from when I gave the car to Shawn
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_3172.jpg

The last picture is priceless.

Sweet ,Thank you from Me and my family, to your bro inlaw,for the service he did ,Happy Motoring

Great last pic...I'll be doing that to my car when I get it looking like a car again!!!

Sorry for the long delay guys, took a long time to get it back from metal work.

Shawn and I ground down the entire interior and trunk and got it in primer. We worked a little on the underside, but need to do a bunch more and spray some primer on it.

Kirker Automotive donated all the primers, clears, and Viper Red paint for the car.

Hopefully we can find someone to do the body work and paint for us, that's the last thing we need before we start assembling it! We're going to continue to try and do the body ourselves in case we can't find anyone, butwe could get it done a lot faster if we found someone.

Pics of it primed and on the AutoTwirler rotisserie!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2831.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2832.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2833.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2834.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2835.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2836.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2837.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Birdman79/Patriot%20Dream%20Camaro/IMG_2838.jpg

Another quick update! A guy on the FBN board has donated all the body and paint work! We're going to take the car down to him in the next few weeks. He's going to do all the finish welding, clean up all the body, straighten it, and spray primer and paint. It'll be ready for assembly when it gets back!

The end is in sight!