How I ever managed without a nice screw gun (Dewalt 18v) I dunno? Anyway I have been working on my vert fitting 1piece floor and trunk, plus my rear (stock) frame rails.

The pristine rear frame rails never had a hole in em til I put a few screws in em because when I removed the rear frame rails I didn't drill out welds but carefully cut each weld.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/s008.jpg

This is what I call the rear fram rail PAD and imho this needs to be attached first and the 1 piece trunk floor needs a little tweaking next to frame rail to seat em properly,

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/s010.jpg

When I did my trunk floor, I must have used 50 self-tapping screws. I had trouble getting the trunk pan to suck up to the tank braces. It took that many screws to get it pulled up tight. I then removed two at a time and welded up the holes.

If yours went down with only a few screws, nice job.

The tank braces are already attached to the large pans so I only need to screw pan to frame rail from inside trunk.

The I got to put this chunk of metal under the floor pan.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0532.jpg

I can see a spec of light at the end of the tunnel now. :)

That's exactly how I put them together. If something needs adjustment, it's easier to remove screws than cut welds as well.

I got this piece tight against the floor pan and next I'm gonna attach the sides to the rocker panel. I stayed up all night practically. I don't know wth has gottten to me lately but I am determined to fix this car now!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0533.jpg

Talk about a stiffener that vert only piece really stiffens it all up. I would even go as far as to say that this would also work well on a coupe to stiffen it up. The only drawback is it weighs about 20# for oem. I thoink I saw that it was being reproduced and if thats the case, it would be lighter fer sure.

It also helped pull the floor down in place so it would be good to use on any 1 piece floor swap.

Moving toward the rear I checked my gauge holes on frame rails (without plumb bob, think I'm gonna get few) with a tape measure and they are real close.

Being that when I removed frame rails, I left the inner valence attached to both rails at end, so that measurement is still factory. Also I have 1 oem trunk drop-off stll attached other is gonna be repro.

I also used 2 x 4's between frame rails and trunk to keep this distance same. The 2 x 4 is a pefect tight fit I think its gonna work well I now have to screw trunk floor to frame rail.

I have already fitted nos tail pan and quarters and the fit fine no issues there so gonna put em back on soon and see how the repro trunk fits it.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0538.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0539.jpg

I get the feeling that my post here is falling on deaf ears, almost 400 views no feedback good or bad whats up? Do you guys not like me for some reason or did I offend anyone here if so I apologize, I am thinking of returning to being a LURKER and just read posts and be quiet.

I figured you guys might like to see a work in progress I guess I was wrong.

"Do you guys not like me for some reason"

Nah, its most likely not, we all are out in our shops trying to keep up on the step by step process going on here!
:hurray::hurray::hurray:

Any input welcome (or encouragement) I am working my arse off here and WILL have this car rolling on all four soon and I plan to take pics of every step because it actually helps me believe it or not.

I think we all are just watching and enjoying. I cant give much input since I havent gone that far on one yet except to say. WOW looks good and keep up the updates!

i think you are doing a great job. i myself dont know if i could tackle something like that. im one of those lucky ones where my old cars were rust free. im sure that there are alot of people on here that are learning from your posts. i enjoy look at pics on other peoples projects and when yours is all done, we can all see how it came about

GREAT WORK MIKE!!

Nice work Mike..:thumbsup: I’m doing similar work on mine now.. Just welded in the new firewall yesterday. The floor is next, then finish up the mini tubs.. I always enjoy the work in progress posts.. Keep the pics and progress coming!!

:beers:

i think you are doing a great job. i myself dont know if i could tackle something like that. im one of those lucky ones where my old cars were rust free. im sure that there are alot of people on here that are learning from your posts. i enjoy look at pics on other peoples projects and when yours is all done, we can all see how it came about

GREAT WORK MIKE!!

Thanks Angel I am really glad you like it I will post some updates. Btw thats a sharp 69 RS you got. :thumbsup:

I like looking, laughing shaking my head and remembering the days when I was where you are now. It seems as thouhgh it will never end, all the road blocks and "no not agians". But it will if you keep up the good work. I now drive my car every weekend and burn rubber at every stop light. Waiting for the day my painter/ bodyman gives me the green light to drop her off. GOOD LUCK!

Looking good Mike... :yes::thumbsup:

I bet Spot is doing most of that work... :p

Looking good Mike... :yes::thumbsup:

I bet Spot is doing most of that work... :p

Thanks Buck, Spot just lays around and licks himself. :p

T

Why I didn't notice this before I dunno? Here is the main flaw in the 1 piece trunk pan maybe all are not like mine.
It looks like the piece is out of square at the end by 1/4".
If you look close you can see this.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0545.jpg

From the driver side the flange measures 1 3/4" on pass, side its 2".

i see that it is off center a bit. i believe it is a stamped piece so they had to have made it like that.

I guess I need try and fit nos tail pan and quarters to see whats up here especially the bumper bolt holes. . This may be hardest part of the job yet

I just went outside and just held tail panel up there and the trunk is definitely too long on pass. side fits fine other side.

I checked out your post ,not long after you put it up. I should have responded then,but work is crazy right now and I did'nt have time. Love the progress pics. Hope to see more soon . Looks like your moving faster than most of us. I keep buying more projects and don't have time to work on what I already have . I see we live in the same area, maybe I'll get to meet you in person sometime.

Great looking work keep it up :thumbsup:

I checked out your post ,not long after you put it up. I should have responded then,but work is crazy right now and I did'nt have time. Love the progress pics. Hope to see more soon . Looks like your moving faster than most of us. I keep buying more projects and don't have time to work on what I already have . I see we live in the same area, maybe I'll get to meet you in person sometime.

Great looking work keep it up :thumbsup:

Nice to meet you Mike I'm really not moving faster cause I had this car over 20 years :sad: :). You got lotsa cars I see. I would n't mind checking them out sometime.

The 2 x 4's I was using were actually too wide and they were kinda wedged in. The distance between frame rail and trunk pan is less than 1 1/2" actuallly.

I bought some plumb bobs and this is what I come up with for rear frame rails:

1. distance G = 33 1/4" frame sheet calls for 33 1/2"
2.distance J =42 5/8" sheet calls for 42 7/8" (This is from factory because I removed the inner rear valence with the frame rails when I originally removed them and never broke factory welds there)
3.Diagonal distance I =so close to the 66 11/16" both ways its hard to see any difference.

I found a cool way to drop the plumb bob in center of gauge hole,
Plastic vacuum tees work just fish string treu with a small gauge wire cut down the T so it just slips in hole. Afew wraps around tee holds string in place.

I don't know wth has gottten to me lately but I am determined to fix this car now!

Do you know any truck drivers that can bring a load of that to my house?

Seriously it's looking good! And don't feel bad about that 20 year thing... last time mine was legally on the road my youngest was about 3 months, he turns 21 in Feb. I'm hoping for some time next spring.

Jeff

Nice work Mike..:thumbsup: I’m doing similar work on mine now.. Just welded in the new firewall yesterday. The floor is next, then finish up the mini tubs.. I always enjoy the work in progress posts.. Keep the pics and progress coming!!

:beers:

Thats one sharp 69 you got Jason, cool resto pics too. :thumbsup:

The "G" frame measure point apparently has to be spot on (33 1/2") and it was but I musta moved it cause I need that 1/4" so the leaf spring pocket fits on driver side. I shoulda re-checked before,,,,,,,, no matter just take few screws out give it a bump.

I'm gonna clean up and then re-measure evrything carefully.

I finally fixed the frane rail and now it is now exactly 33 1/2" from other gauge hole :hurray:.
I checked diagonally both ways and its riight at 66 3/4" which would make it 1/16" off from sheet (66 11/16") but square. I'm calling that good :yes:

Nice to meet you Mike I'm really not moving faster cause I had this car over 20 years :sad: :). You got lotsa cars I see. I would n't mind checking them out sometime.


Twenty yrs is not very long. I've had the Z since 1979. Of coarse it was my high school transportation back then . I could not afford to buy one these days. I have one daughter in her 3rd yr of college and is a Jr in high school. When things settle down a little ,we will have to meet up and talk cars. I would like to see your 67 also :thumbsup: I wish I had a vert ;)

In order to fix the trunk floor on pass. side I broke 6 spotwelds on the bumper support floor but left the onnes attached ar rear., took a slice with cut-off wheel and viola : tailpan fits right now:thumbsup:.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0555.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0554.jpg

I really hated to grind on new floor and tried not make swiss cheese out of it but no one will notice when I'm thru. :yes:

This is an original trunk drop-off that is still attached to original wheelhouse (spotwelds never broken).
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0556.jpg

I guess that is a date code there (KOR 5178 read from inside) I dunno.

Like it or not. this is my original frame. Years ago I paid a race car fabricator to fix the body mount holes yrt save the alignment holes. It added some thickness but imho its gonna work fine.

the rear mount hole was significantly stiffened as well.
I am gonna start on putting the frame tohether in my spare bedroom also so it will be readdy to roll.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0557.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0558.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0559.jpg

Back in the garage I cut this 4-speed support off old panel to use on the full fllor since it don;t come with one. :( I'm gonna lay it on top trace it out then screw support to floor for welding.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0563.jpg

Hers's a tip (no pun) for ya. drill a small hole for the pilot on spot weld cutter first keep it from walking.

Here is right side up:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0562.jpg

My bro has a Blue Point plasma cutter and this looks like a good spot test it out,.:)

Which seat pan to use? I have several aets of good used pans and the new ones. The original pieces are defintely heavier and if I blast and spray the "green death" on em it will look good as newer thinner gauge ones.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0564.jpg

One obvious advantage to using old panels is the plug weld holed are there already,

mike, wow, you moving along real fast in short time. keep the pics coming. they look great. its almost like watching american hot rodder but with more class and less a--. as far as tieing the plumb bob to a vacuum tee, i have to use that trick.

Nice work ! Feels good doing the work yourself, dont it? Even better when you overcome hurdles.. I used a billion small self tapping sheetmetal screws doing my car. Swear by them and swear at them when I kneel on one.....

Thats one sharp 69 you got Jason, cool resto pics too. :thumbsup:

Would have replied quicker, been busy.. Thanks for the nice comments on my car.. Your post and pics are getting me motivated to get out in the garage and get some more work done. You seem to be making lots of progress quickly. And I think I will use your idea with the vacuum tee's and plum bobs.. Thats another reason I like these progress posts, lots of great ideas!!:yes:

you are sure getting a lot of screwing in... :yes:

make sure you pay some attention to Spot...:thumbsup:

you are sure getting a lot of screwing in... :yes:

make sure you pay some attention to Spot...:thumbsup:

He;s doing the next best thing. Same thing he was doing earlier.:)

Would have replied quicker, been busy.. Thanks for the nice comments on my car.. Your post and pics are getting me motivated to get out in the garage and get some more work done. You seem to be making lots of progress quickly. And I think I will use your idea with the vacuum tee's and plum bobs.. Thats another reason I like these progress posts, lots of great ideas!!:yes:

Ok I wasn't gonna show this but.... I dont know where I got this homemade shackle from but any would work, Tje frame sheet says measure diagonally to a point at inboard edgeof opposite side railat centerline of shackle bolt hole.

I you just drop sting from bolt hole it wont be against edge so I jus slid string over to where it was next to frame.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0553.jpg

Wow I can see this car being on the road before next summer at the pace your going! Keep it up.

Wow I can see this car being on the road before next summer at the pace your going! Keep it up.

:)Thanks I'm definitely on a roll and can'i quit.

Hey neighbor!:beers:

I am down in Fairhope but am a native of B,ham ran lotsa miles around there in my 69 over the years:yes:

Man your project is coming along good. Sign of a true car nut-

" I almost stayed up all night"
" I am assembling the subframe in the spare bedroom so it will be ready"
I hope to meet you guys in person some day when all of our camaros are back on the road.

-Matt

Hey neighbor!:beers:

I am down in Fairhope but am a native of B,ham ran lotsa miles around there in my 69 over the years:yes:

Man your project is coming along good. Sign of a true car nut-

" I almost stayed up all night"
" I am assembling the subframe in the spare bedroom so it will be ready"
I hope to meet you guys in person some day when all of our camaros are back on the road.

-Matt

howdy neighbor nice meet ya. I lived here for 46 years.I guess I am a car nut for sure.

My brother brought his plasma cutter over today:hurray: Right away I fired it up cut this 4-speed hole. I like it.:thumbsup:
I needed this like 20 years ago.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0565.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0566.jpg

that picture fuzzy because you so excited ya can't stop shackin? Looks really good!!! lotsa progress real fast.... I think that's the secret for staying motivated.

Jeff

I get the feeling that my post here is falling on deaf ears, almost 400 views no feedback good or bad whats up? Do you guys not like me for some reason or did I offend anyone here if so I apologize, I am thinking of returning to being a LURKER and just read posts and be quiet.

I figured you guys might like to see a work in progress I guess I was wrong.

Man,, This is real informative.. I think in the beginning most of us were in awe at how well everything was going to say anything,, I know I was.. I need to do the same repairs to my 68 and I just can't get up enough nerve to try it for the very first time.. I'm afraid to screw something up.. keep up the good work and please keep the pics coming at every stage, it really helps alot...:thumbsup:

that picture fuzzy because you so excited ya can't stop shackin? Looks really good!!! lotsa progress real fast.... I think that's the secret for staying motivated.

Jeff

I think I was a little excited :) .My bro wants to leave the machine at my house :D just think of the possibilities.

I ordered a new dash panel today I had the imported piece but I want the thicker U.S. made panel for something I'm gonna look at constantlty. The plasma cutter is gonna make for some nice butt welds. I

Today I am gonna re-run some air lines all I had was a temp. set-up as I am working on garage too and took down my original lines to make way for remodeling. I need to be able to blast and paint.

Guys, don't let Mike fool you.... Spot is doing all this work while Mike eats BonBons... :)
http://camaro.bertke-one.com/TeamCamaro/photos/spot.jpg

Man it looks like you are making some great progress! Keep up the good work!

I finally got the air lines back up and I'll be honest, working with 3/4" galv. pipe is a pia to work with and I'm sore as hell so thats all I got done.

Talk about fast shipping I ordered this yesterday thumbs up to Rick's Camaro :thumbsup:, Thwe U.S.made dash is thicker and imho a nicer overall piece.
It is (oily) bare steel while the import is powdercoated.
I just finished breaking almost 24 spot welds off old upper dash piece, well what was left of it. I scored this dash from a Firebird. I had buy whole car to get the dash it was like $100 at time car was rough dash face is nice.

Here's a shot of dash panel. I used a spot weld cutter and a hand chisel so not to damage it.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0570.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0568.jpg

I need to get a bag of sand cause I wanna blast this whole piece again and put the green stuff on it, I used a friends siphon blaster many years ago on this before I got my pressure fed blaster and killer IR T-30 set-up.

Also I wanna paint the backside before i weld it on.

Hogdaddy,Sent you a PM on the one piece trunk install.... :)

Hogdaddy,Sent you a PM on the one piece trunk install.... :)

I guess I didn't make this clear, I removed both of my frame rails for full trunk pan install but I left the rails attached in rear (inner rear valence this is what rear frame welds to) and removed this as a unit.
I didnt have to remove it cause quartes were off my car too its that there was nothing left holding them on once old torque boxes were cut-off.

This may also work by just hingeing one rail down allowing pan to slide in I dunno but it sounds possible.

I forgot to mention that I also had tail panel off so inner valence was accessible.

Wow. Thanks for detailing your process and progress...very informative.
-Scott

I am considering cutting out the 22 square holes in a replacement dash to match factory piece since I have plasma cutter.

I realize this area would be covered by dash pad but maybe these are there in oem panels for a reason or was this just the way dash was stamped?

Personally, I think it would look strange without holes.

I am considering cutting out the 22 square holes in a replacement dash to match factory piece since I have plasma cutter.

I realize this area would be covered by dash pad but maybe these are there in oem panels for a reason or was this just the way dash was stamped?

Personally, I think it would look strange without holes.


My hunch would be these openings were there to provide access for the spot welding gear. I thought about cutting all those holes, but I couldn't think of any benefit. I duplicated the original weld locations and plug welded it in place though punched holes.

OK I been busy at work lately but I am not cutting those holes in dash that would be insane.

I picked up some fine black beauty instead of sand and it works great out of my blaster w/ carbide tip. It is like 1% silica so much safer to use yet cost $14 100# bag.

It did real nice on the dash and I should have it installed soon along with upper panel.

The dash (backside) needed more work I also used metal cleaner and metal conditioner on it and sprayed some Variprime on it.

It has few small pinholes and I picked up some Evercoatfiller w/ short strand fiberglass.

I also got some oem PPG-Ditzler lacquer dash paint 1 quart 9266 & 1 pint 9317 mixed cause I want to paint the backside of dash in same material before I install it then paint rest of dash while installed.

this is the first i checked out your post and damn, you are definitely ambitious.
thats a whole lot of work you tackled there :thumbsup: you are making me feel bad for neglecting my car for the last 2 weeks, now im gonna have to get of the computer and go work on my camaro.

Paint is in the air.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0574.jpg

this is the first i checked out your post and damn, you are definitely ambitious.
thats a whole lot of work you tackled there :thumbsup: you are making me feel bad for neglecting my car for the last 2 weeks, now im gonna have to get of the computer and go work on my camaro.

Times a wasting Git Er Done! :)

I just realized that is your screenname here lol.

Dam that oem tilt wheel and nos radio are gonna look sweet on that dash along with the non-original dash grab bar. :thumbsup:

It is late like 12:30 and I just finished painting one side of repro top dash (comes oily raw steel) panel after I used the wax/grease remover, metal treatment (PPG DX 520 cleaner and DX 579 conditioner on it), The best way to apply the metal cleaner & conditioner is with a plastic spray bottle then hose it off. I like to scothbrite the surface while cleaner is working,

OK today I'm gonna fix pinholes then put some lacquer primer on both pieces and may get some color on backsides.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0575.jpg

iThe Evercoat filler is just what I needed for pinholes in dash. Too bad I had sand to bare metal in thoise spots but at least the dash wont rust on me.

I am almost ready re-prime dash but I think I have a another problem.
I think this is wiper switch hole but ti looks like 2 holes were drilled by PO I dunno plus 1 smaller hole.

Can someone tell me if thses 3 holes are supposed to be here?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0577.jpg

Thanks.

weld them up, not supposed to be there.

How's this look?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0578.jpg

A little more prep and some filler.

I need the welding practice.

Before:

I found that elusive inner dash bracket that attaches to arm in center of dash :thumbsup:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0579.jpg

Btw there is markings on that bracket for those of you that like that stuff. Its stamped H53

After:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0580.jpg

man i been there and done that a few time's you are for sure working your a___ off. i don't know what kind a exp you have . But i would hang the doors just to be sure before you weld that baby up. convertible will tweak real easy . anyways man nice job .

man i been there and done that a few time's you are for sure working your a___ off. i don't know what kind a exp you have . But i would hang the doors just to be sure before you weld that baby up. convertible will tweak real easy . anyways man nice job .

Thanks for compliment.The original doors have been on all along.

Check this out:

I dropped these rear bumper brackets in metal cleaner for hell of it and once the black softened I noticed a undisturbed patch of what looks to br original Capri Cream body color hiding underneath.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0581.jpg

man, watching your progress is getting me tired. you are working your butt off. i need to get some sleep. GOOD WORK

Did I get any sleep last night? :sad: This is where I am and I got to go to work today.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b77/HAWGDADDY/DSCN0582.jpg

Ok this is a classic example of some cheap imported ac/vent. I bought it a few years ago and its already rusting wth. Thanks Home Depot.

It looks like I'm gonna need more time on dash but it imho needs to be right and this is time to fix it while out.

Too bad noone repops the dashes and I wish I had resources to get some made. It would be a hard piece to duplicate for sure.

The blue area's are the Evercoat filler that stuff is unbelievably easy to work with. T here was areas on backside of dash that were pitted and while not noticeable from other side (cept few pinholes) I felt it could use stregthening thats all.

Looking Great Mike!!! Hurry up and finish so you can come help on mine :D

If I finish this car I feel this may be a life changing event :D

Too bad you don't live closer Christopher I'b be glad give ya hand.

Just checked back on this thread and your making great progress. Keep up the good work and keeping us updated!

Wow, my first time thru this for some odd reason. Looking good, Mike, keep it up!

Hey... It's been a month and a half,, what happen??.. How is this car coming along,??.. did you run into a problem,, get burned out,??.. Wha happen,???..:confused:

Hopefully I will update this soon. Trying to get the garage finished.