Here's the "Z" shop.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/camaro7.jpg

http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2008/01/06-1203451038T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/user_imageredirect.php?iid=1930432)

http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/05/17-1609562664T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/user_imageredirect.php?iid=1395734)

http://img3.glowfoto.com/images/2007/04/29-1432532102T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/user_imageredirect.php?iid=1350508)

http://img4.glowfoto.com/images/2007/01/06-2024485495T.jpg (http://www.glowfoto.com/user_imageredirect.php?iid=1119499)

I made an addition to the "Z" shop the last few days.

I had a couple hours yesterday afternoon & a couple more this afternoon, so I thought I'd get organized for the upcoming "Z" firewall build. I've got some sheet metal tools that have been under the bench for a good long while now. So, I chopped up an old attachment I had for my first track loader that was just collecting dust in the corner. It had some slip tubes on it (like a receiver for the hitch). I used some angle iron I had in the shed and made this deal up. I put it on an outside corner of the shop so I'd have plenty of workin' room.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Attachmentreceiver.jpg

I bought a stretcher/shrinker at a car show a couple years ago. No mount so it hasn't been used yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Shrinker.jpg

Harbor Freight Planishing hammer. Might call it new old stock. I've had it for a long time too, but never used it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/PlanishingHammer.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Beadroller1.jpg

I've used the bead roller a couple times. Clamped it in the band saw when I DID use it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/BeadRoller2.jpg

I'm wondering about a wing (table top) on each side of the bead roller to help feed the stock through? or maybe it would just get in the way? Any thoughts?

I welded up the welding table tonight. I cut the supplies kinda' close. I have 1/2 pc. of filler rod left, 20 PSI of argon in the second tank & the 20''x20'' table top was the biggest pc. I could get out of what's left of a 4'x4'x3/16'' sheet of steel.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Weldingtabletop.jpg

Bracing under the table. Gettin' low on that stuff too, but I got er' done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Weldingtablebottom.jpg

Worked on the bead roller today. I got rid of the hand crank and put a bicycle wheel in its place. Local bike shop gave it to me, it's a little bent, but it works for this deal. I figured the bigger the wheel the better control. I had to try it out, works a whole lot better now. . I made an aluminum table for the exit side. Loosen 1 thumb screw at the bottom and it lifts off a couple pins on the top. I scribed some lines every 2" as guides. no fence yet. I think I'll use it this way first and add a fence later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Beadrollertable-1.jpg

Got the Vice mount done. I made a knee brace for those times when I feel the need to beat on the vise. Same brace will work on all the attachments.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Vise.jpg

....and I got the rack finished up tonight. Everything in easy reach, tucked away behind the door. Oh, I bent up some scrap sign aluminum also, to protect the wall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Attachmentrack.jpg

I think I'm ready to start on the "Z" firewall now. I have to put a quick disconnect in the planishing hammer air line so I don't have to drag the foot pedal around. It's a pain in the hose this way.

Gary you are one creative individual, nice work

Gary,
What happened to your mock up engine and trans? When I first saw your post my first two thoughts were this is one smart dude with this creation and I love that he has his own engine/trans mock up!:thumbsup:

Gary,
What happened to your mock up engine and trans? When I first saw your post my first two thoughts were this is one smart dude with this creation and I love that he has his own engine/trans mock up!:thumbsup:

It's up in the attic right now. I'm getting ready to build the firewall. Before I start the firewall though, I wanted to get the English Wheel built. Ran into a little snag. I made up the bottom anvil assembly last night. Cut the frame parts out today. Got a couple pcs. clamped together to weld.......and then stripped the threads out of the torch head on the TIG. and it's saturday.
There goes the weekend. ...............


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Englishwheel1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Englishwheel2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Englishwheel3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Englishwheel4.jpg

Got a little more done on the English wheel yesterday. A guy I talked to on the phone that builds E-Wheels said if I build one it needs to be very sturdy & needs a lot of adjustment built in. So, this is what I came up with for the top anvil. It's a little more complicated than it needs to be, but I had a couple old air actuated hydraulic cylinders laying around that I wanted to make use of. I got them for free probably about 30 years ago and finally decided it's time to use what's left of them. I found one of the cylinder housings was corroded through but the ram was still good & that's what I needed for the anvil adjuster. Too bad they are shot, the cylinders are all aluminum (except for the ram).
Anyway here's the deal. I cut a couple sleeves out of aluminum round stock for the rams.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ramsupportscut.jpg

Cut a couple supports for the sleeves on the CNC
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/RamsupportsCNC.jpg

Parts pressed together. I didn't want the anvil assembly to rely on threads cut in aluminum, so I made this little pocket to hold a nut for the 3/4" ready rod that will be the adjusting screw.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ramsupportpressedtogether.jpg


Turning part of the ready rod down to 5/8'' to make an adjuster out of it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/TurningReadyRod.jpg

Here's where it's at so far. I have those cylinder rams cut to length. Turned a hub for the adjusting wheel that will be mounted on top. There will be a plate where the brass bushings are to tie the assembly together. Got a wheel and mounting flanges to make yet and the top anvil part of the project will be done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ramscuttosize.jpg

I found some aluminum at the salvage yard that just said "I want to be an English wheel". I am building it to fit in the receiver I have on the wall for the other attachments. So, aluminum will make it a bunch lighter when I attach it to the wall to use. Old guys have to consider these things ya' know.

Had some time to kill his afternoon so I drew up & cut out the adjuster wheel for the E-Wheel.

Cut the hand grips out of 1/2" PVC.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/EWheel1.jpg

1/4" aluminum for the wheel itself.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ewheel2.jpg

Used fusor auto body panel adhesive to glue it all together.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ewheel3.jpg

Like Norm Abram says ''I'll let it cook in the clamps overnight''.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ewheel4.jpg

Wow ,,,very impressive.

Got a little more done tonight.

Cutting out the backing plate. The slots are to index the backing plate to the adjuster assembly.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/E-Wheelbackingplate.jpg

Cutting out the top cap that connects the ready rod to the rams.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/RamcapEwheel.jpg

Top cap completed. The brass thrust bushings are pressed in from the top and bottom. They come about .020 short of touching each other. This allows grease to be pumped in from the grease fitting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ramcapfinished.jpg

Assembly is pretty close to done. This shows the index slots that align the backing plate to the assembly.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Topwheeladjustmentassembly.jpg

I also added a grease fitting to each ram cylinder just to keep everything workin' smooth.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Topwheeladjustmentassembly2.jpg

Got a little more done last night. Parts for the top anvil.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/TopAnvilYoke.jpg

That is awesome Gary!

I wish I had the time and the skills, oh and of course the tools.

Keep the pics coming...:thumbsup:

Thanks Drew.
I finished the top anvil assembly tonight. Time to start welding up the frame.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/TopAnvilassemblyfinished.jpg

you got mad skills. what do you do for a living?
Barry

I love your ability!

Thanks 67

Tonight I cut a jig to align the top & bottom anvils. Next is to cut the frame tube & match it up to the flange on the back of the top wheel assembly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ewheelwoodjig.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Ewheelwoofjiginstalled.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/TopEwheelBracket1.jpg

I got the frame built. I knew when I decided to built an English Wheel light enough to easily mount to the wall receiver it would be a challenge. Deflection is not a good thing, so I am hoping to make up for the light frame with some triangulated bracing. Only time will tell if it works or becomes lawn art. I figure if it doesn't work I can always build a steel frame since the top & bottom anvil yokes are bolt ons.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/TopEwheelframebracket2.jpg

what is that, looks like a unicycle, but im really curious

Very impressive Gary. Your a true craftsman!!!

Thanks Jeff.

what is that, looks like a unicycle, but im really curious

The bicycle wheel is for the bead roller. I replaced the crank with the wheel to give me more control over the roller.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Beadrollertable-1.jpg

Just about done with this deal. Got all the steel parts painted black & made a plywood rack for the lower anvils. All that's left is to dial in the top anvil. Seems to have pulled the bottom in a little during the welding. A shim ought to bring it back into alignment. I tried it out and I'll be if it doesn't work. Time to get back on the "Z" now.

The plan was to make it light enough to carry around. Weighs 84 Lbs. including a set of anvils. My shoulder fits under the top arm so it's not bad taking it out & putting it in the wall receivers. I planned to put struts on the bottom arm but it seems to be pretty stable the way it is. If it becomes a problem I'll add that later. Don't want it any heavier than it has to be.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/AnvilRack.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/EnglishWheelFinished.jpg

I tried a scrap pc. of .080 aluminum just to see what it would do. Bare in mind I've never used one of these contraptions before so I'm sure it would turn out better with practice. I'm surprised how easy they are to use. I figured I'd get a workout pulling & pushin' the workpiece back & forth but it's so easy a caveman could do it. :lol:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/080aluminumwheeled.jpg

Very cool!:thumbsup:

This is some nice work.You must have some patience.

Gary, I've been watching this post as it's moved along and not commented, but I have to say, I'm VERY impressed with your talent, skill, and ingenuity. Your vision for what you want to accomplish, and then having the talent to do it is astounding.

Thanks Drew, PRO & Chris. I really appreciate that.

And, it fits in the void behind the door with the Bead Roller, Shrinker/Stretcher, Plannishing Hammer & Welding table when they aren't in use. So, I'm hardly loosing any floor space at all when it's all put away. I have to add one more receiver on the storage rack for the vise since I now have one more attachment than I do storage rack receivers. On normal days this space is just more or less a hallway to the back room where the CNC is (where I normally do sign work). I need this space open so I can get materials into the room and signs back out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/metalworkingtoolstorage.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/MetalToolsStorage2.jpg

Unreal.... you are the man :beers:

Very nice work :yes:

you got mad skills. what do you do for a living?
Barry

No lie! Very nice! I hope to have a shop half as nice when I grow up. :yes:

Thanks Doug & Larry. O.K. Now I'm done. For sure. I'm in the sign biz' ..... I had to do it.....what can I say? lol.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/EnglishWheeldecals.jpg

Thanks Doug & Larry. O.K. Now I'm done. For sure. I'm in the sign biz' ..... I had to do it.....what can I say? lol.

LOL, very nice! Nothing like putting the finishing touch on a long project.

Gary,

I could not close without posting a comment. I am in the custom handling device business. I thought our guys did nice work. I'll show them this thread on Monday.. They are going to have to step up their game...... Great work!

Thanks Chris.
camarojakes, thank you also for the compliment. I'm glad it turned out like it did. Sometimes my projects DO work :yes:, sometimes not so much. :noway:

I'm ready to rebuild the firewall. I cut the flanges out today for the intercooler tubes to pass through the firewall. Ready to finish on the lathe.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewallstart.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/FirewallFlanges1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/FirewallFlanges2.jpg

Got the flanges turned this weekend.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8913/flangebore.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/i/flangebore.jpg/) http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/flangebore.jpg/1/w850.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img25/flangebore.jpg/1/)

I put a groove around the edge of the flange for the firewall sheet metal. Once I install the o-ring and get in place I'll check the new gap with a feeler gauge and make a soft gasket to seal the flange to the firewall

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8826/frontfirewallflangeclea.jpg (http://img196.imageshack.us/i/frontfirewallflangeclea.jpg/) http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/frontfirewallflangeclea.jpg/1/w850.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img196/frontfirewallflangeclea.jpg/1/)

Engine side of the flange bored to size for the tubes.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/7459/flangetubefit.jpg (http://img36.imageshack.us/i/flangetubefit.jpg/) http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/flangetubefit.jpg/1/w850.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img36/flangetubefit.jpg/1/)

Got everything mocked up. The flanges on the windshield will be added to the inlet side. I'll turn those once I get the V-band clamp. Should be here any day. The outlet side attaches to the carb bonnet with hose & clamp.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4591/flangesmockedup.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/flangesmockedup.jpg/) http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/flangesmockedup.jpg/1/w850.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img194/flangesmockedup.jpg/1/)

Made a little more progress. I put the ol' foam mock up engine in it to make sure I get the angles right before going too much further.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/236/plumbingmockup102709.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/plumbingmockup102709.jpg/)

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1606/vbandassembly1.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/vbandassembly1.jpg/)

I've been runnin' the lathe off & on the last few days & got the V-Band clamp flanges done.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7206/vbandassembly2.jpg (http://img33.imageshack.us/i/vbandassembly2.jpg/)

Assembled and ready to TIG together

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/2476/vbandassembly3.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/i/vbandassembly3.jpg/)

one more check to make sure everything fits like it should.

Had a little time today to work on the "Z". I straightened up a couple places on the firewall so I'd have a straight clean edge to start rebuilding. Then I made one of the two wells the intercooler tubes will pass through. I might use this one or I may try another approach. I'd like the mating surface to be a little smoother than this one. [shrinker sorta' wrinkled it a little]. This is my first attempt at any ''real'' metal shaping so there may be a few trial & error attempts on this deal.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewallintercoolertubewell1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewallintercoolertubewell2.jpg

This is my first attempt at any ''real'' metal shaping so there may be a few trial & error attempts on this deal.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewallintercoolertubewell1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewallintercoolertubewell2.jpg


Somehow....I think you'll do just fine!:thumbsup:

I just read your whole thread. All I can say is Amazing!!! You do some beautiful work.

Thanks Kevan & Wayne. I changed up the design of the firewall some. The change affected the shape of the intercooler flange wells. I decided to stamp the parts, I guess mainly because I wanted to give stamping a try.
I cut dies out of 3/4" MDF board & stamped the sheet metal on the press.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Tubewelldie.jpg

then I rough trimmed the parts.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/tubewellroughparts.jpg

cleaned them up

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/tubewellpartstrimed.jpg

Welded the front & back halves together

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/WeldfrontBacktubewell.jpg

Once I had the tube flanges where I wanted them I welded them together.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/WeldTube.jpg

Sorry I got carried away on the project & by the time I remembered to take pictures I had the outlet tube firewall sheet metal done.
This is the firewall before...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/FirewallMockUp10-27-09.jpg

and with the intercooler tubes part of the sheet metal in place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Tubesheetmetalinplace.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/FLangeswithsheetmetal.jpg

The inlet side is just a simple pie plate deal that will be trimmed & welded into the firewall eventually.
The outlet side was a little more complicated. I didn't want to run the plumbing off to the side (the way it's usually done). I wanted the carb hat facing straight back. Also, the engine is set back about 4" from the stock location. So, the 4" inlet tube has about 3/8" clearance between the windshield and about 1" clearance for the distributor. It's all pretty close but it fits. . The "through the firewall sheet metal'' for the inlet tube ended up looking sorta like shoving the flange through a hefty hefty trash bag. :D

...and here's what it looks like from "the office".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Whroughthewindoshield.jpg

Gary, you are nothing short of an artist...

Hats of to you :beers:

Thanks Doug. Forgot I took some shots of the process when I stamped the shallower inlet side.

I cut the 3/4" MDF out on the CNC. I gave one side 1/8" clearance for the metal and the other side the circle press fit into the MDF.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/MDFdies.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Diepressedtogether.jpg

This made the die the right depth (I needed it to be stamped 1/2" deep for the right offset). It also made it easy to register the die halves.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/DiePressed.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Pressedpart.jpg

Once out of the press all I had to do was hammer the tucks and it's ready to trim to the firewall. The firewall that doesn't exist yet.

Wowza.
Nice work.
:thumbsup:

WOW..

Your work is amazing. Thanks for taking your time and doing the detailed post, it is a pleasure to view.:hurray::hurray::hurray::hurray::hurray:

AMAZING! :)
Thanks for sharing the pics, ...incredible talent, ...WOW! :)

Thanks guys. Got a little more done on the firewall this weekend between honey -do projects.

I made a hammer form out of a 2x4 on the band saw to match the contour of the firewall and beat some metal into submission. Still needs a little hammering but it's close enough for a test fit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/HammerForm1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/CowlPassengerside.jpg

I decided to do recessed panels on the sides & I think I'll do raised panels on the front, but I've changes my mind so many times already, who knows.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/CowlSidePanel.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/SidePaneltestFit.jpg

This part of the firewall will get welded to the body. The rest will get welded to the chassis and the 2 will be bolted or riveted together (blind seam) from the inside

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewalltestfit5-31-10.jpg

I think I spent more time in the lawn chair thinkin' about this than actually working on it. I kept changing the plans until I had a headache & finally decided to just do something. If it doesn't work I'll start over. I want to be able to take the body off, so that's why it's going to be a 2 pc. deal. Sort of the same reason I spent all that time on the billet aluminum hinges rather than just welding them to the chassis. Keeping the "A" pillars I'll still be able to use stock door weatherstripping and boxing in the firewall under the windshield I'll be able to keep the stock windshield wipers, got to keep it street legal right?

That's bad to the bone!! Nice work!!

If you substituted wood for the pvc on the wheel and maybe rounded it some it would make for a bas arse looking steering wheel for a Camaro. :thumbsup:
Just a thought. I may be interested in one.

:popcorn:.......:thumbsup:

Holy Sh--!! Talk about a Craftsman. WOW!! Nice Stuff!!!

Thanks everybody. Hopefully I'll find more time to work on it soon.

...THANKS for taking the time to post the pics :thumbsup:
Your work is truely impressive, ...and you know us guys like pics ;) :D

Thanks Kevin. Got a little more done on the firewall this weekend, Welded a few of the small pieces to some of the medium sized pieces.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewall6-6-101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewall6-6-102.jpg

Made another piece for the inlet side of the intercooler tonight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/inletwell1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/inletwell2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/inletwell3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/inletwell4.jpg

Got the inlet side roughed in today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Inletsidemockedup.jpg

And got a panel installed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Driversidepattern.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Driversidebeadroll.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Driversidefirewallready.jpg

I roughed up the back of the panel & the chassis tubes with 80 grit on the angle grinder, then glued it in with fusion body panel adhesive.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Driversidefirewallinstalled.jpg

Added a couple more pieces to the puzzle this afternoon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/PassSideFW2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/PassSideFW1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/ChevyThunder/Characters/Crash3.jpg
Jeff Spicoli: Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it. (Fast Times at Ridgemont High after Spicoli wrecked Jefferson's car)

Where were you when Spicoli needed ya? !! Incredible work !!

Everybody (but me) had to work this weekend, we celebrated Father's day Thursday, so I had the weekend to work on the firewall. Got a fair amount done.

Since this WILL be a street legal car, I found a new spot to display the trim code tag.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/pressdies.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/CodetagStamp1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Camaroscriptmock-up.jpg

I stuffed it between the strut tube & the inlet side of the intercooler.
Also made paper patterns for a couple more pieces of the puzzle.

I decided to stamp a "Camaro: logo in the driver's side panel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/CamarologoCNC.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Camarologoparts.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/CamaroLogopress.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Camarologostamped.jpg

The press and bead rolling oil canned the panel a little but I think it will straighten out when I put the 7/8" tabs on the top & bottom with the brake.

It came out fairly clean, even the little piece in the top of the "o" stamped. That part was about 1/2 the size of a pencil eraser. When I paint the firewall I'll paint the logo over this, the stamping will give it a little extra "pop".

Wow!...this is artwork
...just amazed at the quality of your work, ...and creativeness :thumbsup:
Really neat watching this come together... :beers:

Thanks Kevin

The more I looked at the Camaro panel the more things I found I didn't like. The deal breaker was when the bead rolled lines didn't match up to panel next to it. So, tonight I knocked out another one. It didn't take long since I had the stamp & measurements from the first "prototype". [ prototype = politically correct term to describe "junk part"]. I had to lay the panels in place to see how it was going to look. There's a lot of massaging to be do to get everything to fit, but it is getting closer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewallpanelsroughedin.jpg

Very nice work. It will be killer when it is done.

The car is coming along great, and that Camaro logo is just insane :yes:
I cant wait to see more pics as this work of art progresses.

Thanks Mike & Aaron.

Gary;

I've got to echo everyone else's comments - you've got some mad skills and talent guy :yes:

I've got to forward this thread to Royce (Camaroman70) - he's about the only one I've met in many years that has your level of talent and originality in fabrication :cool:

Flat out awesome work. I am very impressed.

John thanks for the compliment, but I am in the minor leagues and this guy is starting in the all star game.

I just wish he lived near me so I could pick his brain and learn from him.

I didn't know this thread existed, I will keep an eye on it from here on out.

Keep up the great work.

Thanks for the compliments John & Royce. It's a learn as I go project. I've built a few street rods in the 70's but this is my first race car.
I changed the "camaro" panel one last time. This is the one I think I'll stick with. Still have a fair amount of tweaking & aligning to do & a couple small side panels to make.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/firewallwith1piececamaropanel.jpg

It's been a few months since I've been able to do any serious work on the firewall. Yesterday I did some welding & grinding. I need to get the sheet metal around the intercooler inlet & outlet welded in, then I'll be able take the intercooler out to get at the seams to do some planishing. There's a couple panels on each side to do yet to get it closed in.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewall5-21-11.jpg

Gettin' closer. When I pulled the window seal off today I found some rust in the usual spots on the left & right lower corners. Got the passenger side patch panel welded in, still have the Drivers side to cut out & weld in. Then I'm gettin' pretty close to giving it a coat of "self educating" primer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewall5-28-11.jpg

I check this thread every so often just for the craftsmanship level you're at....GREAT work :beers:

This aint no racecar, it is a piece of craftsmanship.

Thanks Doug, Mike, it took about a year, off & on, mostly off, but I finally have the firewall in primer. There's still body work to do, but I wanted to get it covered so it doesn't rust again. Hot & humid today, so I have the A/C running to dry it out, yea, that's it, I have it running for the primer. lol.
I'll be setting the front end on this afternoon. It's going to be a job, the front end needs a LOT of tweaking I'm afraid.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Firewallprimed5-30-11.jpg

Firewall cover set in place, roughly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Frontendinplace5-30-11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Frontend2-5-30-11.jpg

Looks great :thumbsup:
Hate to see all that covered up.... but the look on a persons face when they see all that work that went into it :yes:

Thanks Doug.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Fontend6-11-11.jpg

I started on the hinges but then decided I better get the front end straight first or the hinges would be wrong. (The front end is a mess) The nose didn't even come close to fitting, so I trimmed the opening & made cuts where I had to, to get it to match up

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Fontendopeniungtrimmed.jpg

I used some scrap aluminum from an old sign to get the nose in the right place.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Nosescrewedon.jpg

Glassed the blank spaces between the gussets. After it sets up I'll unscrew the gussets & finish the fiberglass, a job I'm just itching to get done. lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Noseglassingin1.jpg

No glass on the outside yet but the grill surround fits. (ya' I know, wrong Z-28 emblem on the grill, it's what it came with) Got a nice shinny NOS one in the box that IS the right year.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Fronbtendgrillmock-up.jpg

Back to working on the hinge & tree stuff for now. I'll leave the glass work for cooler weather. :lol:

Very nice craftsmenship. It is looking great!! Keep it up.

Thanks Freddy. The kids are on vacation so we are celebrating Father's Day Friday. I spent the last few days working on hinge designs. Each one had a little problem here or there but they all helped me come up with the final design. To get the front end to work like I hope it will, the front end has to come forward first 3.75'', then raise 2". Then flip up. I want it to be removable also. I came up with a bunch of ideas, some of the more promising ones I cut prototypes out of 1/4" PVC cut offs. First obstacle was getting the geometry right. After that was just making sure there was enough material in the right places & keeping it small enough to fit where it had to fit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Hingeprototypes.jpg

The last design came pretty close to fitting alongside the 3''x2'' main rails but still but I still wondered if I'd be kicking myself down the road when it came time to mount the radiator, pro charger & all the other stuff that needs to go in the front. Then I got the bright idea of building the linkage inside the frame rail. After a few more prototypes I think I have it, (works on the bench anyway) lol

So, today I cut out the CNC parts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/HingepartsCNC.jpg

Got a few parts to make on the lathe yet & some massaging to do on the frame rails to make everything fit. I guess if it doesn't work I'll just have to go back to the drawing board. Only 1 way to find out..................... Stay tuned.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/HingepartsofftheCNC.jpg

They fit on the outside of the rails. Now to get them to fit "inside".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/100_2124.jpg

Had to work most of the day today, but I found enough time to assemble the hinges & buff them a little.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Frontendhingesassembled.jpg

Got a little more done on the hinges. Made a jig to cut the frame horns off. Boxed in the rail to keep junk from getting down inside the frame. Welded them in along with some fish plates to weld the horns back on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Framehorncutjig.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/frameplug.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Linkageinsiedtherail.jpg

I had a little ooops. I spun some bushing bungs on the lathe, welded them in & when I tested it the hinge came out of the rail. The pins were supposed to keep the hinge in the rail but there was just enough clearance for it to slip by.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Hingepinraceswelded.jpg

So I made up these little clips to grab the pin a little better. Ended up making clips for both pins. That meant the linkage would no longer fit inside the rail, so I made some c-channel out of square tubing for the bottom. Holes are for junk & water drainage. I'll have to add one on the top too. At least the hinge locks in place solid now, in both open & closed positions.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Hingeclip.jpg

Got a few more parts to make & they will be ready to weld back on. The 3/4'' pins are for alignment during welding, eventually they will be replaced with 3/4" nylon bushing stock & a 1/2" steel pin. Got some black corian® cut-offs from a counter top place. Cutting that on the CNC to fill in the gaps between the rails & the hinges, so there won't be any metal to metal contact. Nylon & corian® should allow the hinges to slide smooth.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/Hingehornsmockedup.jpg

I hope this deal goes a little better from here on out. Hate those glitches.

As usual, excellent work.

No progress, just picked up a GoPro camera I'm trying out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/pro70z28/CamaroGoPro1.jpg

Gary, It has been a long time since I have seen a Machinest, that cared or loved his work like you do. I wish you were closer, I would love to see that talent in person, My hat is off to you!!

X2 Amazing work!

Thanks for the comments.
It's been July 4th since I last got anything done on the "Z"

I got the hinge shims made today.

http://youtu.be/i91t1JwOGmU

You should request this thread be moved to another forum where it will receive the exposure and attention it deserves. The level of craftsmanship here is more than a cut above the rest and should be used as a gauge.

I don't think I've ever seen craftsmanship like that. Amazing stuff!!!

Gary, As an owner/operator of a machine job shop, both manual and
cnc machines, I fully appreciate your passion for design and build. It is often
much more satisfying to design and build the needed jigs, machines and
equipment, than to actually work on the project vehicle. I've been in this
business for more than 30 yrs and still find pride in a job well done. As Scott
suggested, you may want to request this thread be moved. Possibly to the new
"build project" forum. Keep up the awesome work.:yes:

Thanks guys, I appreciate the positive comments. Who do I ask about moving the thread?

Gary, Send a PM to the forum administrator Dennis. DjD

Al

like the sticker made in america LOL you will put taiwan out of business LOL

...I subscribed to this thread a while back. Each time I see the photos (and THANKS for taking the time to post them), ...I am amazed.
Truely a work of art in the making... :thumbsup:

Your craftsmanship is unreal :beers:

Amazing work man!