When I was 16 sitting on the side of the road waiting for my mom to pick me up from school, I looked across the street and saw a black 1968 Camaro for sale for $5,000. I immediately asked my parents to buy it for me and I would make payments to them, to which they replied, “No”. Since then I have been looking at Camaros and other classics and waiting for the opportunity to make my dream come true.

:hurray:That opportunity came in 2009 when I purchased this Camaro from a guy in Chino, CA (not the original owner). There were some questionable issues with it, but overall I believed it would be a good starting point for what I planned to do and I could not wait any longer. There did not appear to be any bondo or many signs of rust (except the rear tulip panel below the window, which is standard). I bought it a couple of months after my first 6 month deployment to the Middle East, but didn’t get to do much with it due to a second 6 month stint in the desert only a few months later. After I returned, I received orders to Texas where I now have the time to start the project.

Here’s what she’s made of:
Cowl Tag: Originally Grecian Green w/Black Stripes and Black Houndstooth Buckets
Currently: Red with Black stripes and I gutted the interior
SBC 350 from a 72 C-20
68 Muncie 4-speed (I suspect it was originally an automatic)
12 bolt rear end
Front Disc/Rear Drum brakes

In my head:
All new Hotchkis suspension front/back
New carbureted 383 starting with a brand new GM block
Rebuild/reuse the Muncie
Rebuild/reuse the 12 bolt rear
White dial 5” speedometer and tachometer
Possibly a fabricated gauge cluster to fit under the dash on the trans tunnel with white dial Oil, Water, Fuel gauges
Bucket seats with custom leather interior reminiscent of, but not exactly, original style (if that makes sense...not sure I even know what I mean)
Shaved doors/trunk with a digital FOB
Paint (I have a while to figure this one out, but I have some ideas)
Dark Black Cherry or Midnight Black with Silver stripes or just Silver highlights

I have never worked on cars before and will have to contract some of the more difficult jobs out. I have already had help from some of you and it is greatly appreciated. I will definitely need much more as I get on with it.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/1-Pick-upDay.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/2-Before.jpg

First was the front suspension. My buddy Dave and I started by pulling off the fenders and engine. With my Assembly Manual in hand, it went really smooth. Saved all the bolts, fasteners, shims, etc in baggies.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1642.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1643.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1650.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1654.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1680.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1682.jpg

Next, I will continue with removing the subframe. Hopefully it doesn't have much wrong with it, but we'll see.

The ball joints were giving me hell. I bought a BFH and pickle fork, but it seemed useless. Got a lot of advice from you guys and wa-la; a bigger BFH, some PB Blaster, and a tap on the side of the spindle finally released them.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1687.jpg

A few body mounts later and....

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1739.jpg

I found some issues with the subframe. I will post pics soon and get your opinions.

Looks like you're heading in the right direction

And thank you for your service!!

Very nice start so far. Are you going do a full resto including under the car? Looks like you have a good car to start with. Looking forward to the progress. Keep up the good work.

Good work so far. Keep posting pics. Glad to see you finally got the ball joints separated.

I have similar plans for my '67 and was in the same boat as you. I'm pretty handy, but had limited car experience. There are a lot of very helpful people here. There are a few things I have farmed out to the pros, but most of it is simply nuts and bolts. I just do my research first, and then tackle the next project.

Welcome to the TC Crew, Dan.

So glad to hear that one of your dreams has come true. You've got a great unit to start with,:thumbsup: unlike some of the basket cases that many have had to deal with. Progress looks planned and on course.

capt

You're off to a running start man, good luck and have fun with it!

Dan, First off I want to thank you for your service to our great country.
Second, welcome to Team Camaro. From what can be seen so far, it looks like
you have a great car to start with. Any questions just ask here and you'll
get plenty of advice. Also check out the Camaro Research Group web site.
Good luck and enjoy.

Check out this link for pics of the subframe. Let me know what you think.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1605243#post1605243

Still looking for a better used subframe....may have found it. I stepped out for lunch and when I returned there was a surprise waiting for me on the porch......

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/HotchkisShipment1.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/HotchkisShipment2.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/HotchkisShipment3.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/HotchkisShipment4.jpg

Can't wait to get a replacement subframe to put all of this on to.

Looks like a nice car to start with, also looks like a damn good start. I believe you are jumping in with both feet.

Here's the subframe I picked up from zman1969...on the way to get media blasted and powder coated. Should have it back in a couple of weeks. Now I need to get ahead of the game and prepare for the assembly process. I have all of the suspension, but still need a new disc set up and wheels. For the brakes, I'm thinking Wilwood 4-piston Dynalites, but sub the pistons for the 4-piston Dynapros. For the wheels, I would like to go with Foose 18" Nitrous II's.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_1832.jpg

Nice start. And as Al said, thank you for your service. I was there a while back! U.S. Navy.
It's always nice to come home to some Summit orders sitting on your front door step! :yes: That was one helluva shipment.
We'll be here to help out, just ask.

Robert

It is off to a great start. Keep at it.

So....It's been a while to say the least. Been reading, getting advice, and buying stuff. Finally started to put things back together. The subframe came out pretty nice although the guy powder-coated the threaded holes even after I reminded him not to. Used a tap and voila...good as new.

After several discussions with Mark (SC&C), reading his book, and more research, we put together a good suspension package for my budget (the Hotchkis stuff was already bought, but I swapped out their UCA's for SPC UCA's). Hotchkis LCA's, 2" lowering springs, Bilstein shocks, SPC UCA's with Howe's tall upper ball joints, Hotchkis 1 1/8" sway bar. Also, added the Track4 Baer brakes up front with 13" rotors.

Now, it's time to recycle some boxes. Hopefully, it won't be so long until the next update. Still deciding on wheels, but leaning toward Legends. I figure I should probably finish the brakes first with rears, plumbing, & new master cylinder.

Here is the "new" subframe:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_0527.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_0528.jpg

Global West Solid Body Mounts:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_0530-1-1.jpg

New UCA/LCA's:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_0531.jpg

Cleaned up the original steering arms, center link, and spindles:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_0549.jpg

Added the Baer Track4's and it's better than ever:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_0563.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/IMG_0565.jpg

:hurray:Got the rear end out today. The new Moser 12-bolt should be here in two weeks thanks to Freddie (biggearhead). I appreciate all the time spent explaining things and making sure I get what I need.
Also anticipating the arrival of the rest of the braking system:
RightStuff master cylinder and booster
Stainless lines
Baer Iron Sport kit for the rear.

Next, I will be rebuilding the Muncie (with Jody's help) and selecting Wheels & Tires...I was thinking Foose Legends, but I also like the AR Torque Thrust M's.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0622.jpg

Looks like it's headed in the right direction. What part of Texas are you in?

Real nice. You're definitely cranking along there. Have you looked into the Trim Tag info etc to see what it was originally? I wish I had a garage like that when I was in! The base garage on Pendleton was the best I could do. I think it was run by MWR.
Good luck!

Looks like it's headed in the right direction. What part of Texas are you in?

Corpus Christi

Real nice. You're definitely cranking along there. Have you looked into the Trim Tag info etc to see what it was originally? I wish I had a garage like that when I was in! The base garage on Pendleton was the best I could do. I think it was run by MWR.
Good luck!

Originally, it was Grecian Green with Black interior and Houndstooth bucket seats. I don't think the tags in 68 identified SS or RS.
The base garage here is descent, but the cost is too high for storage and this will take a while so my garage works great.

After pulling the rear end, I started stripping the underbody. I plan to paint with POR-15. It's gonna take a while to get it all stripped down to bare metal, but should end up nice when done.

This is what I'm starting with:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0623.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0625.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0629.jpg

This is after about 7 hours of grinding:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0297.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0296.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0298.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0299.jpg

Still plenty to go before the new rear can go in, but it's coming along. I plan to move on to the firewall after the rear is done. Got word today the the new Moser 12-bolt shipped and hopefully I'll have it this week.

After pulling the rear end, I started stripping the underbody. I plan to paint with POR-15. It's gonna take a while to get it all stripped down to bare metal, but should end up nice when done.

This is what I'm starting with:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0623.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0625.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0629.jpg

This is after about 7 hours of grinding:
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0297.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0296.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0298.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/CIMG0299.jpg

Still plenty to go before the new rear can go in, but it's coming along. I plan to move on to the firewall after the rear is done. Got word today that the new Moser 12-bolt shipped and hopefully I'll have it this week.

Nice work Dan, you are coming along real nice. Just a word of advice, if your going to paint the undercarriage, you probably want to remove the frame and mounts, otherwhise you'll be finishing around it. I used a rotisserie to do mine, but you can just jack it up if you don't have one.

Good luck the rest of the way, i will be following for sure.

I'd use epoxy and not POR. Your metal is clean and deserves professional products. POR is inferior to epoxy and a topcoat of your choice. POR is marketed as a magic potion to those outside the auto body and restoration industry. I don't know any shops that use it.

Way to go Daniel!!! :hurray: Fun isn't it...

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone is stripping and painting the underbody of their Camaros recently?? Maybe it's because I just finished doing mine that I'm noticing it more...

I'd also suggest epoxy priming and painting the bottom side. I did mine that way and I couldn't be happier with it. It's by no means perfect, but I did it myself and I'm no expert painter. I've just got a small air compressor and did it in my two car garage with the car on jack stands, but it shows it can be done. It only took a quart of primer and a quarter of paint, and probably didn't cost that much more than what POR-15 would cost. And is probably a lot easier to clean up.

Keep up the good work!!! :beers:

John

Daniel, Don't use POR15. It is designed to go over rust. I used it a number of
years ago and it is the damnedest stuff to use. Clean up is almost impossible
and if you spray it your gun will be toast. Use an epoxy primer and suitable
top coat. Be sure the products are compatible. You've gone through too much
work to have it fail. The project is looking good.

Good points, all. I have a buddy who used the POR on the underbody of his Mustang and seems happy with it, but that is not to say it won't fail. POR customer service said that their product works just fine on clean metal too (maybe a sales pitch). I have a few buddies with compressors and paint guns, so maybe I'll look more into the Epoxy.

I've been in the business for 25 years and never used POR. No one else I know who runs a shop does either. POR does not market their product to shop owners, they sell it to hobbiests with little knowledge of the industry. Everything a shop uses a hobbiest can and should use. Epoxies vary in price, performance and quality. They have different sheens from one another when dry. If you want, topcoat with SEM Trim Black, it's durable for a 1K. or shoot it with a 2K if you want.

Getting a compressor this weekend and just gonna do it right. I do have some very minor rust repair in the floor pan to tackle. As with everything else so far, I will have to learn how as I do it.

I used POR-15 in a few areas//// OMG, the stuff is TOUGH AS NAILS! EVERYTHING that I brushed-on with POR-15 had to be sanded. OH, might as well mention that POR-15 laughs in the face of 80 Grit! POR-15 rep said a good sanding then shoot the DP90. DP90 guy said, yes, sand the crap outa the POR-15 before you lay anything down on top of it. Days of sanding before I could put anything over the POR-15. So some friendly advice...use as little as you have to.

Need some advice on my post in the Body Shop forum. Check out this thread and post any comments you have on that thread.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=210008

Thanks

:mad: UPS lost this shippment for a couple of days, which really pissed me off. :hurray: Luckly they found it before I put in a claim and re-ordered it. Freddie was great helping me put together the right set up for my plans. I went with a Moser 12 Bolt with bolt-in 31 spine axles, TruTrak posi from Eaton, and 3:42 gears. It looks nice and I can't wait to team up the Hotchkis suspension and Baer brakes with it and install it. Got to get the underbody taken care of first though.

It seems every step of the project I take leads me to two other projects that need to get done. But I guess that's the way it goes!!!


http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/Moser12Bolt.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/Moser12Bolt2.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n623/chipster68/Moser12Bolt3.jpg

Aweful big package to lose isn't it? :yes:Should be a sweet driving Camaro when you are done with her!