Is this hole supposed to be there?

Upper dash panel

Would you replace this? Inside of the driver sail panel.

 

Driver side sail panel. Is this called the sail panel?? Or is that on the quarter?

Passenger side sail panel.

Inner fender passenger side.

Got my radio, coffee, and tools! Sorry about the mess though...I really have to clean this place up.

Opinions? :beers: I will try to keep this thread up do date. I'm a truck driver, so I don't get to many nights with this baby :sad:

 

Looks like you have a good start and handle on things. Watching the new tin transform the rust holes is the fun part. :thumbsup:

 

Need......Larger Coffee Pot......lol

Looks like you are on your way.....Keep organized....small accomplishments have a way of making it look like its coming together....have more then one project going..... to break up frustration and dull drum.....

Pictures.... looks like you have a handle on that but add some reference marks/measurements...... maybe cut up an old tape measure and tape it on assemblies at picture time before you remove parts/metal.....you will be glad you did...

keep up the good work....

8 Ball

 

Thought I'd give you a small update, nothing much though.

So I pulled the trigger, and ordered all of the body panels I need for the whole thing. Just about everything is AMD

They arrived in Florida this Friday, and will most likely be shipped in a couple of weeks when there is a container that are going to Norway again. I expect them to be here the first or second week in March. CAN'T WAIT!! Getting sick and tired of moving tools around, cleaning the floor and looking at the car just standing there Did get some painting done though, just to kill some time. Ran out of red paint, so the flag did a great job to cover it up. haha

I also bought a toolbox that I got this saturday. Much better than hanging all the tools on the wall, and not knowing where they are. And it looks awesome :hurray: You can see my old box standing next to it...Really shows how much bigger my new box is.

And we had to find a way to load and unload some heavy stuff out of my truck, so we made a "crane" out of 2x4's. The winch just hooks up to the car battery and has an remote controll. It can pull up to 4300kg, and lift 1300kg. We wont try to lift anything more than 400kg, I'm sure it'll do it though. It really makes life easier :beers:

 

Okay...Still just organizing the workshop!

Since my last post me and my friend (who also works on his car in this garage) bought the ESAB 200A Mig welder. My first toolbox came in handy, as we welded on a stand for the gas bottle. Makes moving it around a charm!

And yesterday I just couldn't help myself. I bought a lot of tool-sets to fill up my new toolbox. I needed it to help with my OCD I'm not sure my wallet agrees though..:sad:

Today I went to my brothers house to pick up a worktable I made at school 5 years ago. Never used it, so I figured this was a good time to do just that.

Sorry about the crappy cellphone pics...I need to remember my camera

Oh, and btw! Got a letter in the mailbox a couple of weeks ago. And it was a VERY good surprise, an envelope filled with Team Camaro stickers :hurray:
Didn't expect I'd get that, so that made my day! THANKS TC :beers:

Hope it's okay I post all this off-topic stuff...I know it's not really a project thread yet, but kind of I guess? In my eyes getting organized is a part of it :yes:

 

Finally some updates.

I got the floor out, and cleaned up the inner rockers and firewall flange. The inner rockers look really solid, like new. Pleasant surprise there :hurray:

I'm going to sandblast the inside of the frame rails, and spray them with epoxy primer, then some kind of undercoating before welding the new floor on. The car is now pretty much ready for the new floor to drop in.

Other than that I've just been grinding on some left overs and spot welds from the panels I've removed. It doesn't seem like much, but it has to be done anyways.

The latest updates on my parts, is that it should arrive in Oslo February 11th. Then some additional days for the toll customs to clear it, before I can pick it up.

Can't wait!! Feeling really motivated these days.











Oh, I want to show you why this project will take a while. My appartment/job

 

Finally some real updates!

Got my parts this Friday, and I've been working through every night and every day! I've seriously slept for like 3 hours since 7am Friday morning, and until now 2am Sunday. Totally worth it :beers:

My first thought was to start with the main floors. But realized it was better to repair the trunk floors first. I thought I just needed to patch them, but quickly changed my mind. Started removing the old floor. Cut out the tail panel, and cut one inner wheelhouse, and bent the hinge support out of the way.

Got the trunk floor, and main floor in to place, just to check the fitment. The trunk floor was really good, and almost fell right in to place. The main floor was a little worse. It refused to sit flush to the frame rails. But with some hammering, pulling and self-tapping screws it turned out just fine. Not perfect, but good enough.

Today I've sandblasted the inside of the frame rails, and drilled holes for the plug-welds and grinded the primer off of the new trunk floor. Tomorrow I'll go get some weld-primer, and start fitting the trunk floor. Really nervous to be honest.

If you see something stupid, wrong, or crazy please let me know so I can fix it before it's to late

What is the correct width on the frame rails?? Mine is a little bent after all the hammering and drilling when removing them from the old floor. Is that an critical measurement?? Pictures below!

Pics..










Driver side:


Passenger side:

 

Jim Erlend - First my hat is off to you son. At 22 years old you are taking on a massive project and seem to be doing a very good job at it. Many a man your age would shrink at the amount of time, money, and pure sweat and hard work you are in for. But the reward will be immense and priceless.

And if you think that is a messy shop you have to look at a few build thread here more closely. You are a dangerous man, motivated, organized and own a Camaro!

Where in Norway? A very good friend of mine runs a few restaurant/bars in Norway. I've only been in Askar and Oslo myself but that was before you were born.

I'm glad your making progress and happy to see the update. As to the frame rails I'm not sure the correct width for 68. Maybe these will help until someone posts the actual dimensions.

and the dimensions below. I think the mounting position will tell you if your are too narrow or too wide but as long as they are in correct position center to center as shown in the pics below they are okay. Maybe new frame rails at Classic Industries will list the dimensions.

 

Jim Erlend - First my hat is off to you son. At 22 years old you are taking on a massive project and seem to be doing a very good job at it. Many a man your age would shrink at the amount of time, money, and pure sweat and hard work you are in for. But the reward will be immense and priceless.

Thank you so much! That's really motivating to hear. If I had known back when I ripped the car apart, how much work was needed...I probably wouldn't have gone this far. That said, I am really glad I did. The amount of knowledge, experience, and happiness I will get from this project is as you said priceless. I will never regret this, that I'm sure.

And about time, money and hard work. Just about all of my money goes right into this car. I will have to admit I'm living on the edge sometimes. That's actually the toughest part about this, and the most exhausting. I hate the thought of having to spend thousands of dollars on suspension, brakes, interior, paint, and all of the extras. But..It will be worth it in the end. I live for old muscle cars, so the hard work is like therapy for me. Nothing is more relaxing than going to the shop, put on the radio and do what I like the most.

When I'm done with this, I will know in my heart that I may have saved one 68 Camaro from it's death. And that makes me feel really happy.

The original plan was to pull the interior to install some dynamat. I guess that'll have to wait :thumbsup:

I live in middle Norway. A 6 hour drive from Oslo. Were you here on vacation, or was it part of a job? I have never been to the States, but I hope to go there in a year or two. That has been my dream since I was a little boy. My grandfather was working over there, and in Canada. So I guess you can say he made me want to go there with all of his stories. I actually have relatives in Canada. My relative over there is the CEO of a big leaf spring factory...can't remember the name right now.

Those trailers are crazy!

Pretty cool, huh? I get that a lot. It's pretty cool to just tip your load off, while other people will have to use a forklift. The crappy part about it is that you risk blowing a hydraulic hose, in the middle of nowhere. You can bet that happens when the nearest hydraulic shop is 3 hours away :sad: Been there, done that.

Okay, I can see this post is getting loooong. So let's fill you in on some updates.

Got the trunk floor welded in, didn't do all the plug welds just in case something was wrong.

Also got the main floor ready for welding. But it got late, and I had to go home. But I will finish up this weekend. I get 10 days vacation when this Friday is over. AWESOME :beers:

Really happy about the gaps though! Pretty much non existing. I still have to tweak the driver side frame rail a little bit.











Feels really good to have solid floors! Feel like I'm really going somewhere

I have to wrap up for tonight, and doesn't have time to check for typos or if this is the correct/last pictures.

 

Those trailers are crazy!

 

Working around the clock these days! Got a lot of thing done. But need your help

Hung the quarters, tailpanel, deck filler panel, trunk lid and roof! Really happy about the gaps and fit so far. Actually pretty impressed. Of course I have some issues to fix. Need your advice and tips on some things. As my signature says...I'm a neewbie

Tight trunk lid corner: Just hammer the quarter until it has the same angle as the deck filler panel? And maybe a relief cut and add some metal?

Quarter to tailpanel: Cut the whole "trunk lid bumper piece" and move it so is flush to the tailpanel, or just increase the radius on the inside?

Tailpanel to trunk floor gap: 5-7mm gap. Not sure how to do this. Add a 5mm strip of steel between the two panels, or just force it in place with vise-grips? That may push/force the tailpanel to far forward at the quarter to tailpanel seam. What to do?

My bumper holes don't line up perfectly, is that really important? Or should I focus on lining up the panels, and drill out the holes later if that is necessary?

 

Okay...a few hours later, and lot less hair (pulled most of it out)

Made a cut in the quarter up by the deck filler panel, to align it better with the trunk lid. It got better, but still not quite there. Also made a steeper angle on the flange that welds to the rocker so the quarter sits pretty good at that spot.

BUT. There's a lot of those buts..

I pulled all of it back off. Now I've fitted the tailpanel flush to the trunk floor before sliding the quarters over it. I got acceptable gaps all around the tailpanel I think. But the tailpanel is waaay to far forward in the middle. I see no other solution than adding a spacer between the floor and tailpanel??? I for sure can't tweak my quarters that much without destroying the whole thing.

Did I weld the floors in the wrong position? They seem to fit pretty damn good everywhere else. Looks spotless if you ask me.

 

Nice progress. PM sent

 

Hats off to you. I fully restored my 68 at the young age of 25. I know the feeling. Mine was a rust free (compared to yours) so didn't need as much work. Keep it up. You're probably the only Norwegian I've seen with a rebel flag haha��.

 

subbing for the fun!

 

Things are moving along, slowly...but progress is progress! This is a part of the project where things get time consuming.

All the panels are now lined up, the EDP primer has been grinded off at every weld-point. Just about ready to weld.

Since the last update I have made up a spacer between the trunk floor and tailpanel to move it 5mm backwards in the middle to line up with the quarters and beeing able to properly weld it. Came out pretty nice, and worked like a charm. Won't be seen after I put some kind of adhesive/seam sealer in there.







Also cut out a bad spot on the passenger side inner wheelwell, sandblasted the area and inside of the rocker as far as I could reach. Painted it with weld through primer and welded in the patch. Then came the outer wheelwell. The driver side came out really good, the passenger not so much but good enough since it won't be seen. The trunk area will eventually be covered with some kind of plywood that will be covered in fabric.






Then I had to extend the trunk drop-offs a little bit to meet with the bottom of the quarters. A walk in the park compared to everything else so far! Couldn't find pictures after I fixed them.



Also had to fix the radius on the quarter that meets with the deck filler panel to get a acceptable gap around the trunk lid. Had a really hard time getting myself to make a cut in to the new quarter, but it had to be done.

When I pre-fit the quarter window reinforcement I couldn't get it to fit. The quarter just wouldn't go far enough towards the inside of the car. Scratched my head for hours, and couldn't figure it out. Then I went ahead and pulled out a part of the old quarter that I luckily cut out before tossing it.





Then it got pretty obvious that it was the window channel in the quarter that was to narrow, placing the reinforcement to far out. Jumped right to it, and cut the window channel. Took a lot of measurements of the old part, and bent the channel to the same width as the original piece and welded it back up after making a wedge to insert. Sorry, no pictures of the process Got so focused that I forgot about it.




Tomorrow I will make sure every spot that needs to be welded are perfect, and pre-fit all the panels and make it completely ready for welding :hurray: Hopefully next weekend. Tomorrow is my last day of vacation :sad:

 

Are you sure this is your first? The amount of progress you have made is incredible. I think you've done in 6 months what has taken me 2 years. Don't feel bad about cutting the new metal, they all need some work. Keep up the great work and you'll be driving in no time! :thumbsup:

 

maybe thats the problem Im having on my 67 quarter, cant get it close to the 1" gap where the window goes in, Ill measure them next time Im near the car.

 

It's been a long time since my last update...And I have been doing absolutely nothing! I was doing way to much in my last vacation and felt sick every time I looked at the car. So I had to take a break. But now I'm feeling motivated again, so back to work :thumbsup:

Yesterday I glued the reinforcements on the inside of the quarters to make it all ready for welding today.

Got a lot done today. Both quarters, and tailpanel is all welded. I have about 10 more spot welds to do before I'm all done, but they are finally on there :hurray:

I'm really happy about the results, the gaps are more than good enough for me.

I'm hoping I will be able to glue and weld the roof on tomorrow. Not sure if I have enough time before I have to go to work. Someone has to deliver the things you need, right? :hurray:

Other than that I will order all the parts I need for the suspension next weekend.

Ridetech 4-link rear, tubular control arms, hotchkis SFC's, AAW wiring harness, hooker 2457 headers, GW body mount bushings, Bowtie Overdrives transmission crossmember, Right Stuff Signature brake kit, Vintage Air unit and some other stuff. My credit card is on fire....:sad:

Pics:
















It's feeling so damn good to see it actually looking like a Camaro again :hurray: Words can't describe it!! I'm diggin' it :beers:

 

Nice. My quarter reinforcements were welded Not sure what to use.

 

Nice. My quarter reinforcements were welded Not sure what to use.

They are welded in the gutter area, NVH was used where it is secured to the exposed quarter. Panels are not to be welded on exposed exterior sheetmetal. A very good seam sealer that remains quite flexible can be substituted for NVH. Fusor 800 or SEM.

Nice work Jim.

 

I've seen both, I'm sure that'll work :thumbsup:

I finally got myself to order some parts again today!

Ridetech suspension kit level 2
American Autowire harness
Energy Suspension engine and transmission mount
Bowtie Overdrives 700r4 crossmember
Global West body mounts
Complete body hardware kit
Hooker 2457 ceramic headers
Hotckis SFC's
Door hinge rebuild kit
Right stuff signature 4-wheel brake kit
Vintage Air mini heater unit

When I get this, I will have everything I need to put it back on wheels!!

I need to get my radiator support, and subframe sandblasted and powdercoated. Really looking forward to finally beeing able to mount some new blingbling pieces :hurray:

If somebody catch me missing some important parts, let me know! A lot of stuff to remember..

I'm starting to see the light in the tunnel. But it's still a long road..Luckily I will be able to drive my Camaro at the end of it :thumbsup:

 

Incredibly inspiring. Thanx!

 

Looking good Jim. The only thing better than your car is your attitude. Don't lose it and keep it up!

 

Long story short,

Quarters fully welded.
Trunk lock bracket is back in there.
Upper cowl repaired.
Outer Cowl's welded.
Seat mounts welded.
Conv.braces welded.
Roof glued in place.

Decided to repair the upper cowl, rather than replacing the whole thing since most of it was in good shape. Why remove original steel right? Came out pretty good, considering nobody will ever see it anyways.

Seam sealed the inside of it, and got the outer cowls welded on and seam sealed.

Glued the roof to the drip rails using Würth Powebond. Going to spot weld the window openings tomorrow.

Only thing left on the body now, is to get the dash panel welded. And grind down every spot weld on the entire body. Have been pushing that job away for some time..

Not really sure what to do next...Is it time to get the subframe and suspension mounted, and get it back on wheels? Make mounts for the fuel lines, brake lines and exhaust so I can remove everything again and paint the underside?? I'm confused. So. Much. To. Think. About How do you recommend to mount the fuel/brake lines? I really don't want to run screws through the new floors. Weld on nuts, or brackets or something?

 

Damn dude, awesome work! Looks great, keep the pictures coming!