Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Let me be the first one on the site to congratulate you on your purchase. Should be cool doing two at a time. Kinda gives me some ideas.

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Let me be the first one on the site to congratulate you on your purchase. Should be cool doing two at a time. Kinda gives me some ideas.

Thanks Jim! Ya know,... your lightning-fast build has inspired me to get off my computer chair and get building-- full speed ahead.

Blast, epoxy, rebuild! :beers: The funny thing is I recently passed up buying a '67 coupe for $1200. I could kick myself, but the timing was just not right then... One day...:yes:

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Todd, there is nothing better than a father-son build. It will be good for the whole family and both of you will learn about more than cars. Things learned here will last a lifetime.

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Todd, there is nothing better than a father-son build. It will be good for the whole family and both of you will learn about more than cars. Things learned here will last a lifetime.

You got it right:yes:. We need some bonding time lately and what better medicine than a '68 Camaro restoration is there? My next son will get a '67.:yes: He's got a few years to go though... (so does my budget!)

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Another 68 being saved :beers:

Looks like a nice project and not too far gone.

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Another 68 being saved :beers:

Looks like a nice project and not too far gone.

Yea--- excited about this one. Clean and straight car to start with. This will be a treat for me compared to what I went through with my 69. thanks...

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Did anyone enjoy the little Beastie Boys "ode" by the way?

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Did anyone enjoy the little Beastie Boys "ode" by the way?

Funny. As soon as I started reading it I was in tune with paul revere

Don't know how far from St. Pete you are but if not to far and you need a hand let me know.:beers:

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

In on page 1.

You already need a bigger garage !

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

In on page 1.

You already need a bigger garage !

Lol! As a joke, I said that to my wife yesterday. She didn't smile--let's just say that.

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Spent some time tonight organizing the many buckets+boxes of original parts included with the car. Some nice finds, some not found at all! So I made a shopping list of the prioritized basics to buy/search for. All loose hardware is labeled, bagged/tagged, or in a tupperware for temporary storage.

I'm excited with how the trunk compartment looks. It like I will get away with only needing a center partial trunk floor patch instead of a complete trunk. Only a handfull of small pinholes--but they are spread around a larger area so welding them each shut again may not be an option... most likely a center patch with some new gas tank supports will do. Haven't been under the car for a really close inspection yet...

Notice the non-spoiler deck lid. I've never seen one without a spoiler in person honestly. Pretty cool...

I'm trying to arrange a two-day blasting/epoxying fiesta asap. So far the schedule is looking clear. I want to sieze the moment and get a nice jump on this one.

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

If your day job doesn't go so well,
then maybe you can take up ringing a bell

I'm sure Busta Rhymes or Snoop Dog would enjoy your song,
but that camaro isn't gonna get along

One day when you realize that 2 is too many,
then you can finally sit on the couch and recollect when you don't have a penny


haha! good luck on the new build. you can add another 5 years to the first build now

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Does this mean that we are going to see......dare I say.......Master Blaster?!?!?:bow:

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

Does this mean that we are going to see......dare I say.......Master Blaster?!?!?:bow:

Yea buddy! Master Blaster will back in full-effect for this challenge! All parts will be blasted to a squeaky-clean finish --except for the outer body panels of course. His d/a sander is warming up for those. He keeps one on hand at all times for such occasions.

If your day job doesn't go so well,
then maybe you can take up ringing a bell

I'm sure Busta Rhymes or Snoop Dog would enjoy your song,
but that camaro isn't gonna get along

One day when you realize that 2 is too many,
then you can finally sit on the couch and recollect when you don't have a penny


haha! good luck on the new build. you can add another 5 years to the first build now

Nice lines.. "DJ Jeremy".. Finally-- another Beastie Boys fan out there. Well--- all I can say is... I will give it my best shot to not let 5 years pass by before the '69 is done...:yes:

 

Re: Round Two! '68 Coupe Ground-Up RotoSS / Resto!

can I say it??? "glutton for punishment!" sorry and good luck! I bet you will be looking for a 67 next to complete the trifecta!

 

can I say it??? "glutton for punishment!" sorry and good luck! I bet you will be looking for a 67 next to complete the trifecta!

Lol... I agree (although I'm in denial slightly) The addition of the '67 to the trio will have to wait for some time---definitely. :yes: That would be cool though...:yes:

 

On no .. you will now be responsible for me not getting any work done!! cause i will be reading your multiple threads !! please stop !! i need to be in the garage working, its all your fault :noway::thumbsup:

 

Sorry about that Scott! It's a viscious addiction that I cannot control. Lol...

 

Nice going! What is the finished look plan?

 

Factory colors: Sequoia Green body w/white bumble bee nose "loop" stripe, and a white parchment deluxe interior w/black dash, carpeting and console. I am thinking as close to stock as affordable. (nothing remotely similar to Chick's incredibly-pure '68 Z/28!:noway .... I'm patient, but not that patient.

It will have the following options:
power windows, gm A-body power door locks, power seats, fiber optics Vigilites, power antenna, a/c, bucket seats, fold down rear seat, console w/factory gauges, tilt steering, 4-wheel disc, spoiler delete as factory, 350 v8, TH350, 10-bolt 3.08 posi, fast ratio IROC steering, more... I love 'em loaded up with lots of buttons and gadgets. Haven't thought about the drivetrain as of yet. Most likely a mild beefing up with mostly factory parts as a core powertrain though... (budget issues)

 

Hmmm... Alas, your thread I choose a Hi-Jack not. Dare I speak of it now, but yet another big-block, 1st gen. too shall grace the hollows of my garage...

Soon, very, very soon....

Good luck Todd!

 

Hmmm... Alas, your thread I choose a Hi-Jack not. Dare I speak of it now, but yet another big-block, 1st gen. too shall grace the hollows of my garage...

Soon, very, very soon....

Good luck Todd!

Sounds like you have first-gen fever too there! :yes: Can't wait to witness your next resto. A big block too! nice!!!!!:beers:

 

Looks like you have a great solid project to work with there. What are your plans for this one? Mostly original restoration, or resto-mod maybe?

 

Looks like you have a great solid project to work with there. What are your plans for this one? Mostly original restoration, or resto-mod maybe?

See post #21. Going to attempt to keep this thread short + sweet.

Stock on the outside, but modernized internals and performance (slightly)...\

Sequoia Green body w/a parchement white interior, black dash+console+carpet...

 

duh:clonk:

 

Well... some progress to report on the '68!

After studying the lines, the trunk gaps, the all original seams and panels... I dove in with straightening the trunk weatherstrip gutter along the tail panel top edge. Someone must've used a hammer to get into the trunk compartment at one time and bent it down while prying. They also pushed out the tail light panel slightly but nothing a little dollying won't correct.

Then, I chose to get the trunk gaps nice and even just to see how it would look. The trunk opening is incredibly true and the gaps turned out sweet! I did have to use a few little pieces of 2x4 (wood studs) to help correct the height of the lid at each upper corner to get them on the same plane with the quarters and tulip filler panel. That worked like a charm. My son was helping me and while he was watching me he noticed red/orange dust accumulating on the garage floor. He then said to me, "that brings back memories!" I just grinned and then took a gratifying glance at my '69 and said, "aahhhhhh". he he...

Okay.... after that I played around with the little dings here and there with my body hammers and dollies minimizing the need for filler later on. Great learning experience for my son at the time too. He was impressed.

This time spent studying the shell will get me familiar with what needs to be taken care of metal-wise later on after blasting and epoxy--which are the next steps. There must've been a slight fender-bender on the driver's rear quarter right at the tail light panel seam. I see the filler there--not alot,... but it's there--and they never repaired the dents to boot. So... I spent a little time pushing it out and working the metal. I will most likely be using new repro quarter panel "faces" --not full panels, since the original quarters are soooo nice and clean everywhere else. The only damage is along the wheel opening and under the drop off area at the tail end of each one. Silly to me to open up all of the other seams to install full quarters in this situation. Plus the cost is about $500 less this way! Good deal IMO! * I also noticed that this car had original paint before the previous owner stripped it down to bare metal and left it to flash rust. Amazing to see only one layer of paint on a '68!

What a better way to break in the RotoSS... blasting this shell! I will be sure to cover up the casters and working mechanisms to prevent any black beauty from ruining any of that. I will have time to get the car mounted this weekend and get started. Then it's epoxy time immediately after that. Then metal repair and replacement for another clean and complete shell under my belt! Pics!



Trunk gutter straightened out along tail light panel............

QP to tail light panel seam improved as much as possible just to see what I can do...If you study the of the seam, you'll otice it's still pushed inward slightly along the upper portion of the seam. The quarter faces will be replaced anyway so it's getting cut off anyway... I also corrected the trunk lock cylinder opening which was pushed in from someone prying the lock open... Good ol' PO strikes again. lol...

Now here's an unfamiliar site in Todd's garage lately..... RUST!

Peek-a-boo!!! The original Sequoia Green saying hellooooooo!!!!

and finally.... the trunk gaps.... So easy to do on an untouched car... That was a pleasure to do...

 

I will most likely be using new repro quarter panel "faces" --not full panels, since the original quarters are soooo nice and clean everywhere else. The only damage is along the wheel opening and under the drop off area at the tail end of each one. Silly to me to open up all of the other seams to install full quarters in this situation.

What do you mean, skins or 80% panels? Both are more work than full quarters. With the rust you have between the panels, and the rot in the upper rear LH, opening the pinchwelds is the best way to do the job. Buy AMD for the guage thickness itself.

Looking good! Man I wish I could get my trunk lid gaps as sharp as those. I'm at a loss with my repop trunk lid

What kind? Some are flimsy and have poor torsional rigidity. Just threw a customer's repro junk one in the trash. Otherwise it's just a simple matter of alignment and modification.

 

One half down, one to go... Just have to drill the bolt holes through the frame rail attachment arms to finish up the rear RotoSS. I want as much clearance as I can get between the body and the RotoSS without compromising any stability. I will be using two bolts per attachment arm to minimize movement and maximize safety. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Here ya go Mike! (69z28freak)... You finally get to see what you've been waiting for...The RotoSS in action! (I know-- you wanted to see my '69 up on there instead, but hey-- this should suffice for now)...

* Oh! and someone PLEASE remind me to remove the trunk lid before rotating the shell upside down on the RotoSS! he he...

 

Looking good! Man I wish I could get my trunk lid gaps as sharp as those. I'm at a loss with my repop trunk lid

 

Thanks Jeremy! :beers: I appreciate the compliment and positive post.:yes: This car was never worked on so the lid, the trunk opening, and the hinges are all as they were back in '69. All I had to do was adjust the hinge bolts and gently tap on each upper corner of the lid with a 2x4 to get the corners to lay on the same plane as the quarter-to-tulip filler panel seams. Took about 1 hour or so to get it done. I am hoping the rest of the resto goes this smoothly. :yes:

 

George-- I agree. Especially if it's all that it needs. However-- I may realize it will need a full oem quarter after blasting. We shall see.

Your quarter replacement turned out excellent and I'd be quite happy if mine turned out the same. Mine needs the same job (as the pre-blasting prognosis" anyway... I'm honored that you think I am skilled... Thanks. By no means am I an experienced body man, but I think my logic serves me well when it comes to repair needs and methods. Thanks for refreshing post. :beers:


After a short day out in the shop, I managed to complete a few tasks. I dug out the subframe bolts in the buckets of parts included with the car, that I used to attach the RotoSS to the firewall cagenuts. That was like a treasure hunt. Found lots of nice parts that I will need later on in the build. I do think I should use a slightly longer bolt there though since it is only threaded in 1/4" into the cagenut. Not sure if that's enough for this application. You could just start to see the triangular tip of the bolt sticking through, but not enough IMO... Pics show it below...

Next, I fabricated two L-shaped brackets (stops) that are now welded to the rear frame rail RotoSS attachements I made previously. They prevent the frame rail brackets from rotating while you jack up the RotoSS to height. Kind of like a "wing" if you will... Works great!

Here's how it sits now...

*Lol!!!! I just noticed that I forgot to deactivate my time machine again! Shhhh!!!! my secret invention. (notice the date stamp on the pics...)

 

I was able to remove the washers that were on the firewall RotoSS brackets to gain 1/8" more threads on each bolt. Now the pointed ends of both bolts are flush with the top of the cage around the nut. Ahhhhh... much better and now I can trust it 100%. I also installed the trunk latch temporarily so the trunk lid wouldn't fly open on me during the roto testing. I'll be removing the lid before blasting since it doesn't get blasted...



Here she is ... mounted up and spinning like the wheel on "The Price is Right". To everyone out there considering buying or building a rotisserie.... DO IT! You'll be thrilled with it! *But-- if you have another half-restored first-gen sitting next to it while it's being used, be prepared to hear some growls of jealousy.... My '69 Coupe gave me some dirty looks this evening!

Check out the rocker panels. Just one small patch to work in to fill that hole. (about 2" x 2" square should do it.)

The inner roof bracing however, needs to either be repaired or replaced. I need to look into that after I remove the roof skin.

Here's a shot of the outer/inner wheel housings (driver side)... Some work needed there too... to be expected....

This car is screaming.... "Please blast me!" and Master Blaster is on his way. He called earlier this evening to schedule his arrival from the Sandy Outer Banks of Silicaville. He said I should expect a swift and thorough blasting to expose this '68's innermost beauty. Tally Ho!

Here's the worst of it on the driver's rear lower QP where it was in a small fender bender. Nothing deep though. The skin will be replaced.

 

Here's the link to my new photobucket album just in case anyone needs reference pics. I ran out of room in my signature for it so I wanted to place it in this thread somewhere for future use. :beers:


http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm298/6781camaro/1968 Camaro Resto/

 

Hey Todd did I miss something? I could have sworn you were restoring a 69 Camaro. :thumbsup: Where did the 68 come from? :clonk:

Looks awesome. You know mad dad always told me to finish one thing first before starting another. Looks like you didn't get that advise! :noway:

Looking forward to both builds now. :beers: Are you going to build both at once, or taking a break on the 69? :yes:

Can't wait to see one or both of these cars done.opcorn:

Only you could take on 2 builds at once. :bow:

I am not worthy. Build on Garth! :disco:

 

Hey Todd did I miss something? I could have sworn you were restoring a 69 Camaro. :thumbsup: Where did the 68 come from? :clonk:

Looks awesome. You know mad dad always told me to finish one thing first before starting another. Looks like you didn't get that advise! :noway:

Looking forward to both builds now. :beers: Are you going to build both at once, or taking a break on the 69? :yes:

Can't wait to see one or both of these cars done.opcorn:

Only you could take on 2 builds at once. :bow:

I am not worthy. Build on Garth! :disco:

Awesome use of the emotiocons! So good, that there's none left for me to use. Wah wah wah wahhhhhhhh. (10 per post only!) ugh! So I will improvise.... bammm! Boo yeah! Grrrrrr!


Yep-- kind of a spur-of-the-moment decision. I just couldn't pass it up and it was local. I got the fever for the flavor of an First-gen! he he !!!

Since I am only one person, yes-- I will be taking a break from the '69 for a little while. For some odd reason, I miss blasting, cutting, chopping, cleaning dust and rust piles...etc... Need to start shaving daily again so my respirator works like it should.... Ugh!

 

Todd, I don't know if I have posted these before, but here is a picture of my Dad blasting in his "trial and error" suit. He tried several different things before comming up with this combination. Its an army surplus gas mask , complete with glass eye coverings, and a Dupont tyvex suit. Its works great. You can blast in one of these and not have a speck of sand on or in you.

 

Jim-- Do you mean these? I should invest in something like this. Big timesaver in the clean up department!:yes:

 

Those are the ones! Man those things are great. For hot or cold weather I have used them for painting and blasting. Dont forget your respirator. Blast on.

 

Definitely-- on the respirator....

Here they are for a great price. Flat fee shipping of only $6 too! I just ordered TWO....

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/cart.php

Lowe's/Home Depot has them too, but twice the price.