1969 Camaro (Restoration)

[zraffz]

Newer floor pans, quarters, fiberglass fenders/front end/hood. The car has a fuel cell, interior is gutted, manual steering, no luxury (speakers/radio/etc). He had a 700R4 built for it with a 1,800 stall converter. It's a 350 bored .030", .525"/.525" think I read 288 duration, dart heads, god knows why he has a victor jr on it (guess I'll have to see where it stops pulling since he kept all his documentation for his sake although the tach indicates it should only be turning 6 grand), gear driven timing assembly, 1.6 roller rockers and a holley 750. He ran a best of 12.8 @ 108 with a 1.9 60'. I think the car has an easy 12.5 or better with stickier tires and the right manifold. Probably going to spray it as my motor finishes completion.

Panels on passenger side need some aligning, something is tweaked in the door hinge area. Right after he re-skinned the quarter panels his .38 went off and shot a hole in the passenger side :rofl:
Interior is ratty. No headliner, carpet, console... pretty much a dash and two racing seats. It does have slapper bars and weld in sub frame connectors though.

This is my ultimate dream car. I never would mention a 1969 Camaro when the conversation would come up because I figured I'd never afford one. Dumb enough luck I punched in 1969 Camaro on craigslist (might do it once every 6 months) and this came up as just posted. Immediately called and said I wanted to see it. Next day (yesterday), I put a deposit and came back with a trailer. Turns out he was in a tight spot and had to let it go after reviving it from a field 15 years ago... paid $6,200. Thank god I was the first one to get to look at it.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg443/scaled.php?server=443&filename=0924121353.jpg&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg145/scaled.php?server=145&filename=0924121354.jpg&res=landing
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http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg820/scaled.php?server=820&filename=0924121353a.jpg&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg31/scaled.php?server=31&filename=0925121509.jpg&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg208/scaled.php?server=208&filename=0925121505.jpg&res=landing
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg543/scaled.php?server=543&filename=0924122350.jpg&res=landing


Special thanks to NJBadSS for lending me his trailer. Car is going to my Uncle's garage. I will be working on it there.

[zraffz]

Starting out fixing control arm (suspension on passenger side is currently a block of wood; all parts are in the trunk); he was in the middle of changing bushings when he lost his storage and had to move it in a hurry.
Afterwards I'm doing new weather stripping all around, wire wheeling the underside and floor. Anybody have a good suggestion on what to seal it with? Seen hit or miss results with POR15.

[LTb1ow]

So much slow race car, hillbilly deluxe going on with that car, so awesome. Good luck with it!

Pics of the .38 hole would be cool as well. :lol:

[maroman88]

Nice!

[zraffz]

So much slow race car, hillbilly deluxe going on with that car, so awesome. Good luck with it!

Pics of the .38 hole would be cool as well. :lol:

lmao thanks. It's kinda funny, I like the direction it was going. Conveniently I want a street/strip car but I'd feel guilty ruining a car with a nice interior... now I won't feel bad caging it. I don't have much plans besides carpet, headliner, door/sail panels, and a god damn radio... and nicer seats. Also saves me money not buying SFCs and slapper bars.
Once I straiten out the body it's getting painted gloss black, new window/door trim and badges. As long as it looks good from the outside I'd be very happy.

Got a TH350, 2,500 B&M converter, and a Trick Flow 23* 195cc 383 (still being built although I have all the expensive stuff). I'd be happy with an 11 second NA pump fuel motor since I won't spend much time driving it anyway :facepalm:

[1320B4U]

Lucky man you are. Would love a '69 myself..the pinnacle of any camaro. Awesome score! I checked one out about 8 years ago...250/6 in vernon...marina blue w/black stripes for 6k (body need work though..obv)...ran great but didn't move for a number of years..just too much of a project for me at that time but the wheels did turn in my head.

[L695speed]

Sweet score there. Hope to see it around sooner rather than later. So whats left, only a second gen and you have the complete collection? The 5th gen isn't continuous so it doesn't count.

[zraffz]

So whats left, only a second gen and you have the complete collection? The 5th gen isn't continuous so it doesn't count.

haha well I only own a 1st and 4th but my brother has a 3rd. Trying to sell my 4th now cause I won't be able to finish that but their is still another 4th at my house :rofl:

Absolutely zero interest in owning a 2nd gen... I'll leave that one up to my brother to obtain :bertstare:
Also no interest in a 5th. It ain't even a f-body.


Should see the car come spring. I might throw it on the road this year but I seriously doubt it. I'd rather just get to everything that needs my attention.


Lucky man you are. Would love a '69 myself..the pinnacle of any camaro. Awesome score! I checked one out about 8 years ago...250/6 in vernon...marina blue w/black stripes for 6k (body need work though..obv)...ran great but didn't move for a number of years..just too much of a project for me at that time but the wheels did turn in my head.
I called him and I explained how badly I've always wanted one and I begged this guy not to let anybody else come see it til I saw it. I told him if it was anything like it was in the pictures I wouldn't ask any questions and wouldn't try to beat him down on the price (he wanted $6,500). He actually had a line of people to see if and his phone was going nuts when I went to look at it. Cool dude, I couldn't make it down that night and took off work and only got down there around noon.

[L695speed]

Ah ok I see now. Still though it would be neat to have one of each gen. Good luck on selling the LT1 car. If you intend to keep the 69 and would care to spend some decent coin perhaps a Schwartz Chassis? Drop the body on, drivetrain of choice and then go out and out corner a vette.

[BonzoHansen]

Ah ok I see now. Still though it would be neat to have one of each gen. Good luck on selling the LT1 car. If you intend to keep the 69 and would care to spend some decent coin perhaps a Schwartz Chassis? Drop the body on, drivetrain of choice and then go out and out corner a vette.

I suspect the OP does not have $30,000+ to drop on a car. lol

[WildBillyT]

Cool man, good luck with it.

I've got some leftover '69 parts floating around, dunno if you'd need anything. Front wheel wells, bumpers, some misc interior stuff.

[B4C]

The grill and headlights are very 1980's

[BonzoHansen]

The grill and headlights are very 1980's
and the wheels

[zraffz]

I suspect the OP does not have $30,000+ to drop on a car. lol
lol absolutely not but if i did I'd be on the phone with nelson racing inquiring about their 1,400 horse twin turbo ls7 :shock:

Cool man, good luck with it.

I've got some leftover '69 parts floating around, dunno if you'd need anything. Front wheel wells, bumpers, some misc interior stuff.
What condition are the bumpers in? I hate how my front one is gray and the back is a rusty/pitted chrome. On the other hand I found a set for $150 new from some company.

and the wheels
haha the wheels are terrible. Don't rub it in! However that isn't a big priority as of now. And that grill is growing on me. I guess it depends what I end up building (classic or retro rod). I think gloss black, lowered a hair with 17/18" wheels and a chevy logo on the grill is the only way to make it look half way descent. Thinking I want to keep a classic look though and therefor I'll need a grill.

[WildBillyT]

lol absolutely not but if i did I'd be on the phone with nelson racing inquiring about their 1,400 horse twin turbo ls7 :shock:


What condition are the bumpers in? I hate how my front one is gray and the back is a rusty/pitted chrome. On the other hand I found a set for $150 new from some company.


haha the wheels are terrible. Don't rub it in! However that isn't a big priority as of now. And that grill is growing on me. I guess it depends what I end up building (classic or retro rod). I think gloss black, lowered a hair with 17/18" wheels and a chevy logo on the grill is the only way to make it look half way descent. Thinking I want to keep a classic look though and therefor I'll need a grill.

I do not believe they are dented at all but they would need to be rechromed or polished. Regardless of if you buy mine or not, be aware that repro bumpers are NOTORIOUS for being of poor quality/thin gauge/cheap chrome.

If you are serious I'll haul them out tonight.

[zraffz]

I'll get back to you. I want to see if someone painted over my front or not. I am pretty sure I can save my rear bumper and make it look good.


Edit:
and thanks for the heads up.

[L695speed]

LOL that is true....but I know you can get a bare chassis and do as you wish for less than 10 grand. However a full true rolling chassis with brakes and all, assuming you got the highest cost options and had it assembled.... it would be around 34 grand. But thats with a 9,000 dollar IRS suspension, 8,000 dollar brakes, etc. Can easily be had and built for less presuming you are up for the work. Just putting that out there for fun.

[sweetbmxrider]

What's with the baby stall?

[zraffz]

What's with the baby stall?

No idea... I don't know much about the motor. Like I said, Victor Jr and 1,800 stall don't go hand in hand. Neither does setting the tach at 6,000 RPM shifts and Victor Jr.

My 383 is going to be a small stall too. No plans of making this thing a pain to drive. Don't need a lot of power in a gutted car with a fiberglass front end.

[sweetbmxrider]

Converter technology has come so far from back in the day. I dded a tight 3600 converter no problem. Now I drive a looser 4k stall and it still is fine driving any day I want rain or shine.

[zraffz]

Converter technology has come so far from back in the day. I dded a tight 3600 converter no problem. Now I drive a looser 4k stall and it still is fine driving any day I want rain or shine.

I'll keep it in mind. Not to late to have my trick flows ported and I didn't buy a cam yet.

[zraffz]

car sat for two months, finally started working on it.
Got parts starting to come in. (th400, trans brake, grille, suspension parts/lowering springs).

Floors ground, first coat of POR15 applied. Interior torn apart. Picked up weld pro stars with nitto nt555r drag radials.

http://imageshack.us/a/img268/7207/1121121610.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img20/5184/1121121609a.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img19/6994/1121121609b.jpg


Front is getting lowered 2":
http://imageshack.us/a/img87/788/1130121641a.jpg

[zraffz]

Car was lowered 2" with new shocks and front control arm bushings, bought air shocks for the rear and pinion shims to adjust the slapper bars.
Front half of the frame was ground down and painted. Floors have been POR15'd from the top so far, getting ready to patch a few small holes and apply another coat.

Since I was on a bender to remove the things I didn't like (replaced wheels with Weld Pro Stars), I got myself a new grille:
http://imageshack.us/a/img197/291/1219121557.jpg


Been kicking around the idea in my head of converting to a TPI harness and running an HSR or Mini Ram.

[zraffz]

Getting ready to convert to fuel injection (accel pro ram manifold & rails with a custom sheet metal elbow and 58mm TPIS throttle body).
http://imageshack.us/a/img14/6944/0111131521.jpg

And a TC78 turbo for that extra ooomf.
http://imageshack.us/a/img836/5345/0111131645.jpg

[sweetbmxrider]

You are loco maaan

[1320B4U]

Now thats what i'm talking about!

[townsend]

saweet. what harness and computer you gonna run?

[Mezzy]

I'm looking for a 69 to build as well. I hope I get as lucky as you did,lol. Nice car. Must feel great knowing you got ur dream car.

[zraffz]

Thanks guys!
The harness and ecu are from a 1990 Trans Am. I have to pull it apart and prune the harness down from the emissions crap and just check the condition of the harness. I will be bypassing the VATS for now to make sure it's set up right but when I start tuning I am going to order the EBL P4 (it's a prom that allows you to tune through a laptop and check live data without having to burn a new prom).

[zraffz]

I am getting ready to build two versions of the hotside out of PVC. One with the headers flipped up - routing the bulk of the pipes above the motor and the other with the headers sitting normal and the piping underneath.

I am sticking with 2.5" pipe off each collector but I have been wondering about one part of the system. I am going to use mandrel bent pipes but where the two 2.5" pipes meet the T4 flange what is my ultimate goal?
I have found flanges that are rounded to fit the pipe without heat stretching the pipes but I would like to just spend the $55 and buy a pre-made section of pipe where they merge to go into a single T4 flange. Do I want my two 2.5" pipes to merge into a single 2.5" pipe at the flange (will this bottleneck the system) or should I step up from two 2.5" inlets to a 2.75" or 3" outlet? It will literally be for 2-3" of the system but I don't want to do all this work to cripple it at the turbo flange.
Examples are given below of the pipe using dual 2.5" inlet to a single 2.5" outlet (outlet size can be changed from 2.5", 2.75" 3" or maybe even bigger with the proper T4 flange for the diameter chosen):

Parallel merge:
http://www.mandrel-bends.com/catalog/collectors-x-pipes-t-s-100/parallel-2-1-merge-collectors-117/2-1-merge-collector-parallel-2-50-inlets-2-50-outlet-mild-1998.html

Splayed merge:
http://www.mandrel-bends.com/catalog/collectors-x-pipes-t-s-100/splayed-2-1-merge-collectors-180/2-1-merge-collector-splayed-2-50-inlets-2-50-outlet-mild-1765.html

Although I can probably make a splayed merge without too much headache, the $55 is worth it to me. Will either of the two merges be a better choice other than a splayed merge giving me more room to weld?

EDIT:
This is for a 383 with a 1.15 AR TC78

[Mezzy]

Wow man, you really hit the jackpot. I'm looking for somthin similar. Wish me luck.

[Mike]

Wow man, you really hit the jackpot. I'm looking for somthin similar. Wish me luck.

You said this three posts ago

[zraffz]

Nice surprise... I ordered a set of 1 5/8" primaries -3" collector headers, well one came in with a 2.5" collector. Now I am a week further behind waiting for another shipment from California. I changed my order to 1 5/8" 2.5" collectors though.

[WildBillyT]

2.5" collector? What? Why?

[zraffz]

2.5" collector? What? Why?

I didn't mean that. I meant I ordered both with 3" collectors. They are taking the 2.5" one back. I'm kind of disappointed. One reducer is ovaled like it got too hot when they welded it. I have a new 3" header and a new set of 2.5" reducers coming.

[BonzoHansen]

what headers?

[zraffz]

Sanderson CC2 1 5/8" Primaries 3" collectors to 2.5" reducers. They are about 6" tall overall. I've seen them used to be flipped upward with a little grinding for the coolant temp sensor but I want to try and route my piping under the motor so I'm hoping I don't have to flip them. With my angle plug trick flows I have great plug clearance either way though.

[chrisfrom nj]

nice project the car looks great

[BonzoHansen]

I am surprised to hear a problem with a Sanderson header.

[zraffz]

I am surprised to hear a problem with a Sanderson header.

Customer service is great and in their defense the headers themselves seem like a great product. The flanges are very thick, the tube gauge is thicker than most, they offer great plug clearance.
I am allowed to be annoyed after waiting 3 weeks for them but stuff like this happens.


EDIT:
In case anybody feels like laughing at my misfortune...
http://imageshack.us/a/img19/6572/0114131626.jpg

[sweetbmxrider]

No merge spike? And is that rusting? So I guess its not stainless?

[zraffz]

No merge spike? And is that rusting? So I guess its not stainless?
Opted to stay away from any stainless or fancy coatings for welding reasons just in case I have to modify anything. Entire exhaust will be built out of mild steel.
As far as a velocity/merge spike, it wasn't an option. I had to rather sacrifice overall size of header/price/quality and in that ballpark nothing came with any sort of spike. With or without it I will still reach this turbos full potential. :bertstare:

[coolmanvette75]

Looks like a sweet build! Gonna be cool seeing a turbo'd gen1 sbc 1st gen...

[LTb1ow]

1.15 AR?

What do your heads flow?

[zraffz]

1.15 AR?

What do your heads flow?

I believe right around 265cfm. Don't forget although this has a 78mm compressor shoehorned inside it, it's still only a 68mm turbine wheel. I don't want to be restricted to 5,000 RPM shift points lol.

[sweetbmxrider]

Opted to stay away from any stainless or fancy coatings for welding reasons just in case I have to modify anything. Entire exhaust will be built out of mild steel.
As far as a velocity/merge spike, it wasn't an option. I had to rather sacrifice overall size of header/price/quality and in that ballpark nothing came with any sort of spike. With or without it I will still reach this turbos full potential. :bertstare:

Yeah that's true, you might have to hack it up. Makes sense.

[Featherburner]

Opted to stay away from any stainless or fancy coatings for welding reasons just in case I have to modify anything. You do know stainless can be welded, right?

[PolarBear]

You do know stainless can be welded, right?

And if you dont have the material you can weld it to regular mild steel with regular ER60 or ER70

[Kat]

No merge spike? And is that rusting? So I guess its not stainless?

Who cares about that. The exhaust is getting pushed out by the boost anyways... That kinda stuff is more for the NA/nitrous guys.

And I'm totally jealous of this build. I'd love todo a pro touring 69 camaro

[LTb1ow]

Exhaust gets pushed out by the boost?

[zraffz]

And if you dont have the material you can weld it to regular mild steel with regular ER60 or ER70

I've never welded stainless before. Rather not attempt it for the first time on an expensive build.


Thanks again. I don't really know what direction this car is going. I love the pro touring cars but I'm thinking for now it's stay primered with a slight rake. It's already been set up to go in a strait line by the PO and to change it any time in the near future just isn't going to happen. With the local track shutting down it really threw me for a loop.

Got a complete TPI setup from a 1990 Trans Am today. Started tackling the harness. Stripped it down, it was in very good condition. I broke apart the plastic gromet for the part of the harness that runs through the firewall so I can more easily label everything. Afterwards I'll be inspecting the wires more carefully, pruning any useless stuff and prepping it to go in the car.

[Kat]

Exhaust gets pushed out by the boost?

Yes when overlap occurs and turbo is spooled up.....:nick:

[zraffz]

It's too damn cold in the unheated garage to do anything. I did order a stand alone harness though. I am going to copy the wiring on my stock harness just so I have a spare since I have a complete TPI setup laying around... I'm sure down the road I'll use it for something.

[BonzoHansen]

today wasn't! I got 2 hours in the garage today after my son's basketball game.

[zraffz]

today wasn't! I got 2 hours in the garage today after my son's basketball game.

I'm a candy ass when it's not a priority :facepalm:

It's uninsulated and I have no heater. My list of things to do is adding up very quickly and I'll be really busy once it gets warm out again. I prefer wheeling the car outside because the lighting in this garage sucks.