CRG Discussion Forum

Model Specific Discussions => Trans-Am Camaros => Topic started by: exracer29 on January 08, 2016, 02:12:26 PM

Title: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 08, 2016, 02:12:26 PM
Jon,
I have been a member/ lurker since 2011 and have fallen in love with the Trans-Am forum. There is so much awesome history and photos here. I have been wanting to build a Trans-Am style car for the street since the late 1980's early 1990's when Hot Rod magazine did a spread on one of the Penske 68's. This was long before "Pro Touring" came along, but I always thought it would be cool to do.

Around the time I joined I was doing a frame up restomod 1968 Camaro that I bought from my brother. It was built with some vintage Trans-Am influence but in the back of my mind I knew I would end up selling it back to my brother (which I did) so I didnt get too wild with it. The "Pro Touring" thing is now in top gear, but the expense of building one is out of my reach. So, since alot of the PT guys look to Trans-Am as the Grandfather of the trend, I figured building a new car with vintage technology would be a lot cheaper, so that is what I've set out to do.

Before I go much further however, I wanted to know if you would like me to continue here with a new thread, or if you would prefer I reply the the older existing thread on Street Trans Am cars. Also, this is only my fourth post, and I know some forums wont let new members post photos until they have a certain amount of posts.

Anyhoo- let me know if you prefer I continue with the new thread or the existing one and I will post some pics and see what the folks here think.

Thanks
Dean
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on January 08, 2016, 02:24:24 PM
Dean,

Thanks for posting and I'm glad you are a fan of the forum. It sounds like you have a project that many here would enjoy seeing. I appreciate you asking the questions that you did and I think posting your pics and info in this thread is just fine. I look forward to what you have to share.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 08, 2016, 03:05:28 PM
Jon- thanks for the reply.
As I said I love this forum and as I was born in 1968 the series in its original configuration was long gone by the time I became interested in cars. But since that Hot Rod issue, I have spent considerable time pondering how to build a street legal version of a T/A car. Of course once the internet hit, then-wow, information overload.
So, I went at the project as if I was actually building a privateer car for myself to race had I been in my 20s or 30s in 1972ish. What I ended up doing was going for a circa early '70 era car, maybe '72 or so. A 2-3 year old car from a junkyard at that time would have been cheap and used parts plentiful. 
It would be far less expensive to build an independent car than trying to build a factory "clone" as I wouldnt have to mortgage my house for a crossram intake or minilite wheels for example.

Around this time last year I located a '69 Firebird in Montrose, Colorado. It was pretty beat up but the tub itself looked pretty good. The drive train and interior were long gone and the price was substantially less than a '69 Camaro would have been in the same condition. I live in Arizona so I bought it basically unseen other than photos on Craigslist. Around the same time I found a complete 1969 Camaro front clip in Montrose as well for dirt cheap. So, I was on my way. I got the car to Phoenix and started the transformation into a 1969 Camaro. I replaced the tail light panel with a 69 Camaro piece and replaced the 'bird quarters with Camaro ones, and voila' 1969 Camaro.

I have done all the work on the car myself in my garage and with a pretty tight budget, but going back to the original concept of an independent entry, I think it looks pretty good and captures the spirit of the series pretty well. This car is a tribute to the series and is a completely fictional car. Its not a "clone" at all. I took the plethora of information garnered from this forum and photo downloads from the internet and combined several tidbits from different cars into mine.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 08, 2016, 04:27:52 PM
68 I did for my brother
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 08, 2016, 04:34:06 PM
sorry- photo posting takes getting used to. engine pic in previous post is from my current car. addtl pics of current car

Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 08, 2016, 04:36:52 PM
couple more shots
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on January 08, 2016, 05:50:33 PM
Hey just read your posts. The 68 turned out nice. Your 69 Project is well underway and looks like your going to be on target with it.  For being on a tight budget, I would say your doing an awesome job so far. Keep the pics coming.. :D
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 08, 2016, 07:06:38 PM
Thanks. Its been a really fun project so far. I am hoping to get the front clip put on this coming weekend, so hopefully have some additional pics after that. I have lots of buildup pics, but I should probably start another thread somewhere else if I want to track all that. Just for kicks- here's what I started with:
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 1109RWHP on January 09, 2016, 12:29:37 AM
Look good so far!  I am still surprised that there are so few street T/A cars out there. Everything I see at shows or cruise nights has drag racing theme to it.  One of these days my T/A Boss 302 will be done. Working on the motor build right now.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 09, 2016, 01:48:43 AM
Thanks- I'm really looking forward to driving it. I know what you mean though about the street TA thing not catching on. I think the pro touring trend has filled the gap. I'll try to do my part to get the trend started here in Phoenix- hah!
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on January 09, 2016, 05:33:06 AM
Dean, I agree with the others and I think you're doing a great job. I think your Firebird roller was a great platform to start your project with. I guess the one thing I'd say is the T/A cars were required to run on rims no wider than 8" back in the timeframe you're shooting for. Your back rims look like they could be 10". Then again, you aren't required to "follow the rules" with something like this.

It looks like you didn't cut the trunk floor for a fuel cell. Are you going to stick with a stock tank? Out of curiosity, what are you going to do about exhaust?

I think your brother's car looks good too. It's certainly more friendly to its driver and passenger with no cage and a full interior.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on January 09, 2016, 06:19:21 AM
I think everyone will like your T/A car.... well except for the firebird guys...hahaha,

(They probably would have preferred a Vintage Titus firebird T/A car).

From past pics, I think it was one of the few (or one?), but after the 69 season it may have been history?

Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 11, 2016, 02:00:47 AM
Jon- yes the rears are 15x10. I might be able to return to 15x8's, but I really wanted to do the rear flares and I wanted the the fattest rubber back there I could when I do them. I was really trying to replicate the flares on the American Airlines Chamberlain car when he took it down under. I know the Aussies were running 10" wide wheels around then although from what Ive read here he was still running 8's. Anyhoo, it looks like a BUNCH of rubber back there and I love the way it looks and sits. 'Course mine didnt come out quite the same...
The nice thing about this car is I can go back and re-do things and not be too broken up about it.
As far as the tank- I would really like to run a fuel cell, but as the car most likely never see any track time and budget constraints I will probably stick with the stock tank for now. I may fabricate a sheet metal tub to bolt on from below so it looks like there is a cell back there.
And the exhaust- I cant wait to get going on that. I will be true out the side exhaust although I would like to have both pipes dump on the passenger side like the Dick Hoffman/ Dave Horchler 1970 #48 TA Camaro. I have no illusions as to the noise that will be inside that un-carpeted and sound deadened interior, so hopefully dumping it out the pass side will be a little better.
I plan to run "cherry bomb" style mufflers. I actually built a set of road race pipes for the '68 but I had to really beat them up to get them to hug the floor pans. On the 69 I cut out sections of the pinch weld since the cage should mitigate any structural loss there (if there is any loss in the first place). Anyhoo, that should allow me to tuck the pipes up closer to the floor. Also the set I did for the 68 were 4" and on the 69 I will run 3" max. I have some pictures of the set I did for the 68 at work- I'll post them up tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the kind words. I was able to get the front clip on this weekend and get some sponsor stickers on. Hopefully the nose will settle a bit more- sits a little nose high right now. I plan to put some beefier tires up front I would like to switch the wheels out for 200s style wheels, but the rallies will do for now. I know some of the independent guys ran steelies early on, but by '72 or so, maybe this was no longer the case.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 11, 2016, 06:40:04 PM
Road race pipes for the 68. Summit glass packs with a 4” outer shell. Welded 4” exhaust tubing to shell. Because of pinch weld had to cut slits in pipe and beat the tops of the tubing to get the pipes closer to the floor pan. Will use 3” pipe on the 69 and I notched out the pinch weld, so should come out nicer and be tight up against the pan.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 11, 2016, 06:40:55 PM
and on the 68- kinda hard to see
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on January 17, 2016, 04:32:16 PM
Dean, did your brother use the pipes on the street and if so, how was the noise?
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 19, 2016, 04:13:01 PM
Jon- i drove it around the block a few times like that, but decided I was going to go for more of a resto mod type car, so I took them off and eventually placed full 2.75" system out the back. The side exit pipes were pretty loud, but not any worse than straight header glass packs, which I liked to run when I was younger. I will try it out on the 69 and see how it goes. I'm not a long haired teenager anymore, so maybe the police wont hassle me. We will see...
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on January 21, 2016, 03:24:54 AM
Well, I hope it works out to your satisfaction.  I didn't see any specs on the engine.  What are you doing with that?
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 21, 2016, 05:30:26 PM
Yes, I hope so as well...
The engine is a used 350ci I got from a buddy for cheap. Its nothing crazy- maybe 300hp. I know displacement should be under 305ci but for the street it will be fine. The block numbers actually code out to either a 302 or a 350, but the likely hood of it being a legit 302 is probably slim to none (honestly- I think its a factory replacement block). I contemplated building a poor mans' 302 using what is it- a 327 block and a 283 crank- but for now the 350 will be fine. Backing that up is a Muncie M20 four speed. I would have preferred a close ratio M21, but the M20 was a good deal and will be just fine. I love rowing through the gears of a four speed and a small block, and wouldn't EVEN consider putting a slush bucket auto in this type of car. The car is a poser true, but slapping an auto in there is going to far... In the rear I have the stock non posi BOP 10bolt with stock leaves and 1" lowering blocks. Stock drum brakes in the rear. All suspension points are rebuilt with poly components. I have an aftermarket sway bar and 3" lowered springs in front with drilled and vented stock style disk brakes. Power steering and brakes (would have preferred manual brakes and steering, but was cheaper to stay with what the car came with).

Jon- I have a question for you and the others concerning the windshield and back window retaining tabs and straps. How were those typically affixed to the body of the car? rivets, screws, nut and bolt? I would think they would have been removable and not permanently affixed say by rivet. Does anyone have any close up photos they could share? Thanks in advance for the input
Dean

Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on January 21, 2016, 05:53:54 PM
...
Jon- I have a question for you and the others concerning the windshield and back window retaining tabs and straps. How were those typically affixed to the body of the car? rivets, screws, nut and bolt? I would think they would have been removable and not permanently affixed say by rivet. Does anyone have any close up photos they could share? Thanks in advance for the input
Dean

What I remember from my friend's Z28s (and other cars) were aluminum tabs (~ 1 inch wide, 2" long with screws into the body to hold them in place and restrain the windshield from popping out).  There may have even been a specification or rule governing this for SCCA, TA, or IMSA racing???
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: janobyte on January 21, 2016, 10:47:12 PM
Cool!!
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on January 22, 2016, 02:19:50 AM
Jon- I have a question for you and the others concerning the windshield and back window retaining tabs and straps. How were those typically affixed to the body of the car? rivets, screws, nut and bolt? I would think they would have been removable and not permanently affixed say by rivet. Does anyone have any close up photos they could share? Thanks in advance for the input
Dean

Dean, the 1972 SCCA rule book says... "Windshield safety clips 3" x 1" x 1/8" must be installed.  Three clips must be bolted or riveted to the body at the top of the windshield and must extend over the edge of the windshield.  Two clips must be bolted or riveted to the cowl and extend over the bottom edge of the windshield.  Clips must be spaced a minimum of 12" apart.  Rear window must be secured with two straps 1" wide, 1/8" thick, bolted or riveted to the body both at the top and bottom of the rear glass."
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 22, 2016, 03:17:42 AM
Jon-thanks for that. I was just perusing the rules for '72 and hadn't gotten to that section yet. I will be ready for the straps pretty soon. 69Z28-RS- thanks for your reply as well- aluminum will be much easier to source in those sizes and easier to bend and manipulate.

Another question- this one concerning tires. Since I cant run blue streaks on the street, is there an equivalent size in a radial as far as width and sidewall height (assuming I was running 15x8 wheels)? If this is covered somewhere else, please direct me there.
Currently, with my 15x10 wheels on the back I have 295/50/15s which I like allot, but I'm having a difficult time finding a wide tire for the 8x15 wheels on the front that will fill up the wheelwell, but not have a taller sidewall than my rear tires.

Also, did the original T/A cars run staggered rims- 7x15 front and 8x15 rear or were they all 8" wide with different offsets front to rear? I have read the wheel thread but don't remember seeing anything about the rim widths

Thanks again in advance for everyone's knowledge.
Dean
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on January 22, 2016, 03:46:09 AM
You're welcome. I have not done any research on radial tires comparing sizes, etc.  Maybe somebody else has but I haven't.  Hoosier makes a bias ply tire called a Street TD which is kind of a street legal racing tire. They are available in a few different sizes for 15" rims.

I think most racers back in the day, especially by 1972 used 15x8 wheels all the way around and they had flared fenders to allow that to be possible. You'll see some vintage T/A cars today use 15x7s up front with 15x8s in the back but there are only two different Goodyear Bluestreak sizes to use these days. Many of the cars have been restored without the big flares so the narrower rim and smaller tire helps up front.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 1109RWHP on January 23, 2016, 12:00:06 AM
How about a Cooper Cobra 165 50 15.
http://www.rims4less.com/proddetail.php?prod=COOPERCOBRAGT&firstatt=265&secondatt=50&thirdatt=15&cat=7
Or Hankook
http://www.onlinetires.com/products/vehicle/tires/hankook/265%252F50-15+hankook+ventus+h101+99s+rwl.html
I have that size on the front of my Mustang on 15x8 200s wheels.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 1109RWHP on January 23, 2016, 12:03:48 AM
(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx86/1109RWHP/fender%20flares/fender%20flares%20pt1%20021_zpsve0rt7ec.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/1109RWHP/media/fender%20flares/fender%20flares%20pt1%20021_zpsve0rt7ec.jpg.html)
(http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx86/1109RWHP/fender%20flares/fender%20flares%20pt1%20024_zpsqe6zkpnr.jpg) (http://s744.photobucket.com/user/1109RWHP/media/fender%20flares/fender%20flares%20pt1%20024_zpsqe6zkpnr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: janobyte on January 23, 2016, 12:25:58 AM
gotta say, nice to see a project not following any of the "beaten paths" Sort of back to the grass roots of the hobby. Really digging your vision on this.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 23, 2016, 12:36:11 AM
How about a Cooper Cobra 165 50 15.
http://www.rims4less.com/proddetail.php?prod=COOPERCOBRAGT&firstatt=265&secondatt=50&thirdatt=15&cat=7
Or Hankook
http://www.onlinetires.com/products/vehicle/tires/hankook/265%252F50-15+hankook+ventus+h101+99s+rwl.html
I have that size on the front of my Mustang on 15x8 200s wheels.

Yes- both of those look good. Your mustang looks great- a link to some better pics? I have a soft spot for 200s wheels... I will check the overall diameter compared to my 295/50/15s but I think those might be the ticket. And the price fits my budget too! Awesome- thanks so much for the info.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 23, 2016, 02:26:08 AM
gotta say, nice to see a project not following any of the "beaten paths" Sort of back to the grass roots of the hobby. Really digging your vision on this.
Thanks- I am really enjoying it. Been a dream of mine for many years. For once I'm possibly on the front end of the trend...? instead of catching the tail end of it...
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 23, 2016, 02:31:29 AM
I checked the overall diameter of my tires- turns out I'm running 295/50/15 Hankook's on the rear which come out at 26.60" in dia. The Hankook 265/50/15 looks to be 25.4 dia so I think they will be perfect. Im gonna order up a pair from Discount Tire Direct which is here in Phoenix. Free shipping and I get them usually next day.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on January 23, 2016, 06:02:26 PM
Looks like you got some good info on tires to use. I think the American 200-S wheels are a great choice also.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 1109RWHP on January 23, 2016, 08:14:09 PM
Try this link to my photobucket page.
http://s744.photobucket.com/user/1109RWHP/library/200s%20wheels?sort=3&page=1
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on January 24, 2016, 04:37:44 PM
Try this link to my photobucket page.
http://s744.photobucket.com/user/1109RWHP/library/200s%20wheels?sort=3&page=1
Wow! Beautiful work. Much better sheet metal talents than me! Gonna be a stunning car when its done. Fine job!
Dean
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on February 06, 2016, 11:22:51 PM
Alright- I ordered up some 265/50/15s and got them mounted up today. Also, got the rear window in and the straps fabbed up and put on- turned out pretty good. Really diggin' the new front tires, just wish the front end would settle down a bit. Maybe I'll raise the rear end back up an inch. Passenger side front sits higher than the driver side and the rear passenger side sits lower than the drivers rear... all new poly bushings and swapped original rear springs side to side. oh well good enough for now.
Dean
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on February 07, 2016, 04:44:59 PM
Looks like a good size rear tire for the car. The back seems a bit high but maybe it's the angle of the photo that makes it look that way. The rear window straps and gas filler look good.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on March 22, 2016, 07:54:20 PM
I found some cheap used 200s copies (aluminum centers with steel hoops). 15x7 front and 15x8 rear- same tires as before. Pictures aren't the greatest, but take a look and see if you guys think this is a little more period looking. I may put some 1" spacers out back to get the flare a little more filled up- we'll see
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on March 22, 2016, 07:55:43 PM
Another view
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 1109RWHP on March 23, 2016, 12:10:55 AM
That looks a lot better!  I would not move them out any more or it will start to look like a drag car.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on March 23, 2016, 03:07:16 AM
That looks a lot better!  I would not move them out any more or it will start to look like a drag car.

X2
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on March 23, 2016, 03:25:50 AM
Everything is coming together now. The stance looks great.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on April 18, 2016, 04:56:03 PM
I got my retro style Kirkey seat mounted and got my headlight covers and front spoiler on this weekend. Next up will be a custom wiring harness to feed the bare essentials and then I should be pretty close to test drive time.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on April 18, 2016, 04:58:12 PM
Sorry- spoiler and headlight covers
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on April 18, 2016, 10:01:17 PM
Z/28 emblem to low? anyone ?

Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 19, 2016, 12:12:24 AM
Z/28 emblem to low? anyone ?


Yes, but not that it matters that much on that car... :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on April 19, 2016, 03:48:23 AM
Well he is trying to make it look like a vintage racer, so every little bit helps... ;)

(Of corse a silver grill would also make it look more the part, since no Z ever had a black grill.)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 19, 2016, 11:47:09 AM
I doubt that many 'real racers' actually left that Z28 emblem on their grill....  :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on April 19, 2016, 04:11:23 PM
lol- aw, cranky- I knew there was something amiss there! Thats it, I'm done with the car. With a blatant mistake like that- I cant go on... (tongue in cheek) ;)
Of course, I can move the emblem but it must stay- its the key element of a running joke. When people ask me if its a real Z28, I say "No, its not even a real Camaro!"
And I was never real big on the argent silver grill- always liked the black version better- correct or not... :-\

Anyhoo- thanks for keeping me honest...

Dean
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on April 19, 2016, 11:05:50 PM
Just for the record- I give you exhibit A,B and C
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: daves87gn on April 20, 2016, 12:24:54 AM
Just for the record- I give you exhibit A,B and C

I don't know, B looks a little light to be black

here's a pic I got from the original owner of my z, taken in 1970, looks black to me, what do you guys think?

(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s376/daves87gn/701a5cdb-e612-4c3e-8055-814df70ebf98_zps8fc64781.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/daves87gn/media/701a5cdb-e612-4c3e-8055-814df70ebf98_zps8fc64781.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on April 20, 2016, 12:35:55 AM
I was pointing out the Z/28 badges more than the black grills.

Dave- beautiful car no matter the grill color. I would like to own a legit 69 Z/28 some day...
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: daves87gn on April 20, 2016, 01:35:22 AM
I was pointing out the Z/28 badges more than the black grills.

Dave- beautiful car no matter the grill color. I would like to own a legit 69 Z/28 some day...

thanks, got lucky on the z, but its gonna have a little of the same flavor your car has, btw love what you're doing with your car
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Trans Åm on April 20, 2016, 01:37:46 AM
its the key element of a running joke. When people ask me if its a real Z28, I say "No, its not even a real Camaro!"
Dean, that is one of the funniest things I've heard/read in a long, long time. Thanks for that. Keep the car going, lovin' this build!


here's a pic I got from the original owner of my z, taken in 1970, looks black to me, what do you guys think?

(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s376/daves87gn/701a5cdb-e612-4c3e-8055-814df70ebf98_zps8fc64781.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/daves87gn/media/701a5cdb-e612-4c3e-8055-814df70ebf98_zps8fc64781.jpg.html)
Dave, that picture has me all giddy inside. I am a big Pontiac guy and to see a picture from 1970 with a BRAND SPANKIN NEW Trans Am in it.......that just made my day. Very very cool.
Got any other pictures of that car back in the day?
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: daves87gn on April 20, 2016, 01:50:23 AM
its the key element of a running joke. When people ask me if its a real Z28, I say "No, its not even a real Camaro!"
Dean, that is one of the funniest things I've heard/read in a long, long time. Thanks for that. Keep the car going, lovin' this build!


here's a pic I got from the original owner of my z, taken in 1970, looks black to me, what do you guys think?

(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s376/daves87gn/701a5cdb-e612-4c3e-8055-814df70ebf98_zps8fc64781.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/daves87gn/media/701a5cdb-e612-4c3e-8055-814df70ebf98_zps8fc64781.jpg.html)
Dave, that picture has me all giddy inside. I am a big Pontiac guy and to see a picture from 1970 with a BRAND SPANKIN NEW Trans Am in it.......that just made my day. Very very cool.
Got any other pictures of that car back in the day?


sorry not trying to hijack your thread

then you'll like this picture, he only had 2 pictures both taken the same day at a pontiac dealer while buying a car for his was wife in the first picture

(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s376/daves87gn/833cfbc8-2610-4a00-b641-07bf40532380_zps15abb629.jpg) (http://s1048.photobucket.com/user/daves87gn/media/833cfbc8-2610-4a00-b641-07bf40532380_zps15abb629.jpg.html)

and exracer29, see picture of car, rears are 8" installed shortly after purchase
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 20, 2016, 02:06:29 AM
lol- aw, cranky- I knew there was something amiss there! Thats it, I'm done with the car. With a blatant mistake like that- I cant go on... (tongue in cheek) ;)
Of course, I can move the emblem but it must stay- its the key element of a running joke. When people ask me if its a real Z28, I say "No, its not even a real Camaro!"
And I was never real big on the argent silver grill- always liked the black version better- correct or not... :-\

Anyhoo- thanks for keeping me honest...

Dean

:)   Sorry..  didn't mean that as an insult.. it's just that those emblems are heavy and block the air into the rad.. :)

The example photos you posted seemed too good to be 'vintage' photos, so the cars must be 'vintage racers'?? :)

Speaking of vintage racing, is anyone on the site planning to be at Road Atlanta this weekend for the Mitty??  An 'ex racer' friend and I are going over (if the weather seems like it's going to hold)..  Would love to say Hi to anyone who is to be there..

https://classicmotorsports.com/events/2016-classic-motorsports-mitty/

http://www.roadatlanta.com/

http://www.roadatlanta.com/events/event-schedule

Well he is trying to make it look like a vintage racer, so every little bit helps... ;)

(Of corse a silver grill would also make it look more the part, since no Z ever had a black grill.)

hmmmmm..   There aren't any RS Z28s in your neck of the woods??  :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Trans Åm on April 20, 2016, 02:59:37 AM
Yes, I apologize for the thread jack.

Thank you very much for posting that additional picture Dave, man it really gets my imagination going. Wonder who the lucky person that would be buying was...

(I also suspect this was later in 1970, and that the car is actually a 1971 T/A, since the shiny rims suggest they are the chrome/stainless trim rings on "Rally II" rims, but the trim rings were not used for the 1970 cars with Rally II's, only from 1971+).
Sorry for the rant
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on April 20, 2016, 04:44:47 AM
Sorry I should have said only non Black Z/28's with the RS option had black grills. Hard to tell the grill emblem placement on the pics, but the red car looks like a silver grill to me.

Your joke on the emblem and it not even being a Camaro is tops though!

Your car is one of the best "clones" of a Camaro I have seen. I think you started off with a great lump of clay, and have really shaped it into something special. I have seen real Camaro's that don't look as good as yours. ;)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on April 20, 2016, 02:19:24 PM
Thanks to all for the comments. :D Its been one of my funnest builds and I am very light-hearted about the whole thing- no ruffled feathers here.
The show will go on!
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 302Z on May 01, 2016, 10:03:59 PM
exracer29, Can you please post a link to the older post about street legal Trans Am type cars that you referenced in your initial post?? I am interested in a similar project but cannot find any other threads.

Thanks
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 1109RWHP on May 02, 2016, 03:14:40 AM
Go back to page 9. Look for "Street T/A" at the top. I started that thread because I was surprised there are not more T/A inspired street cars. I am doing a 69 T/A Boss 302.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on May 02, 2016, 12:23:20 PM
Here's a link...

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=10183.0;all (http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=10183.0;all)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 302Z on May 03, 2016, 02:42:13 AM
Thanks Guys....  Will do some reading!!
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on June 16, 2016, 04:26:11 PM
Finally got the car running and got the exhaust finished up. Still need to get the brakes bled and the throttle cable hooked up, then it should be street worthy. I still have several other details to complete to make it "finished", but at least I'll be able to drive it around the block and annoy the neighbors..
The car is up on jack stands for the exhaust and brake bleeding, but hopefully it will be back on the ground soon for some better pics.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 1109RWHP on June 17, 2016, 12:42:35 AM
I like the blue. Is that VHT?
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on June 17, 2016, 01:39:06 PM
Interesting choice of the blue but it looks good. Thanks for sharing the pics and nice to see more progress.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on June 17, 2016, 02:10:27 PM
I like the blue. Is that VHT?
Yes- VHT it is. I did the headers with it and thought I'd use it up. I figured if Penske could have yellow pipes, then why not...
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on June 18, 2016, 03:10:30 PM
I figured if Penske could have yellow pipes, then why not...

Why not, indeed.  :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 68camaroz28 on June 23, 2016, 06:36:07 PM
I just love these cars and glad we have people who want to keep this alive.
Congrats exracr29
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on June 27, 2016, 03:03:52 PM
Finally made the maiden voyage yesterday- out of the garage and then back into the garage under its own power! Was a BIG day! Couple pics back on the ground with the pipes in place. Oh, and the Z/28 badge has been relocated to the correct location...
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on June 27, 2016, 05:53:38 PM
That thing looks bad ass.... 8)

Your car turned out to be one of my favorite build threads to follow.

Love the stance with the wheels and tires.

The Z/28 emblem looks spot on. (Its funny there are some real Z/28 cars out there and the owners can't figure out the emblem placement.)

Keep it up bro
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on June 27, 2016, 08:55:29 PM
ExRacer:    Are you an Auburn grad or fan?  :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on June 27, 2016, 09:49:37 PM
ExRacer:    Are you an Auburn grad or fan?  :)
lol- no, not much of a sports fan. I've always liked bright colors though, especially on cars. Blue was my original favorite, and then I switched to orange around 1990 or so. My first car, that I paid for with my own money was a 1969 Camaro standard coupe that I bought in 1986 for $400.00. Hotrod around that time had a "how to paint your own car" series and they listed some easy straight colors that were good for first time painters. The one I fell in love with was... Ford Grabber Blue, so that was what I painted my first 69. I was going to paint my current project grabber blue again because I absolutely love the color. Petty Blue or even Big Bad Blue would have worked too- but they were all stinkin' expensive (at lleast for my budget), so the paint store had this fleet orange color for cheap, so I went with that. But since I love blue too, I went ahead and did the lettering etc in blue.
probably more than you wanted to know...lol, but there you have it.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on June 27, 2016, 10:11:45 PM
Here she is right before I sold it for $800 in 1990. It was a neat car- had some interesting options. Wish the internet had been around then so I could have more easily decoded the trim tab etc., but... Wish I had never sold it. Many hot rods have come and gone since, but none have brought me the joy that the first one did. I had initially thought about cloning it with my current build, but it would have been prohibitively expensive and I couldnt let the T/A clone escape me again.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on June 28, 2016, 05:21:20 AM
ExRacer:    Are you an Auburn grad or fan?  :)
lol- no, not much of a sports fan. I've always liked bright colors though, especially on cars. Blue was my original favorite, and then I switched to orange around 1990 or so. My first car, that I paid for with my own money was a 1969 Camaro standard coupe that I bought in 1986 for $400.00. Hotrod around that time had a "how to paint your own car" series and they listed some easy straight colors that were good for first time painters. The one I fell in love with was... Ford Grabber Blue, so that was what I painted my first 69. I was going to paint my current project grabber blue again because I absolutely love the color. Petty Blue or even Big Bad Blue would have worked too- but they were all stinkin' expensive (at lleast for my budget), so the paint store had this fleet orange color for cheap, so I went with that. But since I love blue too, I went ahead and did the lettering etc in blue.
probably more than you wanted to know...lol, but there you have it.

No problem..    we like the anecdotes and stories.. :)   ..  and your story is lots better than admitting to being an AU fan..  :)    j/K...
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on June 28, 2016, 02:55:08 PM
Gary, Would that make you a Tennesse fan than Gary? (BTW I thought his car looked more like florida colors)

Using that logic, Would I be a Crimson tide fan? Cook would be a Michigan state fan maybe, or with his blue car a Duke fan?

You could have some fun with that... :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on June 28, 2016, 05:02:53 PM
Auburn and Florida both use 'orange and blue'....  different shades though...   :)

I almost *always* paint my cars their original colors, BUT... for my '57 Nomad I'm considering a change to either 'matador red'... or  ' Imperial Ivory'...  (that might give you a clue as to my team preferences, although that was not a consideration in my color choices).. :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on June 28, 2016, 05:18:32 PM
My sports ignorance flag is probably going to show now, but I've always leaned more towards Syracuse is it? the "Orangemen"
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 69Z28-RS on June 28, 2016, 08:20:00 PM
Yes, Syracuse was 'the orangemen'.. :)    that was the 'old name'.. prior to women's sports becoming more prominent.

Origins of Orange: Colors, nicknames and mascots of Syracuse sports ...
www.syracuse.com/orangesports/.../origins_of_orange_colors_nicknames_and_masco...
Mar 24, 2015 - With their official color of orange, the first Syracuse University football teams in the 1890s were called "The Orioles." Somehow, it flew the coop, along with Hillmen, Bill Orange's Men and, now, Orangemen. The Orange as a reference to sports teams has been consistently used since the color was officially adopted.

Now you generally hear of the 'Syracuse Orange'...  :)
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on July 18, 2016, 06:21:53 PM
So, its finally road worthy. I had to swap the front 200s style rims back to the rally's- the offset was not correct and there were some rubbing issues. Here are some pics with the hood on and sitting on the level street as opposed to in the sloping driveway. Lots of little details now, but at least it can be driven now.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on July 18, 2016, 06:51:27 PM
I think the original trans am cars had the front and rear fender wells "massaged" to avoid rubbing issues, and to run those wide tires
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Jon Mello on July 20, 2016, 03:06:46 AM
I sure liked the look of the 200-S wheels all the way around. Maybe you can raise the front a little and put some more negative camber in it? Car is looking good though. Nice job.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on August 15, 2016, 04:22:39 PM
Well, the car has moved onto a new owner. He seems to be real enthused about the concept and has more play money than I do, so it sounds like he will have the means and the funds to clean up some of the rougher edges. Talking about Mini-Lites and such, so I think it went to good home.
Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support.
I will continue to lurk, as these cars and this series will always be my favorites.

Dean
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on August 15, 2016, 07:01:31 PM
I didn't even know it was for sale???

So will you be looking to do another build soon?
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on August 15, 2016, 09:22:38 PM
I have a 1970 Opel GT in my garage that I will be doing the father/son thing with my 15 year old. Concurrently, I will be restoring a 1962 Jaguar e-type for my uncle. He's footing the bill for the jag and its already been sitting in my garage for a year, so I really need to get going on it. The Opel has been sitting in my garage for two years. I only have a 2.5 car garage so something had to give. Possibly a T/A inspired Datsun 510 down the road in a few years for my 12 year old son (if I can talk him into it).
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Trans Åm on August 17, 2016, 05:32:22 AM
Did the buyer give any suggestions as to what they're going to use it for? Vintage racing? Looks like AZ plates.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on August 17, 2016, 03:13:05 PM
Sounded like he was just going to keep a street car. Talked about possibly tracking the car on a track day or something like that but no hard core racing. Honestly, it would take a bunch more money to make it a competitive race car. So, mainly keep it the way I built it but refine it a bit. He talked about bringing it to Hot August Nights in Reno next year, so maybe it will get some extra exposure and drive the trend...
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on August 17, 2016, 03:22:22 PM
I would like to attend Hot August nights next year, Love to see it in person. Hopefully he can make the 200s wheels work all the way around.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: KRANKY on November 20, 2016, 08:24:22 PM
Looks like it's back up for sale again....

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/5884323990.html
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: 70L34 on November 20, 2016, 11:18:28 PM
Talk about a total no-brainer for that price.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: BULLITT65 on November 21, 2016, 12:28:00 AM
So my question would be: does the title say 69 Pontiac firebird?
I am guessing exracer29 sold it to the guy selling now?
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Trans Åm on November 21, 2016, 04:41:18 AM
I would assume that is the case. His last post was talking within the context that he did not own it anymore.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on December 05, 2016, 11:22:06 PM
wow- I just checked in since being away. Had no idea it was re-sold. I didnt see the ad till now. How much was he asking?
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: KRANKY on December 06, 2016, 02:38:45 PM
Originally it was listed at $12,500 and after about two weeks or so, the price was dropped to $9,500.
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: exracer29 on December 06, 2016, 03:13:36 PM
wow! I had a heck of a time selling- lots of people wasting my time. I sold it to him for well under that. Oh well, such is life....
Title: Re: Street Legal 69 A/S Camaro
Post by: Trans Åm on December 08, 2016, 01:29:48 AM
He's asking that, doesn't mean he'll get it! ;)