CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: plasiter on January 12, 2008, 07:53:57 AM

Title: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on January 12, 2008, 07:53:57 AM
Greetings CRG Members.

This is my 1st post to this board, although I believe several of you may know a little about my story already, and I've been lurking about reading your posts for quite some time.  For those who do not know me and my story - here's a little bit about my baby.  Way back in 1984 when I was a senior in high school, I bought my 1st car, a 1967 Camaro.  That's all I knew about the car at the time.  I was 18, and wanted a Camaro.  Thank God I stumbled onto the one I did when I wrote the check.  I didn't know very much about these cars at the time, other than they looked very cool, and had the ability to go very fast - in proper form of course.  Apparently , the guy who sold me the car didn't know much about Camaro's either.  I remember him telling me "I'm going to buy a Porsche" at the time.  I do recall one thing that my father told me when I broght the car home, "Son, trust me, never sell your 1st car."  Obviously, I'm glad I listened to his advice...

After buying the car, I could never quite figure out what, exactly,  I had.  The car had an "SS" gas cap on it, a 327, power disc brakes, 4 speed, and a 12 bold rear end with a traction bar.  It also had a "Z/28" fender emblem from a 68 car mounted to the air cleaner.  (Weird...)  That much I knew - but at the time (and for several more years unfortunately) that was all I really knew.  Everything I saw told me this was at one time a big block SS car.  I saw the square traction bar, and noted a reference in a camaro book (erroneous) that stated only big block cars had the square traction bar.  So (and this is a hard part to read...) I began "upgrading" the car to its original big block status.  (Or so I thought)  Out went the 3 core radiator, out went the 4 piston brakes, out went the small block (327 thank God it was not the original engine) and in went a host of other "better" stuff.  (4 core radiator, 396, single piston brakes, etc...)

One day 12 YEARS later I got the bright idea of writing down the codes on the cowl tag and took the piece of paper down to Classic Camaro in Huntington Beach, CA to see if someone who knew what they were doing could help me figure out what all of those codes meant.  Well, after looking at the piece of paper, the guy behind the counter told me to sit down.  I thought he was going to tell me that the car was stolen or something like that.  Instead, he informed me that I had a 1967 Z/28 Camaro, and there were less than 200 of them thought to be in existence at the time.  Holy cow.  I could not believe it.  About 12 people in the showroom started yelling and slapping my back.  I was in shock.  To some degree I still am. I got in conact with Jerry MacNeish who gave me a bit more information about my car, including the very interesting fact that it is the only 1967 Z/28 that's currently known to have a factory "Special Order" paint job.  The paint code is O-O, and the original color was "Tangier Orange", a GM truck paint code 516 or 546.  So, not only did I have a rare 67 Z/28 on my hands, but apparently a one of a kind Z/28 to boot.  Pretty neat.

Since 1996, I have been "undoing" the damage I did, and the damage that other previous owners had obviously done to this car.  The hunt for orignal parts began thanks to the help and guidance of Jerry MacNeish and Jon Mello.  I will be forever grateful to these guys for their countless hours of help in finding the parts I needed.  Thank you both once again.  I've been on one long, expensive scavenger hunt that has finally put me in a position to begin the restoration of this car.  In November of 2007, I shipped my car back to Ken Lucas (CRG Member SS375HP) of Lucas Restorations to begin the restoration.  So far I've put the pieces together for a cowl plenum air cleaner, most of the engine and related components, DF wheels/trim rings and a few other hard to find parts.  From what I understand, the things I have "left" to find to complete the restoration are not the "ultra rare" parts.  I've been real fortunate thus far in finding the "hard" stuff.  You can see some pictures of the car in its current state here:  http://lucas-restorations.com/pauls67z.aspx 

That's a brief introduction to me and my car.  So when you see posts from me looking for some help now and then, you'll know why.  I am still on the hunt for a few items.  Brakes, radiator, 2-piece rotors come to mind immediatley.  I am sure Ken will be letting me know of other items that I'll need as he gets to work!

I look forward to getting to know more of you as time goes by.

Paul

 
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: TDWZ28 on January 12, 2008, 01:51:35 PM
Cool story Paul. Good luck with the hunt for parts.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: Leonard1 on January 12, 2008, 03:48:42 PM
Very cool story!  Welcome to the board.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: BillG on January 13, 2008, 02:54:02 AM
Wow! a factory orange 67 Z28!  I can't wait too see it when you're finished.  Lucky guy!
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on January 13, 2008, 04:42:20 AM
Welcome Paul!  I guess you can say you own the very first Hugger Orange Camaro Z/28 ever built!  How cool is that!     ;D     ;D     ;D

Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: william on January 13, 2008, 05:18:42 PM
Here's some brakes for you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-1968-CAMARO-4-PISTON-DISC-BRAKES-Z28-SS-RS_W0QQitemZ120207772495QQihZ002QQcategoryZ34199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: jeff68 on January 13, 2008, 06:29:19 PM
Great story.  I remember how excited I was when I realized that my original owner numbers-matching 68 convertible was an L30/M20.  You must have been REALLY excited!  Have fun with the restoration.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: 70lt1z28 on January 20, 2008, 12:32:30 PM
great story paul, and a super car. keep us posted
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: Jon Mello on January 24, 2008, 04:20:34 AM
Paul,

It has been my pleasure to help you in your efforts to find the correct pieces for your car. I look forward to seeing the car completed. I know Ken will do a great job for you.

-Jon
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: RickH on January 25, 2008, 03:47:39 AM
I have the pleasure of judging with Ken Lucas at Carlisle every year and have seen his restoration work up close. You will have one fine car when it's completed.
Good luck and keep us alll posted.

Rick H.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on February 02, 2008, 12:02:20 AM
Thanks very much for the warm welcome.

Since my original post, I've been able to pick up brake calipers/rotors (although the rotors are WAY thin...), a restored AM/FM radio and the replacement A226CW CP filter element.  But there's still more to go!  If anyone hears of original weahterstripping coming available, I'd love to hear about it.  I did pick up a right side NOS door weahterstrip a while back - but still need the left side and the trunk.  Geeez that stuff is expensive.  Still on the radiator hunt too.  I just hope the car turns out nice in the end.  Its good to hear that Lucas Restorations has done good work.  I did see a few cars "in progress" and complted last October - all looked GREAT.  Thanks for everything guys - more later.

Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: Camaro Camaro on February 18, 2008, 11:29:23 AM
Nice find , awesome story. Unique colour. I sure would like a 67 Z28 ..... Oh well one day maybe if I work hard enough and finish some of my other projects first ;D ;D ;D Keep us posted on the progress.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on May 30, 2008, 06:08:25 PM
Hello Again.

Well, things are definitely moving along.  For those of you that haven't seen the latest pics on the Lucas Restorations website - the car is totally disassembled and is now in the body shop.  So, we're making progress.  If you take a look at the pics on the website - you can clearly see the original orange everywhere.  That's pretty neat. 

Since my last update, I found brakes/rotors (although the rotors were way thin...) and also picked up an orignal trunk weatherstrip.  That was very $$$$, but I think its worth it for this car.

I am still looking for an original drivers side door weatherstrip.  So if anyone out there knows where I can find one, please let me know.  I also still need a radiator.  If anyone can help...that would be great.

I'll be going back east in June to see the motor get broken-in on the dyno - that too should be a great/fun day.  I'll also be going to the Camaro Nationals to see what that's all about.  I've never been to one of these events before, so I'm sure I'll learn quite a bit.

Thanks for the help.

Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: fireZ on May 31, 2008, 05:10:19 PM
Great story Paul and what a find. Look forward to talking to you
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on June 23, 2008, 09:29:09 PM
UPDATE 6/23/08:

I just returned from the east coast where I had the pleasure of seeing my engine started for the 1st time.  We went to the dyno on 6/19 and after break-in had a best pull of 356 HP at 6200 rpm and 331 LBS Trq at 5000 rpm.  Best of all - it held together just fine - and sounded simply amazing.  We still have a problem with the coil - so I'll need to find a new #202 in the coming days - leaving room for some improvement.  Pretty nice for a little 302.

I also was able to visit Lonny Gordon at East Coast Muscle Cars to check up on bodywork progress.  The news over there was all good.  Very, very few problems in the body (the blessings of a west coast car) mean that all fo the original panels will stay with the car. So that's pretty cool.  The most exciting news of the trip came in the original color department.  Until now, I had believed that the original color of the car was a GM truck color code 516 "Tangier Orange" or something like that.  Well - we can put that thought to rest - that color was nowhere close to the original color.  Lonny located several spots of original paint that were in pristine condition that were covered up and saved (forever...) from the blaster.  The closest match based on several of these spots was actually....Hugger Orange.  In 1967.  Pretty neat.  The computer-matched color was just slightly different from Hugger Orange, but the difference was virtually undistinguishable.

So all of that was great.  After that we went to the Camaro Nationals where I was able to meet several of you.  That was a real kick.  I have never seen so many 67 Z's in one place at one time.  I think the final count was 8.  That just doesn't happen in California.   Pretty cool.

OK guys - I still need a radiator and some NOS driver side door weatherstripping - somebody point me in the right direction!

More later....       
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on June 23, 2008, 11:53:47 PM
OK guys - I still need a radiator and some NOS driver side door weatherstripping - somebody point me in the right direction!

Heartbeat City has both in stock...  http://store.heartbeatcity.net/store/content/63/NOS-%26-Rare-Parts/

Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: Jerry@CHP on June 26, 2008, 12:36:27 PM
Hey Paul,

You forgot to mention your ride in the 13,000 mile all original Marina blue hot rod........eh?  Drive it like you stole it, right?

Jerry
Title: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on June 26, 2008, 04:09:15 PM
Jerry is right - the best part of my trip back east was spending time with great people, doing great things.

Jerry was kind enough to take out his 13K original mile 67 Z/28 out for a spin to the post office...with me as a passenger.  Whoa.  I am still wearing a smile from that ride.  Jerry sure made my trip out from CA VERY worth the effort.  Truthfully - I was expecting the original power cushion's to pop with the way Jerry firmly applied right foot pressure.  What a kick!  Its been a long time since my car has been drivable, and getting a glimpse of what lies ahead for me was truly rewarding.  But Jerry's car - that's something very special.  We're talking about a car that only has about 317/miles per year on her!

My thanks again to Jerry, Jon, Ken, Don, Larry, Dale, Kerry, Phil, Paul, Bill, Mark, Jerry #2, Robert, etc...  I appreciate the help you have all given me this far and appreciate meeting you in person at Carlisle.

Paul

 
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on July 01, 2008, 10:41:33 PM
Well, I called up Heartbeat City to check on the NOS 1967 door weatherstrip - they thought I was out of my mind.  I told them its listed on their website as "67 - 68 - 69 NOS Door Weatherstrip" and they said something like they didn't know it was there.  So, I'm still looking for that LEFT side door weatherstrip folks....  On the radiator front - they want $1,600 for what they say is an original 67/68 Z radiator.  Ouch.  Frankly, I think I'd be happy with "OD" and "IH" coded Harrison tanks, a top rail, and I'll just get a new core and a repro tag.  But I still need the tanks....dated "d" or "e" ideally.

Thanks.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: 69z28302 on July 06, 2008, 11:04:14 PM
Great find on your car ! It has to be one of one made. Lucas restorations looks like a first class shop to restore your rare piece. Keep us at CRG informed on the progress.

Mike
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: GaryL on July 08, 2008, 03:00:11 AM
plasiter, HBC makes a very nice reproduction radiator. Maybe they can accomodate you on the date stamp.

Tell us about the engine build. What specs?
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plumL78 on July 20, 2008, 12:50:21 AM
Paul my friend still has that rad. and I took a couple pics. of it It was already recored at one time so the orig bars are gone. IH & OD  and the date is a C ( March). The Brackets will need to be blasted and the tanks will need a little hammering. He wants 135.00 and I took some pics. It is a two core but that doesn't matter if you are buying a new core and new tag. I use to have the correct upper & lower bars around here. I may have sold them but I'll look any way. Let me know if you are interested kerrysauto@comcast.net  Thanks Kerry
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on July 22, 2008, 03:31:52 AM
Hello guys.

Well, as far as the engine build goes, Guy Mancini put the engine together in 1998.  Its a bone-stock '67 302 with specs in accordance with the following link:   http://www.holisticpage.com/camaro/camaros/302.htm   

Kerry - let me check with Jerry/Ken on the "c" date codes on the tanks to see if that's "close enough."  Thanks for looking and keeping me in mind - I'll get back to you soon.

More later...

Paul
Title: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on December 10, 2008, 09:13:31 PM
Hello Everyone!

Its been quite a while since my last update.  Here's how things stand today.  I've attached a few pictures of the car in its current state at East Coast Muscle Cars.  Things have defintely come a long way.  All of the bodywork is complete, and we're in the blocking stage right now.  The car is looking very straight and in good shape.  I've also attached a picture of a section of original color along the roofrail and Hugger Orange as well as Flameau Red color spraty outs for comparison.  They look virtually identical to me.  The computer indicated the Flameau Red color was a closer match - but I can't tell the difference.

So, bodywork continues while Lucas Restorations/Camaro Hi Performance take on other more limited projects for the car (radiator, smog system, transmission, brakes, etc...)  Little by little, progress is definitely being made.

On the parts hunt - the list has gotten a bit shorter and evolved as well.  Of course, I'm still looking for NOS left door weatherstripping, original Front Door Panels and Rear Panels for a standard, black interior, 2 Rear Deluxe Seat Belts (black), a correct 1967 dipstick, and a correct AM/FM antenna.

All in all - that's not too bad!

I'll keep you posted at the next significant stage. 

Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on July 15, 2009, 11:18:47 PM
Well - the one and only Flambeau Red 1967 Z/28 is one step closer to being brought back to life...  COLOR!  At last!  Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: fireZ on July 16, 2009, 01:13:25 AM
Car is looking good Paul. Hope too see it someday along with you. See Ya Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: 68Zproject on July 16, 2009, 06:58:19 AM
Paul, is the 67 dipstick the same as the 68, the grey tip?  If it is, I bought one from someone on here.  If it is let me know and I'll look it up.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on July 16, 2009, 03:47:47 PM
According to the legends judges at the Camaro Nationals, the correct dipstick has a brown tip.  Fortunately, I was able to pick one up cheap from a vendor at Carlisle.

So on the parts list, I'm down to needing:  1) NOS left door weatherstripping, 2) original front and rear door panels for a standard, black interior, 3) 2 rear seat deluxe seat belts (black), 4) a correct jack (and related components), and 5) a correct AM/FM antenna.  That's it.  A pretty short list.  I'm lucky...

Thanks for asking.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: jacmac on July 17, 2009, 12:03:47 AM
Thank God for Porsche lovers ;D When I was 18"1976" I saw a 69 camaro at the college when I would drop off my GF at the time! I left a note on the guys car that if he ever wanted to sell I would be interested. He called about 6 mo.later. I drove up to his house & bought it right there! I was so nervous when I drove it around the block with him! He said he was buying a Porsche.I did not know it was a Z10 396,I just wanted a 69 camaro with hidden headlights. Not my first car but I have owned ever since! Im in the process of restoring it now,I probably should have left it alone as it was a great survivor!
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: Ron C. on August 17, 2009, 12:39:50 AM
Hi Paul,glad to read such a neat story,kind of reminds me of my mistake of selling my 67z back in 87.So I got it back and your dad was right never sell your first car!! cant wait to see it done.Did you come across my 67Z last year at carlisle? here is a pic.Ron.
(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l188/Budbrewer1/IMG_0006.jpg)
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on August 19, 2009, 06:00:32 PM
Hi Ron!

Yes indeed, I did see your car and actually talked to you a bit while your car was being judged.  I like the way you kept the roll bar form "race days" in tact.

Hope to see you again next year at Carlisle, when my car should be ready!

Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: Ron C. on August 19, 2009, 09:28:55 PM
Yes now I remember Paul,Glad to have met you.Did you find a fan and fan clutch yet for your car? I can give you a lead on a correct fan clutch if you need one and possibly a fan.lmk Ron.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on August 20, 2009, 04:02:38 AM
Yes Ron, I did indeed come up with a correct fan and fan clutch about 2 years ago.  But, thanks for the offer of a refarral.  The hardest thing I have "left" to find is a NOS driver side door weatherstrip.  That - I need!  See you next year in Carlisle.  Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: Ron C. on August 20, 2009, 09:03:40 PM
Ok Paul,cant wait to see it next year, I should have my 68Z there next year.Ron.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: glenn64vette on September 09, 2009, 07:18:15 PM
Was the guy you talked to at Classic Camaros Bob Brennen?
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on September 10, 2009, 04:34:37 AM
Initially, I was speaking with another gentleman behind the counter.  But, when he gave me the news, he did get Bob - and we talked for quite a while.  He was a real nice guy and a great help.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: glenn64vette on September 18, 2009, 04:32:13 PM
Initially, I was speaking with another gentleman behind the counter.  But, when he gave me the news, he did get Bob - and we talked for quite a while.  He was a real nice guy and a great help.

Yes, Bob has a real good understanding of first gen Camaros. Unfortunately, he does not work at Classic Industries anymore.
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on June 18, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
OK guys - its been a long time in coming, but we're finally here.  My car is almost done!  Take a look at the attached photos!  Thanks to SO MANY of you for your help, guidance and advice.  Thanks primarily to Ken Lucas who made this project what it is - almost perfect!!!  I look forward to meeting some of you at the car's unveiling next week in Carlisle!   Best, Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on June 18, 2010, 09:25:13 PM
Looking good!  Congratulations Paul!  Nice job Ken!    :)

Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: fireZ on June 19, 2010, 12:08:15 AM
I will see you and the Z at Carlisle next weekend Paul. Should be there by noon on Friday. Paul
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: 68camaroz28 on July 02, 2010, 10:54:13 AM
Looking good!  Congratulations Paul!  Nice job Ken!    :)

Paul

I agree and saw the car first hand at Carlisle last week. Incredible car you have Paul and Ken's Lucas Team did just great. The color just jumps out at you with what is that while the paint, fit, and alignment of the car are incredible so hats off to Lonny Gordon and his East Coast Musclecar team also. What a story and great ending. 
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: SMoon67 on July 08, 2010, 10:16:43 PM
Beautiful car Paul.  It looks like you have an option that I have on my own 67.  I have a question about that.

I noticed you have the rear speaker option.  I haven't seen one up close so I was wondering about how they were done originally.  I see the speaker grill.  I need to find one of those, but what about the package tray underneath?  Is it perforated on one side?  Is there a oval hole cut there or what?  I'd like to set mine up correctly.

Thanks.

Shelton
Title: Re: The story of my 67 Z/28 now undergoing restoration
Post by: plasiter on July 12, 2010, 06:17:12 PM
Thanks very much Shelton - I'd suggest that you speak with Ken Lucas (my restorer) who did all of the work on my car.  I beleive his username is SS375HP if you want to send him a private message.  Thanks - and good luck!  Paul