Topics

1

Restoration / Window regulators - clean up or replace?

« on: August 19, 2013, 08:55:21 PM »

There are several online posts about how to take windows out of first gen camaros and how to put them back together--much better than the Fisher Body instructions.

So now I've got the front windows and vent windows out, but not sure exactly where to go from here.  The seals on the vent windows are shot, so I know I have to take that apart and have new seals enroute.

As for the regulator, rollers, tracks on the front window:

The rear main roller that goes up and down the vertical track is just a stub.  I've ordered a replacement from Ground Up that claims to be a Camaro roller part number (WR-068).  Has anybody used the part; how do I attach it?

I've cleaned the gunk out of the tracks.  I've cleaned the gunk out of the regulator teeth.  All in all it was pretty clean and rolled up an down fairly well before disseambly.  The rollers on the regulator are intact, but don't really roll well.  I put a bunch of white lithium grease on the tracks and the rollers yesterday hoping the rollers would loosen up.

Should I put the grease on the teeth also and wind it back and forth to lube the mechanism?

How much grease should be in the tracks when I reinstall them?  Thin film or well lubricated?

How much cleaning should I do of the regulator teeth themselves.  The regulator itself looks like it has a galvanized finish.  Avoid chemicals and wire brushes?

At what point do I consider the regulator replaceable?

thanks

2

Mild Modifications / headers and original A/C

« on: July 03, 2012, 03:43:15 PM »

i'm at the point where i can ponder what exhaust system to put on my car.  i've been trying to stick with original look and function with this rebuild as much as possible, but willing to make minor changes that can have a big impact.

so while i'm trying to restore the original A/C on the car, i do not quite understand the interplay between aftermarket headers and other accessories.  i think i'd like the extra oomph headers will add to my "stock" L79 327, but how complicated will it make it for the A/C and power steering?  Will headers be worth the trouble?

thanks,

3

Restoration / Restoring Factory AC

« on: July 03, 2012, 01:12:09 PM »

I'm replacing the evaporator core on a 1967 Camaro.  There is some "goop" wrapped around the top tube of the evaporator core just where it goes into the case.  It appears to seal a probe against the tube.  What is the "goop" and where can I get some more?

The attached photo shows the sealant just as I was opening it up.  Fortunately it was triple digits in the garage so the goop was pretty soft and easy to pry open.

Also, does anyone know if the sealant that goes around the perimeter of the evaporator case (against the firewall) is sold anywhere?  It had the consistency of silly putty (was still pliable) and seemed to have a nylon thread running thru the center.

I also found some strange stenciling on the firewall covered up by the evaporator case.  I'll try to post some photos of that also.

thanks,

4

Mild Modifications / Engine swap--are all 327s the same?

« on: June 24, 2012, 12:31:43 PM »

I'm (still) restoring my 1967 RS Camaro.  I've had the car since 1979, maybe the second or third owner (something else to research).  As a college punk I thought that "old" 327 original engine could do with an upgrade so I swapped the engine out and chucked the original block.  Those short-sighted college punks...

Recently I bought a buddy's newly machined L79 327 from his 1968 Corvette (he wasn't able to complete his own project).  I figured it was as close as I'd get to having a 327 back in the car.

I'm building the motor back to stock but not sure about how "swappable" the miscellaneous Corvette parts will be.  I don't have the headers or the oil pan yet, so was wondering if those items will be usable in the Camaro.  Alternators/starters all the same?  It will not be a concourse car, but I'd like to stick to "original" or "original looking" parts as much as possible.

Any other tips or pointers for this swap?  I'm at the ground floor on the engine build so entertaining all thoughts.  Rebuild the Rochester?  HEI or install pertronix upgrade in the distributor (if I find it)?

thanks

5

Restoration / Tie Rod ends and sleeves

« on: May 28, 2012, 06:35:27 PM »

I'm rebuilding the suspension for my 1967 RS.  I've tried to keep as many original parts (control arms, steering box, center link) but have had to buy replacements for some damaged items.

About the only thing that is left to redo or replace are the tie rod ends and sleeves.  Are the tie rods/sleeves re-buildable?  Is it worth the trouble?

I'd like it to look as original as possible, but not at the expense of safety as I hope to be driving the car on fair weather days.

thanks,
Robert

6

Restoration / 1967 upper control arm shaft.

« on: December 21, 2011, 07:54:01 PM »

i'm restoring a 1967 RS.  I just got the subframe back from blasting/powder coating and am cleaning and/or acquiring parts to put the front end back together.

i've had the car since 1979 and have never had an accident in it since i've owned it.  upon tear down i've started noticing "clues" that it had some damage done to the passenger side before i bought it.  the inner fender had some wrinkles around the edge, an out of round hole on the lower control arm where the sway bar ends bolt in, and a very different upper control arm shaft--all on the passenger side.

assuming that the driver side was ok and would be my "template" i ordered a new lower passenger side control arm and an upper control arm shaft.

the control arm shaft i rec'd from one of the standard aftermarket Camaro restorers was different than the two mismatched control arm shafts i already owned.  so after looking at the other standard Camaro restorer parts catalogs, i have found that none are like the control arm shaft from my "template" side.

i've included a photo comparison of all three shafts.

the shaft on the top is from the driver's side.  it has the "dumb bell" shape and bolts that screw in to hold the control arm bushing.

the shaft in the middle is the shaft I received from the first mail order.  It does not have the dumb bell shape and also has the screw in bolts to secure the bushing.

The shaft on the bottom is from the passenger side, which I thought must have been replaced during the damage that occurred before I bought the car.  It has a slight dumb bell shape (hard to see in this photo) but has a ginormous nut that secures the bushing.

The shafts on other mail order sites look more like the bottom shaft…the one I thought was NOT original.  They all have slight dumb bell shape and nuts rather than bolts.

Does anyone have any ideas on which ones are “more” correct and what might have happened for me to end up with the mismatched arms?  I know a lot of front end parts were exchangeable on 1960s cars…maybe the bolt variety is from a Nova or something?

Thanks