Messages

1

Restoration / Re: Show chrome plating Legends Judging

« on: April 04, 2024, 02:14:53 PM »

all of the original stainless was polished not chrome plated and the original  bumpers and rear guards  where done by aih chrome plating they only do the show chrome i thought the car needed the bright work to stand out

Your stainless guy does some of the best polishing I've seen, compared to the other 69 that was being judged - side by side the stainless on your car was far superior.

2

Restoration / Re: Show chrome plating Legends Judging

« on: April 02, 2024, 11:07:51 PM »

I was reviewing a posting from John Hinkley (John Z) from 2015 who stated that GM routinely flash chromed stainless steel trim so I stand corrected. I have a couple of sets of NOS windshield and back glass stainless trim that are not nearly as "brilliant" as the stainless on the Cortez RS/Z (by a mile) which leads me wonder if that trim was triple / show chromed along with everything else that received chrome plating. Can't say for sure but it would appear to be the case.

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Restoration / Re: Show chrome plating Legends Judging

« on: April 01, 2024, 01:53:37 PM »

Early 69 RS/Z, Legends Judging @ MCACN, November '23

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Restoration / Re: Show chrome plating Legends Judging

« on: March 29, 2024, 01:44:25 AM »

At Legends Judging MCACN in November, the early 69 Cortez Camaro RS/Z used triple chrome plating on everything that would normally be chromed and in my opinion it appeared too bright and not true to GM factory appearance or practice. To clarify terms, “triple chrome” or “show chrome” consists of a base layer of copper (normally polished), followed by a layer of nickel then a final plated layer of chrome. “GM Chrome” (a term coined by John Z) or “street chrome”, which GM used in production, used nickel and chrome plate layers only, the copper base layer was eliminated. This produces a duller finish with a blue tint. “Flash chrome” is a layer of chrome plating applied to polished stainless steel with no copper or nickel. It’s often used on stainless window trim. As chrome is almost transparent on its own, it enhances the shine / brilliance of stainless. The 69 RS/Z at MCACN also had its window trim flash chromed.

5

Original Cars and Details / Re: 1969 Z28 time capsule

« on: March 07, 2024, 04:15:34 PM »

I just checked the driver seat belt and it is 13 F 69. The back seat is 12E 69. This car came with deluxe seat belt and front shoulder belts as an option. The shoulder belts are marked 43 C 68 both sides. 

The 43 C 68 dated shoulder belt which decodes to the 3rd week of October 1968 seems early for a May 1969 build. More typically from what I've seen, individual seat belts are closely date clustered and dated within a month or so ahead of the build date. Early and late builds differ but mid year production dates were tighter.

6

General Discussion / Re: JohnZ's assembly article

« on: March 02, 2024, 06:39:46 AM »

Jon M's former Mountain Green 67 Z from Vintage Certification @ MCACN 2021. The carpet in the VC judging area was purple that year so the reflection is obvious. The fuel tank straps are black and the tank blackout is shown. 

7

General Discussion / Re: 69 rear leaf spring u-bolts

« on: February 29, 2024, 03:09:51 PM »

Thank you for all of your resonses and time. It is final. Black I believe was the color. Now I will decide to go with Black Zinc oxide or the Manganese route. Thanks again.

According to the late John Hinkley (John Z) a former GM engineer at the Norwood OH plant during 1969 production who posted on the subject here, GM didn't spec zinc oxide as a finish as it was not cost effective (one exception he noted was for the 5 panhead screws that attach the instrument panel on the 1967 Corvette). Instead GM spec'd manganese phosphate or zinc phosphate. We use both in our shop and when compared side by side, they are different. Zinc oxide is a true black finish and cures/dries to a semi-gloss whereas manganese phosphate, also referred to as black phosphate (used interchangeably in the Legends Judging Manual) dries to a near flat finish (unless well oiled) and depending on the ferrous content of the metal can appear mid gray to black however typically cures/dries to a dark charcoal. If originality is a goal then phosphating is the correct choice. 

8

Restoration / Re: Door locks , glove box recoded

« on: February 28, 2024, 02:54:57 PM »

Looking for someplace to recode some original locks and ignition lock cylinder . Anyone ? Jessers in Ohio ? thanks

Real locksmiths are difficult to find, I define these as the old school trade who understood vintage automotive locks. I tried a couple of locksmiths locally, wasn't satisfied with the work and eventually sent my lock set to Jessers for restoration. Their work is very good (expensive) and turnaround is reasonable (couple of weeks). They do a lot with the NCRS membership.

9

Original Cars and Details / Re: 1969 Camaro L78 M22 - Cortez Silver

« on: February 09, 2024, 04:28:21 PM »

Several detailed photos I took during Vintage Certification have been posted by Steve S on the SYC site under the Vintage Certification thread. Here is the link:

(Starting at Post #8)     https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=169189 

10

Original Cars and Details / Re: Original 1967 Z28 - Mountain Green

« on: February 07, 2024, 06:00:40 PM »

Several detailed photos I took during Vintage Certification have been posted by Steve S on the SYC site under the Vintage Certification thread. Here is the link:
https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=176912

11

Original Cars and Details / Re: 1969 Z28 time capsule

« on: February 07, 2024, 05:57:04 PM »

Odd to see stainless trim on the turn signal lens on a 5A build as they were discontinued during early production and not seen after January/early February 69 builds. The seat belts (5th week of 69) are also early dates for a May build. 

12

Restoration / Re: 9431541 screw for tailpipe hangers

« on: January 29, 2024, 04:30:55 PM »

Has anyone found this or a correct replacement for the dual exhaust tailpipe hangers? Used to secure hanger to tailpipe.
Ty, Doc

Doc, I purchased a Gardner exhaust for my project and although it's an excellent system overall, a few small parts fell short including the tailpipe clamps (your photo), the heat riser and some fasteners. I replaced the tailpipe clamps and heat riser with NOS which do come available on eBay regularly (I may have extra NOS clamps). The fasteners included with the system are good however I was able to source period correct bolts to attach the tailpipe clamps to the frame and the long head pipe hangers to the floor. 

13

Restoration / Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug

« on: January 25, 2024, 04:36:44 AM »

Dave, to install the intake plug I tap it in using a mallet and a socket (upside down) on the lip of the plug. Once it’s flush to the intake then I use a smaller socket to set it about 1/8” below flush. They are a tight fit but don’t require a press to install. If the plug is really tight I ease the aluminum with sandpaper or I’ll leave the plug in the freezer overnight to shrink it. When I restore an intake I use dry media, vapour blasting and ceramic tumbling for the best result. I always remove all the fittings and re-plate them as well I remove the underside heat shield.

14

Restoration / Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug

« on: January 18, 2024, 03:32:33 AM »

Hi Dave, I have a few available, sent you a PM.

Lloyd.

15

Originality / Re: 69 Center axle bumper - two styles?

« on: January 08, 2024, 11:43:13 PM »

Dave, none of the photos of bolt-ins posted accurately resemble the pinion snubber / bumper on Doug's 1969 L78 SS, the closest I've seen is a 1968 Dodge Charger 8 3/4 Rear End (adjustable) snubber. The base is very different but the rubber bumper is almost identical.