Messages

2416

General Discussion / Re: Problems with speedometer reading

« on: March 30, 2006, 10:10:12 PM »

OK, I have 15 tires on my 68 with powerglide.  Assuming the same gearing (in other words, the only variable is tire size), according to the math, a 14 to 15 switch should only result in an approximate .07 mph increase in the speedometer per mile per hour.  In other words at 10 mph, I'm actually going 10.7, at 20mph/21.4, etc.  If you are experiencing a consistent 10 mph difference as you increase speed, then there has to be another variable.  The tire size alone does not seem to add up to the total problem.

2417

Restoration / Re: Engine Decals

« on: March 30, 2006, 05:41:55 PM »

I remembered your post on 250 emblems...
Last night I noticed that NPD does stock some 250 decals, and the 2005 catalogue does give a little info. on location.  I looked online at the current catalogue and actually did not see as much info.
Anyway, thought this might help a little.
Ed is right, keep asking and you will run into someone who has a car like yours.

2418

Originality / Re: 1968 Interior RPO options

« on: March 30, 2006, 03:59:57 PM »

For a frontal view: http://www.camaros.net/years/68/pg10_stwheel.jpg

68 Deluxe Steering wheel

2419

Restoration / Re: Cleaning "Hounds tooth" vinyl seats

« on: March 29, 2006, 03:14:10 PM »

There are different kinds of saddle soap (consistancy, etc.), so if you rub it on, go very light at first.  In any case, you probably ought to test a spot first.  Since you are considering saddle soap, I'm guessing that they need a good cleaning.  My seats are not hounds tooth (and/or cloth of any form = vinyl), but when I first got the car they were pretty soiled.  I used Armour All cleaning wipes and then their seat cleaner/treatment.  The cleaning solution does get into the small grooves, but a tooth brush and dry cloth takes care of that.  I've also used the cleaning cloths on the metal dash parts, etc.  I just went easy at first.   Meguiars and others also make seat cleaner.

I've used saddle soap on everything from car seats to ball gloves, if you use it: test and go lightly at first.

(OK, what John says below is obviously right!  But you did say "vinyl", so I assumed you did not mean the actual hounds tooth "cloth" --as I said above.  I'm not sure where you are from, but I've never seen "Vinylex" on the shelf.  I did have it highly recommended to me a few years back, and even though its parent company, Summit, was located only about fifty miles away, I could never find it.  I do know you can order it through NPD and some other places.  And after seeing that picture of John's Vette, I think I'll order some... Good luck!)

2420

General Discussion / Re: Vinyl or Not?

« on: March 29, 2006, 02:42:35 PM »

Steve, Thanks for the info.  Sounds like its not that tough a job, as long as you are precise and take your time.

Dab67, BEAUTIFUL!!! Thanks for the picture.  The white really sets up that dark plum look.  Great car!!!

2421

General Discussion / Re: Still confused on Smog systems!!!!

« on: March 28, 2006, 02:07:53 PM »

Supernova: And I agree with you!  You are taking what you've got and trying to work your way back to original.  That's exactly what I am working toward.  You are making several posts that I think are helpful to everyone and certainly gets me thinking. Thanks!
Let us know how you work out the "not matching numbers" issue --if you do?!?  That is my biggest issue... and I'm sure it is for most of us.  There are a lot of folks working on forgotten or cloned cars to get back to original (or as close as possible).

Kurt: that's what I figured. I had a 73 Ford product (too embarassed to even say what), which was pretty much the year that muscle cars died.  About a year after I bought it, the dealership realized my "smog pump" (as they called it) wasn't even working and I HAD to have it fixed.  Up to that point the car had run great.  After they "fixed" it, no one could get it running right.  The best answer the dealership  could give me was "Hey, this is a government mandated thing... not our idea." I traded for a Chevy, which had "reduced" horsepower but at least it ran right!

Thanks for the info.  Great thread!

2422

General Discussion / Re: Vinyl or Not?

« on: March 27, 2006, 10:03:19 PM »

Steve,
I had actually forgotten that the 69 had that 1" reveal.  I know I've seen that dozens of times before.  (AHA! That also explains why vinyl kits require trimming for a 69!) But since you've put one on, how was it done?  I can look at my 68 where the vinyl comes all the way to the drip rail and that seems obvious and simple.  Is the 69 top that much more complicated?
Thanks!
Phillip

2423

General Discussion / Re: Still confused on Smog systems!!!!

« on: March 27, 2006, 09:53:38 PM »

Now, let me ask both you guys (Supernova and Kurt or anybody else) is there any real "advantage" to putting the AIR system on a car?  (Other than originality?)  From my experience with early 70s cars (when they were really original, as in "brand new"), most of the early smog devices were really not all that effective and basically lowered your gas mileage (OK, from 10 mpg to 8 on a muscle car).  I'm not proposing that we (then and now) break any pollution laws, etc., but other than for the look does it really make any real difference on a 68 in 2006???
I especially wonder since Supernova has already said he doesn't have matching numbers...

I understand from the report why automatics got by with the Controlled Combustion System.  But from what I remember from a 68 Chevelle (then) and my 68 Camaro now, they both seem far too "Leaky" to do much good. 

My state (NC) makes most newer cars have emissions inspections according to pollution levels in their county.  Interestingly enough, the state legislature eventually exempted olders cars.

2424

General Discussion / Re: Cosmolene wrapped bumper

« on: March 26, 2006, 08:16:26 PM »

Actually, every gunsmith in the world knows all about cosmolene as a protective coating.

2425

General Discussion / Re: Still confused on Smog systems!!!!

« on: March 26, 2006, 08:02:18 PM »

Not trying to beg the point, but doesn't Kurt's report on emmissions make that clear?   http://www.camaros.org/emissions.shtml

To quote:
"In 1968 and 1969, the California and federal emissions requirements were the same and all cars were built to the same 50-state standard. The AIR system was installed on all L6 cars with manual transmissions, all small blocks with manual transmissions, and all Camaros with big blocks. (Chevelles and full-size cars with the 396/325hp engine and TH400 transmission were the only 68-69 big block cars to not have smog pumps.) Only the automatic L6 and automatic small block Camaros did not have smog pumps, instead they had the simpler Controlled Combustion System. Generally speaking, an automatic car required less aggressive emission control than a manual transmission car because the engine load (and carburetor fuel metering consistency) was more stable and predictable."

My 68 L30 is a southern car (out of Florida) but is automatic, so it does not have the AIR system.  But if you want to restore it to L30/M20 (great idea, by the way) then the report says, "all small block with manual transmissions" did.

2426

General Discussion / Re: Vinyl or Not?

« on: March 24, 2006, 04:35:52 PM »

Up to 330 views and got 30 votes...  Seems like you get a vote for about every ten views...  PLEASE VOTE!

2427

Restoration / Re: 250 Fender Emblems

« on: March 23, 2006, 05:26:08 PM »

If you have exhausted most of the nationally known sources, try these guys...

http://1967-81camarocarparts.com/
1-800-722-4828

This is part of the Modern Automotive Group in Winston-Salem, NC.  (I see you are from Georgia... Lived in Stone Mountain for three years, myself.) Modern Chevrolet has their own classic parts department.  I know they used to stock some 250 stuff, and because of their inventory, it usually just pays to call and ask.  --I'd call, not email.  Lots of times, their guys will try and figure out where yoiu can find it even if they have discontinued it. 

And good for you on keeping it original!

2428

Originality / Re: Z23 and Z87 Differences?

« on: March 23, 2006, 03:06:10 PM »

Here's where Kurt sent Supernova a while back in response to his question about RPO codes:
http://www.camaros.org/options.shtml#CustomSpecialInterior

I got interested in that thread, wanting to know more about my 68 interior.
Rich has two charts where you can compare Z23 and Z87.  I found it to be more helpful (readable) than even the GM RPO list.

Supernova's thread was http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=451.0

Hope this helps!

2429

General Discussion / Re: Vinyl or Not?

« on: March 22, 2006, 06:33:26 PM »

Thanks, John.  I stand corrected!

2430

Mild Modifications / Re: HELP with suspension upgrade?

« on: March 22, 2006, 03:04:28 PM »

Here's an "Amen" to Ed's advice.  If you are bouncing that bad, new shocks will not only help with the clearance issue, but you'll be amazed how well it handles period.  Right after I got my 68, new shocks was one of the first things I did.  It felt like a new car!  The shocks that the previous owner had put on it were obviously not original, but they were cheap junk. 

All the "coke bottle" body cars had a different sense of handling when they first came out.  I drove a 65 Mustang in the late 60s and it felt like the front end was floating.  A front end rebuild will tigthen all that up (at least better than the worn out original stuff).  I've driven a 69 Camaro that had a brand new Corvette front end.  It handled great, but it no longer had that 1st Generation feel.  I still say when you get it all "tuned" right, there is nothing like driving a 1st Generation Camaro.  No, it does not respond as well as the little black sports car I drive every day, but I still love it!