Messages

46

General Discussion / Re: 69 Z28 radial tires

« on: June 03, 2021, 08:15:31 PM »

When I had 235/60/15 radials on my '69 RS Z28 with 15x7 rally wheels the left front tire rubbed on almost full lock left turns and/or on uneven surfaces, but the right front never rubbed as far as I knew anyway.  I eventually switched to E70 15 bias ply reproductions.   No problem with them rubbing. 

47

Garage Talk / Re: Cougar or Firebird

« on: May 27, 2021, 09:03:42 PM »

The '69 Trans-Am with no hesitation.  I have just never been a fan of Ford, including Mercury.  Thank you crossboss for asking these what would you take questions.  I really enjoy them as they add a little shall I say lightness to the CRG website. 

48

Garage Talk / Re: More Fun 2

« on: May 14, 2021, 06:14:27 PM »

Definitely the Chevelle SS with either 396 or 454 engine. 

49

Garage Talk / Re: Bored with LS swaps?

« on: May 05, 2021, 05:26:07 PM »

I tend to agree with Steve.  At a car show if I see a 1st or even 2nd gen Camaro that has an LS engine I won't spend any more time looking at it.  Originality matters the most to me.  If I ever had a 1st or 2nd gen Camaro that needed an entirely new engine, and the original one couldn't be rebuilt, I would get a 350 crate motor with iron block and probably heads too with an aluminum intake manifold and a 4 barrel carb.  I might dress it up with aluminum LT1 style valve covers and an open element air cleaner too.  To me nothing looks better than clean, uncluttered valve covers, and a black or open element air cleaner sitting on top a 4 barrel carb. 
JMHO, but the LS engines look ugly to me with eight coils sitting on top the valve covers and a black plastic intake manifold.  Even the factory realizes this and uses plastic shields to cover the valve covers anyway.  In a modern car that look is fine, but in a 1st or 2nd gen Camaro, ugh.  I know there are different ways now that the eight individual coils can be fender mounted or covered somewhat to not show, but it still leaves in my mind a lot to be desired compared to any original small block in a 1st or 2nd gen Camaro. 

50

Garage Talk / Re: More fun!

« on: March 30, 2021, 07:43:03 PM »

The '63 split window Corvette.  I've just never been a big Ford, Cobra, or GT40 fan. 

51

Garage Talk / Re: Is this the end of GM?

« on: February 17, 2021, 06:12:06 PM »

Will our trade ins be worthless?  That will be a problem if they decide to take our diesel farm equipment away.  No one will want to buy a new line up of equipment.  I have heard mechanics say the air coming out is cleaner than the air going in

Many years ago when I took my 1975 Camaro, the first year for catalytic converters, in  for a smog check at my local Chevy dealer one of the mechanics told me the air coming out my tailpipes was cleaner than the air in the building they were in. 

52

Garage Talk / Re: Hemmings article on "10 coolest '69 Camaros"...

« on: February 11, 2021, 06:53:04 PM »

The Hemmings link said that that particular ad was no longer available.  Thanks anyway.   I still keep my eyes out for a '68.   

53

Garage Talk / Re: Hemmings article on "10 coolest '69 Camaros"...

« on: February 10, 2021, 05:20:57 PM »

My take on the first gen Camaros:  The '67 and '68's were definitely female with all the curves and sweet styling cues.  The '69's were definitely male with the squared off wheel wells and more muscular look.  I like all 3 years.  I've owned 2 69's and 2 67's, one of which I still have.  I would love to find the right '68 to buy as I've never owned one and that was my high school graduation year. 

54

General Discussion / Re: BAT 69Z for auction

« on: January 29, 2021, 09:33:31 PM »

I just wanted to throw this out there.  I don't know if these cars originally came from the factory painted like this but I have seen in the past in my local area a '69Z, black with red stripes; from what I remember the interior was black.  The other car, which I think had a better chance of being painted like it came from the factory, was a '69 SS L89 convertible in burgundy with red hockey stick stripes and black top.  I think it had a black interior also. 

55

Decoding/Numbers / Re: So many options it required 2 window stickers?

« on: November 28, 2020, 06:14:01 PM »

I find it interesting that the window sticker shows on the next to last line on the 2nd sheet 986965 DISPENSER, which is a tissue box holder or dispenser that is attached to the bottom of the dash right under the glove box.  From my The Illustrated Camaro Recognition Guide by Hooper and Crispino this is listed as a dealer installed accessory.  I guess if it was ordered by or for a GM employee it could have been factory installed?  My '67 RS/SS Camaro has one and per the NCRS report it was delivered to the Cleveland Zone Office from Norwood rather than to a dealership.  Maybe cars with this item were ordered for the wife? 

56

Originality / Re: 69 Z/28 Van Nuys Broadcast Sheet

« on: October 21, 2020, 07:33:19 PM »

Although I didn't work at the Van Nuys Plant when the first generation F-cars were built, I was there for 1978 production.  When the cars were being painted, any paperwork would have normally been removed.  I have a 1979 Trans Am that was built at Van Nuys and have looked for paperwork, but so far haven't found anything, but I'd imagine that there could be something on the top of the gas tank.
[/quote

I found the body broadcast sheet for my bought new and still own 1978 Z28 after I had it for probably 20 years.  It was under the driver's seat below the stuffing and above the spring like metal coils.  You might have helped build my '78. 

57

Garage Talk / Re: Brand X engines/competitors

« on: August 13, 2020, 05:08:01 PM »

I would agree with you.  I've often heard the 440+6 was faster in the quarter than a 426 hemi.  In anything over a quarter the hemi took over with it's higher revving ability.  I would have to add a Pontiac 400 in there somewhere too especially in a Firebird. 

58

Garage Talk / Re: Is 1969 the 'best' year in the 20th Century?

« on: July 28, 2020, 05:49:13 PM »

I would be unable to narrow down 1969 being the best year in the 20th century, but I would definitely say that the 1960's were the best decade in the century.  All the reasons you listed make it so, plus all my favorite teams were dominant at some point if not for the whole decade:  Yankees, Browns, Celtics, and Notre Dame football.  Sports and cars were both so much more appealing in the 60's than any decade since. 

59

Garage Talk / Re: New Camaro sales tanking?

« on: July 07, 2020, 04:51:28 PM »

I bought a new 2017 1SS that I special ordered in early 2017.  I love it as far as performance and handling.  I've never owned a car that comes close to it in performance.  In handling only my old 1987 IROC could handle as well in my opinion.  I don't have any problem with the interior; I am short so have no problem fitting into it.  I  like the effect of having a car wrapped around me.  I don't mind the styling although I think both the Mustang and Challenger look better.  My major complaint is not being able to see out of it to the right rear.  Like another poster mentioned, you just have to use your mirrors often and keep track of what's behind you by turning your head often.
I only considered a Camaro when I was looking for a new car as I am a Chevy man thru and thru.  Like another poster mentioned I thoroughly dislike  SUV's and crossovers.
If they stop making the Camaro I don't know what would be my pick between the Mustang and Challenger.  The only other Chevy product I would consider they already stopped making, the SS coupe.   

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Garage Talk / Re: Happy 4th of July!

« on: July 04, 2020, 05:55:23 PM »

Happy 4th of July to all on this site.