Messages

4786

Decoding/Numbers / Re: Why Are Some Blocks Stamped and Some Not

« on: June 24, 2013, 04:10:35 PM »

I suppose a better way to have said what I was trying to say, is that based on some of the characters of the stamped code being 'different' than those same characters in my own stamping, I was skeptical.   In particular, I didn't like the bottom of the 'Z'.   There was also a difference in the D and the 2 in those stamps.   that said, my opinion does NOT mean they are absolutely wrong, it just means I'd have to see a lot more evidence for those blocks and the cars they were in to be 'sure' that they were original stamps.   Maybe Flint engine had a variety of stamps/fonts that I'm unfamiliar with??   Maybe some others who have photographs of many 'known' good stamps can shed better light on those?   What it boils down to is that anything that 'appears' out of the norm of our experiences are met with initial skepticism.    I experienced a few examples of that this weekend at the Nationals, where I was initially skeptical, but on more complete examination of all the associated date, I changed my mind.. 

4787

General Discussion / Late '69 small block upper Alternator bracket

« on: June 24, 2013, 03:52:40 PM »

Here is the link from Team Camaro that caused me to 'weld up' the larger hole in my original (late) '69 upper Alternator bracket....

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=144738

Should remind all of us that there are few if any 'absolutes' when it comes to what a manufacturer did to produce vehicles for sale...

4788

General Discussion / Re: Parts meet at Frederick?

« on: June 24, 2013, 02:41:45 PM »

Thanks Steve,

After talking with several owners of late 69s at Frederick, there didn't seem to be much doubt, and I confirmed it with my car on my arrival back home.
You have one or more late cars yourself, and you've judged many, so what is your take on the alternator bracket issue?

Maybe we can convince Kurt with more evidence..     Were you at Frederick this weekend?   if so, I'm sorry I missed meeting you!

Kurt:  My apologies for screwing up your name on my last post... Kirk
 

4789

General Discussion / Re: 1969 Z/28 to Rallysport Z/28

« on: June 24, 2013, 02:32:11 AM »

Simply put, the RS 'stuff' which is required to make the headlamp covers work is a PITA... 
Be happy your car has the trim without the headaches.. 

4790

General Discussion / Late 69 parts: was 'Parts meet at Frederick?

« on: June 24, 2013, 02:27:20 AM »

Hi Kirk,

There were several late Camaros/Z28s owners at the show (from my 9C to a couple of 11A's).. and all of these cars seemed to share the characteristics I mentioned.
1)  I've never removed the strikers from my doors, nor even thought about the fasteners holding them before, but I *thought* I recalled 'torx' screws.  When I got home this afternoon, I went down and checked and took pix (attached).

2)  The extra hole in the alternator bracket:   this one HURTS me to repeat it.   After my car sat from 1980 to around 2009, when I began reading team Camaro and CRG .. and renewing my interest and checking parts from my car, I gathered up the parts I'd removed from my car over the years it sat, and my alternator bracket did not 'match' the 'correct' '69 part *(per the standard theory in TC or CRG), so guess what..  I welded up the extra hole and filled it in...

Hopefully no one else with an original car, will NOT modify a part believed to be original just because you are told or you read something different....  Lesson learned here!!

Gary

4791

General Discussion / Re: Parts meet at Frederick?

« on: June 23, 2013, 01:34:07 AM »

I'm sorry I missed you yesterday, Chick..  I actually met someone today that knew you, and knew you weren't there today.   I did get to meet quite a few great folks with super cars, and had some great conversations, and learned and shared information..   Which is the best part of such shows.   
1) I found many more 'late' '69 Z28s that had 'dripper valvecovers'..  so it seems about 10:1 that the factory did begin using dripper valve covers sometime in the late summer..  no idea on the actual date, but some go back to late August '69.
2) I learned that late camaros used 'torx' bolts to hold in the door latch striker, rather than the 'hex/allen' used on earlier cars.
3) I learned that the late Camaros used the '70 type upper alternator bracket, with an additional larger hole in it.
4) I found out where the date codes are on the fenders and quarters, so I can now check those dates on my car..
5) I found that few restored Z28s with cowl hoods had date codes on them (confirming that not many Z28's originally came wtih cowl hood option).
6) I got to see and inspect the car and paperwork for  the 'X11' coded Rallye green Z28..  I initially was skeptical upon reading that, but after talking with the owner, seeing their  paperwork, and seeing his original (pre restoration) photos, I now am a believer, but I'd give anything to know how that happened; I believe it will be a very interesting story once it's ascertained how that happened.  PS>  He and his wife are great people whom I really enjoyed talking with at the show! and their car is gorgeous..    Note:  their car also has an 'M' cast code block!
7) I met many more neat people with neat cars... too many to mention...

I can't wait to go back next year, in spite of the 14 hrs it took us on Thursday to get to Frederick..

4792

General Discussion / Re: Survivor

« on: June 22, 2013, 11:41:30 AM »

Just remember that there are *degrees* of survivor, just as there are 'grades' on a restored car..  Most organizations judging 'survivor' cars are heavily weighted on 'originality', with fewer points on condition.  If it's not original part, you get *zero*.. it has to be an original part to get 'condition' points for that part.   The goal is to maintain some good candidates in as original a condition as possible, as that is where the best information resides as to 'how the factory did it'.. or what the factory did.

The *percentages of unrestored original' in the major areas (paint, interior, mechanical) is simply the 'ticket' to the ball, that gets you into that class for the detailed judging.  Just think if that wasn't true!   Once anything had been changed on a car, there would be no reason for an owner to preserve the rest of it... without such guidelines and allowances, we would soon have ONLY modified or restored cars... and what would you use to get *real* information?

4793

General Discussion / Re: Parts meet at Frederick?

« on: June 22, 2013, 11:34:54 AM »

I'm headed back out there today; maybe I'll see you.. but I don't know how I'd recognize you...

4794

General Discussion / Re: Parts meet at Frederick?

« on: June 21, 2013, 11:21:13 PM »

Yes, only one vendor selling 'used' Camaro parts, and Camaro Central and the Right Stuff was there as well.  Tomorrow might be better...?
but there were a lot of verynice Camaro's being judged in the Legends judging..  great to talk to some of the CRG guys in there... 

4795

General Discussion / Parts meet at Frederick?

« on: June 21, 2013, 12:13:22 PM »

Hey guys.  I'm here at Frederick, prepariing to head out to the show site, but since I haven't attended here before, I'm wondering if there's a swap meet associated?  I brought a few parts that are *extra* to me, including a good '68 Muncie M20, an NOS '67 grill, a Holley 3910 carb rebuilt, some original 14" rallye trim rings, a pr of '67-8 tail light housing assemblies (nice original), and repro '309' Master Cylinder (new).  I'm hoping I can find someone who can use some of this stuff..   I'm at the Holiday Inn Express rm 228 (white 2012 Malibu w/AL plates) if you are around here and want to take a look at these parts..

Gary

4796

Originality / Re: Need help/advice on changing exhaust systems on my 69 Z28.

« on: June 18, 2013, 02:23:43 AM »

In my opinion, exhaust systems/mufflers made of stainless steel sound 'tinny', compared to a regular steel or aluminized exhaust.  I believe it is due to the fact that the stainless typically used is lighter gauge (thinner) and thus has higher natural frequency..  As one of my friends once said 'it sounds like a fat man farting into a tin can'..   

4797

General Discussion / Re: 2013 Camaro Nationals

« on: June 18, 2013, 02:21:02 AM »

I hope I can meet some of you fellas and put some faces with the names here in CRG...     I'll be there in a red GMC truck with Alabama plates, staying at the Holiday Inn Express, and I'll probably bring a few extra Camaro parts with me to trade/peddle..

4798

Decoding/Numbers / Re: 67 Camaro Engine Identification

« on: June 16, 2013, 05:06:07 PM »

You could certainly that all indications are that it IS the original engine, and you have the statement from the 2nd owner (of 40 yrs) that it was the original engine.   Even though you cannot PROVE that it IS the original engine, it would be more difficult for anyone else to PROVE that it isn't.. 

Based on the evidence you've stated, I'd feel good about it being the original engine.

Gary

4799

Restoration / Re: Removing "jet hot" from aluminum intake.

« on: June 16, 2013, 04:17:54 AM »

you'd probably best trade it to someone who wants the Jet Hot look.. trade for a decent stock one to 'recoat'....

4800

Decoding/Numbers / Re: Shock Absorber Nut

« on: June 16, 2013, 01:26:06 AM »

No Problem Bob..   I'm leaving Thursday morning before dawn to drive the 700 miles to Frederick; saves me about 100 miles(est) rather than Carlisle ..
PS.  I did enjoy seeing some of the other cars, but the main reason I went to the GM Nats before was the Camaros..