67 Z-28 Day 2 "Trans Am" restoration

[iluv69s]

Hey guys.....I've decided to finally put together one of my cars. Unfortunately, I am on a very very low budget on this one...basically, I will need to sell some extra parts or trade for the parts I am missing. Fortunately, I have some leftover parts that have been around for many years just waiting to be reincarnated someday !!!

My goal is to build a street legal car that is Day 2 and that looks somewhat like a "Trans Am car" from the late 60's. I am starting with my 67 Z, which I'm sure some of you are familiar with. It is the latest cowl dated Z known, with an 07C cowl tag date. The car is some 243? cars from the last VIN. The body is a 17, 000 mile body that is very solid with only 2 small spots of rust in the lower rear quarter panels. It is a very low option white w/black interior Z. It did come with the ultra-rare shoulder harnesses..(although now missing)..
I actually disassembled and stripped the car's shell years ago and put the shell in primer. I will put pics up as I go. I have a ton of questions already. And I am sure I will have many more as I go.

Although I want to look "Trans Am", I am going with the full interior since it is original and in great shape. I am not going to cut that body in anyway and would like to find some sort of bolt-in type of rollbar. For now, I am going to use the parts that I have as much as possible, and I can always up-grade later if I get more serious about maybe actually racing the car. I would love that some day.
I will ask questions as I go and Thank you guys in advance for any help that I am sure you will offer.

Feel free to offer any ideas or suggestions as now is the time for me to 'make up my mind'... but realize that I am on a 'low-budget'..haha

[iluv69s]

the beginning.....getting ready for the rotisserie...

[iluv69s]

he front end...waiting a long time.... seems to be smiling a little now..??

[iluv69s]

the 4 speed hole...ouchhhhhhhhh

[iluv69s]

the traction bar mounting location...the bar was torch cut... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Do only 67s with the traction bar have the 'weldnut' in the frame for the one bolt that holds the bracket or do all 67's have that?

[iluv69s]

Thought I was ahead of the game by cleaning, blasting, fixing, painting this frame, but I realized when I took the original frame off the car that this is a 69 frame and A-arms...(slight differences)...so I have started over with the original frame...Thank goodness it is in pretty nice shape...

[iluv69s]

the powerrrrrrrr...

[iluv69s]

I have these original 15x8 wheels that I really hope to use.....but, does anyone know if they will fit without flaring the fenders??? This is where I need some advice...What tires are available ?? I'd rather have treads, but maybe some type of cheater slicks? Do they make such a thing for the front and rear in a road course tire??
Has anyone built a car with these wheels that can give some advice??? Thankssssss

[Charley Lillard]

Kind of a roll bar. Not certified but It might be what you are looking for. http://www.ridetech.com/more/2008/11/05/tigercage-bolt-in-roll-cage-system/

[1969z280]

Very cool project. Here's a neat website that might be worth checking out:

http://taperfresto.com/

[YenkoYS-199Stinger]

[ QUOTE ]
I have these original 15x8 wheels that I really hope to use.....but, does anyone know if they will fit without flaring the fenders??? This is where I need some advice...What tires are available ?? I'd rather have treads, but maybe some type of cheater slicks? Do they make such a thing for the front and rear in a road course tire??
Has anyone built a car with these wheels that can give some advice??? Thankssssss

[/ QUOTE ]

For tyres I would try the Goodyear Vintage Bluestreaks. They are DOT legal if I remember right. They do have tread and are very sticky. They also have the blue stripe in them. The next option would be to use the Hoosier Street TD. It has tread and is also very sticky. On a race course, it is a faster tyre than the Goodyear. The Goodyears look really cool though. YS-199 needs a new set of rubber and I am going to go with the Goodyears. I have put just enough lights, etc on it to make it street legal and will license it later this year--then it will get the vintage Bluestreaks.

[rafbody]

[ QUOTE ]
the traction bar mounting location...the bar was torch cut... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Do only 67s with the traction bar have the 'weldnut' in the frame for the one bolt that holds the bracket or do all 67's have that?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not all 67's had it.

[iluv69s]

Thanks guys.....

Charley, I was actually thinking something more retro..day 2 style..like just a small 3 point bolt-in rollbar....at the point I really want to race, I will have to get something that wil tech...but thanks alot !! ..and what about your Z?? any progress??

... thanks Russ for the info...that seems a good way to tell a real 'traction bar ' car...

...and Chris...I assume they affer the rubber in different sizes?? what size tires do you suggest for the 15x8 minilites that I want to use ?? Thanks !!

...next question is "what about leaf springs?? I'm just considering a stock leaf spring as I do not want to get too far from original...and the costs also is a major factor. Does anyone make a mono-leaf spring designed for road racing?? ..and what about shocks?? I assume koni coil-overs were the shock of choice back in the day. Are they still available?? Probably not too cheap though....Thanks alot !!!

[iluv69s]

I thought I'd post some drivetrain pics. The motor is a complete NOS MO 302 that came from Smokey Yunick and happens to be perfectly dated for my car. I have an NOS cowl plenum set-up that I will be using at first also....

[iluv69s]

I have had my share of early Z cars, but I have never driven one with a x-ram. For now I am going with the 4 barrel, but I managed to hold onto this prototype o-dash x-ram set up that I will be using in the future.

[iluv69s]

I have this factory glass hood that has been 'hanging around' also that I am going to paint at the same time as the flat hood...for future use!!

[iluv69s]

and my ultimate goal is to build a 'hemi' motor with these heads that I have managed to hold onto...unfortunately I have yet to locate an intake base...but at some point when i get the hemi motor built, I will probably go with a Weber or injection setup..I really like the look of the 'Cherokee' camaro motor. This is still in the dream stages though...too much $$$ for now...but it will happen someday I hope!!

..anyone know of a hemi intake base for sale...findes fee paid!! Thanks

[iluv69s]

...the rear that came with the car is a 3.73 12 bolt..but I do not think original to the car....

[iluv69s]

I saved this 68 dated heavy duty service JL-8 rear to use..but I wonder if I will have rear hop problems without the traction bar ??? I was considering welding a bracket to this rear and using a bar..what do you guys think???

[iluv69s]

the car came with no guages..so I will use this NOS tach..I always dug these tachs..although not so practical...

[iluv69s]

I will be using original heater and radio delete set-ups also..(makes the build easier too!)

[iluv69s]

spare parts for the build....just thought it was a neat pic too!!

[mockingbird812]

Wow, you have some choice items for your Z. Keep us posted!

[DarrenX33]

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/443259-toys.jpg

What is that 2nd gen back there with the sidepipes?

[budnate]

Max your going to need some kind of traction bar, the stock bar wont get it done on a '67...filling removing violent wheel hop is in your future without them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[TXZS]

Max, the 3.73 is not enough gear especially with the cross-ram and "140" cam. Also, I think you are going to have clearance issues with those 15 X 8 minilites on the front. They are not a problem front or rear on a '69 but the '67 is another matter. I have 205 X 75 radials on my stock DF wheels on the front of my '67 and they will rub when turning hard right or left at any speed. I am no expert, just my $.02. Tex Timberlake

[Fast67VelleN2O]

[ QUOTE ]
spare parts for the build....just thought it was a neat pic too!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Wanted: Hemi heads for 302 Chevrolet. Will trade left arm.

NEAT PARTS!!!!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[1967Z28]

Max,

I would agree with Tex that you are going to have a hard time fitting the 15x8s in the front unless you want to flare the fenders or at the very least trim the outer part of the front wheelwell and modify the back part of the well for more clearance. Also, the vintage racing Goodyears used on the Historic Trans-Am cars are available in two sizes --- 6.00x15 and 7.00x15. The 7.00 is too large of a tire to fit either front or rear in an stock wheelwell. The 6.00 looks too small on the back of a Camaro, too small and low-profile. It looks OK on something like a '66 Mustang but not on a Camaro. The leaves you with the Hoosier TD, the P225x60D15 and P245x60D15 on the back would work well with 15x7 rims up front and 15x8 rims in the back. It's easy to remove the white lettering if you prefer that look. That's what I did. They did not use coil-over Konis in the old days. They used single adjustable Koni shocks in '67 and the next year Koni offered a double-adjustable version. The double adjustables are very expensive and hard to find. Koni even offered horizontal shocks for a brief time to help with wheel hop. I have an NOS set dated 9-67. You really need to sit down and think about how you want to use this car before deciding on what to do about suspension, engine, etc. If you put true racing suspension on the car, it is going to be a unenjoyable driving experience on the street.

-Jon

[Jeff H]

You have all the same "spare" parts I have! Although I did just sell my 69 heater and radio delete parts since I know I'll be putting the heater back in my JL8 car. Were you planning on running a TI setup as well?

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/443259-toys.jpg

What is that 2nd gen back there with the sidepipes?

[/ QUOTE ]

and is that a reflection, or does this car have a pointy BM stripe?

[iluv69s]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/443259-toys.jpg

What is that 2nd gen back there with the sidepipes?

[/ QUOTE ]

and is that a reflection, or does this car have a pointy BM stripe?

[/ QUOTE ]


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif...that wasn't supposed to be in the pic...that's one that I hung on to all these years...more on that at a later date...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[MosportGreen66]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/443259-toys.jpg

What is that 2nd gen back there with the sidepipes?

[/ QUOTE ]

and is that a reflection, or does this car have a pointy BM stripe?

[/ QUOTE ]


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif...that wasn't supposed to be in the pic...that's one that I hung on to all these years...more on that at a later date...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Spill more news or you'll be banned... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[resto4u]

You can't have a motion car and not tell us about it. Your in violation of the supercar bylaws. Start a new thread in the motion section. Roger

[x Baldwin Motion]

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/443259-toys.jpg

What is that 2nd gen back there with the sidepipes?

[/ QUOTE ]

and is that a reflection, or does this car have a pointy BM stripe?

[/ QUOTE ]


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif...that wasn't supposed to be in the pic......... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


TOO LATE !!! that ship has sailed my friend!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[owners2]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/443259-toys.jpg

What is that 2nd gen back there with the sidepipes?

[/ QUOTE ]

and is that a reflection, or does this car have a pointy BM stripe?

[/ QUOTE ]


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif...that wasn't supposed to be in the pic...that's one that I hung on to all these years...more on that at a later date...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ] You can't just leave us Hanging !!!! I can store it for you if you like .... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[owners2]

Wow , talking about the Motion car KILLED this thread !!

[iluv69s]

not to change the subject, but I need one of these support rings for the 4-spped cut-out..I dont see where they sell one new...Ayone have one they want to sell?? thanks...

[iluv69s]

This is the trans that I hoped to use...not exactly a 'race' set-up, but I wanted to try and start with something original, the way it was in 1967... and work my way into more and more aftermarket.I'm planning on actually driving the heck out of the car and it will always be a work in progress..and also I already own this stuff !!...that is the best reason...and the trans is rebuilt..
So my questions...Is this the right trans for this shifter?...apparently a 68 trans?..and do I have the right shifter rods?? I have a crate with a few dozen rods...I'm not sure if these are correct or not...anyone got a good pic of the shifter and trans setup on a 67 Camaro...I realize the shifter mounts to the x-memeber and is not the best design..but, so be it...

......for nowww http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

thanks for any help in advance.... !!

[iluv69s]

vin stamp

[iluv69s]

ass. stamp

[iluv69s]

orig. muncie shifter...correct rods? how do they go?

[mockingbird812]

[ QUOTE ]
orig. muncie shifter...correct rods? how do they go?

[/ QUOTE ]

Well - keeping with your day two theme, the muncie shifter would go..........................................in the trash!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[PxTx]

I don't know which shifter is best for road racing, but if the tunnel is already been cut, I would lean strongly towards a supershifter!

[beater68427]

[ QUOTE ]
orig. muncie shifter...correct rods? how do they go?

[/ QUOTE ]

On the shelf http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[budnate]

what they said, I am hard core '67 I dont even run one even in the good car, run a hurst setup and transfer a Muncie handle to it if it has to look stock, they jam just looking at them, go root through your stuff and put a comp plus in it, especially since the tunnel is prepped for the good one that will land right next to your leg, if your going to be racing it much like you say your gonna need it right there and precise. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Lynn]

[ QUOTE ]
I have these original 15x8 wheels that I really hope to use.....but, does anyone know if they will fit without flaring the fenders??? This is where I need some advice...What tires are available ?? I'd rather have treads, but maybe some type of cheater slicks? Do they make such a thing for the front and rear in a road course tire??
Has anyone built a car with these wheels that can give some advice??? Thankssssss

[/ QUOTE ]

You can't use those wheels. I'll take them off your hands.
Just kidding of course. I really like those wheels. I remember a buddy in high school who ran 15x8 on the back of his 68 Z, but had to go to a 15X7 in the front, to keep from rubbing.

[iluv69s]

Hey Lynn,

I really love these wheels too. These are the nicest 'real' original magnesium minilites I have ever seen. They do not even have a scratch or nick in any of the rims. I am really bummin' that they won't fit in the front of my Z.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Im up in the air now. I guess I need to buy some new 15x 7's...and hope they do not rub !!

On another note... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

...You guys almost have me convinced on the shifter. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

The swapmeet season is arriving so I may be doing some shopping soon. I have a short list !!!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
..and a shorter bank account http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I'll probably sell off some of the 'extra' parts I have once the car gets going together...

..any idea what real original 15 x 8 minilites are worth ?

[iluv69s]

Good news: I have the 67 Frame and a-arms in primer and ready to paint...Thank goodness the body mount holes were mint shape. But, the frame had it's share of dings and the such. After restoring 2 subframes, I now realize how much damage I did all those years jamming the jack under the front of the frame of all my old cars.

The bad news: I am out of frame paint. Now, I am at a standstill until I get the correct paint. What brand paint do you recommend for the frame/ A-arms and undercarriage/floors on a 67-69 Camaro? I am going to assemble the 67 Z frame and the 69 subframe at the same time since I have all the parts ready. The 69 needs to be very correct as I am doing an original type restoration on that car.
I was looking at the Eastwood Chassis Black in quarts...I would like to do it correct once if possible...aren't the A-arms supposed to be more glossy than the sub-frame? Also for the floorboard/ undercarriage? Would that be different also? I will start a thread on this topic separate also. Thanks, Max

[iluv69s]

I assume I will have to tear apart the Smokey MO 302 motor before fire up. From what I remember/heard, Smokey rebuilt all his motors prior to his big auction. I believe that was in 1991, correct? (does anyone know details of this?) So my motor is more than 40 years old and best case has been together for 20 years atleast. I assume a teardown minimum as a check would be required. Any suggestions how far I should go on a teardown/rebuild ? What I should check for..and what I should do before reassembly/ fire-up? Should I replace any parts? gaskets? etc?

Thanks for suggestions/ideas...