The Start of Project "Ratty Rat's" Metamorphis

[bbbentley]

Announcing:
Been gathering up the Day II goodies for some time. After a year of planning and parts scrounging, I am introducing hopefully by summer "Project Ratty Rat". Why Ratty Rat? This will be a little different departure than most builds on here. It is done on a budget. Huh? Yes, I am going to build the worlds(possibly)cheapest COPO clone 69 Camaro. The car I am using is my Daytona Yellow sport coupe. built the last week of March of 69 at Norwood, This car is the perfect candidate. I am purposely going to make the antithesis of Grady's beautiful real COPO. This car will look as if it was just pried out of it's tomb after 48 years of slumber. So don't look for a detailed rotisserie type build, but rather a COPO (clone) that you may need a tetanus shot to get close to. One unique feature of this car is that it retains much of its original paint and was ordered with D90 stripe.

At the heart of this build is a real 69 512 block 427 + .030. It will be a basic stock L72 with a real GM ZL1 cam. Plans call for my TR2X tunnel ram with my unique copper velocity stacks. There will be those that cringe and others, hopefully, intrigued? I am working hard to keep that early 70's vibe, wish me luck. I am thinking I can do the complete metamorphis for under 5 grand. one additional feature will be that this will not only be a clone of a COPO, but a Dick Harrell COPO. I will attempt to make things authentic, but reserve the right to add my own spin like "Motion" valve covers. Tonight's teaser pic is the engine on the stand. I have the short block complete now. I am slow, so don't look for daily or even weekly progress. Amazingly, ALL of the genuine COPO BB specific parts needed to do this authentic build, with exception of the radiator, are assembly line correct GM pieces I, literally, lucked into. No, I do not have a BE rear, but it will be 4.10. Hard to find BB stuff like heater core, fan shroud, booster, z bar, X member, 4 speed shifter mount, etc...all original 69 Camaro pieces found for next to nothing. It has been fun..so far. But now the work begins to put all this together.

[The Boss]

In for the ride.

[NorCam]

Should be a fun little project and a great Saturday night screamer. I'll be watching and I'm curious what you have scrounged up for Day II parts.

G.

[big gear head]

I'm still looking for a TR2X for my next 427. I like the way you are going with this.

[bbbentley]

The Radiator Saga:
I have a displeasure and distrust for repop parts. That said, I had to swallow hard and make a decision on a radiator. The tendency these days are to lean aluminum. I could not find an aluminum that looked both correct and affordable. I zeroed in on a traditional brass 4 core curved neck made by US Radiator. Had I known that I would get something that did not reflect the picture in the catalog, I would not have bought it. To make matters worse, after the fact, I found a REAL curve neck 4 core all recored and correctly restored that the guy I bought the engine from had. Too bad the guy is a total D%#k and I really don't want any more dealings with him*. Besides, the added unplanned cost, since I had already checked off the radiator purchase, well, the money wasn't there and he was waffling on selling the thing anyway.
Back to the radiator I bought from US Rad. The curve neck, probably the most important visual was made all wrong. The picture showed one diameter neck, like the real ones. When I pulled it out of the box, only the 1st 1/2 in. was the correct diameter, then it necked down. On top of that, the neck was not angled up like it should be. Fortunately, I have a real curve neck for my other BB Camaro to go by in correcting this. I took a chrome "J" trap sink drain used in plumbing. I cut to length, removed the chrome and you can see the result. I also added the top rail slots like an original, as well. Total cost= $365

* Did I mention that I even found the guy a correct set of tanks for his '68 Camaro and bought them for him?

[mr.4speed]

Love it! Can't wait to see more!

[bbbentley]

The 427 saga or the Good, Bad & Ugly:

Last July, I buy this "homemade" 427 using a late 70s 289 casting 454 block. It was not blown up. The guy could not find the balancer or distributor or air cleaner. Later he found the last 2, but would not give them to me. Is everyone crooked in this country? He said that he was mad because the heads (69 291 castings) were worth what I gave for the engine. Not my fault. Guy admitted he was not an engine guy and was disappointed that it was not a true 427. Besides the engine did not sound right, according to his late father in law, but no one investigated the problem. 1st picture is the day I bought it and it is in the back of my Explorer. The Good: Balanced 11:1 closed chamber square port with intake, CC Magnum 280 hyd. cam. The Bad: Problems found, detonation had beat the bearings to the copper at the top rod end on all 8. Blown head gasket on #7. Block has a sleeve and there is a slight taper getting bigger in the bottom of the bore. Crank needs turned. No biggie. Ugly: Bearings, crank needed turning, pistons fly cut valve pockets, no attempt to debur and smooth radiuses to prevent detonation. A cam that did not adequately bleed off effective compression.

[bbbentley]

more

[bbbentley]

Now, I already had most everything to build this engine before buying this one. I have 12.5:1 slugs, 454 blocks, 6223 cranks, 840 heads (plural on all), but I thought that I would save $$ because the machining had all been done. Wrong. That is why I generally do not buy someone else's built engine. I did not have 11:1 s. The block had been decked, line honed, bored,etc... 427 ($1100)Sold the block ($300), headers that came with engine ($300), cam ($100), intake, ($125), 1 chrome pulley ($25) found a fresh bored, sonic tested, magged, shot peened and deburred lifter valley 512 69 block= (-$450). So $1100-$850= $250+$450 (new block)=$700. Then I had to buy a 8 inch balancer ($75)Gasket, moly ring (Mahle) and bearing (King) kit, ($135), another ($50) for more bearings since I turned crank and jumped the gun ordering kit (ugh!).Already had a ZL1 cam and lifters 'cause I keep everything. Now, $700 + $260 = $960 into a fresh 512 block 427 with 291 square ports.

[mockingbird812]

Bentley - this is going to be a blast! :biggthumpup: Glad to see that you have officially kicked off this project on sYc. Thanks for taking us along. I can almost hear this thing rumbling now!!!:shocked:

[markinnaples]

Can't wait to see how this goes, but already love the concept. Best of luck.

[JKZ27]

Good for you Bentley! Cool project, I'll be watching.

[cook_dw]

Great project. Glad to see these posted. Bentley has spent a great deal of time and effort into building this engine and shoveling away cool parts for this build. Upcoming photos should be very good. Congrats buddy.

[HawkX66]

Love it Bentley! I don't know how I missed this when you first posted.... Good luck!

[bbbentley]

I finally have the bottom end and entire short block together. You may notice that I have an aftermarket SFI 8 inch balancer. You may also recall that I explained earlier that the PO lost the original balancer, so he said. I have several 8 in. factory balancers. Most are assigned to their original engine and I don't want to split them up from the engine they came with. The few other extra ones have severe hammer marks from using a sledge hammer to install BITD.
So, at a swap, back in the winter. this 8 in. gem presents itself. There will be a few items like this that are not technically "Day II", but I think this will be ok and hardly noticed. I did use the correct AOR timing cover, btw. The cam choice gave me more problems than I thought. I wanted something civil on the street. I did not want fouled plugs every other day. I also did not want detonation, so that meant bleeding off some "effective" compression. I also insisted on a solid lifter cam. It was finally decided that I would use my ZL1/ LS-7 cam. I may regret this choice. I also know better grinds are available. I wanted to use what I already had. So, this is the one and that is one less expense I will have. I bought a couple of other items at the swap and sold them for more than I gave for all I bought, so the balancer was free.
Last picture is a teaser- intake & carbs

[L78M22Rag]

Looking forward to following this build... I have all my shots, so this is my kinda car!

[L_e_e]

Cool build!!!
I have no regrets using an original GM 3959180 (9181) cam.
Much more power could of been made with a modern roller but I wanted a old school hard hitting solid cam that wasn't made of cheap material. Works well with Crower EDM lifters.

[big gear head]

That TR2X, :Can-I-Have-It:

[bbbentley]

That TR2X, :Can-I-Have-It:
Freddie, that came out of Winchester, Ky. When I bought it, it had 2 tops. One was a single 4. I don’t think anyone that builds a TR street car and looking to create “eye candy” would want a single 4 top, so I sold it to recoup some money.

[big gear head]

I had one of those back when I was about 18. I sold it with the 660s and linkage for about $250. I wish I had it now.

[NorCam]

Looks like a real stout build Bentley. I like the cam choice, dig how you bought and sold some swap meet stuff to come away with a free SFI balancer (I have that exact unit) and gotta say the tunnel ram is just pure awesome!!!

Keep it coming' :flag:

[bbbentley]

The Patient:
I have not dug the ole gal out of the shop, yet, this year. With the engine getting close to completion, this will be my next project to extract this car out to where I can work on it and start the transformation. Yes, this is a factory equipped 4 speed and gauge car and that is the original paint except roof and touch ups. So, here it is!

[mr.4speed]

Love it! Do you need a set of vintage headers for it?

[Spooky]

great project! Love the look of the tunnel ram, Good luck my friend.

Scott

[bbbentley]

Stay close by and keep in touch Scott, I will probably need a part, lol

[Spooky]

Will do bud!

[njsteve]

Don't feel bad about using a sink trap pipe section for your radiator. That was a great idea!

I used a PVC, 90-degree sewage pipe section for my truck's air filter box. It flows twice the air as the factory, squashed and restricted elbow. And it cost $3 versus the NOS elbow that cost $100 and can't be found anymore. :-)

[R68GTO]

Your build will be awesome bbbentley! I will definitely need to road trip down to check it out some day.

[bbbentley]

Thanks R68GTO (Jim)...I’d rather have your car! Maybe someday?

[R68GTO]

Make your build something I really like and the odds go up! You have a great start!

[cwc]

This outta be very cool when done,keep up the good work,let your buddies down here in Kentucky and Tennesse know,if we can help. Those of you who don't know Bentley,he's a good guy and very generous.He's gone above and beyond to help me before.

[L78M22Rag]

That Camaro has a lot of character. Like what I see so far!

[bbbentley]

Updates:Another pic of the car as it sits right now. Pic taken in the front yard a couple of years ago. Checked Valve-to-Piston clearance. A-OK. 69 291 castings. Had a little shaving done to true them up. Intake-2.300!!, Exhaust-1.88!!

[bbbentley]

Christmas in May!!! Many Thanks, Sam Griffith.:worship: Small print in blue area , "For Competition Use Only" Got me some shackles, got me a hot rod, ha!!

[bbbentley]

I know these are not real "Motion" . I made them from real Ansen's though. We are going for a look, kind of an illusion, not accuracy. May or may not use. I will leave as found (grungy). Opinions accepted.

[big gear head]

Looking good! Keep the pics coming. I had a chance to get a real set of Motion valve covers a few years ago, but was just a little too late. I still know where they are and if the chance ever comes along again I'll get them. I'd still like to know where the Vette went that these valve covers came off of.

[mockingbird812]

Christmas in May!!! Many Thanks, Sam Griffith.:worship: Small print in blue area , "For Competition Use Only" Got me some shackles, got me a hot rod, ha!!

You’re welcome Bentley. Use them in good health!:biggthumpup:

[bbbentley]

Let the engine sit for a couple of days and turned my attention to the transmission. M20 (wide ratio). Did a "Hillbilly Rebuild" with degreaser and garden hose! Looks good to go. If there are problems, Ill pull it out and go through it or throw some other tranny I have in there. BB Camaro / Nova mavens will notice the factory BB specific shifter, shifter mount and correct oval adjusting nut and all correct fasteners. When I make a clone, the details are accurate! Oh, vintage NOS "roll control"too.

[R68GTO]

Looking good!

[big gear head]

Cool! What are you doing for a rear end?

[bbbentley]

Cool! What are you doing for a rear end?

Bringing a 12 bolt down for you to build? Or help me build? So far, here is what I have:
69 12 bolt Camaro housing
3 series (140) posi unit
New Yukon thick 4.10 gear with new install kit
Axles donated by generous, helpful , kind member and from the Commonwealth to boot
Original ET rear finned aluminum cover
New multileafs
Lakewood vintage square tube bars with tails

Still need: axle bearings & seals, perches, 400# or stiffer posi springs, ? Got a hold of Tom’s Differential and need to place an order...soon. Then, I need a couple of young bucks to keep a boot up my rear and help get it all together.

[big gear head]

We've probably talked about this before, but I don't remember. Are the spring perches damaged or gone? Axle bearings and seals are easy. They are the same for almost every car 7.5, 8.2, 8.5 and 12 bolt from '64 and up. When you get the 400# springs are you going to get new clutches too, or just shim the clutches that you have? Bring it down and we'll put it together. Just give me time to get ready for it. My shop is a mess.

[ZLP955]

Awesome Bentley, can't believe I missed this thread until now and didn't realise Project Ratty had actually begun!!

[bbbentley]

Dug out some new old oil pan bolts I have had forever.

[big gear head]

That's cool. Too bad they will be on the bottom where most people won't see them.

[bbbentley]

That's cool. Too bad they will be on the bottom where most people won't see them.

Not true! The competition will get a glimpse as they are being run over by the mighty rat!:rolleyes2:

[big gear head]

:naughty:

[Tommy]

Cool Bolts. I have a complete set of similar Mr. Gasket bolts on the 12 bolt under the Nova.


Tommy

[1967Z28]

I have a set of Rocket head bolts for small block. Sorry I don't have any of the big block ones for you.

[69SSL89]

This is gonna be an awesome car

[bbbentley]

This is gonna be an awesome car

I noticed you titled your response “Ratty Rod”. I would like to take this opportunity to assure folks that this car is not going to be the cliche , “ Rat Rod”. A generic name that encompasses a lot of artistic creations, but usually has no theme related to true hot ridding, traditional hot rods, or race/muscle cars. In addition, the term Rat Rod, can be an insulting description of a car that is cobbled, unsafe, has booger welds, and questionable engineering.

In no matter or way do I intend to portray, build, emmulate, or replicate a car that could be termed a “rat rod”. Although the name is commonly misused and attributed to any car lacking a quality paint job, and I am sure someone will give this car that moniker at some point. I would qualify this build to be, more so, a faux “ barn find”, another overused word I detest. Think of this car as a street heavy brawler, with speed equipment no newer than 72-3, perhaps built by a guy drafted to Nam. He puts the car away and the same car is finally resurrected in 2018. In 1972 I was 11 years old. I was still playing with my “Hot Wheels.” This will be a grown up Hot Wheels.

[mockingbird812]

Bentley,

Could have saved a lot of typed words.........

"...grown up Hot Wheels" gets it! :biggthumpup:

[Tommy]

I was on board at the first post Bentley. I have been a fan of "patina" and what I call "Rat Muscle" for a long time. Looks great!


Tommy

[bbbentley]

Tommy, thanks for the support. I am just sorry that I already had plans for the tow tabs on this car or they would have been yours. Like you, I looked awhile. All the edifying comments help me to stay on this thing and see it through. Thanks.

[NorCam]

What's new in the Day II Zoo Bentley?

[bbbentley]

What's new in the Day II Zoo Bentley?
Planting crops, mowing yards, and other spring chores had me sidetracked. But updates on there way. If I wanted to just show off parts acquired for the build, I could spend a week listing and showing. Rebuilt 3-4 factory Hurst 69 shifters recently. Recent finds- Moroso cool can cheap & NOS NMW driveshaft loop cheap.

[bbbentley]

Things got a little behind schedule, but back on the fast track, now! Making great progress this week on the car. Thank God for AC in the shop! It has been awhile, like mid June since I posted about "Ratty". Here is a "teaser" pic.

[markinnaples]

Love the license plate frame

[scuncio]

Keep it up....

[ZoomXF]

Bentley, Glad to see a new Ratty Rat post. I picked up a 1980 Car Craft license plate frame at swap meet this spring.

ZommXF (R68GTO's brother)

[ZLP955]

Hmm what could that be on the '69 Ohio plate.........?

[bbbentley]

Not only are these BBengine frame mounts, but assembly line pieces, thanks, Scott P.(spookster). Posi unit and cover arrived (had them stored at Mom's). Before and After drum to disc ( I know, not the right MC, but I’m using what’s lying around the place. All parts are assembly line pieces! Nothing out of a catalog, except emblem. Last, emblem mounted.

[R68GTO]

Looking great Bentley - it's going to be awesome!

[bbbentley]

"Ratty" has undergone all of it's engine compartment mods. The engine compartment was important, because, now, the engine can go in place. I wanted all the room to install the needed components and , hopefully, ease the procedure. The engine has to go in place so there is enough weight to compress the BB springs, when the spindles are changed. Makes sense. Then all the rest of the suspension can be changed. Then I will turn my attention back to the engine to finish that up and then, the interior and some body touch up paint.

The heater box was a royal pain. The old cover had a rust hole from decades of being a rodent condo. The fan was seized and the squirrel cage gnawed. That required pulling loose the Rt. fender and replacing all that stuff, ugh!

To date, the engine bay has gotten it"s BB fan shroud top bracket, muncie speedo cable, J52 brake setup, BB heater assembly(even have the correct rubber block off piece for the unused tube holes), ZL2 wiring, BB frame stands, correct speedo plug in existing firewall hole.
The funnel is on the fuel line. I soaked it in Evaporust to make sure it was clean.

[mockingbird812]

Yeah baby....lovin’ it!!!:3gears:

[ZLP955]

Looking good Bentley!

[SuperNovaSS]

Thanks for sharing. Its looking great.


Jason

[mockingbird812]

Bentley - you might want to check for your emergency brake operation - could be disconnected! ;>))

[bbbentley]

Bentley - you might want to check for your emergency brake operation - could be disconnected! ;>))

Details,details...who needs to stop? The car is made to GO! Lol

[A12pilot]

... the squirrel cage gnawed..

Um, yeah. That's what squirrels do!!:scholar: Man.. so dramatic! :smile::haha:

Looking good Bentley!! Nice progress! :biggthumpup::biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

Cheers
Dave

[cook_dw]

Nice work Bentley. Glad to see you making progress.

[brent396]

Keep the pictures coming good job

[big gear head]

Anything new going on here?

[bbbentley]

Anything new going on here?
Sorry to say, not as much as I would like. bogged down with cleaning, painting, repairing and fabricating on the car. How was I to know this would be the 5th wettest year in recorded history , here, in the Ohio Valley? Every friggin' Weekend, here comes a cold rain or snow. And a few downpours throughout each week, just to keep the spirit down. You see, I built the engine last year in my house basement. I have a walkout to level ground. It is down the hillside. The car is in the shop at the top of the grade. I cannot find a dry enough day to go down and get the engine out of the basement. The car is ready and the engine is ready for the car. i need to get a couple of buddies to help me manhandle it out of the basement. Problem is, all my buddies are older and down in the back. I find it hard to leave things "Ratty". There are some things I cannot leave alone, the rear end cover being one. I have a before and after here. At first, I was hip to leaving it...well, Ratty. But I study Grady's car a lot for ideas and I could not take that cover being all crusty. So, ok, maybe semi ratty, ha! I mounted the fuel pressure gauge and several loose end type things, like brake lines and hardware. Mounted a driveshaft loop. Sanded down the roof. Picked up some slapper bars. That kind of stuff. Too boring to post about. I am building Mamma a garage this fall and that has taken my time away from the car. got a hole for the ZL1 hood wiring. Curious 427 crayon mark (not added) I sanded around to see better. Hood pins installed and cool can mounted. If I ever get the engine in its bay. Ill have something to report. Don't cringe because parts are piled up on the fenders, She is rough. Take care all.

[bbbentley]

more

[ZoomXF]

Bentley,

Sounds like Jim & I need to make a trip down there and help you with that engine. If I can pry him away from Rat's Nest.

Mike

[bbbentley]

Mike, would love the company. You and Jim can stop by anytime. We would spend so much time “ bench racing” that we would not get anything done.:3gears::youguysrock:

[bbbentley]

been quite some time since giving a report. The weather has improved considerably, here, in Ohio. It has been a "Ratty" kind of week. Getting a lot of smaller details taken care of and refurbishing some acquired pieces. here is a before & after steering wheel. I think the "rosewood" color came out ok. I also have a sparkly gold "Gasser" type wheel if this does not look acceptable after installed. Traction bars are now white. may make the purists cringe. But if it was good enough for da Grump, it's good enough for me. I just thought there would be too much yellow.

[bbbentley]

getting close to dropping in the engine. got the front bumper installed, tow tabs, hood pins. Just going down the list and checking off items.Probably can't see the original T3s. Gotta come up with something in place of those Z stripes. Want to get rid of those stripes. That whole area may end up all black?

[bbbentley]

It is not unusual to find a 50 year old survivor hotrod missing an emblem. I only bought 3 emblems, they are pretty high priced. The good part of the high price is there won't be too many guys making a DH replica. So, suppose the emblem was stolen? With 3 emblems, what to do? We all have seen what is under missing trim or emblems, unfaded, original paint. So I had to replicate that with a little rubbing compound.

[big gear head]

It's going to be a very cool car. I love the TR2X and Motion valve covers. Will it be ready for SCR22?

[ZLP955]

Looks great! I think the hood done in black would really suit the car.

[R68GTO]

Here's something to consider on the hood.....replace the two stripes with a single black stripe down the center the same width as that Grump Lump. Call it an homage to Nuge's DY COPO:wink:
Very creative on that stolen DH emblem idea- I love it! Just take a screwdriver and add a couple of pry mark scratches, treat with saltwater to rust them, and it will be really Ratty Rat legit:biggthumpup:

[Bernhard]

Nice

[bbbentley]

I made my own accurate Posi trunk labels on the correct paper as the originals. That meant that it was glued on with adhesive and not a decal / sticker per se. A little care in showing no care (crooked and wrinkled) and some soiling, age, and lettering worn off, and here is the result

[HawkX66]

I made my own accurate Posi trunk labels on the correct paper as the originals. That meant that it was glued on with adhesive and not a decal / sticker per se. A little care in showing no care (crooked and wrinkled) and some soiling, age, and lettering worn off, and here is the result
Looks great Bentley. Mine was pretty flat, but it basically turned to dust after I left it in my center console for a few years. It had just about fallen off and I was trying to protect it... I'll have to follow your lead when I finally get around to painting my car. Until then it's great ripping around in a primer grey 69 big block!

[ZLP955]

That posi label looks great Bentley! More hidden talents being revealed.......

[x33rs]

Hey Bentley,
Bill just told me about this so I had to check it out. Had no idea, maybe I should fish around on the site more often, lol.

I remember this car back in the 80's. Used to see it sitting outside around White Oak and Merwin 10 Mile. I drove past there all the time when I lived on Lewis. My time frame might be rusty, maybe late 70's?? LOL

I think it's fantastic you're blowing the moth balls off this stuff and doing something with it after all these years. :biggthumpup:

[markinnaples]

Are you leaving the 4 inch cowl hood on the car?

[bbbentley]

Are you leaving the 4 inch cowl hood on the car?

Mark, not a 4” hood. I would not put such a hideous looking thing on my car. It is a 3” and looks (to most) like a factory 2”. Can’t say I have seen another, at least offered by any manufacturer in recent times. I am open to suggestions. I kinda figure I’ll use what I have. I do have a couple of factory steel cowl hoods, I guess I could cut one of those up? I would love to have something “cooler”. No one has offered anything, yet. I do, also, have a flat fiberglass hood. Thanks for your keen eye catching that little deviation from accuracy.

[Flying Undertaker]

Bentley: I see your trunk lid had holes for a spoiler. How about a flat black painted spoiler put back on it to match the flat black hood? That would take care of the missing Yenko emblem! Definitely a ratty Day 2 Mod! Don.

[bbbentley]

Bentley: I see your trunk lid had holes for a spoiler. How about a flat black painted spoiler put back on it to match the flat black hood? That would take care of the missing Yenko emblem! Definitely a ratty Day 2 Mod! Don.

Thanks Don. Yeah, those holes on the lid were a sin from the past that I did in my 20s. In fact, every 69 I had, I put spoilers and ducted hood on. Guess I was a trend setter back then (not!), as everyone today does the same mods? Nah, I have to be different, well, at least no spoiler, that is. If I can get another one of my nicer lids painted, I would use that. But too much nice painted panels is not “Ratty”? I’m not a painter and I have not decided what I will do with hood and roof, except, they won’t be staying the way they are.