Introducing........RAT’S NEST

[69z2x4]

For those of you that haven't had the pleasure of speaking with Jim in person you are missing out. Jim is such a personable guy and a gresat asset to the hobby..Just like Jim's COPO, it must be seen in person to fully appreciate what he has accomplished in his restoreration of such a fine car. Hope to see you again soon.

[R68GTO]

GM Carlisle - Solid Lifter Showroom here we come!

[Xplantdad]

Be safe and have fun!:headbang:

[R68GTO]

Well, the guy I met at the Springfield Swap Meet came through with a photo for me. He told me that he has more, just needs to find them.
According to him, this photo was from the first trip to KilKare after the car had been painted. Best shot I have of the car in this form:biggthumpup:

[Crush]

I’m not sure if it has been said in this thread but I love the name of this car ! “RATS NEST” sounds so tuff and wicked! Love it!

[Too Many Projects]

That is really cool, Jim. Having history and pics of a 53 yr old car come out of the woodwork is amazing. Being a known race car has really helped you piece together the story.

[Xplantdad]

Way too cool!:smile:

[R68GTO]

At the risk of rambling, I'll kind of replay a phone conversation I had tonight. Spoke with a guy named Dave Thomas about bring Rats Nest to the "Gathering of the Geezers" event at KilKare in August as part of a vintage drag car display. Dave is one of the organizers of the event. As we spoke about the history of my car and it's ties to Kilkare as the home track, he mentioned that he campaigned the 63 Ault & James Corvette with Jerry Ault (owner of the Ault & James Speed Shop). I commented that the guy that created/raced Rats Nest, made the deal to buy the car while he was at Ault & James Speed Shop to pick up some parts. Dave's reply was, you have "that" car?! Dave proceeded to tell me that he was there that day and remembered the kid from UD (University of Dayton) that came in looking to sell this Camaro because it got terrible gas mileage and had manual steering and he wanted to get rid of it. He stated "that was a Ray Bryant car right? He witnessed the deal go down on my car 52-ish years ago. Amazing.

[Too Many Projects]

WOW, Jim, you just keep falling into all this history !! Congrats on filling in more pages.

Are you buying lottery tickets ??? :biggthumpup:

[Xplantdad]

Jim, that is beyond amazing (and cool) Thanks for continuing to share your cars history with us!:cool2:

[R68GTO]

Another milestone in Rat's Nest journey. Took it to SCR25 and made a few passes. It's been roughly 50 years since Rat's Nest car 1718 made it's debut at the drag strip as a Super Stocker. It was my first time ever taking a car down the drag strip so I definitely didn't do the car justice but had a great time! For those that haven't followed along, I used vintage photos from 1971/72 to duplicate the paint scheme and each individual sticker on the car.

[Too Many Projects]

It was great having you there and seeing the car go down the track, Jim.
You do know this is additive and you just might get the itch do it again...soon...:biggthumpup:

[Jonesy]

What was the time? I dont see it on the slip. Looks like fun.

[Copo_Cartel]

The car looked killer ....the track photo is awesome

[Pro Stock John]

Bet it was fun!!

Beech Bend is a nice facility.

[R68GTO]

What was the time? I dont see it on the slip. Looks like fun.

First time I ever took any car down a track Jonesy, so it was slow reaction time, partial throttle and granny-shifting all the way. :3gears:Also had a carb problem which I believe I fixed tonight:grin:

[R68GTO]

The car looked killer ....the track photo is awesome

Thanks Doug! And thanks again for all the work you & others put into making this event happen!

[R68GTO]

I had the opportunity to meet a drag racing legend at SCR25. Dickie Ogles won championships in 5 different decades in his racing career. Dickie told me that he remembered Rat's Nest from his days running SS/D in his "Silly Bear" 69 427 Camaro. Dickie was kind enough to pose for a pic in front of the car.

[R68GTO]

I had a great day today - brought the car back to the guy I bought it from. Last fall, I had sent him some pics of the car restored in stock trim before the Rats Nest conversion so he didn't know about that or the COPO status. One of the things he told me as a condition of sale was that I could never "turn it into a race car".:stupid:
So before I opened up the trailer, I handed him a sizable wad of cash and told him to take it. He refused and said that he was happy with the deal and never regretted selling the car to me. I then told him it was now verified to be a COPO. He said "really?" I said yes, really. He stuck to his guns and still refused to take the money saying that even if he knew what it was, he didn't have the money to restore it like I did. I persisted that I felt it was the right thing to do, so he finally accepted it.
Once we got that done, I told him he might feel better about taking the money, because I turned it into a race car. I got a confused look from him so I opened the trailer up. He loved it and understood why I did it after learning about all the car's history and vintage photos which I reviewed with him. He was thankful and happy the car will now likely be preserved for the long haul. Below are a few pics of the car in front of the garage where it laid in effective hibernation for 35 years while he owned it. Also took him for a spin in the car which he loved and took a few snaps of him in the car just like the day I bought it. He gave me a couple pics he had from a local show years ago and said he'll find more and get them to me. At the end he told me that I made his day. I told him that he made my day as well:biggthumpup:

[Xplantdad]

Jim, that is so cool! :cool2:




Thanks for sharing your continuing story!

[John]

...

... You are another True Car Guy !

... :flag::flag::flag:

...

[Too Many Projects]

And the story just keeps going. So nice of you to share the car with the former owner like that.
You've done a super job on, not only the restoration, but acquiring the history. Hopefully not for some time, but the next owner is going to benefit greatly from all you have done for this car and it's heritage.

[R68GTO]

More ownership history work completed today. I took the car to Chillicothe, Ohio where 4 prior owners or family members (owner deceased) reside. Then headed over to Lynchburg, Ohio to meet up with the son and wife of the second owner (Doug Davis). Doug is the guy that created Rat's Nest. It was a good day. In order from most recent owner/family to earliest. One owner family member (3rd owner had to cancel)
John Taylor - owned the car from 1981 to 1982 and sold it to DJ Justice who was the guy I bought it from in the prior post.
Terry Walley (deceased in 2018, represented by his wife Laura)
Ralph Willis (deceased in 2021, represented by his daughter Brandy, stepson Chad, and son in law Richard)
Doug Davis (deceased in 2006, represented by his wife Judy and son Denny)

[Copo_Cartel]

Jim ...your passion reaches beyond cars but also to the heart and souls of the families. Congratulations.

[Xplantdad]

Doug, agreed! So cool :biggthumpup:

[R68GTO]

Jim ...your passion reaches beyond cars but also to the heart and souls of the families. Congratulations.

There was definitely some emotions flowing yesterday, especially for those representing the owners that are deceased. I was happy to bring a little joy to them in the form of an old muscle car their loved ones enjoyed very much.

[R68GTO]

Aside from the human interest happenings yesterday, I got to see a few new snaps of the car from back in the day. 3 new ones from John Taylor in the '81/82 timeframe, and one from shortly after Ralph Willis bought the car ('77/78 timeframe), dropped a drivetrain in it and went racing. According to the guy in the car in the pic, this pic was taken right after they got back from National Trails in Columbus. He said the car had Fenton Super Sharks on it at the time.

[RPOLS3]

Awesome

[dykstra]

Way cool!!! What a great story. Love the history of these old cars.

[R68GTO]

Took Rat's Nest back to it's home track from the early '70's early this morning to catch the sunrise lighting on the vintage track sign. Enjoy!!

[R68GTO]

Here's some more pics at another local spot to catch the sunset lighting.

[Xplantdad]

Very nice!!:cool2:

[olredalert]

----Great pics of a great car!....Bill S

[RPOLS3]

Love this car.

[turbo69bird]

The car looks great! So happy to see it done.

[R68GTO]

Well, they're never really "done" are they:dunno:
Sold off my survivor jack and restored/installed a date code correct jack for the car. Not than anyone ever sees it, but I know it's right now:grin:

[169indy]

^^ Very true words, they are never finished & Dan B & I Joke like referring to the hidden correct jack,,,,,,,"I can See it from HERE!".
Nice job

[R68GTO]

Another post from the "you're never done" archive....I was never quite sure what my speedo setup was supposed to look like - reducer/no reducer so I just had my original to the car cable plugged right into the trans. At MCACN, I spent quite a bit of time and took quite a few photos of Doug Perry's black low mile L78. It has the same trans/rear combo as mine and was obviously original, so I went out and found a 90 degree adapter and installed it. Also removed my speedo clip and added some dumdum over the hole just like Doug's car. My adapter isn't the correct part, but at least it now looks somewhat correct. If anyone has the correct 1:.777reducer (6476735) that you're willing to part with let me know. I know they're tough to find but I might be willing to part with some cash for the right one.
Thanks Doug P. for bringing the car into the public view, it's stuff like this that keeps us hobbyists going with new things to work on!

[turbo69bird]

You know there no way you’re ever putting that car back to stock right? That car looks way too good the way it is
Curious about the gas tank was it blacked out back in the day as well?

Or does it just look that way in that last group of pictures? Answered my own question on this one w post 450 must just be a reflection of the asphalt

[Kurt S]

Are you sure it had the same trans as yours? Meaning the same part # on the trans tag?

You can't go by physical appearances. There were two different speedo drive gear sizes and hence two different part #'s for each trans model. I've seen the same trans model and axle ratio have and not have the adaptor.

[R68GTO]

Kurt, no I am not sure. I was unaware of the different part number vs just M22 vs M21.
The trans in my car is not the original, I only "know" it was M22 from the guy that was the 2nd owners racing partner back in 1971. He was in the internals of the trans multiple times over the 4 years they raced it. Still not proof-positive, but the best I have.
I was hoping the speedo cable code thread over at CRG would verify trans/speedo adapter, but it seems that CW (my cable code) was used in multiple applications. CW is the code on Doug P.'s build sheet for that survivor L78 with M22 / 4.10 rear.

[turbo69bird]

Curious was your m22 pro shifted? My M21 was dumped for M20 internals for the wider ratio and pro shifted.

[R68GTO]

I believe it was "pro shifted" by Doug Nash BITD. Way back in post 140 I shared a story told by Doug's son about Doug Nash coming to his house when he was a kid. The car also sported a Doug Nash "ProShift" sticker on the upper front fender just ahead of the Hayes sticker. It took me a while to ID that sticker and even longer to find a pair of originals to put back on the car!

[turbo69bird]

I believe it was "pro shifted" by Doug Nash BITD. Way back in post 140 I shared a story told by Doug's son about Doug Nash coming to his house when he was a kid. The car also sported a Doug Nash "ProShift" sticker on the upper front fender just ahead of the Hayes sticker. It took me a while to ID that sticker and even longer to find a pair of originals to put back on the car!

That’s awesome, you’ll know if the one in there is pro shifted it’ll bang hard in and out of gear . Even when idling through the pitts or around the block . Any shift is an agressive bang .

[turbo69bird]

For those who aren’t familiar with pro shifted trans missions here’s some info. Kinda long winded but gets the point across. https://youtu.be/fJ_ZKHPrtPM

Here’s a pic of a pro shifted gear

Faceplates is a little different , but works kinda the same way

[R68GTO]

Terry Walley (L) & Ralph Willis (R). These two guys were friends and both were prior owners of my COPO. I spoke to each of them after I purchased the car, but sadly, they both passed away before I could get the finished car to them. Both raced the car on weekends. Terry raced it in the red/white/blue Rat's Nest paint scheme sans stickers. Ralph raced it in the black/gold paint scheme that he applied in the late 70's.

[turbo69bird]

That’s cool info on the previous drivers good job locating all that info . My RAIV bird has been tough to find owners. I found info on the first owner after the dealer recently but his wife had recently passed and the house sold can’t find where he’s gone after . It’s a really nice thing to find the trail at least though.(lived 14 minutes from CT dragway , about 2 as a crow flies) Too bad those guys (that raced yours) didn’t get to see it finished.
When I was putting the RAV engine in my car that Stephens raced in pro stock one guy was really interested as his freind had owned it for many years but never run it. He passed away the weekend I got it running in the car . It’s a shame when stuff like that happens .

Good job preserving that car though and I’m really happy you made it the race car. It’s a great car either way but the interesting history of the car is its race heritage IMO. All those weekends at the track each a story in itself anyone who has raced a car for many years understands every weekend of racing has a story. Such a great car and such a good job restoring it and sharing it with us.

[R68GTO]

Finally dug out the only photo I have of Doug Davis (lower left) who created Rats Nest. This scan is from his photo album along with photos of the A990 Hemi lightweight he and Rick Wilkin campaigned in the mid-60's.

[R68GTO]

This car is now listed in the SuperCars for sale section.

[southernfriedcj]

I found info on the first owner after the dealer recently but his wife had recently passed and the house sold can’t find where he’s gone after .

Contact the attorney who handled the closing. The seller's mailing address should be on the closing statement,

If not, the attorney would have an address to send the 1099 to.

If that fails, ask the attorney who the seller's RE agent was. The agent may have contact info.

[turbo69bird]

Contact the attorney who handled the closing. The seller's mailing address should be on the closing statement,

If not, the attorney would have an address to send the 1099 to.

If that fails, ask the attorney who the seller's RE agent was. The agent may have contact info.

Don’t want to hijack this thread, (my apologies to OP) but that was a false alarm, the number got” translated “wrong somehow and it’s a different person and looks like they passed away in 2012. One digit was off in the area code from. Back then, when searched initially it was the wrong number used , it’s straightened out now but doesn’t seem like it’s gonna do me any good . Will still keep working on it but doesn’t look promising .

[R68GTO]

Had a chance meeting with Doug Davis's other son Tim this morning at the Dayton Cars & Coffee show. Tim is also a geared with his passion being his 300ZX Turbo which he's owned for 27 years. This was the first time Tim had seen his Dad's car. Fun time!

[Xplantdad]

Very cool!:cool2:

[R68GTO]

Had another great day adding to the history of the Rats Nest COPO. Went to the Gathering of the Geezers event at KilKare Dragway. Met up with Denny Davis who took Rats Nest down the track just like his Dad did over 50 years ago. Denny had his daughter Emma riding shotgun. Video is posted on my Facebook page.
Also ran across a relative of a prior owner. Terry (Gator) Knisley is the nephew of Daniel Knisely (deceased). Daniel owned the car around 1975 and drag raced it without lettering but still in the red/white/blue paint scheme. Gator remembers this car sitting on a trailer at his uncle's house.

[R68GTO]

My best attempt at recreating pics from 50+ years ago. I took these with a high resolution camera so hard to duplicate a shot from 1971 timeframe.

[R68GTO]

Here's a couple of crappy cell phone pics from the photo shoot this weekend.

[R68GTO]

https://youtu.be/2Zb-CmwHzUQ?si=EmSfoQ7o30samkUd

Tommy Lee Bird created a great video of the car for his Youtube channel "The Hot Rod Hoarder". Enjoy!

[R68GTO]

https://www.datelifee.com/2023/11/check-out-this-rare-1969-chevy-copo.html

[dykstra]

Very cool!!

[R68GTO]

The deconstruction of Rats Nest back to just another COPO has begun. I think that's a 5W-20 tear being shed by Rats Nest.:no: Vintage speed parts relegated to garage art duty until the next project needs them.

[R68GTO]

Interior back to Day 1.

[R68GTO]

Day 1 engine bay. I am opting not to do the orange engine overspray on intake and exhaust, just like the clean look better. Still have a few details to finish up but mostly there. Working on installing Gardner exhaust system with resonators now - stay tuned! Feel free to point out any faux pas you see, you won't hurt my feelings - I just want it to be right!

[dykstra]

Looking great!!

[Mr70]

I must say,very well done.

[R68GTO]

Day 1 undercarriage (except for TB's). Gardner exhaust is high quality stuff.

[R68GTO]

Removed the 1971 Lakewood traction bars and the 1970 Gabriel hijackers today. I believe my underside work is now done. Just need to restore the cowl induction air cleaner assembly - it was purchased NOS back in 1978, still had the blue GM sticker on it until last week. After that, it's just front spoiler, Rats Nest wrap removal, and detailing the exterior before it's completely back to Day 1.

[dykstra]

Such a neat car. This car makes me smile too!!

[R68GTO]

Re-installed the original wiper panel and non-spoiler trunk lid - more garage art! Wrap removal is next week.

[dykstra]

Love a manual with no console.

[R68GTO]

One last look at Rats Nest in "drag":cool2: Wrap guy says "this is gonna hurt".

[R68GTO]

I'm not even sure what to say at this point.....back in her birthday suit I guess:haha:
Time to re-assemble and detail:beers:

[Crush]

just curious any impact to the paint after taking it off?

[R68GTO]

Paint looks good. Will know for sure post detailing.

[R68GTO]

I've been out of the country for a spell, just got back and picked the car up today from the detail shop. Re-assembly has begun, got the front markers re-installed and engine compartment buttoned up. Should get the rest done this weekend:beers:

[R68GTO]

more....

[R68GTO]

Restoration journey complete! Car is now back to as Norwood final assembled her on 9/26/69. The car has not looked like this since around May of 1970. There are way too many people to thank, you know who you are. I couldn't, and wouldn't have wanted to do it without your help!

[Too Many Projects]

Looks great, Jim, but kinda nekkid now.

[Crush]

Gorgeous! Well done!!

[napa68]

That is a great looking car Jim!

[dykstra]

Love this car and its journey!! Such a beautiful COPO.

[RPOLS3]

Love this car and its journey!! Such a beautiful COPO.

^ What he said!

[BJCHEV396]

Congrats Jim....she's a beauty!!

[Jonesy]

Man, that looks awesome!! I really like how this turned out :biggthumpup:

[bergy]

Beautiful car in my favorite color!

[R68GTO]

Well Gang, I just put this beautiful car back up in the Supercars for Sale section.
For some reason, I've never been a huge fan of blue cars, but after taking all these photos, this car changed my mind.
Let me know if you have any problems with the links to pics I provided.

Jim

[R68GTO]

Just made a deal today that will send the car to a new owner.

On same day received my May issue of All Chevy Performance with Rats Nest as the centerfold - Woo Hoo :headbang: I want to again thank Tommy Lee Byrd for the great photos and article.

It was great to have a part (my brother Mike was with me every step of the way) in discovering a Chevrolet Super Car and bringing the car and its history that had been lost to time for 50 years back into the public eye for everyone to enjoy. Damn that was fun!

[Too Many Projects]

Sorry to hear RN will no longer be a part of the sYc family, unless it is another member who bought it.

You seem pleased with selling the car and have enjoyed the journey, congrats on that.
Curious if the Day 2 parts are going with, or....










that 's for the next chapter...:laugh:

[big gear head]

Congratulations on the sale and the centerfold. That's awesome.

[R68GTO]

Sorry to hear RN will no longer be a part of the sYc family, unless it is another member who bought it.

You seem pleased with selling the car and have enjoyed the journey, congrats on that.
Curious if the Day 2 parts are going with, or....

that 's for the next chapter...:laugh:


Next chapter. No idea what that is at the moment though:hmmm:

[Danzo]

Didn't take long!

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1969-chevrolet-camaro-seekonk-ma-2789689

[SMS]

On Bring a Trailer

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-chevrolet-camaro-379/

[R68GTO]

Sold on BaT today for $200,427.
Car is coming back to Ohio.

[Mr70]

Is the new owner going to wrap it back into Drag trim?

[R68GTO]

I spoke with the new owner today. Great guy, has other very nice cars in his collection, and is a big time drag racer.
Car has come full circle from 1970 when it was also purchased by a diehard drag racer from Ohio. You just can't make stuff like this up!

Jim

[AnthonyS]

Sold on BaT today for $200,427.

A very fitting price!

[Too Many Projects]

I spoke with the new owner today. Great guy, has other very nice cars in his collection, and is a big time drag racer.
Car has come full circle from 1970 when it was also purchased by a diehard drag racer from Ohio. You just can't make stuff like this up!

Jim
You ask him where he was a few months ago, when he could have bought it full race dress from ???

[R68GTO]

While I didn't ask, I don't think the new owner would have bought the car in Rats Nest form or will put it back to race trim. He is into factory restored muscle cars and has a 69 RS/Z one his collection that has been through Legends judging.