69 Z/28 Day II Project (Air Force Brat)

[NorCam]

I couldn't believe it when I read you were already thinking of selling it. About time you pulled your head out and looked at what you have. TENS of THOUSANDS of people would give their left arm for a car that nice....:worship: They would need the right arm to shift...:grin:
Congrats on your decision to keep it..:biggthumpup:

I know...:crazy:

My issue is that I become somewhat bored of a project once it's been completed and usually end up moving them along. It's like, OK what's next. There's no doubt the car is a quality piece, I was simply thinking it's time to try something else after completing what is now my fifth Z/28 restoration. It's now my third one in the past 6 years, and thanks to Covid it is the fastest I have ever turned one around.

I was also tempted to list this one on BAT just to see where it would land. The listing would have included a few hundred choice pics and a host of narrated video clips to really showcase the car, and then sit back to see what it would pull for bids? That was, until I looked back and saw all of the effort I put into this one. Viewing this thread again really made me appreciate the car on a new level. For at least the time being, it'll stay where it is while I look for my next project to restore.

Maybe it's time for a 69 or 70 Chevelle? Going to keep my eyes open for the next project? :dunno:

[NorCam]

For those who haven't had enough Daytona Yellow, here are a few pics taken out along the Rockies last week while we were out for a good rip in the car. I stopped to cool it off while getting a great backdrop to shoot the car with.


https://i.ibb.co/M2KNV21/IMG-8710.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/yfQrDWh/IMG-8723.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/kD66gLf/IMG-8728.jpg

[Z28Project]

Simply breathtaking. Both the car and the scenery!

[Too Many Projects]

I hear the sentiment of getting bored after completing a restoration from other people too. I don't have that problem...I never complete any of mine, only customers at work and I'm usually way beyond ready for them to leave...:rolleyes2: I would LOVE to get a few of mine to a level of completion that they are nice drivers.



Don't you have room to keep it and feed your need to work on something with a new project ? A '69-70 Chevelle would be a cool project, but anything fairly clean and solid seems to be rather expensive just to start with.

[NorCam]

Don't you have room to keep it and feed your need to work on something with a new project ? A '69-70 Chevelle would be a cool project, but anything fairly clean and solid seems to be rather expensive just to start with.

Yes I have room, and yes...certain projects are expensive to start with. :scholar:

I tell everyone, I'm a hobbyist...not a collector. In saying that, I do like building solid lifter cars. More often than not, they end up being restored well into the 6-figure range, and rather than beat on them when they are freshly done, I'm more likened to moving them along and perhaps trying to recoup my costs when a car is fresh.

It's a strange yet addictive hobby (and an expensive one most of the time). Sometimes I question my own sanity when it comes to starting another frame off restoration, as I know full well where that's gonna end up.

Upside down. :worship:

[NorCam]

Now, on the lighter side of the hobby...

Here are a few more pics to showcase the 714 yellow interior and the paint work now that I've had some time to get it outside in the sun. Ron really did do a remarkable job with the paint on this one. It does need a bit more polishing in a couple spots, but the body and paint are simply excellent on this one. Also included is one more V75 trunk shot for good measure. :cool2:

Click any image for the high res versions.

https://i.ibb.co/7YxdXq7/IMG-9027.jpg (https://ibb.co/C1p3zfx)

https://i.ibb.co/qjTRVqg/IMG-9011.jpg (https://ibb.co/zxqSD92)

https://i.ibb.co/gJtX0xd/IMG-9020.jpg (https://ibb.co/BBT7h9G)

https://i.ibb.co/bNZW2TT/IMG-9015.jpg (https://ibb.co/DwyV8hh)

https://i.ibb.co/b1xQdD7/IMG-9007.jpg (https://ibb.co/4WcKN3J)

https://i.ibb.co/QrNfWY0/IMG-9005.jpg (https://ibb.co/XSsbnFH)

https://i.ibb.co/Xjm1K74/IMG-9029.jpg (https://ibb.co/HBm6bt2)

https://i.ibb.co/x5Qr1hm/IMG-9030.jpg (https://ibb.co/5cVJrTY)

https://i.ibb.co/898cyMD/IMG-9061.jpg (https://ibb.co/5LcFQTW)

[MosportGreen66]

Awesome build! Said it before and I'll say it again... you saved this Z!

[NorCam]

Awesome build! Said it before and I'll say it again... you saved this Z!

Thanks Dan. :beers:

Always feels good saving another real Z car. :flag:

[pattrus]

Is this the car from Apollo, PA?

[NorCam]

Is this the car from Apollo, PA?

Yes. The car was purchased from the previous owner in Apollo PA last year and was then shipped up to Canada where I restored it over a 12 month period.

[markinnaples]

Love it, beautiful Camaro. How does it drive with those tires?

[NorCam]

Love it, beautiful Camaro. How does it drive with those tires?

Thanks Bud. The car drive's really good with this setup. Hard to believe from a set of staggered bias ply's...but surprisingly well I would have to say. That reminds me...weather is great here today so it's time for another fall cruise before the snow starts to fly.

Cheers Mark! :beers:

[BJCHEV396]

Yes. The car was purchased from the previous owner in Apollo PA last year and was then shipped up to Canada where I restored it over a 12 month period.

12 months! Congrats job very well done!

[markinnaples]

Thanks Bud. The car drive's really good with this setup. Hard to believe from a set of staggered bias ply's...but surprisingly well I would have to say. That reminds me...weather is great here today so it's time for another fall cruise before the snow starts to fly.

Cheers Mark! :beers:

Thanks for the info. I've been debating doing the swap to Bias Plys on my car and getting N50's, but you've got me leaning that way now. Appreciate it!

[tom406]

Re: bias plys, I think we’ve gotten used to radials being able to mask or cover up a variety of ills, be it bad alignment, worn suspension, etc. With a fresh rebuild, good shocks and proper geometry, I’m not surprised NorCam’s Z drives well on the bias tires.

[olredalert]

----Radials depend on the quality of the tire. Same with bias-ply. Just don't think that any radial is going to better for your car than the correct bias-ply. The Goodyear Bias-ply's seem to me to be ahead of the rest of the pack. I love my Blue Streaks on my 67 Corvette for instance. I do temper that with the fact that I have driven bias-ply's most of my driving life (roughly 60 years as I drove when I was 14). I am very comfortable with the typical quirks of even good bias-ply's so maybe my thoughts aren't the norm!.....Bill S

[NorCam]

----I am very comfortable with the typical quirks of even good bias-ply's so maybe my thoughts aren't the norm!.....Bill S

You made me chuckle there Bill. :haha:

As Tom mentioned, a lot of it can likely be attributed to the car being fresh and the alignment being right on. Having quick ratio power steering doesn't hurt matters either. In fact, i'm sure that compensates to some degree.

[NorCam]

Thanks for the info. I've been debating doing the swap to Bias Plys on my car and getting N50's, but you've got me leaning that way now. Appreciate it!

I simply like the look of the sidewalls on the Bias Ply tires Mark. Nothing wrong with radials, but if it needs to look period correct, Bias Ply is the way. If I could get a set of Polyglas or Wide Ovals right now, I'd be ordering a set for my YH wheels...but it's hard getting any kind of tires these days.

[NorCam]

Earlier today, I decided to uncover the car and shoot a cold start video to show just how easy this engine starts, as well as a roll out video to demonstrate how well it rolls off the clutch. The video also shows how well the motor shuts down and does so without any sort of run on. At the same time, I rolled the car out front of my place to get some better pictures out in the sun and have added a few of those to the the video. The car is put away for the winter and will stay parked now until spring. Maybe that will afford me some time to get my tach issues resolved. (lol)

Enjoy the video. (https://youtu.be/KlUvnxCbnt4) (there's the link for those with older browsers)

KlUvnxCbnt4

[frankk]

Many thanks for posting the extra link. Never get tired of hearing that baby run

[RPOLS3]

Looks and sounds great - well done. Thanks for sharing.

[NorCam]

That DY looks great!

I was just looking through this thread again when I noticed some of the dates when Ron started painting the body. It was exactly 1 year to the day. Then I saw this post Tim, and realized yours was post #302 on the same date. Kinda cool so it is.

:youguysrock:

[NorCam]

Arghhh.

It's 56 degrees here today, and the sun is shining brightly as the white stuff has been held to higher elevations. It is however all white in the Canadian Rockies and that means it's inching closer up here. Still...I am tempted to uncover the car and head out for a rip today. :smile:

In the following pic...there's a DZ 302 motor sitting off to the corner. That's heading out next week to be balanced and blueprinted ahead of going into this car at the end of next season. At that time, this solid roller motor will be transplanted into another 55 Chevy project.

Also noticed today that this thread has now surpassed a quarter million views. I'll add some more pics to it as the 302 is being rebuilt. :biggthumpup:

https://i.ibb.co/k8WYMBK/IMG-9090.jpg

[Too Many Projects]

Has said "'55 chevy project" already been procured, or will the next ~12 months be a hunt ...:smile:

[NorCam]

Nothing procured yet Mitch. I have an option on a decent 210 roller project but still looking around in case I find a better 210 car to build. Planning a black and white 210 Delray street machine build. Waffle interior, bench seat, stick, 456 posi and will transfer some of the day 2 parts onto it as well.

Do you have something available? :Can-I-Have-It:

[Too Many Projects]

I have a super clean '54 210 2 dr from Wyoming...:tongue:
Mostly original paint and patina "to die for"...:grin:
I know, wrong year for most people. I'd like to keep it, but I probably won't live long enough to finish building it to running/driving.
It DOES have a '55 rear axle under it...

[NorCam]

Nope...gotta be a 55 Delray. :biggthumpup:

[ls6owner]

Great build Graeme. I have enjoyed following along. Everything is all tucked away here in the prairies too. I was wondering what brand of cover that is on your car. I am looking for a new one.
Thx
Oliver

[NorCam]

Thanks Oliver.

Onyx indoor car cover. I like them so much I bought two of them. Check around and normally you can find a deal w/ free shipping in the US. I got two of them shipped to Montana with my parts orders and picked them up down there to save on shipping. (eBay Link) (https://www.ebay.com/itm/191948539331?fits=Year%3A1969%7CModel%3ACamaro&hash=item2cb10645c3:g:WUsAAOSwIgNXtRo9)

Maybe email them and ask if they can ship it Parcel Service with USPS from Michigan.

[rlw68]

Nothing procured yet Mitch. I have an option on a decent 210 roller project but still looking around in case I find a better 210 car to build. Planning a black and white 210 Delray street machine build. Waffle interior, bench seat, stick, 456 posi and will transfer some of the day 2 parts onto it as well.

Do you have something available? :Can-I-Have-It:


Check out the 210 next to my Z... that thing is huge ! You might want to consider adding some more horses :rolleyes2:


206843

[Too Many Projects]

Check out the 210 next to my Z... that thing is huge ! You might want to consider adding some more horses :rolleyes2:



Bigger car, just more air space. Check out the shipping weights of a '69 Camaro and a 1955 Chevrolet...identical at 3,300#. Yes, there will be slight differences for engine and trans combo's but, but nothing to warrant more hp than he will be installing...:cool2:

[NorCam]

Yup, I built one about 10 years ago and found the weights were very similar to Camaro's.

[NorCam]

I am very happy that the Can/US border has reopened to us now. I made my way down to Montana today and picked up some needed engine parts for the 302 along with some new tires. Big thanks to Scott and Rich for the parts, and a huge thanks to Mr. Day 2 for intercepting the rally wheel at MCACN before packing it up and arranging to have it shipped over to me. Great packaging and this was very much appreciated!!!

Now to get the rubber mounted onto some Rally Wheels. (Early Christmas)

https://i.ibb.co/0Y3xsRd/IMG-9904.jpg

[rlw68]

I am very happy that the Can/US border has reopened to us now. I made my way down to Montana today and picked up some needed engine parts for the 302 along with some new tires. Big thanks to Scott and Rich for the parts, and a huge thanks to Mr. Day 2 for intercepting the rally wheel at MCACN before packing it up and arranging to have it shipped over to me. Great packaging and this was very much appreciated!!!



Hey Graeme, the dust shield (3843943) is still available from The General for less than 20 bucks. Is there any diffence between this and the original ?


:dunno:

[NorCam]

Yup. These originals were the ones that always vibrated and squeaked. Shortly after being issued, GM fixed that with the little tabs added near the middle. They help space it and align it off the oil pan to stop the dust shield from vibrating and rattling from the harmonics of the crank. That super annoying little squeak the originals were know for. And these annoying ones like this are super hard to find now days.

[NorCam]

Top one has tabs like the current GM offering.

https://www.autopartsdb.net/assets/images/ProductImg/K/K4497_354497.JPG

And below is the Corvette Specialties Copy of the Original w/o Tabs
https://www.corvettecentral.com/product/image/large/532118_532118.main.jpg

[NorCam]

Now that the parts are here, today I started getting the DZ Motor ready to head off to the machine shop. Also rolled the car outside to warm up the engine and move some fluids around before the deep freeze sets in for the great white north. It was mild up here today at 38 degrees, but it's surely gonna get cold soon? The first day of winter is only 10 days away now. Brrrrrr

49TRnkTpAPc

[NorCam]

Was going to try and sell the car, but the more I think about it, the car will be staying where it is.

[Z282NV]

GLWS Graeme, the quality of this build will make any new owner feel very proud to be the next caretaker! :beers:

[southernfriedcj]

Finish reading all 1039 posts.

Great thread, great car, great job!

[NorCam]

lmao...now that there is funny! :biggthumpup:

First of all...Thanks!

It was extremely fun doing this build and sharing the details. I've read back through it like 3 or 4 times now.

Takes a while don't it? :haha:

[NorCam]

As a bit of a progress update, the severe deep freeze that western Canada was locked into...finally broke. That said, I did finally manage to haul the DZ302 up to the machine shop on Wednesday. The bores will be measured to see it we can rebuild it at .030 which looks like a really good possibility right now. I bought this block from Larry Christensen and he honed the cylinders at .030 because there was no ridge wear. It looked by all means to be rebuildable at .030 over with a simple hone, bearings and a new set of rings.

I have since picked up some .030 forged pistons from Steve Shauger that look like new so we will measure them up to see if we can use them with this build. I suspect the clearance will be fine but if need be, I can always ceramic coat the pistons. The 1178 crank is actually cut & polished at 10/10 so my error on the earlier stated condition of the crank being standard. It looks good to go and if the pistons match up with the bores, the rotating assembly will be balanced and blueprinted for this engine once the block goes through a thorough cleaning and a few tests.

The short block will now be washed, inspected for cracks, bores measured and machined if necessary, main cap alignment checked and all the oil galleries will be thoroughly chased. It'll then be hot tanked and jet washed for a second time before going together with new frost plugs and a set of cam bearings. Once ready for the assembly to drop in, it'll receive a full set of Clevite "H" bearings and the bottom end will be buttoned up. Next, we'll add a Nostalgia plus 30/30 camshaft, Cloyes true roller chain and a new Melling oil pump with factory windage tray. When ready for paint, it'll see an original Z/28 oil pan and an AOR 8" timing cover w/ original 7708 balancer.

I did have to put myself in check this week and not choose a bigger camshaft than needed for this engine and that's hard for me to do (lol). Choosing a smaller cam allows us to clean up the 186 heads, run fresh 1.250 Z/28 springs with screw in studs & guides...and call it a day. I'll now need to find some decent lifters and measure up the pushrods before adding the 472 intake and a set of NOS long slot rockers with stock valve covers. Once finished, the upgraded components should help this motor run stable to 7000 rpm.

More when it's all back from the machine shop. :worship:

https://i.ibb.co/fHZXpvM/Top.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PQpqBzs/1178.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/dts8MK4/Cyl.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/qp4JY4W/Bottom.jpg

[NorCam]

Just wanted to send out props to Larry B for mailing up a set of Dill valve stem caps for the 69. Larry knew I was looking for a set for some rally wheels I was collecting and sent these up on the Polar Express.

Thanks Larry (lbnaz) :flag:

https://i.ibb.co/tzjdpk5/IMG-0352.jpg

[NorCam]

In case it was buried in a previous post, I also wanted to send a shout out to Buddy for a nice set of original frame mounts he sent up for use in the car. The 302 will most likely be going in later this year and those mounts will definitely be used at that time.

Thanks again Buddy (x77-69z28) :beers:

It's great people like you guys that make this such a special place to hang out! :youguysrock:

[x77-69z28]

Glad to help out Graeme! Glad you’re keeping her!
Buddy

[dykstra]

Was going to try and sell the car, but the more I think about it, the car will be staying where it is.

Wahoooooooooll:3gears::biggthumpup:

[NorCam]

Machinist called me yesterday and said he measured all the bores and it's good to go back together at .030 and that the pistons I got from Steve are a perfect fit for the bores. The block is now getting thoroughly cleaned while the rotating assembly is being balanced up. I got the camshaft for this motor but still need to find some good lifters for it before it all goes together. Heads are next and I also found some good springs for those.

I'll post some pictures when the motor is going back together.

[NorCam]

Wow...the thread is now up over 300 thousand views. That's really cool!

As a little biddy update, the DZ302 engine build is progressing along nicely at the machine shop. I will try and stop in on Friday to get more details on that. In other news, I did manage to pick up a January 11th YH rally wheel for the car but wanted to give another shout out to Mike Thorpe (rszmjt) for a January 10th YH rally wheel he just hooked me up with. I picked it up today and can now get this pair media blasted, trued up and painted before I mount the new tires up. In total, I now have four January dates for the car, but I'm still looking for one last wheel to complete a set of 5 including a spare.

If anyone has a nice January rim in good shape...hit me up please.

https://i.ibb.co/WzF5v7G/IMG-0455.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/TBTX6Km/IMG-0457.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/fNjR5rW/IMG-0458.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Y0L89tC/IMG-0459.jpg

[NorCam]

Stopped off at the machine shop today with the oil pan, T/C and some valve train parts for the DZ motor. It's now been line bored, mains have been measured up, the block has been washed up twice, cam bearings and frost plugs are installed, and it's bagged up while it awaits assembly. Crank and rods are out being balanced up and the heads should be ready soon too. Might be finished up in early March if all goes well. Busy times at the machine shop.

https://i.ibb.co/rw52fGs/DZ-Machine.jpg

[NorCam]

I was hoping to have the short block finished up by now but wasn't able to source EDM lifters until this week as they were on back order from Comp.

I now have a set coming via Jegs, and should see those next week. Maybe I'll get this DZ motor finished up before I move in the next little while. Maybe LOL

[dykstra]

I must admit. Now that this car is sorted and complete. I miss getting updates on the progress of this car.LOL

[NorCam]

I know...me too Dave!

It's been sitting here idle while tucked away in the shop while I await doing some additional work on it for summer. Spring has also arrived here now and I will be firing it up this weekend and getting it out for a stretch before packing it up for a bit of a move next month. I've also been busy looking at warehouses properties to store the toys as I have made a decision to move east and expand our business into additional cities and territories.

I'll have some more updates when the DZ302 is all finished up. Cowl hood is going back onto the car too. The fiberglass one is then going up on the wall as shop art I guess. Also changing the wheels out to include a date matched set of original rallies with NOS trim rings and Goodyear's. Gonna drive the wheels off it this summer and enjoy it myself.

G.

[NorCam]

Glad to see that EDM lifters are now back in supply after being backordered for about 18 months. Solid lifters with that little tiny EDM oil hole to lubricate the cam lobes. Now I can get this DZ motor finished up.

https://i.ibb.co/nzKj8kr/IMG-1263.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/48T72F1/IMG-1264.jpg

[frankk]

Grahame do you know if the stock lifters had that feature?

[NorCam]

No they did not Frank. And with modern oil not having the lubricity it used to...as well as the metallurgical properties having changed in the lifters and cams, these EDM lifters are the way to go with a little added lubrication of the lobes.

Helps to keep from wiping a lobe off the cam during break in is my line of thinking.

[NorCam]

Quick shout out to Lloyd C. for hooking me up with an NOS new ash tray for the Rosewood dash that I just swapped into the car. It made for a nice upgrade since the original was scratched up. Also installed an MSD 8910 tach adapter to see if I can get this Green line tach working in the car. Jason sent me the NOS tach and stated it was tested but have not been able to get it to work as of yet. Hopefully this adapts the signal and gets it's operating as it should. If not it needs to go back and I'll hook something else up in it's place.

I'll fire it up tomorrow to see if the tach works with the adapter in place (fingers crossed). If it works with the 8910 installed, I can then button everything back up. Felt good to get working on the car after it sitting here for nearly 5 months.

https://i.ibb.co/8gSR9FB/IMG-1271.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/P5gk231/IMG-1275.jpg

[SuperNovaSS]

Graeme,

I am very sorry to hear the tach is not working for you. As I said earlier, I tested the tach before shipping it to you and it worked well. That was over a year ago but time should not change anything. I have not heard from you in 6 months so I assumed you got it sorted. If you need to return it, I am ok with that.

Jason

[frankk]

Everytime I see the car I go ahhhhhh , what a sweet looking 69

[NorCam]

Sorry Jason...

Wasn't trying to flame you there. You've always been a straight shooter on everything my friend. I sent you a PM :headbang:

Been lagging on the troubleshooting process of the tach only due to it being mounted up on the pillar for what was a labor intensive position. I finally took it down last month to chase the issue and run some other tests but that was interrupted with me selling my home and getting ready for a big move as I head east this month. Trying to finish this up before I move and get this sorted out before loading the car into a trailer.

I'll know where I'm at later in the day as I will test both the Green line tach as well as the stock in dash tach to ensure I have something working before buttoning it back up today. I'm hoping the SW works with the tach adapter and it goes back up on a halo mount, or I'll be looking for another pillar pad. lol

[NorCam]

Everytime I see the car I go ahhhhhh , what a sweet looking 69

Thanks Frank.

Going for a different look with it this summer. Installing new wheels and tires along with the cowl hood. Going more for a look like this except it has the Endura bumper and no style trim group.

A subdued look so the Popo don't give me a hard time on Portage Avenue this summer. They hassle car owners with skinny fronts and 50's on the rear. Perhaps it'll make a great little sleeper with the stock suspension height and 7" wheels under it. Until they hear that cam that is? lol

Example of the look I want with stock ride height and 7" wheels.
https://i.ibb.co/Wphzkx4/1969-chevrolet-camaro-z28.jpg

[NorCam]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Still no tach...and I tried both ways on both tachs (SW and Dash Mount). Wondering if it's something with the MSD box now? Anyone know what the ohms signal should be coming of the MSD gray lead? Going to pull out the meter next and measure what signal is coming of the box.

[NorCam]

Finally got some 7" wheels mounted so I can strap it down in the trailer w/o the rear quarters bouncing off the tires as the car gets moved across the west. Gonna be fun shredding these tires this summer. Should also drop another inch when the cowl hood goes onto the front end. The stock rear shackles also need reinstalled and the spare tire also needs put into the trunk.

https://i.ibb.co/DYK52hW/IMG-1440.jpg

[dykstra]

Looks fantastic!!!

[rszmjt]

Looks GREAT with those wheels.

[NorCam]

Took it out for a little rip yesterday. Marked up the neighborhood pretty good with the new rears, but wasn't sure how the fronts were going to fit the car with the F series on there? Yup...they rub when turning left. I haven't looked at the frame rails just yet, but would imagine that's where they were rubbing due to the installed height.

NLxHdZTiRaM

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

I like the new look better Graeme... Sounds nice!!

[NorCam]

All loaded up and heading to a new home...same owner though. :beers:

https://i.ibb.co/wKd4d44/IMG-1678.jpg (https://ibb.co/nDwjwjj)

https://i.ibb.co/smz6Q30/IMG-1676.jpg (https://ibb.co/LkHJ6pL)

https://i.ibb.co/GvsBgyb/IMG-1675.jpg (https://ibb.co/pvWGCc9)

[dykstra]

There are so many cars on this site that make me smile and this is one of them.

[TimG]

I loved it before, I love it more with the new wheels.

[NorCam]

Landed in Manitoba this weekend and found some time to take the 69 for a little cruise on Portage Ave last night. Wasn't too active being that it's spring time, but did see a few nice cars and stopped by my old stomping grounds for a picture.

The church...near Polo Park.

https://i.ibb.co/mvNCMYX/IMG-1691.jpg

[L78_Nova]

Welcome to Winnipeg !! Sorry I missed you last night.
Roads are little rough this year... been a tough spring !
Gary

[frankk]

Looks like there is still a lot of dirt, gravel? on the ground Grahame

[NorCam]

Yup...there is still a bit of sand on the streets here Frank.

I know as I have hammered it a couple times now where I've seen clouds of dust being blown off the road behind me. Also to note, those skinny tires are skating around underneath me as the back end has been dancing on more than one occasion. That surely kicks up some spring time dust and gravel along the sides of the road so I am sure. All that being said, I did build it to be driven...and driving it I am. :biggthumpup:

Life is short...gotta get out and own some!

[NorCam]

Been a month but finally got out for another cruise last night. Burned off a full tank of high test...fun night for sure.

https://i.ibb.co/kxs9Xrv/IMG-2038.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/L0NZ6f1/IMG-2100.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/nLVSDxQ/Car-Shop.jpg

[NorCam]

Summer is drawing to a close and the freshly built DZ302 motor is fully assembled and ready to go into the car now. I'll be dialing the car back to factory appearance and setting it up to be 100% stock. Once it's finished up with the factory drive line, it'll likely go to Mecum early in the new year. Until then...it's back to work as I get it ready.

The motor and the M21 transmission are both going into the car as soon as I can get my shop arranged to a satisfactory point. First thing is to find a new lift. (lol)

https://i.ibb.co/W2fsXGG/001.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PwLjvNT/002.jpg

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[R68GTO]

I hate to see it go back to stock configuration but totally understand that it will bring more at auction that way. This car will do very well at auction Graeme - great build/restoration!

[scuncio]

Booooo! Sorry to hear that.

Do the air bags just unbolt?

[NorCam]

The vintage airbags are already gone Tony.

Sold them to another member here for use on his Copo. All of the day 2 stuff can obviously be taken off, but not sure just how far I want to go with that at this point. The 302 and the M-21 will definitely go into the car, just unclear about exhaust and other things like the old Lakewoods on the back.

I mean, the car still deserves some character, but unsure where I will ultimately draw that line. Obviously, the more I put into it with things like smog and concourse exhaust, the more that ultimately needs to come back out of it at some point. I know it's not getting chambered exhaust. I really dislike the sound of that option. Especially with a good cam. (LOL)

[frankk]

Are you going with a basically stock spec cam Grahame? I really liked the beauty you had in the first motor

[TimG]

Please don't remove the headers, scatter shield, wheels and traction bars. That makes it look so cool.

[NorCam]

Comp Cams 12-673-4 Nostalgia 30/30

.498/.504 Lift - 112 LSA - 247/254 Duration

[frankk]

So with that LSA should still sound snarly

[NorCam]

This little cam still sounds pretty aggressive. It has more modern ramps (faster) than the factory-designed cams and actually works quite well in the 302. I also used this cam in the build of the green car a few years ago for Kym Miller.

Loved how it sounded in that car with the Gardner Deep Tone exhaust system. Here's a clip of that car while warming up on a fast idle. Still sounds bumpy, even at this rpm.

7s5vLfhR684

[NorCam]

Now to start looking for some pieces I am missing to get this car right back to stock. While I have the 302 motor, transmission, radiator, carb, breather, and hood for the car...I am missing the alternator, smog system, exhaust manifolds, and a factory distributor.

Of course, these items would need to be dated ahead of mid-February of 69'. That being said, I would invite anyone with spare parts dated inside of this window to contact me should they be available for sale. I have placed a want ad in the classifieds but thought it's never a bad idea to place an ad in the thread for the car as well.

I will of course try the normal channels like Jerry MacNeish, Frank Bruno, and Bill Hodel, but thought to ask here first. Let me know if you see anything out there. Thanks for looking.

Graeme

[NorCam]

The DZ302 motor is almost ready to go into the 69 now. Also got the DZ4053 carb back from Mike Thorpe this past weekend. He went completely through it and also set the jets back to stock so it should work well near sea level. With any luck, I should get this onto the dyno before mating it up with the stock bell housing & transmission. Can't believe I am still buying parts for this car but may have a deal coming together on a 1108367 starter and a 1111480 distributor for it. That said, I am nearly done collecting the dated stuff.

https://i.ibb.co/q76CNHv/IMG-3282.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/6Nx6HvX/IMG-3284.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/3T68Kx3/IMG-2877.jpg

I should be starting in on everything in the coming month, provided sledding doesn't get in the way. Brap brap. LOL

[dykstra]

Any updates Graeme?? Can’t wait to hear this engine sing!

[NorCam]

Funny you ask Dave...

I have actually agreed to sell the car and it will be going back to the USA. The best part is that it will stay in its present Day 2 form. I really like that option as the car really fits this style and is very deserving of it.

I am now going to finish up my son's little hotrod truck and get started on my next project which will be another 55 Chevrolet build. Also, have another office to open soon so there won't be enough time to find any rest between projects.

[67ssmn]

i'm kinda glad it is staying day 2, i cant imagine it being cooler going back to stock, the new owner should be very happy, as it is one of the coolest 69's i have ever seen

[TimG]

Day 2 all the way. It looked great the way it was.

[frankk]

Sad to see it go, but I suppose we can't keep them forever

[BJCHEV396]

Looking forward to your '55 build.Good luck Graeme!

[1969Cortez]

Did your car end up going to the states ?

[NorCam]

The car was sold as stated.