69 Camaro L78/L89 Engine

[Hotrodpaul]

Just thought I would show some shots of my 69 L78/L89 engine, almost completed. Hopefully in the next 3-4 weeks she will be running.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3765.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3769.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3770.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3773.jpg

Paul

[Don_Lightfoot]

Looks terrific Paul, congratulations on a job well done http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[SS427]

Looks great Paul. Very refreshing to see the correct PCV valve used for a change. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Rick

[Tommy_Mathison]

I've got about 10 of those PCV's, if anyone needs one let me know.
Tommy M.

[SS427]

Tommy,
I sent you a PM.
Rick

[DarrenX33]

Nice work. Lookin' http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

Some more progress:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3781.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3782.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3785.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3787.jpg

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Some undercarriage pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3803.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3804.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3805.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3806.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3807.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3808.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3809.jpg

The undercarriage has been cleaned but not repainted. The axle housing and subframe were painted with polyurethane enamel with hardner and flattening agent.

Paul

[SS427]

Paul,
If you haven't already, make sure you coat any bare steel parts with Boe-Shield. It does help a lot to keep the parts from rusting. Looks very nice under there. Nice touch with the "Chevrolet" body bushings. These can be hard to find.
Rick

[CamarosRus]

Rick, That's uncanny......BEFORE I saw your post, I was thinking the same thing............one of the better sources to buy on line.

http://www.boatersworld.com/webapp/wcs/s...oductId=9173367 (http://www.boatersworld.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&catalogId=10051&langI d=-1&productId=9173367)

[Hotrodpaul]

Thanks, great info.. That can be a real problem here in Houston where it will be 40 degrees one day then 75 and humid the next. Everything starts to sweat which results in surface rust. I also have a mill and lathe in the garage and I'm thinking this product will work well for those items too. Keep the comments coming.

Paul

[SS427]

Paul,
I use Boe-Shield on virtually any bare steel parts/tools in and around the shop. I have even been known to use it on my new vehicles every time I buy one. It keeps all the aluminum under the hood looking original and stops it from getting that white powdery oxidation all over everything. Sometimes I think I am one of Boe-Shield's best salesman since Chris White introduced it to me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif
Rick

[Mr70]

Your Camaro is outstanding looking.The details really flow.
So much so that I have to ask why you used a 1968 #299 Diverter/Muffler/Clip,
and not the correct one piece 1969 #297 Diverter Valve?
I am from the understanding that the #746C Purple PCV Valve was used on 1968-69 302 & 427 solid lifter applications only?
That really is a Beautiful job! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

The muffler cap came with the car when I purchased it and I didn't realize that it was for a 68 model. That's why I posted the pics to get everyone feedback to make sure what I am doing is correct. Do you know where I can get the correct one? I will keep the pics coming.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Paul

[Mr70]

Aside from a few members on here who collect A.I.R. parts,you might want to try:
Bill Hodel 330-832-0871
John Greenhoe 330-723-0899
I'm curious as to your opinion about the correctness of the Purple PCV valve?...(1970-71 LT-1 engines received it too)

[COPO CARTEL]

Also I have used REM GUN OIL made by Remington, helps prevent corossion. Comes in small 4-6 oz. can with applicator nozzle. Good Luck.

[Kurt S]

That looks like the correct smog valve to me. Sure looks like an original or NOS part with that wire support welded on the front of it. Never seen a 68 like that.
What's the # on the valve? See http://www.camaros.org/emissions.shtml for the location.

[Hotrodpaul]

I will check later today. I don't believe it was a 297 valve.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

The valve looks to be an NOS 26291 Diverter (6 cyl application) that was stamped GH. The valve looks nice, but does it look correct on the car?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3810.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3811.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3813.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3814.jpg

The air pump looks correct and is stamped 07191S which sounds about right for an 04C build date

Thanks, Paul

[Mr70]

I didn't think the 69 BB came with that wire clip welded onto the muffler/valve?
I thought it was a 6 CYL. application used in 1968 only.
So CRG shows it was a 6 CYL.application,but used in 69.
My error in calling it a #299,but I still think you should have a #297 on there to be correct.

[Hotrodpaul]

From the CRG link it shows to be a 1969 6-cyl application. Why would they put a wire reinforcement on the 6 cylinder and not the others?

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Jeff Boone sent me some pics of an original early 69 26297 Diverter valve that had the wire reinforcement welded the same as this one, so the look could be correct. As far as finding an NOS or really nice 297 Diverter in the same condition, you are talking big $$$$, so it's not too high on the list right now. I just want to get the car completed and free up space in the garage.

I will try and collect some additional pics of BB Diverter valves to be sure.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Some additional pics, wheelhouses and wiring is done:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3836.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3838.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3839.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3840.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3846.jpg

Paul

[Kurt S]

I've seen that wire support welded on several 69 diverter valves, including 29295. Not sure I've seen in on a BB, but I don't think it was model dependent. Maybe time dependent?

Rick,
The 68 muffler was attached with a wire clip, so you had me trying to figure out how you could see that under the muffler in those first pics!

Looks fine. Someone changed the output elbow on this part since it would have had only one hose attached to it as an L6 part. Though I am unclear on how the muffer is attached, even with those great pics. Normally it's crimped over. You can kinda see that in http://www.camaros.org/images/emissions/diverter.jpg. Oh, I think I see, it's slid inside and then swaged in place. I didn't know they changed design on the service parts.

Let me know if there are any errors in that article. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Steve Shauger]

It appears early 69's had the reinforcement wire attached to the muffler. My 69 L34 survivor built 9B(of 68) has the wire, and I have seen several other early cars as well, so I would say it is common.

[Hotrodpaul]

Fenders are on. Original Lemans Blue paint still looks good. Merry Christmas to all...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3854.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3855.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3858.jpg

Paul

[Kurt S]

I've seen midyear 69's with it too.

[mockingbird812]

Hello Paul,

I like your ride. Can you feel us in on its history? Those dog dishes are terrific and LB is one of my favorite colors.

[Hotrodpaul]

The original owner purchased the car from Francis Chevrolet in St. Louis on May, 9 1969 after his 68 Model was stolen. After setting the car up for Drag Racing He blew the engine in the early 70's and the car sat for several years with 10,000 miles on the clock. In 75, his family moved to Atlanta and took the car with them. His son sent me the pic below of the car on the trailer:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/CamaroSTLtoATL2.jpg

He sold the car in Atlanta in 1976 to a friend at work who dropped a small block in it, then sold it a year later to the third owner. At this point the car was stored with about 12,000 miles and driven very little. Circa 1996, the third owner located a CE L-78 block (Aug 69 Casting) and put the car back to somewhat original condition. I purchased the car in September 2004 and did not know the car had the original paint and 20,000 original miles until I began disassembling the car.

The car features the original BV code rear end, M21 Muncie 4 speed, paint, interior, shifter, front shocks, etc. I have been restoring the car with correct parts and decided to use correct date 842 Aluminum heads for the restoration. The car also came with the P-O-P as shown here:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3336.jpg

I still talk with the original owner from time to time. It has been fun so far.

Paul

[mockingbird812]

Paul,

Terrific story! The picture of the car with the kids is great. Your paint looks like it is in very nice shape after all of these years. Thanks for sharing your story. Looks like you ought to be just about ready to submit it to Bruce for the "Members Rides" section. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Baldy]

Rick,

Where can I find this Boe-Shield. I have looked around the St.Louis area and can not find it. If you have an address,or phone # would you send it to me. My E-Mail address is [email protected]

Jim Shockley

[Mr70]

I buy mine locally at Berlands House of Tools for $9.99.
Sears should start carrying it regularly any day now.
You can also buy it on line here T-9 Rust Preventitive (http://www.boeshield.com/).

[KnoxvillePig]

Great story Paul. Thanks for sharing it. I love the old picture. It is priceless to the history of your car. I am also lucky enough to have contact w/ the original owner of my 1969 L-78. Hearing his stories about the car is just as important to me as the car itself. Although I have yet to meet him, we have established a strong long distance friendship over the telephone and talk on a weekly basis. I plan on meeting him soon. It will be the first time he has seen the car in person since the late 1970's.

Keep up the awesome job on the restoration and keep those pics coming. I love Lemans blue w/ white hockey stick. Those Dog Dishes are wicked dude. I may need to get a little engine resto advice from you in the next few coming months.

Bye the way, what brand of chevrolet orange did you use?


Darrell

[Z-11 396]

""" PIG ''', WHEN CAN WE EXPECT YOUR CAR PICTURES . http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif, CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT IN /// FULL // OPERATION....KASEY....

[Hotrodpaul]

Thanks for all the positive response, it has been a long year collecting, painting, and fitting parts. Notice in the old pic the car is without spoilers. The third owner added them sometime after he bought the car. I like the look but would prefer to bring the car back to the original look. As far as the engine paint, I mixed it up custom using PPG Omni Urethane with Hardner from some original Chevy Engine parts I had. I can get the number later if you like. Here are some additional pics of the car today, less bumper, grille, and trim. Also, I started the engine today and broke the new L-78 cam in, boy those solid lifters sound good. Enjoy!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3874.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3875.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3876.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3877.jpg

For some reason, the camera picked up some weird reflections on the side of the car. It should be finished tomorrow and the weather will be in the 80's. I will take some shots outside with better lighting.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Here is another of the car on the trailer:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/CamaroSTLtoATL.jpg

Oh yea, the second owner, after talking to him, bought the car, less engine in 1976, for $800.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Original interior pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3878.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3880.jpg

Paul

[kwhizz]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!......Nice Job....Great Story....Great car

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

Nothing like the sound of Solids.......

[Hotrodpaul]

She's almost there. Just lacking the rocker moldings. The car looks better outside and drives great with the exhaust being very quiet. All you hear is squealing rubber, solid lifters and the sound of that Holley 4-Barrel sucking air... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3881.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3882.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3883.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3884.jpg

Paul

[KnoxvillePig]

Bad, Bad, Bad 2 da Bone. One sweet L-78. As I said earlier those Dog Dishes are da shiznit. Thanks again Paul for all the killer pics of your bad ass ride!!!

I love the vintage ones. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif


Darrell

------------------------------------

1969 RS/SS L-78

[KnoxvillePig]

[ QUOTE ]
""" PIG ''', WHEN CAN WE EXPECT YOUR CAR PICTURES . http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif, CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT IN /// FULL // OPERATION....KASEY....

[/ QUOTE ]

Kasey my friend. Sure glad to see you are up and running.
Hopefully things will slow down a little for me and I will be able to start putting her back together within the next few months.
If everything goes as planned, Mr.Thomas (original owner) is tentatively looking at flying down in the March/April timeframe.

I'll keep you posted.

PIG


------------------------------------
1969 RS/SS L-78 Camaro

[RSSSL78]

Paul, the car really turned out nice! I lost your email in a recent computer meltdown. Can't wait to see it in person.

John

[Hotrodpaul]

John, you can reach me at [email protected].

Paul
713-306-1892