Some more 70 COPO history stuff

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

This was actually from an AMC site Interesting stuff. I wonder how long after this the "Ruse" was pulled off. Maybe Phil can help. Check out the attached photo of Hall Camaro at Limerock with the tall spoiler!!!!!

When technical inspection opened Friday night at Monterey, the organizers weren't sure if any of the teams would make it. Ford had appeared earlier with a trick carburetor, Camaro hadn't built enough cars with the big spoilers so dear to the heart of Jim Hall, Pontiac was in a similar position, Javelin was having engine troubles, and so were the Chrysler products. But when Timanus, and a crew of inspectors for the San Francisco Region, showed up to go to work, there was one of Jim Hall's Camaros first in line. Spoiler-less at that.
After the tech crew gave the car a preliminary once over, checking external dimensions and safety features, John Timanus stepped forward with calipers in hand and measured the carburetor throat. ("1-11/16ths, right on the nose.") Yes, the windows were still in the doors and they could be wound up. Everything else looked good, and the #2 Camaro (to be driven by Ed Leslie) was given an okay sticker.
Spoilers had sprouted on the Camaros, too, although they were the smaller 1969 type rather than the over-size ducktails Hall had wanted. "We've built 8200 cars with small spoilers," claimed a GM man, on "vacation" at the track. A conference call was placed to John Oliveau, executive director of ACCUS, and the situation explained. ACCUS and SCCA were willing, nay anxious, to give Chevrolet every possible break, but rules were rules. The Camaro teams were advised that if Chevrolet was unable to conclusively prove they had met the production requirements as of that moment, the penalty would be "severe."
Under those circumstances, nobody in the Chevrolet camp was willing to stick his neck out that far, and the spoilers came off.


Carl

[70 copo]

History sounds about right. Round #1 was at Laguna Seca April 19, 1970, with the COPO 9796 announced for production on April 26th - on the same date as the Round #2 (rained out) Dallas race.

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

when in the series did the ruse happen http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[70 copo]

The SCCA ruse was at Round #2 at Dallas. But first the factory ruse: Penske had insiders still working at GM, and had learned of the new race spoiler and that Chevy was planning to use it at Dallas. Upon complaining to SCCA, These officials did an inspection where Piggins fooled them into thinking the spoilers were in full production.

In actuality GM only had about 50 Firebird center sections on paint racks and some prototype AO-Smith designed end caps.

With charm and some trickery Piggins fooled the officials into believing the spoilers were in full production.

Upon hearing of the outcome of the SCCA visit Penskie then complained again to the SCCA, and at Dallas SCCA planned to again pressure Chevrolet officials and the the Camaro team to "prove" the spoiler was in production.

Ruse #2 was where Piggins and Pierce Hand carried 6 sets of Spoilers and end caps to Chevy dealers in Dallas, had them installed, and had employees drive the cars to the public parking in the infield.

After that SCCA approved the spoilers for racing. Round #2 was a rain out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Thats some great stuff. Way to cool, I wonder how much (if any) of that kind of stuff goes on today in NASCAR. Bet not much, it must have been a total gas to be involved in racing back in the day (I was 8 years old then)Im sure it made for some great competition and inovation. If you want a high res photo I can email it to you but its a huge file (Halls Car).

Thanks for the history its priceless. I noticed the front spoiler on Hall's car looks diff than the production fronts. Was that technicaly against the rules??

Great stuff

Thanks a Million

Carl http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[70 copo]

No. The front air dam could vary in design for racing as a factory production piece had to accomidate potholes, Snow ect...

FS trivia...They were shipped loose from the factory and were put on at the dealer as part of new vehicle prep.

They were a "no fit" on the car transporter from the factory, (too low in the front)

[CamarosRus]

Phil,

1)What is your statement about 70 COPO Spoiler Z-28's coming with or NOT coming with front spoilers.......AND there after did the 71 Z's having the tall spoiler standard, did ALL come with a front spoiler standard.

2)Did any/all of the front spoiles ALWAYS come loose for dealer install, due to possible shipping damage.

3)How do you suggest that alledged 70 COPO Z's be judged, that do not have documentation(build sheet,dealer invoice) stating so ?????

4)What can you add about lower front valances being punched for spoiler install and those that were not punched????

[69LM1]

[ QUOTE ]
Ruse #2 was where Piggins and Pierce Hand carried 6 sets of Spoilers and end caps to Chevy dealers in Dallas, had them installed, and had employees drive the cars to the public parking in the infield.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've heard that story as well. Something along the lines of "Sure, there in production, just check the parking lot" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Also have heard that a lot less than the required 500 were ever made..

Anyone know where the gold COPOZ on ebay recently wound up?

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

I have been told that there MAY be a few copos (early) that MAY NOT have come with a front spoiler im not an expert but I have also been told that you could not load on on a transport with the spoiler mounted (they would hit and break) so they would be put inside the car. This is what I have read (some of it on this site). I have a LA car which has builds with it but I have read that the Norwood cars did not come with builds ????????? I do now that some of the cars listed the "9796AA Rear Comaprtment Lid Extension" on the window sticker so maybe if a Norwood car had a window sticker It would list it??????

Again Im not an expert I do have a 70 COPO and love to hear all the history surrounding them and the information I can find out from others its all very interesting and fun to me.

Thanks

Carl http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Mine looks like the holes were factory, But there are two of them which look like they were threaded. I think the assm manual sheet shows nuts on the all the fasteners????

Carl http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Phil, Rich

If you are interested I have pasted a link to the article I referenced. It looks like a group articles from Road & Track, Stock Car Racing & Redline AMC Dealer Report Vol 2 No 3 Midsummer 1970" It was put together by Cameron Warren and James Crow. I know James Crow was a writer for Road & Track. Im digging a little further.

http://www.amx-perience.com/TransAmRacing1970.htm

Carl http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[DarrenX33]

Carl, how bout posting a picture of your car? Always nice to see another example.

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Well,

Mine is a little rough around the edges. Im trying to get it back to an acceptable state without doing a restore?!?!?!? Its been though a few owners and I think it sat in someones yard out west for 15 years or so Im going to be working on history for a while but ive got some good leads. Im very excited and happy to have it.

I can Attach a Photo but you would need to open the attachement

Like I said its kinda rough

Carl

[DarrenX33]

Ah. Now I remember. Congrats on the purchase. Thanks for posting..

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Thanks for the interest. It seems like there are a lot of great people on this site. I cant even imagine the combined sum of knowlege of the people out there. I can only hope that I can contribute something meaningful http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif also.

Carl

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Just testing out xplantdad's picture download tutorial.

Hill's Camaro @ Lime Rock

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/70COPORSZ28/jimhalllimerock1.jpg


Thanks

Carl

Thanks

Xplantdad http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Xplantdad]

You've got it! Maybe reduce your size to 800x800 or 600x600 so it fits on screen without scrolling! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Man this things dangerous, I just love new toys,

Works great,

Thanks Again for the tutorial

Carl

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[DarrenX33]

Based on that picture it looks like all the COPO owners have the wrong chin spoiler on their cars.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

I dont know, Phil said that the chin spoiler was not required to match production, Hills spolier looks like it could work as a snowplow.

Or maybe in reverse gear a zamboni

see phils reponce to the chin spoiler question

Carl

[70 copo]

[ QUOTE ]
Based on that picture it looks like all the COPO owners have the wrong chin spoiler on their cars.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Production piece was dealer installed. The official race version was bigger and not streetable for obvious reasons.

BTW... I have seen pictures of 4X4 converted camaros, now one with a snow plow would be a real hoot.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Hey Phil,

I have been doing some history stuff and have and found (im pretty sure) the owners of my car back to 1983 so far I have actually talked to the 1983 owner and he thinks he may have some photos of the car, what a trip BTW he is the guy who painted the wheels black. He was real exited to here from me and commented that the photos I sent him (to include the license plate frame and aftermarket air cleaner,valve covers)looked identical to what he remembered. From our conversation it looks like the car may have only accumulated 24000 miles in the last 21 years. What a trip

I still need to talk to the owner after him, I think I've located him.

Cool stuff

Hey thanks for the help on the Ruse stuff

you dont know how much I appreciate it.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I would like to see a camaro zamboni!!!!!!!!!

[70 copo]

Have you considered showing the car at the next SCR? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

I was thinking about it but its kinda junky compaired to others. Its cool dont get me wrong but its not realy a survivor (oh no I said it) and its not a restore. If theres some interest and the thing is streetworthy I think it would be cool

[70 copo]

I get ribbed about a 1/4 mile pass from time to time when I attend... Did you consider running the car down the strip?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

[ QUOTE ]
I get ribbed about a 1/4 mile pass from time to time when I attend... Did you consider running the car down the strip?

[/ QUOTE ]

Is that a 'throw down'???? Ya gonna run the Gobi Lightning???? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[69LM1]

If you guys go, I'll go. Besides, I still owe marlin that grudge match against his deuce! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Don't feel bad about the car not being perfect. You have time to bring it up to the standards that it deserves, and in the meantime you can have fun driving it.

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Well to be honest with you I went out looking for a driver anyway. The copo thing was an added bonus. The car seems to run well but up here where I am you wouldnt want to drive your car until april so it has not been road tested yet.

I would run it, but depending on how it tests out would depend on how much heart was put into the pass

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Well I guess Ill end the mystery, Heres some pics
I know you guys are going to pick it apart so have at it!!!!

The last photo is of my #'s BB Impala, Its been feeling left out lately
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/70COPORSZ28/PC150142.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/70COPORSZ28/PC150138.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/70COPORSZ28/PC150143.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/70COPORSZ28/PC150133.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj121/70COPORSZ28/P6120236.jpg

Be nice Now.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[njsteve]

Very nice. Is that your home garage or a business? Looks big enough for a few more cars! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

BRING EM OVER, JUST LEAVE THE KEYS IN THEM!!!!!!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Tenney]

Badass set(s) 'o wheels!

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Hey Tenny havent heard from you in a while??!!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Mr70]

Now that's one nice,respectable 70 Camaro!...http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Seattle Sam]

[ QUOTE ]
Now that's one nice,respectable 70 Camaro!...http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Very nice. Cool color too!

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Thanks guys, needs a lot of work but Im very happy with it!

lets see how it cleans up

so far so good!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[70 copo]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I get ribbed about a 1/4 mile pass from time to time when I attend... Did you consider running the car down the strip?

[/ QUOTE ]

Is that a 'throw down'???? Ya gonna run the Gobi Lightning???? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[/ QUOTE ]



No..My car is currently busy running off the shelves at the book stores... besides You know you have more gear ratio than I have so I am gonna loose. A 3.73 is not going to beat a 4.10 in the Quarter mile.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

It's OK Marlin, we will get a victim lined up for you. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

My car ran off the shelves last year in Chevy Rumble, no biggie - it still runs the number!! Don't let a little ink get in your way of having a good time http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BTW, as much as I hate to admit it, Frankie's Deuce beat me 2 years straight with a .... 3.73 gear. So, no hiding behind that excuse.

I'll have to try another angle on ya!

[DarrenX33]

You guys are hilarious. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[owners2]

C'mon Phil just go for it!I wouldn't consider his rear gears having much of an edge over your gears because you'll also have to take into consideration your trans & the gears it's housing & the driver. Let it rip Phil.

[70 copo]

Well I guess one of these days I will start to drive it again-and perhaps make a pass or two. That will probably be when the paint goes to $hit, and by the looks of it that is not happining anytime soon. Car was restored and painted in 1990 and is still show quality. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[69LM1]

Cmon Phil, yours can be the benchmark car and Chris and I can run ours!

[70 copo]

Ok by me. Who is rollin to the SCR? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Lets see, Gold with Black Stripes, Blue with Black Stripes, Orange with White, all we need is Yellow with Black stripes.

That would be a killer display. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Im in.


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[70 copo]

Sweet. I just spoke to another member who just picked up a nice Green COPO out of Penn. Original owner has verified the car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Would be most nice to see that one there too. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Sounds Cool Phil,

Cant wait to see it.

Green

Gold ,Orange, Blue, Green

Cool Mist Green is my favorite!!!!!!!!!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif