by "Idiot In The Garage Needs A New CGI Job..." (idiotinthegarage)
Published 09/26/2017 at 21:50
by "Idiot In The Garage Needs A New CGI Job..." (idiotinthegarage)
Published 09/26/2017 at 21:50
No Tags
STARS: 10
I’m told I haven’t posted much on my progress on restoring Blucifer, my 1968 Camaro. Which is true! Here’s an update:
I’ve made slow progress in the tear down phase this summer, but have gotten some challenging things accomplished recently:
Removed the Heater Core -
This was difficult because every time I thought I had it unbolted, there was another bolt hidden away somewhere. Many of these “bolts” were these chintzy, stamped, metal things that I’ve never seen before. Wonder if they were a 60's GM cost saving measure or added by a previous owner. Had to remove the passenger fender just to find & remove the last one. And THEN had to cut the 2 hoses going in and out of it since they were heat-glued to the metal ports.
Removed the Steering Wheel -
...last weekend. Just in time for my Sister to tell me she wants Blucifer outta her garage. Well, keeping my project car at her place was semi-convenient while it lasted. Sure saved me a ton in storage fees...
Removed the Windshield -
Jesus was this one ever a Royal Pain. I swear, the previous owner must have used diamond-encrusted urethane to seal it to the car. I used the cracked and chipped windshield as a test case for using window cut-out wire to remove glass. While it came out in one piece, there were stress fractures.
I still have to remove the rear glass & its in great condition, so now I don’t how I should remove it while keeping it pristine. Maybe I suck it up & call Safelite? They did a nice job on my Truck recently.
STILL TO DO BEFORE REPAINT:
-Find a new storage location.
-Somehow get it on a trailer (now that its undriveable) & tow it to new storage location.
-Drain & remove gas tank.
-Drain & remove Radiator.
-Disconnect shifter from transmission.
-Disconnect/Remove transmission? I’m not sure how connected it is to the cabin. If what my Camaro Mentor says is right, I might not have to fully remove it.
-Disconnect exhaust pipes? Not sure on this one. They might only be attached to the frame.
-Disconnect brake master cylinder from firewall & hope I don’t have to drain it. Probably should just redo the whole brake system while I’m disassembling. I mean, I WAS thinking about upgrading to disc brakes. Sigh.
-“You gonna upgrade the engine?” asks everyone. “I mean, you’re already tearing it apart, so...” Double Sigh.
-Get it acid dipped to remove all 49 years of paint, rust & shitty repairs. The big question is whether I should go straight to e-coat at the dipping place OR have it dipped, then do body work, then e-coat. I worry that it’ll start rusting before I get body work completed.
-Find a good & reliable body guy/place in Metro Detroit.
-Find a good & reliable paint guy in Metro Detroit. I know a guy in West Michigan & know of an amazing guy in Kentucky, but ugh the hassle & cost of transportation of either.
At least I don’t have to get all of this done in less than 24 hours before Richard Rawlings & this week’s Celebrity have an aneurysm.
Photoshop and I can always dream of the day when this project is complete:
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
09/26/2017 at 22:09, STARS: 0
Please do put side pipes on it. I will love you forever. As for body and paint, I wish I could help you out on that. I’m sure another Metro Detroiter can tell you of decent painters. The only one I’m well aware of only works with high end show cars.
"Idiot In The Garage Needs A New CGI Job..." (idiotinthegarage)
09/26/2017 at 22:17, STARS: 0
Yup! Side pipes and some reasonably giant rear tires are a must.
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
09/26/2017 at 22:31, STARS: 1
A man after my own heart!
Like this? Except for maybe the scoop (I like the grump-lump when they’re not quite as tall)
"Urambo Tauro" (urambotauro)
09/26/2017 at 22:40, STARS: 0
Cool project! Reminds me of a guy I used to hang out with, pretty sure his was ’68, too. Long-term restoration that ended up with a sweet metallic blue paint job & ghost flames. Not sure what all he did to it underneath... I do seem to recall that he had bored out the 350 to a 355, and was planning to upgrade the carb from a 650 to a 750.
"Idiot In The Garage Needs A New CGI Job..." (idiotinthegarage)
09/26/2017 at 22:47, STARS: 1
Those might be a bit much, but definitely want the rear to be higher for that “ready-to-pounce” look.
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
09/26/2017 at 22:53, STARS: 2
To me, that’s damn near perfect. Maybe a *hair* closer to the fenders. But I love the 70s look. I don’t know, nothing’s cooler to me than huge tires hanging out past the fenders a little bit.
"Idiot In The Garage Needs A New CGI Job..." (idiotinthegarage)
09/26/2017 at 23:03, STARS: 2
Thanks! This just has the 327. I honestly don’t care what engine it has as long as its loud & burbly. I just wanted to restore an awesome car.
"StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8" (stndibnz1)
09/27/2017 at 08:35, STARS: 0
For paint check out Paddock’s Paint Works, he’s out in Chesterfield and does amazing work. Some of the cars he has painted and done work on are concurs winners. He’s actually doing a ‘Cuda right now that is coming along really well. On FB and Insta, so you can check out all of his past work.
"Idiot In The Garage Needs A New CGI Job..." (idiotinthegarage)
09/27/2017 at 12:26, STARS: 0
Hey, thanks for the tip!