Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Yeah, headers can be a pain, normally I go for exhaust manifolds so much easier to live with but that doesn’t really fit this build. Also, since this is a street car I’ll be insulating the firewall, floor boards, passenger compartment, etc. Upgraded fuel and cooling systems to overcome under the hood heat issues are in the works. I know the orange coating is a ceramic-based coating so I’m hoping it doesn’t burn off immediately. Plus the fact that I’m so looking forward to hearing our big block through these super scavenger headers is making it worth it. :ito:




While messing with the glass I did take time to fix the Camaro’s chin, reminded me of Karl in the movie Sling Blade “MMM HMM!”. :lol: The inner mounting structure sits too far back and push’s the chin out too far. Repositioning it just a little bit should close the gaps between the lower grill and valance.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

The repro grill mounting hardware uses a nut and bolt to secure the grill in this area. GM used a captive nut clip and a short bolt as you can’t get your fingers or a wrench in there very easily, especially now since we closed up that space. Could that be why the mount was where it was, to give more room? Nah, who knows, looks good now though (before pic #3, both OE or repro valance fit the same).

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

never seen orange headers before..!!

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Very 70’s, here are some orange headers on both the covers of How to Hotrod Big Block Chevys (https://www.google.com/books/edition...sec=frontcover), and How to Hotrod Small Block Chevys (https://www.google.com/books/edition...sec=frontcover).

Short video of a loud rowdy small block with orange headers, he talks about how the coating turns red when hot. :devil: His Mickey Thompson Super Scavengers came from the same source we got ours Sweet Ave. Fabrication. https://youtu.be/GK_SO_n3miQ




Time to fit the rear bumper, filler neck, and cap assembly. Had to give the left outside bumper bracket and body area a little help to line up, but the filler neck pieces went right in. Also checked our fuel tank sending and license plate light wires where these pass through the body. :mm:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

The same source that supplied our original Stewart Warner 970-B Green Line tachometer. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=225 Decided to sell his beautiful SW 977-J Sidewinder tachometer, this particular tach has been converted to a modern meter by the same vendor that serviced the 970-B Green Line. It is a direct wire so no need for a monitor, it's designed to work with all ignition systems and has been upgraded with modern LED lighting. After testing this tach (btw, all our tachs read the same engine just a little bit different :lol:) I’m thinking that this converted tach with the modern internals is the one we'll start off with. :ww:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Just another lucky day? ;) Well maybe, cruising the local online classifieds I ran across another 4-bolt core (w/std. flat top pistons & rods), and for just $100 bucks it was worth a look for sure. This one has a 10069286-casting number which is 90-91 454 4-bolt, Mark IV, short deck, the build date stamping is T06020XG T=Tonawanda, June 2nd, 0XG= 1990 Marine 454 310HP Inboard/Outboard 4BBL. As mentioned before these blocks were only cast as a 4-bolt main and are some of the very last factory Mark IVs produced.

Déjà vu we’ve several with this same 286 casting number, our K30 has one and the C10 motor currently at Fastlane Machine is another. Those are both truck blocks where this one is a marine block, the same thing just built for a boat. The plan is to keep this one for a backup and sell the 2-bolt main block we had from the motorhome (with all the flat top pistons, rods, and its original cast crank). If you don’t recall the motorhome block (link), that one looked like it needed a sleeve in cylinder #7. It was acquired at the same time as our 445 “Good to go!” block that’s being built for this project.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=128

I’m not a boat guy but I believe marine blocks usually use lake water instead of antifreeze as their coolant. This can be hard on the coolant passages (rust, sediment, etc.) but with a thorough blowout during the initial inspection, I think this block looks ok and should be a good builder if it's needed.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Big block motor stands and the big block manual trans mount move everything to the right just a little in these cars. Mentioned this earlier (link), here’s a pic with our complete (heavy) mockup 402 and T10 in relation to the tunnel. Getting up the guts to cut a big hole for an inline shifter in that nice new floor. :crazy:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=168

When ordering the body tub I requested that they leave the seat pans loose. At the time, I wasn’t sure what subframe connectors or drive line loop we'd run. Some manufacturers (Detroit Speed for example) have you remove the seat pans to install their products and then modify and reinstall them. Prepped ours to be welded after fitting the BMR subframe connectors.

Looking at what'll take to mount this old Lakewood universal style drive line loop that we already have, or. :confused: Ran across a newer even simpler designed loop online, whichever loop is chosen it'll hit in the seat pan area. Going to wait until I’ve got a better idea of what is happening for sure before welding in the pans.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

So, looking at the car side to side noticed that the right outer door shell is slightly bowed at the top. Thinking that’s contributing a bit to the window to door skin gap (aka, canyon) found while fitting the door glass on the right side. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=232

Moved the car out from underneath the lift, prepping to pull all the front sheet metal again. The plan is to box it all back up for the next round of part fittings. Here’s a pic of the spot dedicated to storing the extra hood and trunk lid (wall art?). Seems to be working these last few months, should also accept the other hood and spoiler trunk lid when not on the car. My only concern is the Stinger hood is noticeably heavier than the SS hood. :phat:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Front clip removed, check. Pulled the (heavy) mockup motor and transmission, check. I think we’re done using this motor and trans to simulate the weight of the real deal. Documented all the shim locations and thicknesses so it'll go back together fairly close to how it was when we picked it up from Perks.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Next up, install the actual bell housing and transmission that we’re going to run. Get to use a clean bare block and heads this go around. :uhmk: Yep, that’s why we try and do it this way, the block saver plate moved the trans mount back just enough. So, after a quick and easy modification, the trans mount is able to bolt to the crossmember again. You know as a buddy of mine (and Roseanne Roseannadanna) likes to say “It’s always something!”. :lol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7REI-kBlyQ8

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Here’s our clutch setup sitting on a new internally balanced flywheel, ordered them last fall with all the motor parts. No big surprises, going old school with a single disk, mechanical linkage, etc. This Hays 11” street clutch is advertised up to 650hp na and is even supposed to handle some track time. :bo2:
https://www.holley.com/products/driv.../parts/92-1005
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...make/chevrolet

On closer inspection, I thought it was odd that only half of the disk’s hub springs are encapsulated. Especially odd since they advertise the additional shock load the hub can withstand because all the springs are encapsulated. :confused: Decided to call Hays (actually Holley) about it and they told me that’s how the discs come now. All righty then thought maybe it was a manufacturing flaw but no worries, I guess.

Well, maybe one worry is just how stiff could this pressure plate really be.:haha:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Still watching you accumulate a lot of cool parts. I've got to admit it was kind of sad to see the front end taken back off. Looked so sharp, but you gotta do what you've gotta do!

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

This is one of the threads Im constantly checking in on. Very nostalgic for me as a kid that lived and breathed cars from the 60's and 70's (Ill be 63 next month). But after saying that I still cant believe I never saw the orange headers before. I have boxes and boxes of car magazines from back in the day. Makes me want to start going through them again, probably should some day any way and put them in some kind of order so when I die and my family tosses them they fall neatly into the recycle bin haha.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Thanks Rick that’s nice of you to say, it’s like building the car several times over before the final assembly. I know the body shop sure blew it apart and then put it back together a bunch, partly because some crazy person wanted 2 hoods! :crazy:

Thanks CG, glad you’re enjoying the build. You’ve got me by a few months, I turned 62 last July. I wouldn’t say orange headers were very common, mostly black, white (my 2nd choice, just like Grumpy had) and chrome come to mind. I’ve got a buddy that took his car magazines and dedicated a reading room full of magazine stands and such, it’s pretty cool.




The decision was made, I’m moving forward with a Hurst Ram 4 style inline shifter. Posted earlier was this setup of our Mr. Gasket V-gate on the Muncie (I really like this shifter, btw). What wasn’t mentioned is that I’d also put our old Hurst Ram 4 shifter with a nice new t-handle and reverse knob in the vise (vertically, not leaning as pictured). Both were set up enough that you could work the shifters a little, kind of a comparison deal, racing engine sounds being totally optional. :lol: After a few friends as well as my wife tried them out, everyone felt that the Hurst was going to be easier to live with.

Side note; Finding some correct usable boots (a big surprise to me after years of looking) made this a possibility. Also, not mentioned earlier is that Mrs. 7dee2 could not work the V-gate at all. Her lady hands are too small to reach the pull-up lever to actuate 1st & 2nd gear. Not a problem for her with the Hurst shifter.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

And the day arrived, time to cut a humongous hole in the new Camaro floor. Took the shifter apart some so I can use the mounting plate as a template. Thoughts are an opening that's just big enough to mount and service the shifter from above but no larger. After some smaller cuts and some shaping of the opening, it’s getting there. Ha, I’ll tell ya, I’ve seen some really bad openings cut for these shifters. :eek:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Looks very clean and professional!

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Thank you Kirk, I appreciate the compliment. These shifters are quite infamous for causing tunnel butchery. A good friend recently acquired a 1st gen Camaro that was rumored to have had a V-Gate, here’s what he found when he pulled back the carpet. :chop:



And voila, the shifter is mounted in the car for the first time. This is a real love-hate thing, I’m going to love the shifter but not a fan of the hole it requires. Thinking out loud, perhaps I could form a removable panel around the lower part of the shifter (?). Alright, done whining, so a quick test fit of our repro dash pad and Yumpin’ Yiminy went right on and looks great! :ito:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

That's a nice job of not butchering a tunnel! It's probably going to be fun covering it up but? The end reward is your vision.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Thanks Regan. I’m good with the opening, for now, we’ll see where it goes from here. Ha, my vision could be unique. :baa:



Inner and big block outer heater boxes were up next, both are new aftermarket pieces. After a week-long national search, I was able to locate that inner box, they’re scarce at this time. Both of them fit fairly well after slightly enlarging a few of the mounting holes. The original blower motor (dated 10 66) and squirrel cage fit great from the donor car. Bench tested the blower motor and dang, it works like a new unit. Yes, it is going on the short list of original parts that will be used.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

The only other original heater part that's being used is the defrost y-duct. It’s better than most of the other original heater parts we have. Found the inner dash top structure (not as good as a factory fit) was keeping the duct from fitting flush. Reshaped the offending area out of the way and moved the upper mounting holes slightly up and to the right (silver sharpie dots) on both sides. This centered our y-duct in the openings and in addition to the thin foam gaskets that are used should seal better when done.

Side note: I don’t really think we’ll use the heater that much and debated even adding one. But this is a street car and in Utah, the weather changes quickly. So, windshield wipers, heater, radio, you know, street car stuff is all happening. :tms:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

The peddle assembly and steering column I’ve heard can be a real problem area for some reproduction bodies. Hammer Time! :devil:

As mentioned earlier in the thread our original clutch pedal and rod showed a lot of wear as well as being for the wrong application (6-cylinder, 3-speed stuff). Took a quick pic to aid in the reassembly of the new pedals on the old mount. After disassembly and the initial fitment, it was obvious some trimming was going to be required.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=120

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

I Love Hammers! They fix lots of things.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Yeah..lots of hammers...I'd be scared to know how many i have

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Yeah, they do! :lol:

Same here, lots of hammers. I’ve got a collection in all my toolboxes.



It fits! :smoke: Other than a little trimming on the pedal mount and some tweaking on the park brake assembly. Oh, and a small fight with the steering column support rods all this OE stuff from our donor is in there. False alarm, no Hammer Time was required after all. :frog: Kudos to the body builder Real Deal Steel. https://realdealsteel.com/

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Here’s a look at the other side of the firewall and a quick check of the bell crank, clutch rod, steering column, etc. I'm not seeing any problems. Wasn’t particularly happy with the old OE park brake assembly, the mount for the park brake light switch is all bent up and I noticed the peddle pivot is showing wear and sloppier than I'd like. So, here’s a new one fitted to the car, much better. The throttle linkage, wiper motor, and wiper transmission were test fit as well.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

It was a good time to tear down the steering column to see just how bad it really was. Yep, many parts are flat worn out, the lower bearing was completely gone, hazard is broken off, yada yada. Bagged it up and put it back on the shelf while I looked for parts.

Several weeks later after searching my usual vendors without much luck, I did run into a complete rebuild kit that had everything we needed including a turn signal switch (Genuine GM?) that didn’t require a wiring adaptor. A recurring theme with this build seems to be that I’m getting one of the last ones available, which held true with this rebuild kit also. https://gmtiltcolumns.com/product/placeholder-box-4/

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Here’s some progress on our “Good to go!” 511 at Fastlane. All oiled up and getting the last of the block machine work (cylinder hone), next up a final wash and onto assembling the short block. :ito:

Ha, I can’t wait to have this big girl all together! :lol:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Eric at Axis Driveline fixed us up with a new driveline using 1350 series stuff. The first attempt ended up just a bit too long, which he says is a much easier fix than if it was too short! :lol: These are the same guys that built our K30 drivelines, they always do a great job. https://www.facebook.com/axisdriveline/

Installed a newer-style drive line loop and I was really glad the seat pans were not welded in yet. Oh yes, I somehow managed to drop hardware in there, both sides (just cuz, I’m special :o). Metco makes this loop, it’s designed for the 1st gen tunnel and was an easy install. https://metcomotorsports.com/mdl7000

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

I updated our 72 K30 Build thread a few days ago and thought I would mention it here also. Put “Ray” (short for the Rancho El Rae motorhome that it was built from) in for truck of the month! :wave:
Don’t know if we have a shot and wish I had some better pics but decided wth. Here’s a link to the huge ground-up build thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=645614


I’ve gotta say I’m impressed with the orange headers, they fit really well. Here’s a look at the tuned aka “equal-length” pipe feature of the M/T Super Scavenger header design.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

And some pics up top, the fit is better than the Hookers headers I test fit earlier. These clear the steering box and right upper control arm where the Hooker headers just touched or barely cleared.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=110

Sent Nate at Sweet Ave. Fabrication a message telling him just how impressed I am. :metal:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063470412787

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Looks like those headers tuck in there just right. That's a good feeling when you install a part like that and it fits so nice.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

They sure do, it makes my day when something goes right on and just works as intended. Got this funny from Nate’s FB page, ha guessing we got the clean oats. ;)



Getting ready to send the car out for a custom 3” exhaust system. One of the better custom exhaust shops in northern Utah is the Master Muffler in Clearfield. After meeting with Tage (the owner) he suggested I check out a very similar 3” system built for a rowdy big block Chevelle just down the street. After seeing and hearing that system I was sold. Tage requested that all the actual components, drivetrain, suspension, subframe connectors, fuel tank, wheels & tires, etc. be installed so that we’ll have proper clearances with the new exhaust.

The second pic is a shot of our resized driveline, it is a perfect fit now. The third pic needs a little explaining I think, sewing is one of Mrs. 7Dee2’s many superpowers. A while back I asked her for something to help keep body shop dust out of our new shocks. The sleeves she made have been on there ever since and doing a great job. Next, I asked her if she could make me a cover to help protect the new gas tank. It's powder coated and I really don’t want the finish messed up.

Don’t think I’ve mentioned the Aeromotive fuel tank yet, they had a promo at the end of last year that we took advantage of. Like most parts at the time, it’s an order-and-wait supply chain kind of deal. Grabbed a few fuel system components from them including this Tanks fuel tank that we will get into later. :smoke:
https://aeromotiveinc.com/product/67...tched-corners/

The last pic, just before loading it on the trailer for the short trip to the exhaust shop. Hopefully, these covers will protect the parts from a little welding splatter and not just stick and melt to our new parts. :dohh:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Looks nice 7dee2. I'd rather have the fresh Oats also.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Thanks Regan. Ha, fresh oats are the way for sure! :lol:



Some “Good to go!” progress pics from Fastlane Machine. Looking at earlier pics of the pistons, Mike removed some material off the bottoms while balancing.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Doh, my bad! :dohh: The first two pics in the last post somehow ended up in my engine pics and are not my pistons. Notice the color, skirts, and wrist pin gussets are very different compared to the last pic, which is of our actual pistons.




Checking the rods and rod bearing clearances prior to installing the pistons on the rods. I happened to stop by right after the camshaft went in, Mike was really pleased with the installation. These last two pics must have been right before the crank went in for the final time. She’s a beauty, it’s like mechanical porn! :hm::hm:

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Shortly after the initial fitting of our shifter to the car, I put the word out on FB (a Day 2 Muscle Car group) that I was looking to increase my Hurst Ram 4 collection. Bang, we had 3 more shifters for a total of 4 within days and shut the request down. One really cool early style (left) and three later style shifters including our original (still taped up). The main differences between the early and late are the rod buttons (nut instead of a clip), the reverse stick (flat instead of round), and a minor change in the pull-up handle and lower pull-up linkage.

Spare parts for an out of production 50-year-old shifter is a good thing, a horde even better. If that wasn’t enough, I placed an order with Scott the Shifter Doc for a re-chromed stick, NOS sleeved rods & levers, buttons, bushings, and HD clips. Oh yes, with all this stuff the plan is to build as close to a NOS shifter as possible. :bo2:
https://www.shifterdoc.com/productca...categories.asp

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Cool pile of parts there. What a Hoarder lol. You must plan on really bangin' some gears.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Thanks, yeah it might have gotten away from me just a little. :lol: The early shifter is nice and appears to be low use, it came in a 2-for-1 deal that I couldn’t say no to. That one I’ll leave alone, the other 3 are fair game to build the best one, then 2nd best, etc.

Here’s an old article from Hot Rod Magazine back when this stuff was still new in 1971. A friend just happened to have an extra copy of this issue he gave me to add to my collection. Here’s a link to the article and the rest of the magazine for those with Motortrend+, nice surprise that they added the entire Hot Rod library. https://www.motortrendondemand.com/m...d/issue/571370

Some exhaust system progress! Having our car stance stock or a little taller I’m thinking will be a good thing, not a lot of room under there for the big pipe.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

Tage wanted my approval on the right rear section so he could build out the left side to match. I thought he nailed it, just what we had discussed. He's such a fan of the orange headers that he wanted me to do the whole exhaust system orange. Nah, I told him the plan is to just leave it natural.

Mounted the front spoiler to our lower valance, I want it easily removable when we are going for a non-spoiler look (requiring a trunk lid swap also). Decided a button head bolt and clip setup should work well. The clips will get installed carefully after paint and remain in place with or without the spoiler.

Re: 67 Camaro Build
 

More 511 short block pics from Mike at Fastlane Machine. These .060 over Mahle forged pistons have an 18cc dome. With our 077 heads, we’re shooting for a pump gas friendly 10.25 – 10.3 compression ratio.