Phase I done, Phase II-interior almost done, and now Phase III-drivetrain (454 LSX!)
10-01-2006, 08:15 AM
#101
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
and more photos of under the hood....I can't wait to see this car in primer! I ordered '91-'92 ground effects from Hawks Thirdgen and they have arrived, i'll need to get those over to John so they can be fitted. Also, John is essentially re-shaping/widening the 5" spoiler and by this coming weekend i'll be able to check that out as well.
Last edited by Neil; 10-01-2006 at 08:26 AM.
10-02-2006, 01:59 AM
#103
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Car: 1987 Z28 camaro
Engine: 305 V8
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt pozi
wow thats coming along realy fast, looking good, cant wait to see the finished product, gunna be buring rubber with them tires 
10-02-2006, 09:33 PM
#105
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Gents, again I have more photos....the spoiler in the process of being finessed and the outer spoiler pieces widened and will be reshaped to take the "squareness" away.
10-02-2006, 09:38 PM
#106
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
a few more....engine bay in primer and the t-top weatherstrip channels free of all that adhesive, caulk, silicone, elmers glue, super glue AND scotch tape that I used to try and stop the water leaks 
10-02-2006, 09:40 PM
#107
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Someone else on the boards has that tall spoiler. And they rounded the top of the side peices. Looked a lot better that way IMO.
10-03-2006, 05:56 PM
#109
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Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: V6
Transmission: Automatic
I gotta ask you where you ordered those rims. I thought the AR rebels looked great, but those have to be the nicest rims I've ever seen. You've been doing a great job so far, keep us posted as much as you can! 
10-03-2006, 06:41 PM
#110
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
The wheels are iForged Aeros. iForged Performance Wheels - The next generation in forging technology and thank you, I appreciate all the compliments.
10-03-2006, 08:36 PM
#111
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Car: 1985 Camaro Z28/1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305 tpi/350tpi
Transmission: 700r4
Quick question. What made you tear the car apart and do all the work! It looked really clean in the before pics!
10-03-2006, 08:48 PM
#112
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
That is a question I am still trying to answer myself! lol. Actually, there was hidden rust and some relatively minor structural damage from a previous accident(s) (before I owned it) and I wanted everything right. I figured since I was tearing the car apart might as well go with a bigger tire and here we are! Modified quarter panel/rear end, C6 brakes, LS2, T-56, etc.... Anyway, I wanted it to be a solid, bad *** Z and I hope that it will be this when done.
10-03-2006, 10:33 PM
#113
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
I need your advice on where to get an SS hood. Is there a vendor other than American Sports Car Design for this particular hood? I appreciate your input!
10-04-2006, 04:51 PM
#115
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Car: 1989 RS convertible
Engine: 305 TBI LO3
Transmission: TH-700-R4
Axle/Gears: stock axles 3.73 LSD
lookin absolutely amazing neil! i cannot wait to see this thing in color!
10-04-2006, 07:27 PM
#118
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Car: WIDE BODY IROC-Z28
Engine: 1996 LT-4
Transmission: D&D VIPER T-56
Axle/Gears: 4:11
rear license plate bracket
Maybe try a ZR1 Corvette rear license plate bracket, because a ZR1 had the same issues and that is why they made the bracket. you probably have to customize it.
10-04-2006, 09:30 PM
#119
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Great suggestion, thank you! John, also had a good idea and that was elongating the black plastic which goes behind the license plate. Hey, that in addition to the ZR1 license plate bracket might be perfect. Does anyone by chance have an up close photo of this ZR1 bracket?
10-07-2006, 05:26 PM
#121
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Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
2 things...I was going to ask 1, until I saw the tailight pics.
In one earlier pic, it looks like the ends of the rear spoiler, where it fits the quarter, were lengthened and cuved, all the way down. In the talight pics, it looks more "normal". Change your mind on the spoiler?
Other question...Any plans on anything else but the quarters? Like maybe, a reverse opening hood like the Vette hoods? I think that would be kinda cool to see.
In one earlier pic, it looks like the ends of the rear spoiler, where it fits the quarter, were lengthened and cuved, all the way down. In the talight pics, it looks more "normal". Change your mind on the spoiler?
Other question...Any plans on anything else but the quarters? Like maybe, a reverse opening hood like the Vette hoods? I think that would be kinda cool to see.
Last edited by Stephen; 10-08-2006 at 10:28 PM.
10-07-2006, 07:15 PM
#122
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Car: 91' Z28 T-TOP
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
that car is looking killer. I am searching for someone in my area who does resto work for mine. Do you have any suggestions on what to look for.keep up th good work
10-08-2006, 06:59 AM
#124
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Car: 11 F350 CC DRW Dsl
Now that you've got the TTop center section to that point I have a question.
How do you get the black metal pieces off that are on either side of the center bar and do you need to strip the seals out to remove them?
How do you get the black metal pieces off that are on either side of the center bar and do you need to strip the seals out to remove them?
10-08-2006, 07:50 AM
#125
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Car: 90 IROC
Engine: 406
Transmission: GMPP 93/4L60
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
If you had a second set of lights. Looks like it wouldnt be to much work to cut the ends off the second set of tail lights. On the inside where the license plate bracket is. And attach them to the other set. Just extend them where the black plastic meets. The black squares are smaller in size then the colored so it would look factory. Kinda add a second row of the gloss black squares.
10-08-2006, 12:13 PM
#126
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Car: 1987 IROC
Engine: 350 vortec
Transmission: TH350 3500 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.73 10 bolt grenade
WOW
Man, this is an amazing project, the project I am about to do is nothing compared to this. I LOVE THOSE QUARTERS! And those door handles are sweet too. Mad props to Vintage, thats some A++++ work. 
for this build. Can't wait till we get to see that thing finished.
for this build. Can't wait till we get to see that thing finished.
10-08-2006, 04:20 PM
#127
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Thanks again guys! I saw the car yesterday and it pretty much is all in primer and looking sweet! The spoiler is 95% complete and looking smoother and flowing more with the lines of the car. As for the C6 rear brakes, this coming weekend I will fab a template out of wood to mount to the Strange axle tube (I have a Strange 12-bolt) or the existing bracket. I would rather have a completely new bracket which bolts to the 4 locations on the housing. It doesn't look too difficult with this setup (knock on wood!). Either way I'll keep you guys posted.
Good suggestion on the lights, we have been tossing that idea around as well. However, if possible I am leaning towards extending the rear black plastic portion of the lights which tucks behind the license plate. The only problem with that is that the license plate lights will be slightly further away, but I don't think that will matter too much OR we just might extend the black squares. I am sure by next weekend, we will have nailed something down and have more photos, speaking of which John will be sending me more in a day or so and i'll show you the car in primer. I am loving the engine comp. it is clean and smooth, he filled alot of the holes and the strut tower lip is gone!
Nomad TA: I am not sure of which black metal pieces you are talking about? Hey, I might learn something here that will keep my T-tops leak free! All we had to remove was the center T-bar and of course all the weather stripping.
Good suggestion on the lights, we have been tossing that idea around as well. However, if possible I am leaning towards extending the rear black plastic portion of the lights which tucks behind the license plate. The only problem with that is that the license plate lights will be slightly further away, but I don't think that will matter too much OR we just might extend the black squares. I am sure by next weekend, we will have nailed something down and have more photos, speaking of which John will be sending me more in a day or so and i'll show you the car in primer. I am loving the engine comp. it is clean and smooth, he filled alot of the holes and the strut tower lip is gone!
Nomad TA: I am not sure of which black metal pieces you are talking about? Hey, I might learn something here that will keep my T-tops leak free! All we had to remove was the center T-bar and of course all the weather stripping.
10-08-2006, 05:48 PM
#128
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Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
How about something along the lines of the C5, using reverse lights by the license plate?
2001 Vette
Then you could tint the stock 3rd gen reverse lights to red, to match the tails, and use the C5 lights as reverse lights? Kinda have, the OEM look, but "something isn't right" look!
2001 Vette
Then you could tint the stock 3rd gen reverse lights to red, to match the tails, and use the C5 lights as reverse lights? Kinda have, the OEM look, but "something isn't right" look!
Last edited by Stephen; 10-08-2006 at 10:28 PM.
10-08-2006, 10:22 PM
#129
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Stephen, i'm liking that idea! I'll have to see if there is enough gap to fit those C5 reverse lights in.
10-08-2006, 10:27 PM
#130
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Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Thanks! Obviously, the C5 lights are the right height, but I guess it depends then on getting the space filled in between the C5 lights and the F-body tailights, and mounting.
But, with the work the shop has done so far, I don't see much of a fab problem.
But, with the work the shop has done so far, I don't see much of a fab problem.
10-09-2006, 06:59 PM
#131
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Car: 85 Z28, 88 GTA, 68 Cutlass S
Engine: 305TPI X2 ;), Chevy 250
Transmission: T5, 700R4, powerslide >:(
Axle/Gears: posi, and posi w/discs :D.
you probably have to do something with the tailights though.
10-10-2006, 06:18 PM
#133
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
and now for the rear spoiler with John and Martias's touch! I am very happy with the results, especially how well the spoiler now follows the body lines.
10-10-2006, 09:57 PM
#135
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Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 406 on N20 w/ EFI
Transmission: P.B. 700R4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt w/ 3.91
i am really digging all the work put into smoothing out the engine bay... nice
i dont really leikt he tall deck spoiler so much, its more for 2nd gens in my opinion
and da,mn, they got primer all over that car, a-arms, struts, swaybar, ... lotta scrapeing..
car seems to be coming along good
i dont really leikt he tall deck spoiler so much, its more for 2nd gens in my opinion
and da,mn, they got primer all over that car, a-arms, struts, swaybar, ... lotta scrapeing..
car seems to be coming along good
10-11-2006, 10:56 AM
#136
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Car: 91 Z28, 87 SC, 90 IROC, 92 RS
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI, L98, NADA
Transmission: T56, 700r4's, and NADA
Axle/Gears: 3.89, 3.42, 3.23, NADA
Neil, looking great! Are the sides of the spoiler going to be molded to the body, it looked like it from the rear. I think that you should have the front marker lights shaved while its under the knife.
10-11-2006, 05:16 PM
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Car: 1985 Camaro Z28/1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305 tpi/350tpi
Transmission: 700r4
Car is really starting to look good! I think the c5 back up lights is a really good idea. I also think you should blend the spoiler in. Keep the front marker lights and can't wait to see all the work in paint!
10-11-2006, 06:33 PM
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Again, thanks for the kind words! I plan on keeping the marker lights and my only worry with molding the spoiler to the body is having cracking issues. So, I am going to play it safe and leave the spoiler as is. I do appreciate your ideas and suggestions though!
The hood arrived today and hopefully John sends me some pics with it on the car
The hood arrived today and hopefully John sends me some pics with it on the car
10-12-2006, 07:15 PM
#140
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Yeah, he is going to widen the rear bumper and I have alot of pics to show you guys.
10-12-2006, 07:20 PM
#141
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Finally, bought an SS hood from Hawk's Third Gen and it looks very nice and fits quite well! Anyway, here are the pics
10-12-2006, 07:31 PM
#144
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
and more photos of the bumper, he used a piece of sheet metal as a backing plate and is using epoxy to strengthen and mold the front.
10-12-2006, 07:39 PM
#145
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Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
The gap seems to be very manageable and will probably use some black plexan to fill in the space on either side of the license plate.
10-12-2006, 07:53 PM
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follow up on primer over front struts etc
i am really digging all the work put into smoothing out the engine bay... nice
i dont really leikt he tall deck spoiler so much, its more for 2nd gens in my opinion
and da,mn, they got primer all over that car, a-arms, struts, swaybar, ... lotta scrapeing..
car seems to be coming along good
i dont really leikt he tall deck spoiler so much, its more for 2nd gens in my opinion
and da,mn, they got primer all over that car, a-arms, struts, swaybar, ... lotta scrapeing..
car seems to be coming along good
10-12-2006, 08:13 PM
#148
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Car: 91 z28 convertible
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5 speed
I have hear bad comments on the SS hood, some guys complained about the fitting of it. Did you have any problems with it?
10-12-2006, 08:29 PM
#149
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Car: 85 Z28, 88 GTA, 68 Cutlass S
Engine: 305TPI X2 ;), Chevy 250
Transmission: T5, 700R4, powerslide >:(
Axle/Gears: posi, and posi w/discs :D.
Glad to see it in primer finnaly! its comin along real quick and it looks awesome! keep us posted.
10-12-2006, 08:38 PM
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on the SS hood fitment. It appears to be a pretty clean hood as far as construction. We've set it on, but haven't bolted everything down, so I can't definitely tell you one way or the other, but it seems to be a pretty good design. I should be able to give you some better info next week or so. I do know that this particular hood was designed specifically for this car, so it should be close.