Author Topic: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher  (Read 18955 times)

kentucky yeti

  • Jedi Council
  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13363
  • located in western Ky
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #160 on: March 01, 2022, 09:45:10 PM »
 :grin: :grin: :grin:
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
2012 Mustang

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13228
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #161 on: March 02, 2022, 07:51:50 AM »
Looks good Ryan, and a great pic with beautiful scenery. But I have to say, all that white stuff would have me wanting to head south as well  :grin:
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

MNBob

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2018
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #162 on: March 06, 2022, 09:59:24 AM »
Quote
I‘ll be curious to hear your thoughts about the subframe connectors when you take it for a ride.

Ditto.  They have got to be a huge improvement, especially the way you did it and at that power level.  Your welding looks perfect.

Interior looks fantastic and it all comes together.  I know some people like them, but I have never been a fan of white seats.  My girlfriend had a new 77 Cutlass with the white interior and it was very difficult to keep clean.

I have got to get one of those coolant tanks, it is so tucked away freeing up space.

Congratulations on all your work!
1979 TATA Extreme TKO .64
Hedman elite; Pypes 2.5; Borla XS; MSD 6A; Performer intake; open scoop; Sniper QJ;  110 Amp Alt; 4 core radiator/Mark VIII fan; RobbMc mini starter; subframe connectors; solid body mounts; fiberglass rear springs; poly sway bar and link bushings; 81 master; D52’s; Blazer disks; 225/60 & 235/60 17's TrueContact's; relays for PW, PDL, lights; keyless entry

ryeguy2006a

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6039
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #163 on: March 07, 2022, 07:13:47 AM »
Thanks guys, We had a shockingly good weather day yesterday in NY. It hit 71 according to my truck, which is crazy because a few days before it was sub-zero in the AM! I was soooo tempted to take the car out, but when I went out in my truck, although the roads were dry, you could still see salt... It's raining all day today and if we get a dry day this week, I may be able to get it out for a drive.  :cool:

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

Nexus

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2040
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #164 on: April 03, 2022, 09:58:36 AM »
Car turned out great and it sounds great too!!

What are you working on next?

We need something to follow since the Camaro was deemed "done" and that garage looks plenty big enough for the next project!
Charlie

79 Esprit but like many, it will be a T/A clone
(22 years and counting but still have her)
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=79648.0

Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #164 on: April 03, 2022, 09:58:36 AM »

ryeguy2006a

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6039
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #165 on: April 04, 2022, 06:55:44 AM »
Thanks Charlie, I appreciate it. I'm 99% sure I have another project lined up, but until it's official I'm going to keep it a secret.

As for the old Camaro, she's on the chopping block. I'm hoping to finalize the deal today and then she will be going to the new owner.

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

kentucky yeti

  • Jedi Council
  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13363
  • located in western Ky
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #166 on: April 05, 2022, 06:02:06 AM »


As for the old Camaro, she's on the chopping block. I'm hoping to finalize the deal today and then she will be going to the new owner.

 :shock:
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
2012 Mustang

ryeguy2006a

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6039
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #167 on: April 05, 2022, 09:33:15 AM »
I've been thinking about selling for a while now, and I just took a deposit on the car today. Will definitely be bittersweet, but I'm happy with the sale overall.

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

Nexus

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2040
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #168 on: April 09, 2022, 10:40:23 AM »
Well, I have to admit I'm both sad and happy for you!!

But, it does make me a bit excited to see what's up next!!
Charlie

79 Esprit but like many, it will be a T/A clone
(22 years and counting but still have her)
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=79648.0

5th T/A

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1384
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #169 on: April 09, 2022, 12:26:35 PM »
Ryan,

I have to echo what Charlie said about selling Penny Pincher. I have a feeling your not happy unless you have a good project going. With your car finished maybe the thrill is gone? I have enjoyed watching this build, I am impressed by your skills and workmanship.

Unless I missed it, I don’t recall reading your impressions on driving the car after you did the axel ratio change and frame connectors?

Looking forward to the next project!
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

TATurbo

  • Active Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 817
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #170 on: April 10, 2022, 07:01:13 PM »
Looking forward to what's next!
Tom
King of Prussia, PA

1981 Turbo Trans-Am
Build thread - http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=83354.0

ryeguy2006a

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6039
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #171 on: April 11, 2022, 07:16:10 AM »
Ryan,

I have to echo what Charlie said about selling Penny Pincher. I have a feeling your not happy unless you have a good project going. With your car finished maybe the thrill is gone? I have enjoyed watching this build, I am impressed by your skills and workmanship.

Unless I missed it, I don’t recall reading your impressions on driving the car after you did the axel ratio change and frame connectors?

Looking forward to the next project!

It's hard to say about whether or not the thrill is gone, but I've been less and less interested in it for some reason. It sounds silly, but as much as I thought I wanted a pro-touring car, I'm not sure that's really what I wanted. That or my taste has changed during the build and I just now want something different. The car handles incredibly well, but is stiff and not quite as family friendly as when I started it 6+ years ago. It's going to take a lot of money to change this car to become more of a cruiser from a pro-touring car, and to me it's just easier to sell it as a finished unit. Plus the one thing I can never change is how big my family and I are and how small the 1st gen Camaro's really are.

As for the driving impressions I actually just finished breaking in the rear gears in preparation for the sale, so I haven't had a moment to comment on them. With the 3.01 first gea in the TR6060, the 4.11 rear gears were just way too much. Going with the 3.42 is way nicer for sure. You don't have to shift quite as much now and you stay in gear a little longer. Also the rpms are noticeably lower cruising at speed, with zero loss in bottom end torque. That will just shred the tires on command haha. It's a really fun car to drive

The frame connectors also tightened up the body quite a bit. There are noticeably less squeaks and rattles in the car which is a huge plus. I can't really say that the handling has changed at all though. Body roll and suspension all feel exactly the same.

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13228
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #172 on: April 11, 2022, 02:20:51 PM »
If you want a family cruiser you need an impala, or a big pontiac, grand prix, bonneville, etc. or better yet an old handyman or nomad :grin: :grin:
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

FormTA

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5564
  • Life is short, have fun, Drive a T/A
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #173 on: April 12, 2022, 04:31:50 AM »
Wow! Selling another one of your children! I don't know how you do it. I can't let go of a few parts let alone a whole car that I poured my heart and soul into; and you did it twice!! I wish I could let go of some of my project cars. At least I know you are doing your part keeping old muscle on the road. Looking forward to your next adventure!
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13228
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #174 on: April 12, 2022, 07:09:11 AM »
Im kinda like you Luke. I had all intentions of selling the TATA from the beginning. The more I worked on it, the longer it sat in the garage, and the more anal I became about getting the 'right' parts I changed my mind.
I am sure Ryan has something special brewing though! Cant wait to see his next project.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #174 on: April 12, 2022, 07:09:11 AM »

scarebird

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1902
  • Former brake guy
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #175 on: April 12, 2022, 07:10:18 AM »
...That or my taste has changed during the build and I just now want something different. The car handles incredibly well, but is stiff and not quite as family friendly as when I started it 6+ years ago. It's going to take a lot of money to change this car to become more of a cruiser from a pro-touring car...

This is why the 64-72 "A"s are so popular; we get older and priorities change.

ryeguy2006a

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6039
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #176 on: May 10, 2022, 07:25:07 AM »
All good things must come to an end, and it's no different for the Penny Pincher Camaro and I. Sorry for the cliché, but a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this build and I have learned so much in the process. My spot in life has changed from when I first bought this car and with a growing family I'll need something bigger. I feel really good that I was able to revive an old Camaro and bring new life to it. The guy that bought it is really excited for it and is not a re-seller so that makes me feel so much better about the sale. I was able to take the car from a broken down car, to running/driving on it's 50th anniversary. I was able to swap in 3 different engines, with the final being an absolute beast. It was also the first car that I've ever had with any forced induction. I owe a lot to that car, but in the end we are only caretakers of these cars and now it will live on for another 50+ years.

Here's a few send off pictures of the car before, during and after it was loaded up on it's way to Los Angeles.

I wanted to get a proper picture of myself with the car before I sold it, so I got a quick one before it was loaded on the trailer.



It was in good company too.











I'd like to thank everyone here that has helped me along the way with parts, advice/suggestions, critiques, or other support. Great community here and I look forward to sharing my next project when it comes along. It's likely going to be a 2 door wagon of some sort. I want to find a solid body late 50s or early 60s wagon with really cool patina. Ford, Chevy or other. Not sure what it will be but I'll know it when I see it.

Cheers,
Ryan

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

FormTA

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5564
  • Life is short, have fun, Drive a T/A
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #177 on: May 10, 2022, 08:02:29 AM »
Sad to see it go but you did a great job for a real average background guy. I doubt I could have built the final rendition of this, heck, I needed your guidance to finish mine!

I know it will be awhile but I can't wait to see your next project! Thanks for taking us with you on the journey!
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

kentucky yeti

  • Jedi Council
  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13363
  • located in western Ky
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #178 on: May 10, 2022, 07:47:23 PM »
Alright, mister!  Back to work on the shop!  :lol:
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
2012 Mustang

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13228
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #179 on: May 11, 2022, 05:38:11 AM »
I assume the buyer arranged shipping, that looks like a really nice rig! I bought a parts car from Matawan and the guy I got it from was a member on here at one time. There is always a lot of discussion about shipping vehicles on the aaca forum and most of the experiences are bad. This guy looks like a class unit.

Im glad for you with the sale, I am sure its bitter sweet but theres always another car out there somewhere that needs some work.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

ryeguy2006a

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6039
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #180 on: May 11, 2022, 08:22:40 AM »
Alright, mister!  Back to work on the shop!  :lol:

There won't be any further progress on that shop during my ownership. My wife accepted a position at UVA and she'll start towards the end of June. We are listing our house for sale this Friday and we are packing up everything and moving to Virginia! The next two months is going to be crazy for me, but will be so worth it!


1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

kentucky yeti

  • Jedi Council
  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13363
  • located in western Ky
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #181 on: May 11, 2022, 12:56:04 PM »
That's right.  I had forgotten that you posted a while back that you were escaping up there.  I'm happy for you!
Mike (aka Yeti)

1977 Y82 W72 Auto
2015 F-150 Lariat 4x4 (twin turbo)
2016 Explorer Limited
2012 Mustang

roadking77

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13228
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #182 on: May 11, 2022, 03:06:18 PM »
Very nice, Sounds exciting Ryan. I am happy for you.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

5th T/A

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1384
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #183 on: May 11, 2022, 04:30:27 PM »
Congratulations Ryan on the sale and your move!

You have been an inspiration to me and probably many other TAC members. Your not afraid to tackle anything and the results are always great. I also appreciate your helpful posts with great information and photos. Looking forward to hearing about your next project.
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

MNBob

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2018
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #184 on: May 12, 2022, 10:13:35 AM »
Congratulations to you and your wife on all the changes. There is a lot to do with these kind of activities. I know that because my wife and I just sold our condo in Florida.

Still, kind of sad to see the Camaro go.  It looks really good and has all the correct mechanicals so I'm sure the buyer will be a really happy with it.  People can tell the difference between a car that has just been thrown together and one that has been done to every detail.

A wagon or an SUV would be a really cool project. The one thing I don't like about sports cars is they have a small trunk or some have none at all. There were exceptions with some of the hatchback models.  Still a lot of good choices from the 60s all the way up.

I know it'll be a while before you get to that, but I can't imagine you not having a project in the garage!
1979 TATA Extreme TKO .64
Hedman elite; Pypes 2.5; Borla XS; MSD 6A; Performer intake; open scoop; Sniper QJ;  110 Amp Alt; 4 core radiator/Mark VIII fan; RobbMc mini starter; subframe connectors; solid body mounts; fiberglass rear springs; poly sway bar and link bushings; 81 master; D52’s; Blazer disks; 225/60 & 235/60 17's TrueContact's; relays for PW, PDL, lights; keyless entry

Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #184 on: May 12, 2022, 10:13:35 AM »

ryeguy2006a

  • Oracle Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6039
Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #185 on: May 12, 2022, 12:55:16 PM »
Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the feedback. I'm hoping to get all settled this summer and maybe pick up a car this fall or winter.

1976 Trans Am LS1 and much more...SOLD
1968 Camaro LSA, T56 Magnum, and much more...SOLD

Current Project: 1955 Nomad LC9, 4L80e, C5 brakes and etc...

Re: 1968 Camaro Resto-mod LS3/6 speed; Project Penny Pincher
« Reply #185 on: May 12, 2022, 12:55:16 PM »
You can help support TAC!