Phase I done, Phase II-interior almost done, and now Phase III-drivetrain (454 LSX!)
COTM Editor
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,098
Likes: 13
From: WINDSOR, CO
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
I hope it was sunny in at least one of the pics... but I will settle for anything at this point. 
Thanks John.

Thanks John.
Supreme Member

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,779
Likes: 2
From: any clime or place...
Car: 1987 Camaro SC, 1999 Z28
Engine: GMPP 350HO, LS1
Transmission: Built 700r4/EDGE 3200, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Eaton 7.625, 3.42 Zexel Torsen
wow...she looks amazing.
i've been following this thread for a few weeks now, its definately one of a kind.
congrats to everyone for all the hard work, sweet!
i've been following this thread for a few weeks now, its definately one of a kind.
congrats to everyone for all the hard work, sweet!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 326
From: NJ
Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 406 on N20 w/ EFI
Transmission: P.B. 700R4
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt w/ 3.91
wow, looks really awesome, even in the shop, with no natural light hitting the paint!! are you guna have the roll cage painted the same color as the car too ? great work fellas!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
and one more.... This is the guy who did all the fabrication on the car and he is gonna get alot of beer from me!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: Various barns
Car: 92 Camaro RS, 72 Camaro SS
Engine: 305TBI, til it pukes
Transmission: Auto
Looks Sweeeet! Now is when the fun begins - seeing your dream become reality as it SLOWLY goes back together. Can't wait to see more as you progress through everything.
Kudos to Vintage Restoration!
Kudos to Vintage Restoration! Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: Lt1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 auburn pro 9"
man that rear widening mod you did is soooo subtle, even the door handles are almost like they are supose to be there, doesnt look odd or outa place at all. great job! I think ill prolly loose one in my pant when I see the car together with those wheels on and the sun hitting that paint!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 90
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Yeah, This is just great work. That car will def be showing up in magazines when it is done.
I am currently getting my car painted too. I can only hope that my car will look like it has that same finish.
Simply amazing, which I am sure you allready knew that. Damn this is a good hobby/ lifestyle.
I am currently getting my car painted too. I can only hope that my car will look like it has that same finish.
Simply amazing, which I am sure you allready knew that. Damn this is a good hobby/ lifestyle.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Baccarat??? as in Burt?
Yeah, I can only guess who this is and ahhhh, WE are putting the motor in! It's gonna be a party!
Yeah, I can only guess who this is and ahhhh, WE are putting the motor in! It's gonna be a party! Thanks guys! I think it is turning out pretty well. It is always fun to see a car in paint! Should have some more pics for you in the next day or so as we finish up the paint and do the painted emblems, front, rear, and sides!
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: Lt1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.70 auburn pro 9"
PLEASE PLEASE put all these pics in one place, It soo much easier to view and show it off if you had something like a cardomain page
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
The scary part is gonna be reassembly, and not scratching the paint. I bet the engine and tranny will go in seperately huh? I've done it as a combo before, but wasn't real concerned about the paint. Or, are you gonna do the install from below?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
The scary part is gonna be reassembly, and not scratching the paint. I bet the engine and tranny will go in seperately huh? I've done it as a combo before, but wasn't real concerned about the paint. Or, are you gonna do the install from below?
Today, I ordered Soffseal weather stripping and let me tell you, that stuff better last a lifetime!!! I hope it fits well and I don't have any issues.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 90
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Oh no! Soffseal is kinda crappy. I had put some of it on my 91 Z28 and it just doesn't fit right, they don't use the "backbone" that GM does inside the weather stripping. THey just have little tabs that can easily be ripped out. If you are spending this kinda $ on your car, DEF spend the extra $ and get GM stuff.
My body/paint togeather is not even gonna reach 4K and I opted for at least window GM strips. I went softseal for the door, cuz it was just too high for gm stuff. I realy hope you can return it and get GM stuff.
ALso the area where the window seals up top is all rounded off on softseal stuff, GM has a nice difined ridge. Also GM ends are the same density as the rest of the strip. SS has very dense ends and super soft thin parts.
do a search I and other, have talked a lot about it.
They work, just not as good as GM's do.
My body/paint togeather is not even gonna reach 4K and I opted for at least window GM strips. I went softseal for the door, cuz it was just too high for gm stuff. I realy hope you can return it and get GM stuff.
ALso the area where the window seals up top is all rounded off on softseal stuff, GM has a nice difined ridge. Also GM ends are the same density as the rest of the strip. SS has very dense ends and super soft thin parts.
do a search I and other, have talked a lot about it.
They work, just not as good as GM's do.
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
So? What did ya'll decide on, on the extra space between the licens plate and the tail light lenses?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Dennis, thanks for your input! I called today after seeing your post and I cancelled my order! Thanks again. I will go with the ole faithfull GM product as you suggested. Soffseal sold me on their lifetime guarantee, but you have to wonder what that guarantee is??? I am not saying anything bad about their product at all, I just want the most relaible product.
As far as the space between the license plate and the tail lights, once the car is together i'll be able to have a better idea as to what to do. It's one of those things that I can't say for certainty will look good without actually seeing it on the car. Until then, it's motor pricing time
As far as the space between the license plate and the tail lights, once the car is together i'll be able to have a better idea as to what to do. It's one of those things that I can't say for certainty will look good without actually seeing it on the car. Until then, it's motor pricing time
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: western ny
Car: '82 formula clone, 95 saab 900se
Engine: 350 vortec'd tbi, 2.0L turbo
Transmission: 700r4, 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 2.77 open
i don't mean to pry, but what kind of money are you putting into this car?
----------
Very reasonable for the work being done. Of course reasonable is always a matter of opinion. I'll let Neil give you specifics if he wants to.
Very reasonable for the work being done. Of course reasonable is always a matter of opinion. I'll let Neil give you specifics if he wants to.
Last edited by Vintage Rest; Dec 7, 2006 at 09:14 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
Honestly, I haven't sat down to figure it out yet, nor do I think I want to do that! When it's all said and done i'll let you guys know.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 90
From: West Warwick RI, postal code: 02893
Car: Building LS3, T56 Z28
Engine: LS3
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: Moser/ 4.11
Wow! I think you are the smartest car builder I have ever met. You ACCTUALLY listened to a warning about a bad prduct. Just the thought of having your doors close like crap made me cringe. Good, no no, great job canceling that order and going with GM stuff.
The more I read, the more I like. This is truely going to be increadible.
The more I read, the more I like. This is truely going to be increadible.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Car: 88 Camaro
Engine: 454 ci. +.030
Transmission: TH-400
Axle/Gears: Stock
Nice to see some more texans on here! Incredible work guys! I'm in the middle of my big block swap, but i am at a standstill due to lack of money. Im only 18 and attending school!
Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: THE DEEP DEEP SOUTH
Car: WIDE BODY IROC-Z28
Engine: 1996 LT-4
Transmission: D&D VIPER T-56
Axle/Gears: 4:11
GM WEATHER STRIPPING PART #
Rear hatch #10212939
R side door weather #20350900
L side door weather #20350901
Lower door panel weather stripping #10125220 same part for both sides
T-top weather stripping kit #10164133
Outer windsheld trim #10103279
Outer door sweeps #10124264 #10124265
Try WWW.GMPARTSDIRECT.COM
R side door weather #20350900
L side door weather #20350901
Lower door panel weather stripping #10125220 same part for both sides
T-top weather stripping kit #10164133
Outer windsheld trim #10103279
Outer door sweeps #10124264 #10124265
Try WWW.GMPARTSDIRECT.COM
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
LITTLE NICKEY, Thank you very much!!! I will try GM Parts direct and see if they have these items!
Now, here are some more pics in the sun!!!
Now, here are some more pics in the sun!!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
I think I am going to stay with these wheels (above pic).....I will call this ride, the "Ghetto-Sled"
Note: The "spots" you see are ghost images and not flaws in the paint (Mike)
I saw the car in person today and it looks sweet, once again!
Note: The "spots" you see are ghost images and not flaws in the paint (Mike)
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 0
Car: 2012 Corvette
Engine: LS3
Transmission: TR6060
Call dealers with those part numbers first and see how much they'll charge, GMPD has super outrageous shipping prices. They want $60 just in shipping for both door weather stripping.
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Car: 87 camaro sc
Engine: 357 w/ cc qjet
Transmission: 700 r4
WOW WOW WOW.... thats about the only word that I can think of right now. Great work over there vintage.
My first question if for you Vintage...
I am about ready to buy some dura block sanding blocks.... do you think the 24" block would do a good job of getting the doors perfect? I am planning on getting their original 11", the 11" tear drop, the 17" full sheet, and the 24" long board. I have been blocking my car with an old 17" block, but it is being a pita, and it wont work with my roll of stick it. what do you think? will those four be enough to get the car "perfect", or is there something else you recomend?
and Neil...
What color is this again? I thought you were going with the shade shifting blue that is on the ssr. Is this color darker than lemans blue from the new c6?
My first question if for you Vintage...
I am about ready to buy some dura block sanding blocks.... do you think the 24" block would do a good job of getting the doors perfect? I am planning on getting their original 11", the 11" tear drop, the 17" full sheet, and the 24" long board. I have been blocking my car with an old 17" block, but it is being a pita, and it wont work with my roll of stick it. what do you think? will those four be enough to get the car "perfect", or is there something else you recomend?
and Neil...
What color is this again? I thought you were going with the shade shifting blue that is on the ssr. Is this color darker than lemans blue from the new c6?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Binghamton, New York
Car: 1987 IROC-Z28
Engine: 5.0 Liter 305 TBI
Wow this car is definitely amazing and helpful for me to see some of the plans i have in action! Is the SS hood functional, doesn't look it on the other page.
Decided to go with a different direction on the wheels? The new wheels should offset with the Z06 brakes perfectly.
Paint looks good. Can't wait to see the car in person.
I am still laughing at the message you left on my phone on Friday. Poor cat.
Paint looks good. Can't wait to see the car in person.
I am still laughing at the message you left on my phone on Friday. Poor cat.
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 527
Likes: 5
From: Albany NY
Car: 84 Trans AM (sold), 87 IROC, 09 C6
Engine: Lt1 in IROC
Transmission: 5 speeds
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt tru tracker 3.42
That should look great when it's done- Since they "widened" the rear quarters, will the rubber bumper facia still bolt up to it on either side, or does that have to be customized as well?
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 13
From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Read through the entire thread. There are pics of how the rear bumper was widened, and showing the only changes made would affect the parts in front of the rear wheels, and only minimal, at that. The rear quarter pieces of the fx wouldn't need to be touched, as far I can tell.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
What color is this again? I thought you were going with the shade shifting blue that is on the ssr. Is this color darker than lemans blue from the new c6?
Is the SS hood functional, doesn't look it on the other page.
The emblems have been painted on and I should have pics by tomorrow!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Car: '87+'02 Z28
Engine: 454 LSX
Transmission: T-56, Viper output shaft
Axle/Gears: Strage 12-bolt 3.73:1
It's gonna be a few more weeks for the wheels. The two that I have are going back to iForged for their final touches and the other two have to be made as well (one front and one rear).







John. Car Looks great.
