hillntx

In the summer of 1986 I had just turned 18, graduated from high school, and was working at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM for the summer. I received an envelope from my parents including a picture of a blue Camaro, a savings account withdrawal slip and a letter stating the Sears Driving School was selling their cars and if I was interested sign and return the enclosed withdrawal slip. I bought the car for $8,800 with less than 12,000 miles and proceeded to drive it for the next 11 years. After buying my next car in 1997 I still drove the Camaro periodically but it was showing it's age. The engine started running rough and after rodents ate the engine wiring one winter, the car sat neglected.

So after owning the car for 26 years I just can't bring myself to sell it or part it out which brings us to "The Resurrection".

hillntx

For the last several years the Camaro has been stored out at a friends place in Paris, Texas. He was supposedly working on it off and on. When it came back on the trailer and I opened the hood I wasn't real impressed with his progress. The intake was off the engine and it looked like five generations of rats had taken a crap in the lifter valley and a kind of wasp we call a "mud dobber" had built nests in every opening of the car.




Due to my work schedule I can only work on the car a couple hours a week so I need to make the most of it. The car needs a total repaint. When completed I'm installing a 350 and rebuilt 700R4, restoring the interior, refreshing the mechanical systems, installing a Hotchkis rear suspension and sub frame connectors, rebuilding the front suspension with a PST kit and installing WS6 sway bars. Day one - pulling the interior.




Most of the interior pulled:

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Very nice
That's how my Camaro look when my parents gave It to me

It's funny I still have the sport couple bumper in my garage

Can't wait to see how your car looks in the end

Chubb

Good luck. Can't wait to see your progress and results. I'm also working on my 85
sport coupe.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Wow does this pic bring back memories! Your 85 looks exactly like my 85 SC. Same color, wheels, and paint fade. I really need to scan some of my old pics and post them. I miss my car all the time and would really love to have it back.

Please keep posting more pics of your progress.

Ruckusz28

iTrader: (3)

I love hearing about 3rd gen stories past! Bring er' back!

1Aauto

That's really cool. I've owned my car for 15yrs, soo many cars that I'd like to have but I can't part with it.

2007xl50

I will always like the GFX car's more, but the simple looks of the SC is really growing on me. I almost went and looked at an 84 SC 2.8 5-speed this past weekend, but never made it out, it's over an hour away. I think it's awesome that you never got rid of the car and now it's going to get a rebirth.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

I tried to buy one on Tuesday. I'm feinding for one LOL

jpearcy1

iTrader: (1)

Same wheels as my SC. Looking nice so far man good luck.

hillntx

Progress has stalled temporarily. I rented space in a local warehouse to work on the car through a local Craigslist ad. Progress was moving well until the building owner became an issue and showed his true colors. After an entire weekend of the owner not returning my calls and not having access to my car or tools, I made the decision to take the car back to my house and work on it in my garage.

Moving the car to the house had its own issues since the garage was already occupied by a collection of semi-classic motorcycles. After cleaning the garage and hauling six motorcycles to storage, I finally had room for the Camaro. With the help of some local F-body friends, the car was loaded on a flat bed and moved across town to the safety of my garage.

While I'll miss the great lighting and tons of space I had while working on the car at the warehouse, I won't miss the nut-job that owned the place constantly moving my stuff and going off on me about what I needed to do with my car.

hillntx

Update: Progress came to a stand still as other priorities got in the way. I'm getting back on track and have been acquiring needed parts. This past weekend I bought a set of new in the box SLP headers, new dash pad, new weatherstripping for the doors, new oil pan and gasket, new upper engine gaskets, rebuilt alternator, a/c controls, new radiator, a power steering box (Z), a set of SLP Intake runners, and 3 mid 60's Chevelle SS hub caps; all for a grand total of $400. My initial plan for the car was to keep the carbs so I'll probably resell the intake runners, but I'm keeping my options open at this point.

The interior removal stalled at the lower console. I'm still trying to figure out how it comes out of the car without tearing it up. So far the only casualty has been the dome light. I removed the lens to determine how to remove the housing from the headliner and when I went to reattach it the lens turned to dust in my hand. Oh, the joys of a 28 year old car.

The plan for this week is to place the car on jacks to rebuild the front end and swap in the Hotchkis springs, rear control arms, and adjustable panhard bar.

I'm still trying to track down a third gen posi disc rear in a 3.42 or 3.73, 28 spline.

hillntx

Working on tearing down the front end to replace bushings, steering components, and possibly upgrade the brakes.

hillntx

Down to the struts and springs. Feeling a little concern about dropping the springs, I've heard some horror stories.

berlinetta1983

Can we get an update? After that last post Im startin to wonder if the coil spring didnt pop off. LOL

hillntx

Thanks for watching, again slow progress. My mechanic friend that was going to help me with the build decided to become an over the road trucker and I haven't seen him in two months, so I'm going it alone now with my limited mechanical knowledge. The coil didn't pop off, but lowering it with my jack bottomed out on the garage floor before the spring came loose. I'm going to try again with some spring compressors and that should resolve it.

In the mean time I found a 28 spline Posi for the rear with 3.23 gears for $100. Seemed like a good deal. I'm debating going with a 3.42 or 3.73 ratio. I also purchased a set of black GTA style wheels that should arrive next week.

The 350 I picked up has a set of small valve heads from a 307, so I plan to swap those for Vortec heads and use a Performer style intake. I realize I could get more out with a Performer RPM, but I want to be able to use my L69 dual snorkel air cleaner assembly. I like the way it looks and with everyone else going fuel injection or LSx you don't see them too often. I learned recently my 1985 A/C bracket won't fit with my SLP headers so I will probably need to lose my v-belt accessories and switch to a serpentine belt setup, more fun.

hillntx

Any advice is appreciated. I considered and decided against an LS swap. I realize you can get more power and better mileage, but it cost more up front and is more technically involved. The car won't be a daily driver for the remaining time I own it, potentially another 40 years or so. I want the car to look like a late 80's early 90's hot rod, so no 18" wheels either.

Termn8r

Don't give up on the car man, I know you have had some pitfalls, but keep up the great work. I am rebuilding mine and it has been full of pitfalls and money drain but I am still so very glad I haven't given up!

hillntx

My new intake arrived today, haven't unpacked it so no pictures yet. It's a GMPP vortec intake similar to the Edelbrock Performer Vortec which I'm hoping will allow enough hood clearance to use the stock L69 air cleaner. I saw some Edelbrock's for a little less, but I kind of like the idea of sticking with all GM and not having aftermarket logos all over the car. I found a local supplier for stock Vortec heads for $400/set ($350 w/core). It sounds like they have them regularly in stock so it's just a matter of deciding which cam I'm going to use and then picking them up. I've heard the Vortec's in stock configuration have a maximum lift of 0.450-0.480, so I need to gain some more knowledge. I was initially hoping to be in the 400hp range in final form, but that seems to be the range where the stock transmission and rear axle both give out. More realistically I'm planning for the roughly 330hp range which is still double what came in the car from the factory.

I'm still waiting for the wheels which should arrive in the next couple days.

Joe Tag

iTrader: (4)

" I learned recently my 1985 A/C bracket won't fit with my SLP headers so I will probably need to lose my v-belt accessories and switch to a serpentine belt setup, more fun"

What exactly is the problem with the bracket? Is it the difference in thickness of the header flange, the U shape of the bracket won't fit around the primary tube? I had both of these problems with my hookers. Solved with a spacer and cutting the part off that bolts to the 2nd exhaust bolt from the front. Use the original manifold bolt with the stud on the end for the first bolt.

hillntx

I don't know exactly I just came across some old threads about using SLP headers on cars with v-belts saying you needed to use the SLP replacement A/C bracket to make everything fit. The SLP bracket is no longer available so its not an option. When I get to that point I'll do a test fit on the engine stand and see what needs to happen. It may just require grinding the old bracket or conversion to a serpentine setup. We'll see.

hillntx

Okay, so the GTA rims arrived; however one had a damaged center hub so the center cap wouldn't mount. While this isn't intended to be a show car I still want it to look good when I'm finished so I sent the damaged wheel back for a refund. Fortunately I found another GTA rear wheel available locally for $50. I plan to get them cleaned, polished, and powder coat the centers gloss black.

I just found a set of practically new 3.42 ring and pinion gears, now I just need to upgrade the axles and brakes.

I've decided to go with the Patriot 2151 vortec style heads. After checking on stock Vortec heads it seemed like I would be spending just as much to buy the stock heads and get them modified as it would to by the Patriots ready to go. I've been exchanging emails with Comp Cams and will probably go with the XE268 or XE274. Since the Patriot heads seem to flow pretty well I'll probably go with the XE274 since the car isn't going to see commuting duties.

hillntx

All right, finally got some more progress: front spindles, springs, and control arms removed. The springs were a little tricky to get out. The spring compressors didn't fit and the jack bottomed out before the springs came loose. We ended up lowering the end of the control arm as far as we could and then used a large pry bar to pop the springs loose from the spring perch. When they came loose they bounced off the spindles and didn't hurt anything. The picture is a little blurred, but you get the idea.

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hillntx

Monday was spent in the storage unit separating the replacement 350 from its transmission. I had never done it before and was surprised how easy it was outside of actually breaking the bolts loose. I assembled the engine cradle to hold the 350 until we're ready to work on it. I still need to order the heads, cam, and axles.

hillntx

Just put a big hole in the budget: bought a BMR tubular front end kit and UMI trans mount and torque arm. Planning to pull the old motor and transmission on Monday.

hillntx

Received my parts from UMI and BMR. Layed everything out in the driveway to copy the scene from XXX, "I want all of this in that car!"

hillntx

Spent Monday working on tearing down the 350 to get it checked out in preparation for the cam and head swap. The old heads were really stuck on the block so we used the engine crane to help pull them off:

Psychoz28

Nice! Love the picture of all those parts in the driveway! :P

hillntx

Made good progress this week. We been working on clearing the engine compartment and tearing down what we can off the 305 while still in the car to make it easier to pull it out. Due to the limited space in the garage we're planning to pull the motor over the fender instead of over the nose. In getting the passenger side head off we had to remove the AC components from the fire wall, so we went ahead and pulled the dash while we were at it since it was badly cracked as well.

Monday's progress:

hillntx

Tuesday's progress:

hillntx

Interior:

hillntx

We finally got the 305 out of the car. After clearing the accessories and other items from the engine bay we were ready to go.

hillntx

Due to space limitations in the garage we pulled the engine over the fender instead of over the bumper. It worked really well, since we're pulling the transmission seperately. I saw the guys on Gas Monkey do it, so why not.

hillntx

And there it is, out of the car. Feeling pretty accomplished at this point. In reality this probably still falls under the category of "the easy part".

hillntx

I decided not to go with the rebuilt pieced together 350 and put another massive crater in the budget and bought a ZZ4 crate engine. I know a lot of people are shaking their heads thinking I should have gone with an LS*, but I already had the BMR subframe for SBC, I'm planning to stay carburated, and I like the stealth aspect of a semi stock looking small block.

hillntx

Hiding in the crate 355 hp, 405 tq; before the LT4 Hot cam.

58mark

iTrader: (3)

Can't wait to see it at a NTTGA meeting!

hillntx

Next steps: pull the K-member, pull the transmission, install the new K-member and suspension components, finish pulling the interior and get ready for paint.

hillntx

Hi Mark, I'm hoping for summer 2015; still a lot of work to do. The hard target is to have it finished before my class reunion in two years.

hillntx

Highly recommend the Torin Big Red 2-ton engine lift and leveler: well built, reasonable price, and easy to use. PB Blaster and WD-40 are also good friends. When you need more leverage, the handle from your floor jack slid over the end of your ratchet makes a great breaker bar.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

Subscribed.

Lovin' this build thread, I like the ZZ4 too (I have the 385 fastburn in mine) and I agree, the it has an awesome non-threatening look. i'm interested to see what you think of the lt4 hot cam kit, that is one of the next upgrades on my list. Keep it up!

hillntx

My replacement dash and 145mph speedometer arrived today. I'll post pictures later. I know changing the speedometer from an 85 mph to 145 mph is just cosmetic, but I have to say looking at it sitting on the desk in front of me it feels a whole lot faster. If the import guys can gain 15hp from a coffee can, fart cannon exhaust, I bet I get at least 20hp just from changing the speedometer. It is just that cool.

hillntx

Dropped the K-member this week. It really wasn't that tough. I used a motorcycle jack to hold it while removing the 6 bolts. Make sure to have all your brake lines clear before removing.



I installed the BMR K-member (KM007 for SBC). The included directions were really pretty bad. I emailed BMR Monday for clarification and have received no response after two days. I went ahead and used my best guess and bolted it in place. I'll add pictures later. I still need to decide on my brake upgrade and which struts I'm using. I may bolt everything up using the stock brakes and old struts in the mean time so I can get it to roller status again.

I haven't removed the transmission yet, but I plan to do that before finishing the front suspension install so I can slide it out from underneath. I found the plug for the rear of the transmission so I hopefully won't have to deal with trans fluid all over the garage floor.

Zane M

iTrader: (1)

I like where this is going. Looking forward to future progress updates.

hillntx

I just ordered the shocks and struts. I was really sweating this one, but finally decided on the Bilstein AK1049/1050 combination. Hopefully they will be a good match with my Hotchkis springs and WS6 36/24mm sway bars. If you're looking for these shocks/struts ColemanRacing.com had the best prices I found.

A friend of mine that races SCCA recommended the Koni yellows and I've seen a lot of others on the forum that like them, but I got the Bilstein setup for all four corners for $550 shipped. We'll see how they work once its all back together.

hillntx

My shocks and struts arrived this week. I was actually pretty concerned since after I placed my order with Coleman Racing I wasn't able to look it up and verify it. So after waiting almost three weeks I came home to a Bilstein box waiting on the porch. Tonight I ordered the partial LS1 upgrade from Bigbrakeupgrade.com. I plan to order the Hassle Free drum to LT1 disc conversion plates from FlynBye performance next. I already have a set of LS1 front and LT1 rear calipers that I bought cheap off Ebay. I still need to get the 28 spline replacement axles so I can start on the rear end once the front is back together. I'm planning to go with Moser.

For a car that will look basically stock when I'm finished, there really isn't going to be much left outside of the body and glass that was actually on the car when I bought it in 1986.

5215

iTrader: (2)

Beautiful car bro! Mines the same color and even had the same style rims when I got her (The Enkei's). Cannot wait to see this beast all done!

UltRoadWarrior9

Ah, you got a K-subframe! I've got my eye on one of those too even though they're a little pricey @ ~$700, but it's tubular so it looks like it'll give you quite a bit more access to the engine than the stock. Is this true? What about weight savings? I've read only 25lbs weight savings.
BTW, I would've gone with the Bilstein's as well.
Nice resurrection, heh. Thanks for sharing your progress.

hillntx

The BMR k-member is noticable lighter than the factory part and takes up a lot less space under the car. Not sure on measured weight savings, I think BMR lists the K-member and control arms as saving 50 lbs over stock. I could carry the BMR piece through the house with one hand but needed two hands to haul out the factory part.

I ordered my Moser 28 spline replacement axles and Moser differential girdle today. A lot of people like the TA covers, but since I was going with Moser axles I thought I'd give them some free publicity going down the road. I hope to have all the front brake components in the next two weeks so I can get the front end back on the ground and start working on the rear of the car.

hillntx

Got these in the mail today. If you haven't seen the show Stacey David's Gearz, you need to check it out. He does some great work. I got the Project Book to keep track of all the modifications I'm making on the car. I could have used a notebook, but this looks cool and is layed out really well covering all aspects of the vehicle. It should make maintenance down the road much easier and will be a real asset if the car is sold someday in the future. I got the Electrical Wiring Book because I really know next to nothing on that subject and could use the help. I also got a T-shirt .