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12/08/2014 at #4744V8 StaffKeymaster
“Reloaded” is the name of this Pro-Touring 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, and for good reason. Starting with the remnants of an original ’69 SS 396 Camaro, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop Crew transformed this one into a big-block powered, road hugging show-stopper with timeless styling and excellent build quality.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/16/2014 at #4901V8 StaffKeymasterThe owner of this Camaro bought the car back in the ’80s, and had driven it for a short period of time, and wanted to build a Pro-Street version which was all the rage back then. However, he didn’t get very far on the build, and the project stalled as you see it in this pic:
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/19/2014 at #4909V8 StaffKeymasterThis video tells the story of the history of this ’68 Camaro and how we knew it’s owner, as well as outlining some of the plans for the car!
Rb7chlw17TU[/youtube]Check out:
V8 Radio Podcast: https://www.v8radio.com
V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/24/2014 at #4941V8 StaffKeymasterThe owner retained most of the original parts from the car, and being from California originally, it appeared to be pretty solid.
The stock sub frame was not very rusty, and most of the panels appeared to be usable.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/24/2014 at #4942V8 StaffKeymasterOne interesting feature on this car is the dent in the original SS hood, which was A victim of a failed flex fan blade!
Our crew installed the body shell onto the auto twirler rotisserie, and hauled the car and it’s parts to our shop.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/24/2014 at #4943V8 StaffKeymasterThe initial inspection showed rust in all of the places where Camaros and Firebirds rust. This one had rusty wheel opening edges in the quarter panels, the bottom of the cowl boxes were rusty from holding wet leaves, and the window frames were rusty.
The windows and the rear deck lid a filler panel rusted heavily from moisture being held in the vinyl top.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/24/2014 at #4944V8 StaffKeymasterThe passenger quarter panel showed a few metal tears, but the cabin floors appeared very solid.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/24/2014 at #4945V8 StaffKeymasterA few exploratory cuts showed significant rust damage inside the lower cowl box, so these would definitely need to be replaced.
Grinding on the quarter panel showed a coat of body filler and numerous dents.
The driver side rear frame rail was split and pinched, so a replacement would be necessary.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/24/2014 at #4946V8 StaffKeymasterThe stock subframe appeared to be in good shape, but the lower crossmember was distorted from hitting curbs and being used as a jack point with a floor jack. We simply removed the center of the lower crossmember, hammered it flat, and reinstalled it into the subframe. We also added hey strengthening brace inside the crossmember before welding the center section back in.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV12/24/2014 at #4947V8 StaffKeymasterCheck out:
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV02/02/2015 at #5152V8 StaffKeymasterWe repaired the rusty body mounts on the subframe by removing the rusty steel and replacing it with new material.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV02/22/2015 at #5278V8 StaffKeymasterWhile the subframe was being repaired, we fixtured the Camaro’s body on our body jig. This fixture attaches to the factory suspension mounting locations and ensures the body structure remains true and square during any sheetmetal repairs.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV02/22/2015 at #5279V8 StaffKeymasterIt appeared the rear tail pan had some previous crash damage, and we stripped off some paint and body filler to see what was up.
It was obvious that some repairs were made at one time.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV02/22/2015 at #5280V8 StaffKeymasterWe did a little more “exploring” with a D/A sander to strip the wheel arches and check for other rust or damage.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV02/22/2015 at #5281V8 StaffKeymasterCutting a hole in the lower cowl box “tulip panel” revealed some pretty scaly rust inside, so we elected to replace the panel.
The original spot welds were drilled and the panel was peeled away from the body.
Both sides required this repair.
Any remaining rust or scale in the cowl was ground out and removed.
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V8TV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/V8TV -
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