What have I been up to?

Hmmm, now what have I been up to? Why no post lately? Well, there have have been plenty of post on one of my other blogs... http://s-10blazer.blogspot.com

Zach and I have been busy getting the 1991 S-10 Blazer put together, and that's why I haven't posted much here lately. I've decide to give each vehicle it's own little piece of cyber-space. Maybe this will work out, maybe not.

The Comeback Camaro

After 42 years of fast living, 3 past wrecks & 1 bone-shaking crash, the Camaro was kaput. 123 employees. 2,750 hours. 1 Camaro SS restored to its former glory, turning heads and kicking ass. Hagerty employees have worked for nearly two years to resuscitate this '69 Camaro, and now the true test: Will the barely-completed-in-time car make it through the 2,000-mile Great Race? Click here for blogs, photos and information on the project, then click here to learn about their novice Great Race team.

S10 Blazer Project

Zach and I have been debating whether we should fix up the 1991 Chevy S10 Blazer Tahoe or not. We both like the body style of the two door, but recognize that this one needs some work. After racing with our friend Jay this past weekend and his 1986 S10, and watching a few videos like the one below... we have made the decision to go for it. We spent a few hours today going over the plan, and even ordered a few parts like a new gas tank. I'm thinking of keeping it flat black (like the one to the left), but with a customs RS ghost stripe and emblems like I have on the '67 Camaro....we will see. After we get the body done, we are even considering pulling out the 4.3 V6 and throwing in my brand new 355!

 

R U Faster Than a Redneck?

OMG, I love this new show on Speed! R U Faster Than a Redneck has been so much fun to watch these past few weeks, and if you have not watched it yet you are missing it. Flannel-wearing, mullet-sporting and tobacco-chewing All-American rednecks defend the honor of the American muscle car in a winner-take-all road racing event. With $10,000 on the line, they're ready to take on all challengers - any average Joe with a Porsche, exotic or Japanese tuner car that think they can win with a full-blown hillbilly inches from their fender. Thank you John Reep, and thank you Speed TV!

Camaro Z28 Returns

The Camaro Z28 is back! Or is it the Z/28? Either way, I'm sure many of the bowtie clan are rejoicing, and if you are anyone else...well then you probably won't like to hear that the new Z/28

is solely focused on track capability. In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1. That extra speed comes from three areas:

• Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions.
• Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap.
• Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.

A hand-assembled LS7 engine, the most-powerful normally aspirated regular production small block V8 ever, is the force that propels Camaro Z/28. Highest-quality parts and precision assembly elevates the redline level to 7000 rpm.

Durable, lightweight components such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods coupled with a forged-steel crankshaft make the LS7 engine incredibly robust. The standard 10.5-quart, dry-sump oiling system distributes pressurized oil from an external reservoir to protect vital components under high-g driving conditions. The LS7 is mated to a TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual gearbox that features close-ratio gearing - optimized for the engine’s power characteristics. The TREMEC is coupled with a 5.1:1-ratio short-throw shifter to ensure quick and precise feeling shifts.

2014 Camaro

After my recent trip to the Chevrolet dealer to help Tom pick up his new pickup truck, I've been looking at the new Camaros... a lot. That can't be good. It wasn't until this morning did I see the new 2014 Camaro with it's new styling, and the much anticipated return of the Z28. According to their website, "The redesigned front fascia is more angular — making Camaro appear wider, lower and more contemporary. The new fascia flows upward, and a chrome accent within the grille on RS further accentuates the front of Camaro. The new front grille swallows air to cool vital components, expelling it through the new hood vent on SS models. All facets of the lighting system on Camaro Coupe and Convertible have been streamlined in appearance, adding to the modern look.

Performance changes flow seamlessly into the interior. Available on SS and ZL1 coupe models, RECARO Performance Sport Seats ensure driver and passenger stay planted, thanks to more aggressive seat bolsters. The Head-Up Display and Driver Information Center are now in color for 2LT, 2SS and ZL1 models, making them easier to read."

I am particularly intrigued by the new tail lights, they remind me of the lights on my '67 RS. I have got to see one in person, and of course take a test ride...and I still don't have any money to purchase one now, but I can dream.

Barrett Jackson Palm Beach 2013

The 2013 Barrett Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction is right around the corner. April 4-6, 2013 from the South Florida Fairgrounds, and live on Speed TV. With tickets as low as $13, it would be a shame not to go!

Garage Makeover

After all the house has been thru with "Super Storm Sandy", we decided that the garage door needed a little attention too. Now I had replaced the old, rotten, wooden garage door with a entry level Home Depot Clopay door a few years ago, but it wasn't much to look at. It was plain, and white, and in need of a tune-up as you can see. I thought about getting a new garage door, but I didn't want to spend $800-$1500 for another door. Zach and I loosened all the mounting brackets and adjusted the door to the best of our ability. We replaced the old lock system with a new one, washed the door and touched it up with a rattle can. You can also see my door bolt, which is locked with a BIG Master lock.... helps me sleep a little easier.

I browsed the web, scooped out the neighborhood, and came up with the idea of giving the garage door a makeover. A new faux window from Home Depot for $99, a set of decorative garage door hinges and handles, and about 1/2 hour with Zach in the driveway... and the door looks new. I added my new favorite Chevrolet tin sign with a few vinyl siding hooks too. The neighbor even removed that monster tree hanging over the back of the garage today too, so no chance of it falling and crushing the Camaro now. In a few weeks we would like to cut out the concrete and re-pour a new floor in the garage entrance... it really needs it. Now if only I could find an old Tokheim gas pump to display outside of the garage, that would be awesome.

Atlantic City Car Auction

Here are a few images from the Atlantic City Car Auction this past week. Enjoy!

Tri-State Classic Car Restorations

Today, Zach, Tommy and I drove down to Atlantic City, NJ for the 40th Annual Atlantic City Car Auction to get our motor-heads running. I'll post some pics later...most of them I have already thrown on Instagram.

While we were there, we ran into some reps from Tri-State Classic Car Restorations, and they had a 1968 Camaro restoration project on display with some excellent work done to it. They had moved the upper A arms back two inches for better handling, and really cleaned up the firewall. Note how the windshield wiper motor has been relocated to under the driver's inner fender....excellent idea! Thanks for the T-shirts guys!

Of course, what would a trip to A.C. be without a stop over to the famous White House Sub Shop for lunch.

1971 Camaro Z28 for sale

So I am driving the 1971 Chevelle around today for the first time in a week due to the recent snow, and what do I come across. A 1971 Camaro Z28 for sale from the 2nd owner. I stopped and called the number, spoke to a friend of the seller. His friend's father was the original owner who let the car sit outside for 25 years...so now it needs a complete restoration. It has a small block and 4 speed, but doesn't run, and needs a full interior too. He is asking $5,000, but I told him that was too much. He would maybe take a reasonable offer...I'll have to think it over. After all it is not a split bumper, but still it is a '71. Zach is sitting here yelling at me "C'mon, buy it! I want it!" Hmmmmmm....

Sick of Winter

I can't wait for this snow to stop, and for spring to get here. In the middle of the blizzard, we all decided to go out to the hot tub tonight and soak away our winter blues. I have a few Hot Rod magazines to read this weekend, and thought I'd link to their YouTube videos to make me feel better.

Barrett Jackson 2013

It's my favorite time in the month of January, the 2013 Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. I can't wait to watch the live coverage on Speed TV, and play along with the Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game. I love the live coverage streamed here as well... http://stream.speedtv.com/barrett-jackson
This year I'll be keeping an eye out for the current market price of a 1967 Camaro RS, although I have no plans of selling mine.

Happy Holidays

We just returned from a much needed vacation in Florida, and I'm having a hard time adjusting to this cold weather. I just want to take the Camaro out for a ride! While in Epcot, we came across a prototype of the new C7 Corvette. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is set to receive its world debut on January 13 at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and it probably won't look anything like this. There will be a real focus on the interior, check out the latest teaser video below below. I feel it is kind of fitting to end 2012 with a post about a Corvette, as this was the year I let my beloved Stingray go.

Classic racers take on Laguna Seca

Check out the sights and sounds of Laguna Seca, as classic cars take the famous track's turns in stride, then ride along with SPEED Network's Mike Joy in a 1970 Dodge Challenger.

Hood Springs Restored

I was excited to see the UPS delivery of our new Camaro hood springs, so Zach and I headed out to the garage to fix the Camaro. We cut a piece of wood to hold the hood up, then removed both springs. We scuffed up the springs with a Scotchbrite pad and masked up the entire front end before painting the hinges. After we installed the new springs, the hood opens and closes perfectly, and looks great!

We also decided that the Chevelle needed some new plug wires, after our close inspection found 4 bunrt boots. We installed a new set, but this time we put some fiberglass heat insulation boots on at the plug ends. It rubs much better now, and I'm just waiting for a call from my local armature up the road....they are building us a new hi-output alternator.

67 Camaro Hood Spring

Feeling guilty about not getting to the garage yesterday, I woke up and immediately remembered the hood would not stay up on the Camaro. Why was that? Hinges look great, springs are new....let's go to Google. There it was, the answer. Apparently the stock hood used a spring with 26 coils, the SS hood required two additional coils for the added weight. I spoke to Michael, and he told me what he had done when restoring the car. I checked with my usual parts supplier, he had only the 26 coil spring, but I did find the correct ones at Rick's Camaro. I placed the order, and found the easiest way to pull the hood springs off here. I have a nice cable with a loop on the end that works perfectly. The plan is to pull off the old springs, paint the hinges, and install the new springs without scratching ANYTHING. Zach and I spent some time this afternoon washing and vacuuming the cars, they all needed it. Then my friend Kelly stopped by and we pulled the 2,000 lbs tree stump to the curb with her bad-ass Jeep and winch. It was awesome! We got to get another Jeep again.

Goodguys Southwest Nationals

It's been a bit crazy hear the past few weeks. We had Hurricane Sandy, which uprooted the massive tree in my front yard (no car damage..whew), and even our first snowfall. I had planned to take the Camaro for a ride today, but it was cold, and I was lazy, and nothing happened. I watched some car shows, and wished that I was here... the 15th annual Goodguys Southwest Nationals.

 

Chevelle and Camaro

It has been a busy week here. I was tired of hearing Sarah's rear brakes squeaking, so  i fixed that Monday. Zach blew the trans cooler line off the Chevelle, and then broke a rear brake line a few days later. The best thing about building your car from the ground up is knowing exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. Both of Zach's issues were fixed for under $20 combined.

I also got the parts for the Camaro in this week. New floor mats, some manuals and literature, and the tune-up parts I needed. I installed the new headlight motor and some 1157A bulbs in the parking lights, so the lights are all set now. The vacuum advance wasn't working on the Camaro, and it didn't help that the timing was set at 4 degrees after TDC, not the 6 degrees before TDC that is the factory setting. I rebuilt the distributor with a new Accel electronic points conversion kit, 8140 coil and new vacuum advance, a little tuning of the carb with the vacuum gauge, and she runs much better. I took it out for a ride today, and Zach and I stopped in the park for a quick photo. We also installed a new waterneck and gasket to stop the weeping/leaking of the coolant on the intake. On our last drive around town we ran into my neighbor Vinny with his '68 Camaro convertible, and spent a while swapping stories till it got dark and were hungry for dinner.

1967 Camaro RS

I've been recovering from the motorcycle accident over the past few weeks, and just haven't had the enthusiasm to post anything lately. I know...pretty lame excuse, but the leg is still hurting and I don't want to blog about that. Damn, I just did it.
Anyway, I traded the '64 Stingray for a sweet 1967 Camaro RS. It is a numbers matching car that has been totally restored, and looks great. I've got a bunch of great photos to post of the restoration, maybe I'll make a video or slideshow with them. (Thanks Mike!) 

The previous owner, that would be Mike, did a great job on the body work, however there were a few things I had to fix. The radiator must have had a leak, because it was full of Bars Leak, and he added an electric fan to compensate for the resulting overheating of that crap in the cooling system. A good flushing, new thermostat and new radiator, and now she sits at 160. He also had installed an Edelbrock carb, and you need to install a  Edelbrock #9266 heat insulator gasket on those things like I did with the '71 Chevelle or the fuel will percolate when it gets hot, making hot starting a bitch. I fixed both of those items today.

The RS hideaway lights were not functioning correctly, and after a ton of research, I found out that they were wired incorrectly. The system on the '67 is electric with 3 relays and 4 limit switches and a flux-capacitor....man it is a pain to get right. I finally has it, and all I needed to do was to remove the drivers side motor and tighten up the bolt after shimming it up. Yup, I broke it. Snapped that sucker right in half. So, I'm of to the swap meet to find a new one this weekend.