An update on the PatriotDream.org Camaro project

Birdman · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:26 am

Hey guys, since so many of you have helped out, I want to keep you guys updated.

The Gen III 5.3L engine should be here soon, National Parts Depot was kind enough to offer a spot on one of their trucks for our engine to get it to NC from Cali. I need a lot of parts for it still, like the accessory brackets, throttle body, coils, etc. Basically right now it is a shortblock, heads are in my garage, and an intake donated by a guy in Carolina F-body. Joel at HRT is doing the work on it, but I need the parts to put it together. Painless has also donated the wiring, cam, and engine management system. Mike has graciously donated the tuning. Cool

We've also found the car, but we're about $700 short. I'm trying to work a deal with the guy to hold it for me, though. He came off the price about $1300 to get it close to what we had so far, so I'd realyl like to grab this one. It is a 68 that has a solid body, but needs some rust repair on the rear quarters and some other small spots. It is a project car, but with the way people are coming together for this project it'll be an amazing car when we're done! I'm hoping to have someone go look at it soon so we can have it shipped from Il back to it's new home in NC.

I'm working on securing the brakes now (LS1 brakes all around) with some donated rotors from RotorsOnline.com and some calipers that Russ gave me (after I rebuild those 200k monsters!) and hopefully a 4th gen booster and master cylinder and all.

So that's where we're at right now, it is coming together nicely, just need a few more bucks to secure the car. I'm gonna have a meeting with my family this weekend and see if we can come up with the other $700, I don't see that being a problem. Cool

jjdynomite · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:16 am

if the motor gets here before the 7th i will pick it up for ya. i still gotta get up with C.E. about that rear end and try to get up with Ronnie for the wheels. it'd be nice to get it all done in one trip.
atleast try to save ya the hassle of coming to charlotte

Birdman · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:24 am

It won't be here for probably 2-3 weeks. CE is out of town on vacation till the 9th, too.

jjdynomite · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:28 am

that might explain why i couldnt get a hold of him

jjdynomite · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:37 am

i'll still try and save ya the trip down here

Birdman · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 10:08 am

Man, I really appreciate it!

I actually just got an email from CE. He just donated the master cylinder, booster, partitioning valve, etc for the brake conversion! Cool

Birdman · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:01 pm

The SOB sold the Camaro out from under me. Evil or Very Mad

I logged on to send him the money and my shipper info like he said I could get him this weekend, and he emailed me telling me some guy came and paid him cash and left with the car. Evil or Very Mad

OneManArmy · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:06 pm

The almighty $. Speaks the loudest to most sadly. Sad

Birdman · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:25 pm

It's like my family told me after it happened. If the guy was gonna do that to me, how much was he hiding with the condition of the car. Just wasn't meant to be!

Raleigh TA · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 10:49 pm

I hate hearing that Bry. Have you checked with that guy on 401 in Rolesville? He has had and sold 2 sweet 60's Maros in the past year, he may have a source and be willing to join the dream. I think I saw a Chevelle there last week.

Birdman · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:00 pm

Russ, I haven't tried him, I've heard he is high priced though. Confused

But we have more parts in today!
Special thanks to Twist Machine! They donated a set of their core support bars and one of their cowl induction billet trim plates. These things are amazing, top notch quality and they look great! As a mechanical designer by profession, I must say these are some fine looking pieces. Cool

Birdman · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:33 pm

5.3L heads that we had sitting on the shelf in the shop heading over tomorrow to HRT Performance to be reworked

TheeAdam · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:58 pm

Umm i dont know if you already HAVE the engine or not. But i wont be needing my LS1 after my motor swap you interested?

Birdman · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:40 am

As of right now, we have a 5.3L out of a 2005 truck we're using, that is if the place that donated it ever sends me the letter to give the shipping company. Sad

Birdman · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:57 pm

Got the brake booster! Complete LS1 brake setup here we come.

We got a lead on the car, too! A guy has a 67 and he is building a 68 for his son who is a Marine in Iraq. We have talked about it and they want us to get the car, so we're working out all the details now. Very Happy