1970 Camaro. Project "Cindy" by iregret

9 minute(s) of a 206 minute read

I think you're right.

I started today by cleaning up, and painting my hinges.

I have aftermarket gauges. My aftermarket gauges use a screw on type of cable, and the stock setup is held on with a clip. There are a couple of solutions to this problem.
One, you could get an electronic speedometer.
Two, you can get an aftermarket cable from Jegs or Summit. Those go for about 70.00
Three, you can get a VDO adapter that fits in between the cable and the gauge. Those go for about 40.00-70.00 depending on where you source them from.
Or, you can do what I did. Find a replacement cable for a mid 80's GM truck.
Part number CA3004 , made by Pioneer. Picked mine up from Autozone, 17.00. They even had one in stock. Here are the differences in the ends.
Sorry for the blurry pic.

The cable itself is a bit too long, but its a small price to pay for how affordable it is!

Next, I removed the center console and everything that goes with it. This stuff is for sale in the swap meet section.

Here is something that ive been meaning to pick up. Since im moving into the wiring stage of the build, I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a label maker, and label all the wires I deal with. Picked this up for 21.00.

Then I took all of my gauges out of my old dash, and installed them into my new dash.

You can make this dash by following the instructions HERE. THANKS KEIZER!

Then I bolted in the hinges, and put Cindy's hood back on.

I ran out of time. I still have to adjust the hood a bit, but wasn't all the worried about it. Now I can move Cindy out of the carport if need be.

9-2-2008

Thanks man.

I took the old trans cooler lines off of Cindy, and cleaned them up today. The 1980 Camaro that had the small block in it, originally had a Buick 231 V6 in it. So when I swapped the small block in, I never ran hard lines all the way to the front. I decided this would be better this go around... Still haven't figured out where I am going to mount my transmission cooler at though. The AC condenser is in the way of where I mounted it before.

I started off by cleaning 40 years worth of grime off of the lines.

Also cleaned off a few brackets I had laying around.

All painted flat black.

After that I ran down to Autozone and rented a harmonic balancer installer tool.

Then I installed the balancer. Or, in this case the dampener.

I need to find a wiring schematic so I can figure out how many of these wires I will be removing.

They weren't hooked up to anything when I brought Cindy home. I know that the "resistance wire" (white one) used to go to the points. I think I need to replace that one with a copper wire, for my HEI.

Also, I plan on running a CS130 alternator, so I need to rewire for that. And, I want to rewire the head lights with relays, so that they are brighter. I also want to add and additional 12V hub near the firewall, since there isn't one there. I have some reading to do, but I think I can figure it out.

9-4-2008

Thanks for the link. I have read through that site before. I haven't ever tried to get a hold of anyone there though...

Today I decided that I would freshen up the gas tank.
Here's what I started with. There was quite a bit of surface rust on top of the tank.

Cleaned up a bit.

The underside was a bit of a different story though. There was either a weird factory coating, or tons of build up. Here I am about an hour into it, half way done.

FINALLY, two hours later...

I decided to use everyones favorite, and most forgiving paint. Hammerite!

I think it turned out pretty good. Remember our motto, It's not just good, its just good enough!

Also, today I received a Summit order.

ARP-134-8701 FUEL PUMP PUSH ROD KIT
MOR-46150 WHEEL STUDS 7/16-20 x 2-7/8
MRG-2371 WHEEL SPACER 5/16IN
SUM-163638 SBC TIMING POINTR 6 3/8 DAMPER
SUM-760000 LINE LOCK 4 PORT

9-10-2008

Not tons to report today. I keep hurting my back and shoulder, so it keeps slowing me down.

I started some of the little work in the engine bay. I installed the lower pulley. I was going to install the A/C compressor, but realized that I may be missing the rear mounts. I am going to have to do some research. I'm not for sure how the A/C compressor is actually supposed to mount...

I was going to install my fuel pump and realized that I was missing a piece. I had a mechanical pump before, so I had a block off plate on the block. I took the fuel pump off of Cindy's original block. It need to be cleaned up, so I spent some time doing that.

I keep making progress very slowly. Now that all the major stuff is done, the little stuff is kicking my ass. I'm having a hard time staying motivated, and finding time to hang out with Cindy...

10-7-2008

Thank you very much.

I have been working a lot of overtime, still. So, I haven't had that much free time to hang out with Cindy. But, I managed to make some time today, and decided to install the gas tank.

First I used some JB Weld to fix some small leaks in the tank. I mixed equal parts and put it on the tank.

First, I cleaned off the area where I put the JB Weld.

After that, I de-rusted the area above the gas tank.
Passenger Side

Center

Driver's Side

Look's like Cindy got hit in the rear-end before. Minor damage.

I cleaned up a bunch of rust with a wire wheel, and scotch-brite pads. Then I washed with soap and water, and rinsed.

After that, I painted it all with a rust kind of paint. I forgot to take a pic, but you get the idea.

Then I installed the sending unit in the gas tank. I bought a 27" inner tube. Cut the valve stem out, and cut it in half.

Next, I cut the two halves down the middle.