1SS Ashen Gray Metallic Build Thread

[daxavier]

I ordered my 2012 1SS in Ashen Gray Metallic sight unseen. The only existing images at the time I ordered this color were on the ZL1 Vert concept. I took a chance and it was more than worth it. I have finally done some work on her and felt it was time to start my own build thread. After watching "Better Off Dead" as a kid, I fell in love with Lane's 67 RS SS in tuxedo black. My father bought an '89 Z28 in the early 90s. It was a beast. I never forgot the feeling of being thrown back in the seat. I had some "fast" cars in high school and college; a '92 Cutlass Supreme SL (190K miles), a '95 Monte Carlo SS (150K miles), and a '00 Eclipse (90K miles). I did a lot of work on those cars, but they were tired. My original idea was to build a 69 Camaro SS. After doing all the research, I realized it would take me at least 2 years of solid work to even get a moving vehicle. After 3 deployments, I realized how much my time meant to me. A new car was in order. The bolt on aftermarket really appeals to me as most projects can be done in a day. That was all it took. A year later I ordered my very own 1SS. I said "No" to almost every option knowing that everything would change eventually. I wanted a blank canvas. The Camaro body with a big engine. That's what I got. I never even test drove an SS. The first time I fired up the engine at the dealer was every thing I imagined it would be. Love at first pedal mash. Here follows the evolution of a monster. I call her Mjolnir, after the enchanted hammer of Thor. It can only be wielded by its master, it never misses its mark, and it always kills with one blow.

[daxavier]

Mjolnir coming off the trailer at the dealer

[daxavier]

Picking her up after a 2 month wait. It was painful, but it was worth it.

[daxavier]

After her first bath and wax.

[daxavier]

Nothing says american muscle to me like a fat Hurst shifter ball. The leather wrapped knob wasn't cutting it for me. So I picked up a ball expecting it to be a 5 minute job. I found out that the stock short throw kit uses the same press fit stick as the base shifter. So I ponied up and threaded the shaft myself (with help from a friend). Cutting the first thread was the most nerve wracking thing I've ever done.

[daxavier]

That transition piece came from sickspeed. It has a set screw so it won't move. It really completes the look.

[daxavier]

I drive in flips flops a lot. I got sick of slipping off the OE pedals. I ordered these SRP pedals. They are the grid pattern (minus the trim ring) in anodized black. It was an easy install and makes a huge difference. I have even started working on heel toe shifting.

[daxavier]

I added a whistler radar detector. It has already paid for itself many times. Pics will follow once I find a better way to route the hardwire cable.

[daxavier]

I undertook my biggest project to date. I was sick of almost getting run over by clowns only to beep my tiny euro horn in feeble anger. I wanted a train horn. In order to do that, I needed to open up some space. So, I ordered the Roto Fab washer relocation kit. While I was at it, I figured I should just cowboy up and add a CAI and Apex scoop. I used the scoop as a mounting base for my horn, which worked out great. I got suckered in to using a bolt from the original washer for the pump. It looked great and worked awesome, until I lowered the car and the tire practically smashed it. I ended up attaching the pump to the scoop as well. At first I was worried about stress on the metal. After install, it wasn't even phased by the weight. In fact, the Apex washer relocation kit puts the reservoir in the same place I put my pump. In the end everything worked out. I can now certainly be heard. I used an add-a-circuit on the horn button circuit. What's nice is that the train horn doesn't beep when I arm the alarm system. Nice for those late nights in my neighborhood.

[daxavier]

Here's the CAI. I didn't take a photo after installing the washer reservoir. I'll take a pic later.

[daxavier]

My next undertaking is a complete audio install. I have a laundry list of stuff, Infinity Kappa components and 6x9s, Alpine 10" type R, Alpine 5 channel amp, Dynamat, 2 farad cap, JVC nav head unit all new wires, backup cam etc. I ended up deciding on the Metra Kit. While not a perfect option, it has a better track record than the Scosche has so far. I'll post pics as the project progresses.

[daxavier]

I have an Audio Integrations custom box on order for the sub, as well as the ******** 6x9 mounting plates for the rear deck.

[daxavier]

Almost forgot, I put the skip shift eliminator in at the same time as the hurst ball mod. Never took pics. It was a tight work space, sorry

[RenegadeSS]

Keep up the good work! Really love the color.