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Old 03-17-2014, 06:29 PM   #1
aquablueL99
Jackson's COTW
 
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Drives: 1968 Camaro & 2010 Camaro 2SS
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My first born--1968 LeMans Blue Sport Coupe

I now feel the time is right to start a thread on our 1968 Camaro Sport Coupe. This idea all started back in 1971 when my love of the 1st Gen Camaro came to life. My friend, Mark Smith had just purchased a 1968 z28 from a family in Delphi, In. They had experienced the ultimate tragedy in the loss of their son having lost his life in an auto accident. Mark got word the parents were selling his z28. He and I went to check it out. Upon raising the garage door, we both fell in love the white over gold Camaro.
This car was by far the fastest thing I had ever experienced. I know I had told of my father being an Indiana State Trooper. He had some of the fastest cars on 4 wheels, and this z28 ranked right up there with his best.
I had a task of finding a picture of it. I worked with Mark's brother, Kris Smith. He and his Mother finally found me 1 shot of it.
Mark later passed from cancer. He and I spent rare times of talking over our rides on the early 1970s. I will post a letter about my 1968 and him and I checking it out....That never happened, but his wife Michelle did read my letter to Mark right before he died. She told me later it put a wonderful smile on his face.
This is a photo of Marks 1968 Camaro z28...

Thanks Mark for all the wonderful times and memories we shared...

Your friend, Kurt


Kurt ABL99...
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Old 03-17-2014, 06:52 PM   #2
aquablueL99
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I purchased our Camaro in the summer of 1988 from Jerry Martin. He was enrolled at Vincennes, In for college. He asked if I would like to purchase it. This was his first car. I told him I would be elated to own it. Here are some pictures of it prior to Jerry having it painted with a fresh finish of LeMans Blue.
This car was originally a 327/275hp with a 3 speed and a 273 rear end. It had a standard black interior. When Jerry bought the car it had a DZ block with a 4 speed. It still had the original rear end. He eventually changed it to a 4:10 12 bolt posi-trac.
Note the z28 emblems....and the "snow tires"....
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:12 PM   #3
aquablueL99
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In early 1988 Jerry and his family had the car painted as a class project at Lafayette, Indiana's Ivy Tech Vocational State College. Bob Thompson (the instructor) and the class pretty much did a frame on restoration with new rear quarters, badges. It has 7 coats LeMans Blue with 7 coats clear to top it off.
Again...that was in 1988 and it has yet to have anything done to it's complexion...for years just Pledge furniture polish and for the last 4 years....Wizards Mist & Shine....

Kurt ABL99...
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Old 03-18-2014, 07:04 PM   #4
aquablueL99
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Once I got my hands on her, I wanted to make it my own.....hence let the mods begin.

I had been working at a customers home and knew his son had a 1968 Corvette. He bought it new and the first thing to go was the Rally wheels. We soon located them and I purchased the wheels, rings and caps. I had the wheels blasted and the stainless was perfect. I also purchased a set of Hooker ceramic headers with a complete Chambered Exhaust for a 1968-1969 z28.
What was needed next was an engine transplant....DZ for 327/300 hp...story forth coming on the engine...

Kurt ABL99...
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Old 03-18-2014, 07:58 PM   #5
aquablueL99
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Transplant!!

Next to come was an engine transplant. The car was purchased new only 30 minutes from my home in Winamac, Indiana. Knowing this from the Protecto Plate the car has, I was on a quest to locate the original 327 and 3 speed trans.
I found a gentleman by the name of Chuck Peterson. He owns, along with his wife Debbie, Chuck's Engines in Winamac. I spoke with him and told of my situation. He advised he wanted to see the car and the engine.
After making the trip to his shop, he recognized the car and the engine. He installed the DZ in the car many years ago. He advised my original 327 had "bit the dust". He asked what I would like to have done as the DZ was "tired" after all these years. He also told me he knew what z28 the motor belonged.
I told him the DZ did nothing for me and I wanted a 327/300 hp. He said he thought we could work a deal.
From there, Chuck and his son Charlie, put their feelers out and come up with the exact motor for me. They went completely through and rebuilt it to spec, along with the 441 heads.
It was awesome, along with the 4 speed and 4:10 rear end---and we both got what we wanted.....

Kurt ABL99...
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Old 03-19-2014, 05:23 PM   #6
aquablueL99
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More Power!

After about a year, I was in need of more "street thumpin' power". Needed a bigger hydraulic cam, new 650 Double Pumper Holley Carb, and some needed head work. She sounded pretty good, but not for the plans I had for her. I needed to take it to the next level. Not knowing what this entailed, I began my research on the internet...


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Old 03-19-2014, 06:19 PM   #7
aquablueL99
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Got her sounding better and healthier. I had noticed the front end needed some less action on the road. The springs/shocks left a lot to be desired. I found my answer by talking to the fine folks at Summit Racing in Ohio. I had an idea to change the small block front "boingers" to big block springs....they suggested QA1 Motor Sports solution for the 67-69 Camaro. I guess that is the big reason they are in the business...They know just what to sell you and nothing else. My son-in-law, Clint Minglin helped with the installation of the front end setup. Thanks Son...
At the same time, I wanted to eliminate the points/condenser setup from the "old days". I wanted an electronic ignition conversion kit. When really "getting on it", the points would pretty much float out....not good...
Well, thanks to the good ole internet and Lectric Limited, Inc, they provided me with a sweet conversion kit...Part # 38131. Just think...all those years of fighting with points and condensers every time I turned around. Anyone having these problems, I would highly recommend them. www.lectriclimited.com ...

Oh BTW...back to 'spring thing'-----This kit included new springs, adjustable shocks with dampening adjustments and an spanner wrench for getting the correct bumper height you desire...Sweet setup!!...

Kurt ABL99...
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Old 03-20-2014, 05:06 AM   #8
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Kurt you have one of the most beautiful first gens I've seen! I love the color and how it looks next to your 5th gen. Will be checking this thread frequently
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Old 03-20-2014, 08:32 AM   #9
aquablueL99
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paul44 View Post
Kurt you have one of the most beautiful first gens I've seen! I love the color and how it looks next to your 5th gen. Will be checking this thread frequently
Paul,
Wow! what a nice compliment!! I so appreciate it...Please follow along as I go. I have many photos to scan and post...


That car and it's color was a BIG reason why we ordered ABM. I was bound and determined to have "twins"....

Sincerely,

Kurt ABL99...
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Old 03-20-2014, 10:30 AM   #10
pierre777
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Looks awesome Kurt , i'm looking for one myself to make it my next project
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Old 03-20-2014, 10:52 AM   #11
aquablueL99
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Looks awesome Kurt , i'm looking for one myself to make it my next project
Thanks Pierre,
In Lebanon or in the States?

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Old 03-20-2014, 03:27 PM   #12
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Quote:
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Paul,
Wow! what a nice compliment!! I so appreciate it...Please follow along as I go. I have many photos to scan and post...


That car and it's color was a BIG reason why we ordered ABM. I was bound and determined to have "twins"....

Sincerely,

Kurt ABL99...
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pierre777 View Post
Looks awesome Kurt , i'm looking for one myself to make it my next project
That is going to be one hell of a project
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Old 03-20-2014, 06:05 PM   #13
aquablueL99
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Next will be the first of 2 new interiors I installed...

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Old 03-20-2014, 06:26 PM   #14
lbheat
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Yeah def looking into this thread more often. Good job on your progress so far, love that color and engine bay!
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