Project: 1968

Chevrolet

Camaro

Status: Completed

History

and Facts

The 1968 Camaro featured a pointed front grille, divided rear taillights, and side marker lights on the front and rear fenders, similar to the 1967 model. Non-RS models had oval front running lights, while big-block SS models had chrome hood inserts and a low-gloss black rear tail light panel.

With a 108-inch wheelbase, the 1968 Camaro was 184.6 inches long, 72.3 inches wide, and 50.9 inches high. Tire sizes varied based on the engine, with the I-6 and 327 CID 210 HP models equipped with 7.35 x 14 tires, and the 327 CID 275 HP and 350 CID 295 HP models fitted with D70 x 14 tires.

The car featured Astro Ventilation, an air-inlet system that eliminated the need for side vent windows, as well as a slow-ratio power steering box and round gauges similar to those seen in a Corvette.

The 1968 Camaro was available with various engine options, including:

- 396 ci/325 hp: Available in the RS/SS model

- 302 ci/290 hp: Available in the Z28 model

- 327: Available in certain models, such as the one showcased in Ideal Classic Cars' showroom.

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Initial Inspection

  • Car has a GenIII 5.3 truck motor, and an early Gen 4l60e, original Gen III p59 ecu, psi conversion harness

  • Broken exhaust manifold bolts

  • Motor mounts are wrong for the car, dramatically shimmed on one side, and the wrong hardware is used.

  • Original manifolds should be replaced; a poor patch was done on the inside of the driver manifold

  • The transmission mount is completely wrong, mounted upside down on the wrong side of the subframe

  • Would need to replace the exhaust to install the correct style transmission cross member

  • Front coilovers are nearly completely maxed out on height, and would need to remove the drop spindle to bring the front end up

  • Suggest replacing coilovers

  • Radiator fans need to be upgraded, which will be an issue during the summer, and if AC is added

  • Severe gouges in the driver's rear tire, potentially from an exhaust hanger bolt that was hanging out of the frame

  • The fuel line runs unsafely and should be redone with a proper AN-style line

  • The fuel pressure regulator ran directly next to the exhaust, needs to be relocated

  • Subframe bushings are old and cracking

  • Floor pan missing seat braces

  • The rear brake line brackets broke off the axle

  • Rust coming through the passenger door

  • Rust coming through below the rear window, body work cracking

  • Rear tires rubbing on inner tubs

  • Body work cracking above the windshield on the passenger side

  • Dent on top of the passenger fender

  • Needs wiper blades

  • Blower motor turning, not moving any air

  • Both quarter window regulators either need to be rebuilt or have broken rollers

  • The driver's quarter window is missing a seal between the windows

  • play in steering

  • brake ok pulls to the right

  • Suggest a complete oil service

  • Headlight doors do not work

  • Play in the steering box

  • The column is loose in the car

  • Power steering leak

What

We

Did

  • Install rear lowering blocks, confirm pinion angle is correct

  • Remove and inspect QA1 rear shocks, found both set to firmest setting, causing bind and creak, freed them up and set to a more reasonable damping

  • Remove existing exhaust, had to cut out

  • Support transmission and remove the existing transmission cross member, install the correct cross member, confirm the drive line angle, and center the transmission in the tunnel

  • Remove existing fuel feed line, mount adjustable regulator under rear of the car, adapt existing feed and return lines to new fuel pressure regulator, make a new PTFE fuel line that runs from regulator up to the fuel rail

  • Secured and mounted the fuel line along the rocker panel and outside of the subframe

  • Replaced subframe bushings

  • Replaced the power steering gearbox

  • Removed existing transmission cooler lines

  • Fabricated brackets to mount the transmission cooler at the lower passenger side of the core support

  • Removed OEM cooler ports from the transmission, installed AN adapters

  • Made PTFE lines for transmission cooler, routed, and plumbed

  • Drained coolant, found the wrong coolant in the system

  • Removed the existing fan and radiator combo

  • Removed intake tube

  • Removed intake manifold

  • Removed the entire front drive

  • Removed front cover

  • Dropped the oil pan to gain access to the oil pump pick-up hardware

  • Removed oil pump and timing set

  • Removed the existing camshaft

  • Installed new camshaft, retainer plate, hardware, oil pump, and timing set

  • Removed rockers and installed trunnion upgrade on all rockers

  • Replace all valve seals

  • Swapped valve springs

  • Reassembled motor

  • Mocked up a new radiator

  • Installed fan shroud on radiator, installed fans

  • Made a wire harness to integrate into the ECU fan control logic

  • Disassembled the front suspension

  • Went through coilovers and set up correctly

  • Replaced the existing spindle with factory spindles to pick up ride height

  • Correctly shimmed brakes to avoid dragging or inconsistent bite

  • Bled the entire brake system, brake fluid was almost completely black

  • Disassembled grille

  • Disassembled the entirety of the electric headlight door system, chased through the wiring to find a continuity issue

  • Made a bushing for the passenger headlight door that was missing and reconnected to the actuator arm

  • Went through and set up all 4 micro switch stops

  • Reassembled the front grille section with a new grill and tested for functionality

  • Replaced wiper blades

  • Replaced all 4 tires; all tires were out of date

  • Removed rear interior, including seats and quarter trims

  • Removed quarter windows and regulators

  • Completely rebuilt regulators with new bushings and rollers

  • Reassembled and aligned windows to seal tight on the body, replaced quarter to front door trim/seal

  • Aligned both front windows

  • Ran power and ground wires from the engine bay into the trunk of the vehicle

  • Mounted the amp under the deck lid, along with bluetooth controller

  • Modified rear package tray with screens

  • Made mounting holes in the metal package tray for the rear speakers and installed

  • Reassembled rear interior

  • Finished wiring the sound system and tuned

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1968 Chevrolet Camaro
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