ejkelly3
06-10-2012, 06:33 PM
I wanted to layout my game plan and get some advise on an upcoming rebuild of a 2000 Camaro SS.
Basically my dad and I found this car in 2005 with 5,200 miles on it and spent 7 years driving it around as a weekend car while upgrading suspension, brakes, and tires in hopes to take it out on roadcourses during driving events, timetrials, ect.
This past Memorial Weekend was our first time out to a track event, Barber motorsports with the BMW CCA, and a number of factors contributed to me sliding the car into the inside guardrail of turn 7A. Luckily we did purchase track insurance but the adjuster totaled the car. I could go into what I believe happened but will hold off until the claim is settled and the car is released. I have decided to purchase the car as salvaged and put it back together in Dallas, TX as a trackable street car.
The car was a cherry before the wreck- always garaged under a cover, never in the rain, not a scratch or dent, only 14,580 miles, fully loaded, and quality bolt on mods. I haven't taken on a project of this size but I would say I am skilled well above the average joe on the street; maybe lower-middle of the road on this forum. I would have someone else do any painting, body panel repair, internal engine or transmission work.
The car is still sitting in Alabama until the insurance paperwork is finished, then I am trying to get a carrier to bring it to Dallas without f'ing anything else up anymore- mainly the SS hood. I haven't taken a real good look what was messed up as my ego was pretty much at an all-time low after the wreck. The doors open and close fine, windows seal against the weatherstripping, all four wheels look relatively like they are in the right place, no glass is cracked, airbags are still good, interior is spotless and still smells new, and I would hate to not see the car brought back to it's former condition.
My plan is to remove what remains of the front fenders, hood, bumpers, and everything in front of the engine. Determine what all is bent and what would need to be replaced. Get the LS1 running and make sure everything is still in order. If the engine is damaged or the body is twisted (I don't believe either are), I will probably sell the whole car or part it out. Please don't start asking for parts unless that decision is made. If I do make that decision I will absolutely solicit ls1tech first.
I've been looking around the forum and the net to get a bearing on how the front structure is tied together. I'm assuming the two structural members that run between the firewall and the front core support would need to be replaced along with the inner fenders. The hood had a hinge ripped off and has a few serious scuffs on the front edge but isn't cracked and I believe it could be repaired. From what I can tell the only real body damage to sheetmetal is the rear driver side quarter panel and gas cap. My best bet might be to buy a donor front clip and transfer whatever is needed.
I'm sure some of you have done this type of project before and I would appreciate any opinions on how bad you think the structural damage is from looking at the pictures. What should I look out for when going through the car and what were major unforseen problems you all have experienced in similar builds? If I put the car back together I would do it right and not be interested in half-assing any part of it.
Thanks,
Ed
358403
358404
Basically my dad and I found this car in 2005 with 5,200 miles on it and spent 7 years driving it around as a weekend car while upgrading suspension, brakes, and tires in hopes to take it out on roadcourses during driving events, timetrials, ect.
This past Memorial Weekend was our first time out to a track event, Barber motorsports with the BMW CCA, and a number of factors contributed to me sliding the car into the inside guardrail of turn 7A. Luckily we did purchase track insurance but the adjuster totaled the car. I could go into what I believe happened but will hold off until the claim is settled and the car is released. I have decided to purchase the car as salvaged and put it back together in Dallas, TX as a trackable street car.
The car was a cherry before the wreck- always garaged under a cover, never in the rain, not a scratch or dent, only 14,580 miles, fully loaded, and quality bolt on mods. I haven't taken on a project of this size but I would say I am skilled well above the average joe on the street; maybe lower-middle of the road on this forum. I would have someone else do any painting, body panel repair, internal engine or transmission work.
The car is still sitting in Alabama until the insurance paperwork is finished, then I am trying to get a carrier to bring it to Dallas without f'ing anything else up anymore- mainly the SS hood. I haven't taken a real good look what was messed up as my ego was pretty much at an all-time low after the wreck. The doors open and close fine, windows seal against the weatherstripping, all four wheels look relatively like they are in the right place, no glass is cracked, airbags are still good, interior is spotless and still smells new, and I would hate to not see the car brought back to it's former condition.
My plan is to remove what remains of the front fenders, hood, bumpers, and everything in front of the engine. Determine what all is bent and what would need to be replaced. Get the LS1 running and make sure everything is still in order. If the engine is damaged or the body is twisted (I don't believe either are), I will probably sell the whole car or part it out. Please don't start asking for parts unless that decision is made. If I do make that decision I will absolutely solicit ls1tech first.
I've been looking around the forum and the net to get a bearing on how the front structure is tied together. I'm assuming the two structural members that run between the firewall and the front core support would need to be replaced along with the inner fenders. The hood had a hinge ripped off and has a few serious scuffs on the front edge but isn't cracked and I believe it could be repaired. From what I can tell the only real body damage to sheetmetal is the rear driver side quarter panel and gas cap. My best bet might be to buy a donor front clip and transfer whatever is needed.
I'm sure some of you have done this type of project before and I would appreciate any opinions on how bad you think the structural damage is from looking at the pictures. What should I look out for when going through the car and what were major unforseen problems you all have experienced in similar builds? If I put the car back together I would do it right and not be interested in half-assing any part of it.
Thanks,
Ed
358403
358404