New guy, looking for support on a likely Camaro-centered custom build

grubeguy said:

I'll post more pics when it shows up, hopefully in the next week or so.

Posting a thread before you get the car.  You definitely found the right place.

I checked out the link to the ladawri models, some pretty cool stuff. That is quite the 50s wedge-shaped windshield. 

Ladawri put out a couple other models, some smaller than the one I bought. I really like the lines of them too - swoopy and gorgeous.

I've been slowly getting some ducks in a row for this thing, including sand blasting (chassis), research on wiring looms, exhaust, fuel storage, etc. I think this is going to be an interesting and fun build.

NOHOME said:

Would a C4 chassis not offer a good starting point for this project? You would not have to use the upper bits if not suited.

And please explain how the doors work when the windshield post seems to be part of the door?

I suspect a C4 chassis has a much wider track width that won't fit under the body.

If you look close, the doors appear to have 'knee knocker' openings along their front edges, which was a styling thing in the 1950s - go back and look at 1959 or 1960 GM cars as an example.

grubeguy said:

V6 - light, good on gas and great hp (if Wikipedia is to be believed). I'm not going to mess with the lines, and am unsure about interior. I'll go full aftermarket with instruments. As this has no top, it'll be a weekend car show driver only. 

APEowner said:

That thing is really cool!  What's your overall vision for it?  Are you thinking that you want to keep the vintage feel?  How do you envision using it?  Sunday cruiser, track day toy, autocross, cross country road tripper....

What's drawing you to the late model Chevy V6?

Can you show share some shots of the front suspension?

 

One of  the cool things about those is that they look good in a bunch of different build styles without messing with the lines.

'50s sports car

Over the top '80s hot rod

2000ish Custom

I think the better cars carry a consistent theme throughout. That theme effects every choice from chassis through to paint.  Of course the most important theme is that the car has stuff that the owner likes.

The GM V6 is a great motor that will provide good power and fuel economy but, are those really your priorities in this car?  They certainly can be and I wouldn't criticize you if they were. If it were my build I'd want a V8 of some sort just for the sound track. 

If  I were building in the '50s style I'd want something that was available in the 50's.  Probably an early Hemi but maybe a Y block ford or a '57 Pontiac tri-power.

For the '80s style the ubiquitous small block Chevy would be a natural choice.

For the 21st century custom an LS would be a likely candidate but it would be fun to do a late model Hemi or maybe something exotic like a BMW.

Just some random thoughts from some dude on the internet which you can feel free to ignore.

Good God, that purple and white one is gorgeous - the paint job went really well here.  Heck, they all are great looking examples!  I'm going to go with side pipes - thanks for the visual cue!

Nothing wrong with a proper LS or SBC - they certainly sound gorgeous :)  With a little bling, they're certainly eye catching.

just be careful wearing shorts