After 20 yrs working on it,they took it away

[jjjmm56]

TO THE BODY SHOP!!!! Been working on my 56 for over 20 yrs and a couple buddies came to pick it up to finish the body work at their shop today. I built their harleys for them and traded labor. They owe me about 200hrs of labor, SO it's time to collect. I allready removed all the body work, hammered and dollied, cut and welded and changed almost everything I did 15 yrs ago skim coated and sanded. Now its time for them to put on the final touches. Just think I was ready to get rid of the old girl a couple of months ago, then I found this site and you guys got me going again ,Thanks,I'll start posting some pics soon. Now the questions start. 1, for anyone using a 70 and up camaro clip what headers are you running. 2 i'm thinking candy red what color should I paint behind my grill red or black,and should I make a panel to cover the bolts and seams of the inner fender.3 has anyone cut out their X in front of the support, any problems?

[OrrieG]

I ran my 59 with broken X braces for 20 years with no notable problems, the broke right at the ends where it flare out for the round rivet. Maybe the rest was rusted up enough to not move or radiator keeps it square? Can't help you on the headers but have noticed that most guys are running the shorty rod style that dump towards the back not center.

[50adrod]

sounds good, I thought from the title it was going to be another economic hard luck story. glad it's not. hopefully everyone can keep their toys.

[87Lowrider]

pics, man, pics!


Ken

[orgalmeister]

Yea you can take the x-brace out... should just unbolt. Your choice on color and the panel. I think both would look good. As for the headers I "believe" any Camaro header for the year clip you have should work but I'm not positive. It is after all a Camaro now, in the front at least.

Steve

[mr48chev]

You may encounter a few more squeaks and rattles with the X brace gone. It may not be as big an issue with the independent front end though as the frame doesn't flex much anymore.

Your getting things squared away means that there is hope for me yet. I've had the 48 since 1973 with a year and a half gap when I sold it and traded back for it 18 months later. It has never been what you would call finished.

[jjjmm56]

There's always hope. After finding this site I saw better and easier ways of doing things. I'm shooting for a July 4 finish date

[51chevytruck]

I had to chuckle to myself when I read your post, I started on my truck in 1993. I envy the guys that start and at least have a driver in such short period of time. I guess I'm no different than most having delays caused by my job, kids, and moving. I really enjoy this site because there are so many ideas and talented people, but often further delays me because I'm constantly changing things as I go. I'm in no hurry to finish my truck but I would at least get it to the point of driving it around the block if nothing else!

Believe me I really appreciate those post where they are starting the engine or driving it for the first time!

[entourageguy]

If it's a camaro clip you should be able to run the camaro headers.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by entourageguy

If it's a camaro clip you should be able to run the camaro headers.

They work great, grind them smooth and the money you save on the headers you can have them ceramic coated