Exterior Trim Restoration As with many restoration vehicles, there has been some damage and/or modification to some of its exterior trim. Some pieces have actually been removed, probably due to its previous use as a drag racer. The final phase in the restoration of the 1968 Camaro RS is to repair and replace trim where needed. Some of the trim pieces replaced include the wheelhouse molding, the "Rally Sport" emblem and gutter-guard trim around the window-openings. Materials: Replacement body-trim pieces and mounting hardware
Masking tape
Marking pen
Hammer and center-punch
Screwdrivers
Following are the steps in the in the trim restoration as shown in the episode.
- If possible, consult the vehicle service manual for diagrams or blueprints showing the precise locations of the exterior trim pieces (figure A).
- The first pieces we installed were the wheelhouse molding. Once lined up properly, these simply install with tiny Phillips-head screws (figure B).
- To install the chrome "Rally Sport" badge, check the blueprint for the exact location and position the emblem accordingly (figure C) for reference.
- Place masking tape across the location, then take measurements and position the emblem on top of the tape (figure D) in order to mark the locations for drilling the mounting holes.
- Center-punch the marks and, using an electric drill and the appropriate sized bit, carefully drill mounting holes in the body panel (figure E).
- Carefully following blueprint measurements, and marking your locations, will ensure that the emblem is lined up properly.
- Remove the masking tape, and insert the posts of the emblem into the holes to complete the installation (figure F).
- The rain-guard molding simply snaps into place around the door and window openings. Start at one end of the molding, and work it in place from one end to the other. After installing the long pieces, go back and install the corner piece (figure G).
Wheels and Tires
The final touch on the restored Camaro is the addition of new wheels and tires.
- The tires selected visually replicate the original red-line tires (figure H) that were originally found on the '68 Camaro. The actual originals were bias-ply tires, which are still available. However, radial tires were put on for the restoration since this car is to be a daily driver, and the radial tires are more durable.
- Wheels for the original '68 Camaro came in a standard 14-inches or optional 15-inch wheel. The ones selected for our project car were the 15-inch versions, allowing the use of a wider tire for better road-handling performance, and a better look with the wheel-well housing generously filled. Wheel center-caps (figure I) indicating disc-brakes were added as well.
RESOURCES :
Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
Model: 0801983940
Author: James Joseph
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chilton Book Company
Westchester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-738-9280
Fax: 610-738-9354
Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques
Model: 0895863758
Author: Tom Currao
Full title: Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques for 1967 to 1981 Camaros
H.P. Books
Camaro Restoration Guide: 1967-1969 (Authentic Restoration Guides)
Model: 0760301603
Author: Jason Scott
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Original Camaro: 1967-1969 (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760309256
Author: Jason Scott, Andy Kraushaar
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Camaro Exposed: 1967-1969 - Designs, Decisions and the Inside View
Model: 0837608767
Author: Paul Zazarine
Bentley Publishers
Special thanks for DIY's Classic Car Restoration -- 1968 Camaro RS
East Tennessee Camaro Club
President: Harold Pena
3710 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-633-8340
E-mail: jalpeno@worldnet.att.net
Smokey Mountain F-Bodies
Website: www.smokeymountainf-bodies.cz28.com
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com
Photos provided by:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.brickyard.com
Year One
Website: www.yearone.com
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