Bob Jane Camaro - Beneath The Skin

[Leo D]

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5208/camaroforumcpic.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/228/camaroforumcpic.jpg/)

No, this is not a picture of a model.

It is in fact an actual rare photo that Myles Johnson has asked me to post of the under side of Bob Janes Camaro.

Many forum members would be interested in how this car was rebuilt..... so just ask away, and Myles will answer away, and where necessary I'll do my tiny little bit in adding photos that may help explain the process.

Members should also feel free to add any pictures and memories they have of this great car and its driver Mr Robert F. Jane.

[thunder427]

...... Notice to Forum Members,any photo's posted by this, Leo D. Character are totally with out my permission,...Just Joking!!

.....but I did ask him nicely, as that way I can share with you all the Build process which took some 4 to 5 years and I 'Kodac' momented every step of the journey,Leo d is a very valued member of our Bob Jane Racing Team,official title of 'Head Archivist',means he spends lots of time digging through filing cabinets Archiving!!!!

Leo d, I Believe, has the time and patience to post Correctly ,the pictures, which I will add some imfo (storyline!!) to........that picture was taken of the underside, so 'Southern Models' of South Australia (great company to work with!) could get the 'under.detail for the model Camaro

The business across the road from our shop sold secondhand 'hoists',so I go and ask If its possible to put the Camaro up in the Air....Typical Aussie answer...."NO WORRIES",....then the disclaimer .."If it falls off or over,I will not be held responsible, as I can only set the 2post up 'Free Standing"..........What The!!,I figure I will Tell Bob how we got the photo after the event....so it was 'up she goes'....STEADY!!!!.........as you guessed we were blessed with a great result................regards thunder427/MJ:)

NB; I have a video of the Prototype of the model,which I shall firstly have to locate,very interesting the build process to finish model,Southern Models design team spent 5days mapping the Camaro at one sitting,real great experence working with thier professional team......:D427

[Steve Holmes]

Bloody hell, I thought that was a model. How did you manage to take that/those photos? It looks like you're standing ten meters away, but you can't be because its on a hoist.

Myles I hope this is the start of a thread on the restoration of the Camaro???

[Rod Grimwood]

How good is that, cannot wait for the story to be told.

[Ellis]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y128/falcongtho/32-1.jpg

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[Steve Holmes]

Great photos Ellis!

There is a neat bit of footage of Bob in the Camaro at Warwick Farm in 1972 on that Classic Australian Touring Car races Vol.1 if you're able to get a copy. Great to see it in action. Bob had a massive duel in both races with Pete Geoghegan's Super Falcon. Norm Beechey's Monaro is also present, along with Brian Foley's Alfa, Bob Holden's Escort Twin Cam (or BDA), plus Dennis Marwood's Camaro etc. Both races are covered in their full length.

[Kiwiboss]

This is a Replica isn't it? LOL

Be nice to get this Camaro to the 2013 Denny Hulme Festival Myles!!!Miles!!!

Dale

[thunder427]

.....people some times say..."your lucky",etc some people even accuse you,..."How Did you get the job'!!?,If you Know me, I am quite often Quoting Mr Father,he gave me advice that was like, 'Backwards'....."Son !!Do you know how to get hit by a Bus'???,Well you stand in front of one'!!!!!.......

One Friday,around 1964/5, he called me at my place of work and said.."What are you doing Saturday morning, around 10/o'clock"?????.....
"Why!!" was my answer.....
"Listen Son I'm Asking the Bloody Questions,What are you doing tomorrow morning around 10/o'clock???........
"Nothing"!!!!....was my agitiated reply.
"Well having established that,then I shall pick you up from your place 10/O'clock,OK"!!
Saturday Morn, I'm picked up and he drives me to the 'Star and Garter' hotel ,(used to be over looking the Avon River, in a time past)parks out the front and ask me to descibe the building across from our position
"Ok,what or how would you describe this establishment"??????
Well, I went from 'Hotel' to 'Pub' to 'Watering hole' to 'Tavern' to..."Shit I don't know"!!

Well,he said..."this establishment is a 'Gunners' Palace,its full of 'Pricks that are 'gunna do this or they're 'gunna do that,So either you come back to my office and we plan out how to run that Bloody Hot Rod show your on about,or I will leave you here with the rest of your mate's"!!!!!!!

We went back to his office and we formated a plan of proceedure,to stage a Show,with my Father every thing was about 'Proceedure,something to do with the 'Air Force' and flying planes..Oh!!! the show,'Autorama' was a success..another story another time..

I'm trying to convay to you our forum readers that 1stly the opportunity to build Bob's Camaro was not about having a GO!!....if I started it and gave my commitment to Bob then I had to follow through,it was not a case of talking about what I was going to do' it was about, what was expected of me.........Truthfully!!! I wasn't sure I had the required ability..But let me tell you ,I was not going to let the opportunity go by...Again I could hear my Fathers wisdom,when in 1974/5 when I decided to give up a 'Career' in Marketing/advertising and promotion work to start my own 'Custom Body Shop"..."Well son,The only advise I can give you is you had better get good at or get a real Job"!!

The Camaro Story, ......................................................part one to come!!
regards thunder427/MJ:)

[Leo D]

Here we go!

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[thunder427]

...the above photo's give a real perspective to my rambling about 'Commitment'....this Camaro along side Alan Moffats Mustang are probably two of the most 'Iconic' cars in Australian Motorsport.......with the Bowden Family (Whom I trust will Join this great Forum!!) owning one of the 'Book Ends'..It seemed like it was my duty to bring the Camaro 'back to life',so to speak,to complete the set.

I Knew Bob had aquired the Camaro which had been a Drag car for a lot of years in the hands of a lovely enthusiastic guy, Micheal Tydell, Micheal had considered rebuilding the Camaro himself,but with an on going health issue and a realistic approach to the project,
costs involved, Micheal offered it to Bob Jane,for an agreed sum,with restoration in mind!

I viewed the Camaro in its drag racing 'Warpaint',Maroon and silver,not unattractive for the era,but the 1/4 mile 'Blast's' had taken thier toll on every aspect of the Camaro,also consider as a 'Sports Sedan',run by Jim Smith/Camel Racing' fame,it had a considerable engine set back to 'under' the dash, consider it also sat in a Sydney 'Repo' yards for some 2yrs,in all weathers...........so I subjested to my Contact at Bob Jane Corp.."Its Going to be Exspensive'!!!!!!!...next I heard somebody had said that they could panel beat it back to its former glory...so the 7inch ground it back to 'Bare metal'...then left it out in the rain..........Again!!!.........'to be Cont,...regards thunder427?/MJ:)

NB; the little guy 'peeping 'over the edge of the photo is/was my 'best Buddy'...TAXI !!!..(R.I.P.)...why do you call him TAXI ???, I here you say...well its simple,He's 'Black and White' and never comes when you call !!!!!.........should have seen the looks I got walking around the park 'Shouting' ...TAXI !!!!!:p

[Leo D]

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Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Steve Holmes]

Wow, this is just amazing! Myles, how did Bob come to find the car after all these years? Didn't he import two ZL1 Camaros? Do you know what happened to the other one?

Is that the original rollcage from when Bob raced it, or was it changed? I know an alloy big block from this car was sold to Frank Gardner after the '71 season after CAMS banned it. How did you go about finding an engine for the restoration?

[thunder427]

....I got a call to go out to Calder Raceway,as a Film Crew wanted to interview Bob regarding his Career..Maybe "This is your Life',some such show on sucessful Australian's and thier Families....well the Idea was to film it around Bob's amazing McLaren, Bob's PA had organised for some 'Mobil Car Cleaning- (I nearly typed in 'Service'),I won't side track at this point as to how rare this Mclaren is,only to say Bob Jane is the only person in the world that still has original/Purchase McLaren!!

The 'Onsite' professional wanted to use a 'Pot scrubber' on the 'MAGNESIUM' wheels..."But they've gone all Black'!!!!?......I got the call to go and polish the rims,one hour per wheel,plus!!!...but job done,I was about to leave and go back to my shop when the PA asked me for an invoice.."No Charge,I'm just glad we got to the rims before they destroyed them"!!......then he subjested I stop by Bob's Office as he would like to discuss the Camaro.

Bob basically offered me the retoration that day,but I had to get back him with some
'Basic' costs........well I didnt touch the ground for 24hours...this was just what I had been wishing for, but there is an old adage..'Be Careful what you wish for'!!!!.....two weeks, I studyed every Catalouge on Camaro's, till I had a Quite a good conception of what I thought was required along with some basic costs......then to Bob's office!!

Bob studyed the 'concept,we discussed a number of alternatives, all which got thrown out ..Basically ,in a 'Nut Shell'..."I want 'my' Camro rebuilt to represent its Championship Years"!!..........Well I said, that was my plan, but I had to table all options,so this being the case I,Myles,had 3 basic requests,#1;I want to paint every thing 'Hugger Orange' as it would have come from the 'Factory' (somebody had sprayed all the 'interior' surface's with that 'Speckle' Panelvan Paint, YUK!!)....#2; I want to 'flare' the rear guards without losing the 1969 Camaro rear fender feature line and #3; I cant put a timeline on when I can have it finished ......"Well, Bloody sitting here postulating won't get the job done,now shove off I've got an 'Empire' to Run" !!!!!!!!..........the Camaro was delivered next day...........the photo's on the first couple of pages may give you all some idea that it was going to be a 'BIG' job.....................regards thunder427/MJ:eek:

[Steve Holmes]

This is an awesome thread Myles. Can you remember when Bob first bought the Camaro back? Also, what happened to the other ZL1 he purchased?

[thunder427]

This is an awesome thread Myles. Can you remember when Bob first bought the Camaro back? Also, what happened to the other ZL1 he purchased?

...The two ZL1's arrived ,I believed originally 1970,but in in hindsite ,I arrived in Melbourne March 1970,applied for a job as 'Assistant to the Promotor (Mrs Jean Pascoe) of Calder Raceway,I was the 69th applicant (I found that amussing !!!!..My Favourite number!) which I was sucessful in getting the position,thinking back,I unlocked the Gate one wet Thursday,If my memory serves's me well,for the TV and Press release of the Bob Jane Camaro, some weeks after starting work at the track.........so I'am thinking that mid to late 1969, was more apprpriate answer to your Question,but I will Double check with Bob!!!!..the 'Hugger Orange' /Manual,was build #33.

The Dark Blue ZL1/Auto,build #52,was used intially for 'Drag Racing' have some B&W photo's with the Camaro wear 'Monster' American 'Cragers' and 'Slicks',have a great story/History on this Camaro, for a later date,in short it was rear ended in a traffic accident,from all the imformation I have garnished,the front clip was walked of and the body and tags thrown 'down the tip'........Oh!!the things people dooooo!!:mad:.......................regards thnuder427/MJ

PS; the Camaro's were purchased from ,Two time Indy500 winner,Jim Rathman/Chevrolet of Melbourne/Florida,remember that a fully loaded Z28 was worth around $4800 a ZL1 was $7400 and what you got was a very 'Fast' (6cyl Spec/Poverty Pack),no frills Camaro with an 'Alloy'/427 only basic option on the first 50 ordered from the factory was 'Manual/Auto'......the last 19 carried some basic options,also some of the dealers may have 'optioned' thier Camaro's up to try and get the 'ticket Price',I've often thought how happy Mr Jim Rathman would have been when somebody from the other side of the world purchased Your two most expensive Camaro's over the phone.....including a pile of spares........."Who is this man Called, Bob Jane"????!!!!!......................Regards!!!!!!!!!!:)

[Steve Holmes]

Thats a real neat post Myles! I assume the ZL1 was built to homologate the alloy engine? A bit like the Boss 429 Mustang was created to homologate the 429 engine for Nascar. What was the ZL1 alloy engine being homologated for?

[thunder427]

Thats a real neat post Myles! I assume the ZL1 was built to homologate the alloy engine? A bit like the Boss 429 Mustang was created to homologate the 429 engine for Nascar. What was the ZL1 alloy engine being homologated for?

...50 units need to be produced in a production vehicle,so they could comply with the 'Stock Block' rule for Can-Am,which Bruce Mclaren put to good use!!!!!!!!!!!....................427/MJ:)

[Steve Holmes]

Ahhh, thanks for that.

[Leo D]

Steve,
I took this picture when I was at Robin Automotive (Sear Point Raceway CA) last year.... appropriate 427 fitted to the appropriate McLaren...

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/8821/427eu.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/427eu.jpg/)

[Steve Holmes]

Now THATS an awesome site Leo!

[Leo D]

Jim Smith in the Camaro at Calder....

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/4854/jsco.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/543/jsco.jpg/)

[Steve Holmes]

It sure looked wild when Jim Smith had it, but obviously never performed as well again as it did with BJ. Prior to the Camaro, Jim Smith raced a rare works Rover. What happened to this car?

[aussiemonza]

It sure looked wild when Jim Smith had it, but obviously never performed as well again as it did with BJ. Prior to the Camaro, Jim Smith raced a rare works Rover. What happened to this car?

Last I heard the Jim Smith "Clarrie the Wounder Camel" Rover was still in South Australia with Ivan Partinassi (spelling) who has been looking to do a resto...

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks for the info. I'd have thought that would be quite a sought after car, especially in the UK. I think only one or two were built.

[aussiemonza]

Thanks for the info. I'd have thought that would be quite a sought after car, especially in the UK. I think only one or two were built.

Below is a link to the Rover project. Roy Pierpoint raced Bill Shaw's '67 Camaro before he sold it to Adrian Chambers for Frank Gardner to race. I think the Bill Shaw car described here is the same one that Jim Smith bought to Australia. It was originally supported by "Leyland Australia" when Smith ran it here but wasn't a "factory" car in the UK.

http://www.roverp6.info/TestGB/P6racerJoMoRo.htm

[aussiemonza]

Or here, there were two cars...

http://www.roverp6.info/TestGB/P6RacerII.htm

[Leo D]

Steve,
The Rover....
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4410/jsrc.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/jsrc.jpg/)

And again, the Camaro..... modified further still
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6155/jscsc.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/jscsc.jpg/)

I'll post a few more pages from Myles over the next few days on the restoration

[Ellis]

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Pics by Perry Drury Launceston Tas

[Leo D]

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[Leo D]

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[thunder427]

...thanks Leo D...the saga continues...the lower photo's show Shane at work, in this day and age its very hard to 'one; get talented people and Two;find passionate people.

Shane, whom I renamed 'ROWDY', as every time the phone rang, Shane would find a reason to 'fire-up' the grinder or something equally as noisey!!!!!!!!!..."turn that F#@%&%$#!#%^ thing off ,I can't hear"!!!!!!!!!!!!...I would immediately cop this 'cheeky' sorta "Got Ya,Again" (one for the floor staff!!) grin with the standard..."Sorry BOSS"!!!!

Shane, a family man, came to work with me at a time when he had lost his 'personal' motivation, Shane was Punctual, focused,and became a very good at his craft...a valuable 'Team' member, for example Shane drilled out every spot weld in the Bob/ Camaro Firewall area and then did the same on the donor Camaro (pictures to come!) a very tedious job,trust me,never once complained and would have used only 2 pos 3 'Wurth' spotweld/ rivit drills....each part was nearly perfect to refit with little or no removal damage,,,,,,he left after the first 18mths to futher his career oportunities in the "panel' industry, where he went on to manage a 'top shop' and a team of 6.............Every Christmas for the next ten years he would ring and wish me a Great Christmas and thank me for believing in him and helping him re-find life's path..........Rowdy!, If you ever get to read this, you did a great job,you own commitment and passion took you the rest of the journey, proud to have worked with you.....and you KNOW how much I hate being called BOSS!!?:o:p....ofcourse you do!!!!.....................regards thunder427/MJ:):):)

[Leo D]

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[Leo D]

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[thunder427]

....the photo of the fenders hanging on the wall has a great second part,Brian,a professional ticketed welder,whom carried out all the structual/HD welding on 'project Camaro',a fellow Camaro sympathiser,walked in and announced to me that he was selling his 69/Camaro 'Red' with 'Flares'..."Myles,Mate!!!!! I've seen how much work you've got infront of Ya!! with BJ's Camaro, so I'm selling mine,I would rather put the money on the 'Morgage,all the Genuine NOS panels I've bought go with the deal, the LOT"!!!...my mind went into 'OVERDRIVE'.......so!!.......the Bob Camaro recieved GENUINE Factory fenders in exchange for the 'Classic' Repo's and a 2/slabs of Brian's Favourite Beer....now thats what I call a deal !!!!!!!!!........I even got to have a couple of Beeeeeers!!:confused:.......regards thunder427/MJ:):):)

[thunder427]

.....the last photo shows the 'sub'frame,what it does'nt show is that it was a rare option,disc brake front assembly,still with the power booster connected (this Camaro was a Van Nyes built Z/28) ,nowhere to store this item,I put the word out that I had a 69/subframe.... 'FOR SALE'..$1000.oo's

Couple phone calls over a couple of months, with the usual 'Villians' wanting something for nothing,any money I recieved was to be channelled back into our favourite Camaro,phone rings this day,....Yeh!!Mate,Ya Gota A Cammero chassie for sale,bloke over Dandenong rekons yah gota one....How much???????????????

No Introduction,just straight to the point.."HOW MUCH!!!!.......well, I had put a price of $1000's for the lot, sub frame and brakes,tailshaft,10bolt rear end,remember 69/ Camaro's were still not the 'Flavour of the Month'Yet!!!

"A Grand!!!...."Shit mate I dont wont to buy the whole car'!!!!!!!!dont worry about it"!!
My turn...."Mate!!!..shouldn't you ask what you are getting for your money"????....."Let me tell you,so I out lined the Deal!

'Mate,Mate!!!..thats Mine!!..Gib me da address and I will be there tomorrow morning...and Mate...don't sell it as I would be real pissed off..like I will bring CASH!!!....su we gota Deal ?????????????????????????!

By lunch time next day I had a clear driveway,the Camaro fund was up a Grand!! and we had a real happy guy from up country,who still couldn't believe his luck.."Mate (after he paid me!!) ya Know how hard/rare the factory disc brakes are to get"!!??

At this point I reminded him of a point my Father had made to me about doing deals;
"Sometimes son its better to pay a little more and get a lot more,than to pay a lot less and get nothing"!!!!!!!!!!!!!:confused:.........................regards thunder427?MJ:):)

[Leo D]

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[Leo D]

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[Leo D]

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[thunder427]

..."Rowdy counted over 120 plus holes in the floor that had to be welded from both sides..no carpet to cover the floor,the inside is to be painted and shinny and the underside the same,the photo of Rowdy in the boot was before we had the 'Great idea' to cut the bottom out of the 'drop tank'........I got a real good 'Sun tan' from welding up the stress cracks in the rear boot floor,being used as Drag Car had absolutely taken its toll on the floor area,so I cut along every stress crack with the 'Air Saw' and the MIGed them up,I couldn't get the 'Boof' head in the space with the welding helmet on, so I used some old 'Raybans',your all thinking dedication, I know....."who!!! called me stupid"!!!!!!....it got the job done and every body at 'Safeway' thought ..."Shit!! he got a bit of sun on the Gold Coast":D!!!.....which was nice,because they thought I had a holiday!!!!........Regards thunder427/MJ:cool:

[Shano]

Terrific thread and amazing to see the level you went to in order to restore the car. I'm following this with great interest, thanks for taking the time to do it.

[Steve Holmes]

I second everything Shano just said.

[Kiwiboss]

Probably one the BEST restorations i've ever seen!!! and you did, almost start from a "Skid Mark" didn't you Myles!!! LOL

Question Myles, did Bob ever race this on Goodyear Blue Streak tyres, if so what size?

Dale

[Steve Holmes]

Probably one the BEST restorations i've ever seen!!! and you did, almost start from a "Skid Mark" didn't you Myles!!! LOL

Question Myles, did Bob ever race this on Goodyear Blue Streak tyres, if so what size?

Dale

And if you don't know the answer to that Myles, what size Goodyears are on it now? I know the car has 10" wheels, so they're probably pretty big.

[thunder427]

...Steve,never believe anything a KIWI:cool: living in the land of OZ, shows you!!!!!:p

The Bob Camaro is actually shod with 'Hoosier's,from 'Mr Sprintcar',Max Dumsney, who has a 'race tyre' shop in Melbourne,shop manager Freddy Baker (Race Tyre 'Guru') helped greatly in getting us a tyre that had the 70's look/profile,Fred also got us a tube that fits ,as the Minilites are a little 'porous',vertually go flat on a trip from Melbourne to Sydney,then,I had Jamie Whincup's Uncle, Graham (WINKY!!) make me some stick on stenciles and I sprayed 'GOODYEAR' on in Gold, Dam cunning those Kiwi's !!!:p

Problem was that the Tie-downs,in the transporter where a little harsh on the 'handy work'......but what was funny ,a very creditable punter hauled me aside one day and asked me how long had 'Hoosier' owned 'Goodyear'........I'll post the size's next day or so,also I will ask 'Our Fearless Leader' (O.F.L) the Goodyear 'Blue Streak' question.......regards thunder427/MJ:):)

Kiwiboss, thank you!!, for your appraisel regarding my favourite 'Skid mark',having seen the standard of your work I feel Im in Good Company.........regards MJ:D

HOOSIER imfo; tyres on Bob's Camaro at this time, Front / Hoosier -R33 -#43390 /-24.0 x11.0 x15 Rear / Hoosier -D2613-#37685 /-27.0 x11.0, With Sprintcar Tubes / Demo Laps Only!!

[105angria]

Rodney suing Bob all cars on the law list,ATO for 70mil

[thunder427]

Rodney suing Bob, all cars on the law list,ATO for 70mil

.......in the words of a 'used Carsalesman'.. "Trust me"!! .......the Show will still go on!!!!!!!!!..........:(:p:confused::mad:................ regards thunder427/MJ:rolleyes:

[Leo D]

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7623/m42y.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/268/m42y.jpg/)

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/4496/m43jm.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/830/m43jm.jpg/)

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7076/m44e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/706/m44e.jpg/)

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/2233/m45.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/814/m45.jpg/)

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/426/m46jx.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/268/m46jx.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/7660/m47q.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/m47q.jpg/)

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/916/m48y.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/m48y.jpg/)

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2844/m49g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/835/m49g.jpg/)

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/4589/m50k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/714/m50k.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/1899/m51kg.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/m51kg.jpg/)

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/4213/m52z.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/718/m52z.jpg/)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1396/m53h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/98/m53h.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/6008/m54n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/m54n.jpg/)

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/6843/m55i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/m55i.jpg/)

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3677/m56p.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/m56p.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3901/m57b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/24/m57b.jpg/)

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8669/m58b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/m58b.jpg/)

[Shano]

What caused the holes in the floor - had it been drilled for bolts or corrosion?

[Steve Holmes]

This is unbelievable stuff guys! The attention to detail is incredible. And I love that you restored it as a 1971 race car, true to the period in which it raced. That is the most important key to resurrecting any old race car. Beautiful job.

[Steve Holmes]

...Steve,never believe anything a KIWI:cool: living in the land of OZ, shows you!!!!!:p

The Bob Camaro is actually shod with 'Hoosier's,from 'Mr Sprintcar',Max Dumsney, who has a 'race tyre' shop in Melbourne,shop manager Freddy Baker (Race Tyre 'Guru') helped greatly in getting us a tyre that had the 70's look/profile,Fred also got us a tube that fits ,as the Minilites are a little 'porous',vertually go flat on a trip from Melbourne to Sydney,then,I had Jamie Whincup's Uncle, Graham (WINKY!!) make me some stick on stenciles and I sprayed 'GOODYEAR' on in Gold, Dam cunning those Kiwi's !!!:p

Problem was that the Tie-downs,in the transporter where a little harsh on the 'handy work'......but what was funny ,a very creditable punter hauled me aside one day and asked me how long had 'Hoosier' owned 'Goodyear'........I'll post the size's next day or so,also I will ask 'Our Fearless Leader' (O.F.L) the Goodyear 'Blue Streak' question.......regards thunder427/MJ:):)

Kiwiboss, thank you!!, for your appraisel regarding my favourite 'Skid mark',having seen the standard of your work I feel Im in Good Company.........regards MJ:D

HOOSIER imfo; tyres on Bob's Camaro at this time, Front / Hoosier -R33 -#43390 /-24.0 x11.0 x15 Rear / Hoosier -D2613-#37685 /-27.0 x11.0, With Sprintcar Tubes / Demo Laps Only!!

Well you had me fooled Myles. They look pretty convincing as period race tyres. But why go to such lengths when you can buy the Bluestreaks off the shelf?

[thunder427]

What caused the holes in the floor - had it been drilled for bolts or corrosion?

.....the holes where all 'Man Made' at sometime or other durring its racing years......It would have been right at home as a 'Spagetti' strainer........hard part was in the early stage of .."How do I do this"????....was to work out which holes we would need in the final assembly stage...So!!!......'Fill'em and re-Drill'em'.....seemed the best policy.................regards thunder427/MJ...Shano, pleased your enjoying the re-Build by photo process...........regards MJ

[thunder427]

..Steve, you posed a great Question there,regarding 'Bluestreak' tyres!!!.....I thought how come we didn't ????....then thought, Dam!!!...October this year it will be 10yrs since her/'Big Red's' official 'Debut' at Bathurst/2002......Shocked!!!...I then realised that its 16yrs since we got the 'GreenLight' for Project Camaro Reserection.......Dam!!! time flies when your are having 'Fun'!!!......so the answer Steve, was, that in 1999/2000 no one was manufacturing 'period Correct' profile tyres,so I went to the 'Hoosier' Team (being American) as they had a crossover of genders from 'Street to Nascar to Trans-Am etc........but it is a great thought/Plan for the when we consider Re -Tyring;) ............regards thunder427/MJ;):)

[Leo D]

Just a little teaser to show what will be coming along further down the road during this journey.....

This is the prototype of the model of the Camaro before it went into prodution...... none of this would have been possible with out the tireless amount of hours and dedication that went into rebuilding the actual car on which the model is based

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3880/camaroprotoc.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/6/camaroprotoc.jpg/)

[Steve Holmes]

That is a superb model. I assume a special bodyshell mold specific to that car must have been created due to the rear wheel arch flaring?

[Leo D]

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/422/m59l.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/m59l.jpg/)

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/9937/m60c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/m60c.jpg/)

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/6325/m61x.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/m61x.jpg/)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9303/m62k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/6/m62k.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5387/m63n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/7/m63n.jpg/)

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/7356/m64r.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/m64r.jpg/)

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6733/m65w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/196/m65w.jpg/)

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4715/m66q.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/52/m66q.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/547/m67g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/m67g.jpg/)

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3149/m68z.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/231/m68z.jpg/)

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/9876/m69i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/m69i.jpg/)

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/667/m70i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/m70i.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6896/m71y.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/m71y.jpg/)

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/8112/m72.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/m72.jpg/)

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8428/m73a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/m73a.jpg/)

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9889/m74e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/194/m74e.jpg/)

[thunder427]

...Funny!!!!!!!!! I'm even enjoying this thread myself, seeing it all again, puts a perspective on the time it took,not only in 'Labour' and 'Parts',but the continual counter check of research,maintaining the period '70-'72, there was a a lot of personal 'pressure',to trying and get it right !!........like, I lived at the Factory for the last 18mth,there was an tidy old house on the front of the property,,I used to practice the 1Hour 'Power Nap' around 6/6-30,then work till 2 in the Morning,

In the late 90's I found visitors to the project confused ,some in the project,others as to why would you bother,then there was the trade people that would rather 'sell'you what's ava rather than 'back check old stock'... "just use X"!!!......

But having said that I did have fantastic support with this Project,some truly skilled 'trades' people,with out thier commitment and thier belief (in my Insanity!!) and read major 'Effort' the Camaro would never have come about in time for Bathurst 2002,the closer we got to the 'Deadline' the bigger the Volunteers group became....a huge 'Thank You' to them all..........and there's 'Lots' more to come.....regards thunder427/MJ:p:p:p:)

[Steve Holmes]

One of the things that impresses me most with this restoration is the flaring for the rear wheel arches. I see you've said it was all done with a hammer and dolly! Did you have to heat up the metal as well to help stretch it? Is this how the Camaro rear flares were originally done when the car was built in 1970 or were they allowed to make the flare then weld it on?

[thunder427]

One of the things that impresses me most with this restoration is the flaring for the rear wheel arches. I see you've said it was all done with a hammer and dolly! Did you have to heat up the metal as well to help stretch it? Is this how the Camaro rear flares were originally done when the car was built in 1970 or were they allowed to make the flare then weld it on?

...This is/was one of the 'conditions' I asked Bob to consider when we first considered the restoration/reserection of the Camaro,I wanted to maintain the 1969 'styled' rear quarter,otherwise it could be 67/68 if the 1969 model 'styling line' was lost,being that it was a Genuine ZL1,I did not want to confuse its 'True' Heritage....

Smiling, Mike Kerry, is the man responsible for the fantastic job, Mike,a 'trade school' teacher by day,now semi retired, is a master with the 'Hammer and Dolly', when I asked for his help to 'flare' the NOS 1/4's, Mike subjested ,..."you mark it out and I will Knock it out"......so I created a template,marked out both 1/4's,rang Mike .."Ready to Go"!!.....(Mike drive's a Lada,supose 2 outa 3 aint Bad!!)......two weeks later Mike arrived back with the said item...Wow!!..I was stoked, on the money Mike, the 'Styleline' was perfect, the contour was perfect...I had thought some effort on my behalf would be required, but no!!......'Hi-fill and paint .......Mike your the Man!!!

Sidebar/ the USA supplier of parts got wind that I was going to 'flare' a pair of NOS 1969 Camaro 1/4 panels....the deal proposed,was that I send them the NOS parts, in return, they will supply a matching set of 'repo's and $1500 for each fender (=$3000usd)
......The answer was a Rather Large NO!!!!!...I reminded them that I was restoring a Genuine ZL1, nothing was to good to use on this project......I think the Big problem was that they thought I had had my hand on the 'Gear shift' to long and the Knob was getting Shinny !!!..........regards thunder427/MJ:):)

[Steve Holmes]

Thats really impressive work Myles! I assumed the flares were created from completely separate sheetmetal and run through an english wheel or something, then once to the right shape and size, were welded to the rear quarters. To have been able to produce such quality work from the existing quarters is just amazing.

[Leo D]

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/9360/m75u.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/m75u.jpg/)

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9461/m76ev.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/708/m76ev.jpg/)

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1226/m77o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/534/m77o.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/5637/m78u.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/m78u.jpg/)

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/4581/m79n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/m79n.jpg/)

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9803/m80d.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/m80d.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/4075/m81w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/534/m81w.jpg/)

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5818/m82yt.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/m82yt.jpg/)

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8876/m83p.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/508/m83p.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2154/m84z.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/231/m84z.jpg/)

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/4429/m85a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/m85a.jpg/)

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8642/m86x.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/197/m86x.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/96/m87f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/233/m87f.jpg/)

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9011/m88gc.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/148/m88gc.jpg/)

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/2512/m89.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/803/m89.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9894/m90.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/402/m90.jpg/)

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/549/m91g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/202/m91g.jpg/)

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4170/m92gj.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/m92gj.jpg/)

[Steve Holmes]

Good to see another update on this. Have been missing these. Where did the seat and Minilites come from? Were they with the car when Bob purchased it back again? Is that the original seat?

[Steve Holmes]

Isn't it about time you slackers updated this thread? That car is only half finished!

[thunder427]

Isn't it about time you slackers updated this thread? That car is only half finished!

......Ive said it before,the people with 'all' the money are the hardest to get money from....so Mr Holmes,I'm guessing your going to hit me with that age old 'Cleche'..."The Cheques in the Mail".....as you would understand I'm obliged to remind you of our arrangement, 'No Pay ,No Way,Can the Project Stay,Another Day,Its on its Way,TODAY'!!!!!!!!!!!!.................................OK!!! I'll speak to 'Leo D' and see what we can Muster!:p :p..........regards from the 'Working Class'..... thuner427/MJ...PS; I Can't afford the 'D':(

[Steve Holmes]

Well, how do I put this? The cheques in the mail.....

[Leo D]

Ok.... I can take the hint..... I'm warming the scanner up now....... some more pages will be up before the weekend is over.....

Just make my cheque payable to.... " Camaro All Scanned Happily"...... or the abriviated title "CASH".... :cool:

[Leo D]

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/330/m93cw.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/840/m93cw.jpg/)

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4646/m94o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/194/m94o.jpg/)

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1899/m95i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/192/m95i.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/5606/m96f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/m96f.jpg/)

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9484/m97s.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/89/m97s.jpg/)

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4343/m98j.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/220/m98j.jpg/)

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/5823/m99e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/m99e.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/1261/m100g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/m100g.jpg/)

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/3473/m101.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/m101.jpg/)

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4900/m102.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/m102.jpg/)

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4900/m102.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/m102.jpg/)

[Leo D]

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5914/m104p.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/9/m104p.jpg/)

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3825/m105.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/690/m105.jpg/)

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6928/m106.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/171/m106.jpg/)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3381/m107.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/402/m107.jpg/)

[thunder427]

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3381/m107.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/402/m107.jpg/)[/QUOTE]

....the world is an interesting place,some times you get the opportunity to meet somebody that has a real 'Impact' on your life!!!!!
I had the pleasure to come into contact, here in Melbourne,with an American Gentleman,in the true sense of the word, Jim Hartz,

Jim's enthusiasim for all things PPG ( the Automotive Paint Company/USA ) was infectious,but better still, he had a total understanding and passion for the World of 'Custom Paint',he embraced and understood the commitment required to get a 'Great' result, he understood his product range like he had desgined it himself

Jim was,I Believe, head of the group,based in Sydney,that was instrumental in formulating the take-over/buy-out of the 'Dulux Automotive Group', (now, PPG Australia) this was some years back and durring that time ,Jim supported 'Loose' canons like myself with our Custom Paint fantasies and questions!!

Durring one of our 'bench racing' sessions (by Phone!!) I explained how excited I was to have the opportunity to rebuild the Bob Jane Camaro, a Real 'ZEEEE EL One',Jim was right up with the breed,going on to tell me that PPG had been the 'Original' supplier of paint to GM/USA,'69 Camaro colour was 'HUGGER ORANGE' and was also used on the Corvette!! Jim imformed me....a plan formulated in my mind,....."So why don't we paint it with genuine PPG Again"!!!!?........so when it came time for paint and the "Red Dress' to go on ,Jim, by now back in the USA organised for PPG Australia to supply our paint needs,they where fantastic and the product is better than excellent,never once did they complain as to how much we used,consider to that this October the Camaro will be 10yrs old and the paint job when you get to see it has never been 'Cut-n-polished....ever!!!....it shines like it was painted yesterday......to Jimmy in retirement,'Your Health,and Thank You!!!....To Andrew (ex Dulux/PPG),then Tony ( who has a 'Killer':cool: '69/Camaro Z/28)and the team at PPG Melbourne, a Heart felt 'thank you' for your support all these years.....regards Thunder427/Myles Johnson :):):)

NB; If considering the 'what will I use' paint factor,consider first PPG,I say this with '40 something behind a spray gun,(starting in the old 'acrylic Laquer' Days/ yep!!,Happy Days!) three things,User friendly,great colour range that goes back to the 30's,excellent product back up and 'Yes' I use other brands as you do to check out 'whats what'.....but I find I wind up back at the PPG counter !!!!.....unashamable addvitorial !!!...................may your paint job be 'Dust Free' ......MJ:cool:

[thunder427]

PPG Paint products!:)

.....A buddy who 'scans' around our 'Famous' forum phoned me late today/Sunday regarding some Corvette parts he requires,was on my case about the PPG 'plug'....."Oh!!its good to give a product a high rating when they supplied it 'FREE'!!!!!!,mind you he won't 'post', a bit 'Shy' I'm thinking!!!!

But he made me think!!!.....'User Friendly',to me that means that they have compatable products EG:Yes, each line of product has its own range of recomended reducers and hardners,but should you find your self short a reducer/hardner from another line of PPG product,it will mix and be compatable....where as some of the high dollar brands wont allow a cross over of lines..EG If you are using a 'Euro' line of 2pac you have to use ONLY thier product as recomended on the label, thier hi-fill undercoat reducer will not work in thier 2pac colour products......don't get me wrong ,no way do I subjest we should 'Mix and Match' ,but some time's we do run out and at 3 in the morning nobody is open

PPG probably don't recomend what I'm subjesting,but they do agree that that thier product range is adaptable...Thier 'blurb' on the label does subjest 'you should follow a set line of proceedures to get a maximum result!!!!!!!!.....but it is ' User Friendly,remember the 'usedcar salesman'..Trust Me!!!:cool:......regards thunder427/MJ:)

[Steve Holmes]

Ok.... I can take the hint..... I'm warming the scanner up now....... some more pages will be up before the weekend is over.....

Just make my cheque payable to.... " Camaro All Scanned Happily"...... or the abriviated title "CASH".... :cool:

I was hoping to make it out to IOU?

[Steve Holmes]

PPG Paint products!:)

.....A buddy who 'scans' around our 'Famous' forum phoned me late today/Sunday regarding some Corvette parts he requires,was on my case about the PPG 'plug'....."Oh!!its good to give a product a high rating when they supplied it 'FREE'!!!!!!,mind you he won't 'post', a bit 'Shy' I'm thinking!!!!

But he made me think!!!.....'User Friendly',to me that means that they have compatable products EG:Yes, each line of product has its own range of recomended reducers and hardners,but should you find your self short a reducer/hardner from another line of PPG product,it will mix and be compatable....where as some of the high dollar brands wont allow a cross over of lines..EG If you are using a 'Euro' line of 2pac you have to use ONLY thier product as recomended on the label, thier hi-fill undercoat reducer will not work in thier 2pac colour products......don't get me wrong ,no way do I subjest we should 'Mix and Match' ,but some time's we do run out and at 3 in the morning nobody is open

PPG probably don't recomend what I'm subjesting,but they do agree that that thier product range is adaptable...Thier 'blurb' on the label does subjest 'you should follow a set line of proceedures to get a maximum result!!!!!!!!.....but it is ' User Friendly,remember the 'usedcar salesman'..Trust Me!!!:cool:......regards thunder427/MJ:)

Thats good info to know Myles, thanks.

[Rod Grimwood]

The more i see of this rebuild the more i have to congratulate all involved, just amazing. A real credit to all of you.

[Leo D]

Just letting you guys know that this thread is still alive ..... The pictures posted so far were in albums..... There are still many more pictures to come, but they are boxed and need to be sorted a little more prior to scanning..... but they will appear...

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Greg, looking forward to the next instalment.

[Steve Holmes]

Bout time you guys updated this thread?

[Leo D]

"Houston.... We have a problem"........

Steve, I quote those famous words as I look how long it it since I did an update...... can't believe it was September last year!
As with the Camaro project itself, sometimes you encounter problems or delays that were not in the "Master Plan".

I do have in my possession a box full of photographs and negatives of the Camaro for further sorting and scanning. This will be a slightly more time consuming process than the original posts, as they were "page" scans, which enabled me to do them a little more quickly... sorting individual shots is a little more time consuming...

However, having said that, the issue at the stage may be the image hosting service that I have been using is changing its terms of usage as of March 1, 2012, and as a result the images that I have already posted on this thread may disappear on that date.... only time will tell.

If the images remain visible after that date I can continue on..... if not I may have to move to plan "B" and re post them plus the additions....

All I can say, is keep your finger crossed :)

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Greg, I'll copy and paste all the pics from this thread onto my pc and if they do all vanish on March 1 I'll upload them myself from here. Hopefully it won't come to that.

[Flightlessbird]

When is the McLaren M6 project due to start??

[Steve Holmes]

Good news, pics are still here!

[Leo D]

Steve, I think this is what you guys are looking for....... just something to wet he appetite...

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/3908/powerup.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/powerup.jpg/)

This is is sust a small sample of the contents of some of the boxes yet to be gone through.... about 480 pictures in this lot.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6442/pictures480.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/pictures480.jpg/)

[thunder427]

...if you look very carefully through the windscreen you will see 'Elvis' swinging there,he was our reminder that all things built,bought,fabricated had to have the 60's theme,he was still hanging there when we delivered the Camaro to Bob Jane at its debut,Bob Jane.t.Mart sponsored Bathurst 2002..........the rebuilt Camaro put a 'Smile' :)on Bobs face,but 'Elvis' got a laugh!!!!!:D.....regards thunder427/MJ:cool:

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome work guys! I love the Elvis iea. I'll have to apply that to my projects in future. What a cool idea. Did Bob keep Elvis?

[ZL1 49]

Myles, thanks a lot for sharing these restoration photos. I've seen the finished product and it was clearly worth the effort. Having gone through my own post drag racing restoration I know the dedication it takes to do it right. Now, if you could only post some sound...

[thunder427]

Myles, thanks a lot for sharing these restoration photos. I've seen the finished product and it was clearly worth the effort. Having gone through my own post drag racing restoration I know the dedication it takes to do it right. Now, if you could only post some sound...

... :pWith a tag like, 'ZL1 49' ,I'd be guessing that you might just be the 'Proud' owner of the #49th ZL1 Camaro ever built,my Crystal Ball is telling me you and your family have just made New York home, I'm now thinking I've Seen you starring on V8TV, standing in front of a beautiful Blue "Fred Gibb Chevrolet' Drag Camaro.....( Forum members check this out...http://v8tvmid,108/topic,11122.msg15147/ ).......feel obliged to post pictures of you Camaro ZL1 on this thread, outlining your history with your car......I know your real busy at this time,but it would be great to look at the parrallels in reconstruction and the commitment to endevour to get it right,.....Again welcome,...watch for harrasment from Steve Holmes,:o'OFL' (Our Forum Leader) this Forum is his creation and we are greatful to his foresight,But I do know his weakness for Camaro with ZL1 credentials..........Jeff, great to have you join this Forum......regards thunder427/Myles:cool:

[Steve Holmes]

Myles, thanks a lot for sharing these restoration photos. I've seen the finished product and it was clearly worth the effort. Having gone through my own post drag racing restoration I know the dedication it takes to do it right. Now, if you could only post some sound...

I'd love to learn more about the ZL1 you restored. If its the car I'm thinking of, it is a work of art.

[Steve Holmes]

... :pWith a tag like, 'ZL1 49' ,I'd be guessing that you might just be the 'Proud' owner of the #49th ZL1 Camaro ever built,my Crystal Ball is telling me you and your family have just made New York home, I'm now thinking I've Seen you starring on V8TV, standing in front of a beautiful Blue "Fred Gibb Chevrolet' Drag Camaro.....( Forum members check this out...http://v8tvmid,108/topic,11122.msg15147/ ).......feel obliged to post pictures of you Camaro ZL1 on this thread, outlining your history with your car......I know your real busy at this time,but it would be great to look at the parrallels in reconstruction and the commitment to endevour to get it right,.....Again welcome,...watch for harrasment from Steve Holmes,:o'OFL' (Our Forum Leader) this Forum is his creation and we are greatful to his foresight,But I do know his weakness for Camaro with ZL1 credentials..........Jeff, great to have you join this Forum......regards thunder427/Myles:cool:

That link doesn't work Myles, can you post it again?

Definitely won't get any harassment from me. Theres only two rules on this forum: 1. Cars must be older than 20 years. 2. Everyone has to be nice to my buddy Myles!

[ZL1 49]

Hey guys. It's Jeff Murphy here. I was lucky enough to make contact with Bob Jane and Myles a few years back not long after the Australian Muscle Car Magazine cover article. I took a flyer that the door might be open for a visit given I was also a ZL-1 owner, so I called Calder Park from Singapore airport while enroute to Sydney. We ended up exchanging emails over the next couple of days and Myles said he was open to a visit so I flew from Canberra to Melbourne on my way hom. We spent a great afternoon with #33 and I flew home to the UK stinking of race gas!

My car was done then, but needed a do over because the owner two before me took out the mini-tubs, etc., but didn't spend the $, time or attention to do it right. I drove the car a few times, and even raced it once (gently) against one of the 50 1968 Gibb COPO Novas, but something broke every time, so we decided to start over.

You can see some of the restoration at the Facebook site of the Super Car Workshop, owned by Brian Henderson and Joe Swezey of Latrobe, PA, in two separate links here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.112637052107150.6483.101892463181609&type=1

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.132912230079632.11134.101892463181609&type=1

Enjoy

[Steve Holmes]

Jeff, hey its great to have you here. Yours is indeed the ZL-1 I was was thinking of. The car is a credit to yourself and to Super Car Workshop. Its just stunning. I really hope you'll create a dedicated thread on the history and restoration of this car. Plenty on here would really love to see it. The cars competition history sounds interesting.

[ZL1 49]

This just in. The April 2012 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines is out with coverage of the 2011 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. The Chicago-based MCACN show has become the pre-eminent muscle car show in the US, with close to 500 of the finest cars across all the brands.

http://www.mcacn.com/hmm412.pdf

One of the features of this past show was a ZL-1 display that attracted 16 (was supposed to be 18, but 2 were last minute no shows). We had the #1 and #2 cars, the #1 car in race form - tubbed with candy red and gold lace paint as per the 1969 season - and #2 back to plain jane Dusk Blue. We also had Ken Barnhart's original owner #16 Super Stocker, with which he won the 1970 NHRA US Indy Nationals, a 900 original mile 2 owner Hugger Orange car (#58, I think), and 1 of 2 Garnet Red cars. This was the show at which I did the interview Myles posted (I have to acknowledge the mistake I made in that interview - while trying to think on my feet I neglected to remember that Gibb ordered 5 colors, not 4: Dusk Blue, Le Mans Blue, Cortez Silver, Fathom Green and Hugger Orange. Inexcusable given Barnhart's and Bob Jane's cars are two of my favorites). My car was fortunate enough to be awarded Best of Show - Chevrolet and is the Le Mans Blue car pictured in the article.

[thunder427]

......that it Steve!!!!!....time you created the dedicated ZL1 site,most people are most likely unaware the stats behind these select 69 factory 'Hot Rod' Camaro's from 1969,Fred Gibb Chevrolet, 427 Alloy Big Block ( read 'Can- Am & Mclaren) this is great story hanging to be told..."come on Uncle Steve, you promised you would tell me a story before lights out!!!!!:):):).....regards thunder427/MJ:cool:

[YenkoSC]

I have a question. What is the story behind Bob Jane's Lemans Blue Camaro? All the focus is on the orange one... Obviously it started life as a race car but what was its history up until the time it was scrapped? Do you have any photos of it? Cheers

[thunder427]

I have a question. What is the story behind Bob Jane's Lemans Blue Camaro? All the focus is on the orange one... Obviously it started life as a race car but what was its history up until the time it was scrapped? Do you have any photos of it? Cheers
......quick reply!! The Lemans Blue ZL1's Alloy 427 is the engine in the #7 Camaro, so in 'Spirit' she still lives!!!!....for those that don't spend the 'wee' hours of the morning trolling Camaro threads , just recently Jim Rathman passed away,twice 'Indy' winner,owner of Rathmans Chevrolet in Melbourne ,Florida...imagine his relief when somebody called Bob Jane rang from Melbourne Australia and bought both of his ZL1s as they were not the 'Hot Ticket' At nearly twice the price of a FULLY loaded Z/28 and were the basic 'poverty' pack' ,the first 50 that where ordered by Fred Gibb Chevrolet.... Will find some shots for you Yenko.....regards thunder427/MJ:cool:

[YenkoSC]

Thanks for the reply mate. I have always been curious about the lemans blue ZL1 of Bob Jane. It seems to be the forgotten one, overshadowed by the orange ZL1. After the blue one was retired from racing it kind of just dropped off and wasn't heard of. What happened to the car during that time frame? Either way, I eagerly await the photos. Cheers

[Steve Holmes]

......that it Steve!!!!!....time you created the dedicated ZL1 site,most people are most likely unaware the stats behind these select 69 factory 'Hot Rod' Camaro's from 1969,Fred Gibb Chevrolet, 427 Alloy Big Block ( read 'Can- Am & Mclaren) this is great story hanging to be told..."come on Uncle Steve, you promised you would tell me a story before lights out!!!!!:):):).....regards thunder427/MJ:cool:

I'd love to see a dedicated ZL1 thread, you guys go right ahead! Would also love to see a thread dedicated to Jeffs restoration.

[Steve Holmes]

This just in. The April 2012 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines is out with coverage of the 2011 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. The Chicago-based MCACN show has become the pre-eminent muscle car show in the US, with close to 500 of the finest cars across all the brands.

http://www.mcacn.com/hmm412.pdf

One of the features of this past show was a ZL-1 display that attracted 16 (was supposed to be 18, but 2 were last minute no shows). We had the #1 and #2 cars, the #1 car in race form - tubbed with candy red and gold lace paint as per the 1969 season - and #2 back to plain jane Dusk Blue. We also had Ken Barnhart's original owner #16 Super Stocker, with which he won the 1970 NHRA US Indy Nationals, a 900 original mile 2 owner Hugger Orange car (#58, I think), and 1 of 2 Garnet Red cars. This was the show at which I did the interview Myles posted (I have to acknowledge the mistake I made in that interview - while trying to think on my feet I neglected to remember that Gibb ordered 5 colors, not 4: Dusk Blue, Le Mans Blue, Cortez Silver, Fathom Green and Hugger Orange. Inexcusable given Barnhart's and Bob Jane's cars are two of my favorites). My car was fortunate enough to be awarded Best of Show - Chevrolet and is the Le Mans Blue car pictured in the article.

Wow, this is just amazing.

[Rod Grimwood]

Just returned from Phillip Island. Meet Miles and had an awesome discussion about the car and the rebuild. You can see why the car is so good as it reflects the attitude of the person. Also had chat with Mr Bob Jane another very pleasant gentleman and interesting to chat with. I hit the jackpot as while we were talking Mr Beechy and his wonderful wife dropped in and we all had a great chat. Norm mentioned how he loved Bay Park and had been good friends with Mr Rorrison and always enjoyed his stay in NZ. A great meeting, never to be forgotten
Thank you Miles for the time and it made my trip. Will keep in touch.

Miles with the car in picture 1

[thunder427]

Rod, The sentiment is likewise, it's great to meet with passionate and knowledgable people....to you personally,you ready assistance and no fuss approach getting my favorite Camaro back to our pit was very much appreciated,there is no damage, not that I want to test it's RPM's again,Matt the engine builder gave her a 'clean bill of health' a new throttle cable will make all the difference,......again, great weekend look forward to time for a chat next visit ......regards thunder427/MJ

[Steve Holmes]

Bloody cool pics Rod! Thanks for sharing. Beechey looks almost exactly as he did in 1965!

6788

[Steve Holmes]

Bout time for another update guys?

[Rod Grimwood]

Thought I might just do this to get it back on front page for a while, this is a great bit of history and a great read. For new members spend some time on this.

[Steve Holmes]

Great idea Rod, I agree.

[Rod Grimwood]

Steve, I think this is what you guys are looking for....... just something to wet he appetite...

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/3908/powerup.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/powerup.jpg/)

This is is sust a small sample of the contents of some of the boxes yet to be gone through.... about 480 pictures in this lot.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6442/pictures480.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/pictures480.jpg/)



Any luck with going through these, love to see more of one of the great rebuilds of our era.
cheers

[Steve Holmes]

From the Bob Jane Racing Heritage, this was a press release from 1971 for the Camaro.

17485

[Mark Fiddyment]

It must be time for the next installment of photos and info on this legendary car.

[Steve Holmes]

Hi Mark, yes another update would be great, but Myles Johnson, who restored the Camaro, has been busy lately since getting the Bob Jane Racing Heritage going, and hasn't been on here much of late, unfortunately.

[Rod Grimwood]

It will be worth the wait.

[thunder427]

Steve is Right;I have been some what 'sidetracked' with assisting to get BJRH 'Social Media' thing going, with Our Resident 'Kiwi', 'IT' Guru and Memorabilia Tragic, Simon Popplewell (Ex Christchurch/Southland Lad!!)...also, its been a very trying time for Big Bob, with an on going public Dispute between his eldest son Rodney, who has seen fit to Freeze his Dad out of the Corporation, ofcourse there are for's and against in all disputes, but this strikes at the heart of supporters of our Mr 'Motorsport,' Bob Jane...Yes!! it is common knowledge Bob has been a hard handed negotiator ,but its hard to deny his impact on Motorsport in Australia and even New Zealand, this period of his life should not be this difficult, nor should he suffer the indignation of basically being made to live life at 83yrs on what could be described as a 'Pension'.......most of this statement is being played out in the Australian 'News' Media..........the bit that I have refrained from mentioning till this time is that the Corporation..Bob Jane T.Marts, has confiscated Bob's Camaro, Jaguar, the Bt11 Brabham ("Gold Star /Spencer Martin Car ),the McLaren M6B, His ocean going Motor Launch, 'The Jolly-O', all this equipment was purchased away before T.Marts became what we Know it as today, Surely in a 'Fair' world those running the Corp. would see the value of a Joint interest in these ,obvious,Company 'Heritage' Items, rather than just their a$$et value............I've probable said to much.... but 'Yes, I miss my Chats with my friend Steve as I drive to work of a morning and My friends on the 'Roaring Seasons, I'm Know to have an oppinion , Right or Wrong!!, does'nt really matter, gives somebody a chance to air the truth...............during a break in Kitchen 'Reno's I will extract the Preverbial Finger and try and sort the photo's for Steve.....regards To The Roaring Season Team members (Oh!! and Steve Elliot,:p He asked me to say that!!)..............Myles!:cool:

[Rod Grimwood]

That is unbelievable that anyone could do any such thing like that to a gentlman of his age and what he has done for motorsport and the business community, maybe hard nose some times but thats how it is. A perfect gentleman when he shared some of his precious time with me at Philip Island, a time I will treasure. Best wish's to Bob and yourself Myles.

PS I edited out some real thoughts of some others involved.

[GD66]

PS I edited out some real thoughts of some others involved.


Probably just as well, Rodders ! As Myles has mentioned, the Jane feud is played out quite publicly here in Aus, but considering the intensity of it I've always been perplexed how Rodney can battle ferociously in public with his dad, yet feel no qualms about racing the Porsche adorned with not only his dad's name but also his likeness ! Sleeping ok ?

[Steve Holmes]

Steve is Right;I have been some what 'sidetracked' with assisting to get BJRH 'Social Media' thing going, with Our Resident 'Kiwi', 'IT' Guru and Memorabilia Tragic, Simon Popplewell (Ex Christchurch/Southland Lad!!)...also, its been a very trying time for Big Bob, with an on going public Dispute between his eldest son Rodney, who has seen fit to Freeze his Dad out of the Corporation, ofcourse there are for's and against in all disputes, but this strikes at the heart of supporters of our Mr 'Motorsport,' Bob Jane...Yes!! it is common knowledge Bob has been a hard handed negotiator ,but its hard to deny his impact on Motorsport in Australia and even New Zealand, this period of his life should not be this difficult, nor should he suffer the indignation of basically being made to live life at 83yrs on what could be described as a 'Pension'.......most of this statement is being played out in the Australian 'News' Media..........the bit that I have refrained from mentioning till this time is that the Corporation..Bob Jane T.Marts, has confiscated Bob's Camaro, Jaguar, the Bt11 Brabham ("Gold Star /Spencer Martin Car ),the McLaren M6B, His ocean going Motor Launch, 'The Jolly-O', all this equipment was purchased away before T.Marts became what we Know it as today, Surely in a 'Fair' world those running the Corp. would see the value of a Joint interest in these ,obvious,Company 'Heritage' Items, rather than just their a$$et value............I've probable said to much.... but 'Yes, I miss my Chats with my friend Steve as I drive to work of a morning and My friends on the 'Roaring Seasons, I'm Know to have an oppinion , Right or Wrong!!, does'nt really matter, gives somebody a chance to air the truth...............during a break in Kitchen 'Reno's I will extract the Preverbial Finger and try and sort the photo's for Steve.....regards To The Roaring Season Team members (Oh!! and Steve Elliot,:p He asked me to say that!!)..............Myles!:cool:

Hey Myles, keep up the good work there mate. I do miss our phone calls, but your phone bills must be quite a lot lighter these days! Be sure to check in and say Hi from time to time.

[Scott Automotive]

Hi all, this could be a long shot as it's a bit of an old thread but here goes.

I have been doing a lot of research over the years about ZL1 Camaros that raced back in the day. I came across this thread a couple of years ago and found the pictures that Myles kindly uploaded of the details from the Bob Jane car. We have a 69 Z28 that we have built up as a ZL1 race car, with a period correct 427ci motor and run it in Europe as a Group 4 sports car against big block Corvettes and 911s, it's allowed in as Don Yenko ran one at Sebring 12hrs and Daytona 24hrs in 69 and 70. We could also run it in Group 2 touring car events if we make a couple of changes to it, as they allow ETCC, BSCC and ATCC cars to compete.

I re-found the thread the other day but the majority of the photos I cannot now see, I have tried viewing them on different search engines and platforms and even signed up to image shack, but still nothing.

With the fia tightening down the http paperwork I'm looking for as much photographic evidence as possible to show how the car raced and what the specifications of the components were. Not many people race Camaros over here as the fia have made gaining paperwork very difficult for anything out of the ordinary. I don't think they fully understand something a little different or no one wants to give paperwork to a car they don't have a template to copy.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Steve Holmes]

Hi all, this could be a long shot as it's a bit of an old thread but here goes.

I have been doing a lot of research over the years about ZL1 Camaros that raced back in the day. I came across this thread a couple of years ago and found the pictures that Myles kindly uploaded of the details from the Bob Jane car. We have a 69 Z28 that we have built up as a ZL1 race car, with a period correct 427ci motor and run it in Europe as a Group 4 sports car against big block Corvettes and 911s, it's allowed in as Don Yenko ran one at Sebring 12hrs and Daytona 24hrs in 69 and 70. We could also run it in Group 2 touring car events if we make a couple of changes to it, as they allow ETCC, BSCC and ATCC cars to compete.

I re-found the thread the other day but the majority of the photos I cannot now see, I have tried viewing them on different search engines and platforms and even signed up to image shack, but still nothing.

With the fia tightening down the http paperwork I'm looking for as much photographic evidence as possible to show how the car raced and what the specifications of the components were. Not many people race Camaros over here as the fia have made gaining paperwork very difficult for anything out of the ordinary. I don't think they fully understand something a little different or no one wants to give paperwork to a car they don't have a template to copy.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Wow, cool car. Do you have photos?

I can put you in touch with Myles. If he doesn't have the photos available, he'll be able to pass you on to someone who does. Send me an email: theroaringseason@gmail.com

Yes you are right about the FIA regulations. Its OK if there is a homologation sheet, but a lot of makes and models with period history don't have homologation sheets, including the 350 Chev powered HQ Monaro coupe Bob Jane raced after his ZL1 Camaro.

Christophe Schwartz races a 1970 Plymouth Cuda in Europe with a big block Hemi. The Cuda raced in the Trans-Am series with a 5 litre small block, so he had to prove one of these cars went to Europe and was fitted with a big block Hemi. Lots of hoops to jump through.

[Oldfart]

A couple of blokes over here have built up a very close replica of a Peugeot 504 ute/pickup which was homologated for GroupB (yes really). Now most events or is it the "higher body" won't let them run as it's based on a commercial vehicle, even though it has been paperworked through FIA.
Seems there is no easy situation for anyone. Right now here in the UK even a very correct Escort is NOT the way to go rallying as the organisers want different cars, so they are accepting others before Escorts. This is vaguely on thread?

[Steve Holmes]

A couple of blokes over here have built up a very close replica of a Peugeot 504 ute/pickup which was homologated for GroupB (yes really). Now most events or is it the "higher body" won't let them run as it's based on a commercial vehicle, even though it has been paperworked through FIA.
Seems there is no easy situation for anyone. Right now here in the UK even a very correct Escort is NOT the way to go rallying as the organisers want different cars, so they are accepting others before Escorts. This is vaguely on thread?

Thanks Rhys. Yes thats interesting. There has been a boom in historic racing in recent years, with so many events now taking place, and an increasing number of high-end events.

I've also noticed a trend in which interesting cars are slowly disappearing, as more and more people prefer to race competitive cars instead. The 2018 RAC TT at the Goodwood Revival is a good example of this. It was the first time not a single Ferrari competed in this race. Now its mostly AC Cobras and lightweight E Type Jaguars.