1967 - 1969 Camaro Parts - ZL-1 Water Pump Mystery - Steves Camaro Parts San Bruno - 650-873-1890

By now it is not big secret that the first two - ZL-1's were pushed through the system by Chevrolet. As per Pete Estes request, these cars were assembled by the factory using what parts they had on hand at that time. Therefore, hand built pilot engines were installed. The 850 cfm double-pumper carburetors were not available from Holley at that time, so 427/425hp 780 cfm carburetors were substituted by Chevrolet. The cars were shipped on December 30, 1968 to Fred Gibb Chevrolet. The reason for pushing the cars through was to give Fred Gibb a chance to debut the ZL-1 Camaro at the A.H.R.A. Winternationals in Phoenix in January 1969.



The bottom of the broadcast sheets on the #1 and # 2 ZL-1's contain the following information.

9560 BA
Ship 12/30 Estes requests red hot
Pilot 427 engine option 9560 BA

As Bill Porterfield was restoring the Gibb/Harrell race car, he made an alarming discovery.  In this attempt to correctly restore the car using photos supplied by Fred Gibb, one part which presented somewhat of a mystery was the water pump. The one in the old photographs appeared to be a regular long-style passenger car pump, but it looked as if it were made of aluminum. The old parts book show an aluminum pump was used only on L-88/ZL-1 Corvettes. But that was a short-style pump. The books show that all big-block Camaros were equipped with the regular production cast iron pump!  Bill found a collector friend who had a long-style aluminum pump that had been removed from an "engineering car" that had been purchased by a GM Tech Center employee. The body of the pump had a 3868811 casting number and was identical in appearance and shape to the cast-iron long-style pump.

A deal was made for the pump, and Bill went on to attempt to confirm the history of that number. He managed to make contact with a fellow who was a program manager during the development of the Mark I, II, III, and IV big block engines.  He remembered an aluminum pump being released to production for the ZL-1, then cancelled a short time later when a problem was discovered. The bearing was loosening up and moving in the body of the pump during the durability test program. Since an original photograph of the #3 Berger ZL-1's engine shows a cast iron, Porterfield concluded that only the first two ZL1 Camaros were built with the aluminum pump.  Porterfield was very satisfied that he was able to obtain a pump that "looked lik the one in the Gibb photo."
After all, the car was then one step closer to a 1969.

source: The 1969 Camaro Reference Book
by John R. Hooper

YOU ARE NOT JUST BUYING PARTS – YOU ARE GETTING OUR CAMARO EXPERTISE

Tags: camaro part, camaro parts, Camaro restoration parts, 69 camaro, 1969 camaro, aftermarket camero parts, chevrolet camaro, ss, z28, rs, chevrolet, restoration, 68 camaro, chevy, 67, 69, f-body, camaro, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, gm, z-28, 350, ls1, z/28, pace car, camaro ss, 69 camaro, first generation, copo, fbody, yenko, 67 camaro, 68 camaro, musclecar 

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1967 - 1969 Camaro Parts - 1967 Camaro Front Suspension and Steering History - Steves Camaro Parts San Bruno - 650-873-1890

The excellent ride and handling characteristics of the front suspension are complemented by the computer analyzed adaption of the Hotchkiss rear drive system.

The independent front suspension is the short and long arm design, with coil springs mounted on wide wishbone-type lower control arms.  The wisbone-type upper control arm shaft is bolted to a bracket which is welded to the top of the frame rail with the forward end raised to provide anti-dive characteristics.  Suspension parts from the steering knuckle outward, including ball joints and brakes, are nearly identical to Chevelle components.  With the steering linkage behind the front suspension, the steering arm is reversed.  Upper and lower control arms are canted rearward, providng a trailing wheel arrangement.

The coil springs nest in the lower control arm, pass through the lower frame rail, and nest in a seat in the upper frame rail.  The shock absorbers are located inside the coil springs. The lower shock attachment is a platform type, and the upper a bayonet.

The Steering linkage is a parallel relay design, mounted to the rear of the front suspension.

by Donald H. McPherson, Charles M. Rubly, and Victor D. Valade

the Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Motor Div.

GM Corp.

YOU ARE NOT JUST BUYING PARTS – YOU ARE GETTING OUR CAMARO EXPERTISE

Tags: camaro part, camaro parts, Camaro restoration parts, 69 camaro, 1969 camaro, aftermarket camero parts, chevrolet camaro, ss, z28, rs, chevrolet, restoration, 68 camaro, chevy, 67, 69, f-body, camaro, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, gm, z-28, 350, ls1, z/28, pace car, camaro ss, 69 camaro, first generation, copo, fbody, yenko, 67 camaro, 68 camaro, musclecar 

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1967 - 1969 Camaro Parts - Four Wheel Disc Brakes (by Wayne D. Guinn) - Steve's Camaro Parts - 650-873-1890

Special intent and high intrigue make this Camaro performance option one of the most impressive on the list.

Camaro enthusiasts tend to agree, the four wheel disc brake system remains one of the most popular, impressive, and highly prized high performance options available for the first generation Camaro...

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MOST UNCOMMON.... Unlike today, in 1969, Corvette was the only mass produced American car to use four wheel disc brake technology which made the concept new and exotic. Needless to say, when the four wheel disc brake system became available on the 1969 Camaro as regular production option- RPO JL8, it was a remarkable occasion!

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SPECIAL INTENT...

Prior to its' release as a regular production option, the four wheel disc brake system was available "over the counter" through the Chevrolet parts department as a "Heavy Duty Service" option beginning March of 1968 (see Photo below).

Photo above shows service package disc brake rear axle on 1968 Camaro Z/28..

This in itself is significant, although somewhat ambiguous, the term "Heavy Duty Service" was Chevrolets catch all phrase meaning: "intended for racing". Factory production and availability of this optional equipment at the consumer level was actually a secondary consideration. Chevrolets primary objective was to develop an advanced brake technology for the PENSKE/SUNOCO TRANS-AM race team in effort  to make the Camaro a more formidable competitor on the road race circuit.

Production for the general public was actually the result of a concession made by Chevrolet to satisfy the FIA/SCCA rule which stated, that all optional equipment used on the SCCA sanctioned race cars must be made available to the public in specified quantities. Therefore, to comply with the rule and keep Chevrolet's cost down, the four wheel disc brake system became a "limited production" service option.The spin off benefit of this race bred technology was that it was now destined for the average Camaro owner, who due to a special set of circumstances would now be able to "upgrade" his 1967-68 Camaro using factory "racing" equipment. So, upgrade they did, and why not? After all, it was listed as optional service equipment, developed specifically for the Camaro, available through Chevrolet and therefore "correct" AND legal to do so... then and now, just as Chevrolet it intended it to be!

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JL8 Front system	JL8 Rear system

This 1969 Camaro Z28 shows one of the best examples of a correct and well detailed RPO JL8 system...

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OPTIONS WITHIN OPTIONS...

Until the introduction of the 1969 model, Camaro owners were limited to upgrading their brake systems by using the Heavy Duty Service Package. Things changed dramatically with advent of the 1969 Camaro and the introduction of the RPO JL8 four wheel disc brake package. The Camaro owner now had the option to order his 1969 Camaro with four wheel disc brakes (RPO JL8) installed at the factory or with base equipment and later upgrade to four wheel disc brakes using the HD Service Package.

Shown below is the "basic" HD service package disc brake rear axle housing assembly. Note the Corvette caliper adapter/park brake assembly's...

Taking it a step further... If he ordered the optional JL8 equipment on his 1969 Camaro, he then had the additional option to further upgrade the system by substituting the heavy duty rear axle from the previously released HD Service Package in place of the JL8 rear axle. The advantage in this being; the HD Service Package axle uses larger diameter axle shafts and bearings which significantly improve durability, a factor especially important in racing. Anyway you went, it was a win-win situation with this limited production performance equipment.

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JUST HOW LIMITED?....

Unfortunately, there is no official number that accurately reflects the total production figure of the Camaro Heavy Duty four wheel disc brake Service Packages. These packages were made in short "off line" batches and not well documented.

The 1969 RPO JL8 on the other hand enjoys one of the lowest production figures of all 1969 Camaro options because of its "inherent" limited production and availability during the 1969 model year. Officially, Chevrolet submitted an "arbitrary" production figure of 206 units. This figure however, may have been intentionally inflated in order to satisfy the FIA/SCCA minimum requirement when filling out registration forms for homologation of the Camaro and its optional equipment with the FIA/SCCA sanctioning committes.

1969 RPO JL8 QX Coded disc brake rear axle assembly. Code indicates this is a 3.73:1 ratio, Built May 14, 1969.

Of the assumed 206 takers, most were thought to be some where between serious road racers and the occasional amateur weekend racer who appreciated state of the art high performance components. The JL8 option was canceled 7-16-69, short of a full years run and was frequently unavailable due to infrequent batch runs of production pieces, more specifically the rear axle assemblies.

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RPO JL8 AVAILABILITY AND COST...

RPO JL8 was available on all Camaro models and was considered to be a "high dollar" option, ranging from $500.30-$623.50 depending on the model it was ordered with. The relatively high cost of the option may have been prohibitive for some and may also have been a contributing factor in keeping the total sales figure low.In contrast... Current research shows that a fully documented Camaro with the factory equipped RPO JL8 option will sell now for $10-15K over a comparable Camaro without the JL8 option!

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WORTH IT?....

A question not easily answered. However, in an attempt to find an answer, lets first understand what influences price. SUPPLY AND DEMAND! Supply we already know is extremely low and demand is extremely high. Why?.. The low production figure intrigues many collectors as do the esthetics. The presence of the four wheel discs on the early Camaro tends to have a drop dead, heart stopping effect on those who see it! Enticement may also come from the more obscure and esoteric legend and lore  associated with the race bred heritage, leading us to the more practical part of this quotient, performance!

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KILLER PERFORMANCE!....

Performance of the four wheel disc brake system is subject to and contingent upon its level of preparation. Much like the blueprinting of an engine, the careful selection of components along with their proper set up and maintenance, all have an effect on the level of performance. A properly prepared system such as Penske used in the '68 and '69 seasons were and still are extremely competitive systems capable of stopping a relatively heavy "sedan" repeatedly with out failure in extreme racing conditions.

What the four wheel disc brake system was capable of performance wise as it left Chevrolet was the subject of a few period magazine tests, two of which were, CAR LIFE, August 1969 (RPO JL8), and CAR AND DRIVER, July 1968 (HD SERVICE PACKAGE). Briefly, the four wheel disc brake system was shown to be a marked improvement over the RPO J52 (power asst. frt. disc/rear drum) not only in the area of stopping distances but also in terms of resistance to fade. It should be remembered however, that each JL8-Service package equipped car is unique having its own individual built in characteristic differences due to variances between equipment, weight and distribution factors. Therefore, brake performance will also vary between vehicles.The tests that were conducted by the magazines were light weight compared to the first "Durability and Effectiveness" test of the four wheel disc brake system conducted at Chevrolet's proving grounds.On 10-30-67, Gib Hufstader, as engineer in charge of development, requisitioned an engineering test on an all disc system he put together on a 1968 Z/28 Camaro. The system used the Corvette HD J56 calipers front and rear, no proportioning valve, dust shields, scoops or deflectors. Test conditions were pretty severe, they ran a "Sebring Schedule" requiring the driver to brake at a steady 25 FPSS on the decelerometer from 145 MPH to 45 MPH at one mile intervals for four hours!Not only did they hold up but at brake point 131 the driver notes "They seem to be the same as at the start". Again, at brake point 145 driver notes "Very easy to hold pedal, it's capable of more deceleration". Finally at brake point 299 they begin to fade slightly and at the end of four hours had completed 318 repetitive applications from 145 MPH to 45 MPH and were still capable of 25 FPSS on the decelerometer!

BRAKE SPECIFICATION COMPARATOR

CONSTITUENT:	SERVICE/JL8	'67 RPO J52
POWER ASSIST	YES	YES
FRT. ROTOR DIA. X WIDTH	11.75" X 1.25"	11" X 1"
RR. ROTOR DIA. X WIDTH	11.75" X 1.25"	N/A
RR. DRUM DIA.	N/A	9.5"
RR. LINING WIDTH	N/A	2.0"
TOTAL SWEPT AREA	461.2"	332.4"

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THE FINAL RESULT...

As it turned out, the four wheel disc brake system is recognized as being one of the largest contributing factors responsible for establishing the Camaro as the 1968 and 1969 TRANS-AM champion and forever into the hearts and minds of Camaro enthusiasts...

source: www.camaro-untoldsecrets.com

by:  Wayne D. Guinn

If you can't find what you are looking for call and ask for Steve.

YOU ARE NOT JUST BUYING PARTS – YOU ARE GETTING OUR CAMARO EXPERTISE

Tags: camaro part, camaro parts, Camaro restoration parts, 69 camaro, 1969 camaro, aftermarket camero parts, chevrolet camaro, ss, z28, rs, chevrolet, restoration, 68 camaro, chevy, 67, 69, f-body, camaro, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, gm, z-28, 350, ls1, z/28, pace car, camaro ss, 69 camaro, first generation, copo, fbody, yenko, 67 camaro, 68 camaro, musclecar 

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1967 - 1969 Camaro Parts - Little Know Fact on the 1969 COPO Camaro - Steves Camaro Parts San Bruno - 650-873-1890

1969 COPO Camaro

Chevrolet's Central Office Production Order (COPO) system was designed for fleet sales; it was intended to spec out heavy-duty suspensions for cop cars and stain-proof interiors for taxicabs. But enterprising dealers with the right connections, such as Yenko Chevrolet in Pennsylvania, figured out that Camaros could be ordered this way, too. And given the right order codes, the dealer could spec out a fire-breathing monster of a Camaro that Chevy didn't really want you to own.

The production order 9561 specified a 427 big-block V-8 rated at 425 hp—just like a Vette. But the even rarer COPO 9560 called for an all-aluminum ZL-1 427 V-8. Though this engine was rated with just 5 more hp, it was widely known that this race-spec engine delivered more like 550 hp. Only 69 ZL-1 Camaros were built, and these cars command prices in the $400,000 range at an auction

Little-Known Fact: The aluminum ZL-1 427 V-8 in the 9560 COPO Camaro is essentially a race engine. Chevy originally developed this 427 motor for the Chaparral racing team to use in the Can Am series. There are no external emblems on a ZL-1 Camaro that let you know what's under the hood—only plain-vanilla Camaro badges.

source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/vintage-speed/10-surprising-facts-about-american-muscle-cars-9#slide-10

by Ben Stewart

YOU ARE NOT JUST BUYING PARTS – YOU ARE GETTING OUR CAMARO EXPERTISE

Tags: camaro part, camaro parts, Camaro restoration parts, 69 camaro, 1969 camaro, aftermarket camero parts, chevrolet camaro, ss, z28, rs, chevrolet, restoration, 68 camaro, chevy, 67, 69, f-body, camaro, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, gm, z-28, 350, ls1, z/28, pace car, camaro ss, 69 camaro, first generation, copo, fbody, yenko, 67 camaro, 68 camaro, musclecar 

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1967 - 1969 Camaro Parts - Rally Sport Conversion Kits Available Now - Don't Miss Out - Steve's Camaro Parts - 650-873-1890

These have been on back order and are now in stock. Don't miss out. Also, check out our online store at www.stevescamaroparts.com and load the shopping cart. Call us at 800-544-4451 with the order and if it meets the above stated requirements we will ship via UPS ground to you.

67 Camaro, Rally Sport Front Conversion kit, This kit consists of the finest parts available in the marketplace today.

You will receive 2 completely assembled headlamp assemblies, 2 grille moldings(upper and lower), 1 grille(center), 2 fender bezels, 2 complete RS Front parking lamp assemblies, 1 RS Hood release , 1 RS lower valance, 2 RS fender adapter brackets, 2 headlamp motors(USA made), all needed disc and washers for headlight motors, 4 limit switches, 4 limit switch brackets and hardware needed for them , 1 circuit breaker, 1 relay board, 3 RS relays (pre-assembled), 1 RS headlamp harness, 1 diode harness

with this kit you convert you're STD fenders to RS with the adapter the best way if you have those hard to find good fitting GM fenders or if you need fenders that choice is below for you also

If you can't find what you are looking for call and ask for Steve.

YOU ARE NOT JUST BUYING PARTS – YOU ARE GETTING OUR CAMARO EXPERTISE

Tags: camaro part, camaro parts, Camaro restoration parts, 69 camaro, 1969 camaro, aftermarket camero parts, chevrolet camaro, ss, z28, rs, chevrolet, restoration, 68 camaro, chevy, 67, 69, f-body, camaro, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, gm, z-28, 350, ls1, z/28, pace car, camaro ss, 69 camaro, first generation, copo, fbody, yenko, 67 camaro, 68 camaro, musclecar 

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1967 - 1969 Camaro Parts - Underhood Details - Steves Camaro Parts San Bruno - 650-873-1890

Underhood Details

Have you seen some really good looking cars, with shiny new paint and interiors, at shows and cruise ins. But why is the hood closed? pop the hood, you instantly see why. The engine and underhood compartment look every bit of 20-30 years old. Dirt and grease, rust, faded and flaking paint. Sound familiar? Want to do something about it? You’ll have to invest in some time and work, but the results will be worth it. You’ll no longer have to keep the hood closed, as a matter of fact, you’ll proudly have that hood up, for all to see. Let’s get started.
The first order of business is to get the engine and engine compartment as clean and as free of dirt and grease as possible. A good product to use for this is some purple stuff called SuperClean, by Castrol. This product, plus a high pressure washer will really help get it clean. Now you’re ready to pull the engine to get the best results. It really is easier to do this job right if you pull the engine, but satisfactory results can be had if you take off all the accessories and leave it in
Here are the basic colors in the compartment

* frame and upper/lower control arms and upper shafts-semigloss black
* front coil springs-gloss black or natural(better detail contrast)
* firewall, inner fenders, radiator support-semigloss black
* radiator and fan-gloss black
* fan clutch-natural aluminum
* radiator shroud-natural black plastic or gloss black
* steering box-natural cast iron gray
* steering linkage-natural steel
* front sway bar-natural cast iron gray
* heater or AC housing-semigloss black
* hood hinges, latch, catch and springs- gray phosphate plated
* brackets and steel pulleys-semi gloss or gloss black(gloss gives more detail contrast)
* cast iron pulleys- natural cast iron
* master cylinder- natural cast iron(some use gloss black)
* brake booster-gold cadmium plated(master cylinder lid also)
* windshield wiper motor-gloss black
* alternator- natural aluminum
* power steering pump-gloss black
* AC compressor-semigloss black
* steering column shaft-natural steel
* horns- gloss black
* coil- gloss black
* voltage regulator-gloss black
* distributor- natural aluminum with gloss black cap
* fuel and brake lines-natural steel
UNDERCARRIAGE DETAILS
* transmission-natural aluminum
* bellhousing-natural aluminum
* transmission support- semigloss black
* driveshaft- natural steel
* rear axle-semigloss black
* rear swaybar-semigloss black
* rear coil springs-gloss black
* rear control arms-semigloss black
* gas tank-natural steel(shiny)
* gas tank straps-gloss black
* parking brake cables-natural steel
THATS IT!!!
you should be looking pretty good.

If you can't find what you are looking for call and ask for Steve.

YOU ARE NOT JUST BUYING PARTS – YOU ARE GETTING OUR CAMARO EXPERTISE

Tags: camaro part, camaro parts, Camaro restoration parts, 69 camaro, 1969 camaro, aftermarket camero parts, chevrolet camaro, ss, z28, rs, chevrolet, restoration, 68 camaro, chevy, 67, 69, f-body, camaro, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, gm, z-28, 350, ls1, z/28, pace car, camaro ss, 69 camaro, first generation, copo, fbody, yenko, 67 camaro, 68 camaro, musclecar 

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1967 - 1969 Camaro Parts - Elks Club Car Show Redwood City - Steve's Camaro Parts - 650-873-1890

A great day at the Elks Club Car Show in Redwood City - Below are some pictures of some of our Customers cars.

If you can't find what you are looking for call and ask for Steve.

YOU ARE NOT JUST BUYING PARTS – YOU ARE GETTING OUR CAMARO EXPERTISE

Tags: camaro part, camaro parts, Camaro restoration parts, 69 camaro, 1969 camaro, aftermarket camero parts, chevrolet camaro, ss, z28, rs, chevrolet, restoration, 68 camaro, chevy, 67, 69, f-body, camaro, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, gm, z-28, 350, ls1, z/28, pace car, camaro ss, 69 camaro, first generation, copo, fbody, yenko, 67 camaro, 68 camaro, musclecar 

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