The Willomet Charger

[ClassicStyle]

I’m running 285’s on the front of a 69 Camaro, clearanced at the subframe, narrowed the track width 2.25”, and that’s a 285! Hah

Looks awesome, making a car square and getting a 305 to turn is no easy task. But damn does it pay off.

 

[AgDieseler]

I’m running 285’s on the front of a 69 Camaro, clearanced at the subframe, narrowed the track width 2.25”, and that’s a 285! Hah

Looks awesome, making a car square and getting a 305 to turn is no easy task. But damn does it pay off.

It will be a chore for sure, but I’m down.

I’ll definitely have to rebuild the inner fender brace, and it’s possible (likely) the frame and k-member will have to be notched for clearance. Minimum backspacing with the fender off should set how much (if any) the fender opening might need to be flared. The swaybar end links will almost certainly need to be fabricated to clear.

Bonus: I basically just got the next few days off - my work laptop crashed, and I had to mail it in to get fixed. Shop time!

David

 

[ClassicStyle]

Wheel size makes a big difference as well. Stepping up to a 18” did wonders on my clearance.

A straight sway bar would help too, Fab up some arms that provide some additional clearance.
I know Detroit speed puts them in their subframes, I’m sure one could be source from them.

 

[ashman]

Love the look of a fat tire up front. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

You are WAY above my abilities at the moment, but I do want to build a classic muscle car some day myself.

 

[AgDieseler]

I’m thinking the same way on the swaybar. The Magnum Force stuff is designed to clear factory stuff, but they leave plenty of room for you to build your own bar and end links. DSE and Chris Alston have good catalogs to pick and choose from.

I’m glad to hear 18s were an improvement. I went to 19s to fully clear Wilwood’s largest brake combination, so that should help.

David

 

[AgDieseler]

Love the look of a fat tire up front. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

You are WAY above my abilities at the moment, but I do want to build a classic muscle car some day myself.

Thanks! I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time making junk two and three times. Lots of opportunities to do it the wrong way helped me figure out the right one.

David

 

[ClassicStyle]

I always forget about magnum force.

But it’s Pretty rare I have a mopar in the shop.

 

[kgblazerfive]

and after all that work...... the tire still looks small, but it is on a very biggggg car........

 

[skunked]

Bonus: I basically just got the next few days off - my work laptop crashed, and I had to mail it in to get fixed. Shop time!
David

Luuuuuuuucky, I wish I could use this excuse

and that rubber just looks mean as hell under the Charger

 

[Bent77]

Has the “Murder Charger” look which I like

 

[AgDieseler]

Since I’m free for the afternoon, I went ahead and trimmed the lower rear fender to match the rocker.

So, here’s the full look at how the tire actually fits.










Square the chassis first, then fit the arms and a hub and steering, then we’ll see where the tires hit.

David

 

[acm]

Looking good David.

Love the "Never"last stool

 

[AgDieseler]

Love the "Never"last stool

I've repaired that thing a few times.

Today was all about rocker repair. Loads of boogered up steel.

16ga is pushing the capacity of my little tin bender.








@ashman - I had to build this twice. There’s almost always a tuition pile.

David

 

[ashman]

Lol, always good to point out the failures now and then. Sometimes when all we post is the good stuff it looks like nothing ever goes wrong and can be discouraging for new guys.

 

[AgDieseler]

More rust repair.





I’ll get a few more photos of how I modified this transition - slice, bang on it, weld.


I use a rubber mallet and a couple of 2x4s to pound it into the general shape, and gently planish with the high crown and heel dolly to smooth.




I’ve got nearly a full day in the shop tomorrow; uninterrupted.

David

 

[AgDieseler]

Rust repair is a massive time suck.

Before:


After:


Don’t you worry. There’s plenty of meth-head booty fab still to fix.

David

 

[AJMBLAZER]

So help the bodywork terrified...how does it go from top to bottom?

 

[campfire]

So help the bodywork terrified...how does it go from top to bottom?

Magic.

 

[AgDieseler]

This patch is a bit more intricate than the others.




One more piece to fab, weld, and blend.

David

 

[The Butcher]

I have nothing productive to add, just wanted to say this is a way cool project with attention to detail and patience that is way beyond my ability. I've enjoyed following along!