Late Model Camaro

[thirdgearspeedshop]

Hey guys, I just started this project. It will be a late model dirt track Camaro that ran around 80-81. I remember watching these as a kid (I'm the little guy in the photos). I'm using a vacu-formed body from Ron Coon and will be using a modified AMT NASCAR frame. stay tuned for more updates.

   

[Hondo]

Gonna be cool for sure.
Let me know if you need more Freddy Smith/dirt late model reference pics. Freddy was my dirt track hero from my days in Carolina.
Nice photos......

[thirdgearspeedshop]

Gonna be cool for sure.
Let me know if you need more Freddy Smith/dirt late model reference pics. Freddy was my dirt track hero from my days in Carolina.
Nice photos......

I have collected alot of photos but I'll take all the reference pics I can get. I would love to see what you've got. I wasn't going to do a replica build but I do want it to be correct for this era.

[Hondo]

The pic you posted of Freddy's new looking car....... was that Gaffney, SC opening day, Feb of 1981 or 1982?
If so, I was at both opening day races those years. I went to many races with Freddy and his family in those days.
Here's a few for you from the early '80s that I've taken...........


1981 West Atlanta Speedway, GA


1982 Eldora Speedway - Rossburg, OH


1980 Summerville, SC


1981 Lavonia, GA


1980 Volusia County Speedway, FL

[thirdgearspeedshop]

Thanks for posting the cool pics! I remember watching Buck Simmons in that red 41 also. The photos I posted were at Anderson SC when it was dirt. It's paved now.

[Hondo]

I remember seeing Leon Archer win a 100 lap race at Anderson along about this time.
So dusty, couldn't see much after the 3rd lap.......... they ran 100 laps, no cautions.

Looking forward to your progress on this one, TGSS.

[thirdgearspeedshop]

I remember seeing Leon Archer win a 100 lap race at Anderson along about this time.
So dusty, couldn't see much after the 3rd lap.......... they ran 100 laps, no cautions.

Looking forward to your progress on this one, TGSS.

Yes, I remember watching Archer's maroon and gold 222 at Anderson

[Hondo]

NDRA Concord, NC - 1979

[Brian Conn]

  Hondo, those are some absolutely great pictures!  I have added them to my reference picture collection......thanks for sharing!

[thirdgearspeedshop]

That's the Leon Archer car I remember watching. Someone should make decals for those NDRA guys.

[thirdgearspeedshop]

My original plan was to use a modified AMT NASCAR frame but after playing around with it, it just wasn't working with the quick change and leaf spring set up I wanted to use so I decided to combine the front clip of the AMT NASCAR kit with the back half of a Dart/Duster kit car. The rear end and leaf springs come with the kit car so things fit up nicely. I fabricated a rear bumper, body mounting points and front crash bar just behind the front spoiler. Lot's more to come.

         

[Bob P.]

Looking good, keep us posted.

Bob

[TarheelRick]

Good looking start on this Camaro.  Is it going to be curbside or are you going to cut the hood open?

[thirdgearspeedshop]

Good looking start on this Camaro.  Is it going to be curbside or are you going to cut the hood open?

I will be cutting the hood open and fully wire/plumb the engine, brakes, etc.

[Brian Conn]

  Great choice on making the decision to go with NASCAR/Chrysler Kit Car combo on the frame....don't hesitate on mixing and matching frames with this generation of dirt Late Models.....seen quite a bit of different and unique designs mid to late '70s thru the early 80's.
  The other night I was eye balling using the frame, roll cage and interior w/ 180 headers from the AMT/ERTL Pontiac GTO Super Stocker with a '71 Mustang for a dirt Late Model....with the adjustable wheel base I'm able to get the correct wheel base needed and with the frame being a generic type, I could create something plausible from the mid to late 70's.
  Your stuff is looking good....real good.