69 Camaro L78/L89 Engine

[Hotrodpaul]

From the CRG link it shows to be a 1969 6-cyl application. Why would they put a wire reinforcement on the 6 cylinder and not the others?

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Jeff Boone sent me some pics of an original early 69 26297 Diverter valve that had the wire reinforcement welded the same as this one, so the look could be correct. As far as finding an NOS or really nice 297 Diverter in the same condition, you are talking big $$$$, so it's not too high on the list right now. I just want to get the car completed and free up space in the garage.

I will try and collect some additional pics of BB Diverter valves to be sure.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Some additional pics, wheelhouses and wiring is done:











Paul

[Kurt S]

I've seen that wire support welded on several 69 diverter valves, including 29295. Not sure I've seen in on a BB, but I don't think it was model dependent. Maybe time dependent?

Rick,
The 68 muffler was attached with a wire clip, so you had me trying to figure out how you could see that under the muffler in those first pics!

Looks fine. Someone changed the output elbow on this part since it would have had only one hose attached to it as an L6 part. Though I am unclear on how the muffer is attached, even with those great pics. Normally it's crimped over. You can kinda see that in http://www.camaros.org/images/emissions/diverter.jpg. Oh, I think I see, it's slid inside and then swaged in place. I didn't know they changed design on the service parts.

Let me know if there are any errors in that article.

[Steve Shauger]

It appears early 69's had the reinforcement wire attached to the muffler. My 69 L34 survivor built 9B(of 68) has the wire, and I have seen several other early cars as well, so I would say it is common.

[Hotrodpaul]

Fenders are on. Original Lemans Blue paint still looks good. Merry Christmas to all...

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Paul

[Kurt S]

I've seen midyear 69's with it too.

[mockingbird812]

Hello Paul,

I like your ride. Can you feel us in on its history? Those dog dishes are terrific and LB is one of my favorite colors.

[Hotrodpaul]

The original owner purchased the car from Francis Chevrolet in St. Louis on May, 9 1969 after his 68 Model was stolen. After setting the car up for Drag Racing He blew the engine in the early 70's and the car sat for several years with 10,000 miles on the clock. In 75, his family moved to Atlanta and took the car with them. His son sent me the pic below of the car on the trailer:



He sold the car in Atlanta in 1976 to a friend at work who dropped a small block in it, then sold it a year later to the third owner. At this point the car was stored with about 12,000 miles and driven very little. Circa 1996, the third owner located a CE L-78 block (Aug 69 Casting) and put the car back to somewhat original condition. I purchased the car in September 2004 and did not know the car had the original paint and 20,000 original miles until I began disassembling the car.

The car features the original BV code rear end, M21 Muncie 4 speed, paint, interior, shifter, front shocks, etc. I have been restoring the car with correct parts and decided to use correct date 842 Aluminum heads for the restoration. The car also came with the P-O-P as shown here:



I still talk with the original owner from time to time. It has been fun so far.

Paul

[mockingbird812]

Paul,

Terrific story! The picture of the car with the kids is great. Your paint looks like it is in very nice shape after all of these years. Thanks for sharing your story. Looks like you ought to be just about ready to submit it to Bruce for the "Members Rides" section.