Jeff Lilly
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Build Tips

Camaro Front Mock Up #1

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like the overall style that G.M. did on the 69 front end but I have always felt it had too large of a grille opening for such a small bodied car. As seen I am going to extend the original curved fender shape approximately 2.5 inches longer while retaining the same contour.

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Two of the main reasons for extending the fender is to allow placement of the head lights deeper in to the grille opening to eliminate the "marty feldman" bulging eye light surrounds for a deep set aggressive look.

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I ran a 1/8th mock up wire around the perimeter with the same 2.5 inch extension to give me a 3D look.

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For mock up purposes the center and outer grille sections were cut and moved together. This allowed me to retain the original G.M. head light while greatly reducing the trim cover size around the perimeter of the sealed beam.

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Look at the factory grille opening on the passenger side, 9 inches tall, compared to the revised 7.5 inch tall driver side. Tighter is meaner looking. In my " humble" opinion of course!

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I will also be implementing a smooth front bumper with no restrictions to the fender and lower valance panel.

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The black sharpie marker line is where we will angle our new valance panel. I want a free flowing splash pan up front.

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This angle shows the mock up of the wrap around front bumper to scale.

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By extending the fender the grille set back is now seven inches deep.

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The original passenger side set back shows 6 inches in depth.

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Factory inset on the bottom is just a hair over 3 5/8

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New inset on the driver side mock up is at 6 inches, a major difference.

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Take a closer look and you will see that I extended the hood 3.5 inches. The stock hood was shorter then it needed to be in its factory form especially when using the cowl hood and this allows a shorter header panel which is cleaner looking. Eventually the header and drain cowl panel will be welded to the fenders for a "Corvette " style front clip.

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The factory lower valance does not flow with the new bumper style. We have it marked where we propose to cut it.

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As seen she is going on a diet and looking a bit slimmer.

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This angle shows how the stock valance sticks out past the flow of the mock up bumper which is not in keeping with my design so a bit more slicing is in order.

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With it trimmed back it allows me to see how it will flow when we build the metal panels.

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Angle view shows a clean looking front end.

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Photographed, measured and documented. We now have a complete plan to build it in metal.

Jeff Lilly Restorations

11125 FM 1560 N San Antonio, TX 78023

210-695-5151 - FACILITY TOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Mon- Fri 8:00 - 5:00

The look, feel and sound, you've seen it finished in your minds eye a thousand times. The years go by, as time slips away with the old enemy "procrastination". If it is time to get it done, contact us today to get your machine rolling down the road in style. Please take the time to read the Cost / Faq section by clicking HERE This section will help inform you about the car building process to help you make your best decisions.

Thank You! To contact us with your questions call 210-695-5151 and to send photos or information about your project email us by clicking here.

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