Howdy,
Probably about time I said hello! Name's Lee, and I live just outside Belfast. Last year I dove into the deep end and bought my "lifer" car (In-fact if I asked my 13 year old self to draw my dream car it would be it, down to the steering wheel); a 69 Camaro for my 30th birthday - EvilZee.
Had a bit of a woopsie on the way home; after getting off the boat in Belfast, I was eager to get home and show it off. However, I didn't take the time to warm up or check the oil. Needless to say the oil ran out going up a fairly steep hill which runs for the best part of 3 miles causing fairly substantial damage to Piston 1, the connecting rod, and crank shaft - the bearing was blown to bits and pumped through the engine. Further damage was caused to piston 2 and its connecting rod. With a lot of help from others I had to pull out the engine, and it was stripped down, bathed, had a crank shaft regrind [it just about survived] and sourced replacement pistons, connecting rods, bearings, rings, and High Vol+Pres oil pump. Rebuilt with new gaskets, and a few extra mods to suit myself.
I got the car running 2 weeks ago and its been going very well so far. It failed the MOT due to an imbalance in the rear brakes on Friday past, but with the car sitting for a year with no use, I'm hoping its just a piston in the brake drum seized up or easy fix which Ill get sorted in the next few weeks depending on parts required.
Its been a journey in itself, and despite the initial "oh bollox" when there has been an issue, I've enjoyed it all. I have definitely got to know the car better!
Also if anyone has a 1969 Camaro Standard black grille + light bezels they are looking to move on let me know, or know of a good reproduction alternative. Zee currently has an RS Grille which I will keep, but a standard grille would suit better for MOT in future.
) now
Welcome new owner of Evilzee. .. Good you got the engine sorted..