Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Grady and me decided to start a Members ride on his Burnished Brown 1969 COPO Camaro that some of you saw at this years Day 2 display at the MCACN. We held off sharing shots of the car until it debuted at the show. It looks like it was well received and as it has many period correct Day 2 bolt on parts, more on that later.
The car scored well enough to be awarded a "Day 2 Concours Gold award" , and the one that surprised us both was the "Platinum Pick Judges Choice Best Chevrolet" . There were other outstanding restored and judged Chevrolets that could have easily been chosen. And the real surprise to Grady was receiving The "Helen Gibb Memorial Award" presented to a outstanding participant that shows passion and enthusiasm for our hobby. That award speaks for itself when you see all the Day 2 goodies used on this build. Here is a little story from Grady on how he acquired this 69 COPO several years ago. This is a brief description of how a 1969 Burnished Brown Copo Camaro found me. In June of 2013 while attending the Solid lifter Showroom this 1969 Camaro was parked next to me. Looked at it for almost a day while sitting with the car I had brought, the more I looked the more I liked it. It really started to impress me with its originality and zero corrosion, only problem was told it had none of the original drive train. Was still drawn to the car and had a conversation with Mike and he told me I was nuts. I believe his exact words were " It's a Brown Turd" why do you want that. That did not stop me ! I believe the next day, Saturday I started talking to the owner Skip Lecates about it's availability. Yes it was available, now we get serious. At the time I owned a 1969 Nova SS396/375HP, 31,000 miles, all original drive train, mostly original paint,almost all the original paperwork and an Ammon R Smith car to boot. In short I wanted to trade the Nova for the Brown Copo. Skip was not really interested in taking the Nova in trade. I then continued to talk to him and told him that Chick Renn had expressed an interest in the Nova a year prior. He then tells me Chick is here at the show and proceeded to call him and ask if he was still interested in the Nova. I believe his words were " I will be right over". Chick had ordered the Nova when new from Ammon R Smith and very much wanted the car back. We worked out a deal between the three of us in very little time that left all happy. Now to make arrangements to make the swap. I asked Brian Henderson if we could meet at his shop and put the car on his lift. I wanted to inspect the under carriage as the car had been raced and wanted to look for damage. We arranged a date to meet that was good for everyone to do the swap. Mike came along when I went to Brian's to make the trade.......he still thought I was nuts. We get to the shop and get the car up on the lift and start looking around. Found a lot of dents from where a bottle jack had been used in the past but no major problems. Not long after we started looking it over Joe Swezey, Brian's partner said look at this it has a CX trans in it. He then says I bet it is the original trans. We start looking for the serial number with mirrors and after a while find it on the trans flange...........it is the original trans. WOW what a surprise to say the least. Made the trade even better. When we left that day I do believe all parties left happy, I know I did. Grady I will need a little time getting all the shots up on this car from when Grady got the car, through the restoration and assembly, and detailed shots of the day 2 mods. We are still waiting for the sun to come out here in NE Ohio to get some better outside shots of the car, the Burnished Brown is a hard one to shoot, looks almost black on a cloudy day. Mike The car as received with Rallys, then Cragers, and then some square tube traction bars https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...camaro_001.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...camaro_008.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ragars_010.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...ragars_008.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...grady_copo.jpg Our first plan on this car was to not paint the car but put it on the rotisserie and detail the floor pans and take car of some bottle jack damage. And that is what we did. Previous owners had applied undercoating to everything that was a bitch to get off, but it really protected the finish. This PA car @ around 21,000 was 100% corrosion free with a perfect OE interior with a carpet replacement at one time. We elected not to remove the front or rear glass as it was near perfect and wanted to save the factory sealant dam, and the original dash texture is awesome. I also did not remove the headliner and elected to work around it, that was a PITA but it worked. Now about the original paint on this car, what was remaining was good, problem was it was only about 60%. The front fenders and right door, trunk lid and spoiler, and part of the left quarter panel had been re painted and much of it was flaking off and the color match was to dark. Plus the lower quarters had a textured guard sprayed on them. It was even talked about re shooting those areas with lacquer, and finally we both agreed that there just was not enough OE paint to save and the restoration began. A few shots along the way. |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Its amazing what a set of wheels will do on a car.. Love it!!
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
I restore cars for a living so I obviously am into concours restored muscle cars. However, it is certainly a nice change of pace to see something Day II'd for a change especially this car. The mods that were added were perfect and really set the car off. Really brings me (us) back to our roots. Thanks for doing it the way you did Grady (and Mike [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] ).
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
I may be in the minority, but I love BB and the Camaro looks amazing. So you did a full repaint on the exterior of the car? Just wanted to make sure I understood. The shot with those Cragars and Lakewoods is sick. What size rear wheels and tires?
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Thanks Mikey and Grady for documenting this terrific beast in the "Members Rides" section! This will be a blast to see the behind the scenes build of this bad boy. Bring it on!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
More resto shots, it will take me awhile to get all the shots up.
The born with CX trans covered in rattle can black, most came off with a small wire brush. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6039.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscf6042.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-dscf6621.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscf6096.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscf6098.jpg Most all the sheet metal was 37th wk https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6258.jpg One large spoiler rod [img]https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2974-53052-box dscf6501.jpg[/img] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscf6086.jpg Super clean no pitting and no media blasting https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6078.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6113.jpg Drive shaft marks https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6199.jpg More later |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
what does the "H" stand for in "H37" on the sheet metal?
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Mikeeeee - CSI detective!!
well done! |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
that same 42 would be on the gas tank as well!
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Great work Mike the car came out great are looking for another project [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mockingbird812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what does the "H" stand for in "H37" on the sheet metal? </div></div>
The stamping plant |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
The core support was like NOS, you can also see a "37" week stamp https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscf6260.jpg OE trunk rubber splice offset https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscf6194.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-dscf6257.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6268.jpg I did not remove any of the original seam sealer, it was perfect https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscf6276.jpg Late car torx striker bolt https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6280.jpg Orange sub frame inspection mark found https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6283.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscf6295.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscf6299.jpg How is this for a clean door https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6301.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscf6306.jpg |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Real nice Mike! Very nice job and great pictures!
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Beautiful car in one of my favorite colors on a 69 Camaro!
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
I saw this car when Skip had it and liked it a lot. Love the square bars and Cragars! (Dash pad too!!!)
Couldn't make it to the show, so PLEASE stop teasing and show some more pictures! |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
BRAVO!
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Again.....as I have said, the Camaro is in Great hands with Grady and Mike [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif[/img]
Dan |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DW31S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I saw this car when Skip had it and liked it a lot. Love the square bars and Cragars! (Dash pad too!!!)
Couldn't make it to the show, so PLEASE stop teasing and show some more pictures! </div></div> OK, there coming..... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Grady, it was a pleasure getting to meet you at the show and seeing the car in person. It's a beauty and very impressive. Congratulations on the awards. They are well deserved.
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
More resto stuff, evaporust, and RMP
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6284.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscf6286.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6314.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6316.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscf6324.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscf6325.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6340.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscf6341.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscf6343.jpg The drive shaft had no pitting and was fairly easy to clean up, we did not like the over polished look so I cleared it with some flattened PPG clear coat to give it a new metal look. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-dscf6365.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6378.jpg |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Man....not sure what is more outstanding.....the car or the men behind it! Yeah, the men behind it! Awesome work Mike!!!
Cheers [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
This black is PPG DP90LF black, finished in flattened black lacquer, I still like the look you get with this. On this build on some of the suspension parts and misc. brackets I have also used some PPG 2060 flex and flat clear over black base coat. It can be blended with other PPG clear to adjust the finish.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6386.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6389.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...f6401_copy.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6374.jpg Floor pans with DP90 and some polyester primer as needed https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscf6384.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-dscf6421.jpg On to the car https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6332.jpg PPG DP40 epoxy https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6335.jpg PPG DP40, reduced to flow, final gray https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscf6427.jpg Lacquer blackout https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6429.jpg Over spray detail, clear mixed with BB base coat, you not supposed to do that but it works [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscf6432.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6552.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscf6558.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6557.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6556.jpg |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
WOW Mike - your work is the best! Also impressed with the body on that car to start with.
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
All I can say is wow... What nice work. It must have been nice starting with such clean parts. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
More body paint, first shot Burnished Brown PPG DBC base coat
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscf6446.jpg Clear coat shots, and my helper 3yrs, and he goes to cruise in's with PaPa Mike, it's the best [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6487.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscf6455.jpg [img]https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6441.jpg[/img https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscf6461.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscf6459.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscf6456.jpg More later today Thanks Mike |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Very nice detailed work & Camaro.You just don't see enough of this color today,anywhere.
Was Skip aware it was a COPO before he sold it to Grady,or was that discovered afterwards? ..and where did the "By Grady" emblem come from? |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
I absolutely love that color, and the body on that thing looked amazing even before you started.
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Please keep ‘em coming!
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Stunning Mike. Attention to detail Shipmate! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Mike,
I especially like the attention to photographing the unrestored original details before any work was done. Some people just dive into a project without documenting that history but you "get it". Verne [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Ah Hah! It IS case sensitive!! (despite what it says) |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Beautiful car Grady. I just hope that you plan to use it some!
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr70</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very nice detailed work & Camaro.You just don't see enough of this color today,anywhere.
Was Skip aware it was a COPO before he sold it to Grady,or was that discovered afterwards? ..and where did the "By Grady" emblem come from? </div></div> Yes, he new, the surprise was discovering it had the born with CX trans, Skip was told the trans had been replaced ?? And it was painted ugmo black too. The Grady emblem was discovered my Phil "Woj" on ebay and he gave Grady a heads up. He bought it and had it chrome plated. That drew allot of attention at the show. Mike |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Burchy and Mike.......a #1 combo.
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Hay Sammy
Wait till you see all the photo's of the day 2 stuff, not a cookie cutter car this time. And you need to start going to MCACN.. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
OK some more boring photo's, the day 2 stuff and the finished shots are coming, so far I have only had two melt downs posting these pictures.... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif[/img]
I am drinking now so I should be good to go.. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img] Cut and buff, I have been using PPG 2042 clear, it's fast and does not stay open long, I paint in a garage, that way bug's can land soon after shooting and not get stuck to bad. Then sand 1000, 1500, 2000, and 3M Trizact 3000 wet with a DA. Polish with 3M # 1,2, and 3. 3m and PPG, they have all our money [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img] https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6469.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...8-dscf6482.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...9-dscf6495.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...0-dscf6497.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6504.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscf6508.jpg Perfect born with trim, just touched up the black with lacquer and a airbrush. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscf6530.jpg Cal Custom 12 bolt cover, NOS https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6547.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscf6548.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...1-dscf6565.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...2-dscf6569.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...3-dscf6571.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...4-dscf6573.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...5-dscf6580.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...6-dscf6583.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...7-dscf6577.jpg |
Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
Killer Mike, Killer! Needed my sun glasses to look at that hood.
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
As Borat would say: "Very, very nice"
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
You do great work Mike.What color red is the Lakewood roll Barr thanks
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Re: Grady Burch's Day 2 COPO Camaro
We matched it to the paint that was still on the roll bar. The guy had a couple quarts of acrylic enamel that were mixed for a customer and not ever picked up. It was close, and after some tinting he made me a pint. So I do not have a formula to share.
Mike |
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