Fantom Works ZL1 clone

[Dave Rifkin]

Just watched the final episode of Fantom Works where Dan and his crew built a 1969 Camaro ZL1 clone for a client. Apparently Dan had two ZL1 motors, one of which he wasn't willing to part with. The other he sold to the client for use in this clone.

I wonder if it was a motor out of one of the original ZL1 cars or if it was an over the counter motor. Car looked pretty nice when it was done. Supposedly built to look like the #68 ZL1.

[markinnaples]

That was the last episode for Fantom Works as the series is over. I think he had some legal issues with the shop as well as some legal issues with a charity he set up for modifying muscle cars for disabled vets.

[McCune]

https://www.fantomworks.com/14385/why-drs-quit/

[Dave Rifkin]

Originally Posted by McCune

https://www.fantomworks.com/14385/why-drs-quit/

That's very sad to read that he's in such debt as a result of filming that show. While I didn't always agree with how some of the owners wanted their cars built (Cobra with missile in the nose) it was obvious that Dan and his team truly cared about the work they turned out.

Back to the original reason for the post; does anyone know if the ZL1 engine used for that tribute car was from one of the original 69 or was it an over the counter motor?

[William]

I have also been a fan of the show and will miss it. Sad that it ended badly for Dan and his shop.

As for the #68 ZL1 clone, remember they inherited it as a roller needing to be finished. The interior shots where they are trying to get the shifter aligned show that it was built from a ’69 Firebird body; the dash is completely different. They had trouble with the shifter because they used a standard trans cross-member, probably furnished by the customer. Trans is dated P8E02 and partial VIN was 18A; had a fine-spline input. I’ll stop here.

As for the engine, the casting sequence number appears to be in the 200s, beyond the range for production ZL1 Camaros. It could have been originally sold as a bare block or an assembly.

[KevinW]

And of course the air cleaner seal was upside down :sigh: the Clone looked pretty though!

[Burd]

Just more fakes.

[markjohnson]

That now makes TWO clones of the #68 car (cough . . . cough).

[wheelhop]

It looked like when they changed out the starter during the show, they installed a smaller
"mini" starter that in now way was correct. Also noticed one piece rotors, car probably should have had 2-piece rotors.

[1971ls6]

So the good blue felpro pan gasket came stock on these beer can motor’s