Project Car: 1969 Camaro Overhaul

One of the current projects in the HzEmall shop is a classic 1969 Camaro RS. We're re-doing almost every aspect of the car from the wiring to the upholstery, adding air ride, and dropping in an LS2/6 speed motor/tranny conversion. It's going to be quite an overhaul, but when it's finally complete, it will be well worth it. Here's our victim:

We'll have some better pics for you when the job is done!

Center Console
When we got the car it had a GTO console in it, but I can’t even really begin to describe how poorly it was installed...it wasn't pretty. Anyways, it had to be fixed, so we added it to the list.

Here's the before (and yes, that is carpet wrapped around the front, and yes it looked like he trimmed it with a sawzall).

Make sure to check out the rest of the build after the jump. You won't be disappointed!

in the forums!

Video: DonkeyLabs Car Alarm Will NOT Be Ignored (NSFW)

One problem I have with today's car alarm systems is the siren. The sounds emitted from today's sirens are such a common sound that nobody really pays attention when one goes off. With previous alarm systems of my own, I'd combine sirens from different alarm systems in order to individualize the sound and possibly bring greater attention to my car. Now don't get me wrong, if an alarm is going off people are curious and will more than likely look to see what's going on, but in order to really grab attention to your car and scare away a thief, I recommend you try something a little different. Maybe the Orgasmo from DonkeyLabs is right up your alley? Much along the lines of the Trunk Monkey, it's another vehicle safety and security device that probably won't make it to production, but definitely would work to deter theft!

Warning: NSFW!! If you must watch this at work, put on headphones or turn the sound off at 30 seconds!

Touch-n-Drive: The Starter Kill from the Future

To help deter car theft, manufacturers in both the aftermarket and in the OEMs have come up with all kinds of creative theft deterrents - from standard starter kill relays, to chips embedded in keys, to GPS tracking and telemetry. The "starter kill" is one of the oldest forms of car security, using a basic SPDT relay to interrupt the power to the starter until something tells it to re-establish the circuit. However, the new Touch-n-Drive from Spetrotec puts a new twist on an old need, using biometric data to interface with an alarms system, or it can be used solo as a hi-tech starter kill.
The Touch-n-Drive mounts on the dash via a swivel mounting bracket, and features a green and red status LED. The unit can store up to 10 fingerprints in memory,... (Continued and more pics after the jump)

What do you guys think?

in the forums!

Thumbs Up: DSE Electric RS Headlight Kit

If you own an old school Camaro with an OEM vacuum headlight door kit system, then you know how troublesome the original equipment can be, and it will have to replaced in it's lifetime. Now, if you'r e doing a full restoration then you probably want your project to remain as original as possible, but if you're not, then every Camaro owner should check out this kit.
DSE (Detroit Speed & Engineering) makes this motorized headlight door kit for the 68/69 Camaro's with the vacuum-operated headlight door system. This kit replaces the vacuum motors with new electric motors making this a hassle-free, more reliable system. It was easy to install and includes very detailed instructions. The kit is extremely well built and should present years of hassle-free operation. We recently used one on our 69 Camaro project here at the shop and we give it a big thumbs up.

Check out a quick video of the headlight kit in action after the jump!

Directed Introduces New Responder LE System

The new Responder LE alarm systems from Directed Electronics are the latest addition to Directed's line of alarm and remote starts. The data-enabled alarm systems use Directed's new dockable XPRESSKIT XK400N programmable vehicle interface, which simplifies and reduces installation time. The Responder LE also features up to 2000' range and the remote start system is compatible with manual transmissions. But the coolest part of these new systems has to be the completely redesigned alarm remotes.
These are the thinnest remotes ever produced by Directed for any of their alarm brands. The design is very ergonomic, has a soft touch surface, and weigh next to nothing. Te remotes also feature "GhostLight LED's" hidden in the bezels that magically illuminate to confirm commands. LEDs are also embedded along the sides of the remotes to indicate the the temperature of your interior while remote started, that way you know when your car has reached the perfect interior temperature.

Check out pics of the Responder LE remotes for Clifford, Viper, and Python after the jump.