.:: Sealer and Primer ::.
Video courtesy of WrenchList






.:: Paint and Graphics ::.
Video courtesy of WrenchList

Project American Heroes rough and raw material as delivered to Bill Jelinek of ROUTE 66 MOTORSPORTS for this year's build is a 1969 Camaro that was an original Lemans Blue car. Delivered April 9th, we have 118 days to complete the car for its official unveiling at the Super Chevy Show in Joliet IL!!

Preparing for a complete media blasting, the Camaro is stripped to the bare minimum. To meet out 118 day build schedule the team at ROUTE 66 MOTORSPORTS put wrenches to iron and this point in 2 days.

This is the real starting point as the car is delivered back from IMPERIAL BLASTING at ROUTE 66 MOTORSPORTS. This is day 11 of the build!

The CLASSIC INDUSTRIES complete quarter panels were used to correct our body where time and neglect had taken their toll. ROUTE 66 MOTORSPORTS trial fit found them to be no trial at all as fitment was perfect. Superior strength of these panels is important when we unleash the LS- 427 power plant, but that is a few days away.

Nick Jelinek, one of the key members of the Team at ROUTE 66 MOTORSPORTS, gives the project a push forward with the addition of the door hinges.

Russ has been hard at work applying his skills to the Camaro.  Block sanding continues on the roof of the car.

DA is used to knock down the filler.

Project American Heroes Camaro is RED! A custom mix Red was supplied by PPG with outstanding finish prioerties. Prior to adding the graphics inside the strip, the main body portion was rolled outside Route 66 Motorsports for a look.

With the paint work and color buffing process completed, the Detroit Speed and Engineering subframe and rear suspension were bolted back in place. Now as a "roller" the real fun can begin!

Bringing down the road noise and heat is important for driver's comfort in Project American Heroes. Thermo-Tec brand "COOL IT" has been installed throughout the trunk.

The Painless Performance wiring harness as it is about to being installation. This is our power to the part for which nothing would work without. The complete system provides everything necessary from front to back.

Door weather-stripping is next. Again Classic Industries has every product needed and goes on easy with correct fit.

Matt Duque is called up for duty to install these incredible Baer 6 P, as in six piston, brakes with fourteen inch calipers.

Jason John slips the Ididit steering column into place for spectacular looks and adjustability.

Dave and Harold Vos ready the headliner bows for the installation of the Classic Industries OER headliner and sun visors.

Starting line ceremony at the Joliet Illinois Super Chevy Show of the unveiling of Project American Heroes. Thousands in the grandstands cheered as they witnessed this first ever project car unveiling at such a show.

With the California Car Cover removed the breath-taking beauty of the Project American Heroes Camaro is exposed for all to see. Patricia Driscoll of the Armed Forces Foundation was the first official passenger in the Camaro as it cruised along side the track.

Project American Heroes Camaro was on display for the balance of the weekend in the Route 66 Motorsports booth. The crowds never diminished as the Camaro was an absolute hit with every Super Chevy Show attendee.

The only time that Project American Heroes was not being over run with on-lookers was during a brief rain on Saturday afternoon. Even then this car is just plain beautiful.

Project American Heroes went on the following weekend on behalf of battery supplier OPTIMA to the Goodguys Show in Wisconsin. There not only were the crowds just as big but it also won an award for the "Best Ride On Intro Wheels" as voted by attendees.

This was one rough body and while solid had previously experienced a "slam-patch" job on the quarter panels. We immediately began dissecting all unwanted sheet metal.

IMPERIAL BLASTING donated their time and effort to Project American Heroes. This gives us the perfect sheet metal starting point for the resurrection of a once proud and mighty Camaro.

Project American Heroes plan called for the addition of DETROIT SPEED AND ENGINEERING's mini-tubs for '69 Camaro application. These are a MUST for the planned "big skins" out back. Great fitting product even before the welder was fired up.

With quarter panels in place and the new CLASSIC INDUSTRIES trunk lid bolted on, Project American Heroes Camaro is starting to take shape and head for paint.

Another member of the ROUTE 66 MOTORSPORTS and Project American Heroes Team is Kevin Rock. After re-skinning both doors with CLASSIC INDUSTRIES provided new sheet metal he hangs the doors for fitment. Body seam aligned and gaps equal gets the Camaro closer to the paint booth.

For block sanding purposes, the car receives a skim coat of filler.  Even after hours of block sanding, low points are still evident, like this low spot on the "C" pillar that receives additional attention.

Though the tail panel is brand new, and of outstanding quality, it still receives the same treatment of skim coat and blocking.

Route 66 Motorsports owner Bill Jelinek stands by Project American Heroes 2.  Jelinek has Camaro's hanging all over the shop, including a killer 1971 Z28 that is nearing completion.

The addition of the graphics in the form of the American Flag inside the stripe brings life and purpose to the overall paint scheme that was selected in our voting process. Again the PPG products provided absolutely stunning artwork.

Before the Team at Route 66 Motorsports took the car back in for the upcoming heavy duty wrenching needed to complete our Camaro in the 35 days left. Here from front to back are- Bill Jelinek, Nick Jelinek, Jason John, Kevin Rock, and Matt Duque in what may be the last time they see sunlight for a month to get us completed!

Adding to convenience items to the build is Electric Life Power Window Systems and Accessories products. The electric door lock cylinder is connected to its linkage prior to completion of installation.

Window weather-stripping from Classic Industries goes into place for a tight seal between the side glass and the roof. Wonder if it is 165 MPH proof, because this is one Camaro that will fly?

Bill steps in applies a little color to the dash. PPG satin finish black is the perfect foundation to the soon to come interior panels.

The future owner of Project American Heroes 2 will cruise in complete comfort largely due the Vintage Air unit that is about to be installed.

Dave Vos of Vos Upholstery in Lansing, Illinois is seen installing the headliner in our Camaro.

Project American Heroes Camaro is completed! In only 118 days it has gone from a hulk of a Camaro to this beautiful example of automotive performance thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Route 66 Motorsports Team of professionals and over 40 supporting aftermarket product suppliers.

From the side the fantastic flag graphics can be seen inside the quarter panel stripe. PPG paint allowed for these artistic touches to show through with unprecedented shine and luster. The quality of Classic Industries body panels provided for flawless reconstruction and design enhancement such as the unique hood.

The rear view shows off Project American Heroes graceful view and the only one that any competition will see. The Marquez Design taillights compliment the overall look and great vehicle stance by Detroit Speed & Engineering suspension components and Intro Wheels with B.F. Goodrich tires.

Under the hood pounds the heart of the beast in the form of a LS7 (427 cu in) built by Turnkey Engine Supply. From the starting block from GMMG loaded with Lunati rotating assembly and Comp Cams valve train to the RHS heads and Weiand manifold this is truly a "street beast" of beauty.

The interior of Project American Heroes is fitted with gorgeous appointments and comfort. Classic Industries provided the interior panels and Scat ProCar bolstered seats. Covan's Classic Dash gives full updates of engine performance on AutoMeter gauges in their unique panel insert. From the TCI Shifter and Intro steering wheel to Lokar pedals, everything is performance orientated while the carparts.com JVC sound systems provides for miles of smiles.