"La Rosa" '70 Camaro with an Italian Heart

[carl63_99]

I posted the first test fit in Mockups.  Since the Aventador is awaiting a few items, I've started on my next project. This is the AMT 1970 Z28 but she's gonna have a Lamborghini V12 stuff in the engine bay. I also will be going slightly more custom, Corvette IRS, shaved marker lights and integrated bumpers. I haven't settled on wheel/tire combo just yet.

[ksnow]

This looks sweet. I will definitely be following.

[espo]

Interesting engine choice. 

[T-Ray]

Funny thing is that General Motors themselves had a similar thought process. Except in that case, it was a Firebird with a Ferrari V12 stuffed into it. The Pontiac Pegasus, something I still find hard to believe was made. 

[beeRS]

Cool idea!  I’m looking forward to seeing this one come together. 
 

I just googled Pontiac Pegasus. I had no idea of the existence of such a car. Wow. 

[NOBLNG]

Great ambition here. It will be interesting to see how it goes.👍😎

[carl63_99]

Wheel and tire choices... So many and yet not sure if anything speaks to me. One pic here shows 5 slot mag wheel on front and American racing rims on the back. Both strong possibilities for the classic look. But, with a Lambo V12, maybe not so classic would be better? I am leaning toward the second one, late generation Corvette one, will show off disk brakes nicely.  Then some other choices below.

[dino246gt]

I think more modern larger diameter wheels with big disc brakes and calipers will suit the Lambo theme more.

If you want to keep it somewhat "vintage" Lambo looking, the old Countach or Miura wheels would look great.

[Bainford]

I was also thinking of Campagnolos from a Miura.  

[dino246gt]

On 5/5/2025 at 1:19 PM, Bainford said:

I was also thinking of Campagnolos from a Miura.  

Those would look awesome!

 

[carl63_99]

As I have several Lamborghini's on my shelf, and spare rims lying around. I tested these options and none of them look as good as a set of Corvette rims I have. Going with that for now.

[carl63_99]

My new motto is, "Where there's a drill, there's a way!"

Sit and look at your project long enough, the modification will reveal itself. So now this 1970 1/2 Camaro has T top roof. Just a little more sanding and fine tuning and this mod will be done.

[carl63_99]

Okay, fine! Lambo wheels it shall be!  I had this set of wheels from the Aoshima Huracan, hoping someday to use them on something. Yielding to pressure, I searched and found low-profile tires that fit them. Didn't know I had 'em, dunno where they came from. But, this will be rolling stock for this project. Now to dig up some good brakes.

[carl63_99]

Brakes came in the other day and man they look sweet!  Got the ride height set already. By flipping the rotors backwards I can easily mount them and the rims on the axles. Also working on subframe connectors.

[carl63_99]

Engine work progresses. Going really slow because I will need all the room I can make when it comes to hooking up the accessories and intake. Speaking of intake, custom ribbing and adjusted intakes are evident.

[carl63_99]

It's been a long, busy summer, but when I had the chance I've been sanding and priming the body to smooth out the side marker lights and mold lines. Yesterday I got some spray painting done on a few parts. I need to go shopping to get the body paints and will probably be doing that in the next week or so. 

In these pics, air intake, center console, and dash are ready for detail painting. Door cards need some sealer before I can do detail painting on them. 

[carl63_99]

Work, family and other endevours continue to distract me. However, I was able to make progress on the rear window. Since this is a 70 1/2 Camaro, the rear window didn't come down the sides. One mod I made was to cut it down so it looks more like later models. The problem is that I then have to create a new rear window to fit. I am NOT paying $100 for a later year just to get the rear glass, so I'm making a mold so I can make my own glass.

First step after getting the body all nice and clean was to make a mold of the window. Because I am going with modern flush mount glass, i.e. no window frame, the mold is done smooth to the body. I used some 2x4s to make a stand to set the clay mold on. When the clay is dry, 2-4 days, I will sand it down smooth, test fit and adjust, then superglue it to the stand. When I make the window, I will heat some clear plastic and stretch it over the mold slowly and carefully so I get a good, clear window. then it's cut and sand the edges to make it fit.

Then, I may be ready for paint.

[Kanada Kustoms]

Nice looking build... Great engine choice and theme for the build!