Round Camaro Tail Light Conversion 1970-73 on a 1974-1981 Camaro Welding in Patch Panels

[@125southernnh2]

The 2nd gen F-Body remains, to this day, as one of the most stunning designs GM ever released.

[@3Wheels1Block]

I agree 😎

[@MikeTait-og5di]

Yes it is! Best looking design by far, I own 3 79 Camaros ! Love ‘em

[@3Wheels1Block]

I agree 💯

[@TheDaninator]

Nice work! Finally back to looking like a proper car in the back.

[@3Wheels1Block]

Thank you, we are getting it back together 👍🏾

[@EfurdGarage]

round lights do look better then those later 3 color looking lights

[@3Wheels1Block]

I agree

[@rudyflores9395]

Killer work sir with killer work toys standing for the next video .

[@3Wheels1Block]

Thank you Rudy! Good to see you in the comment section💪🏾.

[@superbadgasser]

That lift helps out a lot!

[@3Wheels1Block]

Most definitely one of the best investments I have made in the shop. I am very blessed to have been able to find it when I did.

[@jasoncardoza6375]

There’s three versions of the rear spoilers on second gens. The 74 up version (side pieces) don’t look good 73 and older quarters imho. It drives me crazy 😂. Cars going to look great keep it up 👍

[@3Wheels1Block]

Thanks for the feedback, there are videos of the finished product and I think you will like it, it's not 70-73 or 74-81, it's completely custom 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4avnX1madeZl68si=_8kW9m9YenDcTrVK

[@Multi-Skill-Bill]

Looks like you are getting there man. Keep at it. One day at a time.

[@3Wheels1Block]

We are making progress 😃

[@davidhalfacre7220]

Needs some led halos in the clusters 🙂 Still debating whether to chop up a set of Insignia rear lights and turn them full led my own way 🤔

[@3Wheels1Block]

That is a really cool idea!

[@KurtClark]

Fantastic! It's really impressive watching how a welder can transform metal like art. Thanks for sharing!

[@3Wheels1Block]

Thanks, I appreciate it and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@connievoigt3228]

your honesty is refreshing, you could have edited out your mistake. I like your style :>)

[@3Wheels1Block]

Thanks, I like to keep it real. Life is full of challenges and it is good to know you aren't alone in your struggles. I always hope to help someone along the way.👍🏾

[@BackyardGarage1]

Lots of work but so worth it.

[@3Wheels1Block]

This is a good amount of fabrication this way, but I agree it is worth (the look)

[@validcore]

What is the benefit of going flush with the spoiler?

[@3Wheels1Block]

In this case it was just to do something different. As far as benefits it just smooths the body lines.

[@GarySmith-pg3mr]

Looking good

[@3Wheels1Block]

Thanks G 💪🏾

[@vflrockytop]

What did you do inside the trunk as far as extending the frame and trunk pan? That's where I'm kind of held of on my plans.

[@3Wheels1Block]

I used everything that was existing, I cut the old tail light buckets off flush with the bottom of the floor to allow room for the round tail light buckets to install, which take up a lot more room. I will try and post a video of that section soon.

[@atlurker8037]

Are you going to attempt the back window as well? Dead giveaway if you don't replace it too. It won't look right if you don't swap it out as well.

[@3Wheels1Block]

No rear window swap on this one. The goal was not to clone a 70-73, this is a fun street car, just building it period correct, parts that would would have been able to find back in the day. (Not that full quarters weren't available). The car already had people arguing over what year is was with the 74-77 tail lights on the rear and 70-73 upper/lower valance in front. 😅

[@barnabyjones5161]

Are you filling in the rectangular rear marker light cutouts? If so, why?

[@3Wheels1Block]

Yes, I did weld in the location where the rear side marker lights went. That was a choice of the owner.

[@barnabyjones5161]

@@3Wheels1Block fair enough. A bold but dangerous choice, unless he's never gonna be caught out in the rain or in the dark. I just bought a full set of those lights, they're fairly inexpensive.

[@3Wheels1Block]

@@barnabyjones5161 more classic car are hit in daylight statistically 😅. He's a Corvette guy the C2s didn't have it and it wasn't later that the C3s did. I guess since he had the same one for almost 40 years he's confident at dodging people 🤷🏾‍♂️.

[@barnabyjones5161]

@@3Wheels1Block well yeah but his camaro had it. It makes no sense, but more power to him i guess lol. He at least gets a high-five for not being another mindless, generic "LS swap" guy. Nothing is sacred anymore it seems.

[@3Wheels1Block]

@@barnabyjones5161 there was more fabrication required in removing the old trunk floor, which also comes right through the location of this light, hence it being moved up to wrapping around the rear quarter with the tail lights in all that later models. 78-81 & 82-92 & 93-02. This car will be very much period correct when it is done. SBC with a dual carb tunnel ram, 4 speed Muncie, posi trac rear, all the goodies from back in the day, it should be a head turner. The LS is the new small block, I have fought it for years, but they are now cheaper to rebuild and cheaper as far as horsepower per dollar spend, even if you start with a junk yard engine. However, the one thing they do not have it that old school counter balanced v8 rumble that the small blocks and big blocks do. That sound will only remain as long as we keep the old schools on that road 👍🏾

[@00giftOfgame00]

Are you using flux core wire on the panels?

[@3Wheels1Block]

Yes, this is flux core, I'm trying to finish up my old supply before I switch over.

[@00giftOfgame00]

@@3Wheels1Block a local body shop stated there was no way flux core could be used on body panels. Do you recall what wire size wire you used? Or speed/ heat of your welder? Thanks!

[@3Wheels1Block]

@@00giftOfgame00 I'm not sure why they would say that. Flux core has been around for years. I used .035, some people use .030 either works. Temperature and speed is something you need to adjust accordingly to the panels you are welding. @lakesideautobody has some more detailed videos, I will see if I can link one. 👍🏾

[@3Wheels1Block]

@@00giftOfgame00 here is a video from Lakeside AutoBody kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmmak2SuoayinNk

[@00giftOfgame00]

@@3Wheels1Block they said it was impossible, because of burn through. I guess I’ll practice on some scrap metal to get the speed/heat dialed. Thanks for the advice and video recommendation! Really enjoying your vids. Subscribed!

[@kelvincs]

I need this done.. For hire?

[@3Wheels1Block]

We can make it happen. Send me an email at [e-mail]

[@alishasmith3916]

were also doing the swaps in south alabama we do the back window swap also

[@3Wheels1Block]

@@alishasmith3916 that's awesome! I am glad to see others out there making it happen.

[@pmd7771969]

Why too hard for most to do

[@3Wheels1Block]

Definitely not for the faint at heart 😅