Dutchboys Hotrods takes a ’69 Camaro from Classic Cruiser to a Modern Muscle Machine Contender
Congratulations to Michael Chastain for being named a Finalist for the Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year with his 1969 Camaro built by Dutchboys Hotrods.
While the snowball effect is not a formal scientific term, it is a common condition that afflicts many automotive enthusiasts, especially when “a few upgrades” project morphs quickly into a complete vehicle rebirth. Case in point is Michael Chastain’s stunning 1969 Camaro.
This all-too-common automotive affliction hit Michael Chastain when he brought a relatively solid ’69 Camaro to Dutchboys Hotrods to take the previous owner’s version and convert it into his own dream car – a high-performance driver that would be equally at home at a car show, a road course, or the highway.
Step one in the performance plan was the use of a Detroit Speed front and rear suspension packages, as well as a GearFX rearend that houses 3.50 gears and 15-inch Baer 6S disc brakes on all four corners. Forgeline wheels (19×10-inches in front, 19×12.5-inches in the rear) hold 265/55 and 345/30 Michelin Sport Cup tires.
Michael’s desire for potent and modern power comes from a 900-horsepower Katech 376c.i. LT5 V8 topped by a custom lid on the Magnuson supercharger, LME valve covers, and a GM accessory drive system. Detroit Speed produced the headers that feed a custom 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system that uses Borla mufflers. A Bowler-built T-56 six-speed transmission moves the power through to the rearend.
Dutchboys performed the body modifications and applied the BASF Roso Red paint. Major metal upgrades included a custom front valance and spoiler, rear spoiler and diffuser, and hand-formed ground effects along the rocker panels. The carbon fiber cowl-induction hood includes functional air vents, and the windshield and back glass are flush fit. Front and rear bumpers are tucked tight, reshaped, and painted to match the body color, while black accents are found on the windshield wipers, door handles, and Ringbrothers carbon fiber side mirrors.
The red and black theme continues in the Avant Garde Design interior that blends passenger comfort and safety with performance needs. A Detroit Speed dash hosts Speed Hut gauges. A custom console separates Recaro Sportster seats. Avant Garde Design created and 3D-printed interior components like the door panels, console, and its insert. The black interior fabrics feature red stitching and inserts, including the red threadwork on the black steering wheel. Cooling come from a Vintage Air system, while American Autowire provided the electrical management system. Interior handles and pedal are courtesy of Clayton Manufacturing.
After a “few upgrades” and considerably more creative work from front to rear, Michael’s 1969 Camaro is ready to take on anything from car shows and cruise nights to AutoCross laps and road trips. Sounds like a great all-around performer to us! 
Photos: Damon Lee
