2020 PPG Street Machine of the Year Finalist – Tim Wheeler’s 1969 Camaro
Like a lot of car enthusiasts, Tim Wheeler has always wanted a ’69 Camaro. When he found this one, it was a typical work in progress, one that Tim initially envisioned finishing as a basic restomod cruiser before he met Steve Cook of Steve Cook Creations. “I met Steve and five years later, this is what we finished with – what we think is the coolest ’69 around,” Tim says.
The transition began with Detroit Speed front and rear suspensions tied together with subframe connectors and employing JRi coil-overs and big-inch Baer disc brakes, all working together to plant the 19×10- and 20×12-inch Forgeline wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber.
A Don Hardy-built LS3 was employed for power and uses Holley EFI, Borla exhaust, a Billet Specialties accessory drive system, and a Tremec five-speed.
Steve Cook and Alan Childers worked their magic on the body, with modified bumpers, flush-fit glass, carbon fiber hood, cowl, splitter, spoiler, and side skirts, plus an incredible billet grille. Candy red Axalta paint and nickel plating enhance the lines. Gabe Lopez-stitched gray leather and suede upholstery and Dakota Digital instruments highlight the many custom mods inside.
The result is indeed one of the coolest ’69s around – a Great 8 contender for the 2020 Ridler Award, and now a Street Machine of the Year finalist, too.
