Pictured: My sons and I.
The Sterling Camaro Project originally started in 1967. My stepfather purchased the car new, it had a 327 engine, A/C, a 12 bolt rear end and was referred to as the "poor man's Z28." He invited me to California, where he was living at that time, and gave me the Camaro.
With Camaro in my hands, and not very educated on classic cars yet, I decided to paint the car, put a 350 engine in place of the 327 and modify the suspension. The Camaro remained like this for many years until I gave it to my son, Sterling. To say this car was important to him would be a massive understatement.
Sterling went through dozens of magazines, multiple phone calls to manufacturers and distributors, online searches, and any other way he could find information to determine wheels and tires and removed the entire interior. The interior was the original Granada Gold and he wanted black. I honestly do not know how many hours he spent working on the car, he was very mechanically gifted and I believe just enjoyed being immersed working on the Camaro.
Unfortunately, the Camaro was only a part of Sterling's life and sadly, he died from suicide on 9/1/04. My heart still hurts as I write this.
The Camaro sat in the garage for more than 15 years, until my son Jake, Sterling's younger brother, came to me and said, "We have to finish the Camaro for Sterling." I knew it was the right thing to do, so we have embarked on a journey that continues to grow and change and has brought me here today, writing this in hopes of trying to help those who battle mental illness, depression, suicidal thoughts and/or are survivors of suicide.
Somewhere in this process, I realized I could actually say the word "suicide." For so many years, that word or just the reference to it felt like a dagger to my heart.
The goal of completing the Camaro in a way that truly honors Sterling is as important as ever. With the pandemic increasing the anxiety and depression people are experiencing, we hope to reach as many people as possible to stop the stigma, raise awareness, educate, and help those that are impacted by mental illness and depression find the resources they need and get the help they deserve.
Project Progress:
- The project has now grown into a complete frame off, the car has been sandblasted and all body parts epoxy coated.
- Full Roadstershop SPEC chassis with all the upgrades - purchased and arrived.
- Baer 6 piston XTR calipers either 14 or 15 inch rotors, depending on wheel choice, also Baer master cylinder.
- Tremec T56 Magnum transmission, clutch and other components are not yet determined. Considering Bowler Stage 2.
- Engine choice is not yet locked in, we are looking at a Golan Engine and Wegner Automotive. The goal is 800 plus HP either LS or LT platform non-turbo, most likely a supercharger of some type.
- Wheels will be Forgeline, and tires not yet determined. We are thinking either 18 or 19 inch wheels, depending on achieving the look and performance we are after. Front tire possibly 315, rear tire pretty sure 345-335. Open wheel to show the cool brakes!
- Paint and bodywork to be meticulously done by Borne Customs, high attention to the details, hoping to make this car stand out at the shows!
- There are many more items to be selected as we proceed, A/C, hinges, mirrors, door handles, seats, interior, engine compartment sheet metal and design, gauges, engine management system, etc. The goal is to create a unique high-quality build that will speak for itself, which is no easy task, considering all of the great Camaro builds that have been completed in the past.
