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’78 Chevy Camaro Steel Bumper Conversion typography
Part 5: Trim and Wrapup
BY All Chevy Performance Staff
W

e are back for our final installment with Craig Hopkins and Wesley Kennedy of The Installation Center and this Auto Metal Direct (AMD) second-gen Camaro conversion. In the September issue we covered converting the front end of this ’78 Camaro into the ’71-73 steel bumper version.

We removed the entire front end and everything bolted right up without any heavy modifications. From the hood and fenders to the grille and bumper, we showed you just how easy this is.

Our go-to restoration parts supplier, AMD, has everything you need to do this conversion. With top-quality parts, this project can easily be done in your home garage.

In the final segment, we’ll get the bumper and a few other final pieces installed to top off our second-gen sheetmetal conversion. If you missed anything along the way, you can always purchase back issues or find the articles online at allchevyperformance.com.

mechanic test fits the bumper
1. We test-fitted the bumper when the panels were set up prior to welding, so installation should be a breeze.
close view of a bolt securing the bumper to the brackets
2. Wesley Kennedy lines up the bumper and secures it using all-new fasteners to the brackets.
view of an all-new flip-down tag bracket and hardware before installation
close view of the all-new flip-down tag bracket installed
3-4. An all-new flip-down tag bracket and hardware is installed in the tail panel.
mechanic uses a drill with the help of an access hole
5. The tag bracket comes with access holes, making installation a little easier.
mechanic uses a drill with the help of an access hole
6. The iconic taillights make this conversion. The taillights come complete from Auto Metal Direct (AMD) with lenses, trim rings, seals, and housing all together.
inside view of the taillights in place
mechanic lines up the taillight housing from inside the trunk
7-8. Craig Hopkins lines up the taillight housing with the studs that come on the taillight bracket with the new AMD tail panel.
mechanic uses 18-inch locking C-clamps to get the seals in the tail panel without damaging either piece
9. Hopkins knows all the tricks of the trade. Using these 18-inch locking C-clamps he can apply just the right amount of pressure to get the seals in the tail panel without damaging either piece.
mechanic uses 18-inch locking C-clamps to get the seals in the tail panel without damaging either piece
10. The same technique is applied to the driver side taillight. Be sure to use something to protect the finish on the tail panel like Hopkins’ tape-covered paint stir stick.
three quarter view of the rear end
11. Just like that the rear end is trimmed out and really looking like that iconic second-gen we always wanted.
close view of a headlight housing
12. To finish out the front, Hopkins previously installed the headlight adjuster hardware and trim ring insert, speeding up the headlight bucket install.
close up of the retainer spring hook
13. When installing the headlight bucket, make sure the retainer spring hooks to the bucket in the provisioned slot.
the headlight bucket in place with the two headlight adjuster screws
14. Maneuver the headlight bucket into position with the two headlight adjuster screws, starting with the top adjuster then moving to the side.
the headlight housing with the headlight bucket and the 7-inch halogen bulb installed
15. With the bucket secure, install the 7-inch halogen bulbs with the new headlight retaining ring. The parts line right up; having the new AMD hardware is a smart choice.
the headlight bezel is installed utilizing three Phillips head screws
16. With a little adjustment on the headlight to get it centered, the headlight bezel is installed utilizing three Phillips head screws.
view of the other headlight completely installed
17. The process is repeated on the opposite side.
full view of an installed 18-inch American Racing Draft wheel at the rear
18. A beautiful set of 18-inch American Racing Draft wheels are added to give this conversion just a little something extra running a 265/40R18 out back …
full view of a 235/40R18 tire installed in the front
19. … and a set of 235/40R18 tires up front.
three quarter view of the ’78 Camaro parked indoors
20. With some know-how from Hopkins and his crew at The Installation Center, a few parts from AMD, some straightforward modifications, and a lowering kit, this ’78 Camaro is well on its way to being a showstopping, steel-bumper car.
Auto Metal Direct
(833) 404-4777
autometaldirect.com
The Installation Center
(706) 348-6653
amdinstallation.com
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