[trackbird]

We went to a car show at Cabela's this weekend and my wife fell in love with a 69 Camaro with Autometer gauges and a houndstooth interior. It had black valve covers and very "non flashy" engine bits. She really liked the car and decided that it might be a cool car to have. Sadly, prices are fairly insane. I know that Dynacorn makes a reproduction body, but I'm not sure that's the right answer. Oddly, her father has a friend who has been storing one in a climate controlled garage for about 15 years for "someday". Apparently he's been playing with bikes and such and dad thinks he might possibly sell the car (no clue on price or anything).

I don't know that anything will come from it and I'm not actually sure I can afford to put one together. But I figured I'd ask for general information about such a project (who has parts, etc). I'd likely do more of a restomod/pro touring setup if I were to do it. I guess I have a complete C4 suspension in my garage (attached to a C4). I have a nice small block and the EFI kit that I could move over (though LSx power might be a cheaper way to go).

I've always wanted one, but I suspect it will turn into a never ending project (buying one that's "done" is too crazy expensive) and a huge pile of cash that should have gone into a house with a larger garage....but I thought I'd start a conversation to see what I might learn.

[BumpaD_Z28]

I don't know you personaly, but I have seen a Teal 3rd gen project and a C4 project on this board never reach their "full potential"

That said this took 7 years: (first couple were paying off the initial purchase, and gathering parts)

(IMG:http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/BumpaD_Z28/Camaro%20RS/SAM_2555.jpg)

This was purchased 06/2013, and finally a roller again as of last weekend : (drove it until 11/2013)

(IMG:http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/BumpaD_Z28/1978%20Z28/IMG_1845.jpg)

(IMG:http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/BumpaD_Z28/1978%20Z28/leescarshow.jpg)

The only way I can even begin to afford this "hobby" is to do 98% of the work myself, which takes more time and dedication than I'd like to admit (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

So yes a 30-40k outlay for a "finished" car is A LOT ... BUT the enjoyment of changing small things (interior, gauges, wheels / tires, stereo. etc.) while enjoying the car, might save you many sleepless nights (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

~DaVe

[trackbird]

I don't know you personaly, but I have seen a Teal 3rd gen project and a C4 project on this board never reach their "full potential"

~DaVe

Yup. I have automotive ADD. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I decided I couldn't afford track time in the 3rd gen to really enjoy it at the time (I built it as I was getting divorced...or maybe the car helped? Then my new wife hated the teal car since it wasn't friendly for street use with the cage and no AC...that helped prompt the switch to the Corvette). So I bought the C4 to put the engine in (since I have too much money in it anyway) and enjoy a street car. C4's are a pain in the ass....lol. Speaking of which, I should go update that thread. I'm actually still working on it and I've been driving it to work.

I don't think I have the time or energy to build a '69. And with plans of house shopping and the new Silverado, I don't see me buying a completed one (they are being listed for nominally $30-100k).

The '69 fixes part of what I hate about the C4....computer integration. I'm running dual computers in that car right now (but the cruise control still works, even with the FAST system). I much preferred wiring the teal Camaro from scratch and that's more of what I'd get with an older chassis.

Maybe I should consider something like that '68 instead...

Here's the listing (if somebody runs off and buys it, it saves me from myself).

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5145759359.html

The only way I can even begin to afford this "hobby" is to do 98% of the work myself, which takes more time and dedication than I'd like to admit (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Same here. So....when I run out of time, interest or cash...I tend to get rid of them. I can't afford to pay a shop to build a car for me. I sure wish I could. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)