So...my wife wants a 69 Camaro..., What do I need to know? Options

[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.

[Lonnie]

We went to a car show at Cabela's this weekend

The one in WV?
I was there with my 91 Firebird.

Can't help you with any advice on the Camaro build other than the always take much longer to build & cost much more than you originally think they will.

[NOT A TA]

I build cars like this for people. It's cheaper to buy one than build one usually. You can usually buy for 50-70% of what you'll spend building the same car unless you're skilled and have the time to do almost everything yourself. Then it's break even build or buy except for your labor. It takes a LOT of hours to build cars like this.

Here's the last 69 Camaro PT car I built. GM crate 383 stroker, Tremec 5 speed, 3.73 posi, DSE coilover front, Vintage air, smoothed firewall, hidden wires & plumbing, etc. etc etc.

(IMG:http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/Brads%2069%20Camaro/NewShoes_zps8309dce6.jpg)

[bubba353z]

Buy an already finished car - it's a lot cheaper than trying to build / rebuild one.

Ask me how I know..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This post has been edited by bubba353z: Sep 8 2015, 12:10 PM

[CrashTestDummy]

Buy an already finished car - it's a lot cheaper than trying to build / rebuild one.

Ask me how I know..... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

C'mon, you're missing his sig line!! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

But yeah, I suspect you'd have to start with TWO cars, the body/frame/drivetrain for the 'kit' you're going to put together, and a rusted-out/wrecked doner for all the misc parts you'll need to finish it off. And as with a race car you're building, it's not the big parts that are the problem, it's the little special nuts and bolts and electrical parts that'll be the death of 1000 cuts.

[bubba353z]

C'mon, you're missing his sig line!! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

Oh I know, Kevin and I have been friends for over 15 years now.

He's followed the 68 Chevy pickup that I've been working on for a few years now, and how far behind I am on it. By the time I'm done with it I'll have enough into it to buy a brand new pickup truck.

[CrashTestDummy]

C'mon, you're missing his sig line!! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

Oh I know, Kevin and I have been friends for over 15 years now.

He's followed the 68 Chevy pickup that I've been working on for a few years now, and how far behind I am on it. By the time I'm done with it I'll have enough into it to buy a brand new pickup truck.

Heh, like my SVO restomod project, I suspect. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[trackbird]

We went to a car show at Cabela's this weekend

The one in WV?
I was there with my 91 Firebird.

Can't help you with any advice on the Camaro build other than the always take much longer to build & cost much more than you originally think they will.

I was at the show at Cabelas in Ohio.

Looking at prices, I don't see any practical way to decide to buy a finished one. I think the cheapest thing I found with paint on it that might be decent in person was about $29K. It is probably still far cheaper than building one. But I thought I'd bounce it around.

I did find a 68 locally with a "roller 350", 5500 stall and a powerglide for about $12k. He says the body hasn't been cut for clearance. I could sell off the drag parts and look into something like that (though I'd like the 69....but so does everyone, hence the prices).

On the other hand, the president of the local Corvette club has an Atomic Orange C6 for sale for a decent price. Maybe I should unload mine and just buy it.

Yea, Bubba353z has known me a while. I sold him my engine and then bought his 92 Camaro (the Teal Terror). We've been doing this together for a long time.

[79T/A]

My father and I have done the restoration thing, specifically a 69 Camaro SS. I loved doing the restoration because it was a father/son project, but I advise everyone to buy, not build. Saves an incredible amount of money. If you decide to take on a project, buy one with the paint and body work completed. Otherwise it's going to get stuck in paint jail and it will be years before you get to enjoy it.

If you are worried about spending a big chunk of change up front, remember that a 69 Camaro is a pretty decent investment. Every year ours is worth more. Try that with a c6.

[Beach Cruiser]

I built mine, and it takes a lot of time! Luckily I know how to do everything to build one, so there was no labor costs for me outside of my time. 29K isn't a bad price for a finished car. Before the crash in 2008, they were going for twice that. I would say that if you have some skills, you may want to look for an abandoned project car that all the major fab and body work has been done on it. That way you can add your custom touches such as the Autometer gauges, and choose your paint color choice (there is a paint hell zone you need to avoid) That way in the end it will be your car, done just the way you want it.

[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

[mikedamageinc]

Kevin, your sig says it all! You're not new to this game so you know how it will turn out. If it were me, and I hope one day it will be, I'd just take out a loan to buy one already finished. Spend time driving it and sending a check to the bank every month instead of sweating, bleeding and cussing in the garage night after night. Not to mention running the credit cards up for the nickel and dime parts escalation.

As far the C6, that's a nice performance upgrade, but can't match the "soul" of a classic hot rod. I guess it depends on your purpose, ideally both would cover cruisin' and racin'!

Also, beautiful black first gen Bumpa!

[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)

[robz71lm7]

Dibs on the '69 when you sell it.

Just kidding, I'm similar in how I go from project to project. I'd buy a complete car or a mostly finished car. It will be pennies on the dollar. If you cannot afford it then wait and save money. That will also be a test to see if you still want a '69.

[BumpaD_Z28]

Im glad you understood where I was going with my comments ... I didn't mean them as rude in anyway.

~DaVe

[trackbird]

Im glad you understood where I was going with my comments ... I didn't mean them as rude in anyway.

~DaVe

Nope, not a problem. Most of you guys know that I'm a "realist". I'll call them like I see them and I'm fine with it when others do the same (it's not news....lol).

I started to drive the Corvette to work today and it had a hard miss (running on 7 cylinders) so I took it home and drove the Honda (it kills my inner child) to the office. So, I have to sort that out (I think it must have fouled a plug, it ran perfect on Friday).

I think I'm going to sort out the miss and go run it on the dyno....just for kicks.

Then.....

I think I'm going C5 shopping....

[CrashTestDummy]

Probably a burnt plug wire, not that I've seen any of those. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)

But nothing wrong with car shopping.