hello all. im new to muscle cars and wanted to ask how much would it cost to do a TOTAL restoration on a 69 camaro, rusted out, straight 6. the car has been sitting for 5 years. i want to redo everything in it. all the panels, doors, buy a 454 or other engine new, interior, pretty much a brand new 1969 camaroredo. the guy is selling for 2k. how much would it cost?

 

your definetly looking at 10's of thousands for a frame off resto. for example a new 454 ho 7500a new tranny5 speed? 2500and a rear end set up 3000-5000for the car would easily set you back10-15 thousand for starters,and thats purchase price.then you will have to put it in or PAY someone else to do it. You have to be comitted to spend whatever it takes before you even start.Body work alone could be from what you have described the car to be More expensive then the drive train.on top of all that then you have a car with a 6 cyclinder vin on it you would never get back what you put into it.Now on the other hand if the six banger that is in it is original to the car you would be better off restoreing it to original condition if the entire drivetrain is original definetly go this route IMHO.

 

35K minimum. 5K motor, 1k trans, 1K rear, 2k interior, 15-18 ext. sheetmetal, 5k paint, 5k for the little things.

 

It all depends on what you want and what your skill level is. You want a laser straight ride with all new GM steel? That 454 you want could be anywhere from 6K to 20K.How much of the work can you handle? Iam guessing if you are asking you do not have the knowledge to do most of the work yourself so I would guessabove 35K might be light. 7K for aNEW completeBB drive line sounds low. The rest of the numbers look pretty close.

A good hobbiest that does his own work and does not require "New"and is ok with rebuilt could get away with 15K and 1500 hours of work. Either way its a big project.

 

your 69 looks pretty good to me from the pics, doesnt look like you would need much done to it

 

These guys are right.
It will cost major bucks to do a good restore. Of course, that's not what you're looking for is it? The modifications you listed do not describe a restore but rather a rebuild.

Automotive Skills = Less money and a ton of time
No skill = A ton of money and less of your time

Think about it completely. Check prices online and add it up. It could go anywhere from 20 - 45 grand.
It's a definite commitment.

 

WHAT Pic's ? I dont even see a link

 

very expensive YES - very satisfying without a dought

 

The devil is in the details...
The problem you run into is, you buy a built 454 for 6 grand, and just throw it in, then you relalize you need a BB radiator: $500, ignition, distributor, wires, plugs: $500, carb: $500. Misc electrical wiring and hoses: $100, starter: $200, water pump, belts pulleys, $1000. etc, etc. etc. So that budget of 6k that you used on just the engine is now almost 9 grand, and as mentioned, thats if you do it all yourself.
Long story short, when you see someone advertise a budget for there are lots of hidden details in there.
The good news. You joined the right forum where I have found that everyone will truly help you out and give you honest answers!

 

WOW!!!I would have never guess it would cost that much.I was thinking around 15 max. NowI am deffinately not gonna get this car. However, do you guys know where i could find i nice starter car where i wont loose any money and wont have to spend as much to get it back to a prestine condition? i dont want a car that has already been restored. thank you all for the info.



sorry everyone i would post pics but every time i try it says file too large. how big can the file be?