I am thinking of converting my 69 front end from a standard grill/headlights to an RS set up. Any advise? Do the repro kits fit OK? Where to buy? Anyone have a complete original setup to sell?

Thanks..

Gary

 

Aftermarket parts will never fit as good as original GM parts. If you can find the major parts NOS GM, I would jump on it. They are getting very hard to find these days now and people are getting top dollar. The aftermarket parts will look just as good but you might encounter tighter fits or bolt holes not perfectly lining up, etc. Might take a little longer getting everthing together and functioning smoothly as opposed to GM parts bolting on like they belong there. Classic Industries (www.classicindustries.com) has the entire kit to order as well as Firewheel Classics (www.firewheelclassics.com) or 1-800-711-0125. I recommend Firewheel's catalog. They have the RS kit listed on pages 111 & 112 in full with pics of all parts included. The vacuum operated kit is listed at $1099.00 and the electric kit is $1295.00. Don't forget that if you want a correct RS car (original looking), the badging and tail lights/ reverse lights were also different. Hope this helps and good luck! Dan

 

Dan...really appreciate your advise. My first new car I ordered was a 69 RS coupe. Loved that look. Thanks...Gary

 

I did this conversion on my 69. I bought the vacuum kit from Rick's. Out of the MANY projects I've done to my car, this was by far the most difficult (including LS3 conversion, air ride, Baer brakes, Dana-60, etc., etc.). Unless you're going for originality, I recommend the electric kit vice vacuum. I wish I went electric. The kit didn't really come with any directions other than the 69 Camaro assembly manual. Great book overall, but not too step by step oriented instructions. As for impact, I agree with you. I absolutely LOVE the look of the hide-aways and is probably the best bang-for-the-buck visual enhancement I've done (although the wheels/air ride/brakes are right there with it but more $$$).

Derrick

 

[quote=tazinhawaii;364344]I did this conversion on my 69. I bought the vacuum kit from Rick's. Out of the MANY projects I've done to my car, this was by far the most difficult ..........Derrick.


Derrick...thanks much for your reply. Can you give me an idea of how many hours this took? Did you have to drill new holes? My body panels are original. Gary

 

[QUOTE=69 Conv;364967]It took a weekend. Probably 10-12 hours. I am still using my original non-RS fenders. The only issue with using non-RS fenders are that when you hit a bump at night, the headlights will 'vibrate' since the buckets aren't supported on the out side. I plan on going with RS fenders when i start the body work though. I did have to cut holes in the inner fender 'shelf' to allow the mechanisms to come through from underneath. Unfortunately, I didn't realize the kit came with a template to show where to cut the holes until I was done. But the kit did come with everything one would need to install the grill setup if you started out with nothing. And there were no other holes I had to drill as the car's are generally set up to accept either grills from the factory.

Derrick