Hello all. I'm new to this forum. I just bought a 69 camaro and am looking for parts. I need a lot of body panels, interior parts etc. I'm looking for opinions on the best place to get parts. I've found a couple places and there seems to be a big difference in price. I want good quality parts, as close to oem as possible. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thanks....Randy

 

I am nearing the end of a fairly extensive restoration on my '68, performed by a professional shop, and my understanding is that wherever possible, they used “OER” manufactured parts. I think they buy mostly from Summit Racing or perhaps Classic Camaro. You can view the restoration in the Projects area of this forum. Parts replaced included both rear quarters, an inner rear fender on passenger side, new front fenders (inner and outer), complete pan from firewall to trunk, rear deck lid and spoiler, new bumpers front and rear, headliner, vinyl on roof, lots of dash parts, new console and gauges, new gas tank, new radiator, new heater and controls, re-man power steering, new front sub-frame with control arms top and bottom, both sides, etc. My understanding is the OER parts require a minimum of re-shaping/fitment issues, and use quality steel.

 

Thank you! I'll check check out Summit and Classic Camaro.

 

Hey 1st Gen. I actually read your post when I first signed up. That's going to be an awesome car! Unlike you I sold the 67 I had when I was in high school. Stumbled on to this 69 and bought it. It needs a lot of work but it will be a lot of fun. I plan to do most of the work myself except paint.

 

Well, Randy, if you owned a 1st gen Camaro years ago, you KNOW how fun they are. Wandering around this collection of forums, you will learn that there are a near-infinite number of ways to restore your ’69. I maintain there is no ‘right’ way as long as what you do keeps it safe and legal to drive, both for you, passengers, and the public. In my case, I chose to keep Ricky close to original, and only made a few exceptions, such as conversion to a MODERN limited slip differential, abandoning the clutches and special lube, but staying with Eaton. Mostly, my changes were made for common-sense reasons, rather than trying to create a modern vehicle with an old skin. So, for instance, Lizard Skin coating on the interior, truck bed coating underneath.

Regarding my “post”, I assume you are referring to the one in 1st Gen Projects labelled “Ricky Camaro Rebirth”. If so, be aware that this is a work in progress, and is what some might think of as overly wordy. In any event, if you subscribe to it, you will be notified of new entries, and it won’t end until I’m driving the beast, grinning and shouting “Yah-Hoo!!!” One entry you might find helpful is an attachment to entry #115, on page 12. This is a pdf file that shows a number of tasks we found necessary to get this puppy done. It’s an easy download if you want it. The price is right, in any event.

So, I’m hoping you can find the time to keep us informed in the Projects forum, as you move in a forwardly direction with your wonderful toy. We all love pictures, by the way.