Hi,
I recently acquired a 1969 Camaro RS with a matching numbers 327 engine. Has 51,000 original miles from the original owners daughter. I know BARN FIND is thrown around a lot but this is a true BF only it was sitting in the original owners garage for a long time. I Have all documentation, owners manual and protecto plate. This was not hacked up and is 100% original. Has front fender rust and rear 1/4 rust. Trunk pan is solid as are the floors.
So my question is this.
Is it better to keep original or Resto Mod the car. Kind of looking for opinions and why
Thanks
JP

 

It is up to you but I would recommend keeping on the original parts and don't cut up anything. I still have my complete manual steering unit. I could put it back on in an hour. I plan on upgrading my brakes. I will keep the entire drum unit.

Your not going to get a super fast car with just Boltons but you can do a lot.

 

Well put what Gorn said. Sounds like an early production RS with the 327 2 barrel base engine. I have a 69 Camaro that I have owned for 32 years. At first I restored it then I started modifying it BUT kept the original parts. Enjoy that car either way!

 

Thanks for the input, So would you suggest not replacing the front fenders and just having the rusted areas repaired ?

From what I can tell from the VIN it was the 140th 69 Camaro built at the Norwood plant the first or second week in Sept 68

 

It would depend on the condition of the fenders. Body work has improved to the point when its done right it is a true 100% repair.

 

I would hate to see a low mile documented original car be molested myself, they are just so few and far between these days.
Having a 50K mile original numbers matching '69 Camaro is a pretty special thing, with a good resto it would fetch good money too.
There's plenty of other far from original cars out there ripe for a resto-mod.

 

I wouldn't buy a numbers matching /fully documented car and then modify it. I had a numbers matching 69 SS 396 Chevelle about 10 years ago. One of the worst buys I've made. I don't like keeping them stock and I hated not being able to change the car and I was afraid of damaging the engine when I horsed around with it. That's why I will never own another original car.

 

JMO, I would keep her original as they are original once and you have the birth certificate - POP
If possible, repair existing fenders because of date code and nothing matches original fender line other than an used fender.
New fenders today are too rounded and droopy eyed at the headlamp opening.
I would look for used fender and patch in bottom of fender below the body line.

But, she is YOUR Camaro to do as you wish, and I respect your ownership.
Enjoy your new journey with her. make a build log whatever you with her, it's worth the reference material later in life. We cannot remember, 'Over 40 Thing'