Guys, as I look at dozens and dozens of Camaros for sale, a few questions come to mind. They may be stupid, but hang with me:

1. Can the hide-away headlights and black grill be added to any 67-69 model? If so (I assume yes), is it a fairly easy task?

2. Can a vinyl roof be stripped off and painted like it was never there? I seem to notice lower prices on the ones with vinyl roofs, but I'm wondering if this can be done, and is it feasible?

3. What favorite on-line site have you found where there is a fair selection of 67'-69's? I realize (from what I've found) that these sites are more expensive than local finds, but I'm continuing to search and learn.

I guess I'm running into some interesting prospects, but each (in a reasonable price range) seem to be "missing" something.

 

Yes, you can change back and forth. My 69 originally came with hideaways(still have most of it) and i switch out to a standard grille. Keep in mind that there are differences in those grille parts from 67,68,69 so make sure to do it year specific. Also, going to a hide-away is costly. One reason I didn't on mine. I am missing some pricey parts.

Yes, My 69 was originally a vinyl top. I didn't know this when I bought it, didn't care to check. It seems no different then Camaro's without it.

I never found a site that was better or worse then others. I snagged mine a rather odd way. Others may be able to lead you to a nice site or two.

I understand that. Mine was missing many things, but the price was beyond a steal, so I lived with it. Make sure to buy what you love, not what you think you'll love. Of course certain things can be changed or adjusted but if your in the hunt for a specific model(like a Z-28) then find one or you'll buy something else and always pine away for the Z..

 

After going through restorations on several cars, the best advice I can give you is buy the best car that you can afford. You rarely (almost never) get back the $$ you put into a car when you sell it. So, as the buyer, keep this in mind. Look for a car that has already had as much work done as possible. (Of course, assuming you agree with the seller's tastes.) Good luck.

 

I would agree with the other two, get what you like and can afford, but be aware of the work that it needs. A camaro is worth whatever someone will pay for it. Also, I plan on keeping mine for a very long time. When I bought it I knew what work needed to be done (mostly) and knew it would be a 3 year project (full time job, wife, kids......) so it was an easy buy for me. Why are you asking about the headlights? Are you worried you might be looking at a clone (nuthin wrong with them btw, not my style though) or wanting to make one? Either way this site is a good start for the info you will need.

 

A couple things to consider.
If you pick up a car with the standard grill and want to switch to an RS, it can be done. (I will be doing this very same thing on LOW BUDGET GARAGE. You can either piece it together slowly or buy a complete kit to change it for around $950.

When ever you are buying a used car, you are always going to be making a sacrifice. Whether it be for the color you want, the interior options, engine type, etc. You'll have a hard time finding that 'perfect' car unless you have 40-60K to spend. Don't look at it as the items that you're not getting... think of it as a foundation to build upon. The better the foundation, the less headache and trouble you will encounter. Personally I'm stuck with a junker 'cause it was a trade. But, no matter. If you have some skills in the garage than don't worry too much. I've seen guys pick up 'restored' vehicles and yet when you look closely, there's alwys more that can be done to improve it.

The most important thing is to enjoy the car. People don't buy Camaros because they want to be like everyone else. They want something special... and that's a Camaro. Especially the 1st models. These classics sell all over the world. The Camaro is one of those legendary cars that gain more respect the older they get.

So find a good deal and buy it! You can't enjoy it if you don't have one.

 

Yes ^, that's why I was asking. Thanks to everyone here for their input! Interesting about getting being able to change a vinyl roof back to just metal. Anyone willing to venture a guess on what it would cost to get it done? The reason I ask, is that I've seen a couple of Camaros I'd be interested in, but I think the vinyl roof was a poor idea to begin with. Of course, I realize that stripping it and sanding it is one thing, and then the car would have to be painted again, resulting in even higher costs....but it might be feasible if I picked one up that I hated the color to start with, but loved everyting else about it, ya know?

Those who have advised to buy as much car as I can afford with most of the work done, are probably giving me great advice....in my case. I'm not a "build it from the ground up" kinda guy. Woodworkig is my specialty, not mechanical things. Yeah, I do my own brakes, alternators, starters, etc., but once you get inside the heads...I'm lost. Totally . But yeah, I can't do body work and the like...or at least never have tried it.

I will post a few links when I get a chance, to some cars that intrigue me, but I wonder why they haven't been bought yet. And perhaps you (my new pals ) can offer advice/ideas/comments on what I show you.

 

A special thanks for going item by item, Williesrepair. And again, thanks CplThomas, JohnnyNitro, and Bass. All great info.

 

No problem. When you do get one (I am hoping for another classic to be on here) let us know, post some pictures and dont worry about it, we are here to help with any questions you might have.

 

Here's an example. I realize it's a clone, but it still appears to be underpriced compared to many others I've seen. Opinions? - http://www.cars-on-line.com/23095.html

 

Thats I very well done car, no power brakes is the pits. Its price is reasonable and what I would expect or a clone. It has some suspention problems, look at the rear photo, the exhaust pipes are at different distances from the grouns and the tires are more visible on the pass side. I should be able to see the powe steering pump, at least the lid on the drivers side infront of the head. Are these the only pictures? I would jump on it, just me though.