I've been thinking lately about trying to find myself a project '69 Camaro to fix up and restore and such, and I've been seriously looking around, even though I won't be able to afford it for a good long while yet.

I've got a few questions now before I go jumping off the deep end, though.

I've got a few baselines in mind- I won't be able to afford to spend much more than $4000 on the car itself- gotta have money left over to spend on fixing it, right? For that price I can expect something at least half decent, right?

What about these?

Obviously I'd want to avoid anything with a load of rust on it- are there any other serious things I should look out for while I'm still looking around? Things that might be unfixable or extremely difficult to repair or replace? Obviously I don't want to be getting something like this, wheer I'd basically be paying for a VIN number :P

For certain I want a convertible.

And since Chevrolet didn't make 1st-gen Z/28 convertibles, I've been wondering about putting in the bigger engine of a Z/28 and badging for it and calling it a Z/28 convertible (except for insurance and such >.&gt I've never done that extensive of work before, but if I could pull it off... and, assuming I could, any idea how that would affect the value of the completed car?

Heh, and don't get me wrong, I still love my IROC, but the 1st-gen appeal has been growing on me a lot lately- to the point where I want to jump and get started now, even though I can't. :P

Edit: Additionally, if anyone knows of a good place to be going to get parts, something either local (Edmonton, AB) or that'll ship outside of the USA... The only place I know of at the time being is http://davidt.com >.>

 

Since someone has to start the reply chain I'll let you know that the Z2/8's in 1st Gens actually had a smaller 302 engine thant the other available 327/350/396/and 427's.

 

don't mean to burst your dream ,, but a 69 camaro for $4000.00 and No Rust ,, no way brother unless you have a relative that's going to give you a deal like that ,,or you find someone that has just woken up from a coma for the last 39 years,, but keep trying to find that great deal and good luck

[IMG]local://upfiles/6679/34FE9EBDAB994F3BA74C421EF39D015C.jpg[/IMG]

 

Haha, well, let's ignore price for awhile then. It's still a ways into the future yet anyways. >.>

SS396- I doubt I could afford to put a ZL-1 engine in :P But perhaps one of the options in-between would be good to go for- I've got time to look around first, in any case.

What about these "Crate" Camaros I've heard about?
http://www.hotrod.com/projectbuild/h...ies/index.html

I figure I'd want my finished project to look something like this, only with black racing stripes.

 

Parts here http://www.firstgen.com/
Not really sure what your question is. You can pretty much build a complete car new in a 69 Rag top

Those bodys start around 13K add about another 7K and you have a untitled rolling chassie. Expect about 15K more for some street worthy ride.

As for finding one to restore the Vin tags for 69rag topsare bringing 5K. Restorable shells about $7500. One without rust,,, well I am not sure I have seen one without rust but I would imagine that would be real close to the 20K area.

 

If I were to buy one of those bodies- it doesn't come with a VIN number, does it? Which makes it more or less useless, unless I'm somehow mistaken.

 

You are correct. At this time you need a valid VIN plate to license one of the bodies. We are a dealer for DII and believe me, we have been trying to find a loophole to exploit to produce "new" Camaros. Maybe in some states it may be possible but if you did GM would probably catch wind of it and step in. Also, these are not kit cars for the budget minded. You have to think of all the small parts you will need. It adds up. Complete interiors are not cheap either.

It sound as if you have the patience for a project that may take time. So, buy what you can, fix when you can afford it always keeping your goal in mind.

 

If anyone could build a "new" Camaro and actually use it on the streets, that'd kill the value of them, wouldn't you think? :P Everybody would have one.

Ah well, I'll keep looking around for awhile yet and look into buying when I can actually start working on it.

Thanks, eh?

 

Check out the following:

http://www.volocars.com/1969-chevrolet-camaro--c-322.htm

It is a 69 Camaro built with all new parts and Titled as a 2007.

 

Let me just say...To build any 1st gen convertible (either original or kit) and do it right, will put you way over $40,000...I wish you luck