I'm going into the Marine Corp soon and I'm going in for 4 years. What I would like to do is find a 68 or 69 Camaro to restore when I get out. I'm in no hurry obviously so I'm goinna wait tell I find the one I want but I want to know what to look for. Heres what I want.

-Manuel transmission
-I dont need the original motor or anything like that, but if I find one with the original one I wouldn't mind as long as its a larger engine.
-I would prefer is its not running so I can get it cheaper and then send the engine to one of those places where the the complete restore. I want to do this car right.
-I dont know much about restoring or even cars in general, my plan is to do as much as the work as I can on my own and hire a professional to do the work I cant do.

I just dont know where to start. I want the car to not be in a restored condition when I get it so I can put in it what I want, sense I'm not planning on re-selling the car.

This is similar to what I want when i'm done
#1

 

If you want it cheap, there will be a lot of work. I bought mine in pieces, as the previous owner wanted to restore it (and was experienced at it) but no longer wanted it. In order to find these kinds of deals, you usually need to know someone. So whatever you do, or wherever you go try to find the guys/gals that have or want a classic car. Ask them if you can give them a hand and learn.

Thank you for serving. God bless you and keep you.

 

Hey brother thanks for serving, just tell us the following:

What year?
How much you want to spend?

We are all pretty good judges of project cars and prices, so we can just post link here so you can look at them.

Semper Fi

 

I would prefer a 69 Camaro but I honestly like all of them. I'm not a big fan of the RS I just like a plain round lights w/o the shutter that hides them or the one with the 3 slots. I also want just a plain hard top, not the vinyl or a soft top.

A better example of what I want when I'm done is this

I like that paint scheme but instead of blue I would paint it a dark green and have the racing stripes painted black. For the rims I would love to have theses kind rims (The ones on the front) I know these type of rims drive a lot of you Camaro guys crazy but I really like the look.


I really want this car to look good, I don't need the Camaro to have the max amount of HP. I know some people like to inch out every last amount of hp the can I want my Camaro to be strong obviously and defently want it to sound nice, but I would prefer to spend more money on looks because I'm not planning on racing it or anything.

From what I see I think around $20,000 would be a fair amount to expect to spend on the car if I do as much as the work I can on my own. However I plan on taking a mechanics course while I'm in the corp and also a welding class, I really enjoy learning about these types of things and if I do I think I could save a lot of money. But I want to do this car right so I'm not gonna cut any corners that would ruin the integrity of the car. When I want something as bad as I want this Camaro I got no problem finding the money, even if it means I'm gonna be eating chicken noodle soup for a year straight.

 

Your a Camaro lover alright.

 

Since you are not looking for a numbers matching car, your search should be for a rolling shell. You can purchase a crate engine later, or have one custom built for you. If you look down south you should be able to find a low rust car. I don't know where you are from, but you should only consider buying a car with a clear title. (titles not required in some states, or only on newer vehicles in other states)
I like your attitude about doing it yourself. Some people have beautiful cars that have paid someone to do all the work, and never turned a wrench themselves. For what they spend on a restore, they could outfit a whole garage with tools that could be used for other projects. Plus, the knowledge they learn while doing the project will last as long as they live. (or until they get old and start to forget- like me)
The people that pay someone to restore their cars will never have that great feeling of job well done.
Good luck on your project, and stay safe.

 

Something like these:

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/cto/1938509304.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/2011782288.html

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1977353195.html

 

How did you find them all over? Did you do like a state-wide search for Camaros, I haven't been able to find a way to get Craigs list to show more then just the city.

For now I live in Wisconsin (My parents and family live here) so if I buy a Camaro while I'm in the corp I'm sure I could find a place to park it up here. Transporting the car shouldn't be to much of an issue, but I will tackle that when I get to it. Right now I'm just trying to find out what I want and what I can handle then I will search around for that perfect car.

As of right now I have no clue where I'm going to be stationed that's all up in the wind, but I love the thrill of the hunt so I'm sure its gonna be fun adventure.

 

Use http://www.searchtempest.com/ to search a wide area on craigslist.

 

buy yourself a reprint or original dealer service manual.
read it cover to cover on tour and when you have finished your service you will be super familiar with every aspect of it before you start.it may sound nuts but thats what i did when i got my first car a 65 mustang.i studied that manual like it was the bible.it really helped.