Hi everyone. I've had my 69 Camaro in the garage for a couple of years and just sent it to the shop for a major restoration. The car wasn't a complete disaster. The floor and trunk were solid. Its an original 6 cylinder car from Virginia. Everything is original from the paint to the rust. I had the quarter panels replaced last year and now the car is going in for the rest. Ouch!!!

Anyways... my question to everyone is; since its all original, is it worth more as a matching numbers 6 cylinder car or would it be worth the same with the up graded engine?

I was hoping to put in a 350 or 396 but the guy doing the restoration said I should leave it as is. I don't want to put SS or Z28 emblems on the car. I don't want to claim that it's something else when it isn't. Just wanted to hear some thoughts.

Also, I want to paint it a darker shade of Cortez Silver. Anyone know what the paint code might be.

Thanks,

K

 

Welcome to CF, Odin.
Unless you're truly performance minded, I'd be tempted to leave the 6 banger in there. I can't tell you when the last time was I saw an original 6 cylinder Camaro at a car show. Being that a lot of the 6 cylinders were yanked in favor of a V8, original cars like yours are becoming a rarity. Does that make the car worth more than if you swapped in a V8? Hard to say, but unmolested/matching numbers goes a long way no matter what engine it is. And a nicely done up 6 cylinder has a neat factor all it's own. Now if you wanted to do a V8 swap, then keep the original engine wrapped up and safely stored. Having it, should you ever go to sell the car, can make a difference to the buyer.
Here's info on the factory paint codes: 1969 Camaro Trim Tag Information

 

I agree with Camaro69, if you are in the mind set for a loud performance machine go with the v8. But if you aren't looking for that in your car just keep it a v6 and even if money isn't an issue you should not spend it unless it is 100% of what you want, instead go for other things in your restoration that are more important. as for slapping badges on your car, you have the correct feeling of not putting badges on it. Even if you drop the v8 in it if you slap the badges on you now have a clone which is something alot of people add to their description of your car. As for a price difference you never know, certain buyers might only look for v8s and others might be looking for unmolested and truly original '69. I know my dad would prefer a mostly original '69 being the old man but I would prolly prefer the v8

 

Welcome to the forums. keep it origional.... besides, the gas money you will save running a V6 instead of a V8 will afford you the chance to get a camera and POST PICS!!!!

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I still have lots of time to think about changing the motor. I still like the Cortez Silver for the paint. I also like Camaro 69's photo. Looks like my first camaro. Is that Lemans Blue?

K

 

Thanks. Yes, it's LeMans blue.

 

Welcome to the forum Odin. I'm for keeping it original also, I think if you want to mollest something, start with something that's already been partly mollested.

 

I have seen a few all orginal I6 go through the auction. Most of the time its is from an estate sale. They do not do well. Rare does not always equal valuable. There is just not many people looking for all orginal I6 and since they are all orignal car many guys will not even think of buying them and changing it. I have seen guys asking decent money for original I6 but I have never known one to sell well. I think the only way you would hurt value by putting in a v8 is if you did a back yard hack job on it or you put a 305 in it.

Like all cars value will change with time. A well installed V8 with your original I6 and tranny in a nice crate to go with the car is one way to ensure value. Just don't cut the car up.

 

Welcome to the Forum!