Camaro Restoration, Need Advice from Experience

[Infin1ty]

Alright, so during my last visit up to MI to visit my Fiance's parents, I noticed that they have an old blue 1969 Camaro that is no longer in use, and probably never will used again. From what I can tell, body is in superb condition, especially for as long as its been sitting.

The interior isn't in as good of condition as I would like it, but its still looks pretty good. The leather was in pretty good condition, but the carpet would have to be completely replaced.

I did not get a chance to take a look at the engine, but I would be completely swapping it out, as well as getting a new transmission (its an automatic, would like to swap it out with a manual tranny.)

Anyways, it does not run at all, from what I've been told. What do you guys think would be a good price to offer them for the vehicle, so that I could start a restoration on it? I've always wanted to do this, but never really thought I would have access to one that wasn't a complete junker.

How much do guys think would have to be dropped into this vehicle, before it was drivable again?

Heres a list of everything that I know would have to be done, right off, without any of the appearance mods.

New Engine
Manual Transmission Swap
New Carpet
*Possibly a new chassis, was unable to look
New Suspension, wheels, tires, etc...

[replicant_argent]

It might be better to ask them what they might want for it. You may be pleasantly surprised.... Especially if they like you.

[Infin1ty]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

It might be better to ask them what they might want for it. You may be pleasantly surprised.... Especially if they like you.

My Fiance is actually up there right now and as soon as I talk to her I am going to have her ask them.

[replicant_argent]

I think it would be better to ask them yourself. "I have always wanted to restore one of those, are you considering selling it?" If your girlfriend would dig it too, she might be able to put in a good word to the folks, but in a deal like this, I think it better to ask yourself. It shows you have more than a passing interest, and good character to boot. If the car was future pop-in-laws, it might be a great way to bond with him also.

[WyoBob]

Keeping in mind all of the things you've said you'd need/like to do, you'd probably be financially better off to buy a running Camaro with a manual transmission. Restorations can add up to big bucks. The car could be free and end up costing way more than buying one that's up and running.

(I bought a new Camaro in 1967 when I was 20 years old. A blue Rally Sport with a 327 and 3 speed on the floor. Metalic blue with a black interior. $2,710.00, all of my savings from 4 years of working.)

WyoBob

[bazookajoe]

You'll probably spend $10k to $15k before you get to any cosmetics. A lot depends on what kind of motor you want (i.e. stroker vs. crate). In addition to the motor, transmission and suspension you'll need to think about the exhaust, rear end, brakes (you put in a big block you'll need disc brakes to stop the car). You might want to find some muscle car forums to get an idea what you're in for.

[Wigg]

Hey brother. It really depends a couple of things. Is it a true SS, RS, or Z28. Is the engine and/or tranny a "matching numbers" part? (is it the orginal engine/tranny?)
There should be a plate on the firewall/driver side. And a code, x11, x55, x37.. what does that say, it will tell you/me if this is a true SS/RS, Z28, makes a HUGE difference in what its worth.

Check for rust, behind the rear wheel wells, tap on them. Check under the drip rail, (the chrome around the rear window). Rap on the floor boards, and check the trunk. If you have rust, which MI cars usually have, this could mean the difference of 5k, to 15k in body work.

If its a p.o.s. right now, see if he'll take $4k-8k for it. Expect spending another $20 on resto, and I am not talking out my ass, I have one. If you can do body work, you in.

If the engine is a true 69 engine, and the trany is a true 69 tranny... I will take those off your hands for you, and make sure they get disposed of poperly. DO NOT GET RID OF A MATCHING NUMBERS ENGINE or TRANNY!!!!! If you do this, I will have to come down there and smack you personally... Let me know if you need sites for parts!!!!

mark

[Wigg]

Some more tid-bits
Hey, do it slow,
You can most likely get an old motor running for now. It is most likely a 350, and if stock, may have 300hp

Keep the tranny for now, change out the fluids etc, tender loving care, just get it driveable.

Carpet is cheap, precut a couple hundo.. http://www.ricksfirstgeneration.com/ live it, love it, spend a chit load of money here.

You can rewire the thing yourself, maybe $300 for the harness. Plan it out, go slow, get it running... have a ball. Ohhhhhh and don't keep track of what you spend.. it will make you cry..

Get this thing BEFORE you get married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trust me!!!!!

[Wigg]

Damit dude...now you got me going.. you see my 69 in with my fam in Kansas, and I am in Cali, my baby will soon be back with me... oh, and my family too.
Anyway, here are some links for you bro....

Muncie Identification

DECODING THE COWL TAG to see whacha got, SS, Rs?

Mo parts sites

Camaros for Sale, to get an idea of what goes for what.

Here is what happens when some stupid Bitc$ turns left right in front of you.




and here is her car,



I never liked Fords much anyway.

[Mtmouse]

I plan on doing another 69 in the future.....once support payment end, years down the road.

I keep looking at different sites that have first generation Camaros for sale and can't believe what they are getting for 'basket case' cars and shells.

See what they will take for and go from there. Good luck. The more first gen. Camaros on the road, the better.

[Infin1ty]

Thanks for all the help guys, especially you Wigg! As of right now, I have little information, I'm down here in SC and car is up in MI. I will be taking another trip up there within the next couple months so I will be able to get all information.

As far as taking me time, you bet your ass I will, don't have the money to do it all at one. Looking at a very long term project, that will be 10000000000000000% worth everything.

[FN in MT]

Twenty years ago when I was far more motivated to spend time in a garage and have constantly dirty fingernails....I restored a 1969 Chevelle SS, A 1955 chev Two door Handyman Wagon and several years later a 1965 Corvette coupe.

I was absolutely BLESSED with a Buddy who was a tremendous body man as well as painter. Had I not had access to his talents, the resto's would have taken far longer as well as three times more EXPENSIVE.

This is nothing to enter into lightly, unless the final outcome isn't all that important. Done properly these things are real time consuming money pits.

As previously mentioned. IF this is already a matching car, with some interesting options ; SS or better yet Z28 it can all be worth doing. Otherwise You spend $20K and end up with a $10K hot rod that everyone likes but no one will buy. And Your time spent....thats a write off.

Wigg's given some great input already.

DO keep us informed...I like watching resto's progress. Especially if it's a great car like that 69 Camaro.

FN in MT

[ssutton219]

Originally Posted by Wigg

Damit dude...now you got me going.. you see my 69 in with my fam in Kansas, and I am in Cali, my baby will soon be back with me... oh, and my family too.

You left your baby here!!!!..hmmmmm..just playin. Sorry I couldn't meet up one more time before ya left.


But back on the Topic..Growing up my grandfather had a "Hobby" restoring cars..its not easy and you will never get what you put into it out of it (money wise) but..it was one of the most fun things I have ever been part of..from finding parts to sanding fenders. Good luck and there is a wealth of knowledge here already on this subject.



Shawn

[Infin1ty]

I've noticed some comments about how I will not get out of it what I put into it when it is sold, and I completely understand that, but once done I have absolutely no plans on selling this car.

I will keep everyone updated on the progress of getting this thing rolling.

[Mtmouse]

I'm assuming that your farther-in-law is a car guy....since he owns a 69 Camaro. If he can't give you a good idea what kind of shape it's in and you want someone to go by and look at it, let me know......as long as he isn't too far out of Detroit.