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04-21-2018 #1Registered User
- Join Date
- Dec 2010
- Location
- Bergen County, NJ
- Posts
- 12
69 Camaro Convertible - Pro-Touring Suspension Advice
Hello All:
My name is Jacob and I own a 2002 Camaro Z28 of which I am the original owner. It was my first car and it has great sentimental value. My father's first car was also a Second Gen Camaro, and my mother's second car was a Second Gen Firebird. My car has become a bit of a broken, rust bucket from hard use and a tough life from my teenage years. I enjoy driving it, but don't drive it as much as I should. I'm ready to retire it, and ready for something different. Since the drivetrain in my Camaro is still strong, why not build a first gen in the spirit of my car utilizing the drivetrain from my current car? I use my current car for spirited driving and occasional autocrosses. The engine will be a Heads/Cam LS1 making about 500hp and a T56.
That being said, a gentleman who is well respected in the first gen f-body community is selling a 69 Camaro SS 350 Convertible shell which he has owned longer than I've been alive. The shell needs some metal work before it will be ready for paint, but he has everything needed to reassemble the car. He is willing to sell me only what I need for my build (he has other 69 Camaro convertibles so he would either keep the parts or sell them). I never considered a convertible, but I would rather do business with this Seller since he has always been available for me to offer advice and is a generally great guy, and three months ago, my wife gave birth to our daughter, who I'm sure will really enjoy riding in a convertible when she's older.
My question is: Am I crazy for trying to build a convertible pro-tourer given the lack of chassis rigidity? What kind of suspension and chassis set up would work with a convertible? I thought about a Roadster Shop Spec chassis since it is a full frame, but I'm not sure it will work without modification.
I've done a bunch of a research on here and other sites, but I can't seem to find many convertible first gens built for much other than straight lines or cruising. I appreciate any insight.
Thanks,
-Jacob
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04-21-2018 #2