New Guy! Building or Buying?

[TaylorRyanSS]

Hey guys,

This is my first post. I am looking at getting a 1969 Camaro. I had a 2010 Camaro SS that I sold last year. I fell in love with autocross and tracking my car. I want to find one that has been turned into a pro touring style or build one. What's more cost effective? I always see cars for sale that have a bunch a money into them but they are selling them for a lot less than expected. I've been looking online and found this: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/4289768366.html

I have never built an old car before so I don't know exactly how much things cost. Does that car seem like a good price with those mods? Or would I be better off finding a one iin decent shape and building from there?

Any info/advice welcome!


Oh and here's a pic of my Camaro I sold last year and my current car and DD 370Z :drive:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/dsc0315cs-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/i98x-1.jpg

[71RS/SS396]

It's far cheaper to buy one already built and change/replace what you don't like about the car. The car posted in your link is a good deal imo, I think the dash, the big block, and auto trans are what's keeping that car from selling, you certainly couldn't build that car for the asking price.

[lnirenberg]

I agree that buying can be more cost effective. If your goal is racing/auto crossing the specific car has drawbacks as mentioned above. Big block puts a lot of weight on the front of the car, 350 trans may work for the 1/4 mile but not so well for the twisties and the stock seats aren't going to be much use. Expect to invest more $$ to get what you want. With patience a better fit will come along in the mean time track the Z.

[bret]

If its even a question...buy one. What are you looking for? Name a car and a color...I've probably got one to sell :)

[SSLance]

Buy the body, build the drivetrain... Words to live by.

Unless you can find a nice body with most of the drivetrain you want already in place, then by all means buy that one.

[jy211]

buy one done, otherwise set a budget, and multiply it by 3....maybe 5!

[Project92rs]

buy one done, otherwise set a budget, and multiply it by 3....maybe 5!

At least 3 on the budget and double the amount of time you think it will take.

Then make plans to never actually be finished once you realize there is always something you can use to make it better...

[BMR Sales]

buy one done, otherwise set a budget, and multiply it by 3....maybe 5!

You Spoke the Truth there, Brother.

If you build one, you will spend years doing it. If you Buy one, you are reaping the rewards of someones else money and you get to enjoy it, Now!

The Linked Car is nice and you couldn't build it for that. I hate the Dash. But you could buy it and modify it to your Taste.

[BMR Sales]

I forgot to mention, but most Projects never get finished! I think a lot of people think, OK, I'm starting with this, I'm going to add that, so I should be done in about 6 Months. 3 Years later, it's sitting with what got done in 6 months (about 1/4 of the work). Life changes and you put it up For Sale at a Loss.

[Ron Sutton]

If its even a question...buy one. What are you looking for? Name a car and a color...I've probably got one to sell :)

:lol::lol::lol:

[James OLC]

Buy one - either partially finished or a proven runner - and spend 25 - 50 cents on the dollar then use the rest of your budget to turn it in to your own. Along the lines of what Bret said, what are you looking for? If it's a 1967 or 1969 Camaro I can think of a couple of good deals right now :naughty:, if it's something else then I'm pretty sure Bret has one somewhere...

[TaylorRyanSS]

Thanks for all the replies. I am looking for a 1969, doesn't need to be an SS since I was planning on swapping out a bunch of parts anyway. I was originally looking for one in decent shape that was driveable that I could slowly add parts too and customize. I am 24 so I don't have a huge budget. And I autocross for fun not like professionally haha so I just want something that's going to reliable on the track, nothing too crazy.

My original plan was to find a Camaro, drop an LS3 in it, Hotchkis suspension, big brakes, Forgeline wheels, new gauges and seats and maybe a new transmission. Eventually a supercharger when I have the funds.

[srh3trinity]

Thanks for all the replies. I am looking for a 1969, doesn't need to be an SS since I was planning on swapping out a bunch of parts anyway. I was originally looking for one in decent shape that was driveable that I could slowly add parts too and customize. I am 24 so I don't have a huge budget. And I autocross for fun not like professionally haha so I just want something that's going to reliable on the track, nothing too crazy.

My original plan was to find a Camaro, drop an LS3 in it, Hotchkis suspension, big brakes, Forgeline wheels, new gauges and seats and maybe a new transmission. Eventually a supercharger when I have the funds.

It takes so long to build one on a budget that by the time you are through, the next big thing is out there and you want it. These things have a way of really evolving. That one you posted would put you well on your way. LSx and Trans swap and you would be where you want to be. The 502 would bring some decent money if you sold it off. You couldn't build that car for 42K though.
I would buy unless you want to enjoy the build journey or you are very particular about how it is built or having certain features. I am building and regularly have days where I want to throw my hands up, sell it all and spend 5K on my DD G8 and have a nearly equally capable car. Then I just sit back and take a breath and start looking for the next piece of the puzzle. It takes patience to build and restaint if you are keeping to a budget.

[TaylorRyanSS]

I don't have patience! Haha I modded my Camaro and Z from stock so I know it takes time and $! They are new cars though so it is a bit different than modding an old car.

I wanted to do Charcoal grey paint with black and red accenting for the theme of the car, but I do like the orange on the one I posted. I know I won't find exactly what I want already done. I would swap out the wheels for some different Forgelines and add an RS front end for sure. Not sold on the dash but it looks ok for now. I don't to want to buy just a body/shell because I want to be able to drive it and not have it sit in a shop for months.

[So Cal Camaro]

I don't have patience! Haha I modded my Camaro and Z from stock so I know it takes time and $! They are new cars though so it is a bit different than modding an old car.

I wanted to do Charcoal grey paint with black and red accenting for the theme of the car, but I do like the orange on the one I posted. I know I won't find exactly what I want already done. I would swap out the wheels for some different Forgelines and add an RS front end for sure. Not sold on the dash but it looks ok for now. I don't to want to buy just a body/shell because I want to be able to drive it and not have it sit in a shop for months.


Hey Taylor, You definitely can't build the car in the ad for less...you're getting some very good advice on here...good luck..

[TaylorRyanSS]

Hey Dannie! I didn't know you were on here.

[scott_fx]

are you planning on daily driving this car?

[TaylorRyanSS]

No, I won't DD this car

[TaylorRyanSS]

Do you guys think this is a good car to start from for the price? Engine and transmission swap can always come later.

[wfo guy]

I am a little surprised that someone's answer didn't mention that the reason people build cars is for the satisfaction that comes with it. If it is just about money, then as stated, buy something. If you don't have tools, skills, resources and a place to do this, then buy something that is what you want. If you are on the opposite side of the fence, create an accurate budget and formulate a plan that will work with your skills and life style. Find out if you're missing out or regretting what is part of this hobby. Building is not for everybody and don't feel bad if you're not one of those.

[TaylorRyanSS]

I do not have any mechanical/fabrication skills. The most I can do is install a cold air intake lol. So everything I do will be done at a shop. I plan on keeping this car forever but at the same time I don't want to have a car thats not finished and takes years to build.

[TaylorRyanSS]

Going to go check it out tomorrow

[Nicks67GTO]

I do not have any mechanical/fabrication skills. The most I can do is install a cold air intake lol. So everything I do will be done at a shop. I plan on keeping this car forever but at the same time I don't want to have a car thats not finished and takes years to build.

Im going to be blunt here so forgive me if this comes across wrong. If you don't know how to work on an old hotrod/racecar I would suggest you either be willing to learn and at least buy some basic tools or you better have a never ending checkbook. These kinds of cars develop problems.

[alocker]

Even if you buy a built car and change it to suit your taste, you will still be dollars ahead and you can enjoy the car right away.

[BMR Sales]

Do you guys think this is a good car to start from for the price? Engine and transmission swap can always come later.

I thought that was one of your Original Questions. The answer is yes, that car has a lot of good components and you couldn't build it for anywhere the asking price.

[BMR Sales]

There is also this one in the Classifieds here - no affiliation with the Seller, just giving a Heads-Up. It does have a LS, but again an Automatic

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/103225-69-Camaro-LS1

[TaylorRyanSS]

There is also this one in the Classifieds here - no affiliation with the Seller, just giving a Heads-Up. It does have a LS, but again an Automatic

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/103225-69-Camaro-LS1

It sucks it's in Florida. It is nice though.

[71RS/SS396]

It sucks it's in Florida. It is nice though.

The one you're looking at in Ca. is a better value for the money. Take the car from Fla. and add all the suspension, brakes, 9 inch ...etc plus the labor to install all of it would be far more expensive than the Ca car would be even if you did the LS swap to it.

[CamaroMike]

Shipping the Florida car would be the most cost effective. A 5 or 6 speed swap would only take a weekend on that car. More time on the track less time at the shop

[dropit69]

i think that is a decent buy on that car..BOS does amazing work and besides the dash witch you could live with swap the motor and enjoy..id love to start with a car like that..

[Boatmark]

I am a little surprised that someone's answer didn't mention that the reason people build cars is for the satisfaction that comes with it. If it is just about money, then as stated, buy something. If you don't have tools, skills, resources and a place to do this, then buy something that is what you want. If you are on the opposite side of the fence, create an accurate budget and formulate a plan that will work with your skills and life style. Find out if you're missing out or regretting what is part of this hobby. Building is not for everybody and don't feel bad if you're not one of those.

The other issue that comes into play is time.

I have been thinking about a similar issue - I have always been a build-it-myself kind of person with car and boat projects. I enjoy the shop time, I save money, and learn new skills. But I have a long term Corvette project going now, but want something that is more user friendly (read comfortable) that can be a driver, and learning autocross blaster. I find myself looking at full stock restorations that I think I can do an LS/Stick/Suspension swap on fairly quickly - and bypass all the fun of paint, interior, trim, chrome, basic wiring, etc. etc. etc. Not a radical car by any means, but I guess Pro-Touring Lite, or Pro-Commuter. Besides, until I learn more going hard core would be a waste. I could have Mary Pozzi's car, but I can't drive it like Mary can, so I am trying to be realistic.

Never thought I would be thinking of a project that was not ground up exactly my way - but there is only so much time available. So for the OP, I think I vote for the buy and modify route.

[TaylorRyanSS]

Picking it up friday! Got him to come down a little on the price. :)

[Aficionado]

Congrats on the purchase!! ...pics?

..and don't worry if you can only change an air intake. I could only change oil and spark plugs when I bought my first old ride, a big block stingray. I remember looking at it parked in my drive and tell a buddy of mind that i'd never really been a car guy before, but I could see myself becoming one.
"With that car," he told me, "you're going to have to."

Fast forward ten years, and I've done a pretty good chunk of what can be done except for paint and body. Just start with fixing what breaks. It'll turn you into a mechanic in no time!!

[analyte]

Picking it up friday! Got him to come down a little on the price. :)

It's Friday. Where are the pics??? LOL

[Todd in Vancouver]

It's Friday. Where are the pics??? LOL

:postpics:

Those of us late to this thread can't see the ad for the Camaro.

[TaylorRyanSS]

BUILD THREAD HERE!

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/104919-Taylor-s-1969-Camaro-Pro-Touring-Build?p=1049414#post1049414

[wayward]

Nice car and wise decision.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

For me I would always want to build over buy, but I enjoy the process of the build just as much if not more than the finished product.
It's a journey to build a car, and it's not a journey that is for everybody..

As far as cost. It will be cheaper to buy for sure.. Even though I build cars on a daily basis, they still always end up costing more than what I originally expect.. There are so many factors, you just can't figure factor them all in when you originally look at a car. A lot of the little things add up really fast.

[Sean Cooke]

buy one done, otherwise set a budget, and multiply it by 3....maybe 5!
Truth in these words - I would buy something that needs small changes - look at buying already built RaceCars they use a lot of quality parts normally & easy to convert for use

[xxxturbo6]

I have this for sale! 1986 Buick T-Type that is pretty well known at the ASCS pro-touring events. BAER Brakes, RideTech & DSE suspension, RideTech adjustable coil overs, Much Much more.... $30K

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