cost vs worries?

[railroader]

First off, let me thank all responses in advance. I am in my late 30's and have dreamed of owning a 69 camaro since high school. Well, the time has come to fulfill that dream. My questions relates to how I should approach this...
1. I know I can buy a fully redone (pro touring) or completely restored camaro but, I don't see the satisfaction of that as I really want to be able to say "this is my work".
2. I really love the creativity involved in the pro touring and the many different looks that can be achieved versus going the route of restoring to factory specifications. But, with this being said, I really like the exterior look of a nice SS, RS, or Z.
3. With looking for place to start, would it be best to buy a "project" car and completely tear it apart down to the ground or (with all the after market parts available) just start from the ground up? Now I know this is tough as there is a cost invoved but I see an advantage in buying from the ground up as you know what you have as a starting point and time is saved in not having to tear it down. Is this correct thinking on my point?
I appreciate all feedback and wil be sure to ask many more questions as I proceed. Please forgive in advance any stupid questions that I may post...
Thanks again....
Paul
(railroader)
New Orleans Louisiana

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

hey Paul

welcome to the site.

it depends on your budget, bargaining, and what you can do on your own.
i would take around 7/8 to 10/12 k and get something very solid body and go from there.

[railroader]

thanks venom.....
Yeah probably what I will do.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Especially if you like a basically stock body and paint scheme. I suggest finding a nice car with excellent body and paint you can live with, and modify from there.

[colt zantop]

I agree with frank..find a nice car with nice paint, strait body, and then do suspension, motor, interior etc the way you want. body work and paint is one of the "big money" parts of a build so if you find one already in the color combo you like and its nice, you got a heck of a good jump start on your project!

[Nine Ball]

This is simply a time vs money decision. If you have plenty of money but very limited time, buy a car that is mostly what you want and that you can enjoy. If you have plenty of time to work on a car, and want a smaller budget, pick up a car to build.

Most buyers fall somewhere in the middle. I feel the best solution is to find a running/driving 69 Camaro with a solid body. I prefer worn out paint that is several years old, that would give me a better idea of how good the body is underneath. Any poor quality repairs made back when it was painted would be showing by now (bubbling rust, bondo swelling, cracks, etc...). Cars that are "freshly painted" might look like crap in a year when the bondo/cracks/bubbles start forming over poor workmanship underneath. If the seller has photos of the restoration prior to paint, that is a huge bonus to me.

Summary: buy the nicest solid body car you can afford. If the paint is 2-3 years old and is a color you can live with, that is a bonus. Then just do the "pro-touring" upgrades on your own.

[BlackGMC]

I would suggest buying a car that is complete! I like completely redoing the car, since building it is as much fun as driving it, IMO. That way the car is exactly what you want, since it is a dream to me I don't want to have to settle for what someone elses dream was. Actually I am on the second restoration of my car, once just wasn't good enough.

[Restomod]

I would say a car that is simi done that the owner has given up on.

[CraigMBA]

You can buy a finished car way cheaper than you can build one for yourself. Plus you save all the time. Then, once it's yours, you can always rework the wheel.

[railroader]

You can buy a finished car way cheaper than you can build one for yourself. Plus you save all the time. Then, once it's yours, you can always rework the wheel.

Yeah, have seen some that I like alot. But, it wouldnt really be "my" creation. But, trust me, I do appreciate the input and have given both options alot of thought. Luckily, I have a great body guy, who is a good friend, and is gonna help me find a GOOD starting point. I know that money is always a concern but one thing I have is time. Luckily, I am not looking to have a completed car in a few months:drive1:

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

if i was you... id get this..

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29154

then whatever is left got to plannin..