Hello and 69 Camaro ?

[dkinion]

I have been a lifelong camaro enthusiast and have spent several years reading posts here preparing myself for my goal of building a pro-touring 69 camaro. I basically have the entire project planned but finding a car to start is quite a task. Finding a good project car at a reasonable cost is proving difficult. Considering I plan to change almost everything on the car it seems illogical to invest in something that is too nice and waist my money. I have looked into the refurb bodies that would provide a solid starting spot but the thought of having to purchase every single part to build a car from scratch also seems like a huge expense. Ideas? Thanks.

[dropit69]

welocome i think the best thing to do is find the best body you can..and if the car runs and drives do a little at a time..what is you budget for a 69 to start with?..if its not enough you might have to go with another year car..

[dkinion]

Looking to start at about $15k, which is about the cost of a refurb body from Mike's Custom Cars. Ofcourse that doesn't get you much in the way of a complete 69 Camaro. Just waying the pros and cons of both and hoping to get some insight.

[Dayton]

dkinion,

I was in your exact situation several years ago. I looked & found a running 69 Camaro with good metal. I didn't car if it ran or not. I paid $8000.
I sold off the bucket seats, back seat, air components, front clip(+engine/tranny), 10 bolt, flat hood, tires/rims, and, other items. I think I got my net cost of the car/shell down to $4500 to $5000.
Are you going to mini tub to accomodate wider tires?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Get a complete car with nice paint you can live with and modify it from there. $25K will buy a nice plain jane, you will save yourself from paint jail and be able to drive it while you modify it as cash comes in.

If you need any project planning help, feel free to call.

[dkinion]

Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of spending a little more to start to get something to be able to drive and upgrade as I go. This would be a many year project and couldn't stand that long of wait to enjoy at all. Thanks.

[class67]

The deals are still out there, though you may have to wait / search a while. My buddy just bought a plain jane 69 with decent paint factory rally's i.e. basically stock, good body for $9,500.

Hang in there and one will pop up....oh, and welcome!

[dkinion]

Wow, that is a deal. I can't find anything close to that. I search daily on ebay, classic car trader, craigslist, local paper and anything decent is more like $20k.