Converting a 67 Camaro race/drag car to a streetable Pro Touring ride??

[asudevil28]

Hey everyone! This is my first post so please excuse me, even though I've followed the site from the beginning. I have the opportunity to obtain a 1967 Camaro Tube Chassis Car with a Small block Chevy 355 with Eagle alluminum rods, Keith black pistons, allumiunum air-flow heads. It also has a Ford 9 inch rear end, 5.88 gears, and 38 spline axles. Car runs 9.90's at Speedworld in Arizona. It has delay box, throttle stop, and air shifter that runs off CO2 bottle. I could go on... I'm sure you get the picture. Since it's a tube chassis car it has no title, so Im not sure if I could get a bonded title for it or what. I will obviously have to invest a good amount of cash to convert it, BUT MY QUESTION IS... Do you professionals think this is a good way to start a pro touring project since it's already tubbed, caged, etc??? Or should I start with a true street car? Any help would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance!

[TheJDMan]

When you say "Tube Chassis" is it a full on drag tube chassis? If so that will be pretty useless for turning corners. Both front and rear suspension would have to be replaced and all the go fast engine parts are problably not of any benefit on the street or road course. Drag brakes are typically not very big so all that would need to be replaced. IMO you can build a cage and tub a stocker or even a brand new body for less money.

[asudevil28]

I appreciate the advice! The car is full tube chassis and has HUGE rear tires but I will have more details on it tomorrow. My plan of attack would start with selling the drivetrain and replacing it with perhaps a turbo'd LS-7 or something similar along with new suspension, wheels/tires, interior, etc. I will try to post pics from my phone so that you all can get a better idea.
Thanks again!

[asudevil28]

So... I guess if all does go well and I can get a SMOKIN deal on the car I will have a freshened up power train and a bunch of other good stuff for sale asap! If anyone wants to text me offers anytime @ 928.64O.O754 that's the best way of getting in touch with me. I will at least sell the 355 Small block Chevy with Eagle alluminum rods, Keith Black pistons, Aluminum air-flow Heads, Aluminum Rods, 14:1 compression, Holley 850 carbon with throttle stop, along with the Powerglide transmission as well. If anyone's interested I will also probably be getting rid of the narrowed Ford 9" rear end with the current 5:88 gears and 38 alpine axles. The Powerglide tranny has a B&M ratchet shifter with co2 air bottle for the throttle stop & air shifter. Delay Box as well... Like i said before, this combo runs 9.90's at Speedworld in Arizona. Shoot me some offers or advice for the OP would still be Greatly Appreciated!

[TheJDMan]

Dude,
That is not a 9" Ford rear end you have pictured above, it is a GM 12 bolt.

[asudevil28]

It's a Dana 60 I was told. Sorry about that

[BuddyP]

Yup that's a GM 12 bolt

[TheJDMan]

If that's what they told you about an obvious part like the rear end, it makes me wonder what else they said is in the car that really isn't.

[exwestracer]

That ladder bar frame isn't really designed like you'd want for a P/T type rear suspension. You could go with a torque arm, but you'd need to re-fab the tunnel to make room for it. Can't see what the front is. If it's a strut, you'll be cutting ALL of that off and starting fresh. MII might be useable with parts upgrades and minor changes.

All in all probably not worth the trouble...

[asudevil28]

So here's the story... Don't tell the owner (and I hope he is not a member of this board lol) but I would be trading the car for something that I could realistically only sell for about 12k in the current economy. So, I would be getting this drag car for $12,000. Does anyone else think I should just do the trade, then sell the car for a first gen Camaro that I actually can turn into a nice pro touring ride? I don't even know where or how to sell a drag car because I've never really been into straight line racing, even though I do respect those drivers because some of those car are straight scary. What do ya think? All of your help has been tremendously appreciated!

[chops101]

You would have to put so much silly money in this, well, I'm sure the vendors would be happy.
Being underwater would be an understatement.
Once you chop up a first gen, it's hard to bring them back. Most got chopped before they took off in price, when you could buy them for $1k.

You're better off in this economy to buy a first gen PT already done up.

[Jetfixr320]

I wouldn't waste my time or cash buying/ trading for that car, in the hopes of reselling it to turn a profit. Or to turn it into a pro-touring car. Better off with a street car and building what you want. Thats my opinion. I think you will regret buying or trading for this car.

Steve

[J-440]

Could he keep the engine and drivetrain and modify the front and rear ends? A tube chassis is killer for a P/T car. The 12 bolt would be good, keep the shocks but angle them. Beef up the brakes and wheels. Sheet metal looks great especially the tilt front end. The tubs are already there for some 345's. Plenty of room up front for some wide tires since its a tube frame. Throw in an overdrive behind that tranny...what's the problem?

[Rhino]

The problem with building the car is that 12k will only be a drop in the bucket for what he'll have to dump in it, hacking off most of goodies in the process. Once it's finished you'll end up with an expensive car with no current title. At this point we don't know it it was previously stolen or if it even has a valid VIN. By now I'm sure people are familiar with stories like this... http://jalopnik.com/5841447/man-finds-his-stolen-camaro-after-16-years
In terms of the chassis... Just because it's tube doesn't inherently make it appropriate in all scenarios. When you're running through the twisties torsional rigidity is king. When you're looking for straight line performance that rigidity may mean added weight. Being built as a drag car I know which way they'll lean.

In terms of flipping the car. Assuming a 12k selling price (Which I feel is a little high) I'd have to pick it up for < 8k to make it worth the time and risk.

You'd be better off picking up a junker with a clean title, the entire time building it exactly as you want. To make a long story short; I couldn't walk away from that deal quickly enough.

[asudevil28]

You guys are the BEST and you just saved me a ton of $ and heartache! I will restart my search for a pro touring project. If anyone wants a long travel Polaris RZR with roughly 25 grand invested I think I'm willing to trade.