New to the world of camaro's

My neibor had a 1967 camaro ss and ever since i saw that car i have wanted one. I don't know alot about classic cars since i have never owned one so i had a few questions.

1. I am 18 so i do not have alot of money to spend. I could probably muster up about $12,000. Is that a realistic amount to think about spending on a 1967 camaro. (I would prefer a convertable)

2. When looking at cars what should i be carefull of. certain rust problems or something a 67 camaro is known for having etc.

3. also what is gas milage looking like

Originally posted by chuck pump
My neibor had a 1967 camaro ss and ever since i saw that car i have wanted one. I don't know alot about classic cars since i have never owned one so i had a few questions.

1. I am 18 so i do not have alot of money to spend. I could probably muster up about $12,000. Is that a realistic amount to think about spending on a 1967 camaro. (I would prefer a convertable)

2. When looking at cars what should i be carefull of. certain rust problems or something a 67 camaro is known for having etc.

3. also what is gas milage looking like

1. You could easily get one for 12,000 in pretty good condition. Not quite show condition but pretty nice. Especially if you get one that not all numbers matching. Like an engine swap. Vert might be tough to find.

2. Where are you lacated, different areas have different rust problems. For $12k you should be able to get one pretty much rust free I think.

3. Gas would depend on the engine. A BBC car with a huge Carb is gonna suck gas like nobody's business. But for like $1500-2000 invested and you could do an LT1/T56 swap. Fuel injection and a dual overdrive tranny. Not to mention plenty of power and modability.

I live in San Diego CA so i would be getting the car in this area. and the convertable is not that important to me...just something that would be nice. Ummm...about the engine I am not really a car person...so i would rather just buy something ready to go and not have to worry about changing anything.

At very worse i would want about 16 city 19 Highway....but would rather shoot for about 18 city if that is possible.

So this brings up a few more questions....

1. what type of camaro would be in this price range (convertable and non-convertable) (i dont care about numbers matching).....

2. would san diego be bad for rust

3. Is the gas milage i want reasonable to be looking for

4. would this car hold up well as my primary car...since i would be driving it everyday

Originally posted by chuck pump
I live in San Diego CA so i would be getting the car in this area. and the convertable is not that important to me...just something that would be nice. Ummm...about the engine I am not really a car person...so i would rather just buy something ready to go and not have to worry about changing anything.

At very worse i would want about 16 city 19 Highway....but would rather shoot for about 18 city if that is possible.

So this brings up a few more questions....

1. what type of camaro would be in this price range (convertable and non-convertable) (i dont care about numbers matching).....

2. would san diego be bad for rust

3. Is the gas milage i want reasonable to be looking for

4. would this car hold up well as my primary car...since i would be driving it everyday 1. You can forget about finding a convertible in daily driver condition anywhere in California for that price. However, you should be able to find a nice coupe for $12k or less.

2. Anywhere in California is favorable for little to no rust, but you'll want to check the areas prone for rusting... behind the rear wheels (lower quarter panels); under the rear window; trunk pan and floor pan.

3. You might be able to get 16-18 mpg out of a 327-210 HP version. (About what I'm getting on mine.) However, unless the heads have been redone with hardened valve seats, you're going to need to run a lead substitute because today's fuels no longer contain lead. Technically its illegal to use lead substitutes on anything but off-highway vehicles, but people still do. ;) Also the transmission and rearend gearing is going to make a huge difference. The main automatic transmission used in 67-68 was the powerglide which is only a two speed automatic. Not great for highway driving and not very fuel efficient.

4. It should hold up as a primary car, however that's going to depend on how recently the suspension and brakes were rebuilt; and depend a lot on what kind of mileage the drivetrain has on it; and of course how hard you drive it.

Yeah If your in Cali your gonna pay more for a car.

Another place to lok for rust is on the door around the hinge.

Gas milage is gonna be tough to get that. It can be done on a carbed set up. A 327 or 350 with a properly tuned Street Avenger or something. BUt it would be difficult.

I know your against swapping the tranny, but if you have money left over in your budget you could swap in a modern T-56 6 speed manual tranny, it has deep dual overdrives and would save you alot in gas.

I have about $6000 cash but i will be able to borrow or finance about $6000 more so extra cash is out.

I know you guys were listing a few alternatives for motors etc. and to me right now that is all giberish....(i'm not above learning) but do you guys think it would be reasonable to assume that I Could find a camaro with the specs that I would need to have what I want.....67, good milage, good condition, for everyday driving and what ever else i mentioned right of the bat....I have a car right now so I dont mind if i have to search for a couple months.....

FWIW - My search took about nine months. You might start with http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com

Here's a few near you...
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/2/2/69015522.htm
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/3/4/69015534.htm
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/3/6/69015536.htm
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/2/2/68288822.htm
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/1/4/69015914.htm
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/2/8/69015528.htm
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/0/68280080.htm


...and a couple convertible "projects"...
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/8/68739388.htm
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/9/6/67158196.htm


Good luck! :D

yea i have been looking there alot...thanks for doing some leg work for me though.... check out this one

http://adcache.collectorcartraderon.../8/68856048.htm

that looks to good to be true huh...(i have another post about it) but some of them look good....i would love to not have to do anywork on a car...i hate to admit it but i am not one who loves the project....i love the look and the drive....thanks for the help and anymore would be appreciated...specialy thoughts on that link

and the 69's look great so i could go either way...whats the biggest differences i will find in looking for a 67 or 69 camaro for around 6000-12000

Umm, guys,isnt this a gp thread?

gp? sorry if im ignorant...what does that stand for