Found a 69 locally, and I'm going to give a test ride tomorrow. Any tips on what to look for?
I don't think the guy knows much about it, he is a used car dealer and the few questions I asked about it, he can't answer.
It has a 396 with a 4 speed. Black bucket seats, hurst shifter. That's about all I rememebr from the quick lookover I gave it the first trip through. It's orange with the black stripes down the hood and trunk, and has a trunk deck wing (IIRC).
Anyone got anything specific I should look for to further ID it?
The car is in pretty nice condition, with just the slightest surface rust forming on the trunk lid lip. It's not a showpiece by an stretch though, just a decent looking driver.
Thoughts on what I should expect to pay? He's asking $9k for it, I'm betting I could drive away with it for $8k.
Here in Michigan, the cars in decent shape aren't real common...so that further complicates pricing for me. NADA for classic cars lists it at:
[code]1969 CAMARO
Model: 2 DOOR COUPE
Weight: 3,050
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $2,727
Low Retail: $4,325
Average Retail: $8,300
High Retail: $12,450

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Optional Equipment
Add-396/325 HP V8 Engine: 20 %
Add-4 Speed Transmission: Low: $675 Avg.: $850 High: $1,075

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Totals
Total Low Retail: $5,865
Total Average Retail: $10,810
Total High Retail: $16,015[/code]

I looked it up based on basic 2 door coupe, and with the lowest hp rated 396 they showed, just to be safe.
What do you all think, and shopping suggestions?
Thanks!

 

i wish i could help you but i've really just started looking at the older camaros myself. could you show me where you found that vehicle info though?

 

you can find it at http://www.nadaguides.com

[This message has been edited by Timberwolf (edited July 13, 2002).]

 

much appriciated. i just finally started looking at these cars. i'm checking out an SS tomorrow and am trying to cram all the info i can before i show up.

 

The 69 Camaro came with the 396 only in the SS. Look for an X22 or X66 code on the trim tag on the firewall. Write down all the information from that trim tag and post it here and we can help identify the car. Check the floors and trunk for rust as well as the quarter panels being replaced. All 69 SS cars had power front disc brakes as well. Check to see if it has a 12 bolt rear or not. A true #'s matching SS396 will be worth $15K-$25K so I would assume it's not a real SS396 for $9000.

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Jeff H - 69 Z28 Hugger Orange, GM crossram, GM fiberglass cowl induction hood, factory TI setup & factory installed JL8 4 wheel disc brakes - original #'s matching and documented, being restored), 87 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Turbo

 

Just got back from looking at it. IT appears to be originally a 6 cyl, 4 speed car. Vin number is 123379N627548
It is incredibly solid. No rust anywhere underneath, in the engine compartment or trunk. Chrome is in about I would say 80-90% condition. Paint is probably 90%. Trans shifts solid and the car started right up easily and ran great going down the road. Seats, carpet and dash are all good, though the radio is missing.
It does need a couple things, such as it has an electric fan that seems to be wired incorrectly. The 396 motor is strong, but does not seem be tuned optimally. I'm not sure the secondaries on the carter are opening. Something seems to be limiting power at around 4k rpm. I think it is a combo of the secondaries not opening and perhaps a bad vacuum advance. But the engine has about 65lbs of oil presure at idle, doesn't seem to run hot, and like I said runs strong. no misses, pops, or anything.
It has solid center chrome cragar type wheels which have seen better days. Tires are good though
Everything has been undercoated/rustproofed including the trunk area and underside. Glass is uncracked and there are no rusted areas around the related chrome trim pieces.
It has traction barrs, which I will probably ditch. It gives it a thunk going over bumps (like pulling out of the driveway even) as they are set with the snubbers only about 3/8 of an inch away from the springs with it completely unloaded.
I could only get him down to $8900. I gave him a $50 deposit til monday. Sounds like an ok deal though?

 

It's cheaper and much cooler than a new car (most of them). Since it's not an original 396 car, for which a dealer would likely ask alot more money, you don't have to worry about trying to get it in original shape. To me that means you are free to do whatever you want with the car without having to justify yourself. I get hammered occasionally for not trying to get my SS396 in original shape, but I don't have the original motor for it anyway.

Oh well, if you end up buying it, I hope it works out to be a great car for you.

Bill B.

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'69 Camaro SS396 with '81 305:
stock except for Performer intake, 600 Holley vacuum (modded), Perf. Dist. HEI, 1-5/8" headers & 2-1/2" exhaust/turbo mufflers,
beefed TH 400 tranny with 11" street convertor & B&M Quicksilver
3.08 posi 12-bolt
P235/45/17 and P275/40/17 Kuhmos on 8x17 Wheel Vintiques rallys
H.O. Racing front coils, Flex-a-Form fiberglass leafs, Herb Adams VSE body bushings and frt. sway bar, '79 T/A P/S box, power disc front brakes w/metallic pads

 

Thanks, I hope it works out well too.
I thought the same thing, not being an original RS/SS or Z28, I'm free to do whatever the hellI want to it now
Thinking about selling the RAT motor and doing an LS1 conversion

 

Sounds like a cool car that you won't have to worry about changing things. Just make sure the undercoating isn't hiding some bad floors or trunk. I would do an LT1 conversion since it would be cheaper than the LS1 conversion.

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Jeff H - 69 Z28 Hugger Orange, GM crossram, GM fiberglass cowl induction hood, factory TI setup & factory installed JL8 4 wheel disc brakes - original #'s matching and documented, being restored), 87 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Turbo

 

That's cool! An LS1 or LT1, especially with an overdrive tranny, is a nice way to go these days. Much better driveability.

Take Care!
Bill B.