I am now the proud owner of a 1997 Z28.
I've had the car for 5 years though. I just own it now - the bank owned it previously.
After having the car for 5 years I still crack a huge smile everytime I drive it...........but I dream of something more now........
I would like to restore a 67 RS/SS - to my liking that is.
The car is in need of everything in the drivetrain, which is fine because I have delusions of putting a LS1/T56 combo in it. (LT1 if LS1 gets too expensive)
The body is sound. A little rust on the fenders.
It was mini-tubbed, I guess because it used to be a 1/4mile racer. That also suits me fine, because I imagine I could get some 315's out back with that much room.....although it has no rear end right now......
Interior is in need of some help. Needs new carpet and dash pad. Needs new front seats of some sort........possibly out of a newer Firebird or Camaro. Door skins are in decent shape, although I would like to put in power window's&locks.

Since I now own my 97, If I were to sell it, I may get 14G for it. I have another 6G's I've been saving just for this reason.

What do you think. Would I get in way over my head with that little amount of money?
Let's say assuming I had to farm a lot of the work out. I'm not a body man - or a painter. I can work on engines though. I guess I could do the interior work.

The thought of bringing a classic back into existance is much more appealling that buying one that is already done.

 

I still want an Lt1/T56 or LS1/T56 car as my every day driver, but I have to wait until my 69 Z28 is restored. The LS1 conversion is more expensive, but if you can find an engine and trans relatively cheap, it's doable. Beware of the slight rust in the quarters. Once you strip the paint down and blast the car, that rust will turn out to be much worse than you thought. So figure that you'll need to do full quarters and wheelhousings. Check the floors and rockers for rust as well. Interior work is not that hard to do unless you're looking at custom stuff. But, I would get a better idea of what you can sell your 97 for. $14K seems a little high. I see 97's for sale in the 9-11 range and 98-99's in the 10-14 range.

 

Oops.....I should have pointed out that I'm Canadian, so that would be in our currency.......

Thanx Jeff.

 

go with the 67 RS/SS - way cool and will not plummet in value like your 97

drive a beater around in the meantime and by the time you're project is completed maybe chevy will release a next gen SS with a blown LS1...ya never know

 

Keep the 97 as your driver and restore the 67. Even if money requires this to take your longer, do it. You'll be happier in the long run.

I have a 95 Z/28 and a 67 RS. Even though I love the 67, I'll never drive it in foul weather and the 95 is still a lot more fun to drive. Granted if I were to do an "late-model" conversion on the 67 like you're planning, I probably wouldn't need both... however, I just can't give up the practicality of having a "newer" car.

 

Well ya know if you really don't wanna restore the 67 you can always bring her down to me, I'll take it off your hands :-)

Keep both man, like someone else mentioned even if it takes longer it'll be worth it!

 

i just sold my 97 for 13700 it had only 40,000 mi on it but i wanted a 69 and it is now setting in my drive way waiting to be started on the idea of keeping both was nice but i still wouldve needed a beater to drive cause i didnt drive my car in the snow and why have a project car a weekend cruiser and a beater it didnt make sense to me to pay for all of these insurance and i got tired of making the car payment on the 97 and still putting money it to make it faster when i costs more for parts on the 97 then what the parts for a 69 cost