I have always wanted a first gen, ever since I first layed my eyes on one, and now that I have graduated, and have a really good job, I have finally have the means to get one. I have a few questions though, so I thought I would post them here.

Right now, I have located two cars that peak my interest. One is a 69 Firebird with a 429 and a 4 speed. It is a hardtop with a vinyl roof. The other is a 68 Camaro Convertible. It has a 327 hooked up to a TH350. Both cars are in excellent, almost show condition, mechanically and visually, and both cars are the same price, $15,000.

I will be trading in my 2002 Trans Am for this car, and I will be using it as a daily driver, at least for a while until I can get a beater. I only have to drive 5 miles to work, so it's not a big deal. How many people use their classic as a daily driver, and what kind of milage can I expect.

What kind of insurance am I looking at? Will it be more, or less, or about the same as I am paying for my brand new TA with 6,000 miles on it? What level of coverage is recommended for a classic car? Full, Liability, or what?

I have always been a firebird man (This is my third, and I am only 23) but the convertible really interests me, simply because it is a convertible. But I am giving up the strait drive, and 100 cubes for the drop top. I guess that is my call, but I would like some opinions. I have T-tops now, and I just can't see going back to a hard top, but Convertible firebirds are kind of hard to come by.

Sorry about the long post, but I had to get this out there.

 

Get full coverage as 1st gens are hot theft items. Because the cars are so old, most insurance companies will base your rate on the price you paid for the car, so if they're the same price, it shouldn't matter much.

I wouldn't recommend either car for a daily driver. 5 miles one way each day adds up to 50 miles a week. Then there's everywhere else you drive on weekends... store, dates, vacation, etc. If they're that cherry, they won't stay that way for long.

The Firebird sounds cooler from a performance perspective, however the small block Chevy with automatic will be a more dependable daily driver... even if it is a convertible.

If both cars are as clean as you say, the convertible is actually a better deal. Convertibles hold their value better and will also escalate in value a lot quicker.

Best of luck, and keep us posted.

 

Well I wouldnt buy either car until you have a beater. I wouldnt reccomend driving it to work... ( people parking next to you, banging your car with their doors ). Get a beater first, then buy one of them. Just my opinion.
And as far as gas mileage... that all depends on how they are setup. My 80 gets about 7 - 11 and thats only a 350.

 

I was leaning toward the Camaro anyway, because it has the original Drivetrain, and I know they never put the 428 into the firebird. Performance is important, but I've got an LS1, and it's fun and all, but not the end all be all. The only reason that I am thinking of the bird is because every car I have ever owned was a firebird, but I guess some vareity is a good thing. A beater wont be a problem to pick up where I am at, and I have the ability to park out of the way at work so no one parks next to me, I do it now with the trans am. Thanks for your opinions fellas, it helps.

 

The Camaro will hold more value especially being a conv the way the market is. But to use a conv as an everyday driver you can almost plan on someone cutting the top to break into it so you might as well leave it unlocked. I drove a 69 Camaro conv every day for 4 years(86-90) and I was fortunate and never had anyone try to break in or slash the top. There used to be a company that made a fiberglass hardtop to put on the convertibles but I don't know if they're still around.

 

Is the Camaro the standard 210hp 327, or is it one of the 4bbl 275hp models?

If its an original 275 hp one and the numbers match, buy the sucker! Then as soon as you can, buy a beater... whatever... even a ricer is acceptable at this point! Or take the bus or ride a bike!!

My 67 RS has the lowly 210hp MF code 327, however I would never use it as a daily driver... heck I won't even drive it if there's a chance for rain.

 

Nevermind... you said '68 didn't you? The 275hp 4-bbl 327 were only available in 1967.

If it is going to be you're daily ride... I'd suggest considering an Edlebrock Performer intake and 750cfm Q-jet. (Better reliability and performance.)

 

dont drive it daily buy a beater first if you do not first stop after the plates are registered should be a body shop or somewhere to have it appraised at least for the amount you paid cuase if something unfortunate should happen the insurance compay will total the car and give you nada or kelly blue book value for it not its appraised value plus if you make it a daily driver you have to plan for it to break down a friend just bought a 69 camaross with a 350/350 for 6500 in pretty good shape and its his daily driver and in the past 6 weeks or so its gotten a alternato starter and the tranny just went out

 

My vote goes to the camaro........I'm going to agree with everyone else here and say you should get a beater to use as a dd.

 

Alright, so you guys seem to agree with me for the most part, the camaro is the better deal. I will probably try and find a 80 something Honda or something like that for cheap. Maybe even an old yota truck to haul parts when I need it.

Also I should note that the car comes with a 1 year, 12,000 mile warrenty, and an appraisal from the place that I am going to buy it from.

 

For a beater I would actually recommend a late 80's olds cutlass ciera with the 2.5 liter "iron duke", reason being is I own one. My car has 210,xxx miles on it, starts everytime(even when it's below 0), same transmission that rolled off the assembly line 15 years ago (and still shifts great), and cruises at 80+ mph with ease (and no vibration). I can't believe it's still alive considering how much I abuse it, but she's still running strong.

-Kevin


Edit: According to Kelley Blue Book one can be had for under $1000 with less than 150k miles

 

The 327/275 hp engine was available in 67 and 68, but not 69. The TH350 transmission was not available until 69, but there have been a couple of late, late 68 cars that had documented TH350 transmissions in them. Even without the original engine or trans, a conv in great condition is worth some bucks.

 

Yea, those old Iron Duke Engines last for ever! What kind of milage are you pulling in that car?

As far as the transmission goes, there wasn't any other 3 speed auto available back then other than the th400, was there? the only other option transmission wise would be a powerglide, right?

 

I personally get well over 20 and thats having a little fun at the same time

According to Edmunds it's supposed to get 23/30 city/highway

 

Errr, you sure about the TH350 Jeff? I thought they were available in '67 as well.