I saw an ad in the local paper tonight for a 68 Camaro, v8, standard tranny for $2500. I am thinking about calling when I get the chance. Should I be expecting anything for that price?

Should I just plan on it being t otally trashed.rusted out, non running etc.

I figure I will call anyhow, what the heck. May get lucky and find something decent.

I was already told about what to look for as far as the body and the metal goes..any mechanical things to keep a close eye on?

Thanks,

 

The sheet metal is probably gonna be in bad shape for that price and the interior torn to crap, so expect to invest something if you want to purchase that kind of project.

A decent car, but not in the worst condition ought to run around 6000, atleast where I live. For 4500, you're gonna have a bit of work to do and the fully restored ones 10k and up. That just gives you an idea of how i came up with my guess.

 

Hey Steve,

Due to school and work, I have not been home long enough to try to call. I think I will call tomorrow afternoon after I get home from work.

I am thinking it is as you described . . . but I am just hoping that it may be a decent project. I am staying pretty pessimestic though and not getting my hopes up. Cant expect much for that amount of $$$. Its a local number, so it should be more than 15-20 mintues away.

I will post to what I find out either tomorrow or monday evening,

Thanks for the reply,
Denny

 

Okay. I talked with the fella earlier this evening.
Here is what he says. The car is not rusted out. The only rust is on the windshield frame and rear window. its got new quarter panels.

Its got a "new" motor. I am not good on the phone, so I forgot to as abunch of questions I originally had in mind. I am not sure if it is a NEW crate motor, I am assuming it is not, or just another replacement motor.

He has the interior, but it is not in the car.
Also, he says it has new brake lines. I guess not new anything else, but just the lines?

If he is home tomorrow I will call him back and arrange to go out to his house to see the car.

What do yall think of all of that? Sound any good? Is it too good for that price?

I want a project, but not a major basket case.

 

Well, if the bodys in good shape and the motor runs strong (no smoking or stumbling) then it might be worth it. Check out the condition of the interior and most importantly drive the car. Feel the suspension and the brakes. Pay attentionto how the tranny shifts if its an automatic. The brakes should stop you in a reasonalbe distance. Just make sure everythigns solid.

Maybe even take it to a mechanic to check it out. Just make sure you check everything before you lay your money down.

 

It rained today and I didnt home till late so I didnt get to check it out today either. tomorrow I am really planning on going over to take a look.

Today after school I went over to my best friends house to talk to his brother. His brother has a 69 that he restored a few years ago to chat with him about the car.

From what he showed me, putting the interior back in doesnt seem like a major task. He also showed me what to look for in the body and the engine compartment and even said that he will ride over with me to take a look at that 68 and give me his opinion.

I sat in his drivers seat and I must say, I like the feel of it. Looking over the cowl and being close to the pedals/steering wheel. :-)

He also gave me a few parts catalogs.

What would be THE book to get for first gens? Is there any year specific shop manuals or anything?

Denny

 

You probably want a chiltons manuel to help work on it and a Year One cataloge to get parts from if you want to keep it original. Good luck.

 

OK-Just got home. Finally got to go look at it. I think it is more of a project than I should jump into.

The good-
Had a new motor, he was selling it for his son and said it was a new 350.
Engine cmopartment looked pretty clean and in order.

Body seemed pretty solid, no major rust other than on the windshield frame and rear window frame.

Now for the bad-
It had a 3 speed manual. Just not what I want.

All glass was out of it, windshield, back window, side windows etc

There is no grill, or the surrouding metal.

It was left out in the open under a tarp, interior was trashed pretty badly.

Not a bad project, but it seems like more than I can handle rigiht now.

Thanks for the help anyway, I must keep looking.

 

It sounds like a major amount of work is required just to get it "streetable".

Where are you located btw?

 

It is funny how you can try to rationalize things in your mind during the spur of the moment. When I was looking at it, couldnt help but think of how it wasnt that bad. Now that I think about it...it sure was awful.

This was my first experience checking out a old car, Helped me get an idea of what to expect for whatever amount of money.

I am located in north central Florida. Anyone know of any places that might have some first gens?

I know of one place down south alittle me, Classic Corvettes and Collectibles are something like that in tarpon springs..but I heard that it is a really snooty place and not to friendly. Not allowed to sit in the cars or anything like that. I can see the logic in that, but I would like to go to a place where I am welcome to look.