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Aussiecamaroowner
16-12-2007, 05:36 PM
Hi guys, just stumbled on this forum by accident and after familiarising myself a little, I am stoked to be a part of this and introduce myself. Hopefully this intro doesn't bore you all.

My current ride/project is a 68 Camaro Coupe with a BBC. The bug bit me ever since my older brother came home with a brand new HQ monaro when I was 7. Over the years I have owned many cars, mainly Aussie muscle, but always wanted a Camaro after seeing 'Better of Dead' when in high school. Marrriage, travel, kids, building a home, etc. have taken priortity over the past 15 years, but my passion always remained. 4 years ago I began the search for the Camaro on all the usual places, ebay, collector car trader, etc. Came close a couple of times, but could never quite find what I wanted. I was just after a basic coupe, not rs or ss as I couldn't bring myself to modify a classic besides I was going after a clean look with no spoilers or stripes. 2 years after I began my search, an opportunity fell in my lap to buy the car I now have from a guy who stored it not 10 minutes from my house. I had found my project car.

In the past 2 years I have enjoyed driving it on weekends, taking it to a few shows and cruises all the while collecting the various parts needed for the impending start of the project. My work takes me to the states every year (I am there again in 2 weeks) and every year I come back with a suitcase full of gear.

The past 4 years I have literally spent every night researching, emailing, posting, anything and everything Camaro related to prepare for this project. Team Camaro forum was a favorite (until now?) always envious of the wealth of choices the yanks have in parts, services and advice to support their passion.

New house is complete, workshop is now erected and ready to go, got my tools, car booked in for panel and paint and when I get back from the States, I'm gonna start the tear down process and start ordering the big stuff I can't fit in my suitcase! That't my intro and I hope it wasn't too long. Following I have attached a picture of the 68 as it stands currently. I could go on for hours as to what my plans are, but I think that may be best left for another post. Before I go, I have one question. As it appears that there is so many like-minded enthusiasts here all seemingly in need of parts from the US, has it ever been discussed to gather everyones requirements into sharing a can from the US to bring over all the parts everyone needs and sharing the shipping costs?

Anyway here is the 'before' shot.

cluxford
16-12-2007, 05:43 PM
Welcome aboard, seen many of your posts up on Lat-G and PT.Com I think??

I'm doing the same, real clean non SS/RS but a huge big block 68 Camaro....

The guys on this board are pretty cool, no crap just good honest info sharing and genuine interest in each others rides.

Oh and lots of Camaro's which ain't bad

69coupe
17-12-2007, 07:50 AM
Welcome aboard, 68 hey, oh well close to the mighty 69 anyway :D

bricho
17-12-2007, 11:11 AM
That 68 looks like a pretty good example to be starting from. How long has it been in AUS?
So what you got planned for it anyway?

anychevy
17-12-2007, 02:32 PM
always wanted a Camaro after seeing 'Better of Dead' when in high school. .
Looks like a nice original car :D
Check out "Aloha Bobby and Rose" Cool movie for it's day :cool:

Aussiecamaroowner
18-12-2007, 02:13 AM
Thanks guys, appreciate the comments. Car is what I call a 10 foot car, in that it looks good from 10 feet away! I think I am the 5th owner. It's been a Perth car for 20 years so far as I can tell. It's tired and in need of work, but it's all there.

I am going to do what the yanks call a 'restification', that is a pretty solid restoration job, plenty of modification, but nothing too way out that you couldn't make it original again if need be. It will stay LHD, it will stay Big Block (planned Shafiroff 540 crate), 17's and 18's, really low, but overall clean and mean. Following is a couple of images that sort of describe the look I am going for (ignore colours). I will be sharing a can in March with a mate who does a US trip once a year, to bring back the motor, diff, suspension, brakes and dash components. Already have quarters, a lot of interior stuff and bits and pieces from the last couple of US trips and I just picked up a genuine GM cowl hood. I will be picking your collective brains plenty over the coming months as I tuck into this (and posting plenty of progress pics I hope). I also hope that I can contribute as well.

cluxford
18-12-2007, 07:22 AM
We are definately like minded...I have those 4 Camaro pics on my PC.

My Camaro will be on 17s and very low with an adjustable 4 link etc..

Here are some shots of other camaro's that I am basing mine off

EAT-30T
18-12-2007, 11:01 AM
Welcome!

I'm 69 350 SS on team camaro forums... I'm pretty sure I've seen you on there....

Be sure to start a build up thread!!!

Kurt

PS it looks too good to pull down in that pic??

john pony
18-12-2007, 02:20 PM
Hey welcome aboard, I just downloaded "Better of Dead" last night. Let me guess black on black right.

Aussiecamaroowner
19-12-2007, 12:51 AM
I wasn't looking to go black. Actually I am still having trouble deciding on a colour. I know it is going to be a mid-metallic blue. I like the Lemans blue, but I wanted something a bit more modern. There is a Ford blue called Velocity and a Mini blue called Electric both of which I like. I have added images below to give you a feel for the type of colour I am after. Excuse the images, they were the best a quick web search turned up.

FYI, just in case you havn't seen it yet, have a look at betteroffdeadcamaro.com. This guy saw the movie also but wasn't going to be happy until he got the actual car! It's a pretty good story.

SirGeo
20-12-2007, 09:21 AM
Welcome from me as well...

LeMans blue is definatly up there for me.. But I love the BA style blue aswell... tough choice for ya...

(just trying to deter as many people from black as possible so i can be different :p)

Steve.

james68ss
10-02-2008, 08:02 PM
Sounds like we are on the same itinary, bought my 68 in Aug. last year, it arrived in Jan. Have spent the last 5 months researching every web site on camaro info, spent heaps on books etc. My workshop was prepped, tools were no issue as Im a fitter by trade, have a Lathe and Mill, welders etc,etc. The company that brought my car over here will charge me $450 aus. for a pallet of goodies, they claim I can get heaps on a pallet, will probably go that way when I buy my interior, rs headlight system, disc brakes, vintage air, I could go on but you get the picture. You are lucky to be able to get over to the states, they are spoiled for choice and I am a bit envious, but what the hell, we have Camaros! Mine was a driver, now in about 1000,000 bits, new floor in a few weeks and a rotisserie, cheers and best of luck

tonner
10-02-2008, 10:51 PM
Welcome great to see another Camaro lover in Perth.:D

RSZ28
11-02-2008, 03:23 PM
Welcome mate. Very clean looking 68 you have there.

Aloha Bobby n Rose...yes excellent film for its day. Those were the days. Cruising Sunset....circle stuff....off to the strip for a few runs.