W.T.B 68-69 Camaro

[PSIWOG]

Guys as most know im looking at getting a Camaro. I will do the import thing if one doesnt come up after I get married but ill put the feelers out to anyone knowing or wanting to get rid of a 68-69 Camaro. I dont care if it doesnt have a driveline (needs to be a rolling shell) what i do want is a strong body and as much of the little bits as possible. Its going to be rebuilt from the ground up so paint, interior etc are of little concern. Mainly I want a good body to start with. I dont want a convertable.
I can muster up $10-12k If nothing comes up for that then ill just have to go the complete import from the states for about $15k
Thanks guys. Cant wait to have a true machine in the garage ! I understand this isnt a whole lot of cash, but with any luck somone has a shell they want to get rid of :D

[anychevy]

As you probably already know, 1st gen camaro's are still very hot, so there's not much (if anything) around for your budget.
But keep buying Just and Unique cars, the trading post and searching online for now.
The country is being flooded with US cars, so you may pick up a project if you're real lucky.

[PSIWOG]

Thanks mate :) yer i understand that the budget isnt great but I guess the good thing is im only after a shell, and I have seen a 67 for $12k but was a bit of a crapper. Ill take you up on that and grab unique cars to see whats on offer. I guess this may raise the question ... is it better to spend $20k and get a complete car or if im only going to discard most of it, start with a cheaper shell ?
Maybe I should just wait till after the wedding and spend more ?

[EAT-30T]

Consider a Firebird even.. much more affordable...

Give Shane from Canberra a call he can definately hook you up with something like what your after... I promise you that! 0408 396 327

[anychevy]

I guess this may raise the question ... is it better to spend $20k and get a complete car or if im only going to discard most of it, start with a cheaper shell ?

You CAN buy everything new if you have to, but the best advice I can give you is, buy the most complete car with the best body you can afford.
But be patient, who knows what the market will be like in another 12 months ?
The US could slide deeper into recession and more bargains will present themselves.
A friend of mine just got back from there and picked up some real deals !
No camaro's unfortunately, but they are comming back within reach.

[PSIWOG]

Again, add this to the stupid questions im going to ask learning american muscle :) but whts the difference between the fire bird + Camaro. Obviously the front is quite different but they do look very familiar.
Just seen this - If it was a Camaro it would be perfect :D
http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/PONTIAC/FIREBIRD/Queensland/csn5510908.aspx

[anychevy]

Sheet metal etc., engine, trannny and diff. But the basic body shell is the same.
I forgot to add
There's no such thing as stupid questions, only stupid answers :D

[PSIWOG]

Anychevy I may take your advice there. If something were to come up between now and the end of the year I may jump on it. Im the type of person who would rather wait for what I actually want than going for second best. In the end Ill be spending the best part of $100k on it and to get to the end and say .. gee I spent $100k and its really nice, but I wish I spent the extra $5-$10k in the beggining and brought the Camaro not the firebird. (example) I can only hope the US continue to crash :D Im a bit selfish I know hehe
Just seen this on e bay (US)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3APIC&viewitem=&item=180242079027&rd=1
Thoughts ?

[anychevy]

I think that's wise, There's nothing wrong with Pontiacs, in fact, a rare pontiac is impossible to clone due to records kept by the Pontiac Historical society
But Camaro's (over here at least) will allways be the "poster child" for F bodies
Speculating on the US economy is just that.
Some of us with rare and expensive US muscle wish things would pick up, while some prospective buyers are banking on a further decline :confused:
I'm no expert, but I don't see things turning around in the next year or so.

[EAT-30T]

According to our Currency exchange broker our dollar will gain strength more so against the USD but in turn.. its only going to be a short term thing.. prices in the US will be forced up to compensate and the USD will gain strengh again... I'm not sure how long it will last but he assures me don't get used to this almost dollar for a dollar rate.....


how true that all is I'm not sure but it makes sense!

[PSIWOG]

Anyone want to comment on that Camaro on e bay ? Its similar to what I want to start with ... could land it here for $12K ....

[EAT-30T]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1967-Pontiac-Firebird-400-Camaro_W0QQitemZ130221736099QQihZ003QQcategoryZ101 895QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Check that out... I've seen it in the flesh.. for $8k its good deal IMO.... very solid!

[anychevy]

Anyone want to comment on that Camaro on e bay ? Its similar to what I want to start with ... could land it here for $12K ....
Link ?

[EAT-30T]

Anyone want to comment on that Camaro on e bay ? Its similar to what I want to start with ... could land it here for $12K ....

I'd steer clear of that one mate... all bodywork done.... thats enough to steer you away.. 99% of american bodywork is sh*t that thing would be full of bog/bondo.... and the floors all painted etc... they're obviously hiding something... look how rust pitted that trunk floor is....

[EAT-30T]

Link ?

go back a page man <<< ;)

[PSIWOG]

Link ?

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=5335858167&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2Fws%2F eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26ih%3D008%26sspagename%3 DSTRK%253AMEWA%253APIC%26viewitem%3D%26item%3D1802 42079027%26rd%3D1

Thanks for that Kurt .. Its what I felt was going to be said but thought it was worth asking :D

[EAT-30T]

Trust me on this.... unless you can get some ridicluous portfolio of photo's with ALL area's of concern photographed in FULL detail.... DONT buy sight unseen..... trust me....

I can possiblly locate you a car through friends if your "serious" let me know!

[anychevy]

Trust me on this. DONT buy sight unseen..... trust me....
Good advice, That POS will be a money pit ! The description of the fiberglass work was as far as I got :eek:

[PSIWOG]

PM sent Kurt. Thanks mate

[TUFF68]

Anyone want to comment on that Camaro on e bay ? Its similar to what I want to start with ... could land it here for $12K ....

not sure how you would go with licensing that car with no VIN#, is that possible ??

[PSIWOG]

no VIN ?? ohh der. Nice pickup, I didnit see that. Nope dont think its possible, unless i was alocated one from vic roads.....

[69camaro]

With no Vin# you won't get import approval. You could break it down and bring it in as parts only but it would only ever be a parts car and you could never register it.

[EAT-30T]

No VIN won't be allowed to leave US either... perhaps out of georgia? but I would not risk it!

[PSIWOG]

Decission on the one definatly made boys ..... no way am i bidding.

[TUFF68]

not sure if this is quite what your after Adrian, but the guy who owns it lives less than 5 mins from me.

http://www.australianmusclecarsales.com.au/muscle_view/110396

[PSIWOG]

Its definatly what I want ..... just $50 k to much :p

[Aussiecamaroowner]

Mate, hang in there and don't be too tempted rush in and make a rash decision. It took me two and a half years of searching online to find mine and I ended up unearthing one by accident 10 minutes from my house as a result of word of mouth.

I was also after a rebuilder or roller, but I would suggest that if you find the right car complete with all the little bits, the $5K or $10k you spend extra to buy it could be $10k or $15k less you may need to spend on it later. You can always sell the parts you don't need (condition permitting).

You could try talking to a few importers who could locate you a car (eg. http://www.golden-gasolines.com.au/), or even some brokers in the states who could assist in locating a car, inspect it and even assist with transport/shipping (all for a fee of course).

I am rebuilding mine at the moment and just ordered $20k worth of parts, but would have been much more had I not spent the $5k more than my budget had allowed.

[PSIWOG]

Cheers mate ... Im just really keen to get the ball rolling however I know that maybe its not the best thing to rush. After all itsa not a VL, there isnt a million of them. Whats do you think is the right ammount to spend on the first Camaro ?

[Aussiecamaroowner]

Mate, how long is a piece of string? I still keep an eye out for what's available out there and imho, I don't think you will find too much worth consdering under $20K. There are still bargains out there, especially in the States, but they are getting harder to find. You just need to do heaps of research online. Google can be your best friend here. To give you an example of what cars are going for, have a look at the following:

collectorcartrader.com
dealsonwheels.com/browse/Chevrolet_Camaro.aspx
hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/chevrolet/camaro/
camaros.net/classifieds/

These, as well as Ebay, are all worth using as a bit of a guide of what $$ it will take.

[PSIWOG]

E bay is always a problem with me ... as i cant check out the car it always going to be a $15k gamble

[PSIWOG]

Fellas what do you think of this as a start for a project ?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/68-camaro-rolling-shell_W0QQitemZ330236971906QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1018 95QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[RSZ28]

Fellas what do you think of this as a start for a project ?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/68-camaro-rolling-shell_W0QQitemZ330236971906QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1018 95QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

IMHO....too much....:eek:

To help make a decision on whether a car is worth it, think about how much effort you want to put in and think about what it would cost to get it to an example you know of...for example...

Have you had a look at Mr Luxford's thread on "Project Hellfire"?

His car was 16k landed.

With:

All new qtrs all 4 of em
All new roof
All new floors including new boot
All new front inner guards
New carpet
Everything else original.

Great value. :D That's 5 - 6k of metal even before fitting. Plus the interior and the glass. Another 5 - 8k.

(For prices take a look at Rick's Camaro, and add up all the parts you will need. Double it. )

Add all that to the shell on ebay. Your at 22k before body labour and powertrain. So in summary...way under on value compared to Mr Luxford's car. For the same AUD22k, with a bit of luck, you can probably do an ok driver from the US. For 15k, maybe you can nail something like Mr Luxford did.

This car seems to need most parts except the shell, front end, rear end. No dash shown.

That one on ebay at 11k equates to about US$6k max cost before shipping. It does not seem to have any parts. If you were in the US, and patient, you could probably find a no rust, no powertrain project roller for 3-4k, with full interior. They are a little rare. Tyler at ATS in the US found a 67 roller, no rust, no powertrain recently for 2.3k. And a complete no rust 68 for 8.5k. A steal. "Criminally low price". If you weren't patient, the 3k item might run to 6-8k. And the 8.5k 68 to 10-12k.

Looks to have some rust hidden under that suspicious looking silver paint....see the firewall....with a firewall like that...very likely the rocker panels need renewal too. :(

Lots and lots of pictures needed. A genuine seller will supply good pictures. The car needs to be clean too. Otherwise it may get hung up in quarantine...more $$$.

Dont bid until you see the copy of the US title, and get lots of good pix. Most problems getting cars out of the US are caused by title problems. No title, no export. The more you get, the better informed you are, the lower the risk, the less luck you need.

There is an aussie in LA that inspects cars and take photos. LA Car Locators. US$500 service depending on location. Norm 1-310-7225530. He may know of something.

[PSIWOG]

Cheers :D awsome info. Guess it just goes back to the same thing .... pay more get a better project from the start. I know you guys have gone over this all before but im still looking around for that needle in a hay stack. I may come across something at a very nice price. This one was apealing as the panels look good and he said it doesnt have rust in any of the floors + body. I figure if im replacing everythign anyway and I can get this cheaper (im not goign to offer him $11k) What if he could show me the proper papers + I could get it for $8-9k ? would it still be a wste of time. I want to buy all parts new (glass, front end, lights etc) Your right about the firewall. Ive e mailed asking for more pics and info on the car.

[cluxford]

Took me 2 years to find mine.

All I wanted was a clean shell, as everything else would be replaced.

The points made above are bang on, I could have got plenty of cars for less, but would have needed lots more work...

Take your time, I have placed deposits on 2 cars in the past and walked on closer inspection....we all want our cars yesterday, me especially, but with the way the aussie battler is going and with the US going into recession then in 6 months time you will get some absolute bargains in my mind....I'm saving my pennies for this very reason

[EAT-30T]

Fellas what do you think of this as a start for a project ?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/68-camaro-rolling-shell_W0QQitemZ330236971906QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1018 95QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

@ his starting bid of $9K (but reserve not met) thats not too bad IF its clean... plus it is in the country already... BUT there is lots missing from it by the looks of it... which = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ however if your building one up custom... it doesn't matter too much...

I'd say that is not going to get any bids... I'd wait till it ends and then offer him maybe $8K see what he says??

just a thought.. :)

[RSZ28]

Cheers :D awsome info. Guess it just goes back to the same thing .... pay more get a better project from the start. I know you guys have gone over this all before but im still looking around for that needle in a hay stack. I may come across something at a very nice price. This one was apealing as the panels look good and he said it doesnt have rust in any of the floors + body. I figure if im replacing everythign anyway and I can get this cheaper (im not goign to offer him $11k) What if he could show me the proper papers + I could get it for $8-9k ? would it still be a wste of time. I want to buy all parts new (glass, front end, lights etc) Your right about the firewall. Ive e mailed asking for more pics and info on the car.

Any windows or window controls with it? Steering column? Dash parts? Lights? Other parts?

FYI - A new Dynacorn shell is probably 20k landed....with its VIN challenges - and need for the front end and rolling parts, so 8 or 9k, as Kurt notes, may be reasonable value if there is no appreciable rust, and you really are after a long term "project" to build into a full pro-tourer :cool: .

Interesting to know why it is being sold and how long it has been in Oz.

[PSIWOG]

Cluxford I was wondering how far the US $$ will drop and when the best time to buy was. Can we imagine the day where these things are going for $5000 in the US, complete in great condition. With that we have 1 - 1 dollar !!! Have it landed and in your garage for $11k !
I think thats were I was thinking with this on Kurt. Thing is I really dont know how hard is it to source wirring harness, new windows, chrome etc etc as this comes with NOTHING but a shell .....

[RSZ28]

"I was wondering how far the US $$ will drop and when the best time to buy was."

Thing is I really dont know how hard is it to source wirring harness, new windows, chrome etc etc as this comes with NOTHING but a shell .....



When you get some inside on the exchange rate and best time to buy...let us know. :D

Camaro repro parts options:

Shane in Canberra (Shane is Oz agent for Rick's - and deals in many Camaro items - and has a couple genuine Z28's).

Shane could probably tell you what you need and provide a price based on good SH parts, or new.

www.rickscamaros.com - they ship to Oz. Airfreight. Or you can get stuff shipped to a seafreight forwarder. Or buy from Shane.

They have EVERYTHING for 1st Gens.

www.usgmsp.com - in Wollongong NSW. They stock LOTS of stuff. Prices on their site exclude GST, but mostly include shipping.

www.classicchevycentre.com.au - Smithfield NSW. They stock a lot of stuff too.

To get some more detailed info on Camaros...try and get hold of a "Camaro Factory Assembly Instruction Manual" for the year you want. That will give some insight into all the parts and how they fit together.

All the glass by itself will probably set you back a minimum of 2k, before it is installed and trimmed.

[EAT-30T]

Can we imagine the day where these things are going for $5000 in the US, complete in great condition. With that we have 1 - 1 dollar !!! Have it landed and in your garage for $11k !

Unforunately we'll never see that day ever again..... those days were 20+ years ago...my father in law had imported a nice 68 firebird about 20 years ago and it worked out somewhere along those lines... BUT back then he had to convert it to RHD... there's the catch and about another $10K extra!

Actually come to think of it that car is still getting around in the family and its a nice one at that.. his best man still has it. :)

[PSIWOG]

RSZ28 I came across this last week. Not sure if its of interest to anyone but its a chev interchange manual.
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=ztAYZYRDn7EC&pg=PA59&lpg=PA59&dq=68+CAMARO&source=web&ots=4oV3ncnCn8&sig=uw1BWdO-oiXOPpOJYS7HVda7wPM&hl=en#PPA26,M1

[cluxford]

You can actually build a 69 Camaro from scratch using Dynacorn, Rick's, Classic etc....but yeah VIN is an issue.

Rick's via Shane is good for parts, but Classic Industries is also pretty good.

Either way getting parts isn't a problem.

My advise is if you want to build a big dollar project hold out for a clean as rust free as you can get body.

But Kurt is on the money, if he gets no bids offer him $7K....

[PSIWOG]

I actually got a response form him about if he will discount the price if it doesnt sell. He said no he will just keep it. He says he races them so he will use it to race..... But no way in hellp im paying $11k for it

[PSIWOG]

I know you blokes will get sick of this soon :D but how about this one ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___68-Camaro-SS-Pro-Street_W0QQitemZ170218515037QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20Tru cksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170218515037&

[cluxford]

Looks like a good buy, as long as you don't want a back seat....

Looks nice and clean.

Do what i did, I called the seller when I bought mine, which was bought off eBay. I made him take like 200 photos of the car and email me...

I mean photos of every nook and cranny.....

This helps to find out if the seller is genuine

[BMF1968]

I bought a 68 camaro in 2000 for three and a half grand, which was pretty cheap even then. It was basicaly a shell and ten years ago would probably ended up a donor car, but it was an original 68 SS and for what i wanted to do to it was perfect. I've done a complete pro street so most of the car has ended up discarded, in fact the only original panels left are the roof, doors and inner cowl. Everything else has been replaced, repaired or fabricated. Knowing what i wanted entering the project, and that most of the vechile would be tossed, was very important cause if i hadn't wanted to go as far as i did repairing what was there would have cost me heaps more than spending a little extra on a clean shell in the begining. My advice would be, unless the cars going down the same route as mine or has some major pedigree or something, get the cleaner car first off.

[PSIWOG]

Thinks thats what ill do its just im seeing a major gap between the $10k cars to $10k cars over in the US..... It will be a street car, but everything will be replaced or new. So im really a bit unsure.

[67cammy]

If your doing this on a budget Id concentrate on getting one with as good a body as possible. Originally I bought mine for 10 and planned to neaten everything up and spend another 20, but I spent 20 just on bodywork and paint.

[PSIWOG]

Every day im hoping somone gets on here and says HEY I got a 68-69 body for you haha :D
Yer I understand what you mean 67Cammy but its just a mater of finding that perfect car......
Im looking here and the US

[PSIWOG]

Guys im prob going for this.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=5335858167&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com.au%2F68-camaro-rolling-shell_W0QQitemZ330236971906QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1018 95QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I spoke to the guy and he will deliver it for $9k He swears is has no rust other than surface from being sanded back after primer, and all panels are spot on. Considering im going to replace EVERYTHING from the ground up its perfect. I know some of your guys thought not but as long as the body is A1, it has a VIN and papers I think I cant beat the price......

[anychevy]

Anything looks straight in grey primer (I'm not saying it isn't though) but 9 grand seems a little high for little more than a rolling shell :confused:
Any parts at all go with it ?

[PSIWOG]

There isnt anything from 68-69 under $25k in australia, and ive been looking, I can start getting 68s at about $11k in the US, maybe 16k landed. Saying that, thats in average condition. He is guaranteeing thats there is no rust, no dints and new rear quarters. I guess if anythign I can look at it and say take it home mate thats sh1t....

[EAT-30T]

Guys im 590 im going for this.
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=5335858167&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com.au%2F68-camaro-rolling-shell_W0QQitemZ330236971906QQihZ014QQcategoryZ1018 95QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I spoke to the guy and he will deliver it for $9k He swears is has no rust other than surface from being sanded back after primer, and all panels are spot on. Considering im going to replace EVERYTHING from the ground up its perfect. I know some of your guys thought not but as long as the body is A1, it has a VIN and papers I think I cant beat the price......

So your going to buy that one your saying??

I just had a look and it is about 1.5 hours from me.... If you are serious Adrian I will take a look at it for you if you want.. just throw me a bone ;) (ie: gas in the tank.. dont worry I drive an N/A 2L everyday LOL)

PM me if you want and we'll go from there!

[PSIWOG]

pm sent. Thanks mate

[cluxford]

have you checked out racingjunk.com yet ?

http://www.racingjunk.com/post/1209867/1968-CAMARO-350-350-12BOLT.html

[PSIWOG]

Chris that looks really nice ! well if the cars are good. At the moment I may have to wait till after the wedding as the back will finance the car but only a registered one, and i dont want to use my savings till after the wedding in case somethign happens.

[anychevy]

have you checked out racingjunk.com yet ?


I think you're better off waiting to get a more complete car, even if it needs panels
(they're cheep) and some rust repairs.
That rolling shell needs everything :eek: seat frames and complete dashboards don't grow on trees.
Unless you're going "full custom everything" ? I'd pass on it.
You'll find the right project eventually

[PSIWOG]

yer but i want one in my garrage now :eek: haha