Push in the right direction.

[Robstar]

G'day, stumbled across the forums in my search for advice, good thing i found a forum with enthusiasts that live in OZ.

Basically, I'm 21 years old and it's been my dream for god knows how many years to own a Camaro, I know that i want a 67-68 Camaro and i know i want to build on as a project and learn about the car as i go etc.

The problem is, is that I don't know where to begin.. I don't even know how to get my hands on one to start with! I've gone to Ebay.com and I've seen all the cars up there for sale, but it looks like it'll be alot of effort just getting it shipped to Australia, is this the only way really? Did any of you guys import your Camaro's and if so, how did you do so..

Haha not even sure what to type now to clarify my point, but I bet everyone who reads this will know exactly what i mean.

Any tips? - Rob

[muggz]

Hello fellow West Aussie! you a northie or a southie? im a northie :)

Now to your question:
It really all depends on your budget, for a good condition LHD 1st gen camaro would start around 40k (that you dont have to touch) if you buy a rolling shell and budget for all repairs maybe best to go for a car around 20k and have around 20k handy for general bodywork and mechanical. It would be cheaper if you have family or friends (or yourself) in the know to help the restoration/freshen up.

myself i have a '68 camaro and in process of a ground up B-reg (setup as track car) i bought rolling shell for 14k but body work spent around 8k ... the motor and most mechanical parts i have bought new and put aside.
my finished value including car would be around the 60k give or take 10k either way. It helps when the old man did the bodywork.

:D

[Helli]

I'm in the same place mate... hopefully I can buy something before the end of this year.

There's not many of these cars for sale in Oz. So I think the US is the way to go for me. The dollar is strong at the moment, so this means your money goes a lot further.

As far as importing goes, some others on here could probably give more direct advice. However from what I've seen there are a few companies that will import for you, for around $3K AUD.

So far, I've only looked on Ebay US - Are there any other reputable websites in the US to try?

[cluxford]

Other good sites are:
Racing junk
Camaros.net

[EAT-30T]

Yeah Racing junk is good.... Got my 69 Pro Street from there.... even made some good friends out of the whole deal.......

Tell you this much though people.... Dont buy sight unseen! trust me american version of good can be quite different from ours.... they are use to pile of **** cars with rusted out floors firewalls and quarter panels...that is not really normal here as we dont drive our cars in snow and salt where as they do!... not all sellers are bad some are extremely helpful and honest but you never quite know what your getting if you haven't seen it in person!

[Robstar]

Hey guys! Thanks for all your advice, more educated I am about, less room for error. :)

I found this website, http://autosource.biz/index.html

I think that might be a good place for me to look to find a few cheap deals, what do you reckon? 68 camaro's on there for 5k - 10k US.

EDIT: and I'm north of the River as well, Whitfords. :D

[aussie455]

If possible, buy from the west. I bought my car from the east and it cost me 1600 us to get it across the country. When you buy the car get the person to give it a good wash and clean out before shipping or you might be in a bit of strife with customs (they'll quarantine it, meaning you'll have to wait longer and pay extra).