Newb Questions

    Guys, as I look at dozens and dozens of Camaros for sale, a few questions come to mind.  They may be stupid, but hang with me:

1.  Can the hide-away headlights and black grill be added to any 67-69 model?  If so (I assume yes), is it a fairly easy task?

2.  Can a vinyl roof be stripped off and painted like it was never there?  I seem to notice lower prices on the ones with vinyl roofs, but I'm wondering if this can be done, and is it feasible?

3.  What favorite on-line site have you found where there is a fair selection of 67'-69's?  I realize (from what I've found) that these sites are more expensive than local finds, but I'm continuing to search and learn.

I guess I'm running into some interesting prospects, but each (in a reasonable price range) seem to be "missing" something.

quote:

ORIGINAL: dbx

   Guys, as I look at dozens and dozens of Camaros for sale, a few questions come to mind.  They may be stupid, but hang with me:

1.  Can the hide-away headlights and black grill be added to any 67-69 model?  If so (I assume yes), is it a fairly easy task?

Yes, you can change back and forth. My 69 originally came with hideaways(still have most of it) and i switch out to a standard grille. Keep in mind that there are differences in those grille parts from 67,68,69 so make sure to do it year specific. Also, going to a hide-away is costly. One reason I didn't on mine. I am missing some pricey parts.

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2.  Can a vinyl roof be stripped off and painted like it was never there?  I seem to notice lower prices on the ones with vinyl roofs, but I'm wondering if this can be done, and is it feasible?

Yes, My 69 was originally a vinyl top. I didn't know this when I bought it, didn't care to check. It seems no different then Camaro's without it.

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3.  What favorite on-line site have you found where there is a fair selection of 67'-69's?  I realize (from what I've found) that these sites are more expensive than local finds, but I'm continuing to search and learn.

I never found a site that was better or worse then others. I snagged mine a rather odd way. Others may be able to lead you to a nice site or two.

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I guess I'm running into some interesting prospects, but each (in a reasonable price range) seem to be "missing" something.

I understand that. Mine was missing many things, but the price was beyond a steal, so I lived with it. Make sure to buy what you love, not what you think you'll love. Of course certain things can be changed or adjusted but if your in the hunt for a specific model(like a Z-28) then find one or you'll buy something else and always pine away for the Z..

After going through restorations on several cars, the best advice I can give you is buy the best car that you can afford. You rarely (almost never) get back the $$ you put into a car when you sell it. So, as the buyer, keep this in mind. Look for a car that has already had as much work done as possible. (Of course, assuming you agree with the seller's tastes.) Good luck.  

I would agree with the other two, get what you like and can afford, but be aware of the work that it needs.  A camaro is worth whatever someone will pay for it.  Also, I plan on keeping mine for a very long time.  When I bought it I knew what work needed to be done (mostly) and knew it would be a 3 year project (full time job, wife, kids......) so it was an easy buy for me.  Why are you asking about the headlights?  Are you worried you might be looking at a clone (nuthin wrong with them btw, not my style though) or wanting to make one?  Either way this site is a good start for the info you will need.

A couple things to consider.
If you pick up a car with the standard grill and want to switch to an RS, it can be done. (I will be doing this very same thing on LOW BUDGET GARAGE. You can either piece it together slowly or buy a complete kit to change it for around $950.

When ever you are buying a used car, you are always going to be making a sacrifice. Whether it be for the color you want, the interior options, engine type, etc. You'll have a hard time finding that 'perfect' car unless you have 40-60K to spend. Don't look at it as the items that you're not getting... think of it as a foundation to build upon. The better the foundation, the less headache and trouble you will encounter. Personally I'm stuck with a junker 'cause it was a trade. But, no matter. If you have some skills in the garage than don't worry too much. I've seen guys pick up 'restored' vehicles and yet when you look closely, there's alwys more that can be done to improve it.

The most important thing is to enjoy the car. People don't buy Camaros because they want to be like everyone else. They want something special... and that's a Camaro. Especially the 1st models. These classics sell all over the world. The Camaro is one of those legendary cars that gain more respect the older they get.

So find a good deal and buy it! You can't enjoy it if you don't have one.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jonnyNITRO

A couple things to consider.
If you pick up a car with the standard grill and want to switch to an RS, it can be done. (I will be doing this very same thing on LOW BUDGET GARAGE. You can either piece it together slowly or buy a complete kit to change it for around $950.

Yes ^, that's why I was asking.  Thanks to everyone here for their input!  Interesting about getting being able to change a vinyl roof back to just metal.  Anyone willing to venture a guess on what it would cost to get it done?  The reason I ask, is that I've seen a couple of Camaros I'd be interested in, but I think the vinyl roof was a poor idea to begin with.  Of course, I realize that stripping it and sanding it is one thing, and then the car would have to be painted again, resulting in even higher costs....but it might be feasible if I picked one up  that I hated the color to start with, but loved everyting else about it, ya know?

Those who have advised to buy as much car as I can afford with most of the work done, are probably giving me great advice....in my case.  I'm not a "build it from the ground up" kinda guy.  Woodworkig is my specialty, not mechanical things.  Yeah, I do my own brakes, alternators, starters, etc., but once you get inside the heads...I'm lost.  Totally .  But yeah, I can't do body work and the like...or at least never have tried it.

I will post a few links when I get a chance, to some cars that intrigue me, but I wonder why they haven't been bought yet.  And perhaps you (my new pals ) can offer advice/ideas/comments on what I show you.

quote:

ORIGINAL: williesrepair

quote:

ORIGINAL: dbx

  Guys, as I look at dozens and dozens of Camaros for sale, a few questions come to mind.  They may be stupid, but hang with me:

1.  Can the hide-away headlights and black grill be added to any 67-69 model?  If so (I assume yes), is it a fairly easy task?

Yes, you can change back and forth. My 69 originally came with hideaways(still have most of it) and i switch out to a standard grille. Keep in mind that there are differences in those grille parts from 67,68,69 so make sure to do it year specific. Also, going to a hide-away is costly. One reason I didn't on mine. I am missing some pricey parts.

quote:


2.  Can a vinyl roof be stripped off and painted like it was never there?  I seem to notice lower prices on the ones with vinyl roofs, but I'm wondering if this can be done, and is it feasible?

Yes, My 69 was originally a vinyl top. I didn't know this when I bought it, didn't care to check. It seems no different then Camaro's without it.

quote:


3.  What favorite on-line site have you found where there is a fair selection of 67'-69's?  I realize (from what I've found) that these sites are more expensive than local finds, but I'm continuing to search and learn.

I never found a site that was better or worse then others. I snagged mine a rather odd way. Others may be able to lead you to a nice site or two.

quote:


I guess I'm running into some interesting prospects, but each (in a reasonable price range) seem to be "missing" something.

I understand that. Mine was missing many things, but the price was beyond a steal, so I lived with it. Make sure to buy what you love, not what you think you'll love. Of course certain things can be changed or adjusted but if your in the hunt for a specific model(like a Z-28) then find one or you'll buy something else and always pine away for the Z..

A special thanks for going item by item, Williesrepair.  And again, thanks CplThomas, JohnnyNitro, and Bass.  All great info.

No problem.  When you do get one (I am hoping for another classic to be on here) let us know, post some pictures and dont worry about it, we are here to help with any questions you might have.

quote:

ORIGINAL: cplthomas

No problem.  When you do get one (I am hoping for another classic to be on here) let us know, post some pictures and dont worry about it, we are here to help with any questions you might have.

Here's an example.  I realize it's a clone, but it still appears to be underpriced compared to many others I've seen.  Opinions?  -  http://www.cars-on-line.com/23095.html

Thats I very well done car, no power brakes is the pits.  Its price is reasonable and what I would expect or a clone.  It has some suspention problems, look at the rear photo, the exhaust pipes are at different distances from the grouns and the tires are more visible on the pass side.  I should be able to see the powe steering pump, at least the lid on the drivers side infront of the head.  Are these the only pictures?  I would jump on it, just me though.

quote:

ORIGINAL: cplthomas

Thats I very well done car, no power brakes is the pits.  Its price is reasonable and what I would expect or a clone.  It has some suspention problems, look at the rear photo, the exhaust pipes are at different distances from the grouns and the tires are more visible on the pass side.  I should be able to see the powe steering pump, at least the lid on the drivers side infront of the head.  Are these the only pictures?  I would jump on it, just me though.

No other pics I'm aware of.  Yep, I've got several bookmarked 69's .  As far as your comments on the suspension and tires being visible more on one side...I'd keep in mind it's a photo.  In other words, I admittedly don't know a lot about cars, but I do know a photo can be VERY deceptive.

LOL @ jumping on it.  I probably would of I could.  Don't get me wrong, I'm married, got 3 teen kids, and runa fairly successful business....BUT...I've also got a ton of debt...and my 18yr old just got accepted to Georgia Tech.  In other words, I'm dreamin' to think I could spend 22K without it causing some problems.  I looked at financing, and for approx 22K, it's like $525 per month for 60mths.  I'd do better to put in on one of my credit cards for a year of zero imterest, and then 7.99% after that...hoping to pay it off in 3yrs or less.  Actually, 10-12K would be more doable.  I could charge that and not really feel it.

Understood.  You can still get something drivable with not alot of work due for 10-12k.  It might not happen for a while but they are out there.

I hear ya when your talking wife,kid, morgage and a business to run.

It took me 6 years to complete my Camaro. I think my final tally on the pocket book was 12K with a good majority of that in the engine.

If you really are motivated to find one in the 10K-12K range I'd try and hook up with as many local clubs as you can. Also hit all the car shows and swap meets within the area. Sometimes you'll stumble onto that one car that people are just overlooking.

Also some of the buying can become a business tax deduction depending on your business. For me ours is a Automotive repair facility so all the work I did, money put into it went threw the shop. In the end I couldn't deduct all I spent, and my accountant had to do some work finally but it helped. Now throw some business cards on the dash. Use it in advertising, display, parades and events and part of it is a deduction.

quote:

ORIGINAL: williesrepair

I hear ya when your talking wife,kid, morgage and a business to run.

It took me 6 years to complete my Camaro. I think my final tally on the pocket book was 12K with a good majority of that in the engine.

If you really are motivated to find one in the 10K-12K range I'd try and hook up with as many local clubs as you can. Also hit all the car shows and swap meets within the area. Sometimes you'll stumble onto that one car that people are just overlooking.

Also some of the buying can become a business tax deduction depending on your business. For me ours is a Automotive repair facility so all the work I did, money put into it went threw the shop. In the end I couldn't deduct all I spent, and my accountant had to do some work finally but it helped. Now throw some business cards on the dash. Use it in advertising, display, parades and events and part of it is a deduction.

I'm clever, but I couldn't deduct the costs from my business without raising a big red flag. 

I forgot to mention that I've also got to by a car for my 16yr old within the next 2 wks.  2yrs ago, I bought my 18yr old a 91' Mazda RX7.  I always liked those cars too.  He's the "responisble" son, and I've never worried about him driving that car.  But the 16yr old?  Pfft!  I'm likely going to buy him a Toyota Tercel for $1500.  It HAS to have airbags for him, lol.  He's just really bad at driving and has ZERO sense of awareness when's he's on the road.  Yep, if it wasn't for my 18yr old belonging to a RX7 forum/club, I'd have never thought about finding this place.  He's impressed the hell out of me with his interest in his car, and doing ALL the maintenance etc...

I guess I've reached another phase in raising kids where it prevents me from buying whatever I want, whenever I want, on a whim.  Ah, the sacrifices we make!

u looking for a camaro?  might have something right up ur sleve

quote:

ORIGINAL: dbx

I guess I've reached another phase in raising kids where it prevents me from buying whatever I want, whenever I want, on a whim.  Ah, the sacrifices we make!

I hear ya. Amazing how money just seems to always be flowing to everything under the sun.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Blade

u looking for a camaro?  might have something right up ur sleve

Speak to me.

well what are u looking for one u have to finish or one that is already finished.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Blade

well what are u looking for one u have to finish or one that is already finished.

I'm willing to consider either ^ of the above. Of course, it would depend on how much finishing we're talking about, as bodys and engines aren't really my thing.  In other words, all options are open at this point....but I tend to agree with the general concensus here about buying as much "finsihed" car as I can afford.

So again......what do you have?

well I have a 67 prostreet that needs finishing click the link to see pics
 
 
and a 67 mini tubbed car that is complete

quote:

ORIGINAL: Blade

well I have a 67 prostreet that needs finishing click the link to see pics


and a 67 mini tubbed car that is complete

I see.  I should have sepcified that I'm pretty much sold on buying a 69' model.  It has always been my personal favorite.  From what I've seen searching, it appears that 67's can be purchased well below the cost of 68 &69 models...in most cases I've seen.  Yep, gotta be a 69'.  I'd even consider buying a great rolling shell, but I'd prefer to get a driveable one to start with.

It looks like you're really into doing it from the ground up, and that you've made some great progress. 

I bought the one in the link when I was 14  finally started the tubbed job bout two years ago its slowmotion right now, workin on getting the parts together.  I have all the parts for the back half metal.  but thank you and good luck on ur search.

Here's  a car I thought I might show you guys.  Damn, this car is beautiful!:  http://www.nvo.com/texasmusclecars/1969camaross/view_all.nhtml


Check out the rest of the cars in their showroom. 

Disclaimer:  Sorry if this causes excessive drooling, panting, & heart murmers etc...

Someone def put in the wrench time!

    This place sure is dead on Sunday. 

Anyway, I've got another question: How much trouble and approx. cost would it be to change from non-power brakes to power brakes?  Is this a fairly simple transformation?