Hey Guys, I'm new here. I posted an intro in the new members area that has the basic stuff, etc.
My project is to attempt to save a 1967 Vert that I found locally (western Georgia).....As far as the term BAD will go, it doesnt cover what's left here. This was a "woods" find..This car must have sat for a very long time. What I have is the rear clip, from the qtrs back . It has the top frame assembly and the springs, mount points and bracketry, etc.
The trunk pan and floor have returned to dirt.
On the positive side, I do have the ID and paperwork for this car-

cowl tag
O3D E
ST 67-12467 NOR 93343 BODY
TR 760-Z G-2 PAINT

I just put whats left of the car in my barn and will accumulate parts and eventualy see if I can assemble it.
I did an extensive rust resto with pans on a 68 'bird a few years ago, so the rust doesnt scare me. I have the facilities available.
What I think that I need (and here's my question) to make a start is a body "core". (firewall back)I am assuming that I can use a regular Camaro body, purge the top and rear quarters and fab in the vert mechanisim and install new convertible rear quarters. Is that correct? If so, does it have to be a 67 or will 68 or 9 also work?
Any ideas on where would I find the windshield header for the vert?
Although its in very bad shape, it is a 67 Camaro Convertible
Thanks for the help- Chuck

Chuck,
You may want to take a look at musclecarmetals.com
That's the route I took with my 69...could give you a good base to build on.

Jim

Try to get us some pics.

What I think that I need (and here's my question) to make a start is a body "core". (firewall back)I am assuming that I can use a regular Camaro body?

Unfortunately, I don't think it will be near that easy.

The convertible body is WAY different than the coupe. The rockers are three times stronger, with thicker metal and a third piece inside. There is a lot of additional bracing (buyable) under the floor. The back seat / trunk divider is different, and has an additional large brace. Additional bracing at the door jambs, etc etc.

They had to do a lot to keep her from folding up without a solid roof.

Unfortunately, I don't think it will be near that easy.

The convertible body is WAY different than the coupe. The rockers are three times stronger, with thicker metal and a third piece inside. There is a lot of additional bracing (buyable) under the floor. The back seat / trunk divider is different, and has an additional large brace. Additional bracing at the door jambs, etc etc.

They had to do a lot to keep her from folding up without a solid roof.

I agree, BIG difference!!

I think we need to see some pics to see what he has. But i agree at not trying to turn a coupe into a convertable. There are just to many things that would have to be changed to make it worth it.

Do you have anything from the quarters forward, or you just assuming what you have is to far gone?
They make just about everything for these cars.

The biggest problem will be the 'A' pillars and windshield header, from what I've read they (Dynacorn) will not offer the the 'A' pillar and header section separately... " due to the complexity of proper installation and liability issues"

Thanks for the info, guys.
There's just nothing forward of the rear quarters left of this car.
The body (or carcass) is still on my trailer while I try to recriut some help to get it in my dry storage area.
Trying to convert a coupe body is the only idea that I had. I see that the roadster shop offers a full frame for 67 & such Chevelles.......Would a similar full frame strenghten the coupe body enough when modified to a convertible?
OR..... The dynacorn body at $13.5K is linked below.
http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com/gm_models.html
Would this new body and my 1967 ID's and title be condsidered a 67 Camaro or some kind of kit car? How much of the 1967 material does it take to be considered "authentic"?

I may just have to keep the ID tags in my file cabinet and maybe run across a buildable vert body someday. Its just time, right?

I'll post a pic if someone will tell me how-

Are you all sure that you want to see? Its tough for a musclecar person to witness.........
thanks again, Chuck

Thanks for the info, guys.
There's just nothing forward of the rear quarters left of this car.
The body (or carcass) is still on my trailer while I try to recriut some help to get it in my dry storage area.
Trying to convert a coupe body is the only idea that I had. I see that the roadster shop offers a full frame for 67 & such Chevelles.......Would a similar full frame strenghten the coupe body enough when modified to a convertible?
OR..... The dynacorn body at $13.5K is linked below.
http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com/gm_models.html
Would this new body and my 1967 ID's and title be condsidered a 67 Camaro or some kind of kit car? How much of the 1967 material does it take to be considered "authentic"?

I may just have to keep the ID tags in my file cabinet and maybe run across a buildable vert body someday. Its just time, right?

I'll post a pic if someone will tell me how-

Are you all sure that you want to see? Its tough for a musclecar person to witness.........
thanks again, Chuck

I know that there are guys out there using vin#'s and tags and placing them on these dynacorn body's, but that is illegal here in Indiana. Here you would have to get a state issued vin# for the dynacorn car. Good luck with what ever you decide!
Travis

Under the dash and upper cowl area there are unique braces for the convert windshield header, without them the top will not be strong enough. I have seen convert cowl sections on epay.
To post pixs you have to host them somewhere and link to the images here. I think its photobucket that offers a free pic hosting.

Chuck,
Check this out, and he has other convertible parts as well.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1967-1968-1969-FIREBIRD-CAMARO-
Good luck and God bless!
Travis

here's a photo
http://groups.msn.com/July2004Busphotos/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=232

I also do bus conversions, so I just added he camaro pic to by bus pic page. Scroll thru those pics also if you're intereted in buses-

Nice buses, nice work. The Camaro will require alot of touching and patience.

Had to do a double take... Sorry but that IS gone. Wow I don't think I've ever seen one like that. I say save up for a dynacorn as they are good quality and brand spankin new metal.

WOW It made me sad when I saw that pic. You were right theres not much there, unless its sentimental value to make it worth the work, I would say sadly that one is done.

there are better options out there....

I think i just died a little inside.. Let that one go!!

Could we have a moment of silence please ......................... That one is done , my friend , would make a good planter , or yard art , no disrespect intended . My lovely bride has been after me to procure a old pickup body (the more rust the better ) and use the front , from just behind the windshield , forward , to use for just that . Terry

Yep, Turn it into a yard dart!

If you need a floor pan,rockers,trunk pan,Q panels,Inner and outer wheel wells the only useable part is the top frame work,If thats any good, Your looking at a new car anyway.

Might be able to sell the top frame and pump assembly if its any good and the rear bumper but I think its a gonner!

Wow, even i've fixed some real rusted out cars, but this is by far the worse i've seen. one word. Toast. Not worth it. Get a good base to start with. Just my .02 :sad:

looks like a great start for one of those automobile couches.

But sadly not a car , but thanks for dragging it up out of the dirt and showing it the respect it desrves.

Iv also done a couple restores on camaros that have come home to me in 2 sections,
but that one is just toooo far gone..soo sad

I don't know if you can actually call that a car. Yes it is sad to see......

:sad: Gone or tons of $$$$$

ITS STILL GOOD Look!

Cut the bed off the back of this truck and glue that to it.. it saveable! it would be like a camaro jeep cab but convertable back type thingmajigy

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=126851

Would be really easy just glue the pinch frame to the rear frame of the truck bed would come off ez

I would've left it where it was to complete it's transformation back to the earth all in one place...:( You had good intentions, my friend, but the only resurrection of that is with a whole new body.

What were the vin and cowl tag attached to?

I looked at a firebird a few months ago that was only a little better, it had enough rust to hold the firewall on, but nothing was usable. It was essentially a rusted top frame and some crappy running gear. It sold on ebay for over $4000.

Whatever you do, please dont just sell those vin and cowl tags without at least knowing what they are going on. There are plenty of thieves out there looking for tags to swap onto the cars they plan on stealing.

$13,000 for a dynacorn body would have to be cheaper in the long run then fixing that one. If you built a car and sold it to me with a dynacorn body and original 67 vin trim tag and told me up front I wouldn't have a problem with it. I might even feel better knowing the 67 never had a drop of rust ever.

I don't think it's legal to swap tags. I believe dynacorn's come with a title to the year that it was made.

wow, I am gonna have to agree with the other post pass on it