View Full Version : What Have I Done?! (New Member)


DJUkkestad
Apr 12th, 09, 09:03 PM
I'm new here, and quite pleased to find out this board exists. Here's my story:

Okay, after attending the Good Guys show last week in Del Mar, I decided it was time to start looking for the 1st gen. Camaro I've always wanted. My twin boys are now 15 1/2 and have just gotten their permits. I figured it was time to teach them how they USED to build cars (back when I could actually work on them).

My first (and last) project was dropping a 302 into a buddy's Pinto in the early 80's. That thing was just plain scary. So this time I figured I'd do something a bit more responsible. Or so I thought.

So, with little research, grim determination, and the fear if I didn't so something quickly I would back out I did it. Sight unseen I bought a #'s matching '68 RS convertible off ebay. I must be nuts.

The car is clean and has had a lot of work done, but of course still needs a lot more. For the most part all original parts come with the car - even if they have been replaced/upgraded. The 327 has been professionally rebuilt and upgraded with the appropriate cam, carb, head, headers, etc. The transmission has been replaced with a Tremec, but the original 4-speed Saginaw comes with it as does full documentation, Protecto plate, and receipts. The car has a bit of rust in the trunk, but the rest is clean. Cocktail shakers are there, as is everything else. If it's not on the car and is needed it's in a box. Or so I'm told. I've had several converations with the seller who seems to be a great guy and has offered to cancel the sale prior to fund cash trasfer if I'm not completely satisfied. Part of me hopes I'm not, as I'm not quite sure what I'm getting myself into.

So, here goes. I pick up the car in 2 weeks. I'm sure I'm going to be asking a lot of dumb questions and relying on you guys (and gals) to help me through this, so please bare with me. I already know I'm going to spend far more than planned, and I just pray it all works out in the end.

Wish me luck.

zlek131
Apr 12th, 09, 09:17 PM
I read your post and laughed as that's exactly how I bought my car. I didn't sleep for 3 days straight after that purchase as my mind was going 100 mph. I flew out the next weekend to checkout the car and make sure it was what I thought it was. I liked what I saw so I paid the guy. It took me over a month to get the car to my place as arranging the car transport turned out to be a pain in the butt. I finally got the car and everything else is history. To this day when I think back to that day when my ebay bid ended up being the last bid, my heart starts to race again as I will remember that hi for the rest of my life. I am sure you'll be fine and welcome to the club!

Aaron67
Apr 12th, 09, 09:27 PM
Welcome Dan! I missed Goodguys Del Mar on account of guests staying with us that weekend. Seems their idea of a good time isn't walking up and down rows of cars for several hours.... good luck with the 68. If you're local to the SD area I'd love to come check out your project once you get it to your place.

DJUkkestad
Apr 12th, 09, 09:36 PM
Aaron-

Here in Encinitas. Would love to have you come by when the car gets here. Where are you?

wiskeesour
Apr 12th, 09, 10:06 PM
Good luck with the purchase. Were here...

Another Camaro Saved...

Everett#2390
Apr 13th, 09, 09:00 AM
Welcome to the Club!
Nothing to worry about, you've bought the correct year.....LOL.
Ask away and keep them coming.......a ton or two of knowledge here.

Good luck with your purchase. Ebay pictures?

Hatya
Apr 13th, 09, 09:41 AM
I bought my 69 in a similar fashion but not off ebay, I drove to Tennessee to get it after many conversations and pictures from the owner.

It helped me to have a member from the web site go look at the car for me before i drove down to get it. Good luck I hope it all works out.

vincevs
Apr 13th, 09, 10:45 AM
I bought mine out of a small classified ad in Hemmings. The owner was great and he put a bunch of info and pictures together for me and I bought the car sight unseen and shipped using Reliable Carriers (they were amazing) and it was delivered along with a trailer full of brand new Dodge Vipers! It all worked out for me but I must say I don't think I have EVER been more afraid in my life. I've had a few other newer vehicles shipped to me and others that I traveled to pick up... but they were nothing like purchasing the Camaro. Congrats and good luck. Post us pictures of the VIN, Trim Tag and docs. They guys on this forum will be able to help you out to make sure you don't get to far over your head.
Posting pictures: http://www.67rs-ss.com/pictures/pictures.html

Z10396
Apr 13th, 09, 11:59 AM
Dan,

It would be a good idea to post some pictures so that everyone can take a look.

Opinions based on the pics may make it easier for you to sleep!

sleepsinshed
Apr 13th, 09, 03:17 PM
You can't go wrong with a 68 RS Convertible! Your car sounds like a twin of mine. Let's see some pics!

DJUkkestad
Apr 13th, 09, 06:07 PM
Okay, let's see if this works for photos: http://photobucket.com/68ragtop

john68
Apr 13th, 09, 06:32 PM
Ain't bad a A/C drop top RS with a trailer hitch

GMan6768
Apr 13th, 09, 06:48 PM
Good luck, Dan! I haven't posted a lot here but it's because I often find answers just by searching the threads. I've learned a ton on this site!

DJUkkestad
Apr 13th, 09, 07:33 PM
Ain't bad a A/C drop top RS with a trailer hitch

John- Never mentioned the trailer hitch. How'd you know? From what I was told the only remnant is the electrical connection which will be removed and repaired.

TOM BARKLEY
Apr 13th, 09, 07:54 PM
what state did the car come from?

DJUkkestad
Apr 13th, 09, 07:56 PM
Orginally from CA, but now in Nevada.

Vette468
Apr 13th, 09, 09:07 PM
Welcome Dan. this site is great..and you will find so much information here,,you will see with a little reading that this site is full of some really smart people that take this CAMARO thing seriously ,its pretty clear that the owners of these old CAMAROS Love these cars DEARLY,,"as GM intended.and they will help you make your car "BETTER THAN NEW":beers:

PRETTY EASY TO IMPROVE -"OLD TECHNOLOGY":hurray:

P.S, I have a 15 year old too ..and hes gettin into it pretty well....gave him my old hot rod...not running of course thats on him...:yes: