Howdy Camaro People!

I am dead set on getting my first Camaro. I have driven several different generations, but I really like the 1st Gen. best.

My question really is about the complexity and viabilty for conversion of straight 6 Camaro's to V8. Six cylinder Camaro's are priced much better than the V8 versions (I have seen rusty basket cases selling for upwards of $4k!)these days. I have an moderate supply of cash (approx. $11K) for a project. The few V8 Camaro's I have looked at were all over priced and two claimed to be "SS" but were not (one had front drum brakes-'69 model, the other was a '69 6 cyl. to v8 conversion SS clone that was badly done.

What to do? I really just want a great looking, great driving, butt kicking, fast first gen. Camaro (with A/C -Texas You Know!)for a decent price. I am willing and able to do much, if not all the work myself (with help from a couple of friends!).

Anybody have experience with this? Or should I just bide my time and wait for the "right" V8 opportunity to present itself?

Buy the nicest Camaro you can afford. Buy the best body you can, paint and body work is often the most expensive aspect of a project. Think about buying a finished car, often these are the best value. Good luck.

Steve R.

Thanks Steve,
I appreciate your input! Now the only question seems to be where to obtain the best Camaro for the price...I have considered going out of state (since the prices are so out of whack in
Texas), but I don't fancy spending a lot of cash on airline tickets.

The prices out in California, as tracked on Auto Trader, seem to be a lot better than in Texas. The main problem is getting the car back home without driving cross country. I don't trust auto transporters...heard too many horror stories!

I've got a 67 SS 350 with drum brakes. Discs were an option, not manditory on an SS for 67. Might have been a non manditory option for the 69.
David

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David Pozzi's web page:
David's Homepage (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

Hmmm... The data I have seen on '69 models indicates that front disc brakes were standard on SS & Z-28. Rear disc brakes were optional for those models (probobly dealer installed conversions except for COPO cars)and front discs were optional for all other models (std. coupe both v8 and 6). But, I could be wrong!

Without seeing the original window sticker or protect o plate, it becomes very hard to tell what some of the original equipment and trim really was! Especially since conversion of cars to clones is as easy as a trip to the parts catalog!

I don't know too much about all the other stuff, but I bought a camaro with a 396 BB in it and got to checking up on the VIN# later and found out it was a straight 6. So I know it can be done. if it will hold a big block, it surely will hold a 350 or better.
just my $0.02.

What to buy depends on what you want the car for to begin with. Any of the cars that are factory SS or Z28, convertibles or cars with rare options will cost you plenty no matter the condition. If you're wanting the car to appreciate in value, then I'd hold out for the specialty cars. If you're just wanting a toy to play with, then buying a 6 cyl plain jane, no option car and converting it would be a good starting point.
If you come across a car that you're sceptical of, then post vin #'s and info here and one of us will give you the facts.
Steve made a good point, unless you're already a bodyman then try and find a car with a good body and paint.
As far as a/c, well not many cars came with it but aftermarket kits are available.

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67 Camaro LS6 454/TH400/12bolt 3.73
1989 TransAm 5.7L WS6 W/all the options

Choptop, I bought an inexpensive 6 cyl with a good floor and frame and put a 350 and 5 spd in it. Even though the body was pretty solid, it was missing a fender and someone had done a poor job on the quarters, so I still spent a fortune on body and paint. My point is, engines and trannies are cheap, body work and paint cost a lot. Get a solid body and you can do the mechanical stuff and save lots. Anything that's already done, though, saves you a lot more than you realize: if the car already has disc brakes, power steering, and A/C, you'll save a lot paying for them in the price of the car rather than buying them later. Steve Laabs

Thanks Guys,
I really appreciate your help with this issue. I guess that I already knew what you have communicated here, that good body and paint should take precedence, but this just reinforces that stance. I am in fact just looking for a great toy as long as I can stay within my means. I am not a body man, but I have some mechanical skills and the brains to figure things out. This is a kick butt forum! I am sure that I will have questions and issues as soon as I find the right car...Thanks again.