Hey everyone, I'm in the process of restoring a '68 camaro coupe and I was just wondering how much time it took to finish your cars. I realize these projects can go on till the end of time, but I'm basically looking for an average from strip down to being able to drive the damn thing. I think mine will take about a year now that I have the thing stripped and gutted. I just need to keep working on it as much as I can. My engine is good, I just need a timing gear set and a set of rocker arm push rods. I need an M20, bucket seats, and a SS hood. Oh yeah, and everything has to be sand blasted and painted.... Hahaahaahaa, it's gonna take forever... check my car's current status by clicking the link in my signiture. Thanks, this should be a funny post.

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1968 Coupe (http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/xchange/xchange.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=313&exact_match=on&photo_size=full), 327/210hp project in process.
PS/PB, Factory AC

I took my ’69 Z28 apart over 20 years ago and then lost interest in the project. I started working on it again around July ’99, just yesterday I took it for its first drive out on city streets. It started out as a 5 minute run around the block but lasted 2 1/2 hours...I just couldn’t get myself to stop and the car was running so good. Besides I was having a BLAST! Still have to finish the interior though.
Al.

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'69 Z28 (X77 D80 72 72)
302, GM Crossram, Doug Nash 5 speed, 3.42's
Body (http://members.aol.com/machman631/Body.jpg) Engine1 (http://members.aol.com/machman631/Engine1.jpg) Engine2 (http://members.aol.com/machman631/Engine2.jpg)

I'm in the same boat... But have no extra cash to fix it right now... Probably 5 years for me...

I too am restoring a 68 Coupe (frame off) and began the project on or around July 1, 2001. As of now the car is in the process of being painted. This car was in rough shape. It needed new floors, new trunk floor, quarters, fenders and major repair work around the windshield and rear window. There were many other little cracks or holes that also needed to be repaired. Knowing what I know now I would not have done all this work or had it done as I am useless with a tool in my hand.

In any event the car now looks fantastic and is straight and smooth and will look awesome with the Kandy Apple Red and black stripes we are putting on it.

From what I have seen with the other cars in the shop being restored it is close to a one year project. Mine will be done in six months from start to finish assuming we really paint it by months end. From there the mechanicals are not a problem. I just have to send the car to the trim shop for the finishing touches. Seats are already done, just waiting on the paint and mechanicals.

The help on this site is tremendous. John and Royce thanks so much. Looking forward to posting the pics when complete.

Bottom line is a 6 to 12 month sentence.

Good luck.

Ken

I got about 3.5 years into mine. Did about 2 solid years of something every weekend. Big projects are the hardest as the car is down so long. I lucked out with the paint and body work (only in the shop for about 3 months - some cars go into a body shop black hole for a good year or more). Now I mostly pick a couple of thing to do over the winter when not so hot in Houston. I basically look at it like the car will never be done. All it takes is a good car show, and you come home with 5 more things to eventually get to. It more of a journey than a destination!!!

In Feb. 2002 mine will have been apart 5 years. Bodywork and painting have been the problem. The primer blocking was being done this weekend. Maybe in a month it will be painted. Don't give up, it will happen.

Al,
Your car is "Very Sweet!" What color of Orange is it? Nice Engine compartment!

My 67 has been apart for 8 years now and has been moved 4 times in this period. All I do is little things and I just keep buying parts. I have a written plan that I did 8 1/2 years ago and I have pretty much stuck to it for what I want this car to be (11.90 sec. street driven to and from cruiser). I had alittle set back 2 years ago with alot of my tools and all of my engine being stolen but I am recovering from that now.

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TONY
67 CAMARO R/S CLONE, 355/turbo 350, 200hp NOS,12 bolt,etc...

When I started mine two years ago, I estimated it would take me about a year. If I would have stuck to my original plan, it would have been completed in about 13 months. Then I found this site... Now I have converted to front disc, replaced my original suspension with Hotchkis/PST/Bilstein parts, stroked the motor to 383, and am currently installing the Flowmaster American Thunder exhaust system. Now all I need is that Tremec 5-speed I've been reading about to finish it off. I busted my butt to try to have it done this summer and had to stop myself from taking shortcuts just to finish it up. Now I'm looking to be completed by Spring. Just remember to be patient, It will be worth it in the end!

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69 Base Model, Custom Viper Red Paint, 383 Stroker, Turbo 350, Standard Black Interior w/ Console & Guage Package, Cowl Hood, Front Disc.

[This message has been edited by james_s (edited 11-18-2001).]

Finished? Finished? What's that?

Didn't think that was a word in Camaro-speak. http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

joe

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69 Rat-Infested Resti-Clone
WCA Member
Badboatdude@CS.com
69 Pics http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1506559&a=11674961

Yeh know I restored all the ones listed below I,ve had the 70 1/2 Z28 for 29 years frame off and almost everything but I just keep using it and have not finished the dash or door panel yet. So when are you done?

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Barry
70 1/2 RS Z-28
69 Z-28 Crossram
69 RS SS 396 Convert
69 RS ProStreet 638 G.M.
70 LS6 Chevelle

Hmmmm.... they're never 'done' unless you bought it that way.
I'm going into my 4th year and have just this month started putting metal back ON the car as opposed to stripping, grinding, cutting and sanding. If things work out, the body/frames will be done this Winter. The only time I didn't work on it at all was during the Summer. If it see's the driveway on it's own wheels again by 2003, I'll be amazed!
http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif



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Joe
WCA Member
HwyStar@Rochester.rr.com
HwyStar@CarJunky.com
'69 wallet crusher
'97 Blazer - Bad wheel hop!

It depends on 2 things-MONEY and TIME.

If you have kids add about 20 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just started into my third year on my '68 Z/28. Mine has been seriously delayed by the body work, there's always more to do than the outside shows you. I have all the panels replaced and the first coat of paint on the outside.
The subframe, engine, differential and transmission are all complete. I am hoping to get the painted body back as a nice Christmas present, but we'll have to wait and see.

I saved money for 11 years getting ready to do this and I am glad I had that taken care of first! This whole deal has taught me a lot about patience and perseverance.

I'm at 3-1/2 years, and it goes for doghouse assembly and paint, this week That'll take 3-4 months. Then it'll take several months to put the rest of it back together.
I'm still holding out hope that I drive it this spring/early summer.

mine is a driver, so it is hard to do big jobs on the car... I have had it for about 5 years now and it is nowhere near done. Probably never will be.
www.geocities.com/boodlefoof (http://www.geocities.com/boodlefoof)
John

19 + years and counting. Just got back into it after a 14 year hiatus.

Kevin

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69' SS-350 Convert, M20, 3.55 posi. Totally Disassembled & in boxes (I'm working on it!)
69'(Hugger Orange -originally, Burgundy now) Z-21 Convert 327/PG, Driver (http://www.fototime.com/BD198A2E7BF669A/standard.jpg)

7 months workin at least 4 days a week on it. but itll never be finished in my opinion. alwasy gotta make it faster.

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The pike.net (http://www.thepike.net) Pics of my 68 (http://www.geocities.com/spyda718/camaro.html)

It took me about 14 months until i could drive my 71 around the sub.Still have to install glass and color sand.I worked most weeks 7 days and hit it real hard on the weekends,up to 30 hours just on the weekends.Did all the body and paint myself.New engine and trans.I would say 2 years if you don't want to kill yourself.

Brian.

I did my orange COPO and white COPO. Both took 5 months each. Top and bottom! Yes, I was busy! http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif
Peter

1-1/2 yrs. and I just turned the corner so to speak. The car is now going together instead of comming apart.
I could have finished sooner but I would have ended up doing things the incorrect way.
Hint--- do it right the first time, even when it takes more time and money. Use this sight for good info. and hints when your wondering how to do something. Remember that what ever problem you encounter someone else has allready been through it.
Brian

[This message has been edited by tdks (edited 11-19-2001).]

It'll be 2 years in January, my goal is to have it finished by next summer, $$$$ is really the only thing holding me back at this point......KZ

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John D. Smith
69 SS/396 CLONE!
The Texas Tornado lives!
http://www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd/

My restoration just got shorter, My front end sheet metal arrived today. http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

Jeff 67/68 & 69 RS's
65 442

There are people who can spend 20 thousand for a great Camaro, then people like most of us. Doing it ourselves because 20 grand is lota of paychecks for me. Wish I had the money to buy a great car. But then what would aggravate after work? not married

About 3 years... An exhaust system and alignment are all that remains- for now.

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currently restoring my '67, 327, T-10,3.73 10 bolt

Going on 2-1/2 years but should be done within a month or so. Actually, like others said, you are never really done. There are a lot of nit pickey things that will get done over the years.

When your married and have two kids running/crawling around, it makes the task take longer. Gotta spend that quality time with the kids. The car usually gets worked on after 8:00 or a few hours during the weekend. Can't wait 'til I can take the whole family for a ride!

Kel

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My '68 SS396 (http://albums.photopoint.com/j/PopUpIndex?u=1391133&a=10384235&pw=&size=small)

North Texas Camaro Club (http://www.northtxcamaros.com)

Is the glass half empty or half full???.....Neither, the glass is twice as large as it needs to be!

I started my 69 in May/June 2001. I've heard some people saying that they try to do something every week. I have kept this up for the most part, only a couple of weeks in there where there was nothing done at all. The mistakes I have made have been in not starting off to do a better job. I have had the car back together once (not a very good job the first pass) it is currently going frame off, the front clip is finished and the body work is on-going. I am focused on doing a better job than my first lame! pass. most imporntant...have fun with your project, it's not really a job!

Bought my 67 in May of 1997. It is at the body shop now for paint. Bolero Red with white stripe. New fenders, quarters, rear tailpan and trunk. Rebuilt 327/275, M-21 and 12 bolt with 355's. Will have to scrape for exhaust and tires so maybe late next summer. It has been a great learning experience, meeting great people, huge $$$$ and many family sacrifices. Would I trade it all away...no way!

With all of the time, money, tools, equipment, parts, materials, and space; It can be done in 3 to 4 months working roughly 16 hours a day , 7 days a week. But these days it takes me a little longer with none of the above and a wife and kids added… My SS convertible was a non-rolling shell 9 years ago… at least it rolls now…

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Geezer

About..... 78 paychecks!

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1969 Camaro RS Convertible
406 SBC Accel Superram, 700R4, 3.55 12 bolt
DSE Modified Wayne Due suspension, 17" Budnik Prisms, Baer 13" 4 wheel discs, Recaro SRD's, Custom Detroit Speed dash
http://communities.msn.com/TheBearHunt/

Over 3 years, had planed only 1 and 20K$ still not finished and have 32K$ in it now, with all the set back, home renovation,bying land, new car, etc. I'm hopping 1 more year and another 7k$ and I should enjoing my ride.

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69 camaro conv. SS 396 th400.mostly original
, hugger orange, white top, white houndstooth int.(changed color combo)

I have owned my 68 RS/SS396 for 23 years -- constantly drove and worked on it until '90. It sat in the garage for 9 years (I don't recommend that -- lots of stuff went bad). March will be 2 years since I started a frame-off rebuild, hope to drive it this summer but will not include new paint, that will be the next "phase" of work!

I have a second generation (74 z-28) that I have worked on now for ten years, nut and bolt resto, will never do that again. I have a 69 z-28 that needs a paint job(current one 20-20 paint)but I am not going to get it where it wont drive again. Had to pull the dash and the front end to replace the heater core, now I have to replace all of the gaskets so I never have to do this again!!

well if you guys will include the HP bug here then i'll chime in.
i bought my car this past summer in very good shape from an old lady (65k miles) so far i've been "restoring" one part at a time, i have the suspension almost done. i'm changing over the rear portion to coil-over ladder bar and wishbone.
i like being able to drive the car alot, so i'm building an engine outside of it, and doing jobs that may take one or two weeks at a time.

16 + years and counting. I'm trying to get back into working on it, half the car is in the basement and the other half is in the garage. Brand new (outdate) parts laying around everywhere, wife, kids, you know...

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Ricky
68/RS on Blocks...

[This message has been edited by Ricks68RS (edited 11-21-2001).]

I have had six First Gens in the last 15 years, everything from a 68 with a turbothrift 250, powerglide, and split bench front seat to a Super Stock 67. I still have the 67 which I bought in 1988. I raced the car for 8 years, spent a year and a half converting it to a Pro Street car (interior, wiring, engine, exhaust, suspension, paint) and enjoyed it that way for five years. The car is apart again and has been for six months. This time for all the things I did not do five years ago that nobody says anything about but I know I would be the differance between a good car and a very good car. Smoothing the firewall, restoring the front suspension, upgrading to Baer brakes, stainless lines, fuel injection, interior, and fuel system. All told this part of the project will take another two months...unless I decide to pull the rear end out once the front end is done.

These things are never done. They might let you think so, but they are not.

Adivanman
http://www.adivanman.homestead.com/camaro.html

18 1/2 years and still counting. I started when I was 18, got married, bought a house, had a kid, built a new house and had another kid. It's been very hard to get enough money to work on the Camaro. I hope to have the interior finished next month and get the whole car done by Feb. I need to pull the rest of the engine out and get the heads back on it while the interior is being done. I'm hoping to get it in the Carl Casper World Of Wheels show in Louisville the last week of Feb. I've wanted to put a car in that show since I was very young and this year I might actually make it.

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'69 RS/SS396 pro street
427/4spd/9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drive Train Parts And Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

[This message has been edited by big gear head (edited 11-22-2001).]