My wife and I went to the Turkey Rod Run here in Daytona this past weekend and now we are thinking of getting an old mucle car instead of a new one. This is going to be her car (she made the decision, I want another 4x4 or a Ford). She likes the old Camaro's 67-69 body style or the "Smokey and the Bandit" body style. We are complete novices when it comes to this so we are asking fo some help. This is going to be a daily driver. We don't want an original although we want it to look very close to one. Updates are good and must have AC and an auto trans. I would love to find one with a fuel injected motor but not be in race trim. So what do I need to look for? What are the differences in model years? What would a car like that go for? What are some other sites for good info. I figure we have about a year or so to learn and buy. We are in no big hurry. Thanks for the help.
Lator.......

Welcome InstaGator:
Start by looking at the cars listed for sale on this website. There is plenty of discussion here on conversions to the newer motors. Ask questions and maybe for references for sellers. You can also ask another TC member to inspect a car that may be in their area if you can't get there. Beware of ebay cars. Not all ebay cars are bad, but there are plenty of horror stories posted at this site about cars that turned out to be less than what was advertised. It is probably a smart thing to do to take your time and learn a little before making the plunge.
GAry

try this

http://www.cars-on-line.com/camaromenu.html

Welcome to Team Camaro!!

Your question does not have a simple answer. I guess that I would start by asking if your wife would really be content driving a 60's or 70's vehicle everyday. It's not exactly like driving a new car. I drive my 69 ragtop everyday, but it takes more maintenance than my newer cars and my car isn't as quiet or smooth as my newer cars. Although the "cool factor" is much higher! graemlins/thumbsup.gif

The big difference between the 67, 68 and 69 is mostly styling although the 69's do have similar components to other 70's vehicles. On the first page of this site: http://www.camaros.org/index.shtml there is a camaro from each of the three years shown.

First gen camaros are not difficult to find, but the right car for you might be. It really depends on how picky you are. It is not uncommon these days for camaros to have fuel injection and air conditioning installed. I would suggest that you go in person and look at a few for sale in your area and let your wife test drive them. I wouldn't recommend buying a car from Ebay sight unseen as you may be unpleasantly surprised. A nicely restored car with fuel injection and air conditioning could run 15k+.

Thanks guys. My plan is to take my time. As for riding around daily in an older car, well, right now we drive a nissan 4x4 with a swapped in solid front axle on 35 inch tires and I also drive truck for a living. I can't see a late 60's or early 70's car being any rougher. Back on topic: Ebay is not an option for us. We don't mind traveling and won't buy anything without driving it 1st. Important things to us are straight body replacement panels ok but no bondo. Next would be fresh suspension. After that clean interior. Followed by sound drivetrain. Finished off with a reliable motor. I have put the wants in reverse order of what I would want to work on. i.e. I would much rather swap in a motor than deal with body work. Right now I am just going to educate myself as much as possable. I probably won't start seriously searching for one until late next year. Thanks for your help guys and I look foward to learning more from you in the future. I'm going to check those sites now.
Lator.....

Also post your same question at www.pro-touring.com (http://www.pro-touring.com)

There is nothing quite like having a your head stick up above the seat back without a head rest to get in your way. Or a shoulder harness that doesn't pull back on you (window shade effect). Or a bone hard steering wheel and dash. :D

The first gens are wonderful cars, but be sure your wife really knows what she is asking for. I love the body style and the raw power. But they ain't no lexus. In other words she might be surprised just how far modern automotive technology has come in 35 years and wish she had asked for something else. Not that I'm trying to scare you away. A daily driver first gen is a tall order for someone who has never owned one. Perhaps she will talk you in to buying a lexus and a first gen to cruise around in on warm sunny weekends.

The best advice I can give you is buy the most car you can afford. Upgrades and other repair work can be expensive and time consuming (trust me, I know first hand!). You already have the right idea by wanting to see in person what you are buying. Look very carefully on the body for rust- common areas are in the lower corners of the rear window, wheel well lips and lower corners of the quarters, around the front windshield, lower fenders near the door, floor boards (look very carefully close to the toe boards and above the subframe rails/ exhaust, also close to the front attachment points of the rear springs)and rocker panels. Body work is very expensive, but motors and transmissions are relatively cheap and plentiful by comparison.

I would look locally first as suggested and go from there. Good luck!

Howdy neighbor, and welcome to the best site on the net!
1st off ask yourself what is your Dream Car, you know the one you always wanted as a kid. For some people it's anything from a 57 Chevy to a Ford Cobra.(Me I've always wanted a 1st gen Camaro).
That way you won't second guess your decision!
Then go to as many local car shows,and cruise nights as you can and talk to people with these cars. They can be a Big help, i.e. were they rust, what to look for, maybe even a lead on one.
You could probably find a freind to go with you to look one over.(preferably someone that owns that model)!

Well enough ramblings,
Welcome to the site... Roger