Let's show Al some appreciation for making the Convertible forum active for posting!! Tell us what you got!! I'll start, check my sig below... '69 RS rag with SS trim...

Thanks Al!! graemlins/beers.gif

Although the 'nick' might clue everyone in...for those who need a hint... I have a '69 Z11 pace car, and two 'needs full restoration' rag top '69s.

As DJD said, lets get some good convertible discussions going here...

Thanks Al for adding this section...!!!

Let me be the 2nd to say thanks to the ragtop section. I love ragtops. graemlins/hurray.gif

Originally posted by ragtopman:
Let me be the 2nd to say thanks to the ragtop section. I love ragtops. graemlins/hurray.gif You would be the third actually... tongue.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

We have a ragtop also but it is not a 1st gen. Ours is a 4th gen all original 30th anniversary edition......wife won't let me add any performance stuff or extras to it. We bought it a year ago and it had 68,000 miles on it. Last Oct we took it on a trip to Tucson and back and had a blast! Check out the links in my sig for pics and info.
graemlins/beers.gif

I've got a Z-11 pace car and my wife has a '68 SS-396 convertible.

I have a 68 RS Ragtop. Has original 327 block now sporting 383 cubic inches. Includes AFR 195 heads, LSM solid Roller cam, CFS Holley, MSD Ignition system and Stahl headers. Engine backed by Turbo 350, ATI stall converter and 9" Ford (sorry). Car is Torch red, w/ white power top and custom black houdstooth interior w/ pearl parchment. Also has DSE tubular Upper A-Arms and Global West tubular lower with QA-1 coilovers. Rear end has DSE 2" dropped springs and QA-1 rear shocks. Car is a blast to drive and I always get thumbs up. People really love the 1st Gen Rag tops. My wife loves the car. The kids really love it.

We have 68 RS, 327 - powerglide. L2 - teal blue with black power top and 719 blue interior. the old girl is getting a face lift this winter,so we found this site a fews months ago, and have really enjoyed all the comments, tech tips and discussions. We decided not to add stripes or a new hood or SS conversion but we are adding front Disc brakes so she will still be pretty plain jayne.
My son in law says the car web site will be up in about a month, so stay tuned.
thanks for the ragtop vine. .

Im so glad its back again.

Mine's a 68... original 327-275 w/dressups, hookers, flowmaster exhaust. was a powerslide, now a muncie. rebuilt suspension w/guldstrand mod & hotchkiss swaybar, 16x7 & 17x8 Cragar SS & Eagle F1's on order, along with a 3rd gen steering box. OH yeah, and a 600 watt stereo that I can hear with the top down. I'll post a pic next week when the new rubbers on.

Sig has the main points. Currently finishing all GW front bushings and coil springs, Bilstein shocks, C4 13" manual brake setup. Had an 8 pt S&W cage put in along with their cross member and welded SFC's. What a difference.

Yes, thanks to all for jumping in on this new section. My convertible has been in the project stage since 1980! Still mostly a pile of parts in the garage, but really looking forward to getting it back together over the next few years (a wife-approved project now!!). It is a '69 RS, Lemans blue, white top, std. black interior that was really thrashed when I found it. Will someday see the street with a 350, M-20, 12 bolt, power windows, tilt, and full guages. Long way to go, though.

69 LM1 Ragtop
67 L30\M20 Ragtop (In progress)

graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Mine's a '67 RS/SS project. She's been in the garage acting as my wifes extra storage area for the last two years. I got real serious about working on her three months ago and I'm hoping to have her on the road by September. At least I'll have a couple months of 'top-down' weather this year!

Nice to have a place to call home graemlins/hurray.gif

1968 Convert. 2nd owner. 350/350 (powerglide is 'under bench'), non-original posi, factory tilt, factory 4-piston Power Disc. (in a box, got tired of leaks - single piston installed for street use), power top, cruise, speed warning. Originally Butternut Yellow (Y 2)/black stripes with black custom (714) interior.
Car is now original owners "wifes idea" 'Red' - and as fugly as sin, white stipes.
Car was born in L.A. (so was I) and raised in Palm Springs (I honeymooned there - the first time :D ), so it doesn't know much about rain, snow or trees... or other things that cause 'metal munge'.
Bought the car (to go with my coupe) in late 80's for a price that seems unreal today - under $6K. It's been stored most of the time and only driven locally - started a complete "do over" about a year ago (brakes, suspension & etc...) and got diverted to a project truck for my son. Sons project will be done by summer so I hope to get going on the paint stripping by then.
With the value of my 'Tech Stocks' being what it is - this 'Rag' is rapidly becoming my 401K...

John

I have a 69 rustbucket that I'm slooowly bringing back from a terminal case of neglect.

Doug

Wow, this is cool, a home for us ragtop pilots!

My car is an original California car, and still flies the original black plates.
I bought it from a guy who simply ran out of enthusiasm, time and money for the project. It had all new black interior, front suspension work (mostly stock), new red paint and new black top w/ glass window. It had a 70's 350 motor and TH350, both turned out to be junk!
So now it has a new 385 fastburn GMPP crate motor with the H.O.T. cam and 1.6 roller rockers, (430 h.p.), new B&M street/strip th350, power disc brakes, GW subframe connectors, multileaf rear springs, console gauges and tic-toc-tach, new CD stereo/amp/speakers, Edelbrock AIS shocks, cocktail shakers, new 2.5" dual exhaust w/ turbo mufflers, on and on...

http://www.stevewaddington.com/camaro/images/c23.jpg

Its an ongoing project as well as my main driver.
Thanks for the space guys!

Thanks Al! graemlins/beers.gif

A place for us drop tops to hang out!

graemlins/hurray.gif

Mine is a 69 base convert with a motor that is essentially a ZZ430 bored and stroked to 383. Hot cam, 1.6 GMPP rollers, "cleaned up" Fast Burn heads, 650 DP, a TH200-4R and 3.73 8.2 posi. Factory Hugger Orange. All sheetmetal replaced in 88-89 with genuine GM stuff EXCEPT the deck lid which is repro.

http://img20.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/69%20Camaro/DSCN1416.jpg

[ 03-24-2004, 05:34 PM: Message edited by: BPOS ]

Thanks Al for this forum, and for the best Camaro site in general. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

In 1998 I started with a 67 RS/SS 350 4 speed car. Nothing real special as far as condition was concerned, other than a rustfree floor.

I went with a ZZ4 crate, Richmond 6 speed, Currie 3.73 12 bolt, Martz road race subframe, Wilwood brakes around, Borla stainless exhaust, and custom aluminum driveshaft.

That lasted about 400 miles and I kept hearing about the ZZ430 upgrade, did that, and it was a huge improvement in performance.

Also added the power window kit from Summit (Electric life), all new glass/weather strips/stainless trim etc.

I wish it sat lower, but at this point I'm using full length headers, and only have about 4" of clearance as it is.
graemlins/clonk.gif

Body/paint and interior tweaks are underway now.

http://hometown.aol.com/zz430droptop67rs/images/hugo%20bluerfhooddown.jpg

(More pics at sig link)

[ 03-22-2004, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: ZZ430DropTop67RS ]

When I sold my first car, a '68 coupe, to help put me through college, I promised myself I'd get another....

13 years later in '99 I went to my wife on my knees and told her I wanted to sell the Honda Accord and get a droptop Camaro and a beater for the winter. She got on board! I wanted a V8, 4-speed ragtop, but found everything beyond my price range. Then I realized that many 3-speed cars could be had much cheaper. So I stumbled across one with the original drivetrain freshly rebuilt, with new front end sheet metal, rebuilt suspension, decent paint, new interior and POP as well.

Found it in Fargo, ND and my dad and I flew in, picked it apart for 2 hours, made the deal, and drove it home 14 hours straight in a non-stop, driving rainstorm. Did you know convertibles can leak?! Trip was like Thelma and Louise, except for a happy ending and testosterone! We were so excited we accidentally stole a tank of gas during one of the many fill-ups. An hour or so after filling up I lean over and say, "Oh, by the way Dad, thanks for getting this tank". He looks at me with a blank stare and says, "I didn't get this tank. I thought you did...". We tried to figure out where we were but it was over and done with by then. We laugh hard about it to this day.

Following year I added 492 heads, headers, Holley carb and gauges (motor was rebuilt with HE268 cam). After a fire mishap (don't let me set your float levels), I added a cowl hood, subframe connectors, bigger sway bar and the missing rear shakers.

Last year I sprung for a date-correct (what the hell) Muncie 4-speed and dumped the rear spoiler. This year I'm going to add shoulder belts all the way around thanks to the guidance of KevinW, convertible shoulder belt master! Gotta keep the goofy kids safe.

LOVE THIS SITE.

Well it is about @$%$#^%$ time!

I've been keeping my eye on the 11 archived posts ever since discovering this forum!!

I bought my wife a 68 350 S/S automatic, lemans blue with black top. Thanks for the rag top section. Jack

I have a 67 convertible that I purchased back in 98 and have rebuilt. My last major purchase left is wheels and tires. Well, then a brake upgrade, and then an engine upgrade, then I will probably want a tranny upgrade.....

Uh, anyway, I got to drive it on Saturday and it was fun, I am looking forward to putting many miles on it this summer.

It must be time for some Canadian input EH!

I have a 67 ragtop with more than a few options. The rare ones are head rests and front shoulder belts.

An interesting tidbit about this car is that it was a GM zone car that never went to a dealer and was used by GM to show dealerships what they could get for options in a '67.

Sweet!
http://www.camaroclubkc.com/images/members/RandyP/corner.jpg

Thanks for re-starting the convertible section. I currently have a '67 Tahoe Turquoise 250 l6 3spd. It's not fast, but I figure it gives people a better chance to take a look.

'67 L6 Ragtop (http://members.iquest.net/~dmsellers/67_ragtop.htm)

Now THAT'S a rare Camaro! Nice looking car, L6.

graemlins/beers.gif

Yeah, nice looking car L6 graemlins/thumbsup.gif

68 350 covertible. Glad the ragtop forum is open...it's the only way to fly.

Here is my 68 RS/SS convertible:

http://home.comcast.net/~daverichard/camaro_saver.jpg

All original drivetrain 99,126 mile car.

It is a great driver and a real head turner from 20 feet away. Hopefully it will get painted this winter. Thanks for the forum! and sorry for the big image.

Why is it that us Ragtop guys can't seem to get these things put together . Mines a 69 rs/ss cortez silver and a black top , deluxe black interior , factory electric windows tilt rosewood wheel and full gage package . I thought I had my trans picked out , I ordered a tremec tko 600 and now there's a big question mark there , oh well it's not together anyways .
I hope there is more action on this site about converts they are a great looking car .

WOW!!! You leave town for a week and look what happens! Great addition to an already AWESOME site!

http://www.dre-si.com/68ss/home/images/1.jpg

Thanks a lot Al!!!!This is GREAT!!!Heres my ride,
69 RS/SS 383, 700R4, Global West upper and lower control arms, Global West sub connectors, Baer brakes, full Hotchkiss suspension, Hydro boost, 17" Torq Thrustt 2's and Good Year Eagle F 1's
And as soon as I get smart enough to post a picture I will untill then HELP!!!

[ 03-24-2004, 09:39 PM: Message edited by: MStennes ]

smile.gif Haven't posted in a while, but always looking for a chance to show her off.
Rally Sport (http://hobbystage.net/camaro/media.cgi?site=rallysport&folder=*&group=1&page=*&id=1065916373-002728)

graemlins/waving.gif

68 RS ragtop. Bright red with z28 white strips. 327/210 hp. Trying to decide if I should use original parts and pump up to 275hp or go more aggressive. Oh the deccisions.....

Chuck

Cool addition! Mines under resto and has ground to a screeching halt. :rolleyes: Anyone have pictures of an install of the one piece floor in a convert? Thats the next bridge to burn. graemlins/beers.gif

I know I would get beat up for this outside of this forum, but IN MY OPINION, a summer cruiser has got to be a rag top! And remember, there were less converts built than Z's, and probably even less survived. All first gen's are sweet, but there is something special about a convertible.

Donald - I love that '68!

and

Rally Sport - there's just something about a Hugger Orange 69 Convert!

Nice rides, guys!

One more Al,

http://www.ragersworld.com/images/69rscamarom.jpg

Hi boys
Great site -- has helped me out several times. My current project is a 68 RS SS ragtop. 4sp, 12bolt, and a soon-to-be dropped in the hole 69 copo block (gm#3963512 w/MN stamping) w/alum heads and copo intake. Not much for options, but should be a blast to drive. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I rcecently purchased a 69 L78 Pace car. I just found out it was sold new at Taylor Chevrolet in Flemington NJ. A couple people remember that In 69 Flemington Speedway had used a 69 Pace car for the track pace car. Anybody remember anything about the Speedway?

I remember it, but not that far back! They just closed it a few years ago. They were running modifieds there.

I've got a butternut yellow 68 rs with a black top. It has a 350 with Trick Flow aluminum heads, headers, comp cam, edelbrock carb and intake, roller lifters, flowmaster exhaust, etc. The suspension has hotchkis springs, energy suspenion bushings, and will soon have eaton rear leaf springs and the C4 brake conversion.

This is a great web site. I have a Dark Green 69 RagTop, that can be viewed at the following location. Sorry for not posting a picture directly, but not exacltly sure how to do that here.

http://home.earthlink.net/~jcniez


Anyone with any easy set of in "how to" instructions on posting a picture?

Thanks for the new section, Al! Another great place to hang out, especially for us ragtop guys.

Mines a (Canadian certified) '68 RS, 327 210hp, Matador Red, w' Parchment/Black Deluxe interior.
Its pretty trashed so right now its just a fun driver. Maybe it will look something like these other awesome machines. Someday, someday...
graemlins/beers.gif

PS, Al I have a pic to add to the Cocktail shakers discussion but I don't have a web location. Can I e-mail it to you or is that kindof frowned upon? Thx.

Mine is in the sig. Work is never finnished on it. But I love it.

Its great to see a convertible section. I have a matching # 68 ss-350 with 4-speed. I bought it two years ago, sight unseen, from a person on the east coast ( I live in Oregon). He started the restoration and I have just about completed it. My only problem is having enough days without rain so I can drive it.

I am buying a Vert 69 this weekend, I'll be here alot, Thanks Al.

If it works, I'll take another tomorrow with the new wheels and tires... I've seen other display a pic here, always thoguht all you could do was post a link.
http://home.comcast.net/~jimragtop/sigpic.jpg
Cool! it works... I'll wash da car tomorrow and show off my new wheels!! And my wife is wrong, the new whells don't make the paint look worse than it did... ain't tellin her that tho, maybe she'll let me visit the paint shop!!

I have a basket case 67 plain jane ragtop that I purchased back in 82 from the original owner. It is Marina Blue with black top. It has come cool options for a plain jane, 327/275, 4 speed, 12 bolt posi,black deluxe interior w headrests, console w gauges, disk brakes, tilt wheel, remote mirror, bright interior trim option. To top it off, all numbers match except for the alternator and water pump. I hope to restore it real soon. Thanks for all the resto tips, I have been learning from all of you! Ed

You have good taste Jim!
Camaro and Silverado (http://camaroclubkc.homeip.net/truck/0204/corner.jpg)