First, I want to say that I've loved the first gen Camaros since I was a kid. However, I've never had the opportunity/money to buy one and don't know the pitfalls of this car. I've built many performance cars, but they were all aircooled VW's and Japanese imports.

I asked the seller (on the phone) if it was an SS and he said it's a "plain Jane Camaro" I haven't got to look at it up close yet, it's under a tarp right now and I'm going tomorrow to actually look at the car up close. From what I could see, it has round headlights and the spoiler in the back(which could be an aftermarket addon I suppose) I want to be able to identify the car and know for sure what I'm buying before I agree to it.

1. What are common problems with these cars? Mainly looking for rusty areas.

2. What engine/tranny comes in this particular car. The seller stated it has a 2bbl 327 with a powerglide auto. However he says the car started out with a 396 4spd. Is he full of it?

3. What types of rear ends and gearing would this car come with? And how can I identify which is which by sight.

4. Finally, assuming it's a "plain Jane Camaro" and it being a convertible, what is a decent price for it. He said that he just wants what he has into it. $7000 Is this a decent price? I know that the wheels are not stock and it has traction bars on the leaf springs. However it's primer gray right now and needs a new top.

I'm sure I'm probably not giving you guys enough info, but I'm hoping I can get some info so I can look at the car with an idea of what I should be looking for.

Thanks

Hi Jessee welcome to team camaro.. you have asked for alot of info. that will be very hard to give without the cowl tag numbers, VIN numbers, tranny numbers and axle numbers to start with.
From there it is hard to know exactly what the car came from the factory as. The 68 and 69 cowl tags dont tell alot about the car other than color and trim and month of build. Sometimes cowl numbers can denote a Z28 tho.
Rust can be anywhere, inside trunk, inside rear front fender where it meets the door panel. Rocker panels and floors are all subject to rust depending on how it was garaged.
While $7000 doesnt sound to bad for a convertible these days, dont rush into putting out your cash until you have time to check the numbers out.
Im moving your post here to the Bench section where this type of chat gets more replies. Post your numbers in the TAG section for best results there too.
Good luck with it and feel free to ask questions, we all try to help.
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