Hey guys, Ive been into Chevelles all my life and am a regular (moderator) over at Team Chevelle anyway, there is an older guy who comes into my work a lot, I happened to have driven my 67 Chevelle that day and he was telling me about a 68 SS 396 he has owned for the past 25 years that's has now been sitting in his garage doing nothing for the last 10, he needs to get rid of it becuase his wife has been bitchin at him about the space it takes up (sound familiar?) anyway, he says it was an original 375 hp 396 car that is now sporting a 427, is there anyway to confirm what he says is true? I go to look and hopefully strike a deal on Saturday for the car so I'm on a crash course on learning everything about Camaros until then. What are problem areas should look at? Any help would be appreciated. He said that the car is very clean and he spent 5k on paint right before he garaged it and the motor in it is supposedly "built up" oh yea its a 4 speed car (shawing) I promise I will bring back pics of what I find, I wont be able to sleep until then!!!! graemlins/clonk.gif


EDIT- Oh yea can someone give me a general price range for 68 SS big block NON number matching cars? Thanks!

On a 68 without the original engine, the only way to "confirm" what it was is with the P-O-P, or at least a build sheet. There are clues as to whether is is an original big block car:
1-Heater hoses exit at the center of the blower box as opposed to through the firewall.
2-3/8" fuel line
3-12 bolt, multi leaf
4-Trans. mount will be 1" off-center on the crossmember.
5-Engine frame mounts are different (shorter) than small block.
6-Fan shroud is also off-set to the passenger side.
I'm sure there are other things, but, as you can see, if somebody REALLY wanted to make a car appear as an original big block, it's not that hard to do.

Thanks for the reply, thanks for the info, can you give me any idea of value? what would say a 100% rust free, straight original body non numbers matching SS car with a decent 427 and a presentable interior, 0 rust but needs paint and minor body work to be better than driver quality, minor interior work (replacemnt of soft parts) and all around detailing to be considered a fully restored car? assumed no documentation. Just looking for a general price range for something in this catagory. Are 68 Camaros SS's similar in price to Chevelle SS's price wise? a fully restored car going for around 20-30 for something real nice?

Thank again

Tom

http://www2.nadaguides.com/ shows the Camaros to be going for slightly more than the Chevelles (2-3%). Sight unseen, and deducting for the non-original engine, I would say it is in the 12-18K range. Could be more, could be less. It's nearly impossible to give an accurate estimate without seeing the car.

The SS would have 28 coils in the hood springs, and dual exhaust hangers factory welded to both sides of the frame rails if it is an SS.
The SS would also have the simulated "stacks" in the hood.
A real big block car would have had the tail panel blacked out (either gloss or low gloss) if the body color was other than black.

I think all V8 cars had the 3/8 fuel line.. (my orig 327 plain jane convert has)
SS would have to have the 4 piston disc brakes up front, multi leafs in the rear, 12 bolt and if factory muncie, look for the reverse light plug on the firewall.
California built cars have build sheets over the gastank, norwood ohio cars have them tucked into the rear seat, one of these and or a POP is invaluable to the 68 car, the 68 camaro is the easiest to fake, the trim tag / vin combo can only tell colors interior and exterior, and number of cyl's A 68 SS396 375HP would code out the same as a Z28 or plane jane 327 car...

Good luck... Whatever the case, it sounds like you may have stumbled upon a keeper...
Welcome to the Camaro.. graemlins/beers.gif

I think John is correct on price range for a driver quality car in good condition, non matching motor, no paperwork. Likely after sitting for 10 years the car will need some brake work and might need a motor refreshing. See if the guy will let you turn the motor by hand (wrench). If it is free and easy you're set. Either way don't let the guy pull your chain for top dollar.

In fully restored numbers matching, documented condition a BB 68 could go for upwards of $30K.

Thanks guys, I know its hard to give any sort of estimate without seeing but you guys gave me what i was looking for, I think this car can be had for about 5-8k hope to strike a deal on saturday, I will keep you guys posted, this is going to break the bank right now, but I will sell my new Yamaha before I pass up a good deal on this

Tom graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I will sell my new Yamaha before I pass up a good deal on this
Now you using your ole noggin.......

If the body is in the shape that you say it is 5 - 8K would be an excellent price to pay. I know a guy that has an unrestored (and brother it needs it) 68, 6 banger, 3 on the floor and he wants $4,000.00. Places that rust out and need to be checked are the floor pans, frame rails right behind the spring pockets, the wheel well behind the rear seat, the trunk apn and shock towers, the normal places like rockers, fenders and quarters and the dash/cowl panel beneath the bottom of the windshield. Hope you strike a bargain.

Tom, if you get that car for 5k-8k, you are the man!!! graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I cant wait for noon tomorrow, I'm too damn excited!!!!!!

Arrg, what a pisser, I just got a call from my secretary at work, the guy called up and said he had to cancel me looking at the car today. Of course I will keep on top of it and reschedule as soon as he lets me. I will keep yall posted, I just keep thinking good things come to people that wait graemlins/clonk.gif

Jeeze..I hope he wasn't reading these posts!