I am sure that this question, or parts of this question was asked many time before. I would like to get you expert opinion on how does one make sure that he is getting a real thing. I mean when person is buying a first generation Camaro, and it is advertised as RS/SS or SS or RS. Besides the obvious like: insignias, headlights and back-up lights, how can one know if it is a true thing or not? Would you be kind and explain for a novice like me for ’67, ’68 and ’69 Camaros.

Thank you,

Len

Len this is my take on it. You wont know 100% for sure about any car, unless there is original paperwork to support the claims. If there is no POP card in the glove box, no build sheet or dealer window sticker or any evidence at all, be very carefull. A car could be 100% original but without papers you need to do alot of studying or hire someone like Jerry McNeish, a camaro expert, to do an exam on the car for you.
Even if a seller says, " I bought it from the original owner and its an SS " that doesnt mean a thing, since the original owner could have badged it with SS just for the fun of it, 25 years ago.
In a nutshell, without 'original' paperwork, (not reproduced window stickers or reproduced build sheets or reproduced trim tags), dont buy anything and expect it to be what its promoted as being, without having an expert help you.

All of what Jim said Len, you can't ask enough questions when you're buying. Also buy some good books on first gens. Even though I used to work on them when they were relatively new, I still don't remember all the details and the reading brought back a lot of details I forgot. Good luck.

I am sure that this question, or parts of this question was asked many time before. I would like to get you expert opinion on how does one make sure that he is getting a real thing. I mean when person is buying a first generation Camaro, and it is advertised as RS/SS or SS or RS. Besides the obvious like: insignias, headlights and back-up lights, how can one know if it is a true thing or not? Would you be kind and explain for a novice like me for ’67, ’68 and ’69 Camaros.

Thank you,

Len

Read through the tag team discussions- you will get a feel for this sort of thing based on observations of others. When it comes time to buy- find an expert, especially for the $$$ cars to help. Jerry Macneish could be good insurance in this case.

Good luck!

Rob

Read through the tag team discussions- you will get a feel for this sort of thing based on observations of others. When it comes time to buy- find an expert, especially for the $$$ cars to help. Jerry Macneish could be good insurance in this case.

Good luck!

Rob

Darn Jim, I did not mean to copy your post, I was trying to agree- just does not read that way.

Rob

not a problem, better he get the same advice twice than not at all :)

Even If you got paperwork you don't know unless you trace the car back which is harder to do than it used to be with the privacy laws. I heard a guy talking about ordering a window sticker. He said it was aged and guaranteed to pass as original. I've heard you can buy protecto plates and they soak them in salt water. I guess anything can be faked if the money is there. Seems to me there are more cars with documentation now than 10 or 15 years ago. Most cars don't have any of that stuff. I had one protecto plate out of 15 69s. And that was the one I drove to high school in 1972-74.