i was just wondering, as i know all you guys know this first hand,....

how does it feel driving down the road/street, in a first gen? does everybody stare and give thumbs up? and do they pull up next to you and ask you questions?...ive never drove in a 1st gen, come to think of it i dont really remember seeing to many of them, ive only seen 1 or 2 69's on the road...

Well it prolly depends on where you live but i can't go through town w/o getting stared at or shouted to.

To put it bluntly, imo a nice ride in a first gen should be the new prescription for people suffering from depression.

I used to drive a slammed import and always got the finger now when I drive the 67' It's people staring, thumbs up, and construction workers trying to get you to burnout.

i keep picturing myself driving my 69 around huntington beach, playing the vandals, and just soaking it all in, thats kinda my motivation..i cant wait to see how it feels..

It's #2 on the list.

It's all the above, but you also run into a lot of people gunning their motor next to you, or if you cruise by them they hammer it and try and stay in front of you, but mostly the thumbs up and many many questions at lights.

It's all the above, but you also run into a lot of people gunning their motor next to you, or if you cruise by them they hammer it and try and stay in front of you, but mostly the thumbs up and many many questions at lights.


ditto

the actual ride... like a logwagon.......... but i love it.

I love cruising the convertible on nice days/evenings, always getting thumbs up and at least 2 or 3 people always ask if its for sale.

It's like walking down the street with a Playboy centerfold on your arm.... Sucks to be anybody but you!

It's like the credit card commercial $100. dollars for this $500. for that a cruise up the strip everyone waving or giving you thumbs up yelling cool car priceless.Life as a first gen.camaro owner is good and improves with age.

I feel like I am back in the sixties again.

I get thumbs up mostly, alot of ricers wanting to race, it just grabs alot of attention! It's great, it's a feeling everyone should have at least a few times in their lives!!!!

I get all of the above as well. Love the thumbs up and the nice words but I Cant stand the ones that want to race, But the most annoying is the offers to buy the car. Most start out at about 3K (that really pisses me off) then its like a frigging E-Bay auction from there. And some are pissed that I wont sell the car for what they want to pay for it. Hell I had one guy pull me over off the 405, I thought he was having a seizure so I had to figure what the hell his problem was...He wanted to know how much i wanted to sell the car for.

Bottom line its a great feeling, and as a matter of fact it's a nice cool day here in Redondo...so i'm leaving work early, going for a small cruise down to the VFW and have a cold one....... Or two.

btw, i love redondo beach, i lived on ave h, by the esplanad

It's #2 on the list.

True...but sometimes its even better than #1. It is a great feeling and sooooo much fun. All the thumbsups, comments, stares, screams from people to light em up, etc.. is pretty cool. But most of all i just feel like im in a different place when im driving my car...my own little nirvana if you will. And last but not least i do LOVE the raw power of those 420 horses packed under the hood and the ability to smoke em at will. I always love comin home from whatever cruise in i was just at on a beautiful summer evening. Windows down, tunes playin, warm breeze blowin in. Dusk is just starting to take hold of the day and all the street lights are just beginning to come to life. Cruisin down main st USA as the refelection off those said street lights gives that shiny first gen paint a look that is oh so sweet. Oh man, like i said sometimes its better than number 1 on the list. God i cant wait for summer.

out of all my cars and trucks nobody could care less about you but when i drive my 67-69 camaros everybody suddenly is your friend and notices ya they wave talk to ya ,when Im driving down the highway people get over I catch them cathing a glimpse,turning heads , Im on cloud nine it such a rush oh yea got to have the right tunes, and nice sounding exhaust and when its one of my big block camaros i feel like i have lots of power,Im baddddddddd .I feel better when i got my camaro fix drive in for the day ,i think tommorow ill drive one ,all that talk just made me wish summer get here soon.Please!!!

Yes, summer can't come soon enough for me...we got 15 inches of snow yesterday.

Anyway, I live in a small midwestern town, so taking my '68 Camaro anywhere can be an 'event,' whether I want it to be or not. Now and then someone with a 4 X 4 will pass me, cut back in, and hit the brakes, just teenage rednecks so I ignore them. But sometimes I do feel like I'm in a parade driving down main st! When I pick up my son at school, it feels like the victory lap at Indy, several kids always wave and call out, "Dad! Dad!" Unless there's a lot I don't remember, I'm only dad to one of them! My son loves to come out of the group and hop in.

I think it's great how many high school age kids like the first gen Camaros, makes you realize that the style of these cars wasn't a fad, they appeal to all age groups.

A few years ago I had just bought a '67 RS/SS, went to the gas station for the first time. A guy got off his Chopper, came and asked me, "did you buy it new?" I didn't have the heart to tell him I had only owned it 1 day, not 36 years! I just told him no, I didn't buy it new... The worst is when people say, 'nice mustang'! How anyone can confuse those two cars is beyond me...

That is funny alot of people dont know what kind of car it is around here you only see them in shows. I have had people ask if its a new model. I am afraid to drive it a little if something were to happen I just cant stand the tought of it. Even more I cant let it sit in the garage it is just too cool. Even liitle kids that are not more than 6-8 years old that never remember the cars on the road look at it and say COOL CAR! That means something It does stand out in a different way than anything else!

I got my first "nice car" less than a mile from the guy's house I bought the car from... Need I say more!

bob67convert

Mines took a little time to get used to :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/starguard/laastscan2.jpg

Right now shes in the garage waiting for a few repairs to be made, but back when she was drivable she was definitely a handful. The suspension and steering is very stiff compared to cars of today. Riding in it was like riding in a horse and buggy where I practically felt every bump I hit in the road, The engine was so loud that having a radio is almost pointless, but the looks and thumbs up I received from people while going down the road made the ride worth it. :cool:

Right now she's waiting for the trans to be rebuilt, after that she goes to the paint shop, from there she'll be O.K.

I enjoy driving the car, how it handles and the feeling that you CAN go back in time. It is nice sharing this with my boys--they LOVE the car and spend more time messing with it and cleaning it than I do. Picking them up from school is quite an event and I do it several times a year. All their friends ask for and get rides too (lots of repear trips to the ice cream stand in the summer!)

Local car shows are fun but many people seem tired of 1st Gen Camaros and even seem to resent the cars for some reason. I get snubbed as much as I get a thumbs up at shows. That's okay, I have the car for me an no one else. I'm a friendly guy and don't hang around my car with a "look what I got attitude".

As far as just driving it...with power steering, power disc brakes and a rebuilt suspension, it has great road manners. I can take it anywhere and enjoy the ride and the handling. I have a great stereo but never have it on--I want to hear the exhaust. I have no a/c and don't want any--I want the windows down and the wind a blowing through the car. Even with the 98 degree weather for the GM Nationals last year we drove all the way home (160 miles) with the windows down and had a blast.

I always get looks while driving my car. I actually had a older guy following me around town one evening waving at me to pull over. When I pulled over, he got out and was saying how my license plate was the best one he had ever seen. Hauln SS Then he commented on the car...lol
It's hard to put gas in at the local stations, usually draws a small crowd.
My son can't wait until the first nice day of spring when I pick him up from school in it!

I traded a Harley for my '68. I was unhappy with myself because I did not look the car over well enough, and got screwed in the process. I figure I took about a $2000 hit in the trade. The Harley was NICE! Every time I took it out I would get a wave or a "Nice bike". http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/PinMd/100_02581.jpg Now when I got in this Camaro the first time and left the parking lot, I thought to myself, What the hell did I do. I had to move the steering wheel about a quarter turn in either direction to get the car to turn, the brakes pulled to the left or the right depending on there mood, and the headers bottomed out on every dip and bump in the road. The fuel gauge did not work, so I stopped at the local filling station and was there for an hour talking to people about the car. When I left, I got her up to about 10 mph and punched it, lighting up the tires and laying another 5 foot of rubber when I hit second. This was the first I had gotten on it. Grinning from ear to ear, I figured I did alright in the trade after all. When I got it home, I started going over the car and started to find the problems, got depressed again. I found this web site called camaros.net and started reading. I than put a post on here about my stupid trade, and for the most part got some great support from you guys. Somebody responded by telling me that I would get more looks and comments about the Camaro than the Harley any day of the week. Sorry I don't remember who it was, but they sure were right. That was in November, I've done some repairs and cleaned it up, its still a 20 footer, but I sure do get the looks. All in all I'm now very glad I own a 1st gen even if I did loose some money on the deal, The fun, attention, feeling, and having my four year old tell me to turn it down when I started it the first time is all worth it. Phil http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/PinMd/FamCam.jpg

You have a very nice looking car. I love that color and it sure looks better than a twenty footer. You will be more and more pleased with your trade as time goes on. Anybody can have a Harley but there are only so many old Camaros left. Have fun.:thumbsup:

You guys are killing me, I have been working on mine for 2 years now. It wasn't like I was chomping at the bit enough, but after reading the posts it is worse than ever.

I drove my car home after I bought it from my friend and I drove it to get gas once. That was it!! I hope to have it ready in June. I don't think I can take it much longer. :-)

We're not trying to KILL you we are trying to ENCOURAGE you.

We're not trying to KILL you we are trying to ENCOURAGE you.

My drill sergeants in basic training said the same thing...

Oh yeah, I forgot about them...that seems so long ago...

It did make us *better* people though....sort of anyways...

My best Camaro driving story was 3 years ago I was elected to be Santa Clause at Christmas for our car cruisers party. We left in the afternoon about 1 1/2 hours early because I decided to drive the 67 Convertable with the top down. The car is red, it was cold and bright, and I thought "what the hell, why not?" It was just absolutely crazy with people waving, honking, little kids with noses pressed against the windows, stares, etc. I had one guy follow me, absolutely like he was nuts, no matter what way I turned, he was their honking and waving me over. I stopped in a church parking lot, he got out and begged me to take a picture of his baby and me in front of the car. They had just missed out on the mall Santas pictures, "too late", and were just delighted I would do it for them. Gotta admit, I felt on top of the world doing it for them.

Well the easest way, is to descibe like this keep your window down when ever u stop at lights etc...They will say "very nice" and reply simply "thankyou"
In NZ we drive on the left side of the road, and our car is still left hook, no matter what lane u are in u either have the ppl on the kerb next to u or a vechicle to the left.

Mine is not new,I bought it in 72,put about 500,000 mi.on that 6cylinder,rebuilt 4 times,4 different trans.Parked it in about 93 and now it is getting close to being reborn as a v8 5speed completely gone though.Think i got the fever you better believe it.Ya baby.I GOT THE FEVER,I GOT THE FEVER...................FEVER. 68 vert FEVER.

Since #2 lasts so much longer than #1, shouldn't #2 be #1? Just a thought.

My drill sergeants in basic training said the same thing...

Mines told us the exact opposite :(

If you can manage to experience #1 while in #2, you might be damn close to heaven!

Great Santa story nikkisdad, reminds me of one day when I was getting gas, a woman jumped out of her car with a baby, maybe 6 months old. She came toward my car, kid in one hand, talking on the cell phone in the other. She was saying, 'you're not going to believe this honey, but there's a 68 CAMARO here at the gas station!' She told whoever 'honey' was every detail about my car...I thought she was going to drop the kid in her excitement.' On the way home I thought I should have said to her that she obviously married the wrong guy!

Terry M.

There were a lot of #1 in #2 thats why the consoles are always busted. Only problem is we didn't realise we were in heaven. #2 was just a way to get #1 . Now 30+ years later its too much work to try to get #1 in a #2 so we just enjoy the ride. Any way you look at it its been heaven

Well being a proud new owner of a 1st Gen.(2 months) I gotta tell you it's like nothing else I have ever experienced.
The thumbs ups and nods are unreal.
Last weekends weather was great here in Maryland and I got it out both Sat. and Sun.Sat I went a Camaro Club of Maryland meeting, and joined the club.What a great bunch of people, willing to take a rookie like me under their wings.
Then on Sun. I went to the local cruise in spot at the Dunkin' Donuts in Burtonsville MD. and being the first nice weekend there where 150-200 cars there.What a great feeling parking w/ all the cool cars and getting to show of my new car a little. Even got a lot of compliments.
I'm telling you guys, I love this stuff already.

here are a couple of shots from this weekend

Billy, hey it's great to hear that you already have your Camaro out.
I have a great time going out cruising or hanging out at the local burger joint, best of all it's 'family-friendly' non-alcoholic scene, I can bring my kids along. I know if I was at a car show I'd come running over to see your green '69! Unfortunately here in Wisconsin we have 15" of new snow, more on the way tonight, so cruising is a few weeks away for us yet. I'm having a new engine/trans/rear gears installed in my car next week, hopefully it'll be on the road early in April I have a bad case of spring fever! Happy cruising, love those pics.

Terry M.

You guys are killing me, I have been working on mine for 2 years now. It wasn't like I was chomping at the bit enough, but after reading the posts it is worse than ever.

I drove my car home after I bought it from my friend and I drove it to get gas once. That was it!! I hope to have it ready in June. I don't think I can take it much longer. :-)

I feel your pain, I have had my car for nearly 10 years, but have had it apart for the last year and a half. I have been working frantically to get it back together before spring. I'm almost there, putting the subframe back under it this weekend. Hopefully get the motor in next week. http://www.haulnss.com/MiscPics2.htm

I went a Camaro Club of Maryland meeting, and joined the club.What a great bunch of people, willing to take a rookie like me under their wings.

Hey Billy, What kind of info do you got on this club? I'm up here in Frederick, Co. and would like to get into something like that. Phil

Terry, nice to hear from you again.I grew up in northern Il., so I know about the snow.I love the milder winters here in MD.

PinMD , here is the link to the club -

http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/marylandcamaroclub/index.html

They meet at Win Kelly Chevy in Clarksville.A little ways from you, but there were several people from your area at the meeting.I wasn't sure about joining a club, but I sure am glad I did.Great people, and very willing to help me getting into the hobby.

tt

There were a lot of #1 in #2 thats why the consoles are always busted. Only problem is we didn't realise we were in heaven. #2 was just a way to get #1 . Now 30+ years later its too much work to try to get #1 in a #2 so we just enjoy the ride. Any way you look at it its been heaven

I agree 100%

I've been talking about moving to a warmer climate too, 47 Wisconsin winters has taken its toll on me!

The closest club to me is Northstar Camaro Club (www.northstarcamaroclub.com) in the twin cities. I've been a member for a couple years, it's a good club but most events are 40-50 miles from me, not always easy to attend.

John (HaulnSS)
Just looked at your current work in progress pics. MAN, ur car is lookin sweeeet. That powdercoated frame with the new suspsension is gorgeous.

i can't describe the adreline rush when the tires fry! yes, people give long looks and talk to me at lights, even had a dodge durango want to race last weekend. When I've had a bad day, no anti-depressant works as well, may go crank her up now, how much racing fuel is left from last weekend??

Those were alot of good comments..."all of the above"...i feel like im 16 again...when i look out my windsheild....and i try not to drive like i did when i was 16..;) ...

....and i try not to drive like i did when i was 16..;) ...
How can you not drive it like ya stole it?

A nice exhaust tone, SBC running 5-7K rpm, banging the gears and gettin scratch in all four gears.........

And what's really bad(?) broken consoles and torn headliners............especially in the rear seat area.