[wagonman]

what do you camaro gurus think of this....i would like everybody's honest opinion.

i am thinking about building a clone 1968 conv z/28.

this clone will have every piece correct!

casting number,part number and date of build.

crossram set-up
service package rear end
rottierie restoration
power windows original
tilt
original wood wheel
correct df rims
dated starter,alt.dist,intake,mo block,4 spd trans,.

[z28doug]

I think it's a great idea especially since there is one that was specially ordered. Go for it!!
Doug

[Steptoe]

Sounds good...just do your costings and time frame so they match.

[TJS69]

Why try to build it as a clone ? My car is not even a good clone. The z/28 package was not even offered as a convertible. Yes a GM exec had one built just for him. The cross ram was never installed at the factory, so why build it ? The 302 was a terrible engine for a street car. Build your convertible, stick in a 383, put Z/28 emblems on it and enjoy it. Why try to "clone" something that never was in the first place ? In fact label it as a Z82 and really confuse the public.

[Steptoe]

TJ above has a point...
The 302 was a terrible engine for a street car.

[19HoosierDaddies67]

For a clone.....I think it would be cool because there was only one made and for an exec. If you do it right it may still have a collectors value, Barrett Jackson someday.

[NJTURBO]

BAD IDEA......really bad idea!!!!

[musclecarjohn]

Originally Posted by Steptoe

TJ above has a point...
The 302 was a terrible engine for a street car.

I would tend to disagree with that statement.
Yes the 302 had little or no torque under 4-grand and needed to be kept towards the higher rpms to get anything out of it...but when it was singing at full song,well...there wasn't a sweeter sound to be heard.

That being said...I have replaced mine with a 555hp 383 stroker.

[Gloryhound]

I would say do what you want to! I might go this line, but instead of messing with the cost of tracking down a 302 with the right numbers and all why not put a 327, 350, 355, 383 ... (the list of possible sbc combos is endless) and just make it look like a 302. Heck with a crate engine and the right machinest you can put any thing you want on the stamping pad. Today numbers matching cars require paperwork and even that is getting to the point of being easily duplicated. If I was doing it I would put something crazy on the pad like "Prove it!". I really hate to see it but sooner or later there will be no way to tell a matching #s car from a really good clone. What your talking about doing everyone will know is a clone so it will build value as a clone of a one only car. I don't think it will ever be as valuable as the money you put into it.

The bigger question on the chopping block is if I have an ultra rare car that is documented, but completely rusted out and would require just about every body panel being replaced and I decide to go with one of these knock off bodies being made instead of doing all the panel work myself is it still the same car? In reality if I do all the body panel replacement myself is it still the same car? With the way I see things in 20 years their will be no way to tell the real thing from a clone with the exception of a couple cars that are constantly having their documentation updated!