[jrhyno]

I'm almost getting around to doing, and getting some serious work done on my 67 convertible.

It will need a total restoration (it used to be my daily driver, but that was 15 years ago before wife and kids.

I'd like whoever to weigh in on whether it's better to restore my car to 67 specs as best I can, or go a more protouring restomod route?

What makes it difficult for me to decide is that the car is not just a 67 convertible, but also a real RS/SS, 4 speed, with original front disc brakes, and a rather rare color combo, Parchment interior and Black exterior.

Non original motor and trans, but as mentioned, the car needs restored, including floors and at least one rocker.

Interested in all opinions.

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[notatoy]

Well it really depends on what you're going to do with it, keep it, sell it? If keeping and no intent on auctioning/selling it, make it what you want. If you intend to restore and sell you could get a fair price but never what you have in it. If you had original drive train well that's a whole other can of worms. Good luck

 

[67Rally]

I agree, what are your plans for the car? How do you plan on using it?

 

[Vega$69]

I'm a full on Protour guy. If I was doing your car I would go back original with the following upgrades.

Aluminum heads and roller cam. Painted orange

5 speed tko600 OD tranny

Hotchkiss TVS suspension and 17" Ralley Wheels

Keep everything else stock

Btw. I'm taking delivery on the 67 RS/SS BBC convertible I bought this weekend. I will most likely follow the plan I outlined

 

[Brad74]

I was once the "all original guy". That is until I put a 500HP LS3 in my car. There is no way an original car can match the drivability, low maintenance, gas mileage, and bling that a new LS can manage. I can turn on the AC and shift into 6th at 120mph, while cruising worry free to California.

I would go with Hotchkis springs in the rear, coil overs in the front, disc brakes, LS3, 6 speed, 3.73 posi and smile every time you leave 2 LONG black marks.

 

[pittpens24]

If all the numbers matched - I would go the original route if it was me BUT since they don't, I'd go restomod. Besides, it sounds like you had the car a long time - don't you want a little more juice under the hood and it to handle like a newer car???

 

[Larger Dave]

I am of the opinion that since they are not making any new cars (with numbers matching etc.) you could buy a complete turn key body in white from China and then convert that to a Pro Touring without upsetting the purist who I am sure would all fight to be the first in line to buy your car to put in their museum.

Personally if I were going to build another car, pro touring or just an awesome street car (since I really don't car if it is a pro touring or any other type of car since I build my cars only to please myself). I would start with an S&W full tube frame and front strut with a Dana 60 rear end suspended by a coil over four link. I would then push the motor amidship and mount a 14-71 blower out front using a Moon Equipment Potvin drive setup. Since the motor is pushed back I would place my T-56 trany between my knees and use a Funny car cage added to the fourteen point that is holding up a full fiberglass body with the appropriate ground effects and rear tire hump to mount huge by large tites out back.

http://swracecars.com/store/67-69-Camaro-Mild-Steel-Chassis-kit-OSCARItem_357=08-500.aspx

http://www.vfnfiberglass.com/679camaro.htm

Total cost is about the same as starting from an all steel Camaro project, but it would be fun to have to hide lead in the car for a change instead of having to worry about taking weight out.

 

[trainedkilla]

All original cars are no fun, imo. They are great to look at and I love all classics but stock cars have no real personality.

I feel a need to make my car my own...no one should mistake my car for theirs.

 

[jrhyno]

If all the numbers matched - I would go the original route if it was me BUT since they don't, I'd go restomod. Besides, it sounds like you had the car a long time - don't you want a little more juice under the hood and it to handle like a newer car???

I was once the "all original guy". That is until I put a 500HP LS3 in my car. There is no way an original car can match the drivability, low maintenance, gas mileage, and bling that a new LS can manage. I can turn on the AC and shift into 6th at 120mph, while cruising worry free to California.

I would go with Hotchkis springs in the rear, coil overs in the front, disc brakes, LS3, 6 speed, 3.73 posi and smile every time you leave 2 LONG black marks.

I'd quote more of you guys in my reply, but I'll start with these. I've never wanted a trailer queen car, I want to drive the damn thing! The only reservation that I have regarding not keeping it original is that it's a car that really has some great options. Having said that, I like a car that has the modern conveniences, drivability, etc. I really like the idea of a 6 speed and LS motor.

Time will tell, and of course what I can get done at the right price.

Keep the opinions coming, and parts sources, that sort of thing. Links to builds and projects too.

 

[clill]

I would keep it black with Parchment and then build it so it drives nice.

 

[68sixspeed]

I would keep it black with Parchment and then build it so it drives nice.

Same thoughts here, if you had the numbers matching motor then I would say restore. But a nice restomod is so much more enjoyable to drive and actually use.

 

[The Camaro Guy]

I like John's idea. It depends a lot on the budget as well. My last one was build back original with a 450 HP 468, poly bushings, Gabriel hd shocks IROC box, big sway bars, lowered slightly with original style springs, 60 series BFG 15's on Vette rallys. RSSS NOM black on white. Car drives and handles without all the pro street stuff my silver car has. Not a big difference in the 2 except $$$$$. Have my Vette for modern car!!!!Just and old guy talkin. Too often we compare a PS car to a worn out old car, don't we?!!

 

[Silvrmax04]

I would keep the original look inside and out and do the LS with an overdrive trans. Upgrade the suspension also.

 

[Everett#2390]

As Mr. Lillard and the later posters suggests, make it comfortable.
Mine is the same, add late model drivetrain, keep outside & inside stock making it a 'sleeper.'
4th Gen seats are nice...

 

[jrhyno]

I would keep the original look inside and out and do the LS with an overdrive trans. Upgrade the suspension also.

And that's the rub. I do want to upgrade suspension. The motor is a 350 .60 bored. I'd like to put in a 6 speed. Should I tub the car?

As Mr. Lillard and the later posters suggests, make it comfortable.
Mine is the same, add late model drivetrain, keep outside & inside stock making it a 'sleeper.'
4th Gen seats are nice...

The color combo on the car is great, I'll absolutely keep it black. But on the inside, I love the idea of updated seating. I've heard that the Sebring convertible seats fit without too much work, and now you have a shoulder harness. But the original parchment is a great look.

Arg, too many choices. I appreciate all of the input, and at the least it's a suspension upgrade, and an updated trans.

 

[Silvrmax04]

Like said it is your car and ultimately up to you. Some of us like the pro tour/modified look and some won't budge on the originality. Mini tubs look cool and are very functional. It is also hard to return from it back to stock looking. The value is actually in what someone wants to pay. I have the same car, but with the original motor. If I didn't I would have gone with a striker motor and a 5 or 6 speed. But that's just me. Good luck in whatever you decide. It will look great no mater what. It's a 67.

 

[68sixspeed]

I wouldn't bother with the mini-tubs unless you are going for a full on pro-touring build with high HP and really want the super-wide tire look. If you are after more a traditional look as it sounds, as others said keep the outside reasonably stock looking.

I am doing something similar with my 68 convertible. Hotchkis suspension items, LS3/4L70 for drive-ablilty, interior will be stock deluxe interior with all the factory and console gages. C4 vette disc brakes up front. For now the stock 10 bolt rear until I figure out what gear ratio I like, then it will likely get a 12 bolt and rear discs. Wheels will either be 15" or 17" rallys.

But even that keeps evolving, I started as a restoration, hence the original rear still in the car. I need to swap the a-arms next, fitting up the radiator and all that stuff then it goes back down to the body shop to put the front end on and wrap it up.

 

[Gbauer]

Make it fun, not original.

 

[Smitty68]

Make it fun, not original.

Exactly what I was thinking George! If it pleases you and it fits the bill and fits the use you plan on putting it through go for it...:beers:

 

[jrhyno]

I wouldn't bother with the mini-tubs unless you are going for a full on pro-touring build with high HP and really want the super-wide tire look. If you are after more a traditional look as it sounds, as others said keep the outside reasonably stock looking.

I am doing something similar with my 68 convertible. Hotchkis suspension items, LS3/4L70 for drive-ablilty, interior will be stock deluxe interior with all the factory and console gages. C4 vette disc brakes up front. For now the stock 10 bolt rear until I figure out what gear ratio I like, then it will likely get a 12 bolt and rear discs. Wheels will either be 15" or 17" rallys.

But even that keeps evolving, I started as a restoration, hence the original rear still in the car. I need to swap the a-arms next, fitting up the radiator and all that stuff then it goes back down to the body shop to put the front end on and wrap it up.

Make it fun, not original.

Exactly what I was thinking George! If it pleases you and it fits the bill and fits the use you plan on putting it through go for it...:beers:

Ok, I'm sure that the project will evolve as they so often do. But drivability does make great sense. Stock look, with modern upgrades should be a winner.