1969 Camaro L78 conv ( came from east coast)

[ssl78]

Does anybody remember a Hugger orange 1969 RS L78, Camaro conv, 4 speed . The car was highly optioned and was brought to Chicago 10 years ago from the east coast.

[Charley Lillard]

One was at MCACN this year parked in Vintage.

[camaromb]

Definitely not a know car John. Good luck!

[ssl78]

Thanks Charlie but that is a different one than I was talking about. I will post pictures later

[Postsedan]

John,

You must of purchased it.....if so.....Congrats <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

I have a nice set of quarter glass for it if you need it <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

Dan

[ssl78]

Thanks Dan. I found out the car was sold new in Pennsylvania

[Postsedan]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ssl78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Dan. I found out the car was sold new in Pennsylvania </div></div>

Did you find this out through the NCRS?

Dan

[Bill Pritchard]

Cool.....another SS L78 for 'ssl78' <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif

[ssl78]

No Dan, This car falls in the range of vins that there are no records.

[ssl78]

Here is a picture, when it was on the east coast it had a white top and white stripes. The guy I bought it from put it back to black since thats what the trim tag said also had rally wheels. I really hate the wheels they have to go.




http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35595-camaro_conv_800x600.jpg

[Postsedan]

Great looking Camaro <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif
A new set of wheels and tires.... you`ll be ready for next season.

Dan

[black69]

I have to believe someone is going to remember such a rare car. It just may take some time. Sometimes you may find some clues under the carpeting or under a console. I found an original oil cap for my L78 stuck in my lower frame the other day, I was shocked. I also found multiple matchbooks stuck under the leading edge of my dash (with the names of the service stations from where the car was from). Odds are there are things still stuck down in the vents on my car, so maybe the same case for yours. Look in all the nooks and crannys to get some clues on where to post a craigslist ad in the town the car came from.

[ssl78]

Bob I took the back seat out to look at the X code and didnt find any thing under the back seat. I have to keep looking.

[DW31S]

What a looker! Wheels and tires will change the entire demeanor of that car. Can't wait to see it &quot;updated&quot;!

[ssl78]

Here are some pictures of the heater box looks to never been removed and has the rubber pad that covers the small block nipple outlets.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35695-dsc09315.jpg


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35697-dsc09317.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35698-dsc09318.jpg

[bergy]

factory AM/FM?

[GTO_DON]

Nice catch with the inline filter.

[ssl78]

Yes you are correct it is a original am/fm car

[ssl78]

Here is a picture of the high redline tach
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35811-dsc09366.jpg

[ssl78]

original single fuel line. I am glad some one decided to paint it and not change it and I believe it still has its original drive train

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35874-dsc09336.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35875-dsc09343.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-35876-dsc09331.jpg

[ssl78]

Has any one ever been able to remove the glue on the rear bulk head to read the x code. The only thing it can be is X2 with the 2 being higher than the X, also at the far left corner of the line you can see it go up into the glue but I would like to get a better look. I also want to put down the vin number so it can be googled right now there is nothing on it. 124679N540072 1969 RS SS L78 convertible.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-36103-dsc09392.jpg

[njsteve]

The glue may be able to be smeared away if you use a heat gun on it. I would experiment in a spot away from any possibl markings, first. This way you can see if the heated glue acts as a solvent and alters the underlying paint.

[bergy]

If you have docs or certs showing it to be 396/375 it's got to be X2. If no docs or certs....hard to say. Could even be a 4 with the lower leg missing.

[camaromb]

Even with the top of the X it looks like the top half of the 2 is visible under the glue.

[ssl78]

I do see it now off to right there is a little bit showing. Either way with a big block heater box thats never been out there is no way it is a four. The clock is dated 295 8 and the tach still has the blue covers on the screws. There is no way some one could have gone through this much work for a car that was not restored for big money

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-36108-dsc09418.jpg


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-36109-dsc09414.jpg

[PeteLeathersac]

All looks really great so far, BIG Congrats!
Unless I missed something, what of stampings being you believe it's the original drivetrain?
Bummer the Vin falls within the NCRS missing info range but keep digging also long shot but may be worth trying on Canada Vintage Services too.
Bob's right on about searching heater ducts etc as clues may lead you close enough to someone who may remember it, who'd ever forget such a car?!
Pull the seats including backs also carpets, kick and door panels plus a good search up inside the dash area too.
Good luck!
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[ssl78]

Thanks Steve I will try a heat gun on a spot some where else. I have had 3 reliable sources look at the block and transmission stampings 2 said they were original, one said the engine and trans vin stampings were good but didnt have a original late oct 68 assy date to match it up to.
Pete the last owner pulled the interior and dynomatted the floor and put new carpeting in, I looked but there are no clues. I do know that in July of 69 it was titled in pennsylvania so as soon as the title comes back in my name I can do a title trace in that state.
Back to possibly it being a 4 with no leg, there is no such thing as a x44 RS

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-36132-dsc09346.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-36133-dsc09426.jpg

[ds1]

There is no information in PA back further than 10 years. Our state is hard to deal with

[bergy]

Looks really good for RS! Don't be too hasty on PA docs. it's almost impossible to get any registrations pre '72 (flood year). However, if the car was registered in PA after '72, the last registration in PA might still be obtainable. I got a copy of an '82 registration a couple of years ago (with name and address). So, the last (final) registration sometimes pops up even if its' more than 10 years old (15 for law enforcement). It's worth a small investment to check. Be sure to make your search request for &quot;historical research purposes - info kept confidential&quot;. Write a nice cover letter about how important the car is. Good luck!

[ds1]

I have been on there website within the last two years. I tried to search my 68 in PA, NY and MI. No one could help me. I hit a wall trying to search history on my car other than talking to the original owner and the guy I bought it from. I just searched Penn Dots site. I found the form to request information. it may work. Try it, it can not hurt. When I tried Michigan they sent my money back saying they could not process my request. Give it a shot

[black69]

I would try a black light on the X2 under the glue. It is a grease/wax pencil, and I think UV lights can be used to trace oil leaks, etc.
Worth a simple try.

[ssl78]

Yes I already printed the form out I just need to get the form notorized saying the title is in my nane. I hope I am lucky enough to get something back. Bob you are the 2nd guy who said try a black light I will have to get one.
I had to change the headlight switch and it had a fuel line clamp holding the 2 lines together any body ever see that. The headlight switch in the picture is the new one I was putting in.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2015/12/full-338-36192-dsc09421.jpg

[ssl78]

Does any body know the thickness of a 69 Chevy big block deck pad that hasnt been decked. The first shot is a block thats been decked the second is a non decked block but it is a 74 dated block.
Wouldnt this be a sure way of being able to identify a restamp http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/01/full-338-36856-dsc09656.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/01/full-338-36857-dsc09655.jpg

[WILMASBOYL78]

Interesting approach...seems logical. I'm sure the experts will let you know soon.

wilma

[DarrenX33]

John leave the glue. It's X2.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/dagcostello/Mobile%20Uploads/57DAD927-358D-4C36-BF9F-520DE31A2E8C.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dagcostello/media/Mobile%20Uploads/57DAD927-358D-4C36-BF9F-520DE31A2E8C.jpg.html)

[bbbentley]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ssl78</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Does any body know the thickness of a 69 Chevy big block deck pad that hasnt been decked. The first shot is a block thats been decked the second is a non decked block but it is a 74 dated block.
Wouldnt this be a sure way of being able to identify a restamp http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/01/full-338-36856-dsc09656.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/01/full-338-36857-dsc09655.jpg
</div></div>

My educated opinion is that would not give a conclusive answer. There are core shifts in castings and that is why some have thin cylinder walls on 1 side after a re-bore and also why the thrust surface where the cam is installed is off center often. Because of these shifts that pad probably falls into a range that could vary .100 (swag) whereas a deck may be as little as a clean up cut or a blueprint (zero deck height to piston tops). There are so many variables that nothing conclusive could be measured from that pad thickness,IMO.

[bergy]

I agree. The pad dimension is established in the machining operation that locates the block off of &quot;as cast&quot; pads. Since the castings varied slightly - the thickness of the machined pad varied as well. One &quot;tell&quot; however, is the &quot;lip&quot; on the water pump casting when it bolts up to the block (the distance that the water pump sticks above or below the pad). Since the water pump mounting bolt holes are established from the same locating pads as the head face, there should be some consistency in &quot;lip&quot; area. I've seen some &quot;original&quot; stamps where the water pump sticks up way above the pad stamp area. It's not a 100% &quot;tell&quot; of a decked block, but certainly bad juju. JMHO

[ssl78]

The back seat is back in already I didnt do anything with it. It would be nice to know what a lot of original pad thicknesses are.

[enio45]

never sen that clamp on the HL switch - - there is no clamp in the assembly manual either....it is usually just a snug fit

[olredalert]

----John,,,When I look at the pic of the vacuum lines and clamp I think I see splits on both those lines. I believe the clamp was a weird attempt to stop a vacuum leak......Bill S

[black69]

Glad the black light worked. There is no evidence there was ever a 4 there. I see more of the 2 in the non black light shot (the top corner, clear enough to define the size of the character). I see the left top portion of the X show up in the black light photo. All in all, looks like an X2 vs anything else. Any doubt, the untouched heater box confirms that (to me). I would never touch that glue, either.

[ssl78]

Bill thats very possible. I ended up taking the clamp off and trimming back the hoses before I installed the new one. Bob I didnt want to fool around with the glue I just left it.

[Bill Pritchard]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bbbentley</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

My educated opinion is that would not give a conclusive answer.....There are so many variables that nothing conclusive could be measured from that pad thickness,IMO. </div></div>

X3

[MosportGreen66]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bergy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I agree. The pad dimension is established in the machining operation that locates the block off of &quot;as cast&quot; pads. Since the castings varied slightly - the thickness of the machined pad varied as well. One &quot;tell&quot; however, is the &quot;lip&quot; on the water pump casting when it bolts up to the block (the distance that the water pump sticks above or below the pad). Since the water pump mounting bolt holes are established from the same locating pads as the head face, there should be some consistency in &quot;lip&quot; area. I've seen some &quot;original&quot; stamps where the water pump sticks up way above the pad stamp area. It's not a 100% &quot;tell&quot; of a decked block, but certainly bad juju. JMHO </div></div>

Hi Bruce, wouldn't that assume that the water pump is factory born with original [not only an OEM unit but also to the car]? What was the sequence of installation at the factory? If the water pump was installed at the time of the broaching process (which in my opinion established absolute deck height) than maybe the observation holds weight but if we do not understand the process of broaching then I respectfully disagree and I think we could get in trouble using it as a means of passing judgment on what could be an original pad stamp.

Dan

[ssl78]

I recieved a letter back from PA dept of transpoertation it gave me the last registered owner in Pa. The car was last registered in Collinsville Pa in 2005 so it looks like it spent most its life in Pa, not really much to go on but at least its something.

[ssl78]

I made a mistake it was from Douglassville PA it sucks getting old.

[bergy]

Dan - The qualified dimension is between the broached pad face and the threaded hole for the water pump attachment. If that dimension is too small, the pad could have been decked.

[black69]

John, I would say, take the car on a trip, and spend a few key days in the area. That looks like a small town. Take it to the best turn out car show (I see there is one there, with a quick search). That is a unique stand out car, somebody will know it.

Also call the local town NAPA and other car shops, somebody may know it that way too. Maybe call the paint shops in town, if its been repainted once (which I believe it was).

I have had good luck doing things like above. Small town = good news.

[Salvatore]

call Marlin too.

[Unreal]

Small town, Marlin probably knows the car.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Douglassville? I moved to Douglassville in 2000, and have a fair amount of connections with the locals. What am I looking for exactly? What is the last registration date on the title search results, sometimes there is a listing at the bottom....

[ssl78]

The last registration in Douglassville was in 2005. I PM you a message

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Wow! that's rather recent, I should be able to dig up something.....

[Salvatore]

YOU are the man M!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

According to Google maps, he lives a 1/2 mile away.

[DarrenX33]

Whoa. Marlin is your man.. Very nice. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

And....with 30&quot; of snow, it'll take an hour to get there! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif

[ssl78]

I was going thru some old posts last night and noticed a while back KGR posted about a original Z he found. That car was built 11D and mine was built 11C. Here are pictures of the trans stamps interesting how close the assembly dates are. I didnt know how to copy the pictures so I took a picture of them on my computer screen. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-338-43038-dsc09882.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-338-43039-dsc09883.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-338-43041-trans_stamp.jpg

[the427king]

John, take off one of the fuel line clips and see if it is blue behind the clip, and brand new black on the frame. The combination of those two things being evident will tell you the 3/8 fuel line was never changed.

[ssl78]

I had to take the engine out of the car so I took a tracing of the trans and compared it to the engine. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/06/full-338-44471-dsc09979.jpg

[firstgenaddict]

I think the VINS are the same gang.

No paper I presume?

Wasn't a similar car certified by McNeish last year?
I thought the owner wanted 250k or so for it, it was a hugger orange 375 conv.

[Lynn]

I immediately noticed the &quot;7&quot; is higher on the block stamp and lower on the tranny stamp... only because I have seen that before.

I believe (PLEASE someone correct me if I am wrong) that the gang holder may have held the individual stamps fairly tight from left to right, but not so much up and down. Have a tranny around here somewhere with the second to last digit clearly lower than the rest of the characters.

[70 copo]

Lynn,

You are spot on. The holder does have movement as you describe, and there are some good reasons for some variation as well.

[ssl78]

Yes I believe there was a survivor automatic HO L78 conv that was documented last year. The car was at the MCACN show this year. Mine is a 4 speed but not a survivor but does retain a lot of its originality.

[ssl78]

Finally after almost 2 years Jerry MacNeish was able to come out and certify the car.

[enio45]

Have to agree with Bill on this, that looks to be a fuel/vac line hose clamp as an attempt to
secure it tighter to the switch....should be easy fit, cut a little off and reinsert.

Great car!

[MarcDant]

I was going thru some old posts last night and noticed a while back KGR posted about a original Z he found. That car was built 11D and mine was built 11C. Here are pictures of the trans stamps interesting how close the assembly dates are. I didnt know how to copy the pictures so I took a picture of them on my computer screen. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-338-43038-dsc09882.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-338-43039-dsc09883.jpg

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2016/05/full-338-43041-trans_stamp.jpg

Stumbled across this thread and thought of my 11c built car ,here's pic of the trans. stamp witch seems to be in the same area as yours.Just another picture to compare.thanks Marc.

[ssl78]

Yes Eddie I did trim them and put them on Headlights been working great for almost 2 years.
Marc sure looks like the same guy stamped both transmissions. Is it yours or just a picture you found on the internet

[MarcDant]

The trans. is born with my sbc ss camaro,wish it was the last 3 digits of my VIN but its all good. Your ssl78 camaro is nice as is your drive train.

[ssl78]

Ok thanks marc, I am hoping to find a few more big block engine assy date stampings in this time frame.

[ssl78]

I finally am getting around to get rid of the houndstooth interior and install the correct one. I pulled off the seat covers and found the original interior under it so I guess I had a original interior car and didnt even know it.

[69LM1]

Wow.... That's cool. Was it in good shape?

/R

[ruralrte66]

Hi is the original comfort weave interior for sale?

Thanks Gregg

[enio45]

that is a cool discovery!!

[ssl78]

The interior is actually pretty good the rear seat and passenger seat was in vgc. The driver seat has some wear and ripping in the seams.
I sure wish I could have bought this car before the guy I bought it from got his hands on it, he sure took a lot of originality out of the car. The picture I posted on the 1st page is from some time when he had it sure looks like it still had the comfort weave interior. I believe he bought the car in 2003 and the PUI interior is dated 2007.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

According to Google maps, he lives a 1/2 mile away.

So, I noticed B. Conrad on a service call next door over the Summer, so I ran over to talk to him. He's got quite a story on this car, I've not read the whole thread - but suffice to say that its been through a few engines!!! :grin: Honestly, I was more interested in his health - he damn near died last year when his heart exploded....

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

If you need to talk to him, I can PM you his business number - he's a cool guy, easy to talk to and into Rat Rods now! :eek:

[ssl78]

I actually did talk to him after I bought the car and at the time he told me he only had the car a little while. He said he did some ac work for the guy and the car was part of the deal and all he knew about the car it was a big block, did good burn outs and never checked what motor was in the car. He said he was a mopar guy. You could pm me his number I have it some where