Where COPO's Go To Die

[whitetop]

COPO 427 Camaro a mile from my house where it has sat outside for 35-40+ years..I heard about it for years but finally checked it out today

Want to post more but says files too big.

[whitetop]

side shot

[whitetop]

front BB heater core.

[MosportGreen66]

Wow

Can it be rescued?

[Charley Lillard]

Wow...vin ?

[whitetop]

Wow

Can it be rescued?

A friend said some guys showed with $30k in cash a summer back or so , showed it to him and he walked away and he turned them down. It's been there since 1980 or so.. not going anywhere.

Floor is gone, quarters are gone..Nothing left.

[duskblue]

That's a damn shame

[GotGrunt]

A friend said some guys showed with $30k in cash a summer back or so , showed it to him and he walked away and he turned them down. It's been there since 1980 or so.. not going anywhere.

Floor is gone, quarters are gone..Nothing left.

So I guess he knows what he has and/or is insane lol

[whitetop]

Side shot

[whitetop]

trim tag..have to shrink the pics to get to post

[Vern B]

Sounds like the Wisconsin Yenko of Years ago��

[the427king]

That one is a gem survivor next to this one ..

[69z28302]

You can tell how long it's been there by the looks of that front tire😤
Is it Lemans Blue originally?

[dvss1]

You should at least tell who ever owns this to pull the rear out of the dirt. I wonder if its the original BE.

[MarcDant]

That poor rear end must be planted 6 inches in the ground hopefully the cover is not disintegrated & retained the gear oil .

[camaromb]

Bb throttle rod and accelerator arm with cowl induction switch is still there, maybe the only good part left!

[mr 707]

someone will restore it

[outlawperformance]

It's amazing that people do this! And still think its a nice car.

[DW31S]

A friend said some guys showed with $30k in cash a summer back or so , showed it to him and he walked away and he turned them down. It's been there since 1980 or so.. not going anywhere.

Floor is gone, quarters are gone..Nothing left.
Where two fools met; one for offering it, the other for not taking it.

[whitetop]

You should at least tell who ever owns this to pull the rear out of the dirt. I wonder if its the original BE.

Owner doesn't care.

[whitetop]

What is this car actually worth sitting right there? Presume the original rear is in the car and engine, tranny and hood are long gone.
What would you guy"s pay out of curiosity.

[southernfriedcj]

You can tell how long it's been there by the looks of that front tire��
Is it Lemans Blue originally?

I'm no expert, but I'd guess those tires were black.

[iluv69s]

wow..... how many people are driving around your neighborhood now? haha

[Jonesy]

I can make out 71 71 on the tag, so it was originally Lemans Blue. Also looks like an X code then D80.

[m22mike]

someone will restore it

You mean rebody it ? :dunno:

[Sean]

I always had a hard time understanding why they would just let a car rot like that and someone comes up with a wad of cash and says no and walk away. What a shame. I had a deal I traveled to the guy he had a 68 motion camaro all there brought him 80k in cash and he decided he wanted to keep it its was in pieces this was 10 years ago and the car is still sitting there.

[whitetop]

At least 5 Copo's were sold or ended up within a few miles my little berg of 5000 people. Must be something in the water.

Here is another -original owner car last driven in late 70's. This one sits a few miles or so from the rusty one. Original paint other than touchup lower fenders and quarters.

[Tracker1]

Ugh. :(

The 30K was a good offer. I'm sure there are others who would go 40-45K but that's stretching it IMHO.

[MarcDant]

Neat cars , thanks for posting.

[scott s]

Makes the one" young" had for sale in the classifieds look like a deal$$$$.

[JKZ27]

At least the yellow one is inside.
It's hard to tell why people hang on to things so long that they become almost worthless. Hope, belief they can get to it one day? It may sentimental and represent something to someone that can't be replaced with a wad of cash, sadly. Or, Spite. Whatever, Its painful for us to watch.

[1969L89]

Any more details on the yellow one? What motor, trans, for sale, why has it been parked so long?

[whitetop]

Any more details on the yellow one? What motor, trans, for sale, why has it been parked so long?

100 percent original. Will never be for sale 4 speed. Owner lost interest in driving it.

[David C.]

Sentimental value. I just bought a 77 Special Edition that the original owner parked after driving for under ten years. Put it in the back yard and was going to fix it up someday. Only reason I got it was that the owner sold the property. My friend made him an offer a year prior only to be refused, I paid less.

So many stories like this where people have an emotional attachment by which they are reminded when they see their old hot rods sitting.

[mr 707]

does the owner remember what dealer it came from?

[PeteLeathersac]

'

Besides Canada built/imported car info, GM Canada Vintage Services also has paperwork for most USA produced/sold vehicles from 1977 on...
https://www.vintagevehicleservices.com/options.html
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[WorkinProgress]

whitetop,

I sent you a PM and an email a couple of days ago.

- Warren

[whitetop]

whitetop,

I sent you a PM and an email a couple of days ago.

- Warren

Will get back to you tomorrow.

[GM_427_Racer]

Whitetop,

Would you give me the location on this car? I would really like to go see it and see if it is my original Yenko. I am in Ohio, so traveling for something like this would be amazing.

Thanks,
Gary Merrick

[markjohnson]

Whitetop,

Would you give me the location on this car? I would really like to go see it and see if it is my original Yenko. I am in Ohio, so traveling for something like this would be amazing.

Thanks,
Gary Merrick

Wouldn't that be something! Check out the two curious holes in the rear valance next to the bowtie.

[GM_427_Racer]

I also saw those holes on the rear tail panel, the location of the Holley fuel pressure regulator, the location of the line lock on the left inner fender and there are several other unique things I did to that car which may still be there. I had heard years ago about the green paint and that the car was a rusted out pile of junk, but I never gave a thought about it.

Now I am up at 3:30 in the morning thinking, Could this really be my old Yenko? I sure would like to go find out.

GM

[Tracker1]

There was a 427 emblem here to the right of that bow-tie, that I'm sure of. But that bow tie has never been off the car. Where's the popcorn emoji? :)

[Tracker1]

Yenko tail - no bowtie of course

[Stefano]

Not all 1969 Yenko Camaros had the emblem configuration posted above. At least one had just a bowtie and several early on had the Yenko emblem to the right of the bowtie.

[Tracker1]

Yup, ya never know.

[Nasblu]

If nothing else why doesn't Whitetop drive back over to the car and take pictures and document the car VIN#. Then we can determine if it is on the 69 Yenko Camaro list (If the car was Gm 427 racers old car) or if nothing else document the VIN# as a Copo for future reference if the car ever gets sold and tried to be rebodied.

[carnut4life]

In a perfect world Gary and whitetop should go over and check it out to see if it's his old car and convince the owner to restore it or sell it or at least get it inside so it doesn't decay even more or get stolen. If it is Gary's old Yenko I'm guessing we won't hear about it again until the car has been bought or moved though for obvious reason$.

[GM_427_Racer]

Just got back from south eastern Ohio. Well, no cigar today. It was not my old car, appeared to be just manual shift car with a twelve bolt, but nothing special, only had a 120 MPH speedo and no factory tachometer.

The search will continue.

Thanks to Whitetop for giving me directions.

GM

[whitetop]

So not a copo then? If an SS 396 why the bowties and the BB heater core and the cowl hood ??

[GotGrunt]

So not a copo then? If an SS 396 why the bowties and the BB heater core and the cowl hood ??

What’s the X-code on the trim tag? How about the 12-bolt stamp?

[GM_427_Racer]

According to the COPO list I have, the field car is not on it nor is it on the Yenko Registry List.

GM

[carnut4life]

Still sounds like a good road trip Gary, kudos to you and whitetop for trying. I really hope you find your old Yenko someday or at least find out what happened to it.

[whitetop]

trimtag looks like x44 dco

[GotGrunt]

trimtag looks like x44 dco

X44D80... it sure does look like a COPO.

[Tracker1]

trimtag looks like x44 dco

D80 - spoilers

[whitetop]

I just spoke with a guy who is familiar with this car and he was certain it was 427 car originally. Said a friend helped pull the 427 years ago and it is in a garage a few houses down.

Someone posted upstream they saw a cowl hood switch on the cowl. Why would this car have this??

[chevyman0429]

Well whitetop u had it listed as a copo so would it still be on the Yenko list!

[whitetop]

Well whitetop u had it listed as a copo so would it still be on the Yenko list!


I was told it was a copo by numerous people and just spoke with a guy and said the 120 mph speedo and no tach does not mean anything and the vin not on the list does not mean anything either that the copo list is of known cars


I have zero interest in this car was just curious if it is an original copo or not.

[GotGrunt]

I was told it was a copo by numerous people and just spoke with a guy and said the 120 mph speedo and no tach does not mean anything and the vin not on the list does not mean anything either that the copo list is of known cars


I have zero interest in this car was just curious if it is an original copo or not.

Please correct me if I’m wrong here but a Yenko should have a 140 mph speedo due to being double copo 9561 & 9737. This car looks to be a 9561 which would have the 120 mph speedo.

[Unreal]

All 69 Yenkos are COPOs, but not all COPOs are Yenkos! All 69 Yenkos were Double COPOs. We all know that, but more to the point, Very few Non-Yenko COPOs are Double COPOs, so 120 Speedo would be the norm for COPOs.

!2 Bolt, B/B heater Core, X44D80 on the tag, Bowtie emblem, someone who knows the car says it was a 427, etc, etc........I'm betting COPO.

Maybe the $30K offer was from someone who knew the 12 bolt is a BE, or knew where the motor is, or both! Still probably cost more that it's worth to restore, even if the car was purchased for $1.

[GM_427_Racer]

All 69 Yenkos are COPOs, but not all COPOs are Yenkos! All 69 Yenkos were Double COPOs. We all know that, but more to the point, Very few Non-Yenko COPOs are Double COPOs, so 120 Speedo would be the norm for COPOs.

!2 Bolt, B/B heater Core, X44D80 on the tag, Bowtie emblem, someone who knows the car says it was a 427, etc, etc........I'm betting COPO.

Maybe the $30K offer was from someone who knew the 12 bolt was a BE, or knew where the motor is, or both! Still probably cost more that it's worth to restore, even if the car was purchased for $1.

I am no expert, I do know what my car looked like and this is not my car and more importantly, actually based on the VIN, this is not my car. Is it a 427 car? Maybe it could have been, but I was not going to get a jack to see if it is a BE 12 bolt. Looking at the car objectively, maybe the rear end is the only thing that is worth anything and that might be a crapshoot. If the engine is down the street, then I guess the car would be worth more, if the engine could be purchased but this project would take a whole pile of cash, I mean piles and piles of dead presidents (Ben Franklins).

The VIN as I read it on the dash is 124379N664592. So, if there are some experts (and I know there are quite a lot on this site), maybe they have some lists that are better than mine and they can verify something based on this VIN. I was going to pull the cowl panel, to look at the hidden VIN, but once I confirmed it was not my car, did not see the point of it.

GM

[Tracker1]

I am no expert, I do know what my car looked like and this is not my car and more importantly, actually based on the VIN, this is not my car. Is it a 427 car? Maybe it could have been, but I was not going to get a jack to see if it is a BE 12 bolt. Looking at the car objectively, maybe the rear end is the only thing that is worth anything and that might be a crapshoot. If the engine is down the street, then I guess the car would be worth more, if the engine could be purchased but this project would take a whole pile of cash, I mean piles and piles of dead presidents (Ben Franklins).

The VIN as I read it on the dash is 124379N664592. So, if there are some experts (and I know there are quite a lot on this site), maybe they have some lists that are better than mine and they can verify something based on this VIN. I was going to pull the cowl panel, to look at the hidden VIN, but once I confirmed it was not my car, did not see the point of it.

GM

There is no COPO VIN list. There is a Yenko Camaro VIN list.

[GotGrunt]

I am no expert, I do know what my car looked like and this is not my car and more importantly, actually based on the VIN, this is not my car. Is it a 427 car? Maybe it could have been, but I was not going to get a jack to see if it is a BE 12 bolt. Looking at the car objectively, maybe the rear end is the only thing that is worth anything and that might be a crapshoot. If the engine is down the street, then I guess the car would be worth more, if the engine could be purchased but this project would take a whole pile of cash, I mean piles and piles of dead presidents (Ben Franklins).

The VIN as I read it on the dash is 124379N664592. So, if there are some experts (and I know there are quite a lot on this site), maybe they have some lists that are better than mine and they can verify something based on this VIN. I was going to pull the cowl panel, to look at the hidden VIN, but once I confirmed it was not my car, did not see the point of it.

GM

Just curious, how is the owner of the car? Most guys I’ve met with cars like this on their property don’t want to be bothered with anyone.

[GotGrunt]

There is no COPO VIN list. There is a Yenko Camaro VIN list.

Exactly, the only complete COPO VIN list that exists is for the 9560 ZL1.

[x33rs]

This thread caught my interest. Being from Cincinnati originally I was (still am) friends with several that own COPO's in the area. Mike being one of them, we were very familiar with a car just like this, sitting exactly in this condition for many years in the Williamsburg area off 132 in the guys front yard.

As the story goes, Mike was friends with this fella back in the 70's. Mike bought his COPO in the early 70's (still has it) and used to cruise around town with his friend that had a COPO. At some point the engine was pulled, sold to a guy a few doors down for a boat (matches Whitetops story), and a small block was put in place. Shortly after, the car was parked in the yard where it sat throughout the 80's and 90's and sunk into the ground. I tried to buy the car numerous times in the late 80's and early 90's but the owner wouldn't sell. Last time I looked at the car in the early 90's, it was so far gone I got disinterested, had small trees growing up through the floor boards, trunk was gone, even the heater box was rusted through. The car however at that time was largely intact albeit with a SBC under the ZL2 hood last time I saw it.

When I saw the pictures in this thread I was floored. By the 1990's this COPO was sunk into the ground just like this and rotting away and I thought for a minute it might be the same car. But since these pics are recent and the car is still there, I figure it must be a different one because the one I'm familiar with was finally sold and pulled out of the yard sometime in the late 90's. Friend of mine rumored to have bought the car, and attempted to buy the original engine down the street. Not sure if the engine purchase came through or not. Last I knew he was going to attempt a restoration. Lost touch with that friend and the car, don't know what happened to it.

Surreal how this COPO sounds so similar and appears to be in nearly identical condition, and in Ohio to boot. I was talking to Mike the other day about this car, and he said the one we were familiar with that I referred to never resurfaced again, wasn't sure what happened to it. I have no contact for our mutual friend that was rumored to buy it so I can't confirm. Would be a small world if this was in fact the same car, and it just so happens it didn't sell. But I see the SBC is no longer under the hood.

[whitetop]

This car was definitely a COPO and was purchased new at Bob's Chevrolet Barnesville ohio. Local guys are sending me the history. The guy who owns it blew up the 427 years ago but it is sitting in a garage 3 houses down. Owner later replaced it with a small block.

The guy who owns it now is the original owner. Another guy tried to buy it from Bob's Chevrolet but could not come up with the money and the current owner then bought it.

The grandson of the owner has reached out to several restoration shops recently to inquire about restoring the car.

It is not for sale.

[x33rs]

I'd bet it's the same car then. Too much of the story is the same.

If you want history I can try to put you in touch with Mike. He ran with the car back when it had the 427 in it, and the small block. Was friends with one of the previous owners right up until it was parked. I heard all the stories about it back in the 80's when I wanted to purchase it.

After talking with Mike and seeing these pics, I've become fairly certain our mutual friend never did buy the car. Which makes sense because it never resurfaced. About that same time it was moved from the front yard in plain view. I'm guessing the owner was tired of people knocking on the door since 132 is a highly traveled road. Everyone in Hamilton, Clermont, and Brown county knew of the car, lol. By the 90's it was already a pile, even by Ohio's standards, and we were used to pretty rusty cars. People were talking about buying it and rebodying the car even back then, that's how bad off it was then. I can imagine it's only gotten worse.

If it is the same car (and I now believe it is) It's a real COPO, BE rear was in it when I first looked at it....before it was sunk into the ground. But now with the hood missing the motor/trans pulled, decades have passed, hard to say what may be left. I agree with GM Racer, the rear may be the only thing of value, and I was already thinking that by the mid 1990's. Sad to see the car still sits this way.

[whitetop]

I'd bet it's the same car then. Too much of the story is the same.

If you want history I can try to put you in touch with Mike. He ran with the car back when it had the 427 in it, and the small block. Was friends with one of the previous owners right up until it was parked. I heard all the stories about it back in the 80's when I wanted to purchase it.

After talking with Mike and seeing these pics, I've become fairly certain our mutual friend never did buy the car. Which makes sense because it never resurfaced. About that same time it was moved from the front yard in plain view. I'm guessing the owner was tired of people knocking on the door since 132 is a highly traveled road. Everyone in Hamilton, Clermont, and Brown county knew of the car, lol. By the 90's it was already a pile. People were talking about buying it and rebodying the car even back then, that's how bad off it was then. I can imagine it's only gotten worse.

If it is the same car (and I now believe it is) It's a real COPO, BE rear was in it when I first looked at it....before it was sunk into the ground. But now with the hood missing the motor/trans pulled, decades have passed, hard to say what may be left.


Not the same car. This car has been in eastern Ohio it's entire life and is still owned by the original owner.

[x33rs]

What are the chances? Wow, with the original engine just houses down from the car? Used to have a small block in it? Parallel universe?? :grin:

Same scenario is going on in South Western Ohio then.

I asked Mike if he could confirm the colors for me. That was the only part of the car that I just can't remember.

[ZiggyL78]

No offence to anyone but how many times have you heard of a BB Camaro and the guy blows it up and puts a SB in it and it ends up in his yard back yard rotting away?Just saying.

[GM_427_Racer]

Evidently, TWO, that are confirmed..... LOL

[GM_427_Racer]

No offence to anyone but how many times have you heard of a BB Camaro and the guy blows it up and puts a SB in it and it ends up in his yard back yard rotting away?Just saying.

Evidently, TWO, that are confirmed.... LOL

GM

[Unreal]

No offence to anyone but how many times have you heard of a BB Camaro and the guy blows it up and puts a SB in it and it ends up in his yard back yard rotting away?Just saying.

Ya gotta kiss a lotta frogs if you hope to find your Prince Charming! Just saying.

[Ambrola]

After reading this story I am always brought back to a time many years ago when I kept driving by a old trailer home with a 66 SS gold chevelle sitting in the front yard. After a couple of weeks I noticed that the grass wasn't being mowed and was just growing all around the car. Well I finally pulled in looked at the car and knocked on the door and a old woman answered the door. I asked very politely if the car was for sale. She said no and just slammed the door. I thought many times how she wouldn't even talk about it when I would have given her more than her home was worth. You never know what or why people do these things.

[whitetop]

2 Copos were for sale at Bob's. The lemans blue one in the photo and a burnished brown Copo.

J.A. the owner of the copo above actually wanted the burnished brown car but on the day of purchase it would not start so he purchased the blue car instead. A local gent's brother worked for Bob's at the time and has been supplying the info.

[x33rs]

After reading this story I am always brought back to a time many years ago when I kept driving by a old trailer home with a 66 SS gold chevelle sitting in the front yard. After a couple of weeks I noticed that the grass wasn't being mowed and was just growing all around the car. Well I finally pulled in looked at the car and knocked on the door and a old woman answered the door. I asked very politely if the car was for sale. She said no and just slammed the door. I thought many times how she wouldn't even talk about it when I would have given her more than her home was worth. You never know what or why people do these things.

I've never really been able to wrap my head around the thought process. I think some people just like to be able to say they own something, even if it's rotting away in the back yard. Others maybe a sentimental attachment. Sadly most cases end up for sale after the owner passes, by then it's a pile of rust and the family is left to deal with it.

[southernfriedcj]

I've never really been able to wrap my head around the thought process. I think some people just like to be able to say they own something, even if it's rotting away in the back yard. Others maybe a sentimental attachment. Sadly most cases end up for sale after the owner passes, by then it's a pile of rust and the family is left to deal with it.

I was looking at some land "out in the country ish" for development into mini farms and the old guy that lives in the middle of the property has a bad reputation so we steered clear of him. Other family members were trying to sell the land and kick him out. Ended up that a family member in New York bought the land and is planning to sit on it.

A couple of months later my business partner and I were out looking at some other land and we decided to drop in on the old dude just to introduce ourselves and hopefully take a look at all his stuff(maybe 50"+ cars/truck/boats/junk).

I drove back into the middle of the 100 acres +/- property and pulled up to the guys house.
I approached the house and he popped up from behind a tree and scared the crap out of me.

I introduced myself and told him that I had been out there a while back when the land was for sale and just wanted to shoot the breeze. After a few minutes talking about this and that I asked about all his stuff. He started telling me about it and I asked him if it was cool if we took a look see at his stuff. He said no problem and we all three walked around and talked about all his stuff.

There was an awesome old Allis road grader that I wanted but he said he may need it sometime(the dude is in his 80's). There was an early 70's COE Freightliner with integral sleeper that he wouldn't turns loose of. A '68 Firebird that was his wife's car. It was about to be laying frame on the ground. There was a '68 Camaro that was his. It had some speed equipment on it and he stated he was a street racer back in the 60's/70's. He was going to hold onto that car.

After a couple hours and a lot of cool stories and good junk we hit the road. Next time I go back I'm gonna ask to take some pictures and see if he wants to let go of anything.

[x33rs]

I was looking at some land "out in the country ish" for development into mini farms and the old guy that lives in the middle of the property has a bad reputation so we steered clear of him. Other family members were trying to sell the land and kick him out. Ended up that a family member in New York bought the land and is planning to sit on it.

A couple of months later my business partner and I were out looking at some other land and we decided to drop in on the old dude just to introduce ourselves and hopefully take a look at all his stuff(maybe 50"+ cars/truck/boats/junk).

I drove back into the middle of the 100 acres +/- property and pulled up to the guys house.
I approached the house and he popped up from behind a tree and scared the crap out of me.

I introduced myself and told him that I had been out there a while back when the land was for sale and just wanted to shoot the breeze. After a few minutes talking about this and that I asked about all his stuff. He started telling me about it and I asked him if it was cool if we took a look see at his stuff. He said no problem and we all three walked around and talked about all his stuff.

There was an awesome old Allis road grader that I wanted but he said he may need it sometime(the dude is in his 80's). There was an early 70's COE Freightliner with integral sleeper that he wouldn't turns loose of. A '68 Firebird that was his wife's car. It was about to be laying frame on the ground. There was a '68 Camaro that was his. It had some speed equipment on it and he stated he was a street racer back in the 60's/70's. He was going to hold onto that car.

After a couple hours and a lot of cool stories and good junk we hit the road. Next time I go back I'm gonna ask to take some pictures and see if he wants to let go of anything.

That's hilarious!!

[69novamanrick]

Dang! Looks like the original BB 2 piece throttle rod, BB clutch bellcrank, BB heater core cover, and all of the original disc brake parts intact.

[69novamanrick]

Wasnt this car in Super Chevy Magazine back in the late 70's, maybe early 80's? I remember a car with paint very similar to this and the wheels too, if not the same car.

[PLATINUM6BBL]

I was in 10th grade and a senior had a 69 Nova that had many small blocks in it. A friend of mine, who was a year older than me, knew the car well and said that some Dukes Of Hazard lovin' guy had bought the car from the original owner and that it was an original 427 car. The DOH guy thought it'd be fun to continually jump the car until the point of putting the pan into the crank. That is how the 427 went out and a long series of small blocks went in. The car ended up with another friend who dirt tracked & enduro raced the car. It was in this configuration that I stopped to look at it and write down the vin number. No, I don't know where that number is after moving 3 times. I could also see it was originally a light blue metallic in color. Didn't know about cowl tags at the time. After sitting in his fathers junk yard for a few years the whole place was crushed out.

[resto4u]

At some point this car will just be a rebody. It would be nice to atleast get that car indoors to slow down the rust demons. Someone should offer him a place to keep indoors at no cost, with a written offer of first refusal when it is sold. No one lives forever.

[whitetop]

At some point this car will just be a rebody. It would be nice to atleast get that car indoors to slow down the rust demons. Someone should offer him a place to keep indoors at no cost, with a written offer of first refusal when it is sold. No one lives forever.


He has an empty garage he can keep it in. I would be darn if I kept another guys car in my garage I will never have a chance to own.. He was offered 30k and turned it down. His grandson also has garage space he can keep it in.

I say F'em and let it rust back into the ground. Can't help stupid.

[PapsMaro]

Hey, so I’m the grandson of the owner for the car in the original pictures. It was bought it barnesville at bobs. 427 4 speed lemans blue, I have the original title, it’s just as sad to me that it’s been sitting. I’m going to try to restore or as one said rebody it. I’m not sure the best route to take yet about moving the car. I really don’t have the means to lift it so I may just take piece by piece. Would love any advice and help anyone could offer. Thanks in advance.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Hey, so I’m the grandson of the owner for the car in the original pictures. It was bought it barnesville at bobs. 427 4 speed lemans blue, I have the original title, it’s just as sad to me that it’s been sitting. I’m going to try to restore or as one said rebody it. I’m not sure the best route to take yet about moving the car. I really don’t have the means to lift it so I may just take piece by piece. Would love any advice and help anyone could offer. Thanks in advance.

Great first post!!!

Lots of experts on here, to help get it safe, stop the deterioration and you best go get the original engine!!!

Ryan W31

[L78M22Rag]

At least 5 Copo's were sold or ended up within a few miles my little berg of 5000 people. Must be something in the water.

Here is another -original owner car last driven in late 70's. This one sits a few miles or so from the rusty one. Original paint other than touchup lower fenders and quarters.

Yeah, this looks like one that’s worth a healthy price. Thanks for sharing the dream... as if I didn’t have enough trouble sleeping already ;-)

[R68GTO]

Hey, so I’m the grandson of the owner for the car in the original pictures. It was bought it barnesville at bobs. 427 4 speed lemans blue, I have the original title, it’s just as sad to me that it’s been sitting. I’m going to try to restore or as one said rebody it. I’m not sure the best route to take yet about moving the car. I really don’t have the means to lift it so I may just take piece by piece. Would love any advice and help anyone could offer. Thanks in advance.

There's quite a few guys from this site that live up your way that might be willing to help you out. If not, then send me a PM, I would be happy to drive over and help you some weekend. I enjoy this kind of stuff especially since I have a Lemans Blue COPO sitting in my garage.. Great post, welcome to the site!
Jim

[John]

.... PapsMaro,

... Welcome to the site.

... I am sure that there are 4 to 6 guys that would gladly come over to help you dismantle your camaro and show you what parts are still good on the car and help you move it to a dry location to start figuring out a plan for your restoration. This car needs to be saved.
I hope you reach out to those in your area to help you out.
Good luck and keep us in the loop as to the future of the restoration.
... Sincerely ,
John

....

[Too Many Projects]

Hey, so I’m the grandson of the owner for the car in the original pictures. It was bought it barnesville at bobs. 427 4 speed lemans blue, I have the original title, it’s just as sad to me that it’s been sitting. I’m going to try to restore or as one said rebody it. I’m not sure the best route to take yet about moving the car. I really don’t have the means to lift it so I may just take piece by piece. Would love any advice and help anyone could offer. Thanks in advance.


You will need a trailer with a winch or a rollback truck to SLOOOOOWLY pull it out of the ground. If the body is as rusted as the stories indicate, it could pull apart. It's going to be a slow process with lots of digging to eliminate any unnecessary resistance to remove it in one piece.
As for the restoration, a 1 piece repro shell is probably going to be needed. To rebuild it with donor/aftermarket parts, will cost a fortune. It will be great to save it, but it's too far gone to ever consider it a survivor or restoration.

If I were closer, I would be glad to help, as I have the means to get it out of the ground, but I'm 800 miles away...:frown:
These other guys that have offered, should be able to do the same extraction.
I wish you the best with getting this "home" and starting the rebuild.

[PapsMaro]

Got the car moved forward about 50ft away from a dead tree. Surprised the front wheels actually rolled. Going to come back in a few days to put it on a trailer to try to get to my house now that I have a place to put it. Thanks for the positive feedback, feeling a little overwhelmed at the enormity of the project but we’ll take it a step at time. Have original hood, rear end, tranny, and maybe a few other things. If anyone knows of the 427 they think was pulled from the car would love to get in touch with whoever has it.

[AnthonyS]

Great progress!

Photos would be awesome!

Cheers and welcome!
Anthony

[Carleen]

This car was definitely a COPO and was purchased new at Bob's Chevrolet Barnesville ohio. Local guys are sending me the history. The guy who owns it blew up the 427 years ago but it is sitting in a garage 3 houses down. Owner later replaced it with a small block.

The guy who owns it now is the original owner. Another guy tried to buy it from Bob's Chevrolet but could not come up with the money and the current owner then bought it.

The grandson of the owner has reached out to several restoration shops recently to inquire about restoring the car.

It is not for sale.

X

[Billohio]

Great progress. Take a lot of pictures and bag bolts that you can reuse and mark where they came from. Sure helps later. There is an assembly manual you will probably want to get a copy of

[dvss1]

Good luck with the resto!! I offered to buy your grandfather a tarp for the car when I went to look at it 20 years ago. He denied stating he liked telling people stories and getting their hopes to buy then shutting them down with not for sale!!

[AnthonyS]

^ wow. :(

[Stihl]

Papsmaro, where exactly in SE Ohio are you located? I travel the area on business regularly. Might be able to assist you sometime.

[PapsMaro]

More eastern, Belmont, but I’m going to try to get back this weekend to move it. I’ll update later with pics of everything!

[PapsMaro]

Good luck with the resto!! I offered to buy your grandfather a tarp for the car when I went to look at it 20 years ago. He denied stating he liked telling people stories and getting their hopes to buy then shutting them down with not for sale!!

While I’m happy he never sold it, I’m upset it sat in the ground so long. Sometimes old stubborn men will always be that way I guess lol

[R68GTO]

Will make the resurrection all the more satisfying.

[69LM1]

PapsMaro,
Here's some hope for you. While I have a 69 Copo Camaro (the Tin Soldier) I also found my high school car several years ago. To anyone else, nothing special. To me, first car I kissed a girl in and first car I drag raced in. It was in a junkyard and as bad as this one. I sent it to Goodmark (back then) and they replaced all the metal on it. It can be done!

As found
https://i.imgur.com/B9i7AXH.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/WTujauC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WTujauC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IIq3UO8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Q4NMX8O.jpg

And as a bonus found this:
https://i.imgur.com/04f7tlY.jpg

Now:

https://i.imgur.com/USusM5N.png

So it can be done!

Rich

[Pro Stock John]

So is the original engine still around?

[PapsMaro]

I just spoke with a guy who is familiar with this car and he was certain it was 427 car originally. Said a friend helped pull the 427 years ago and it is in a garage a few houses down.

Someone posted upstream they saw a cowl hood switch on the cowl. Why would this car have this??

Apparently it is very close to where the car sits now. I’ve reached out to white top but haven’t heard back. He knows the history of the car very well so I have faith in what he says but won’t know until we can see the number on it.

[Pro Stock John]

Good luck, great to hear this car is finally getting some love. I'm sure some of the guys on here would try to help you out on parts.

[L72copocamaro]

Apparently it is very close to where the car sits now. I’ve reached out to white top but haven’t heard back. He knows the history of the car very well so I have faith in what he says but won’t know until we can see the number on it.

I really hope that turns out for you!

[RogerD]

Wow, absolutely a blessing to your grandfather that you are taking over his old COPO to bring it back to life after all these years :biggthumpup:

Bet he is just as thrilled as you must be 😎

[David C.]

Anything can be saved with the availability of parts nowadays.

[AnthonyS]

^ wow! Big job!

[PapsMaro]

Got the car moved, it’s really rough but I have a lot to start with. Tried to get ahold of white top to see about tracking the motor down but haven’t heard anything.

[scuncio]

Congrats!

[carnut4life]

Congratulations and best of luck PapsMaro. Can't wait to follow this one and am hoping whitetop helps you get the original engine back.

[GotGrunt]

Awesome! What happened to the rear end? Is it a BE?

[PapsMaro]

Awesome! What happened to the rear end? Is it a BE?

I have the rear end. Someone tried to steal it by ripping it out a few years ago so we had to remove it completely.

[BLACKLS5]

Great to see this one on it's way to being saved. I Like the 'Blue yummy' sitting on the header panel after a hard days work.

[Rumbleguts396]

This is Awesome !!!!! ROB

[Pro Stock John]

Congrats on your progress!

[PapsMaro]

Got the rear end home, trans, drive shaft, and maybe the bell housing? I’m not sure what it is or if it’s original. I think it is but not positive. How do I confirm that it is the original rear end?

[R68GTO]

Looks like an M21 Transmission. Check the trans for VIN stamping. On the rear end, look on the passenger side tube on the section that faces the front of the car. There should be a stamp there for both the model (you're looking for BE) and the date of manufacture. Be careful in uncovering the stamp, don't use anything abrasive like sandpaper, it will mar the stamping. Clean it up gently and submit a few photos. Gotta be exciting for you, hell, I'm excited!

[PapsMaro]

[QUOTE=R68GTO;1545372]Looks like an M21 Transmission. Check the trans for VIN stamping. On the rear end, look on the passenger side tube on the section that faces the front of the car. There should be a stamp there for both the model (you're looking for BE) and the date of manufacture. Be careful in uncovering the stamp, don't use anything abrasive like sandpaper, it will mar the stamping. Clean it up gently and submit a few photos. Gotta be exciting for you, hell, I'm excited![/QUOTE

What do you recommend I use to clean it with? Just a brush? Thank you for the knowledge also!! I’m beyond excited!

[Too Many Projects]

It looks like it's mostly rust. I would use a wire brush with a rust penetrant to loosen it. Once you have the rust cleaned as well as possible, it may still take light sanding with 400 and water as a lubricant to reveal the stamping. You just don't want to use anything aggressive for sanding.
The stampings for the trans should be on top. It will have a coded assembly date and should have the last 6 numbers of the vin too. They can be almost anywhere, but the top was the most common, usually on the main case, but sometimes on the midplate.

[PapsMaro]

Hard to see

[WorkinProgress]

The assembly date and VIN on the trans will be on the flat pad (towards the tailhousing) across from the drain plug and where it says U.S. Patent. It is the flat pad where the mid-bearing plate is bolted up against.

Spray some carb or brake clean on it and the numbers should appear.

- Warren

[Too Many Projects]

That's a casting number. The numbers you are looking for are on the axle tube, between the center carrier and the backing plate. They are usually on the side facing forward, but can be almost anywhere on that tube. They will be recessed from a hand held stamp, not raised as part of the casting.


Here's a pic of the assembly code you are looking for.
http://camaros.org/images/pages/decoding/axle-67stamp.jpg

[big gear head]

Just because you can turn one axle and the other one doesn't turn doesn't mean it's not positive traction. I've been telling people for more than 30 years that this is a completely unreliable way of testing a rear end. You will have to remove the cover to see what is in it. Look for a code stamped into the front of the right axle tube. The casting number that you posted is a common casting used for all Camaro and Nova 12 bolt rear ends that year. The stamped code will tell you what it is.

[Too Many Projects]

The assembly date and VIN on the trans will be on the flat pad (towards the tailhousing) across from the drain plug and where it says U.S. Patent. It is the flat pad where the mid-bearing plate is bolted up against.

Spray some carb or brake clean on it and the numbers should appear.

- Warren


Yeah, Here is an example pic. I had the wrong side.


http://camaros.org/images/pages/decoding/trans_muncie_vin1.jpg

[Pro Stock John]

Hope you are having some luck getting codes off the rear and bell housing.