Wanted: '67-68 Camaro...or...

[Tim Greer]

Hi all,

I've been surfing this forum on and off when I had time the last few months and this seems like a good place to post. :-)

I'm looking for a '67 or '68 Camaro. SS w/ RS options would be good, and a convertible would be even better. I might consider a '69 if it's the right one. Manual trans, extras, etc. are always nice too.

I'm looking for something that's pretty nice that doesn't need a lot or any restoration. If it's a sb eng, I'd like a 327, but otherwise a bb of any ci, but the bigger, the more powerful, the better--of course!

As always, Yenko/COPO are tastey, but I'm not looking for anything extremely rare or special, just something nice, clean and complete. Please email me with prices/pictures at [email protected]. Please note, I'm in no rush.

PS: Matching numbers are a definite and required.

PSS: Also will consider others; Vette's and whathave you--anything pre-72 chevy (though pre 70 is preferred). Firebirds are also on my list as an option. Same applies to above, such as larger V8's engines, convertible, and so on. Thanks a lot.

PSSS: I'm in Northern California, so the closer, perhaps the better, but no limitations. Also, don't hesitate to contact me if this post is old when you look at it, I may not have picked anything up by that time.

[Stefano]

Tim,
The 327 Engine was never offered as an RPO in a SS Camaro.

[drdave69]

Tim, you can browse the Team Camaro site and find almost any amount of info/cars for sale there for first generation Camaros. Try it at camaros.net.

[Tim Greer]

[ QUOTE ]
Tim,
The 327 Engine was never offered as an RPO in a SS Camaro.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi, I'm really not hoping to have to settle for a 327 (not that this is a bad thing) anyway (I'd rather have a 396), and although I'd like an SS, I'm not opposed to other models/options.

[Tim Greer]

[ QUOTE ]
Tim, you can browse the Team Camaro site and find almost any amount of info/cars for sale there for first generation Camaros. Try it at camaros.net.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks a bunch, I've probably hit that site plenty of times before when I've been searching, but I'll keep checking there and other sources.

[jg95z28]

Where in California are you located and how much are you willing to spend? I may have a couple leads for you.

[Tim Greer]

[ QUOTE ]
Where in California are you located and how much are you willing to spend? I may have a couple leads for you.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi. I'm in Redding (about 150 miles North of Sacramento). I'm looking at spending up to $30K. Thinking about my original post, I may need to elaborate;

I'd love to get a Z28, SS, RS or RS/SS. I'd prefer a 396 SS w/ the RS options. If that could be a convertible, even better. Obviously I'm not going to find a convertible Z, though. :-)

So, I was looking for:

'67 Camaro L78 (prefer convertible) w/ 396. SS/RS are bonuses.
'67 Yenko Camaro L72 (would be great, but too much money).
'68 Camaro L78/L79 (prefer convertible) w/ 396. SS/RS are bonuses.
'68 Yenko Camaro L72 (again, same issue as other Yenko).
'69 (Would have to be something special to interest me)

Please, I beg you all; no red or light blue interior.

I'm open though, I'd love to have a Z, and I'd settle for a 350 eng, but would rather have a BB if it's 350 (not that I'm opposed to a sb). I don't know if they made the 350 bb for that matter--I'd have to look.

Numbers must match, it shouldn't have been in a wreck. I prefer the original sheet metal, and absolutely no bondo or rust.

If it needs paint, that's okay, just as long as it doesn't need hard to find parts, or interior work (I can't do that well enough to want to try).

Just the obvious stuff. I've gotten a few responses and am waiting to hear back, but it seems everything I look at has a different engine or someone will start an add with "One of the original 4 speed manual...." and end with "put in a new T400".

I'm being as picky as possible about this, since I don't intend to ever sell it once I get the one I'm looking for. I'd also be happy with a nice Firebird too (a 400+), same applies about the convertible, but a coupe is not a bad thing by any means!

I've been seeing a _lot_ of Charley's cars in the Sacramento area club pictures and whatnot--very impressive stuff. I think my mouth is watering... I'm jonzin' for a nice Camaro! :-) And, yes, I am still looking. I'll post if I find something.

I don't know if my email response got out to "Ed"--so, Ed, if you see this post, please call (or anyone with one that sounds like what I'm looking for) 530-222-7244 (any day 9 AM to 9 or 10 PM PST). Thanks a lot.

[TDW]

Tim...There is a 67 L78 for sale on the Team Camaro site. Quite a bit more than what you want to spend, but he says it is all original, delivered to Baldwin when new.

[jg95z28]

LOL Well the 67-68 L78-SS Convertibles with the RS option happen to be my favorite Camaros of all time. I'll tell you right now... No way, no how, will you find an original #'s matching one in Northern California (or anywhere in the state for that matter) for only $30K. (Trust me, I've looked and tried.) As close as I've got is I just missed a #'s matching 68 L35 SS-RS Auto convertible by a week that was an unrestored survivor. The guy was asking only $14K but it wasn't running and needed some work. I haven't seen another 396 SS-RS convertible for sale since. I did end up buying my 67 RS from the same guy... so it wasn't a total loss.

I saw a 68 Yenko recently (past 6 mos) in southern California, but the guy wanted at least $112K for it.

I do know where there is a 68 SS396 coupe (non-RS) for $32,995. Its ash gold with black vinyl top and ash gold std. interior. Its an original AC car with a bench seat a column Auto shifter. Its fairly clean, but not perfect and as the dealer that's selling it traditionally overprices his vehicles and has been know to sell clones in the past, I'm not sure of its authenticity. Here's his website URL if you're interested. Kassabian Motors (http://www.myhotcars.com)

There is a 67 SS-RS 350 not far from you in Shasta Lake for only $18,500. Appears to be a numbers matching car.
67 SS-RS 350 (http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/8/35468188.htm)

I'll keep my eyes open, however if I happen to find a 67 L78 RS convertible for less than $30K, there's no guarrantee I won't buy it first. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif BTW... I love the med. blue interior. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Tim Greer]

[ QUOTE ]
Tim...There is a 67 L78 for sale on the Team Camaro site. Quite a bit more than what you want to spend, but he says it is all original, delivered to Baldwin when new.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, I'll check it out. I'm not married only to getting the cars I listed, I know I'm not going to find a cherry one that doesn't need work for $30K or under, but there's always the hope. I'm only concerned with it being in restorable condition that doesn't need body work (I have no problem with painting, etc.) nor a lot of interior work (I have no experience in that) and is matching numbers. I'll check that out, I don't have a limit to spend, but I don't want to go crazy (like I'd like to). I'll be sure to check that out. :-)

I just took a look--very nice... Very tempting...

[Tim Greer]

[ QUOTE ]
LOL Well the 67-68 L78-SS Convertibles with the RS option happen to be my favorite Camaros of all time.


[/ QUOTE ]

For sure. :-) Okay, I should be clear, I wouldn't mind (at all) an L35 instead, or for that matter and L48--did they make any 350 BB's? I will pretty much settle (happily) for anything that's a V8 and matching numbers, but i know what I want too.

[ QUOTE ]

I'll tell you right now... No way, no how, will you find an original #'s matching one in Northern California (or anywhere in the state for that matter) for only $30K. (Trust me, I've looked and tried.)


[/ QUOTE ]

Damn, well, I tried (and will keep trying, of course). :-) I didn't have a lot of hope I would one for this price, now, in great condition, but I was hoping it was possible and hopefully it will be. If it's the right car, I don't have a limit... I mean, if I can put a big chunk of money toward a new house or a nice Yenko/COPO, then I'm getting the house. :-)

[ QUOTE ]

As close as I've got is I just missed a #'s matching 68 L35 SS-RS Auto convertible by a week that was an unrestored survivor. The guy was asking only $14K but it wasn't running and needed some work.


[/ QUOTE ]

Now, that's not bad at all. That's unfortunate you missed it. See, that's what I'm looking for. I mean, I am willing to deal with more restoration if it's the right car, of course.

[ QUOTE ]

I haven't seen another 396 SS-RS convertible for sale since. I did end up buying my 67 RS from the same guy... so it wasn't a total loss.


[/ QUOTE ]

Good deal, yeah, I'm not trying to get my hopes up. I've been searching for a few months nearly every day, anywhere I can, and still haven't found "the car". Some are close or are, but are asking too much (I mean, more than it's worth "too much" or the engine is replaced and they still want $35K+ -- forgot that!)

[ QUOTE ]

I saw a 68 Yenko recently (past 6 mos) in southern California, but the guy wanted at least $112K for it.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I don't have much faith I can get a Yenko for anywhere near $30K that's in decent condition. I'm not looking to spend $80 or $100K on a car though.

[ QUOTE ]

I do know where there is a 68 SS396 coupe (non-RS) for $32,995. Its ash gold with black vinyl top and ash gold std. interior. Its an original AC car with a bench seat a column Auto shifter. Its fairly clean, but not perfect and as the dealer that's selling it traditionally overprices his vehicles and has been know to sell clones in the past, I'm not sure of its authenticity. Here's his website URL if you're interested. Kassabian Motors (http://www.myhotcars.com)


[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, I'll check that out and investigate it a little and more if I decide to look further.

[ QUOTE ]

There is a 67 SS-RS 350 not far from you in Shasta Lake for only $18,500. Appears to be a numbers matching car.
67 SS-RS 350 (http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/8/8/35468188.htm)


[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I've looked at and considered it a few times. They were asking too much and dropped the price. I called them recently and asked them about it again. They never confirmed the numbers were matching. They could get the CHP to do an acid test to see if they can get the numbers off the block, but it has a potential of getting on the other parts of the engine--and since it's a consignment, they didn't want to risk it (understandably).

However, these are also the same people that told me "some guy around town" has like six '67 Yenkos. I don't have time for stories, you know. lol Anyway, the car has a lot of scratches from not being prepped right and I think it has had body work done on it (I didn't look close enough). It does overall seem to be a pretty sweet car for this area--not a lot, but there some out there up here. Let's just say that I'd feel comfortable giving them under $15K for the car assuming the numbers were matching and the body is bondo free (and it's likely going for that or less w/o the consignment fees).

[ QUOTE ]

I'll keep my eyes open, however if I happen to find a 67 L78 RS convertible for less than $30K, there's no guarantee I won't buy it first. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif BTW... I love the med. blue interior. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Okay, med. blue is cool. :-) And, thanks, but I understand, finding one of these for around that price isn't easy and I expect anyone that sees it to grab it. I shall keep looking. I want to find the right one, even if it's not the rarest or anything. I'm just looking for the best one for the best price before I end up settling for something less (not that this is at all a bad thing).

[jg95z28]

No I didn't even get a chance to look at the 68 SS-RS convertible. I guarrantee though, if I had I would have bought it. It ends up it was a car I had seen around town for years. Green-on-green with a black top, unmolested and all original. The guy that bought it had it running within 8 hours.

My RS is super clean though. They previous two owners were both freaks on details and cleanliness. I have yet to see a cleaner one with similar mileage on it. (135K mi.)

Here's a pic... link (http://69camfan.tripod.com)

I also recently picked up a low mile 67 std coupe for my kid through a friend of the same guy. Its being painted as we speak. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Tim Greer]

Yeah, I noted that you said you missed it after I posted--I just amended the post and modified a few things to be more clear on some points so I don't end up losing out on a car someone may have otherwise emailed me about. :-) Now, that's a nice car you've got there (or should I say "cars").

[Tim Greer]

Even though I wasn't looking for a Firebird, a gentleman about 2 miles from my house was selling a '67 Firebird convertible with the original 326 ci. for $12,500. He sold it to the first guy that called for $12K (this happened earlier today). It was in very good condition and this guy put in about 2 years of care and work into making it very nice (he didn't have to do any body work or painting, etc.) just some touch ups and finding emblems and whatnot.

I know of one other person in town that has a '67 Firebird Formula 400 convertible that's in good condition but has been sitting in their shop for 20 years untouched--but every attempt to contact the owner, the secretary blows me off and says "I don't know how much you think you're going to pay for this, but..."


Understandable since it's a really seedy part of town and you'd not have seen this car unless you were below poverty and happened to live near it where you'd be able to see it, but it's apparent she has absolutely no intention on passing my messages to the owner of the business so I can check it out and make him an offer (I mean, her attitude, it seems obvious she wants it--she's married to the owner's son, whom is the guy that runs the business, and I can't get a hold of the father).

She said he bought it 20 years ago for an "investment". Ignoring people trying to get a hold of you is not an intelligent way to go about selling it for a profit--maybe he wants to die with it, I don't know. Oh well, I'll probably bug them once more and send a letter to the owner of the business himself by finding the name at the local courthouse. It's worth a try--I know someone asked him in person 10 years ago and he shrugged and said "I dunno... I'd probably let it go for maybe $4K". They just bought a nice Firebird at that time and didn't want to rebuild the engine, etc. Now, it sits. :-( Oh, the humanity! [/sad story]

[jg95z28]

Just wait until the 67 plain Jane coupe is done. Its getting a 69 Cowl hood, f&r spoilers and is being painted metalic blue with white Z/28 stripes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[55chevy]

Tim... Let me clear you up on this 350 Big Block thing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif Chevy NEVER made a 350 BB. The thing that got that myth started was that Pontiac and Buick both had a 350 cubic inch engine that shared the same block/head "physical" size as their 400/455 engines did. Oldsmobile was a different story. Olds actually did have a different block configuration for the big/small. But the heads would bolt up to either as well as other parts. Now Chevrolet was the only one that the big block and small block was a completely different beast. Chevy's small block debuted in 1955 as a 265 cu in. screamer. The chevy small block seemed to grow almost every couple years in cubic inches. 283 in 1957..327 in 1960? about... 350 in 1967... and 400 in 1970 or 71... (oh, and that 67-69 peenee 302 thing) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Chevy's first big block came out in 1958 as the 348 W head engine and fell to the Mark IV 396 (the one you know and love) in 1965 in 409 cubic inch trim. (although some 427 versions of this W head engine were produced in 1963) The 427 Mk IV big block (the one you're familier with as the 396/427/454) came along in 1966 (i'm not even going to hit on the 1963 "mystery motor" porcupine head 427.) And the 427 was produced through 1969 when it was replaced with the 454 for 1970. The 396 was upped to 402 cubic inches for 1970 as well but was still referred to in different applications as either 396 or 400 cubic inches. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif
so you see.. long story short.. Chevy never made a 350 bb. That was just a comparison to the Buick/Pontiac 350 to the Chevy 350.. Even the Olds 350 is larger in physical size than a Chevy 350 and it is also usually referred to as a "big block". It's all jargen handed down by years and years of shade tree mechanics who don't know what the "F" they are talking about. But I'm sure if you visited any rural junk yard around the US and asked the second monkey in charge you were looking for a 350 big block.. he'd point one out to you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[55chevy]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif Actually while I'm at it, I'll clear up the "long block" "short block" thing for anyone confused about that one too.. If you buy a crate engine labled as a "long block".. That means it has Heads on it... If you get one or see one advertised as a "short block".. that means it's just the bottom end.. NO heads on it...
That's one that always throws people too... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Tim Greer]

Thanks for the info about the 350 bb (or what would be assumed to be anyway). :-)

[jg95z28]

Hey Tim, that dealer just dropped the price of that Ash Gold 68 396 Coupe to $27,995. My son checked it out this weekend and said, "its badass". Whatever that means. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Maybe the price can be negotiated down further.