Is a "Clone' better?

[Z28DZ]

It would seem so, according to this seller. Any info on this car? PS - nice feedback rating, too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2476723290&catego ry=6161

[427TJ]

Are clones better? It depends on what you're in it for. They're certainly not worth the big bucks--perhaps "medium" bucks. Clones can be really cool if done correctly and they can be driven with much less worry about accidental damage. As in everything, it's the attention to detail that makes the car. If it's done correctly down to the last detail (except VIN, cowl tag, paperwork) but you admit it's a clone car, no one SHOULD hassle you. But, if you're in it for the prestige of owning a "Yenko" then you might be disappointed. You'll be known as the guy with the clone and they'll say it with a hint of disgust. Well-done clones get compliments but most of the guys are likely holding back their disdain for cloning Supercars like the Yenko. They'll walk up to you at a show and compliment your car and then out of earshot they'll piss all over it. Hey, it's a competitive world (and hobby) and if you don't mind being the guy with the clone then you'll probably have a lot of fun with a car like this. I know I would.

This month's Hot Rod has more from David Freiburger on the level of discourse in the hobby: "If there's one thing all car guys have in common, it's opinions. Not agreement, but opinions."

Build a clone or buy a clone, drive it and enjoy it, and ignore the intelligentsia that constantly tries to ruin your fun with their opinions.

This is just my opionion, of course!

Oh, and what is it about putting '67 caps on '68-up Camaros? Oh, and '68-up caps on '67s? You'd think that after all that work a guy would get the caps right.

[copo69]

69 Yenko all # matching clone.......oxymoron?

[hvychev]

Here is my take on the whole clone NIGHTMARE of a topic. Here is the definition as it appears in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary...

Main Entry: 1clone
Pronunciation: 'klOn
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek klOn twig, slip; akin to Greek klan to break -- more at CLAST
2 : one that appears to be a copy of an original form <a clone of a personal computer>

"copy of an original" That means not some dumb ass Pro Street 69 Camaro with Yenko Stripes, or even a completely correct Yenko Camaro clone but in red or black, or some POS look alike that has Weld wheels and a big ugly black Autometer tach, etc.

For the record I don't think there is anything wrong with a clone as long as it is done right!!!!! Please everyone stop contributing to the stupidity!!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[rpoz11]

Well, if was able to drive my #'s PaceCar without worry of other idiot drivers around me, then I would so! However, I, myself, cannot take the financial risk nor the chance to drive my car in the traffic we have here down in the LA basin! But! I will do so in the event of a local show, where as I am aware of my routes taken and familiarity to those who drive within these cities. As for a clone, my PaceCar is enough for me to consider not buying another just to watch it sit some more. So, for me, building a clone of the 69 Camaro design to drive on a regular basis is my choice rather than take the risk in the lost investment of a documented COPO, Yenko, or what have you. I would be just too nervous to ever enjoy that documented car; My clone is for personal enjoyment and the opportunity to actually drive it without worry! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[rpoz11]

However, I do have a problem with restamped blocks( in this situation ), etc...And: with a VIN of 124379Lxxxxxx,--> L <--, and the advertising of having the X22 code REALLY troubles me! .........The following is a copy/paste 'paragraph' of the seller's description:[Headliner door panels, seats, carpet package, dash pad, also the dash cluster is like new all dash lights and wiring has been rebuilt correct Hurst shifter that works great console has been rebuilt all window, door handles, and fans replaced.The paint and body on this Yenko is second to none the body lines and fit on doors hood trunk fenders is all in next to perfect also every part inside the engine is balanced and blueprinted to perfect condition also this car is a original Daytona yellow car the code 76-76 us Daytona yellow also the X22 is a factory big block carb]... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif...Lastly; I guess as if one desires to place that much in finances for the final product shown, to me it wouldnt seem to hard to sorta try to better describe exactly what is shown--although it's quite obvious there has been quite an effort to get this to look so nice!....just my thoughts http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[KLONECO]

very surprised at you ,,,,,,,,,FRANKLY!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[Canucklehead]

I found it strange the way this add is worded. It seems he's trying to convince you that his clone is BETTER then the real thing. Almost to the point that he's conviced his clone is not a clone. This whole clone thing seems wrong to me. If you don't have an original then you just have a customized camaro, stop with this whole clone thing, especially when you get one of these clowns taking an original # matching car to pull apart and make a clone out of it and then ask more money than what the original stated out as. Take for example these hemi cuda clones. They take a nice $50k car drop in a $10k hemi, then they want $150k for it. Well it's basically an original nothing and they want all the glue for it like it's something spectacular or something?????, i don't get it

[tom406]

I just got rid of a pretty nice '66 Shelby GT350H clone. Most of the cloning was done prior to me getting it, I just added some fun bits like a 5 speed and some power disc brakes. Up side, besides the lower cost of admission, is that you do these modern upgrades without a second thought. Even though I love the drivability upgrades, my inner purist always fights me when I have a "real" car. I loved driving the car, but hated parking it and fielding the "is it real" questions. You say no, and their disappointment is palpable, but you can't lie, or you'll just be another schmuck who lies about his clone. Not worth it to me. I'd rather have a nice Camaro/Mustang or whatever rather than a clone of a Yenko or Shelby. I'm not telling people what they have to like, but I personally don't enjoy the clone/tribute car ownership experience.

[Canucklehead]

I agree, why can't you be happy with just a customized car?. Why put the clone moniker on it and then have to field the enevitable raft of questions. I don't see why that would be any less enjoyable.

[jg95z28]

I actually prefer sleepers. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif Why dress it up when it doesn't have the pop? Of course the blue & white 67 Camaro my stepson and I are a building for him is definitely a clone. But its more of a styling excerise based on what he likes... afterall, whomever has heard of a 67 SS 327 Camaro with Z28 runway stripes? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

My tame looking little retro gold-on-gold RS would smoke its tail in a minute. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[moparts]

[ QUOTE ]
No mo' clones for me...

[/ QUOTE ]

got my attention I thought I had been cloned and didn't know it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
No mo' clones for me...

[/ QUOTE ]

got my attention I thought I had been cloned and didn't know it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

If that were the case, I don't think i'd want one either. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif j/k mo!

[4MyChevelles]

X22 what is that that is whats on the tag under the hood of my 69 Camaro but what does that mean SS? the car has r/s tail lights and an SS hood but they could have ended up on that car many of ways ...I could never seem to fing out exactly what X22 is or X11 that is on the parts car ..do they really tell you anything ?

[JChlupsa]

Your car having the RS back up lights and SS hood would be correct for a RS/SS Big Block Camaro.


"X" codes on Cowl Tags.

From the Camaro Research Group Site (GRG)

http://www.camaros.org/numbers.shtml#XnnCodes

[Canucklehead]

Well i have to build a camaro for my girlfriend, it's going to be a 69 camaro with Z-28 badging, rs grill, z-28 stripes, convertable, corvette driveline, 4 wheel discs, 99 camaro interior, and a few other goodies. So is that a clone or an abortion???. She just wants a nice older camaro but dosent like how the old ones drive, so i said i would build her one.

[427TJ]

If that's the case (girlfriend's car) then build it any way she wants! Heck, she's probably gonna' wreck it anyway, right?

JUST KIDDING!

Seriously, it sounds like a fun car to build. Give her what she wants and let the nay-sayers go to h___.

Oh, and the best way to deal with all the nosy car show guys (who usually don't own anything interesting themselves) is to tell them what the car is--a "custom" or a "street machine" or "it's my girlfriend's ride." OR, just don't answer any questions--put the car on display and then walk around the show. Another method is once you've answered the question(s), ask them what they drive and sound interested when you ask. They just might own something cool (not likely) and if they don't you have just shut them up. Give as good as you get, so to speak.

I wonder if car guys were nit-picky busybodies in the old days? Any of the old heads remember this kind of crap at car shows back in the '70s? '60s? '50s?

[4MyChevelles]

If that page is correct and I take it that it is It only took me three years to find out what those numbers were all about too bad the big block is no longer in that RS/SS it has a 327 ..Might be a good restoration for a later project after all...Thanks H/C

[RichSchmidt]

I think that car is a little over the top as far as clones go.Yenko camaros are nice cars to collect,but if I were going to clone one I would not go for a bolt and nut resto.Aside from being insanely expensive and a waste of possible parts that could be used to restore an original car,the fact is that there are now better ways to build these cars.I would have built a 496 stroker with a hydraulic or hydraulic roller cam to replace thae solid lifter 427,I would have used an off the shelf 850 carb not a "last one in the world" collector piece.Maybe even grind all the info off a perfromer intake and bead blast it and dress it as stock.Of course all these mods would be readily visable to a serious collector,but the overall image would appear stock.Such a car could actually boost the collector car market since the car might come across as being more practical then the choppy sounding clacketey original,and the performance on the street would be better.Guys trying to sell bogus cars as the real deal with shady paperwork and stuff like that is really what ruins the hobby.A car like the Ebay clone above does nothing to hurt the hobby.I bet that owner spent more building that car to the level it is then it might have cost to buy a real deal car just 5 years ago.That car is seriously nice and anybody who says they wouldnt want to have that car is full of crap.If it is 3/4 as nice in person as it looks in pics it is a very well done car.Not original,but correct enough to put up a good representation of what a real Yenko camaro is.

[rpoz11]

The "512" on this Block; the date does seem a bit early! I was unaware that the "512" was casted this early! Any support here to suggest the run time/dates for these Blocks?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[KLONECO]

VERY WELL PUT..........MR. SHMIDT! those that need the parts should have them! those that buy them really should wake up!!!!!!!! the #'s matching components that are needed to maintain a #'s car should be left for those cars!!!!!! not wasted on .KLONES CLONES/ TRIBUTES OR Otherwise!http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif but.....

[KLONECO]

nothing I say will make any sense to the people here! they seem to take it all wrong!I just like to see the hobby carry on preserved! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gifenjoyed!

[Z28DZ]

According to A. Colvin's "Chevy by the Numbers, the "512" block was being casted as early as Oct. 1968.

It appears to be a nice car. However, the reproed X code trim tag (on a LA car no less) and stamped engine/irans VIN's , plus the statements of "If you know a lot about Yenkos you would know that the back panel is black on early production cars the first 50 cars were built in Jan of 69. This clone is more correct than some true Yenko's & "69 Yenko all # matching clone this is the most correct Yenko you will ever see" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif just seriously irks me. It is a bunch of verbal crap strung together to try make a "something" out of a "nothing" This car is not a Yenko, never has been or ever will be a Yenko and the real fact is, the most correct Yenkos I have seen are "real" Yenkos - period; and I agree these parts would have been better served restoring a "real" Yenko/COPO back to its original state. But then heck, the "real" one wouldn't be as good as this fake http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Canucklehead]

I agree with all of you, why waste the parts on just a camaro, maybe it should read "Clown" instead

[Belair62]

Makes sense to me Al !!!

[hvychev]

This is exactly what I am talking about! Look at this crap. It would be a cool car but had to be totally RUINED by adding the Deuce stripes!!! Where is my damn flame thrower!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[RichSchmidt]

If course everybody wants an original one,,but since just about every one of these cars is accounted for in some form or another,the only way to get the Yenko experiance is to either pay top dollar for one of the existing ones,or build one yourself.I know the owners of the last survivours would object to the fact that you can duplacte the original car except for the actual numbers,and somehow that makes their cars less valuable,but the fact is that not everybody wants the real deal.Some cant afford it,and others shouldnt be trusted with it.
Now lets put this into perspective.What would be a nicer car to have for the street if you had about 50 grand to spend?That clone camaro,or a real yenko copo car that has been in a barn for 30 years,but now has a dana 60 under the rear,an LS7 tunnel ramed engine under the glass nose and a doug nash 5 sped in it along with glass doors and a tub job?How about of the real deal car had no title and the owner told you flat out that he was the one who dumped the grenaded original 427 and 4 speed into the metal shredder at the scrap yard 30 years ago.Would the fact that it's VIN number appears on the registry of real COPO cars make it a better deal for the same price as the clone?Since about half of all original 69 COPO cars ended up as the example I described,and about half of all the correct survivous are actually rehabed race cars with restamped engines and questionable date codes on the rest of the parts,can you blame a guy for just wanting to build his own?

[Unreal]

Hey Kloneco, don't eat anything. We need to preserve the food for those who are starving.

[camarojoe]

Rich, i understand 100% what you are saying... for years I had considered selling my fully restored, fully functional, running, driving Yenko Camaro clone to buy a basketcase "real" supercar of some sort that I would probably STILL not have enough money to buy outright, plus throw 1000's and 1000's of dollars worth of parts at, not to mention the YEARS of time and effort it would take me to ever get it to the condition the clone I would have sold was already! Sure, my car is not a real Yenko Camaro, but it wasn't easy or cheap to build it either. After years of hard work, its finished, and I can take it out and enjoy it any time i want to. There's alot to be said about that. I have a "real" Deuce now too, but I still enjoy my camaro, real or not.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[427TJ]

Hey guys, I heard a funny one just this afternoon:

"Arguing on the Internet is like the Special Olympics--even if you win you're still retarded."

(No offense to retarded/mentally challenged/differently abled/learning disabled/ADD afflicted people or their family members or anyone else anywhere in any way. It's just a joke.)

[rpoz11]

Hhmmm...I had it as the 270 blocks preceeded the 512's; so on this block in this car showing an August/68 date(albeit-seperate pic images not connecting) Something doesnt seem to match on that 512 and the H/68 casting that is shown... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif although I am NO absolute authority to have final say so on what GM did at that time.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

You can beat this Clone thing to DEATH! Some people are going to say it is OK to make a clone,then there are going to be people that say SAVE THE PARTS FOR THE REAL CAR'S!It will never be settled ,just like the rebody discussion.If you build a CLONE just be HONEST and represent as a CLONE.If you have the real thing then well you are a SUPER CAR OWNER.That way BOTH people on each side of the fence is HAPPY!I for one can't own a REAL SUPER CARthe reason is my WIFE WON'T let me AFFORD ONE! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

Bobby Dodson http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[gemleeus]

i would rather have the one thats been in the barn for 30 years

[NCGuy68]

Gents,

A clone is a clone period!

Enough said!

[Unreal]

Wow

[KLONECO]

YES THEY ARE!!!...........and if a person enjoys em!........so be it!!!!!DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT? yea I did not think so!!!( fake ss,z28,ls6's are everywhere!)ton's or them have sprouted up for years now .......all of a sudden it is an issue! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif I BELIEVE IT IS A TRIBUTE TO THE SPORT ..THE LEGEND.... THE MUSCLE CAR GUYS! keeps another one out of the junkyard!

[Dave Rifkin]

I don't post here often but this is a subject I have an opinion on; first of all everyone needs to understand that not everyone can afford to own the real thing. If they choose to build, or buy, a clone so that they might enjoy the thrill of driving a representation of their dream car so be it. They aren't hurting anyone, at least until they try to sell the car as legitimate.
For myself, I would love to own any one of the cars owned by the members on this site but will never have that kind of money. So I just might have to build a clone of a Yenko Camaro or maybe a cloned Hertz Shelby. Either way, it will be for my enjoyment alone and if anyone has a problem with that it's their problem, not mine.

[MosportGreen66]

[ QUOTE ]
i would rather have the one thats been in the barn for 30 years

[/ QUOTE ]

Original / Survivors is what I have come to love. Far and few between!

[jus4funn68]

Ive stayed out of this myself but I do have an interesting observation. Most of the people unhappy with the clone situation is Chevy folks. Ive noticed at a lot of cruisein's and car shows you will see bunches of the Shelby Cobra clones, but no one seems to complain about those. I personally love to see the real cars. When I see a nice looking car and then Im told it is a clone, I quickly lose interest. I may never have a Yenko, Motion, Nickey, or Dana but that doesnt stop me from admiring them. If someone wants to have a car to give them that feeling so be it, but trying to pass it off as genuine is the only problem. It does devalue the genuine article. It is fraud even it you did just want to get close to a dream. JMO

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

When you see these CLONES at a cruise night do the owners advertise them to be REAL.If not why would you loose interest so fast!You say that when you find out they are a CLONE that you loose interest quickly.Must be that some of these people represent their cars as a CLONE!Everyone will not be able to own a REAL SUPERCAR.Mainly because of the PRICE,but even if we all had the money to afford one there just aren't enough to go around!You also say that Clones are ok as long as they are represented as such,then why would you loose interest so quickly if it is a nice car and is also a CLONE.As long as a car is represented for what it really is I am ok with that and so are a lot of other people!I just love old nice car's,I don't care if it is a real Supercar or not.Without a doubt I love the real ones and take special interest and attention to the real car's but also like cars that are nice cars and are what they are nice cars.It does not have to be a Supercar to be a nice car!I also love the SURVIVOR CAR'S,also love just about any type of old GASSER,STREET ROD,NOSTALGIA RACE CAR'S OF ALL TYPES,HELL I guess you could say that I just LOVE ALL OLD CARS!I do really appreciate it a lot when I run across the REAL THING but I do appreciate the hard work other people put into there CLONE'S,REPLICA'S or what ever you want to call them!The main thing is just to be HONEST IN WHATEVER YOU DO IN LIFE!Just my 2 cents worth http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Bobby Dodson

[jg95z28]

Anyone remember this classic from Alice Cooper?

[ QUOTE ]
Clones (We're All)
by Alice Cooper


I'm a clone
I know it and I'm fine
I'm one and more are on the way
I'm two, doctor
Three's on the line
He'll take incubation another day

I'm all alone, so are we all
We're all clones
All are one and one are all
All are one and one are all

We destroyed the government
We're destroying time
No more problems on the way

I'm through doctor
We don't need your kind
The other ones
Ugly ones
Stupid boys
Wrong ones

I'm all alone, so are we all
We're all clones
All are one and one are all
All are one and one are all

Six is having problems
Adjusting to his clone status
Have to put him on a shelf
All day long we hear him crying so loud
I just wanna be myself
I just wanna be myself
I just wanna be myself
Be myself
Be myself

I'm all alone, so are we all
We destroyed the government
We're destroyed time
No more problems on the way

I'm through doctor
We don't need your kind
The other ones
Ugly ones
Stupid boys
Wrong ones

I'm all alone, so are we all
We're all clones
All are one and one are all
All are one and one are all
I'm all alone, so are we all
We're all clones
All are one and one are all
All are one and one are all

[/ QUOTE ]
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[RichSchmidt]

Thats it,I give up.I guess from now on if I want a race car or hot rod camaro with Yenko stripes I will just have to go out and buy a bonafide Yenko and cut that puppy up.Maybe a nice tube chassis with aluminum floors and a 632 bigblock.I will just chuck the original parts in the scrap heap since I wouldnt want them to get used to create a clone car.Of course I might have to cut right thru the VIN tag to make the roll cage fit and that would put a complete end to anything that ever resembled a Yenko on that car.But at least I will have cut up a real Yenko so I will be able to wear the stripes with pride.

[Belair62]

Drive what you dig...and dig what you drive http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[gemleeus]

thats the spirit now

[JoeG]

Vote for me and I WILL put a chicken in every pot And a YENKO in every garage----- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif