1969 L-78 Camaro SS 20K Original Miles

[Hotrodpaul]

I have decided to put my pride and joy up for sale, the 69 Camaro SS L-78 I have owned for the last 2 years. I have complete owner history back to the original owner and have talked with him several times. He also signed an affidavit verifying the car as the one he bought back in May of 69. Here are the details:

1969 Camaro SS 396 L-78, X-22 04C Build, 71 paint code (Lemans Blue)
20K Original Miles Rustfree, Sold at Francis Chevrolet, Bridgeton, Mo. 5/9/69
Protect-O-Plate, Delivery Sheet, Owners Manual, etc
Mostly Original Paint. Drivers door and quarter have been touched up with Lacquer in the mid 90's due to a parking lot scrape. Original white stripes.
Original Perfect Interior
Original BV code 4.10 rear and M21 Trans
Date code correct Warranty replacement CE 854 block and 842 Aluminum Heads (3-69 and 5-69) with all stock L-78/L-89 components
GM correct Deep Groove pulleys and Harrison ZD Radiator
All original suspension with original spiral front shocks
Original stock Hurst Shifter and linkage
Original Glass in perfect shape
Original non spoiler car. Spoilers were added by previous owner in the mid 90's.
Trunk and underbody untouched.
5 brand new F70-14 Wide Tread GT Tires
Original Bumpers and Trim

The original owner street/drag raced the car and dropped a valve in the early 70's, trashing the original block and one head with 8K miles. The car sat until he sold it to a co-worker in 1975. The next owner stored the car in his basement until the mid 90's when the CE block was located and installed. I also have several vintage pics of the car with the original owners son taken in 1974 or 1975.

I also have a 272 block dated T0416JH that can go with the car for $1500. The block is presently .030 and will need to go .060 over. The current 854 block is .030 over so the pistons/rods can be re-used in the 272 block.

I have over a hundred other pics showing details of the car during the disassembly process. I basically cleaned everything and re-assembled the car, keeping it as original as possible.

I can be reached by cell phone 713-306-1892, or e-mail [email protected] for additional details and pics.

Asking $79,500

I was lucky to find a car like this but it is time to find a new owner to appreciate the car as much as I have.

Pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN4489.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN4487.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN4486.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN4485.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3967.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3966.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3336.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3879.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3878.jpg

Paul

[Zedder]

Wow...beautiful car Paul! I'm not a '69 Camaro guy, but damn I'm I tempted http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[AMANOCC]

Very nice, good luck with the sale.

[Hotrodpaul]

Thanks Guys, I really hate to see her go...

Paul

[70 Forest Green Zee]

OMG Paul, what a beautiful car!!! Unless you really need the money, why sell a car like that??? One quick question, was that orginally an aluminium head car or were they added at some point? If I could afford it, I would be on my way down there right now to buy your car and take it home with me! Best of luck with the sale Paul, someone is gonna get a really nice car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

When I went through the engine, I found a low mile takeoff set of 842 Aluminum heads and decided to add them to the car to remove 75 pounds off the front end. Other than that, everything else is L-78 fare. The front springs are an NOS set which are correct for the L-89 and 350 engine I believe. I have the original front springs which are a YP code, correct for the 396 Iron Headed engine without AC. Ride height looks very nice and level. Trim tag pic:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN0033.jpg

Paul

[GM-26]

Paul,
What a beautiful Camaro! Good luck with the sale. The next owner is going to be a very lucky person. If you have an opportunity, post the vintage photos of the car. Many people would enjoy looking at them.

[Hotrodpaul]

Here you go:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/CamaroSTLtoATL.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/CamaroSTLtoATL2.jpg

Paul

[scuncio]

Must...keep...wallet...in...pocket....

[GM-26]

They are priceless!!
Thank you... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[resto4u]

Why does it appear that there are no 396 emblems on the front fenders in the vintage photo? Roger

[Hotrodpaul]

I believe the original owner removed the emblems for street racing so he would not show his competetion what was under the hood. They were re-installed by the second owner.

[BillD]

Great car!!

[GM-26]

There is a original owner to a 1968 SS 396 Chevelle, near my house, that did the same thing.

[akcamaro]

Those kids lookes like they loved dads car, It'd be cool if one of them could aford to buy it back.

I attached a picture of my 4 year old enjoying one of dads cars. just for the heck of it.

[njsteve]

That single axle trailer must have been a "fun" ride on the highway when a tractor trailer passed by.

[Hotrodpaul]

It's a wonder that the car made it from St. Louis to Atlanta in one piece. Shown below is the extra block stamp pad:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN4491.jpg

Paul

[SMGCO]

Beautiful Camaro. Hope you can stay strong. Price seems low already. Regards, SG

[plumL78]

Can you believe they towed it on that thing. If thats the case my tralior has too many axles

[JRSully]

Is that VIN stamp a BB Nova VIN.? (W for Willow run).?

[Hotrodpaul]

Yes, the 272 block is from a 69 Nova. Notice how the assembly line worker crossed out the partial stamp then re-stamped it.

Paul

[Zedder]

Paul, I sent you an email yesterday afternoon but have not received a response yet http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Can you clarify the condition of the paint please? How does the car run and drive? Thanks

[Hotrodpaul]

Zedder,

Sorry, I didn't check my e-mail last night. The paint is 75% original Lacquer in really great shape as are the stripes. It is amazing how the paint survived all these years. In the mid 90's the drivers door and Quarter were scraped in a parking lot accident that required minor bodywork and a Lacquer repaint. The paint matches up very well. There are minor scratches, chips, and dings, characteristic of a 37 year old paint job but it shines very well.

Feel free to call me and we can discuss the car further.

I have been through the entire car and checked everything. It drives remarkably tight and rattle free. All of the front suspension components were like new. The car could use a alignment as I did it by the "sight or string" method. The steering wheel is straight while driving though. The car shifts very tight and smooth as well. Here are some additional pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN0479.jpg
CE Engine Stamp

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN0478.jpg
H 21 9 Casting Date

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3597.jpg
Shortblock going together

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3065.jpg
Axle Tube Stamping

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3478.jpg
Original Rear Gear

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3517.jpg
Rustfee Original Paint Underbody

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN4913.jpg
Trans Stamping

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

I will take the car out for a little drive today and snap a few close up pics of the paint finish. The weather is beautiful here today in Houston.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Close up paint pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5073.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5075.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5076.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5080.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5081.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5083.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5084.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5085.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5086.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5087.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5088.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5089.jpg

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Other assorted pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3968.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3969.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3803.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN3804.jpg

Check out the original suspension paint marks.

Paul

[TXSS]

Although Paul and I have never meet I've seen this Camaro many times in person and it is an outstanding Car in every way. In fact I tried to track you down a couple of weeks ago at the Niftee50ees cruse night. Awesome L78 Camaro. Good luck with the sale.

Rick

[Hotrodpaul]

Thanks Rick, I appreciate the compliment. You are right, I put a lot of time and money into the car locating the correct parts and spending time to research facts about the car. I was thinking of starting my own website based around my experience with the car. After talking to several folks I have decided to lower the price to $69,000 which I believe is a fair price for the car.

I will be looking for you at the next car show. Do you still have the original SS396 70 Chevelle? That car was very nice.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

I will be out of town until Friday or Saturday. I can be reached on my cell at 713-306-1892 if needed.

Trunk pics showing original finish:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5102.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5105.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5106.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5107.jpg

Paul

[TXSS]

Paul

Thanks. I don't have the Red Chevelle any more. In a moment of madness I sold it. But I do have an Astro Blue 396 Chevelle that is all original except for the paint, documented, 114K miles, engine has never been out of the car and it runs like a dream. It's a little rough around the edges but I don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

Good Luck

Rick

[47Hammer]

Paul,

I'd love to make a move on your car, I need to make mine go away first... I don't know why that car has not sold yet. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[chads454Ls6]

Sweet car! does it have the sway bars?

[Hotrodpaul]

The car has the standard 11/16" diameter front anti-rollbar and no rear bar.

Car appears sold pending inspection by a third party this weekend. I will keep everyone updated. Thanks,

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

47 Hammer, you have a very nice car, hang in there and be patient. I have learned that in today's market, buyers are looking for original drivetrain cars with paperwork and no excuses. These cars command a premium with the remainder of cars following behind. Original paint, Docs, and owner history are nice and do help though.

Have you tried to find the original trans? I am sure that would help sell the car. You have very good Docs and owner history with original engine and rear. In the past, I have seen a nice original LA built Z-28 with most all Docs, a documented CE warranty replacement engine, original smog, and remainder original drivetrain sell for about 35K. Other nice original cars have sold in the 32-36K range except for the 70 Z on ebay that went for 64K.

It depends on how long you want to wait. It seems once the 70Z's get over about 35K, the car needs to be original drivetrain and fairly low mile survivor type example. I would guess in the future, prices will go up on the 70 Z-28's but how long it will take I cannot say. Kind of like trying to predict the stock market. Good luck on the sale.

Paul

[47Hammer]

Thanks, good luck with the sale. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

Car is now SOLD! Thanks to all and I am going to miss her.

Paul

[mockingbird812]

Congrats - she is a real head-turner!

[x Baldwin Motion]

yikes!! I dont think I would put a couple of my good mowers on that trailer !! Man, were we brave back then !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

chris http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

Final pic, loading on the carrier. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5186.jpg

Paul

[Xplantdad]

That must be a bittersweet moment... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[Late BrakeU2]

[ QUOTE ]
That must be a bittersweet moment... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Was thinking the same thing.I bought my 69Z from the original owner a few years back,he bought it with his discharge pay at age 19 and sold it to me at 54.Definitely some very strong emotions that day.

[hvychev]

Paul is the new owner one of us? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[bruno17]

Yes Frank,the car stayed "in the circle". I've been looking for an L78 camaro that borders on survivor status for a long time.Can't wait to see the car.......put a lot of trust in Paul's description. It'll definitely be going to the pure stock drags in '07.Can it run deep in the twelves????
Stay tuned!

[COPO]

Congrats, looks like a great car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

Congrats to both! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

Bruno, what are the rules of Stock Class Drags? Are any mods allowed such as exhaust, headers, gears, cams, etc. With a set of open headers and some carb tuning, I am confident that car would run high to mid 12's on slicks just the way it sits.

For a better launch, I would replace the stock M21 close ratio gears with an Italian wide ratio M22 gearset. They offer a 2.52 or 2.54 low gear and a lower thrust load due to the 22 degree tooth angle which will improve the 60' times and increase effeciency. Many of the Muncie Aluminum cases were damaged by high RPM launches on slicks with the M20 and M21 gearsets because of the high thrust loading on the input gear.

I know this car inside out so feel free to contact me with any questions you may have when setting the car up for racing.

Give me a call when you get the car.

Cheers, Paul

[bruno17]

Thanks Paul,
I'm thinking I can get that combo to run a mid 12 within the "pure stock" parameters. The bias ply tires really cushion the load from the launch and shifts. Check out the rules on the PSMCDR website. http://www.geocities.com/psmcdr/

[king_midas]

Nice car, and good luck with the sale.

Yep, those vintage pix look about right-- Completely unsafe, Jethro Clampett assembled trailer, and kids climbing on it. That could have been me. Odd though that the 396 emblems are missing from the front fenders... Attempt at having a sleeper?

[Hotrodpaul]

Bruno, I found a few other vintage pics. I will post them tonight.

Paul

[Hotrodpaul]

Second owner vintage pics.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5191.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5192.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/Hotrodpaul86/DSCN5193.jpg

Love those Cragar SS rims!

Paul

[Denis]

Gotta love that stance -- the General nailed it.

Don't want to hijack your thread, but you might be interested in a couple of very similar vintage (i.e. circa 1970-72) pics of a blue Baldwin-Motion SS 427 that K Suydam and S Sandlin owned:

http://corvettes-musclecars.com/Collections/Photo%20Gallery/1969%20Baldwin%20Motion%20SS%20Camaro%20427/69BM-5.jpg

http://corvettes-musclecars.com/Collections/Photo%20Gallery/1969%20Baldwin%20Motion%20SS%20Camaro%20427/69BM-6.jpg

[bruno17]

I get goosebumps seein' vintage pics of Camaro's back in the day. I was just a kid but have fond memories of the local racers that had them dressed to kill!

[bruno17]

Just saw my new prize! Thanks so much Paul!

[PeteLeathersac]

Congrats on the new addition to your family Bruno!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif .
It's nice seeing such a sweet piece roll into Canada...I hope I get a chance to see it some day! .
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
~ Pete

[Zedder]

Congrats Bruno! I was right behind you on this one...I think you got a great car!!! I hope to see it at a local cruise night next year http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

Bruno,

Sometime if I am up your way in Toronto, I will give you a call. I would like to see your cars including the ol L-78.

Regards, Paul

[bruno17]

Not a problem Paul....Its not unusual for me and a bunch of buddies to rent the local dragstrip and lay a real beating on our cars.Ya see paul.....we don't golf so.........its a day of powershifts ...burnouts and BBQ's.Join us anytime.......so far the only casualties have been the new Z06's.

[bruno17]

[ QUOTE ]
Congrats Bruno! I was right behind you on this one...I think you got a great car!!! I hope to see it at a local cruise night next year http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks a bunch! say hello when you see it!

[bruno17]

Thanks again Paul.The car was featured in "Early Birds" display at the Toronto Speedorama show.All I did was remove the spoilers and blow in the trunk lid.....a quick bath and it placed second in the "restored" class.Mostly original paint and its still lookin' great!

[bruno17]

more pics..

[MosportGreen66]

looks bad ass with no spoilers... all business... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Hotrodpaul]

Car looks great without the spoilers! Did the paint I sent you match fairly well? I would love to see some more pics.

I miss that ol car.

Paul

[DaJudge]

Nice Camaro Bruno http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif . The 69 TA next to it looks nice as well. Whose is it? Any other pictures of it?

Mike

[Stefano]

That is a very cool car. Every time I see it, no spoilers and hub caps it reminds me of a similar L78 Rag top with a white top/stripes.

[bruno17]

[ QUOTE ]
Nice Camaro Bruno http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif . The 69 TA next to it looks nice as well. Whose is it? Any other pictures of it?

Mike

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks guys. The Trans Am belongs to Issy from "Early Birds". The "original" Camaro lost out to a firebird in the "restored" class! I think these indoor shows should start featuring survivor type cars. You can't reproduce patina!Here's some more pics....

[ZL1mike]

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

Hey Bruno nice car, I did see this car up close at SpeedORama and I do like it alot,,, lets wish the weather better so we can rent the track for some thrashing and oh ya BBQ......

mike