Good cars, good people, great forum!

[mchriscad]

I have been in this hobby for as long as I can remember and I have found very few venues that provided the opportunity to meet so many good people. I am astounded by the quality of cars and the quality of people on this site.

With that said, I will share with you what prompted this post. About two years ago I sold the “keeper” car. We have all had them and we have all sold them. That one that we wish we had back. Well I recently got that opportunity thanks to this site. Many of you will remember that I posted “My L78 Christmas” about two weeks ago. A site member (Knoxville pig) saw my post and PM’d me. It was Darrell who I had sold my “Keeper” to years ago. He noticed the Cortez Silver survivor L78 and he had to own it. Before I knew it, Darrell drove to Dayton, Ohio from Knoxville to see my Silver L78 Camaro. Although many of you will say (Including you Rob) that a Silver L78 with only 9400 miles on it would be a keeper in anyone’s book. Darrell’s car, now mine again, is:

1969 L78 Camaro RS/SS
Daytona Yellow
Deluxe Houndstooth interior
Two build sheets
Protect-o-plate
Affidavit from the original owner
Frame off restored
And soon to be a Magazine featured car (April)

The trade was equitable for both of us and we both ended up with the cars we wanted. I think the only one that was not happy was Darrell’s wife who couldn’t believe they were trading their perfect, show quality car for one with a greasy engine compartment and cracked paint. My wife is laughing because I actually call any of my cars “keepers”. For any of you that know me I rarely keep them long because I sure love the hunt for the next one.

Thanks for a great site, it certainly is an asset to this hobby.

[jeff morocco]

wow !!! great looking car!! and even a better story! glad you are happy and this truly is a great site and even better people !!!

which magazine is it going to be in ?

[MosportGreen66]

you have some nice cars!
I saw a couple on ebay...

[OUTLAW]

I was at Darrell's house when the Cortez L78 rolled into town late last night and when the Daytona L78 departed. Two fantastic cars!!!!!! I have lots of pics to be posted soon.

[Bruce]

Chris
Of all the cars I've had that SSRS has to be one of my favorite muscle cars. From Alaska to MA. to TN. now OH., it's seen more of America than I have LOL.

[dreemz]

Bruce,you restored that car,correct?

[Xplantdad]

Wow...nice! The people here are great http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Postsedan]

Hey MR70...find Chris that one song from the 70`s....I think it`s...."Reunited" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

I know you have it on one of those 8-track players.

Congrats Chris.

Dan.

[OUTLAW]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_4961-900-900.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_4969-900.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_4966-900-900.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_4970-900.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_4973-900.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_4985-900.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_4986-900.jpg

[Z-11 396]

I'M SURE GLAD THESE 2 GUYS HAVE GOT THE CARS THEY WANT ... NOW .. IS THERE ANYONE IN <<< NEED >>> OF A OLE ''CORVAIR'', THEY CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...I DIDN'T THINK SOOOO...NOBODY IS THAT BAD OFF... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif...KASEY

[sYc]

[ QUOTE ]
I'M SURE GLAD THESE 2 GUYS HAVE GOT THE CARS THEY WANT ... NOW .. IS THERE ANYONE IN <<< NEED >>> OF A OLE ''CORVAIR'', THEY CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...I DIDN'T THINK SOOOO...NOBODY IS THAT BAD OFF... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif...KASEY

[/ QUOTE ]


Hey, everyone should have a Corvair in their collection. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Wish you had not posted pictures of the Silver car, man I miss that car. Still looking good. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Bruce]

[ QUOTE ]
Bruce,you restored that car,correct?

[/ QUOTE ]
Mark, yes I did back in 96.

[Zedder]

Good for both of you! I don't know who got the better deal http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[olredalert]

--------You and me both, Tom!!! Those pics bring back a bunch of great memories. Some of them would make a great story someday.........Bill S

[KnoxvillePig]

This post will be a little lengthy but hopefully you all will enjoy. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

When I started looking for a 1969 L-78 Camaro approximately 6 years ago, I told my wonderful wife (girlfriend at the time) that I wanted it to be documented, possess its original drivetrain, have a 4-speed transmission and last, but ABSOLUTELY not least, it had to be an original CORTEZ SILVER code 69/69 car. Surely, I wasn't asking for much was I???

I scoured the classifieds, the Internet and networked with several contacts, almost on a daily basis. After several years of roadtrips and "wild goose chases" (However, I did meet some really cool people along the way.), I was slowly starting to give up hope on ever finding my "Dream Car". After many heartbreaks, I quickly came to the realization that I was probably searching for a needle in a haystack. My wife (usually being the more sensible) told me that I would have to make some compromises and would probably not have the luxury of chosing my favorite color of Cortez Silver.

A couple of years ago, I finally found a beautifully restored (Thanks to the talents of member, Bruce Hershberger) "Daytona Yellow" RS/SS L-78 Camaro w/ two build sheets and Protect-O-Plate. Unfortunately, Chris ( Member: mchriscad) beat me to the car and I called him w/ an offer. Chris told me that a "Daytona Yellow / Black and white Houndstooth" L-78 camaro was the car he had been searching for forever and after some tough convincing, I was able to purchase the car from Chris before he ever got a chance to pick it up. I was able to contact the original owner (who currently lives in Alaska) of the "Daytona" Camaro and we became very close friends. The car and story will be featured in an upcoming edition of "Muscle Car Enthusiast" magazine.

In December 2006, I was getting my nightly dosage of the SuperCar Registry, when I noticed a thread entitled "My L-78 Christmas". Chris had posted that he had sold his COPO and had just purchased two L-78's right before Christmas. The first was a 28,000 mile, documented, original drivetrain, three owner, 1969 L-78 Nova.

The second car WAS: "and what before my twinkling eyes did appear", but a documented, original untouched drivetrain, Cortez Silver, L-78 1969 Camaro with a BV coded 4:10 Rear (Sorry about the corny Christmas rhyme, but I just couldn't resist). The added bonus was that the car had only 9400 original documented miles, and was, for the most part, an untouched survivor. The car was also featured on several pages of John R. Hooper's book, "The 1969 Camaro Reference Book". At that time, I think it was reported to have around 7000 miles. I have also been since told that it was featured on a famous first generation Camaro poster and is also the "March" 2000 car for some unknown muscle car calendar. If anyone has knowledge of this calendar, please let me know.

Needless to say, I wasted no time in calling Chris, and I was on the road with my wife to Dayton, Ohio from Knoxville, Tn.
I looked the car over for several hours and could not believe how nice and original the car was. The paint looked great. Someone apparently clear coated the original paint sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's. (Hopefully I'll find out exactly who did it soon). The good thing was the clear coat helped to preserve the original paint. The interior is Absolutely MINT except for a little fading of the rear package tray. The engine compartment, other than some dust, grime and grease, looked really good. You could still see the original Norwood Factory paint, body and trim "PBT" inspection markings (somewhat faded but still noticable). MOST IMPORTANTLY, all original components were there (alternator, distributor, starter, deep groove pulleys etc....)
The motor had started to show its age in areas with the typical wearing/chipping of orange paint around the block, heads and water pump but was nothing that was not to be expected. I was simply amazed at what I saw. Chris and I then talked and came up with a deal that was fair for both of us. This deal involved me trading my fully restored Daytona Yellow RS/SS L-78 for his Cortez Silver L-78 Survivor.
I couldn't believe that I was actually getting the car that I had set out to find 6 years earlier.


Today, I spent a few hours attempting to locate some previous owners of the Cortez Silver Survivor and have made some good progress. I will continue to follow up as time permits in the next few days. Everyone I talked with today had two things in common to say about the car:
"I wish, I would have never sold it" and "it was definitely one of the "MEANEST" cars that I have ever owned.

I finally got a chance today to drive the Cortez Silver Beast for a few minutes around my neighborhood. There is only one word to describe it, UNBELIEVABLE!! It had a really tight feel with no squeaks, rattles or noise. It ABSOLUTELY felt like I was behind the wheel of a brand new car. I haven't got to really push it yet. I can't wait because it sounds "Mean as Hell" and seems to have some "INSANE" torque. It is without a doubt (IMHO) a one-of-a-kind find.

In closing, I want to Thank the SuperCar Registry for putting me in contact with so many helpful people. You guys are truly a wealth of knowledge and I have made so many friends and great contacts in this hobby.

I also want to Thank my wonderful wife, Nikki, for all your love and support in the past six years ( Although, I know you loved all the road Trips).

Finally, Thank You for everything Chris. You were a pleasure to work with. Keep finding those Great cars. I'm glad you finally got your "Keeper". You have an absolutely Beautiful L-78 Camaro that I know you will be proud of for years to come. Nikki and I will surely miss her. However, I believe that Nikki is starting to like this old Cortez Silver beast a little more each day.
I think the "Patina" is starting to grow on her. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I am truly blessed. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif



Darrell J (KnoxvillePig)


---------------------------------------
1969 Camaro SS396 L-78 Cortez Silver, X-22, Survivor. Original untouched Drivetrain w/ original Protect-O-Plate and Currently working on owner history http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif (In case you haven't figured it out...I'm kinda proud of this one.)

[Hotrodpaul]

Darrell, congrats on the Awesome L-78. Can you post some additional pics of the car including the engine compartment. Thanks,

Paul

[Xplantdad]

I think Darrell should send pics and a write up for Members Rides....I think it would be a hit! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Z-11 396]

+++ THANKS +++ TO EVERYONE THAT HELPS OTHER TO MAKE THERE /// DREAMS /// COME TRUE....SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HELPED ME, MY SON, AND ARE GOOD FRIEND DARRELL, TO GET THE <<<< CARS >>> THEY ALWAYS WANTED, OR HELPED TO MAKE THE ''' CARS '' THEY GOT TO BE THE BEST ONES THEY EVERY HAD... THIS {{{ HOBBY }}} IS ONE OF THE GREATEST TO BE A PART OF, AND I HOPE IT ALWAYS WILL.....KASEY ..... 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

[mchriscad]

Bruce, you did a great job. The restoration is holding up flawlessly. You gotta love Daytona Yellow, and yes I agree with you on the SS/RS.

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
Someone apparently clear coated the original paint sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's. (Hopefully I'll find out exactly who did it soon).

Today, I spent a few hours attempting to locate some previous owners of the Cortez Silver Survivor and have made some good progress.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re-read that L-78 Christmas (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=241367&Searchp age=2&Main=241367&Words=%2Bl78+%2Bchristmas&topic= &Search=true#Post241367) thread...it should answer a lot of your questions! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Oh, and don't believe everything Hooper's book says about the car...

[KnoxvillePig]

Paul, Within the next few days, I will try to post a couple of pics of the engine compartment before I attempt to start carefully cleaning/detailing it. May take me a few to figure out how to post them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Bruce, I know I have been slacking. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
I plan on definitely sending some pics in for members rides section. It may take me a month or so as I plan to take my time and carefully clean the engine compartment w/o disturbing any of the "patina".
I am just trying to figure out what type of cleaning agent will do this as safely as possible. Hopefully, mild soap and water http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

In the meantime, maybe Chris will send a few pics of his Daytona Yellow RS/SS L-78 in to the members rides section. It is truly an awesome car to see and everyone will really enjoy it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif


Darrell

---------------------------------------
1969 Camaro SS396 L-78 Cortez Silver Survivor

[Xplantdad]

Sounds good to me Darrell! Chris...do you want to?

[KnoxvillePig]

Rob, Thanks for your help. I have already taken note to updated posts on the "My L-78 Christmas" thread http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

So Far, I have worked my way back to John B. out of Leesburg, Va. I spoke with him for over 3 hours yesterday. He is a super guy and a real pleasure to talk with.
He had a lot of interesting information for me.

I was planning on contacting you soon. I would love to talk with you and your father about the car.
By reading your previous posts it sounds like you guys really enjoyed the car and only sold it to step up to a "Yenko"

Please send me a contact number to call you guys I would certainly appreciate it and look forward to talking with you.

I am looking forward to talking with Bill S (olredalert) today as I hear he is the 3rd owner of the car and has many old photos. I am sure he will be a pleasure to talk with as well. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks to all for your help.


Darrell

[OUTLAW]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_5046-1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/DSC_5048-1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/Picture030.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/Picture035.jpg

[OUTLAW]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/Picture041-1.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Very cool...needs to come to SCRX! Actually, both cars need to come!

[OUTLAW]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/P1010511.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/P1010510.jpg

[OUTLAW]

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/OUTLAW1970/CA4AGSRJ.jpg

[KnoxvillePig]

Thanks Kase for posting some pics for me.
I owe you one bro... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif


Darrell

[Xplantdad]

Great to see that you got the car of your dreams...now enjoy it! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[olredalert]

----Im glad my old car is in such good hands.......Bill S

[KnoxvillePig]

[ QUOTE ]
----Im glad my old car is in such good hands.......Bill S

[/ QUOTE ]

I want to Thank you Bill (olredalert) for taking time out to talk with me yesterday about the car.
Thanks for all the great information and for sharing some of the "back in the day" stories with me.

I am really looking forward to all the vintage pics. I will be in touch soon.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Darrell

[PeteLeathersac]

That is one schweeeeeeet piece...unfriggin'believable!!!http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gifhttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Z-11 396]

+++ DARRELL +++ DID YOU GET TO TALKED TO THE FORMER OWNERS OF YOUR NEW CAR ??? , GET LOTS OF HELPFUL INFORMATION....KASEY

[mchriscad]

I would love to. What do I need to do to make it happen?

[mchriscad]

[ QUOTE ]
Sounds good to me Darrell! Chris...do you want to?

[/ QUOTE ] Yes.

[KnoxvillePig]

[ QUOTE ]
+++ DARRELL +++ DID YOU GET TO TALKED TO THE FORMER OWNERS OF YOUR NEW CAR ??? , GET LOTS OF HELPFUL INFORMATION....KASEY

[/ QUOTE ]

Kasey, I spoke w/ the original owner and his brother a couple of days ago. They are both still living in the Cincinnatti area.
Original owner was a nice guy but not overly talkative. The owner's brother is still a "car guy" and was very helpful. Their mother still lives at same home where the original pics of car were taken in early 1970's.

The mother's name is on the Protect-O-Plate. Original owner told me the car was put in her name for insurance reasons because he was only 19 years old at time of purchase.

I Also want to Thank Tom and Rob Clary. They were very helpful with information about the car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif


Darrell

[Chevy454]

Refresh my memory, Darrell...what dealer sold your Camaro originally?

[KnoxvillePig]

Rob..... It was sold new at Queen City Chevrolet, which apparently was somewhere in the downtown area of Cincinnatti. The original owner told me the dealership was closed years ago and ( I believe he said) the building doesn't even exist any longer.

I wonder if anyone out there has any old pics of the dealership. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[427king]

Do a google map, its now a courthouse. Was torn down many years ago im told. Right on the eastern part of the city.My L89 was from there,i have a lead on someone that worked there and im trying for more old pics etc,but nothing as of yet.I was told there was a new ZL1 there is late 69 for sale among many other neat camaros and chevelles when the person that bought the L89 was taken there by his mother to buy him a HS graduation present.He had a choice of any car he wanted[lucky kid]and he chose the L89 over the ZL1.[I assume due to the huge ZL1 price Mom may have drawn a limit on what she was going to spend] although the L89 was 4800.00 itself marked down to 4000.00]...Im guessing it was hard selling camaros for those prices and thats why they were both around so late in the year. I have 4 or 5 pics of the dealership but i cant post them they are too large. email me and ill send them

[427king]

#1

[427king]

#2

[firstgenaddict]

NOTHING drives or feels like a survivor... they just feel like a broken in base ball glove... ready for action.

[KnoxvillePig]

Awesome....The original owner's brother told me the other day that several high performance cars had been sold out of Queen City Chevy.
I would love to have some copies of those pics Chuck....I will send you a PM. Thanks.


Darrell