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Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
BIG DOG
This 1968 Camaro was nick named the ‘Big Dog’ by many of my friends in the early eighties after I came to own it. My Camaro flame was ignited when I purchased my first Camaro in high school (1981). My future Brother in law owned a 1967 Camaro while dating my sister. The 67 Camaro was equipped with the vary basic 230 cu in 6 cyl engine, while the car was flashy with stripes and chrome wheels the power train belied its aggressive shell. I took a lot of ribbing for owning and caring for a 6 popper. The 67 provided an excellent First car for adjusting to the Camaro care learning curve. Like all stovebolt owners I thirsted for the sound and performance of a V8. The ‘well’, for me was just up the block from my parents house. Dave Tarver had a RED Super Sport 396 1968 Camaro, as a bonus it was equipped with the hidden headlight Rally Sport package. I remember drooling over this Car when he had placed a for sale sign in the window 1981, (In my younger years I had delivered news papers to Dave’s house and had to walk past the car on the way to the mail slot, providing ample study opportunities). He had great difficulty finding buyers for this monster, so the car sat. I had heard later in 1983 that he was again listing the car for sale to pursue some lake property, I marshaled my funds and entered the V8 realm. The car was amazingly un-modified as purchased. The usual, air shocks, stubby dual exhaust, stereo speakers in the package tray and the only engine modification was a COORS can wrapped around the coil. The smog was intact and popping in the exhaust as they tend to operate. Basically all the original (born with) engine, transmission and rear end, parts that the car was manufactured with were found in place. A fair portion of documentation came with the car, interesting items included, old pink slips from new to present, registrations, various dealer paper work, 2nd owner pop. The car was sold new locally via South Tacoma Motor Co (CHEVROLET) in May of 1968. As I became accustomed to driving the V-8 I noticed a stark contrast in fuel economy when compared to the 6 cyl 1967 car, the thirst for fuel could have been in part due to my right foot also. It was nice having choices for cruising the STONE (Bremerton). Which car to take often depended on the available gas cash! The newfound access to abundant torque with the pep-leg 3.08 12 bolt rear allowed for some nice smoke shows. Such was born the BIG DOG. The restoration has been a prolonged and protracted process spanning years. Like many I have done the car in subassemblies or sections thru the course of time. I painted the car in (the orig R2 matador red w/ black roof) Acrylic lacquer in 1987 with the help of a friend Lyle. It was a great learning experience and taught me to respect talented painters. The engine was rebuilt to stock specifications in 1989 retaining all factory installed components. The 749 houndstooth interior was in such great shape very little was required to freshen it up. It was rumored that the car was shelved during both oil crisis’s of 73 and 79 by its 3rd (female) owner in Silverdale, Washington, thereby keeping the overall mileage to 76k when purchased. I have managed to keep this car the intervening 24 years and enjoyed activities with the Pacific Northwest Camaro Club, occasional racing at Bremerton Raceway, cruising with friends and chasing parts needed or otherwise at swap meets. The Cars original Washington TAG was BLP-777 and I have always considered myself lucky to owned and enjoyed this BIG DOG for so long. Thanks for allowing me to share this with you in the members rides. Jim Weaver http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_019_16.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_020_17.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_021_18.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_022_19.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_023_20.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_024_21.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_026_23.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1.../tn_027_24.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_100_0225.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_scan0007.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_scan0008.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1..._Camaro009.jpg |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Hey Jim,
She looks terrific. Nice job. Good story too. You can be proud of your labor of love! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Cool car and story. Looks like you had your heart in the resto. Fine job.
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
+++ JIM +++ GREAT LOOKING https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif CAR, FANTASTIC COLOR , AND DETAIL WORK... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif, THANKS https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif FOR SHARING THE PICTURES, AND STORY...KASEY
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Very nice, beautiful restoration! Thanks for sharing the pics and the story https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Very nice car...Thanks for sharing. Love the BURNOUT
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
I think that Jim's Camaro is way cool. I also think that it's great that he's held onto it all of these years.
I especially like the last shot of the group. Hmmm...I wonder why? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif Thanks for sharing your Camaro with us Jim! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Yeah, what he said. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
One of my all time favorites, '68 BB and Red to boot!!
Thanks for sharing! |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
is the grille the original one to the car... there is a research topic on the CRG site relating to the chrome bar 68 RS grilles... if it is original to the car you may be able to provide some valuable info...
CRG |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Thank you all for the Kind comments. It seems the folks around here have the bar set high for standards and it is neat to hear positive comments. I have made some errors during the resto and they are there, but I am slow to correct.
While I was way to young to own this as a new car it is ammazing to fathom that it has been 24+ years. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif Wierd when you see someone from your youth and they can not remember your name but recall you as the Guy with the RED Camaro,,,, The Burnout! Fathers day if I remember correctly, Now thoses are BF goodrich silvertown 3/8" F70-14 red stripe tires going up in a CLOUD https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif Tires purchased in 1985. No internet to find parts then,,,,,remember https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif It seemed the modified CARS outnumbers the stock ones 3 to 1 back then. Now I need to figure out how to post a video,,, Thanks again. Jim Weaver (169INDY),,,,but that's another story,,,,,, https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Great car, and a great guy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif Thanks for sharing, Jim!
Bruce, ask Jim for some pics of his pacer... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif -Sam |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
[ QUOTE ]
Great car, and a great guy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif Thanks for sharing, Jim! Bruce, ask Jim for some pics of his pacer... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif -Sam [/ QUOTE ] Jim...are you willing to share...again? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Let see, I will have to back it off the Carrier first
https://www.yenko.net/photos/data/500/69_JB_Pac_Car.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif I will burn a disk for you later this spring and get it in the mail to you. Everyone should have a Saturday and SUNday (Drop top) car in the garage https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif Jim |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Very good! Thanks Jim! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
[ QUOTE ]
Let see, I will have to back it off the Carrier first https://www.yenko.net/photos/data/500/69_JB_Pac_Car.jpg https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif Everyone should have a Saturday and SUNday (Drop top) car in the garage https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif Jim [/ QUOTE ] +++ JIM +++ I FULLY AGREE, ABOUT A '' DROP TOP '', TODAY LOOKS LIKE ONE OF THOSE DAY'S....KASEY .. http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...r/MVC-443F.jpg |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Okay, Jim wanted me to post an addendum to his Members Rides feature...and I am happy to do so! BTW, Jim sent it by regular mail! Jim, you rock!
Now you just have to get me pics and a write up for your Pace Car... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif [ QUOTE ] Dec 02, 2007 Members Rides Dear Bruce, Please find enclosed CD. It contains various JPEG pictures of my 1968 Camaro. I included a MS WORD text story ‘write-up’. ( Back in Jan 2007) orig members write up submitted. It was like Christmas in July. I followed up on a lead I received at work regarding a previous owner of my 68. After talking to the fellow I purchased the car from ‘Dave’ I asked if he had any ‘old’ photos of the car. He indicated he missed owning the car yet the 69 vette that replaced it has made up for the sale and sellers remorse. He recommended I contact his sister-in-law who was the third owner of the car. It took a while to muster and feel comfortable to cold call her as he freely gave me the contact number and said a call should be well received. Well the call was well worth the effort and yielded a wealth of car history. I was able to find that she was working 1967 locally in the shipyard here in Bremerton and was utilizing regional bus transport to and from work. She was in need of a car with the new employment and desireded to own a Camaro. None could be sourced in the Bremerton Kitsap county area so she expanded her search to nearby Pierce county Tacoma, Wa. She checked with the dealer in South Tacoma, South Tacoma Motor Co. (Chevrolet) and they had taken a RED 68 in on trade for a new 1970 Chevelle 307 Malibu. They had not even prepped the Camaro yet and they took her to a un-attached warehouse for her to view the camaro. She purchased the Car ( Her first Car) even though the Red was not a favorite color (This would be rectified at a later date). She enjoyed the car as dependable transportation for years until a wreck occurred which enabled her to have the car painted Ralley Green by a local paint shop in Gorst. She mentioned parts where stolen (Carb & coins) from the car while in the care of the local towing company. I found many areas still with green paint when I painted the car in 1987. In about 1975 she parked the car and purchased a Datsun for commuting to work which was used to combat the price of fuel, this sound familiar. The car sat in the garage (Notice it in the background of the photos) for 5 years until she sold the 68 to her brother in-law. He had a girl friend who hit a pole and the car saw a re-paint & GM metal back to Matador red. The car was subsequently sold to me in 1983 with 73,000 miles on the clock, the storage must have helped keep the miles down and condition up. She was very interested that the car existed yet I could detect a little nostalgia that the car represented a by gone age of her life. She was very kind to loan me three vintage photos of the car taken in July of 1970 at her home. Notice that the Car has the incorrect grill emblem installed (Summer of 70), a RS vice SS emblem. That is exactly how I received the car nose emblem. Interesting to me that the emblem had been swapped out at some time early in the cars life yet survived 2 front end hits. For you 68 Guys the car is a LOS body build 12E, 5th week of December of 1967 and it has the rearward sweeping nose stripe! It was a bonus for me because back in the 1980’s when I was painting it I had to choice to make regarding the nose stripe and it is interesting that we nailed the black stripe! Please add these photos as a follow up to my members rides write up and a ‘REST’ of the story addendum. It never hurts to make ‘the call’ and get lucky sometimes! Thank you, Jim Weaver (169INDY) PNWCC member [/ QUOTE ] Here are his vintage pics! http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_scan0001.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_scan0002.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...n_scan0003.jpg |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
Jim,
Thanks for the follow-up with the additional story and the vintage pics! I was also fortunate enough to get vintage pics and the story on my car.....they are priceless https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
-------Forget the Camaro,,,I want the camper.......Bill S
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
<span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Hey Jim:
Really nice Camaro & your story is just GREAT! Does the firestation in the background have anything to do with your work? My nephew lives in Widbey Island and is a VF.</span></span> |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
I just found the site (Fire Station) in Downtown Bremerton. I used to commute by it every day and thought it would make a great photo site.
I am a sparky (Electrician). Here is a update photo: In 2012 we added 24 x 30 onto my existing (24x24)garage Camaro Man Cave! https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--...0/102_4506.JPG I get the car out to the local track for a few friday street tire drags and we have a lot of fun with our rides, it does not set the trackon fire, but Hey I am running it and having a blast https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B...8/100_2209.jpg And 1 more; this shot is at the defunct Walker Chevrolet in Downtown Tacoma on the lot just north of the main building. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C...0/100_1656.jpg The signage is gone now and they sell used cars after the GM reorg. Cheers Jim |
Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
well done, nice attension to detail, good to see ya floggin it, no trailer queen here
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Re: Jim Weaver (169Indy's) 1968 RS/SS 396 Camaro!
what kind of traction bars are those and do you have a line on any more, looks like ansen ground grabbers. thanks randy
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4 Attachment(s)
Going to Add a few Updates: The owner that bought it used had sent me a few pictures of the car after she had it painted Metallic Green. Neat series of photos, surprised she remembered I was interested in history. Again when I stripped the car in the 1980's I found Lots of what appeared to be 68 Rally Green under the couple of Red repaints.
I also need to add a few recent shots of events. JIM |
Jim....very cool! :headbang:
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Great vintage pics, Jim. Thanks for sharing those.
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Late to this Party, Puget Sound Pics. Not sure U Can get that Close to beaches anymore. Great Follow Up.
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Nice rims! It looks like the Pacer 144S Silver Rallye Wheels I saw on 4wheelonline.
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Very cool Polaroids Jim. Can't wait to see some recent shots too. :headbang:
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Totally cool Camaro SS! I really like that color
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3 Attachment(s)
Adding Various Photos (New & Old)
Big Dog & Friends. a) Before a Show at Friends b) 1980's With a Buddies 307 Malibu c) Edmonds Wa. Car show in the 1980's friends called the car "Big Dog" cause is got such poor mileage & they knew I would whine for Gas money on trips,,,,,unlike the Chevette in the photo b. Jim |
Great pic of "Golden Boy "
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1 Attachment(s)
Various Related Items to this Car.
2015 Ben Mitchelle Orig Art Work |
Assuming that's you, it looks like Ben captured your goatee in the caricature.
That's perfect! Had to stop back and run through all these pics again. I never get tired of seeing your 68...gorgeous car! |
Thanks,
I Just Broke the "Factory Installed Numbers matching L35"- Ouch! So OUT it Comes and a CE8 396/375 service motor is going IN! I will start a Post of the Upgrade. More Red Dog items to post Jim |
Oops...hope you didn't hurt the block?
The 375hp will be far more fun to pound on anyways. :3gears: |
----Like all the above, but am jonesing on the white Malibu. That thing looks choice in the pic!....Bill S
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