What sort of 1969 "tribute"/"clone" should it be?

[Newman]

Here is my father's 69 Camaro. It's a california rust free car, original Dover white (one repaint over 20 years ago)with blue interior, column shift, original trunk spatter etc. Plans for next year include a fresh coat of Dover White (although I'm pulling for a color change!)We pulled the 250 straight 6 and power glide, and transplanted a 427 with hydraulic roller cam, etc. about 500hp, Th-350 but left it column shift, and a 69 12 Bolt with 4.10 gears. We thought about a straight copo with Dog Dish caps, Nickey tribute with cragars and hockey stick stipe? what do you guys think? What is something neat that hasn't been beat to death like the Yenko clones out there? Was there any stripe delete Yenkos? Just looking for suggestions for this blank canvas! We're not into trying to pass it off as anything or duplication of all factory markings etc. Just looking to maybe look the part a bit and it's a way to bring attention to the great dealerships that made our hobby so special.
http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac127/Newmanator/Dad%20and%20Me/PA310319.jpg[/img]]

[William]

Since you are soliciting opinions here's mine. All clones have been "beat to death" and are commonplace at auctions. They are old news and don't get much attention. Modern, tastefully done PT or street machines do very well. At Mandalay Bay a hot-rodded '68 SS-RS convert with a 454 sold for $74,000, a PT '69 RS nearly hit $100,000. They did better than many nicely done restorations.

Tastes have changed; that's where the action is.

[Newman]

William, thanks for your .02cents, Opinions are definitely what I'm looking for. I agree that PT and street machines are definitely the trend these days.

Keep in mind my father will probably never put anything bigger than 15" wheels on an old car! He's too old fashioned!

[L72Chevelle]

I like it just the way it is. How about a few more pics?

[PxTx]

Talk with your father a build what he likes. Maybe reach back to some of the first Camaros he can recall that made an impression on him.

I personally like looking through the late 60's and early 70's magazines for inspiration to see what guys were doing to make the cars look cool wen they were nearly new. I've seen more cool styles by a single individual than what the dealers were actually doing back then. A few old magazines and speed pars catalog of the era you like and let your imagination run. Good Luck!

[Dave Rifkin]

I think it would be cool to give it the "Day 2" treatment. Like someone already stated, the clones have been done to death and, while I can appreciate the Pro-Touring cars, I have a feeling that they will also get old pretty quick.
For me, the vintage Day 2 stuff never gets old because it is a representation of how these great cars were built back in the day; how can that ever get old?

Besides, if this car belonged to your father he may be more into a Day 2 look since it is probably something that he could relate to.

[al8apex]

*I* would leave it white, NO STRIPES and go with dog dish steelie wheels painted white as well

the blue interior sounds and looks nice, especially with the white exterior, I would leave it stock and keep the column shift as well

that is MY take, but then I am not a fan of the drag car on the street look, 3" widefront wheels do nothing for handling and the tires really don't have the proper load rating for an iron big block

no flames please about MY likes, it is just an opinion and you asked for one

[markjohnson]

I gotta agree with this......I really like the car exactly like it is. It's actually nostalgic to my generation. The stance, the traction bars, the Centerlines, the column shift and a bitchin' color combo. Leave it alone and buy a motorcycle or save some money and just go fishin' or something!

[olredalert]

----My 2-cents would be to go a total sleeper look. Keep it looking as much like the car as it was delivered as possible. Same size tires front and rear (maybe a size or two bigger than original), with dog-dishes. No pinstripes, column shift intact, good but unobtrusive suspension (no visible stuff, like NONE), but have the muscle to totally waste some of the 5-litre crowd (shrouded with a cloak of "no bling&quot. Never pre-announce your presence. People will figure out you are there, when its too late.......Bill S

[69SSZL1]

I would forget clones or pro touring, or any new fad and go with the day 2 look with vintage parts. Way more fun to drive.
Nothing looks worse than an old car with 22" wagon wheels.