Question about a 69 Camaro on ebay

[Derek]

I've been spending a lot of time the last few months learning about the 1st gen camaros and I have gained a lot of useful information from many places (including this great site). I finally registered on this forum so I could ask a question about a 69 Camaro on ebay.

First, here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...;category=6161

Hope I did that right...

Anyway, my question is: Since the VIN number begins with 12337 instead of 12437, doesn't this indicate that this car was originally a 6 cylinder car which means it could NOT have been an "original SS-350" which the seller states? I realize the trim tag has 12437 on it, but it is my understanding that Fisher does not distinguish engines on their tags, and therefore they tag every car as though it were an 8 cylinder. Is this correct? He represents the car as an (x11 code) which agrees with the trim tag, but that doesn't mean this car is an original SS350 does it? My research indicates that even some base 6 cyl camaros were x11's. I realize that the original engine is gone anyway, but it seems to me that the car will go for more than it should since it's being represented as an original SS350. The fact that it is non matching #'s does not matter to me, since I intend on swapping the motor for a blown big block anyway, but I don't want to have to overpay for something that is being misrepresented.

As far as the restoration goes, the car seems as though the restoration has been fairly comprehensive to my untrained eye. This will be my first hobby car (I'm only 28), and I just want to make sure I've covered all the bases and asked all the right questions before I commit to such a major purchase. I wish I could inspect it in person, but it is in Florida and I am in Texas. Can any of you seasoned veterans offer any opinions on this vehicle, or offer any other advice you would consider helpful for a newcomer to this hobby?

Sorry for the long post, and again I would like to thank all active members of this forum for the wealth of information you bestow upon us newbies! I look forward to learning more about these great cars and making a lot of new friends!

[JChlupsa]

YES 12337 is a 6 cylinder car. Nice looking car just the same but he should at least state what it really is a CLONE

[DjD]

You've done your homework... It's not an SS anything, the VIN says it started life as a 6cyl... Note it even says Pontiac Camaro at the start of the description... Since it's being offered by a broker he'll tell you he's justing listing it as the owner stated it is if you question the car...

Now the pic's do show a fairly nice car, mind you only the roof was not replaced so someone is trying to recoupe money poured into the car... I think high dollar labor was used by the ads wording...

[396L35]

Welcome Derek, first thing you need to do is fill out your profile before Jeff, Charley, or Belair get you.. Second the car is a fake.... Wrong color, Wrong intake, Wrong rear cover, Wrong shifter... Etc... If your going to spend $20,000 on a 1969 Camaro, dont buy it off ebay... Too many scams out there and I wouldnt want to see you get burned your first time out. Since numbers dont mean anything to you, I would suggest that you look for a 6 banger car since your planning on putting a big block in there it will be cheaper to get a hold of one. You should be able to find some good solid cars down in Texas where you are from. But dont worry you have landed in the right place to ask questions on these cars.. These guy eat, sleep, sh-t cars.... Good luck

[jg95z28]

Here's the run-down on the VIN & Trim tag:

1 = Chevrolet
2 = Camaro
3 = 6-cylinder engine
37 = coupe body
9 = 1969 model year
N = Norwood, OH assembly plant
678050 = vehicle serial number sequence

Decode for body number: 110548

08E = Built the Fifth week of August.
69-12437 = Coupe.
NOR = Built in Norwood Ohio.
711 = Standard Black Bucket Seats.
59-59 = Car Color is Frost Green
X11 = non-SS396, non-Z28, with style trim

Nothing more than a plain Jane six-banger.

[69LM1]

"Nothing more than a plain Jane six-banger"

I don't know if I would call it plain jane. Pretty nice looking.

[jg95z28]

[ QUOTE ]
"Nothing more than a plain Jane six-banger"

I don't know if I would call it plain jane. Pretty nice looking.

[/ QUOTE ]Of course I was being facetious. This is our "plain Jane" we're currently working on.

[Kurt S]

Congrats, for asking *before* you buy and for doing your homework on it.
Wrote this just for you.
http://www.camaros.org/numbers.shtml#VINvsStyle

[Racefan]

Here is the latest on the Camaro in question. I have made it my personal crusade to call these people on thier BS. When I emailed the guy to let him know that I was sure it was an honest mistake, and he should clarify the true identity of the car.....here is the email I got back. Is what he admitted to not highly illegal?

"It it an original SS 350, but long ago it had been converted into a drag racer and re-bodied. During the re-body, the original VIN tag was lost. The next owner wanted to use it on the street and had a new VIN tag placed on it (from a 6 cylinder car), and that is the VIN that it is
currently titled and registered under here in Florida.
The current owner took out all the drag racing components and completely restored it to original specs (with some mild performance upgrades and a better color was originally green), but it still has the VIN from some 6 cylinder car.
If you look at the firewall tag (click on one of the thumbnails), however, you will see that it is an X11 (SS350) code car.

Thanks"

[Bill Pritchard]

Derek,

Welcome to the site. You're doing the right thing by asking questions before you buy.

"It it an original SS 350, but long ago it had been converted into a drag racer and re-bodied. During the re-body, the original VIN tag was lost. The next owner wanted to use it on the street and had a new VIN tag placed on it (from a 6 cylinder car), and that is the VIN that it is currently titled and registered under here in Florida.
The current owner took out all the drag racing components and completely restored it to original specs (with some mild performance upgrades and a better color was originally green), but it still has the VIN from some 6 cylinder car.
If you look at the firewall tag (click on one of the thumbnails), however, you will see that it is an X11 (SS350) code car."

So they are attempting to legitimize putting an alleged SS Trim Tag on a 6 cyl body and calling it a true SS350 car?? I wouldn't touch this car with a ten foot pole