Ok what is it with the 69 Camaro?

[camaro2nv]

So I bought a 68 project Camaro. I love the lines on the 68! Smooth body, round wheel wells and the rs headlights! Everything Ive always dreamed of. So as my buddies talk to me about the car Im building they nag me about the fact its not a 69. WTF the differences are very subtle to me. Is it just a fad thing thats been passed on or am I missing something.
PS Im not trying to say anything bad about the 69's. I love the 69's also. But for me the 68's have what IM looking for. For the most part Im just trying to understand.

[Vegas69]

They are the most popular for a reason.:lol:

[Leadfoot1]

You say the differences are "subtle"...then, maybe you should change your glasses.

Maybe the differences are subtle between 67 and 68, but the 69 is something else. The 3 have the same top line and thats it.

I had a 67 before and now a (nother) 69 and will never have a 68. I just don't like 'em. I hate the weird turn signal in the grille, the rear panel light bezel's too and not to forget it does not have the vent window the 67 has but in exchange, the 68 has those ugly side markers.... Even the interior in a 68 is soso...

To anwser your question....It is "OK" for you to like your 68....But that is also why you don't understand the 69 thing.

Hehe....:D

Lead.
No heartfeelings ok;)

[speedjohnston]

The 69's are a little more popular because of there styling changes but it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks... The 67's and 68's are still loved and prefered by many. Build it for you, the way you want it, and be happy :thumbsup:

[camaro2nv]

HAHAHAHA But we are building pro touring cars here right? Meaning, shaved markers, valance, custom interior ect. Hold on let me get those glasses,lol:lol:

[awr68]

I loved the 69 best for years and when it came time to buy a project I couldn't find 'the right' 69...but I did find a nice 68 roller (which my wife prefered) so I bought it and have to admit I'm glad I did as the 68 really grew on me and now love the lines it has!

[Steve1968LS2]

They are the most popular for a reason.:lol:

They tremble before the power of the '68s!!!!

It used to be that you only saw tricked out '69s... but in the last couple of years the '67s and '68s have really caught on.

I love the '69s but I'm even more drawn to the more curvaceous '67/'68 Camaros.

[Steve1968LS2]

You say the differences are "subtle"...then, maybe you should change your glasses.

Maybe the differences are subtle between 67 and 68, but the 69 is something else. The 3 have the same top line and thats it.

I had a 67 before and now a (nother) 69 and will never have a 68. I just don't like 'em. I hate the weird turn signal in the grille, the rear panel light bezel's too and not to forget it does not have the vent window the 67 has but in exchange, the 68 has those ugly side markers.... Even the interior in a 68 is soso...

To anwser your question....It is "OK" for you to like your 68....But that is also why you don't understand the 69 thing.

Hehe....:D

Lead.
No heartfeelings ok;)

There's a reason they gave up on the '69 after only one year.. hell, it killed the whole first gen bodystyle...


:p

;)

[Spiffav8]

Nothing wrong with the 68 at all! I actually wanted a 68 when I first started looking. Some how I fell in love with a 67 and wouldn't trade it for any other year. It's a personal preference if you ask me. There are those who are die hard 69 fans and I understand that, but it's not the only cool first Gen. Any 1st Gen is special.

:captain:

[deuce_454]

So I bought a 68 project Camaro. I love the lines on the 68! Smooth body, round wheel wells and the rs headlights! Everything Ive always dreamed of. So as my buddies talk to me about the car Im building they nag me about the fact its not a 69. WTF the differences are very subtle to me. Is it just a fad thing thats been passed on or am I missing something.
PS Im not trying to say anything bad about the 69's. I love the 69's also. But for me the 68's have what IM looking for. For the most part Im just trying to understand.


i dont get it either.... the 69 is great.. but there is just somthing alittle more authentic about the non-facelifted 67/8 :D

just take Penny and One Lap... there is just alittle less show and more go in them than if they had been done on a 69... but thats just my 2 cents..

[JamesJ]

...but in the last couple of years the '67s and '68s have really caught on.

I have to say that some of that is because the prices of 69 have gotten out of control. Same thing with 32 Ford, you see 33, 34 done real nice now, some great modal A s out there as well. Not that they are not liked just some years are more popular for reasons. Does not mean one is better then the others, just looks or works best overall.

[Vegas69]

They tremble before the power of the '68s!!!!

It used to be that you only saw tricked out '69s... but in the last couple of years the '67s and '68s have really caught on.

I love the '69s but I'm even more drawn to the more curvaceous '67/'68 Camaros.

I am the opposite of you. Had a 68 in High School and shortly after. Always wanted a 69. They are just faster and more aerodynamic due to the sharp countours of the fenders. :rofl:

[Perry Mitchell]

Those that say, "that's a nice Camaro. Too bad it's not a 69.", are the ones that don't get it!

[Flash68]

I have to say that some of that is because the prices of 69 have gotten out of control. Same thing with 32 Ford, you see 33, 34 done real nice now, some great modal A s out there as well. Not that they are not liked just some years are more popular for reasons. Does not mean one is better then the others, just looks or works best overall.

Yep, this is exactly why the 67/68 gained popularity in recent years..... :thumbsup:

I like em all, but I specifically don't like Vegas' 69. :lol:

[skatinjay27]

i have a 70 and LOVE the looks of 70-73s
and i also think 67-68 are super bad azz
but for me theres just something about a 69!!! and it will always be :hail: for me! :D

[Spiffav8]

i have a 70 and LOVE the looks of 70-73s
and i also think 67-68 are super bad azz
but for me theres just something about a 69!!! and it will always be :hail: for me! :D

Yeah well your 70 has me wanting one. :lol:

[Spiffav8]

I am the opposite of you. Had a 68 in High School and shortly after. Always wanted a 69. They are just faster and more aerodynamic due to the sharp countours of the fenders. :rofl:

Oh...please expand on this theory. I'd say the 69 (especially yours) is like an F-4 Phantom. Proof that with enough thrust even a brick can fly.

:lol:

[66LS7]

I think the 67,68,&69 Camaro's are all awsome cars when set up right, but I think we are going to see a big jump in 2nd Gen Camaro's. I myself am building a 70 R/S right now & hope to be on the road in summer.:thumbsup:

[XcYZ]

Lol, good stuff. I'd give my opinion, but I'm biased. :D

[65 347]

'68 - '69, whats the difference it's still just a Camaro.:lol: ha-ha.
I like the 68 better, it seams the 69 is over played, everyone has one.

[thedude327]

I think the 67,68,&69 Camaro's are all awsome cars when set up right, but I think we are going to see a big jump in 2nd Gen Camaro's. I myself am building a 70 R/S right now & hope to be on the road in summer.:thumbsup:

Ask Kyle Tucker of DSE why he built a 70' for the autocross instead of another 69' .............I hear his 70' holds up "ok" in the autocrossing too...........lol , but I'm getting off track, so here's my opinion............

"Build what you like and like what you build"

after all, you only have to satisfy one person out there.

Paul
Now watch this quote end up in some car mag............;)

[almcbri]

There's a reason they gave up on the '69 after only one year.. hell, it killed the whole first gen bodystyle...


:p

;)

LMAO :rofl:

[Steve68]

People think the 69 is the 'Holy Grail" of Camaros because the Z/28 and the ZL-1, and what BJ has done to the market, it also had more options than the 7 and 8's,

Personally I think there over played, there's more 69 Z/28 now than GM built, I've talk to a couple of people who bought them new, and they weren't big fans of the cars when they were new, and GM's plan was to have young buyers buy a Camaro and then move up to a bigger full frame car later on,

They don't do anything for me, I walk right past them at show and in parking lots, there's too many of them, and most of the time the owner has it set up like a 70/80 custom or a 4X4, I'd take a 78 Z28 before a 69,

[Payton King]

Only the chosen few.

The 67 and 68's are girl cars. The crisp and muscular lines of the 69 are for men. LOL

I do like the 68 convertible better than the 69 convertible.

Everyone has their own taste. Build what you dig. I love the lines of a 63 to 67 corvette coupe, but not the convertible. Love the chrome bumper 68 to 73 corvette convertibles, but not the coupes. I probably need to seek counciling, but I don't have the time.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

for some reason i find this guys statement retarded..

the curvy muscular lines of the 67 68s give it that beat you up bully look..

just ask Buddy Repperton

http://aycu38.webshots.com/image/7917/2000649679799234762_rs.jpg

http://www.imcdb.org/images/001/137.jpg

The 69 is a nice car but it straddles the line of ladies car and mens car..
when my wife sees it she says.. "i like that car, why didnt you get that one?
your 67 looks too.. mean."

but thats what androgenous 69 owners want... they want to be tough AND

be a Charlies angel and sing "im like a biiird!"

http://www.imcdb.org/images/012/245.jpg

LOL!

[Vegas69]

Yep, this is exactly why the 67/68 gained popularity in recent years..... :thumbsup:

I like em all, but I specifically don't like Vegas' 69. :lol:

I can understand why a guy from San Fran wouldn't like such a manly beast. The 68's have the curves and aren't as muscular. Makes perfect sense now.:D Kidding flash Kidding!:D

Curtis....If I ever get my car back let's get out and plow some wind!

[rwhite692]

I had the 68 first (in high school) and liked that car a lot, a buddy had the 69 (RS/Endura car).

Hard to remember the first time I saw one, but, The thing that I think first struck me visually about the 69 car was the squared-off upper portions of the wheelwell openings and how the "speedlines" running the length if the body are crafted into the wheel openings...Overall the car has more of an "in motion" styling, than the 67/8. It was definately a more agressive styling statement by GM and more of a "reach", styling-wise.

There are lots more creases in the 69 sheetmetal which really pick up well visually, especially on cars with metallic paint.

Add to this the tremendous number of potential options and color combinations which were available in 1969, and especially the RS option, which is more of a dramatic overall difference to the car vs. the non-RS car, vs the previous two years.

Lastly, popularity of the 69 model is greater because there were simply so many more of them built, due to the long extended production run well into 1970 due to the delay in production start for Gen2.

Many more 69s found their way into peoples lives and memories.

Rob

[tumper93]

I got my 68 back in high school, 20 years ago this year and only wanted a 67 or 68, never cared for the 69 even back then. I always liked the lines of the 68 better, cannot really explain why they are the one of choice for me. I do know that Mark Donohue won more races with his 68 than he did his 69, not sure why but....Everybody has a preference even if it cannot be shown as why they have it. There are quite a few bad 69's out there and I would love to have some of them but even if I were to build another one it would still be a 68. I would do things different, like many I wish I had done away with the marker lights and I wish there was a better looking standard grill, would like one like Donica's 68 has. There are many things I didn't like so I did change them. It all boils down to what you like, if everybody liked the same thing only a few would be happy and others wishing, the price of the 69's may drive many to the 67-68 but to others like me they are the only real choices of the first gens. 69 owners feel the same way about theirs, but I truely hope nobody ever asks me, "why didn't you build a 69" especially when they drive a 4 or 6 banger family car.

[Jr]

First year is the BEST year! 1967 BABY! :thumbsup:

[camaro2nv]

Thanks for all that have replied. I think I got a few answers. I just love old school muscle cars. To me there is nothing better then building one of these classics. I'd take a 67 or 69 any day! I just wanted to know from true Camaro guys what they thought the differences were. Problem is theres a lot of the public that dont know anything about these cars and just go off of what they've been told. Pretty funny really.

[buickfunnycar.com]

i have a 70 and LOVE the looks of 70-73s
and i also think 67-68 are super bad azz
but for me theres just something about a 69!!! and it will always be :hail: for me! :D

Well said AJ...why limit yourself to just one?:cheers:

[Spiffav8]

I can understand why a guy from San Fran wouldn't like such a manly beast. The 68's have the curves and aren't as muscular. Makes perfect sense now.:D Kidding flash Kidding!:D

Curtis....If I ever get my car back let's get out and plow some wind!

Cars and Coffee this weekend if your up for it and a drive around the lake.

[monza]

Thanks for all that have replied. I think I got a few answers. I just love old school muscle cars. To me there is nothing better then building one of these classics. I'd take a 67 or 69 any day! I just wanted to know from true Camaro guys what they thought the differences were. Problem is theres a lot of the public that dont know anything about these cars and just go off of what they've been told. Pretty funny really.

Ya some nice answers but really 67 68 owners wish they had a 69!! LOL

[class67]

It just doesn't matter....lol, all first gens are cool. I was actually looking for a 69 when I heard about my car (a 67) from a friend of a friend and I just could not pass it up for the price. Anyway, I'm glad it didn't as the 69's are getting to be way to common, although I DO like them! My next build will be an early second gen just for this reason.

[monza]

^^^ your right I like them all. I used to hate second gens. but now I think they are super cool. Really not many muscle cars I don't like.

[Flash68]

It just doesn't matter....lol, all first gens are cool. I was actually looking for a 69 when I heard about my car (a 67) from a friend of a friend and I just could not pass it up for the price. Anyway, I'm glad it didn't as the 69's are getting to be way to common, although I DO like them! My next build will be an early second gen just for this reason.

I was in the exact same boat and made the same decision. :)

[Vegas69]

Cars and Coffee this weekend if your up for it and a drive around the lake.


Car is at the interior shop budro.

[DFRESH]

[QUOTE=Payton King;189357]Only the chosen few.

The 67 and 68's are girl cars. The crisp and muscular lines of the 69 are for men. LOL

Man, that was freaking funny---hats off.

Maybe Ringbrothers should do one (67 or 68) to get the recognition that body style deserves. I love all years of the Camaro but own 2 69's.

BTW, does it bother anyone else that people trying to sell whatever year camaro they have, and spell it "Camero"? You gotta wonder if they really know anything about the car at all when that happens.

Doug

[class67]

Bad Penny, One Lap Camaro, Prodigy, Motiv8r etc..........Need I say more? :bow:

[rocketman]

The 67-69 camaro's are so over done, how many DSE, LSx powered camaros does the world need

[DOOM]

The 67-69 camaro's are so over done, how many DSE, LSx powered camaros does the world need

MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:willy:

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x88/Crappage/MOAR.jpg

[tones2SS]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x88/Crappage/MOAR.jpg

You said it brother!!!:wow:

[Vegas69]

The 67-69 camaro's are so over done, how many DSE, LSx powered camaros does the world need

Banned:unibrow:

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

http://cvillain.com/wp-content/uploads/b2.jpg

[staged67gspwr]

The 67-69 camaro's are so over done, how many DSE, LSx powered camaros does the world need



Ditto!nice cars dont get me wrong but they are so overrated.


Thanks

[Dayton]

I'm just thankful both my Camaros have side marker lights.
Who would want a first gen w/o side markers??:)

[thedugan]

hey stop pickin on the 68's

nothin better then the key in the dash.

best part of this hobby is you can customize the car anyway you want. Dont like the interior, swap it out. Dont like the bezels, markerts, etc.. you can remove them, replace them, etc...

anyway 68's rule

[the camtender]

BTW, does it bother anyone else that people trying to sell whatever year camaro they have, and spell it "Camero"? You gotta wonder if they really know anything about the car at all when that happens.(quoting/replying to post#39 by Doug)

I didn't catch this until I had left the event!!

[Over Actor]

I like that you guys keep rebuilding and driving the camaros. Although thats what you see alot in magazines ect and some say they are over done. I live in a city with 120k people right off of Ft bragg nc. and i have personally only seen a hand full of ls swapped 1st gen camaros.

Why do i like that you guys keep doing it? Because it make my 68 and 69 firebirds unique haha:thumbsup:

[jmac]

I'm just thankful both my Camaros have side marker lights.
Who would want a first gen w/o side markers??:)

No man. You have it all wrong!
Where's your vent windows?

[fleetus macmullitz]

I like how the headlights on the 67-68's are pushed to the outside edge of the grill.

That's how you fix a non RS '69!:D

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/1969%20Camaro%20photoshopped/69Camarosilverlightsmovedoutward-2.jpg

(Fix provided courtesy of Don V.)

[rogue]

I like how the headlights on the 67-68's are pushed to the outside edge of the grill.

That's how you fix a non RS '69!:D

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/wnyjazz/1969%20Camaro%20photoshopped/69Camarosilverlightsmovedoutward-2.jpg

(Fix provided courtesy of Don V.)


Not a fan, I actually prefer the non RS headlights of the 69

[DFRESH]

BTW, does it bother anyone else that people trying to sell whatever year camaro they have, and spell it "Camero"? You gotta wonder if they really know anything about the car at all when that happens.(quoting/replying to post#39 by Doug)

I didn't catch this until I had left the event!!

Classic---You should have sent it back and asked them to spell check it.

[RECOVERY ROOM]

I love this thread,It's like the days when people would argue over 33 or 34 Ford street rods( there are small difference's between them)....The first gen Camaro is the new deuce of the car world right now.I have put custom interiors in more of them in the last two years than in the first 15 years of being in business(I like the hide away light grills on all three years)

[tones2SS]

I like them all, (67-69), but my first pick would have to be the '69 just because of the grill, with the headlights and parking lights down below. It just looks awesome!!:hail:
My second choice would be a '68. I never really liked them as much before, but they are growing on me!!!:thumbsup:

[DOOM]

:_paranoid :rolleyes: Ditto!nice cars dont get me wrong but they are so overrated.


Thanks

[shiro666]

I think the reason that I am a '67 fan is the combination of the arcs of the weel arches and the repetition of the arc of the front fender and rear quarter panel. I like how the semi fastback looks sitting on the "french curve" of the beltline.

The combination of the vent window and the rearview reminds me of several Ferrari's of the same vintage.

Not that I don't like '69's. They just effect a different part of my brain.

I am sick of all the "belly button 1st gen Camaro" comments. Yes, there are lots of Camaros out there, but not a lot of Camaros that blow my mind. Most that do are on this site. You just have to sift through more dull, uninspired crap to find a 1st gen that is exciting.

and I don't see why having popular, awesome parts on a car makes it lame. Take the whole car into consideration.

[socalcamaro]

So over the years I've had a 69rs and a 68rs/ss. My dad had a 69 when I was a kid, and I currently have a project 68. Being fortyish I'm lucky enough to have driven or ridden in several different Camaros back when these cars ruled the road. Which do I prefer? Well I guess it depends on what day it is. To me it all depends on how the car is set up. If it's to MY liking then I like it. Doesn't matter what year it is. I currently drive a 70 Nova 375 horse 396/4speed car and I LIKE IT. Ya it's not a Camaro but it sure is fun to drive. Pedal to the metal, banging gears, and working the steering wheel. Doesn't get any better then that! So don't spend too much time debating, get out there and enjoy the road.:D

[Jar]

....moving on...

All three are amazingly perfect cars, but I have always liked the 67 and 68's better (68 the best) because they are simpler, there is just to much going on on the 69's for my taste, they look like a 68 with a bunch of gimmicks designed into the body panels. The 7s and 8s look like they are flexing, way more muscle.

[andrewmp6]

The mustangs are the same way everyone wants a 67 fastback.I have had a few people ask me why don't i sell my 68 mustang coupe and get a fastback i tell them why would i down grade.I like every year camaro only ones i can afford are late 2nd gen or 3rd gen tho.

[98ssnova]

I like all three but the 69 has been the ICON for first gen camaros. It was the cars that I have always wanted but then I saw how much they cost and no thanks to much money for me right now.

[Josh69]

I love them all....but for me, the '69 is like the hot big sister. A little more aggressive, a little more 'bold'.

That's why I bought a '69 Firebird instead.....if the '69 Camaro is the dirty sister...the 'bird is the dirtiest. HAHAHA!!!!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

yea.. the dirty sister with the fungusugly face..:rofl:

[JETSET700]

I like my 67' "Camaro" because I built it. 69's are cool too & most popular
I repeat popular. These cars were "overdone" in the 70's, 80's, 90's, &
today in various build styles. Preference, parts availability has favored these cars all this time for a reason, they are popular!
I have had my car since 84' & bought it to build a light V8 car to handle good.
I was inpired by the TA cars I saw race as a kid. 67's are lighter than 68's & 69's, love my vent windows, I like the interior better too, key in the dash.

Peter

[BBC69Camaro]

I always wanted a 1st gen Camaro; I was born in 69. Easy choice for me :unibrow:

[Josh69]

yea.. the dirty sister with the fungusugly face..:rofl:

It's a face only a father could love!

I painted the bumper body-color...black, so it hides alot of the fugly, and the rubber headlight surrounds kinda disappear. Now it takes on the appearance of a '70 GTO on a diet.

I like to think of it as the ugly sister that got a boob job and a nosejob! ROFL!

Back on point....'69 Camaros are still cool, not matter how played out people claim they are on the interweb...I still RARELY see them, if ever, on the road and maybe one or two at the local shows...except for the CC Summer Nats here in town, then there are alot....but I see just as many other models. It's like the TTII deal, they are played out on some websites, but not in real life.