Real 69' Z28.....Would you?

[Hulley]

I have have a very good opportunity to get a 69' Z28, matching numbers except the block and in very good condition. Will need a repaint.
The question is...Would you modify it? I have no real desire to own a stock 1st gen F-body. I want to do the usuall LSXX/5-speed, big brakes, 4-link rear and updated front suspension and steering.

Would you leave alone or say F-it, its my car and I'll do what I want to do!

[XLexusTech]

I wouldn't... but then agin an all stock 69 Z has been on my wish list since I was 16

[hifi875]

if it doesn't have the original matching numbers motor its not a original car. non matching numbers z cars aren't that valuable in comparison to a matching numbers car. Go ahead and modifiy it, or better yet buy a base model car for less money in the same condition and have more money for the good stuff.

[Xplosiv]

If it doesnt have the factory engine then youre looking at a cut in value at around $10,000 anyways. Ours is the same way, original owner blew up the 302 on nitrous and dropped a 350 out of a 69 rs/ss in it. So we still have a period correct engine but not the factory one. I wouldnt mind giving it the full treatment but since my dad is mainly funding the project were doing a frame off as close to stock as possible resto. Were looking to pick up another first gen or a 2nd gen bird to go full tilt on after we finish this and the mustang.

[Hulley]

Thats probably why I'm getting it at a fair price. Anything i take off the car would be saved and it does have a 302 in it. Actually a 69' Z28 is pretty much the only car I would leave stock but only if I had other cars to scratch my itch with.

[itsals1]

I would keep it as a original if you are buying it. I had a very rare 68 RS/Z28 and I sold it to someone that planned on keeping it that way. When you think of all the camaros that have desireable options its seems ashame to cut them up unless they need major work. Theres lots of camaros other than a Z that will make a great pro-touring/hot rod.Just my thaught.

Travis

[clill]

You should be able to find a nice clean 69 for about 15K. Is the 69 Z at 15K ? Once you make it not a Z you will be at 15K with it most likely. Pass on the car and find a clean plain jane car.

[Ummgawa]

Charlie is the man, listen to him. I sold my 69 Z about three years ago, made great money, and the guy who bought it loves it like I did. They are getting harder to find even with replacement blocks. A good 69 body can be had reasonable, find one.

[The Bent Rim]

A full on build of an original Z car would be more valuable than a plain jane when it is completed. If you did it justice and paid attention to the Z28 heritage during the build... that would be pretty sweet!

If it were me, I would probably go for it!

[Vegas69]

The whole, I'll keep the old parts incase I ever want to turn it back to stock is a farce. Once you start modifying, it's a slippery slope.

I hate to say it, but I would have to leave that one stock if it's just a block that doesn't match. Many grenaded blocks back then. Who knows, you could find that needle in a haystack block one day.

[70rs]

Screw it, cut it up and build what you want!:D

[Hulley]

I should hear this weekend if I'm getting the car or not. If I do get it I'll probably do some minor things that would be easily reversed. I'll let you guys know if I get it or not. Thanks for the input.

[hifi875]

Screw it, cut it up and build what you want!:D

it will never be a all original car. go ahead and do it or find a base model.

[WSSix]

If it's a running and driving or close to it Z28 with a correct solid lifter 302, regardless if the block numbers match, I'd keep it stock if the engine was the only non original item in the car. Just my 2 cents. Let us know if you get it. Good luck!

[Hulley]

I'm hoping to hear something anyday. If the price is right, it'll be mine. I believe the price is gonna be very do-able.

[eddiep]

I would say it depends on your intentions. My latest PT project car is a lemans blue '69 Camaro RS/SS factory optioned with a L-78 396/375hp, 4 speed, deluxe black interior, and a factory fold down rear seat. It's a NOM car, but I find myself drawing the line at "bolt on" modifications that are easy to reverse (wheels/tires, control arms, spindles, brakes, springs, sway bars, etc.) ... You can really have some fun and do a lot without butchering a rare/desirable car. That said, the smart move would be a base model car if you want a more radical approach (mini-tubs, 4 link, etc.).

[Tuske427]

Enjoy your car as you want it, otherwise why bother owning it. If you want to modify it- then modify it. Besides, it'll be much more enjoyable to drive with the modifications you talked about.

[Hulley]

Well I still havent heard anything and I'm begining to think it wont happen. I have a lead on another car so I'm gonna hopefully check it out this weekend.

[GregWeld]

It takes a real man to cut up a real car....


Having said that... there's no way I'd ruin a perfectly good Z28. Do what Charley said and buy a plain jane 305 - 3 speed column car with no console... out of Californicate or AriDzona/New MeaHiKo area. I just sold a nice 53K original mile DROP TOP with the Protect-O-Plate for 18K... and that was top dollar!