Needing advice

[Spiffav8]

I'm new to all of this and find myself needing your advice. I'm looking for the right 68 Camaro to start my project and not sure which way to go. Wondering if I should find a car that's in good running condition and strip it down or should I look for a project that someone is selling? My main concerns are finding one that's straight with as little rust as possible. Any input you have would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to ask questions.

Here are some pictures of one I am considering. The guy wants 24k for it and I would need to ship it to Vegas. The basics of his add are...New paint, quarter panels, GM 330 H.P. 350 crate motor (recent), transmission is a 350 turbo with a mild sift kit, 3:73 pos-trac diff. Great fit and finish, very straight, no rust.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/ab13_12.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/abc9_12.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/b2bb_12.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/ad88_12.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/afc7_12.jpg

Thanks!!

[camcojb]

almost always cheaper to find a finished car than to build your own. But can you find a car done the way you want it? I ask because to change things can have the money adding up quick depending on what you're changing.

Nice looking car.

Jody

[ProdigyCustoms]

What is your budget and goals for the finished car? You are thinking right wanting as little rust as possible. There is a 69 that popped up for sale last night on here. I also may have a 68 project that is already mini tubed, DSE cage in, Front suspension done, Sheetmetal work (which was minimal) is done, LS1 and Kenne Bell blower is there, along with the 6 speed. It is scheduled to come for us for paint, and has a slot next week. Customer today said he may sell it, has his eyes on a ski boat. is around $48 deep and possibly looking to exit.

[Spiffav8]

almost always cheaper to find a finished car than to build your own. But can you find a car done the way you want it? I ask because to change things can have the money adding up quick depending on what you're changing.

Nice looking car.

Jody

It might be hard to find a finished car. If I were to buy this car I would be making a lot of changes. Engine, transmission, suspension, breaks, interior, Paint, etc.

[Spiffav8]

57 Views and only 2 responces? Come on people a lil input??

Please :yes:

[jy211]

what's the end result you want? And how much $$$ do you want to spend?


Do you want a daily driver? Weekend toy? Awesome g machine?

Are you particular about what engine you want? tranny? Suspension?

[Bowtieracing]

57 Views and only 2 responces? Come on people a lil input??

Please :yes:


I have noticed same.Sometimes lots of views without replys. I am not sure what you are after in the end but that 68 look really nice to me.Its not maybe with the latest trends but atleast you can drive and enyou for it!!

Why not to bay and drive it for year or two. In that time i am sure you know what to do. If you really big plans i am sure you get the same money out of it or some when selling extra parts . Just my thoughts.

[camcojb]

57 Views and only 2 responces? Come on people a lil input??

Please :yes:


You need to tell us what you're after as far as mods, and what your budget is. Then we can answer your question. ;)

Jody

[jonny51]

57 Views and only 2 responces? Come on people a lil input??

Please :yes:

You have to remember there are tons of non registered people looking at the forums.

[zbugger]

Give us a direction and you'll get more replies. What are you aiming for? Just how far do you want to go with the car? It gets really crazy, and we're really good at spending other peoples money.

[mdprovee]

It also depends on your working skill level, and which mods you think you can do, or are going to have to pay someone to do. How much are you willing to learn to do, and so on.

I believe it is cheaper to buy a done car, than to have one built to your wants. At least that is what my check book is finding out.

[Spiffav8]

It also depends on your working skill level, and which mods you think you can do, or are going to have to pay someone to do. How much are you willing to learn to do, and so on.

I believe it is cheaper to buy a done car, than to have one built to your wants. At least that is what my check book is finding out.


Thanks for the input!!! As for mods that I think I can do...As long as it isn't body and paint or major engine work I can do it. I'm always willing to spend the time and learn. Hell, that's half the fun. You make a solid point about the check book. It's looking more and more like finding a car that's done is the way to go. At least that way I can make changes at any pace and plan a bit more for big ones.

Thanks again.

Curtis

[Rob07002]

I originally planned on buying a "done" or semi-done car thinking I would save $$ since someone else spent the money in body work, piant, etc. I then planned to make some changes like engine, tranny, and rear and some minor suspension and brakes upgrades. Car price + mods = done car and saved $$ and $30k spent, right?

Well, let's just say I found a semi-done car, started reading these boards (Damn you guys!), started wanting all the cool stuff, decided 500 hp would just not be nearly enough, 8.5 10 bolt pft! Moser 12 bolt here I come.

Now I'm in deep car is exploded view, 12 bolt Moser, G-bar, Wilwood, DSE, etc, etc and past $30k a long time ago.

Now keep in mind this is all my fault because I'm one picky bastard and started to change everything because I wanted to. I should have first realized the kina person I am (picky bastard) and been realistic with myself.

In the end I would probably do it over and buy a project car or one that needed a resto. Hell maybe even the Dynacorn body.

Moral here is decide your goals, can you live with the car not being 100% the way you want it and what your true budget and time frame is.


I hope this helps.

[jonny51]

Curtis,what is the complete project budget?

[Spiffav8]

Wow that got a few bites and I appreciate your input.

The best way to describe the look I'm going for is to point out Jack Hodsons 67. By no means are my pockets that deep, nor do I want to clone his car. I like the clean and mean look if you will. I was thinking the LS2 engine but have heard it's not as easy to accomplish as I was lead to belive. For the tranny I've heard good things about the Tremic TKO 600 (?) 5 speed. Brakes would be Baer front and rear. Suspension is still a big question...there's so much to choose from. When all is said and done the price tag for my adventure will have to no more than $45k. I'm good with adding most bolt on items. Any major work (body and paint) I would need and want a professional.

PLEASE let me know what you think and feel free to ask lots of questions.

My Sincer thanks to all of you!:thumbsup:

[Spiffav8]

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp.:_paranoid

[customcam]

used parts mite help you get there
paint will cost anywere between 10-15k
id buy 1 mostly completed would be my suggestion

[Spiffav8]

used parts mite help you get there
paint will cost anywere between 10-15k
id buy 1 mostly completed would be my suggestion

That's good advice....thanks.

[awr68]

Sorry just noticed this thread.

So you're looking at the red car with new paint, but you mentioned you would want to repaint it? If this is true you shouldn't think of buying it. Why pay for a fresh paint job and then reshoot the car...that's wasting money in my mind. Now if that was the only thing you wanted to change that would be totally different, but you mentioned quite a few changes.

Buying a car with a straight, no-rust body, and nice paint will save you not only time but also a lot of cash! Take Bad Penny for example, Steve was able to get going on the mechanical parts as the body/paint was already finished...well he did do a little firewall work...but you get the idea.

The first order of business is to outline the project. Decide what year car you want, what mods you have to have, what extras would be nice...and then the hard part, add them all up...then redo it untill you fit it into your budget. Rember you can easily spend twice what you think it should, doing a complete build...this is why finding a nice restored car and then adding bolt ons is usually the best way to go for builders on a budget.

The best way to steamroll threw a build is to always be focused on what YOU want and not what others are doing, have the funds in order, and always stick to the origional plan...changes are what kills timelines and budgets! Remember this doesn't have to be the only car you build, if new must have parts come out during the build and you cant afford them this time, either add them later or build another car in the future and use them then. This is the case with my car...there are a few things I would love to change but it isn't going to happen on this car...not after five years (part time) of fab work...it's a slightly altered 'plan A' or nothing at this point!

From looking at your pics I would say that red car would be a nice platform to build 'your car' from and the price is respectable. Since it's a new motor you shuold be able to sell it to help with a LSx conversion. BTW, have you talked with Tyler at ATS there in LV? He will be very helpfull and can assist you with all your drive train and suspension needs. Also taking advantage of GP's are a way to save money...I've done it many times over the years! Get ahold of Frank (GPSuperStore.com) he will always save you money!

For $45k you can certainly build a car you would be proud of, but realize it probably wont have custom leather interior, forced induction, 3-piece Forged wheels, aftermarket subframe, ect. What you can have is a very clean mini-tubbed car with a LSx motor, overdrive tranny, updated but mostly stock interior, 4point roll bar, big brakes, needed suspension mods, ect. So get busy and design your dream car!! :thumbsup:

[Spiffav8]

Anthony...thanks for the feed back. That's exactly what I needed!

I've been looking at a few different cars and decided to go with one that has some of what I would want my dream car to have (not the red one I posted). I figure it will give me a good starting point to work from and I can still drive it and have some fun, while I put together my build list. Nothing says I have to do it all at once.

Here is what I'm currently looking at. If all goes right it will be in the gurage by weeks end. PLEASE...EVERYONE let me know what you think of the car, it's condition and value.

Curtis

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/21dd_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/68_camaro_108.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2285_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2199_1.jpg

[Spiffav8]

Build List? If you've made one I'd like to know what kind of information you included. So far I've just added parts and cost to mine.

Thanks,

Curtis :thumbsup:

[GeoffP]

Nice looking car. I hope all goes well with the purchase (if it hasn't already happened). In that case, I hope it went well!

Having done a budget (and I do mean BUDGET) bunch of mods on my 68 Camaro that I am almost finished with, I would say that if you shop smart, a 45k budget will get you a NICE car when you're done. A friend of mine just rebuilt a 69 Z/28 for just shy over that, but he already had the motor built and sitting in his garage from a previous car. His 69 is very nice and well built.

In my case, I've spent about $13-14k so far including the purchase price of the car. My car isn't rust free, but it is nice enough that I'm taking it to the Year One Experience in two weeks. I agree with those that had input before me, set yourself a plan, shop smart, stick to your budget and BE PATIENT (yes, this is the hard one). Also, don't overlook used parts if you can get them at a deal and refurbish them.

Just my .02 cents...hth!

[awr68]

Curtis the blue car looks nice. From the pics it looks as though the rear wheels may have a non-working offset though making the wheels stick out too far, but this can be fixed with narrowing the rearend or possibly new wheels...not a reason not to buy it though!

Do you have any more pics of the car and some specs? What plans do you have for this one? Is that a Cali plate I see on the front? What shape is the body/paint in? You can't go wrong buying a complete driving car...it's the little things that add up and make a ground up bult cost soooo much! Honestly I wish I would have started with a car like this!

[awr68]

Build List? If you've made one I'd like to know what kind of information you included. So far I've just added parts and cost to mine.

Thanks,

Curtis :thumbsup:

Once you get the car it will be easier to see what you would like to change. Other than that you basically just need to go threw all the systems and decide if you want/need to change them or parts of them. For instance since you are in LV I would think AC is a must. Well you can go stock or use Vintage Air...if you go VA then you can smooth the firewall. See how one thing leads to another! :)

I must say you are doing the right thing by asking guys in the hobby what they think...learn from our mistakes and whatnot!! ;)

[Spiffav8]

Curtis the blue car looks nice. From the pics it looks as though the rear wheels may have a non-working offset though making the wheels stick out too far, but this can be fixed with narrowing the rearend or possibly new wheels...not a reason not to buy it though!

Do you have any more pics of the car and some specs? What plans do you have for this one? Is that a Cali plate I see on the front? What shape is the body/paint in? You can't go wrong buying a complete driving car...it's the little things that add up and make a ground up bult cost soooo much! Honestly I wish I would have started with a car like this!


Not a problem if I have to replace the wheels. This might sounds stupid, but is a Cali black plate a good thing??? Body has no rust and was recently painted. Seller states 10k pait job and that the guys who did it said it was an easy car to do. Didn't need more than a few dings filled. Here's the list of what's on the car and then I'll post all the pictures I have.

Thanks for the support!!!

1968 Camaro SS Clone
All New
SBC 383 stroker
World Products Heads
4 Bolt Block
Steel Crank
Comp cam
Crane roller rockers
APS Mini starter
Mallory Ignition
New Flow Master Exaust
Eldebrock Victor Jr Intake
Holly Carb
Milidon Oil pan
Aluminum Griffen Radiator
Flex Fan
Trimic 5 TKO Spd
Eaton 10 Bolt Pozzi
Cal Trac Suspension
4 Wheel Power Disk Brakes (Dilled and slotted Rotors)
New Paint ($10,000.00 invested in body and paint)


:lateral:

[Spiffav8]

More than a few but it gives you a fairly good walk around of the car.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2302_1.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2199_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/239b_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/233e_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/68_camaro_1051.jpg

[Spiffav8]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/68_camaro_104.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2317_1.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2221_1.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2285_1.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/229b_1.jpg

[Spiffav8]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2369_1.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2352_1.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/2450_1.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/220b_1.jpghttp://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/spiffav8/237c_1.jpg

That's all I got!

[youthpastor]

The Cali "black plates" were origional when the car was new. Its a cool thing for us "quirky car guys" usually means...but not always, that is was an origional cali car. meaning it's not a rusted hulk held together by fiberglass and bondo.

nice car I've always loved that color. I agree with whats been said



build the car the way YOU want it
do as much work yourself
get a plan and stick to it
don't overlook used parts
if you can afford a driver-go for it, keeps you motivated

[awr68]

Looks like a nice car! What's the asking price? Are you going to buy it??

[Spiffav8]

Looks like a nice car! What's the asking price? Are you going to buy it??

Sent you a PM.