Restoring a car is a massive undertaking, there are countless ways things can go wrong and they always end up being huge amounts of work. That being said, the finished product is usually well worth it. That was the case for reader Joe R and this ’67 Camaro RS/SS Convertible. He thought we might enjoy seeing what it took to bring this car back to life! From Joe R – The story begins in July 1981 when my father purchased this RS/SS-350 Convertible. Looking back, I do not think my dad took a good look underneath the car before he wrote the check for $1,000.
The body panels were packed with body filler and the gaping holes in the floor were patched up with fiberglass cloth and resin. The only thing going for this car was that it was a convertible and an authentic Super Sport with the Rally Sport option.
Most people would have walked away from saving this Camaro. But not me. I was entering my senior year in high school and shortly thereafter my dad passed away unexpectedly. There were a series of setbacks that started with a dishonest body repairman that my father hired just before he passed away. The young man didn’t follow through with his side of the bargain and basically took off with my father’s money. The following year I drove to southern NH to retrieve the car. I found the car tucked away in the woods behind a house facing all of the elements of southern NH weather.
It was not until 2005 that I worked with an outstanding, professional mechanic that not only was extremely talented but also had integrity. It would have been easier to buy a Dynacorn complete body, and dressed it up with accessories from aftermarket vendors. But I had a purpose and I decided to restore the original shell.
There wasn’t much more we could have stripped off the car. Every body panel was replaced: inner and outer wheel wells, both rear quarters, hood, trunk lid and a complete floor from the toe boards to the trunk. The only parts of the original chassis are the firewall and the rear panel and windshield pillars.
The restoration took over two years and it was worth every bit of time and effort.
It looks like Joe did an amazing job restoring this Camaro! I can only imagine how much time and energy went into it. I have do doubt his father would be proud of Joe and his Camaro! I want to thank Joe for sharing and I wish him the best of luck with it.
What a great tribute to your Dad!
You sir are the one with the integrity…
Nice work.
Beautiful car and worth every minute of labor…congratulations on not giving up!
Wow, the body looks really nice. The guy did a great job.
Absolutely stunning results from a situation that would have defeated lesser mortals! Gorgeous car. Probably my favorite Camaro of all time. Well done, sir!
Beautiful! Time, energy and passion for sure, you left out the main ingredient though,
guess what it is.
So nice, great job, well done!
Nice job Joe, I had a 68 Camaro RS/SS convertible in 1971 it was white with a 396. I know the trials of replacing nearly every body panel as our Mach1 looked better with paint on then stripped, kind of like me with my clothes on and not off. My car took 5 years because of bodyshop jail took 3 1/2. I’m sure your dad is smiling down at how proud he is of you. Congratulations Sir you deserve it.
Pride!
Money!! Very nice job, again!
Very nice, Joe.
I love the story, Joe your dad is super proud of you for doing what most sons would not. Great job, your dad is with you everytime you drive the car. thanks Roger
Great story, congratulations to a Son who followed through on the dreams he shared with his Dad.
I’m sure this project would have scared off mere mortals. Very nice!!
Yes Ed, I have been scared off by much smaller projects.
Great restoration and color.
your dad is driving that car with you. great story.
Well done!!! Absolutely gorgeous, I am sure your dad is with you and very proud of you and your hard work.
Very very nice.
As a guy that spent 28 years as a dealership body man & restoring many cars on my own, I appreciate the amount of work / time / money that goes into this type of restoration. I would say from what I can see in the pictures, you nailed it ! Beautiful color , done correctly, & a sweet looking engine. You’ll enjoy this car a lot more knowing what went into it than you would have had you bought it “off the rack”. Enjoy !
All of the above! Great car with great memories. The stories you can now tell your kids.
Thank you all for the nice compliments. I hope it inspires more classics to be saved.