This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is a bit of a surprise packet. I’m not going to argue the fact that it looks pretty sad. However, below that faded exterior appears to be a classic that possesses strong bones. This would potentially make it a great candidate for a restoration. The options would seem to be endless for the buyer, and I will guarantee that every person who looks at this car will have their own vision of the path to follow. The Camaro is located in Cromwell, Connecticut, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $13,900, although the option is available to make an offer. The vehicle has stirred enough interest for 143 people to be currently watching the listing.
The Camaro is finished in Cortez Silver with a Black vinyl top. There’s no disputing the fact that this is a car with rust issues. There is a real chance that these might not be as bad as outward appearances might lead you to believe. The owner provides an interesting array of photos, and they show a trunk pan that has little more than a light scattering of surface corrosion. The floors carry a heavier coating of corrosion, but I can’t see any visible signs of rust-through. I believe that this should probably be tackled as a frame-off restoration project. I also think that if the vehicle is media-blasted, then it will pack a pleasant surprise or two. The only area that I would sound a note of caution over is the state of the cowl. There is some light corrosion visible on the surface, but it isn’t clear how healthy things are as you delve deeper. Externally, the Camaro exhibits all of the rust issues that are typical of a pony car from this era. There is rust developing under the vinyl top. There is also rust in the rear quarter panels, front fenders, and surface rust in numerous locations around the vehicle. However, the rockers are solid, the door jambs are clean, and the doors are said to open and close easily.
Lifting the hood reveals a 307ci V8, while the Camaro also features a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, along with power steering. This combination is not guaranteed to get your pulse racing, with the ¼ mile journey taking 18 seconds. This is also where things take a turn for the worse with this classic. It isn’t clear when the 307 last fired a shot in anger, but I suspect that it was quite some time ago. Unfortunately, the engine doesn’t turn freely. This raises that old “chicken or the egg” scenario. Is the engine locked because the car has been sitting, or has the Camaro been left to languish due to a seized engine? Either way, the engine should probably be pulled and dismantled to ascertain its overall condition. There is every chance that it could be salvaged, but the buyer will need a backup plan if it can’t. This could involve sourcing another 307, fitting something more potent, or using the Camaro as the basis for a restomod project. All would be viable options, and I know that our readers would be able to put forward sound arguments for each path.
Given the Camaro’s exterior deterioration, the Black interior is surprisingly good. There is a lot here that could be salvaged and restored. I don’t think that this is an interior that will require a full trim kit. I admit that we can’t see the sate of the headliner, rear seat, or the rear trims. However, the front seats look pretty good, while the dash is unmolested. I think that the dash pad could be revived, while the same appears to be true of the console. New door trims will need to go on the shopping list, as will a carpet set. Beyond that, I suspect that a few hours of careful cleaning and conditioning will reap significant rewards inside this classic.
Restore, refurbish, or restomod? That seems to be the question with this 1969 Camaro. I’ll be honest here when I state that I really love these earlier 1st Generation pony cars. I love the fact that they were pure and uncomplicated and had not managed to get to the point where they had gained pounds of unnecessary and performance-sapping weight. Being a person who has a strong preference for preservation, I have to admit that I would love to see this car returned to its former glory. However, if someone chose to slip something more potent into the engine bay or use the vehicle as the basis for a restomod, I would fully understand that. In fact, I would applaud this to a certain extent, because it also means that someone would have the chance to let their creative juices flow, and to create something quite outstanding. What path would you follow? More importantly, do you find this Camaro promising enough to consider making the owner an offer?
Only way you fix this car is a frame off rebuild. After that you have a car that isn’t all that special and an empty bank account. BIN pretty ridiculous.
I think the answer to the chicken or egg question is the car stopped driving and the motor seized at the same time when it went underwater.
The interior pic shows those strange rust and mold areas that usually happen after a swim. Same with under the hood.
The posting says Powerglide ,but the shifter is a 3spd. I’ve only seen those shifters with the TH auto and wondered if on 2 spd it just didn’t use the L1 spot.
I know Pontiacs used a T handle for their 2 spds instead of the more common knob with the spring button center
I had a 68, Powerglide same shifter
I’m thinking you’re correct, it’s been for a swim, the int gives it away. Not worth $500 as far as I’m concerned.
Once you get this rust bucket home, you will soon realize the work at hand. Decades of rain and weather has taken it’s toll. Rust repair is a costly chore and needs to be done right! I see a endless amount of work and a healthy bank account to revive this one and it is most likely a basic 69 307 Camaro. Unless you do your own paint and engine, trans work it all adds up to a big pass on this one. The only option that I would consider is if this was a Z28 and that would be a big maybe.
The ’68-69 horseshoe shifter plate lens should say
P R N D L if the car has a powerglide.
http://www.bowtiemuscleparts.com/products/68-69-camaro-auto-trans-2-speed-power-glide-pg-shift-indicator-lens-3919160
On this car, either the shifter plate lens was replaced with a wrong 3 speed turbohydramatic shifter lens.
Or the car HAS a 3 speed turbo 350 & 1 of the forward gears doesn’t work. lol
I’ve always wanted a garnet red/red 69 RS/SS , 350 4 speed, a/c, PW, etc. With all the aftermarket parts available, you could build this into want you want. To keep costs in line, I would keep the colors the same. I’ll bet I could find a nice used 350 for it.
A restored is perfect for a 307 car.
Nothing special, nothing gained. Just watch your expenses, and you could have a fun car that you want, without the guilt of driving a real SS to the post office.
Much as I would love to own a ’69 painted cream with this style black vinyl top and rally wheels I think I’d take the 1964 Country Squire instead. After all, it’s .2 seconds faster in the quarter and in a whole lot better shape.
In my opinion the worst set up you could get in a Carmaro was the 307 with the power glide!! I had two cars with a 307 in them and they couldn’t get out of their own way!! The body of the car would be the only reason I would buy this and with that price I would go to real deal steal and get a brand new body!! Then there would be no rust repair at all to do!!! No media blasting, and no tear down!!
Guess u haven’t heard of a machine shop if u hate a 307 that much & don’t have any tools/ desire 2 wrench & just live on couch. Yank it, bore it, 350 crank [.30over=357cubes] 192 heads, used high rise, Carter AFB 600 CFM, headers & a rebuilt turbo 350, clean up metal when apart & paint it in your 2 car garage & have a nice driver [extra $6000] in 1-1.5 years or just sit on ur couch & dream about the $60,000 show car u will never have!
Well, Walt…you are a man of words! I do have that dream car and have wrenched plenty on it and the receipts to claim it’s build. My build is so far beyond your dream “show car” and it IS in my garage! Love your math and choice of build…lol You should buy this pile of junk and walk us through the steps. Iv’e had plenty of classics, and the car in my garage is a true ’66 Chevy ll Nova SS. Nearly complete from paint. The 383 is at the machine shop. Not putting a dollar amount to it, but looking forward to fall when it rolls out of my garage.
Dan B- note I typed a [nice driver], I do everything myself [except machine work] in my garage have my baby 34 ford roadster [done] & a 65 Mustang fastback w/84HO 302 & t5 [building], 35 ford pickup in barn[done], 69 Mach1 in driveway 4 my daily driver & 2 Harleys in the back, all but 65 r running @ the time. My 1st great car was a 69 Z28 in 73 & yes I wish I still had it. I don’t sit on couch much & dream, I getter done!
Another DH!!! Walt you should buy this car do all that machining, and motor rebuilding, then do the bodywork along with interior and paint!! Then you can have a numbers matching 307 with a two speed that’s no where near worth $30k because it’s nothing special that you just spent $60 to do!! Good luck with that DH!!!
Tim M. U r obivous another barn finds Toad sittin on ur wore out couch pushin buttons on ur apple phone[ 2 cheap 4 a laptop maybe?] dreaming about getting a $50,000 69 Camaro 4 $10,000 with no work! Why didn’t u buy 1 in 1969 4 $3000 & keep it? That’s right u probably ‘maybe’ U had diapers on?
What rear end ratio did your 307s have? My friend’s 68 nova with 250 6 cyl & pwrglide & 3:07 rear is quite peppy shifting the glide manually & has no problems going over steep mountains & hills on expressways.
& can squeal the right rear 195 75 r 14 tire w/o powerbraking from rest – has front to back turbo muffler that replaced the heavy restrictive factory sideways muffler. & a taller air filter from an ’82 camaro v6.
My brothers 70 Nova has a 307 and a Powerglide with the stock 2:73 gears . It wont win many races, but its cruises just fine.
Strong Bones? Send this thing to a media blaster and it will be returned to you in a cremation urn. The asking price (which someone seems to have paid?) would be all the money if this unremarkable little secretaries car if it were in pristine condition. I never cease to be amazed by what some people will pay for something just cause its an old Camaro or Mustang
Ouch. Yes that’s a common mistake. Imagine dropping your $13,900 pride and joy off at the body shop and some hours later getting that call – “Mr. Smithers, uh, there’s been an accident here…”
Hey Walt another tough guy that hides behind his computer and knows nothing about the people your talking about!! Why don’t you meet me on a corner somewhere so I can knock your tooth (the one you still have) down your throat!! Then you can go back to redneckville and pretend to work on the junk you have!! After I knock you out I’ll put $20 in your pocket so you can finish your sex change operating!!
where & when lover BOY. Come with fresh diapers, youngin
toss the 307 and trans new 572 crate back to new 6 speed auto of course change rear end add all wheel disc brakes full body restoration then hang on for a hell ride
MY ’69 Camaro looked much better than this, from the mid line up, when I sold it for parts in 1983. But underneath it was totally rotted. Both of the subframes, front and rear, had rusted out, floors gone, front and rear, trunk bottom had plenty of little holes, nothing left underneath to weld anything to, rear springs attached to subframe on one end only, driveshaft was keeping it together. When 3rd point of attachment of rear springs went, I drove it at 25 mph to the buyer’s house and made him sign a statement that he would NEVER drive it, and only use it for parts, which he did, on a car just like this. The interior was still perfect, and the Positraction differential was fine as well as the wheels, all of which got transplanted. So with cars like this, especially in rust prone New England, you need to look underneath! The engine was OK except for the worn timing chain and gears and it could not be kept in time.
I would buy one done , this is a money pit . I would be surprised if it doesn’t sell , there’s an a$$ for every seat , even moldy ones .
Not worth half of what the seller is trying to get for it. This car was born in the days before Ecoat so you know if it looks like it does from the outside, then underneath it is going to be a complete disaster.
2500 $
Been for a swim? I think I was taken once – in 2010 my 2000 Dodge Caravan, bought new, had 250,000 mostly trouble free miles, but was rusting badly, and had hail stone dings all over (used the insurance $ along with the $ for damage to my Audi to fix the Audi – only time USAA screwed me on a claim), and went to dealer to find a used one. So, in 2010 it was time. A 2006 Chrysler van had “just come in”, was in the shop, I asked to just see it, they did not want to let me “insurance rules about customers in the shop”, but it was up on a lift, and it was coated with mud up to the top of the rocker panels, but other than the navigation system – which used a disc in the CD player – it all worked. Figured the owner had lived on a muddy road (spring in New England) and thought no more about it until by the time 4 years had passed it had rusted out just about everywhere below, and including the floors. Bet it was in a small flood.
I don’t think it was , although “flood car ” seems to get mentioned a lot on this site . This is a typical New England car thats been sitting. Between the salted roads ,snow , rain and humidity , cars don’t last long. Including worn and leaky door and window seals,this car has obvious rust holes that are letting water in places they shouldn’t be. When a car sits and has water coming in,heat and condensation helps mold and mildew to grow inside , which is what looks like is in the interior.
That being said , its going to need a ton of work just from whats seen -I can’t believe it sold for nearly 14K !
Wait 2 years. Some resto shop will buy it and be selling it as a #’s match fully documented Z/28 or SS Big Block with a $60,000 price tag on it.
they bought a good VIN# 2 pull it off
Had it been priced reasonably in the first place, you could have bought it, re-conditioned the body and frame, dropped a 383 stroker in it, backed by a reconditioned 2004R and a 342 posi and assuming you could do your own work, have a valuable muscle car without having spent a fortune on it have a decent RS or SS clone that would be worth much more than restoring that tired 307.
Actually shocked that it sold for 13K? You could not have parted it out for that. Wow…Would rather have found a nice clean rust free roller and do as you said. Plug in all the good stuff and good to go. But only if the body, firewall, trunk and floors were good. There is no way I’d buy that car pre-media blast. I see swiss cheese, patching, panels on and on. Oh well. We all have our opinions here. I’d be jumping for joy taking 13k to the bank.
I hear there is a new blasting service[soda blasting] that is the latest hottest deal, works great on fiberglass & metal, but u have 2 prime real fast, like a day or 2, don’t know the cost or where/who does it or how 2 find them, doesn’t gowed/warp out fiberglass or metal. Happened 2 start watching this toad Pete from his YouTube show ‘DIY auto school/body?’ He had this dude come 2 his shop[outside @ night] in Dallas,Tx & do it outside, it worked slick but left a hell of a mess 4 Pete 2 clean up
I’ve seen & heard of dudes buying a Mopar & other [not even complete] rust buckets [maybe with 1 good fender w/VIN #] 4 $10-15,000, rebuild on different chassis w/reclaimed VIN & sell @ Jackson Barrett auction as original 4 $75,000 up. What a rip. U gotta have the tools, place & knollege 2 pull it off, not 4 me
What is it with these “Barn find” folks? I have cried tears at some of the stupid crap people do with valuable classics. Heck, 80% of the cars are not in barns or cover…even a $10 tarp would help. Most of these folks just let them sit out in the pasture and let them rust out from the ground up! Windows rolled down, hood up in the air etc. All that body trim beyond restoration. I just cry. It almost seems like a sickness to me. I got the nerve one day to approach a guy that had a ’68 Camaro sitting on jacks on his front yard. Month after month prior, I saw more garbage stacked on top of the car. I would drive by slow to see if it may be a special model. I saw a rear spoiler and thought it had a chance of being a SS or Z28. So, no one likes a stranger approaching, so I got his attention from the sidewalk. “Sir, I would love to offer you cash for your Camaro. I live in the neighborhood and have seen it sitting on the ground for 2 years”. He says…”No, it is not for sale. My son has plans to restore it”. I about choked! So, I tried this…”I could do wonders with that car, but it may be too late if you wait any longer. The elements are destroying it from the ground up from moisture”. He said…”He is going to get started on it “soon”. I said…”Ok, Thank you” and left shaking my head.
I know what you mean ! There is a 74 318 Barracuda near me thats been sitting outside in a guys driveway for over 10 years with four flat tires under a rotten and torn car cover (He has an empty two car garage ) . When my son was in Scouts selling popcorn I used that opportunity to ask about it while my son sold them some stuff. I basically got the same response – ” that was the first car I bought when I was 18 and I’m gonna restore it someday” I told him that leaving a car outside in CT.with a torn car cover and constantly getting pelted with acorns isn’t helping the car out any, but he said he was going to work on it “soon” . When I looked inside it was full of mouse turds. Its still sitting there under the oak trees and my son is 18
From the look of that vinyl top, I can almost assume that the roof is rusted in some places. I just saw that it was sold. I wonder what it was bought for?
Yeah bone…a crying shame. I did a post on Facebook a while back from pics from this website. Most my buds are gearheads and they saw the crime scenes. Car restoration is costly and hard work to complete the job. A small piece of original trim can be obsolete and worth hundreds of dollars in decent shape. But these guys let the car go beyond repair. Very sad.