Rust can be a major drama, and sometimes the issues we see on the surface are the tip of the iceberg. However, such isn’t the case with this 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. Its shortcomings are external and clearly visible, with the car’s underside surprisingly solid. It is in excellent mechanical condition, and potential buyers can consider the Camaro a turnkey proposition. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this classic pony car listed here on Craigslist in Salem, Oregon. The seller set their price for this promising project at $17,000.
I’ve long considered myself too old to use words like “ewww.” However, ewww! There’s no hiding this Camaro’s rust problems. The lower rear quarter panel is blindingly obvious, as are the issues on the C-Pillar. Add problems with the roof edge into the equation, and the buyer faces a heavy session of cutting and welding. Interestingly, the issues seem to all be confined to the driver’s side, making me wonder whether it has sat with that side exposed to the weather at some point. The seller confirms the presence of surface corrosion on the trunk pan, but with the floors rock-solid, there is no penetrating rust beneath this classic that requires attention. The windshield is cracked, although the remaining glass looks okay. The trim is acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the wheels are new.
Lifting the hood reveals a 307ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The engine’s specifications are unclear. It inhales through a new Edelbrock two-barrel carburetor and exhales through headers and a dual exhaust. The carburetor isn’t the only new item, with the seller fitting new lowered rear springs and shocks, front control arms, front coil-overs, a three-core aluminum radiator, a 10″ electric fan, a new power steering pump, and a new steering box. The expense is justified because this Camaro runs and drives well. It appears that flying in and driving it home is a realistic option for potential buyers.
While it isn’t perfect, this Camaro’s interior looks surprisingly good. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the seatcovers and other upholstered surfaces present well, with no apparent rips or tears. The dash and pad are in good order, as is the console. The rear sail panels are sagging slightly, although I believe they could be stretched back into place. The seller recently replaced the heater core and the associated ducting. Therefore, life aboard this Camaro should be toasty on even the coldest days. There is a range of aftermarket gauges and a modern stereo. Overall, I believe that it will take more time than money to whip this interior into shape.
Addressing this 1968 Camaro’s rust issues will take the new owner more than a single weekend in their home workshop. However, with no structural problems, they could perform the work at their leisure. It is a turnkey proposition, making me wonder how much attention it would draw in its current form if the new owner arrived at a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this classic. It richly deserves some TLC to eliminate the rust, but are you up for that challenge?
Lots of rust, probably a lot more hiding under the shiny paint. I have several friends that bought cars with nice looking paint only for them to blow up within a year, that’s in California where rust typically isn’t an issue. This car gives off that vibe. The price suggests that may be the case.
Steve R
Good eye. I saw that too, reminded me of my mustang. I’m sure someone will be so happy to get a Camaro at that price and not take the time to inspect it only to find it later and be very very unhappy
If the writer thinks this Camaro is “surprisingly solid”, I’d hate to see what they think a rusty car is.
Blow up the pictures in the ad and you’ll see the forward edge of the hood, and especially the front corners are as rusted as the quarter panel and roof. The top corner of the left rear quarter panel is rusted away under the left side of the spoiler. Don’t tell me the floors are solid and the trunk only has surface rust. Pull the carpet back or get the car on a lift and show me, and include a picture of the trunk’s “surface” rust too.
This just smells like one of those cars that when you start taking it apart and striping the paint, a lot of rust and maybe former rust filled with bondo will show up.
Free rust, rust free. Owner might have got confused.
Some body rust????? Steve is on point….pig with lipstick
I guess I am old & cheap….but $17,000 is way over priced for a potential rust bucket. Why didn’t the seller spend time and money on the rust? As he did replacing parts for the cars mechanics. And at that, its only a 307 engine car….no mentioned if numbers matching… I wonder if this cars was a cheap rusted junk car that they wanted to flip and gave up on.
Repairing the rust on this car properly will be expensive. This has all of the earmarks of a car that had shoddy paint and body work so it could be flipped quickly. If this seller is the person who was taken advantage of they may not have the money to spend to fix the rust and paint the car or they are looking to cut their losses.
Nothing in the ad suggests the seller built the car.
Steve R
Too much rust here and price too high. By the way I have the same tach in my 1971 Chevelle since I have had it since 1988.
minor surface rust. what do you call what’s growing on the roof, pillars and the 1/4s. that looks to me to be a whole lot of rust and serious at that. what else is waiting to pop out? keep moving better 1s out there.
It would be a good project for a hands on guy if you could buy it for 10k the replacement sheet metal available
Please stop with the projector beam and LED headlights on vintage cars. They never look right.
Completely agree with the headlights, the wheels fit in the same catagory. Looking at the car with the Z/28 emblem on the front fender, an SS gas cap, a 307 2 barrel automatic, along with the shown rust indicates a thrown together car with very questionable workmanship. Imagine what you CAN’T see! It does have a 12 bolt rear in it, go figure…
Even at 1/2 the asking price, I would say RUN!!! It is not as presented. It is a long and expensive restoration project, even if you were looking for just a driver. If originality is your plan, that adds even more.
Ask me how, I know these cars pretty well its a big project!!
Z stripes on a SS and they are not even painted correctly. Just wondering, why do people paint Z stripes on every early Camaro? Maybe someone can tell me!
Honestly it’s because the stripes look cool. When I worked in a body shop in the 80s a kid brought in his 69 Camaro. Straight 6. Can’t remember what transmission. Even in the early 80s he paid us good money to do a complete color change to Hugger Orange and twin white Z28 stripes. Admittedly it did look great. I asked him if a V8 was going in it. He said no that the 6 was fine for him but he wanted the look. Honestly I’m a fan of the stripes too.
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t it the later part of 69 when the 307 was put in a Camaro?
Yes, the 327 2 barrel was the small V-8 till it was replaced by the 307 2 barrel, 200 hp.