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« on: June 10, 2012, 12:31:56 PM »
Very interesting discussion. I was in my late teens, early 20's when the muscle cars hit the streets. At the time I had a 65 GTO, and two of my buddies had Camaros. A 68 SS 350, and a 69 SS 396. If anyone's car blew a trans or motor it was replaced with OME or a quick trip to a junkyard. Many times somebody new somebody that had factory parts in their garage because they swapped out the original manifold, carb, or rear end for a piece that they thought would be cool to run. That's just what happened back then, as is still in effect with the modified guys.
I'm very lucky to have found a 68 RS SS 350 4spd with the original (but rebuilt w/more HP) engine and drivetrain. I also have aftermarket wheels on the car and that's the way I like it. I really like looking at the all original, unrestored cars at shows. But, I equally enjoy talking and hanging out with people that have Camaros, like mine.
I did the all stock, all original equipment for many years with other clubs. I deeply respect the effort and money put into the stock class cars. However, when applied to the muscle car era, you have to give us a break and also consider the reality of the times back then. I'd guess that way less than 10% of all muscle cars survived to today with their original equipment. (my original M21 was blown and replaced with another)