67 RSSS for a 69 Z, would you guys trade?

[6667ss138]

I was hoping to get some opinions from you guys.
I have a 67 RSSS 350 that I have owned for many years. It does not have the original drive train but does have a very fun drive train in it. It has a hot little 400 small block with dart heads, headers, HEI, a nicely built turbo 350 with shift kit etc and 4:10 gears. I believe with the right tires it will run low 13's and maybe on a good day even high 12's.
Its original colors were Marina Blue with gold deluxe interior.  It is one of the most loaded factory optioned cars I have ever seen. Tach, gauges, console, A/C, power windows, fold down rear seat, rear window defogger, tilt, stereo and as mentioned earlier RS with deluxe interior. I might even be forgetting one or two options... I had it painted a few years ago and it still needs finished. It did have some trunk and floor rot. NOS quarters and fenders were used. The paint job is only driver quality, probably on a scale of 1 to 10 its a 7. It still has a long way to go and needs complete interior and final assembled. Again, its just going to be a nice local show and go driver when completed.

I might have the opportunity to trade it even up for an early 69 non X coded Z/28. Its JM certified, Cortez silver (still has a lot of the original paint), standard black interior, flat hood, no spoiler, rear antenna car. During his inspection Jerry found the X7 behind the rear seat. It does not have the original engine or trans but I believe the rear axle is original. It comes with a correct dated but decked engine and trans. It has the correct dated heads, intake, DZ carb, distributor, alternator but missing many other things such as shifter etc. I think the quarters and fenders can be saved but it will need a roof, trunk, floors. It looks like the front windshield has been leaking and the dash may need replaced. Definitely a lot of work and complete restoration needed. I would probably have to pay to have most of the body work done and repainted but I'm thinking I will try to fix the rust myself and then for sure do all the mechanical and as much work myself.
Since its not a numbers car, I would only restore it to very nice driver quality.
I've tried to give all the pertinent details.
I'll try to post up some pictures of both cars later.
What do you guys think? Would you do it?

[bcmiller]

It's tough to say. Since it looks like you already have one 69 Z, I would say no.

But I am looking for a car to restore with my son. 

[cook_dw]

Who would trade a 67/8 for a 69 anyways...  I mean; come on..   

[BSMIT59]

Really everyone needs to remember that 67's are the true originals! Everything after that is a copy........

[Mike S]

Really everyone needs to remember that 67's are the true originals! Everything after that is a copy........

  Bingo! If we ever meet at a show, I will certainly buy you a a few beers for that comment 

Mike

[abiddle]

Ten words I have never heard..."I wish Chevy had never changed the design for 69" 

[dino67]

I would keep the '67. Then again I'm a bit biased.

[maroman]

Really everyone needs to remember that 67's are the true originals! Everything after that is a copy........

  Amen to that!!

[cook_dw]

Everyone knows that 67s were great but the changes they made to the 68 made it even greater..  69 well they just missed the mark..

[BULLITT65]

So without pics, your 67 RS/SS is probably about a $22k car right now, and approx 25k car finished I am guessing. So then the question is: is this 69Z without the original motor/trans, and needing metal work and  a full resto worth of work, worth $25K?

I would say no.

Pics may change my mind, but at this point the facts speak for themselves.

If you want another 69Z project, I would recommend finishing up the 67 so you get top dollar for it, then with money in hand I bet you could find a better candidate to restore.


Just my 2 cents 

[6667ss138]

Here are a couple pics of both cars. I have owned the 67 for about 15 years. Since no original drivetrain I have just been restoring it as I like. I know that a lot of things are not "correct" such as the rear spoiler.
I'm hoping it doesn't take another 15 years to complete 

[cook_dw]

I see you have good tastes on the 67..

[BillOhio]

Unless you like the 69 look over the 67, I would keep the 67. Our families had 2 cars painted and I would rather not go thru that again, other than I have another car apart that needs paint!!  It can be a nightmare. You have a 67 that looks like it wouldnt take much to get it very nice

[L78 steve]

I have never seen so many codes on a 67 trim tag. I would hang on to the 67. Plenty of 69Z's to be had.

[BULLITT65]

I think it is also a easier decision, since you are fortunate enough to already own a nice 69Z.

[6667ss138]

I will admit that I was on the fence but I think you guys have convinced me to get off the fence and stay in my own yard
The 69's rust was scaring me a little!!
I appreciate all the feedback!

Man o Man your 67 looks good, Darrell.   

Thank you fellas!!

[ko-lek-tor]

I would keep the 67, buy the 69 and look for more! Never can have too many, right?

That 69Z better have some iron clad docs or it will be harder to sell as a Z than a condom to a nun. Most that would buy your 67, would not care what engine was in it except that it ran, sounds like yours runs like stink! But a Z is a car that became legendary because of it's engine. A person wanting a Z, but short on cash, may buy a car with NOM, or, just as easy, they can slap some Z emblems on a reg. 69. But most who want a Z, and prepared to pay, want a born with drive train car. There seems to be an endless market for 1st gens. and there is one for almost any budget, but if your reason is that the Z might be a better investment with a greater return, I'd say fogettabout it.

That red headed 'kid' in the other blue 67, don't listen to him, he's huffed too many big block hydrocarbons! 69's rule!(All 1st gens rule!)

[69Z28-RS]

Darrell?   with BB hydrocarbon overload???   hmmm...  could be.. 

Len:  Does your 69 Z have the orange/black houndstooth interior in it??

[z28z11]

Everyone knows that 67s were great but the changes they made to the 68 made it even greater..  69 well they just missed the mark..

And, Mr. Cook , your first Camaro just happened to be what year ? Lol -

I do agree you ought to keep the '67 - there are already 40,000 1969 Z28's on the road today. Trade a well optioned (and therefore limited production number) car for one that needs a bunch of labor and money invested in it ? That answer truly has to come from the heart - your heart. Looks like you can already enjoy the '7, why wait a long time to enjoy a car you might already experience ?

Tough decision - tell us what you decide to do.

Regards,
Steve

[dale_z28]

I agree on keeping your '67. That from a guy that has a '69 Z, but as stated previously, without the correct engine it will lose much value towards resale. Everyone expects a Z to be a screamer with the 302. It used to irritate the heck outta me in the early days, there was a guy who ran a half-baked body shop in my hometown and churned out Z clones right and left. He'd slap a paint-job and emblems on every Camaro he could lay his hands on. I'd try to get that Z and have them both, but....reality!

[cook_dw]

Man o Man your 67 looks good, Darrell.   

Thank you fellas!!

Thanks!!

That red headed 'kid' in the other blue 67, don't listen to him, he's huffed too many big block hydrocarbons! 69's rule!(All 1st gens rule!)

Id rather be a 37yr old kid than a old man!!   And too many HC's  not possible..

Darrell?   with BB hydrocarbon overload???   hmmm...  could be.. 

 

And, Mr. Cook , your first Camaro just happened to be what year ? Lol -

And I have since seen the light..   Honestly, Ill more than likely own a 69 again..

[69Z28-RS]

Sevens are Heaven, Eights are Great, and Nines are Super Fine.. 

[6667ss138]

Thanks to everyone of you guys for all the input!   I am definitely going to pass on the 69. I have been back and forth on the trade lately but I am just going to keep my 67 and finish it someday.... Hopefully sooner than later!  Getting all of those options back together and working will be a nice challenge for me but it will keep me thinking   
I know my 67 will be a fun driver when finished. My oldest daughter loves the first gen Camaros and has always had her eye on the 67 and now she is expecting her first little boy. So I think Papa knows who will get this one someday 
 
Gary, no, unfortunately the interior on my 69Z is standard 711 black. I would have loved the 720 though! I'm jealous of your RS and 720 interior 
 
Bryon, If the 69 is something you would be interested in for your father/son project let me know. I'm not sure he will sell it at this time, he like me was only considering the trade. He said he did not want to be without a first gen project but I would certainly check into it for you.

Thanks again, Gentlemen!

[ds1]

It comes down to what you want.  I  like both cars.  But I think you need some cash your way.  At least 4k.