CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Pegatha on January 18, 2012, 11:31:55 PM
-
I am new to this site as my husband and I recently bought a 1968 RS/SS Dana Camaro. We bought it from the original owner who said they had it special ordered from Dana Chevrolet with a 427 engine. Of course the original paperwork, engine and hood is missing. We do have the original fenders and there are tell-tale signs of it actually being a Dana. My questions is "how can we verify this is actually a Dana and get it documented"?
-
I can't speak for the experts on here but if you conduct an "Advanced search" (click on Advanced search and enter Dana Camaro) at the upper left hand side of this page a ton of threads will pop up under Dana Camaro. This should keep you busy at least until the experts chime in. ;)
Welcome to CRG!
-
Thank you!!
-
Peg,
If it was ordered with a 427 it would be a COPO car, search that. what kind of tell-tale signs. The original owner is going to be your best source, he should be able to remember where the original parts went, He should have some old pictures. Ask him what month he bought it as compaired to the build date. What are the numbers on the rear end? Post pictures. does the VIN number have an L or a N in it? Dana chevrolet also sold regular family cars, factory Hi-perf cars and trucks. good luck, you never know.
Victor
-
The few '68 COPO Camaros built had 396 engines.
For 427 dealer-conversion Camaros original paperwork is a must. Nobody can verify or document it as such.
-
william,
what is the engine code for the 68 396 COPO?
VT
-
Victor,
The original owner said it was purchased from Dana Chevrolet - 427 engine (original engine blown up on Green Spot Road in Redlands, Ca) Plus he has the original picture, I am in the process of obtaining. Some of the tell-tale signs are: Big block heater core; center mount battery tray in trunk; gas filler neck actually has bladder around it; firewall behind rear seat; sway bar and springs in front are oxidized red (not stock); evidence in the rear end had a track bar that was red; five leaf springs in the rear and two have been pinch cut for a traction bar; 3/8 original fuel line; AC Delco booster fuel pump with the belden wire battery cable routed correctly through the car; holes for Hurst shifter badge; have original trans and Hurst shifter; plus more.
-
william,
what is the engine code for the 68 396 COPO?
VT
MV
-
Here ya go Peg...
BTW: VIN & Trim Tag will be posted sometime this weekend...
-
...
-
...If you guys need a close up of something let me know...
-
Thank you Marty so much for your help. I'll get a close up of the trim tag and Vin# soon! Peg
-
...Two more...no problem!
-
Peg,
I am no expert but, those are regular after market items and mabye not all correct for that period. Ex race car? Keep digging. Nice car, Same as mine.
William,
A 68 ZL-1 396?
VT
-
A few MV blocks have been discovered and they are standard iron 396. There were no factory 427 '68s.
I don't follow '68s but last I heard the code was for a different carb.
-
William, yeah I'm still digging. As soon as I get all of the parts from the owner, I plan to take the car to Los Angeles and have Dick Gulstrand take a look at it. Dick actually needs to see the car and he may be able to visually confirm the Dana origins. Keeping my fingers crossed!!
-
William,
So what were they, L-34, 35, 72, 78? I believe the factory did produce 427 Camaro's in 68, Yenko's being the most famous since the movie.
Check a 68 service manuel.
VT
-
The 68 COPO 9737 was an L78. Almost all the 68 Yenkos started with this COPO and then had the 427 shortblock installed. Several unconverted cars survive.
There were not factory 427 Camaros.
-
Peg, welcome aboard to the CRG ;D Know all of us sure wish you and your husband the best with the car but not sure what the trim tag or vin will assist in establishing it was a Dana unless someone has some Dana vin database. The trim tag on a 68 tells us very little as we own a 68. You mentioned it was purchased off the orig. owner and that you have the front end coming so maybe there are some clues there but so far I'm not sure anything has been revealed. I'm sure you asked but doesn't the orig. owner or any family members have any pictures of the car at all? Racing picture or maybe it never hit the track?
Again, welcome and good luck!
-
Chick,
Yes the original owner does have pictures of the car and he made copies for us. I'm hoping to get the pictures and everything else that goes with the car in the next few weeks. Guess time will tell. I'll be sure and post those pics too.
-
Kurt,
I remember an old interview where DY states that that was true in 67 but in 68 the factory assembled the cars but billed him seprate for the engine and the car. was that all BS?
VT
-
post a picture of your trim tag
would help if you can get a NICB report showing original dealer was Dana
The COPO 9737 option was called the Yenko Sportscar conversion and had 140 speedometer, large sway bar, and other special parts.
I don't know of anyone getting any COPO 9737 Camaros except for Yenko
Not all the 1968 Yenko Carmaros had the COPO 9737 option. I don't think any of the auto trans cars had it and some 4 sp cars didn't have it.
Some 1968 Yenko COPO 9737 Camaros had original Holleys found with the car and they were the std L78 carb
-
If you're going to post more pics, please include some photos of the rollbar. Thanks.