- - Special paint 69

[Qwik57]

My brother owns and is restoring a 69 SS 396 deluxe interior, 4 spd console w gauges, - - special paint car. Built in Van Nuys. I have some pictures of the car from the previous owner whom brought it back from Cali. He was a good friend of my dad. My dad bought it as a roller in the mid 80s, under 40k miles on the car. I believe its a colorado blue car. How rare is this car

[william]

Special paint was approximately 0.6% of production.

[maroman]

Isn't that the Carolina Blue?

[Qwik57]

Have it heard called carolina and or colorado blue

[Kelley W King]

Here in Carolina ( a few miles from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) we call it Carolina Blue. Even the fire trucks in Chapel Hill are that color.

[Petes L48]

Looks like Carolina Blue was a 69 Chevelle color:

https://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcodedisplay.cgi?comm=carolina+blue&rows=50&button=Search#main

Colorado Blue was shown as a 1930 Pontiac then 1985 Mazda color

[william]

It was a production Olds Toronado/Buick Rivera color for 1969.

[Qwik57]

He was thinking of painting it a different color, I think hes crazy

[cook_dw]

Can you share more details about the car? Trim tag, vin, does it still retain its original drivetrain?

[Kelley W King]

The car in the pictures do not show any SS markings I see, suggesting to me a repaint.

[boomer632]

Lets see that TT

[maroman]

He was thinking of painting it a different color, I think hes crazy

I agree with you.

[Qwik57]

SS badges on fender, had a warranty 396 oval port hydraulic cam replacement engine when purchased around 1973

[Qwik57]

Rear SS blacked out tail light

[Qwik57]

Definitely not a repaint, we sanded to bare. Only panel repainted was the passenger door

[Kelley W King]

The first set of pictures show the right front fender without SS emblems. Kind of appears to not have the wheelwell trim that shows in the last picture. The TT would be interesting to see.

[Qwik57]

The guy my dad bought it from was pulling it apart to redo it then quit and brought it back from Cali to Michigan when he got out of the military. The holes are there for the emblems, u can see the side marker light was out also. When my dad bought it in the early 80s he bought a bunch of old stock through Bob Schmidt Chevrolet, he was able to get a cowl hood, lower front valance, emblems and exterior door handles, some weather stripping. The car has been in a garage apart since the late 70s

[Qwik57]

Original front upper valance

[bcmiller]

Rear SS blacked out tail light

Why is the area in between the tail lights body color?  Did you modify that photo?

[cook_dw]

Looks like a photo quality issue.  Appears black with a glare to me.  Email me a full size photo that hasn't been reduced and I can repost it.


camarodata@gmail.com

[cook_dw]

Could be paint fade or the exposure of the photo.  Seeing the engine photo above it appears to be a deep groove pulley on the alt.  Do you know what alt stamp it has and how is compares to the build date of the car?  Single fuel line or does it have a return line?

[Qwik57]

engine is gone unfortunately, In that pic it had rectangular port heads, ZL1 cam and aftermarket intake.

[cook_dw]

Reason for my question is it MIGHT have been an L78 depending on a few key items.  Hence why I asked if it had a single fuel line on the frame or 2 (return line)

[boomer632]

I noticed that deep groove too. Chain bolted to head for engine torque, rear bumperettes taken off and manual steering... Shes a racer!

[Qwik57]

I noticed that deep groove too. Chain bolted to head for engine torque, rear bumperettes taken off and manual steering... Shes a racer!

He did alot of drag racing with it, went low 12s I think I have a time slip and he gave my brother the California plates

[fsc66]

 Nice thing about Calif. ads is often listing cars with plate numbers. See attached ads from 1971 and 1972 for your car:

[fsc66]

Second ad

[Qwik57]

Second ad

Thats awesome, where do u look these up?

[cook_dw]

Newspapers.com is one to search but you will need to get an account setup to do searches.  I replied to your email also.

[Qwik57]

TT

[Qwik57]

Vin

[boomer632]

    -  -  Nice..

Newspaper ad for car is gold I tell ya.. gold.

[Qwik57]

    -  -  Nice..

Newspaper ad for car is gold I tell ya.. gold

No doubt, very cool find

[KurtS]

You need to contact NCRS and get the dealer. http://www.camaros.org/geninfo.shtml#MyCarHistory
The blue could be any shade of blue. Sometimes it's the code 80 blue, sometimes a 63 wedgewood, sometimes its a different shade. Take the header and get the paint scanned.
What's the stamped axle code?

[Sauron327]

You need to contact NCRS and get the dealer. http://www.camaros.org/geninfo.shtml#MyCarHistory
The blue could be any shade of blue. Sometimes it's the code 80 blue, sometimes a 63 wedgewood, sometimes its a different shade. Take the header and get the paint scanned.
What's the stamped axle code?

That will get you close. Still have to tint and do sprayouts for a match. I've done it many times.

[Qwik57]

You need to contact NCRS and get the dealer. http://www.camaros.org/geninfo.shtml#MyCarHistory
The blue could be any shade of blue. Sometimes it's the code 80 blue, sometimes a 63 wedgewood, sometimes its a different shade. Take the header and get the paint scanned.
What's the stamped axle code?

[169INDY]

Let me guess, Gas tank has been messed with and No LOS document to be found on top of it.
Great story still, fun project

[cruiserofland]

That an M or a V? BV would be 4.10 

[cook_dw]

Its BV

[bcmiller]

Pic is terrible.  Clean that area off. 

My previous post was deleted.  I need to fully wake up I guess.  Or get new glasses. 

BV would fit nicely for an L78.

[MO]

Looks like an M to me. If it's a V, it's very and unusually small.

[boomer632]

Appears to be an M

[68 Ragtop]

It's clearly a V and the date is in perfect alignment with the VIN

Probably was an L78 as advertised. Motor rebuilt by 1971 and gears changed by 1972, unless the 1972 ad guessed wrong about the gears.

Wonder what gears are actually inside now?

[Qwik57]

It's clearly a V and the date is in perfect alignment with the VIN

Probably was an L78 as advertised. Motor rebuilt by 1971 and gears changed by 1972, unless the 1972 ad guessed wrong about the gears.

Wonder what gears are actually inside now? 

4.56

[rlw68]

It was a production Olds Toronado/Buick Rivera color for 1969.

So this is not the same color as the infamous 'Carolina Blue' 69 Z28 ?   It was described something like GMC fleet blue at Barrett a couple years ago but I dont know if that is correct either.

[Qwik57]

Talked with Gary the last owner and he took the car apart in 1977. Its been stored in a garage ever since. My dad purchased the car as a roller in 1988

[Qwik57]

Appears to be an M

Its a V and the same size as the B, Fuel tank code is dated correct and has 3/8 single fuel line, 6k redline 8k tach, 11/16 front sway bar, BV 4.10 12 bolt rear I think its pointing to a 375hp car

[Qwik57]

So all things considered, we are going to put a 427 together ( we have block and crank ) and dress it like it would have been as a day two car. Headers, intake and carb. When its all finished what kind of value on this car ?

[68 Ragtop]

Second ad

I just noticed the "STICK CITY" dealer name under this ad. Pretty cool name for performance dealer.

[Qwik57]

Put the vin in a couple vintage decoders and this came back. Has to be a fluke?

[boomer632]

Yes it is a fluke.. I put in 69 VIN with bogus last 6 numbers and got the same result.

[Qwik57]

Yes it is a fluke.. I put in 69 VIN with bogus last 6 numbers and got the same result.

I figured as much

[KurtS]

No question in my mind it is an L78. Did you find out the selling dealer via NCRS (link I posted above)?

[Qwik57]

No question in my mind it is an L78. Did you find out the selling dealer via NCRS (link I posted above)?

My brother is supposed to do that tonight

[Qwik57]

Anyone else ever seen a Carolina blue SS ? Any pics?

[william]

Barrett-Jackson AZ 2018

[Qwik57]

Possible this is one of one ?

[Kelley W King]

Anyone else ever seen a Carolina blue SS ? Any pics?

I previously posted that here in central NC carolina blue was very popular in the 60,s and 70,s, There Chevelles, Camaro,s, Nova,s, and Monte Carlo,s around here that were original paint cars. Back then we did not even know what a trim tag was about. A 68 Chevelle L78 ordered Carolina Blue is still near here near Burlington NC. The UNC at Chapel fans were ordering them through Harris Conner Cheverolet CH NC. And Carpenter Cheverolet in Durham NC.

[maroman]

I would have never ordered it but I also would never change it.

[David K]

Here's the link to it.
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1969-CHEVROLET-CAMARO-RSSS-211972

[boomer632]

Barrett-Jackson AZ 2018

Sold again in 2020 for 60K. Wonder why it lost 33K?

https://www.classic.com/veh/1969-chevrolet-camaro-rsss-124379l512040-4okMxq4/?tab=comps

[bcmiller]

Possible this is one of one ?

Not likely.

Why would that matter?  It is what it is.

[Qwik57]

If it was it would matter, its still rare I doubt there were many in that exact configuration. .6 % of all camaros then factor in the L78 at production of 4889 assuming the same .6 that would be maybe less than 300? Google the color you find 2-3 examples google a SS and you find 0.

[68 Ragtop]

Possible this is one of one ?

With over a million option combinations, it's theoretically possible for every one of the 1969 Camaro's built to be a one of one. Factor in an odd color special paint and L78 with a few other options, and it most likely is.

Being one of one doesn't necessarily add value. I see a lot of Marti Reports that try and boil down option combos the get a small "number of" made. It does add the interesting factor though.

[bcmiller]

If it was it would matter, its still rare I doubt there were many in that exact configuration. .6 % of all camaros then factor in the L78 at production of 4889 assuming the same .6 that would be maybe less than 300? Google the color you find 2-3 examples google a SS and you find 0.

It bothers me when people instantly try to connect rarity to value.

People who show more interest in value than just love of a car are not true car people in my opinion. Spectaculars have ruined the hobby.

[GMAD_Van Nuys]

The previous owner of my Mustang had the Marti Report and Ford Invoice for the car, and it was originally ordered by someone who had the dealer install a trunk-mounted battery.  4.30 axle, Detroit Locker, Shaker Hood and manual steering was great for going down the 1/4 mile, but few were ordered as who would want such a Mustang for driving on the street.  Only my brother has taken the BOSS 302 for a spin and he said it was the worst driving car he has ever driven!  I think the only person who would buy my Mustang is someone who could drive it away or bring a trailer.

[Qwik57]

The previous owner of my Mustang had the Marti Report and Ford Invoice for the car, and it was originally ordered by someone who had the dealer install a trunk-mounted battery.  4.30 axle, Detroit Locker, Shaker Hood and manual steering was great for going down the 1/4 mile, but few were ordered as who would want such a Mustang for driving on the street.  Only my brother has taken the BOSS 302 for a spin and he said it was the worst driving car he has ever driven!  I think the only person who would buy my Mustang is someone who could drive it away or bring a trailer.

I never mentioned value, rare only adds value if something is desirable. Been a mechanic my whole life like my dad, my brother a union sheet metal worker. We have restored numerous cars together over the years. In a sea of 69 Camaros in color that wouldn't be our first choice it's reason enough to paint it the original color based on the fact that it's rare and we have proof of the originality of the color. You don't go to a car show very often and not see a 69 Camaro, but when u have one that's rare and not the same as most of the rest it's pretty cool to have. I never meant to ruffle your feathers with my questions. Just trying to learn and this site has been a great place to do so.

[bcmiller]

If you like the color, I encourage you to keep it the original color.

Build it how you want it.

[Qwik57]

Was able to see part of the transmission that came in the car but I think like the engine it was a replacement. Looks to be a 1968

[william]

Warranty trans.

[GMAD_Van Nuys]

Article from Hemmings about 1969 Camaro with special paint:

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/07/06/unearthing-a-barn-find-special-order-color-1969-z-28

[Qwik57]

NCRS report came in, Jack Head Chevrolet was the dealer

[KurtS]

Jack Head ordered two special paint L78's that were built at the same time. Your light blue car and a presumed Monza Red car.
Both had 712 interiors, yours have 4.10's, the red car had 3.73's.

[Qwik57]

You know this for fact? Is there proof somewhere? Very cool information thank u

[Qwik57]

Is there any way to know what shade of blue it is, doesnt really look like carolina blue but I have never seen one in person just photos

[Qwik57]

Would be nice to know original owner as the original engine is gone, might be hiding in a garage under a blanket somewhere

[KurtS]

Is there any way to know what shade of blue it is, doesnt really look like carolina blue but I have never seen one in person just photos

Already been discussed. See post 33 and 34.

[Qwik57]

My apologies I wasnt sure if you had some new info based on the comment about Jack head and what he ordered. Thanks alot for the info very much appreciated

[KurtS]

My info is coming from the 2 Jack Head cars, not from the dealer.