Chevy In A Basket: 1969 Camaro Project
From the “Some Assembly Required” department here at Barn Finds, comes this 1969 Camaro basket case project car. It’s offered for sale here on craigslist, and is located near the Lake of the Ozarks in south central Missouri. The asking price is $5,500.
The seller says the car is “Hugger Orange with ivory houndstooth interior”. To me, it looks kind of blue, rather than orange. Maybe it’s just a blue-ish shade of orange?
Kidding aside, the orange-and-houndstooth finish and trim is what many would probably consider a very desirable combination for this car. It wouldn’t be a true “basket case” if it didn’t come with a whole truckload of parts, and the seller appears to have accumulated plenty, which are included in this deal. In the various photos, we can see new quarter panels, floor panels, fenders, lots more, and I can see what looks to be the tops of the houndstooth-clad bucket seats visible in a couple of the low quality photos.
A drivetrain is also visible, which the seller says is a 350. No word on whether it’s the correct, matching number unit though. These labor intensive, deep-basket cases are beyond the scope of many enthusiasts, but the chance to build it right, in one’s own way, is endlessly appealing to others. Great opportunity, or bottomless money pit? Yes and yes! What’s your opinion?
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Comments
I bought a motorcycle like this once (1978 Honda 750-4). It was a fun project to put back together but, I can’t say it was easy. This will be a challenge if you have no experience with this make and model. Fortunately, there are many places to go for help on this one.
It puzzles me why so many people disassemble cars and then never put them back together again. I wonder how much value is lost.
I’m always puzzled by peoples incredulity. I guess it’s a sign of stability in their lives.
Need some reasons why? …births, deaths, illness, divorce, job loss, more pressing projects, realized you were in over your head, teen daughter came home pregnant, your wife got pregnant two years before you were going to retire… You know life.
Amen, I see it so often. Baffles me. It’s easy to take em apart. Putting them back together not so much.
Someone will have the chance to build their dream car. Big project?
People have paid a lot more for less car, that ends up requiring complete disassembly anyway…
@Bobsmyuncle-you nailed it perfectly. Had a friend who experienced the “two years before you were going to retire” surprise.
Same thing happened to my friend, and it was twins! I couldn’t decide which greeting card to send. ;)
I bought a 67 GTO basket case and yes it was a challenge for a 22 year old newly married. It can be done but you have to have a gearhead mentality and know to do it right it will be a long term project.
This is a TON of work, and much much more than people realize. I still own a project that someone disassembled and have several years in to it. NOTHING was tagged and bagged unfortunately. Never again will I buy something that someone else took apart. ALWAYS tag and bag your bolts/nuts/screws/hardware. Even if you are going to spend the $$$ to replace them with kits from a great company like AMK.(I have no affiliation with them BTW) I did a nut and bolt resto. on a ’67 Mustang convertible and that was well worth spending the $$$ on new bolt kits. Those small details make all the difference in the final product!!
Actually basket cases can be a great way to go IF you are very familiar with the make and model and have previous experience. First thing is you actually get to see the bones of the car so hidden surprises are diminished. You generally get a much better deal because it is in pieces and the owner is generally frustrated or overwhelmed. You’re going to have to dismantle it anyway. Many times you get new parts that are included. You can actually inspect all components easily. HOWEVER you better do your homework, know what to look for and be and expert on the model or take one with you. Some of my best purchases have been basket-cases but I stick with Mustangs and know them quite well so identification is not a problem…. All that said stay away from rust buckets and spend extra on a solid car.
I think the car is worth maybe $1,500, and the parts are where the money is. I’m sure the seller has taken a quick tally of what he’s spent on all the parts he collected over the years and is probably just trying to get that back. Fair enough, right? The NICE thing about a basket case car is that the flippers stay away from them, and that alone makes me happy. As to Bobsmyuncle, you hit the nail on the head my friend. I’ve had some very radical life changes myself over the last decade, had to get rid of several nice cars (XKE, XJ12C, 2 Trans Ams, SRT-10 Ram, etc)……Even after all that I moved 1,500 and shipped 4 cars and hauled two basket cases myself. Luckily a Herald fits IN my truck,
The best way to get around the basket case is to buy a complete, but completely rotted parts car to use as a reference. Kind of hard for a Camaro collector, but offbrand guys have more luck usually