Here is what I have, After researching and contacting GM for a “restoration kit” and carefully going through all documentation…….. My giant jigsaw puzzle is a good restorer. It was born a 427 tri power 435 HP, 4 speed M22, f41, side pipe, monza red, black leather, tilt tele car. What do I have? Fresh frame (been to the shop) straightened, blasted, painted, new ss brakes on all 4, new bushings and rubber. A fresh 69 427 block (casting 3963512) from a passenger car, M22 close ratio (rebuilt also) hooker headers, brand new exhaust system to the rear (bummer, side pipe car) and most of the body, 90% of the headlight stuff. The entire interior that is still in good shape. No fiberglass from the firewall forward but lots of new stuff I have to figure out where it goes. That was the good. Here is the bad (Bubba stuff) 70 or later flares on the rear, painted by someone who has yet to discover masking tape, yes overspray on most everything including the seats! The headlight doors must have sat low, so “Bubba” added ½ to 1” of bondo to make up the difference! The rear window glass looks as if it was sandblasted and is not useable. This is the aborted project that someone else has started and I bought for 6k. I don’t think I got hurt on it.
Here is the dilemma: This is kind of a rare and desirable car, I originally was just going to put it back together and not care about originality, but once I found out \what the car is I am unsure.
Question for the forum. Bite the bullet, drain my savings and make the car as close to original as possible, or continue with plan A, make a nice car and just have fun with it? (if I can figure out how to insert pictures I would) [IMG][/IMG]

 

My $0.02 worth. Since you don't have the original block, and the car has been modified along the way, I'd try to return it to as close to stock appearance as possible without going overboard looking for correctly dated NOS parts and such. Either way, you're going to end up with way more into it than you're likely to get back if you sell. So, in the end, you should take some time to decide exactly what you want out of the car, and take that route.

 

hey since you're in sac

i say...trade it for my 69....and you can do what you
want to it without feeling quilty :jester :lol: :jester :lol:

 

This is essentially what I have. It has been used hard and molested by a variety of owners, so the cost to make it perfect would be prohibitive. It could be done, but I'm not going to do it. That said, mine will be correct in as many ways as possible, and it will be a very nice example of a rare automobile that I can drive and enjoy anytime I want. As much as I would like it to be perfect, as long as it is used regularly, it will show. Only trailer queens, for the most part, are perfect. Besides, it's too much fun, baby!

Just noticed your in the Sacramento area! That makes about five 68-69's in this area that are forum members...

Hans


[Modified by Wrencher, 11:09 AM 6/18/2002]

 

I agree with the above posts and if it were me I would put the money into making a monster street engine out of that non original 427 BB, correct some of the body damage (leave the flares for fat tires), add a few more perfomance mods, paint it and drive it until the wheels fall off! Have fun :smash: .