Here I is.........what do you needto know.............I don't think a 69 camaro front end will fit a maverick...........
Nothing will be final until the first week of April, but it looks like my Mom is going to own the '69 Camaro SS w/ 396 and Muncie M21 (I think) that belonged to my uncle (her brother) that just passed away. That means it's coming my way. First thing I would like to know is which of Camaro and F-body forums are the best. Second, is going to be what are the best sources for parts. I've already heard about Rick's Camaro Parts and it's about 90 minutes away from me. The car is essentially original. My uncle switched it from a 3-speed to the 4-speed, changed the cam, and installed 3.73 gears. He kept all the original parts and it would be a numbers matching 325 HP 396, 3-speed car. It still has original paint and interior. The rarest of the 69 Camaros is that combination, but I don't think it is a very desirable combo. However, I've already told you all I know about Camaros. One thing that is really neat is that we have the original bill of sale, loan agreement, warranty card, owner's manual, etc. It is all in good condition. We also have all the service records for the first couple of years and ticket where body work was done on the right rear quater panel when a dear hit it in 1971. He bought it brand new in May 1969 for a little over $3,400 - no AC and no power steering (that's got to be added - it ain't as easy to steer as Maverick with no PS). I'll listen to any ideas you have.
I hope your Moms enjoys the car. I'd just leave it the way it is, as a tribute to your uncle. There is a huge aftermarket for Camaro parts, with a lot of junk parts out there. (Hey, I was born in May 69)
Dont molest the car.It is a desireable piece since not too many were 3 spd cars with a big block.Year One...Goodmark are a couple sources for chevy parts.check em out. Oh and congrats on the hand me down camaro...your mom will enjoy it a lot!!!
I've been hearing about this car for a few years now. Can't wait to hopefully see it in person, though obviously I wish it could have been under different circumstances. Sounds like an awesome car. For a Chevy. (you know I had to throw that last part in there )
Easy to add power steering to a Camaro. You will need the power box, pump and brackets, and hoses. The pump and box will be the easy parts to find, many Chevys used the same ones. Not sure about the brackets, may be specific to the car. Hoses are probably reproduced. The box is self contained, so no leaky ram to fool with. I wouldn't worry about what's original and what's not too much. It's done the way your Uncle wanted it, so if your happy with it, I'd say stick with it. I mean, however rare, it's still not a numbers matching 67 Z 28 or a 69 COPO, the two rarest of the rare Camaro's.
It's not the rarest Camaro, but it is immensly valuable. I had a base 69 SS 396 (325HP) Muncie 4-speed car the same time I owned my 69 RS/SS 396 (375HP) Muncie 4-speed Indy Pace Car convertible. Unfortunately, and unwisely,.....I had to sell them both in the early 80's The very same SS 396 I owned recently sold on the Barrett Jackson auction for $29,000. The Camaro parts Co. that ended up with my old 69 Pace Car sold it a few years ago for $54,000. If I were you (or your mom) I'd keep the 4-speed in it....just keep the original 3-speed handy if you still have it. An original big block 3-speed car is a rare combo, and though original equipment helps value.....it doesn't mean it was a smart choice when it was ordered that way back in 69. GM 3-speeds are a bit wimpy for duty behind a big block. A muncie 4-speed is the way to go, and I doubt replacing the 3 with a good Muncie 4 would hurt it's value much, if at all. It's a valuable investment. Just make sure your mom don't go hot-rodding it and tearing the car up street racing and raising hell! LOL .
Well, she's 77, can't drive a stick, and can't drive it without power steering. I don't think her "tearin' up the streets" with it is going to be a problem.
I think the best thing you could do is sell it to me.......it sounds like way to much work for you, and who needs that aggravation. No seriously I would leave it alone, it is rare to find an original owner camaro whatever shape it is in. Rick's camaro parts has a good reputation, I also like year one....they seem do bend over backwards to help.
If it has the original title, I'd try to keep that too, or at least make a copy of it when and if you apply for a new title.