Restoring 6 Cylinder 69 Camaro. Should I keep it original or COPO Clone it?

[tom]

A COPO clone may be worth more on resale, but the cost of the cloning may be more than the difference in value. It's really easy to give away an expensive project. I went through much the same thought process on my 307 glide. It will now stay close to original, and what I change will be reversable. I am even going to keep it white much to my suprise.

[69Z28freak]

Reading about this car on Team Camaro leads one to believe this car will not stay original, color or drivetrain. Which is more appropriate for that site. There are plenty of non original cars in disrepair that are good candidates for modification, especially in today's market. Not many original, non butchered sixes left. But as stated, it's completely up to the owner.

I have to admit that since joining this site I am starting to think differently. I know I had an original plan, but I may reconsider. The car is all original except the paint. Do you think I should keep it the same color and keep the six. I am starting to think that might be a good idea. Even the spare tire is original. I guess there is no harm in freshening it up. Like I planned to do with the subframe and engine bay, firewall ect.

Car has already had one repaint so I might as well paint it again. I would like to add a spoiler front and rear as well as put a set of multi leafs in the rear. The car drives real nice and is a smooth as glass. Perhaps I should keep this as a nice driver and buy a cheap basket case that I can build from scratch. I am learning so much from this present build. Besides if I paint it I might not have enough money for any drive train upgrades. Always appreciate the advice Scott.

[69Z28freak]

A COPO clone may be worth more on resale, but the cost of the cloning may be more than the difference in value. It's really easy to give away an expensive project. I went through much the same thought process on my 307 glide. It will now stay close to original, and what I change will be reversable. I am even going to keep it white much to my suprise.

A COPO clone may be worth more on resale, but the cost of the cloning may be more than the difference in value. It's really easy to give away an expensive project. I went through much the same thought process on my 307 glide. It will now stay close to original, and what I change will be reversable. I am even going to keep it white much to my suprise.

Hey Tom your car is white? Can you post any pictures? I am really curious. I love learning about other cars. Would love to hear more about your car.

[L78 steve]

If money is tight for you then stock will be your only option. Do you have any idea what it will cost to COPO clone?

[tom]

Mostly white, with significant rust. Much has been disassembled. Many parts in bins. Two kids in college, and unemployed. Progress is totally stalled till better times. While I have a number of detail photos, some worse than others, I can not find any shots of the whole car, or major portions. This is the closest I could find.

[KurtS]

I guess there is no harm in freshening it up. Like I planned to do with the subframe and engine bay, firewall ect.

Car has already had one repaint so I might as well paint it again. I would like to add a spoiler front and rear as well as put a set of multi leafs in the rear. The car drives real nice and is a smooth as glass. Perhaps I should keep this as a nice driver and buy a cheap basket case that I can build from scratch. I am learning so much from this present build. Besides if I paint it I might not have enough money for any drive train upgrades. Always appreciate the advice Scott.

There's a difference between restored and original. The car is original right now except for paint. "Freshening' the underhood is restoring it - to me, that changes the car completely. I'd take the car as it sits. Restored, I'd probably pass on it.

I like the looks of the exterior. How many white/blue cars do you ever see? No less without spoilers. Find any 69 without spoilers (other than the Z on the homepage!) - everyone adds them!

What are you fixing with the multileafs?

Your car, but you don't find originals like this very often.

[Sauron327]

You'd have to see the car on Team Camaro. Nearly every panel needs work including front and rear window channel repair, belly is solid. Most suggest COPO or Z cloning, and everything else that is miles away from keeping is as it was.  It would be nice to see it stay as it was. As everyone says, it's the owner's car.

[lasereye]

[/quote]
 Find any 69 without spoilers (other than the Z on the homepage!) - everyone adds them!
[/quote]

Found the second one. Spoiler, smoiler; they're still great cars without them. IMO

[69Z28freak]

I guess there is no harm in freshening it up. Like I planned to do with the subframe and engine bay, firewall ect.

Car has already had one repaint so I might as well paint it again. I would like to add a spoiler front and rear as well as put a set of multi leafs in the rear. The car drives real nice and is a smooth as glass. Perhaps I should keep this as a nice driver and buy a cheap basket case that I can build from scratch. I am learning so much from this present build. Besides if I paint it I might not have enough money for any drive train upgrades. Always appreciate the advice Scott.

There's a difference between restored and original. The car is original right now except for paint. "Freshening' the underhood is restoring it - to me, that changes the car completely. I'd take the car as it sits. Restored, I'd probably pass on it.

I like the looks of the exterior. How many white/blue cars do you ever see? No less without spoilers. Find any 69 without spoilers (other than the Z on the homepage!) - everyone adds them!

What are you fixing with the multileafs?

Your car, but you don't find originals like this very often.

Hi Kurt I am at the point where I can stop and just clean it up. However as Scott has said, it has been painted before and I just changed one quarter panle and the other was changed before I got it. Instead of painting the firewall I could just clean it. I have fixed the rust areas, which had to be fixed. since has been painted before, painting it again can't hurt it. Why don't you check it out Kurt and let me know what you think. I have painted some of the underhood parts already.

[69Z28freak]

Mostly white, with significant rust. Much has been disassembled. Many parts in bins. Two kids in college, and unemployed. Progress is totally stalled till better times. While I have a number of detail photos, some worse than others, I can not find any shots of the whole car, or major portions. This is the closest I could find.

Hey Tom mine was simular condition under the bondo. What part of the country are you in. What are the other details on your car, interior, motor etc. What are you plans for the car?

[69Z28freak]

If you are trying to gain support from this site for anything other than Original  I don't think its going to happen. Aside from mild modifications this is why this site is here. Even though you have received several comments in favor of; "Keep it Original ", you are still leaning in towards cloning it. As for its more valuable as a Copo Clone . If you are considering this change as an investment, take a look at what copo clones are selling for...around 50% (probably less) of the total investment.

Bottom line, its your car...do whatever you are comfortable with and whatever makes you happy.

IMO...for what its worth...

Thanks Marty I appreciate the opinion. I am starting to lean towards keeping it original if it is not too late. I was going to keep it all original but it had a few serious rust issues that needed to be addressed. if you check out the TC thread you will see where I am at.

[hgger69]

Hi there!
Very nice lookin car as it is! 
....have I missed something here or what is the original color from the trim tag?

I agree with most people here that you should keep the car original and make a resoration where it´s needed, no more!
COPO´s are every where but a slant six is very unusual, at least here in Sweden thin k we got one(1) !

...but still, it´s up to you! 

[IZRSSS]

Thanks Marty I appreciate the opinion. I am starting to lean towards keeping it original if it is not too late. I was going to keep it all original but it had a few serious rust issues that needed to be addressed. if you check out the TC thread you will see where I am at.

I took a peak at your TC thread and it looks like you are off and running. Its Nice to know members are guiding you through the process. Again...in the end, your decision is the only one that matters. Good luck with your build.
 

[tom]

I'm in NJ. Most of the details are in my signature. X11, Ll4(307), powerglide, Style Trim(Z21) Special Interior(Z23) 727 - Black standard interior with white seats, 50 B - Dover white with black vinyl top - Last two owners did not know of the missing vinyl top, previous owners have swapped out the radio for aftermarket, added 15 x 7 Monte Carlo rally wheels, D80 spoilers, I have added a cowl hood (still have the old hood), I bought the back to a fold down seat. Prior to previous owner it was crunched bad enough to have the front subframe and skin replaced. I have a tpi system off an 87 firebird that will replace the 2bbl carb when it gets put back together. I believe the engine and trans are original but have not checked for partial vins. Much of the interior needs replacement. but I did drive it home.

[KurtS]

At this point, it's pretty much a frame-on resto. Original parts, but restored.

Me, I'd paint it as original: white, no stripes, no spoiler.

TC thread: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=186787