Newbie. With a 1967 True RS/SS 396 convertible. I hope

[Eriktampabay]

https://www.z28.com/threads/1967-model-year-info.595/

[bertfam]

That information is incorrect. (By the way, that site is riddled with incorrect information.) The correct information is HERE, and was taken from Chevrolet Bulletin 66-164 dated December 16th, 1966. In it (Page 2), regarding the L35 (396/325) engine, it states "We currently anticipate production will start during the latter part of January."

The pre-production engineering development and testing for the big block was done in November and December of 1966, but the actual release date of the L35 engine wasn't until late December, 1966. That's when dealers could start ordering them. The very first L35 cars rolled off the assembly lines in early January, 1967. I no longer have access to the database, but if I remember correctly, the first L35 car we have in the database is the second week of January, 1967. Kurt, Daniel or Bryon will have to verify this for me.

The engine you have is a restamp. It doesn't have the correct fonts, is the wrong size and the original broach marks are no longer there indicating the block's been decked.

If you didn't pay a lot for the car, enjoy it for what it is, a big block clone. However, if you paid a lot of money for the car and it was represented as "numbers matching", get your money back. If you need verification from a professional, contact Jerry MacNeish at CAMARO HIGH-PERFORMANCE. (Jerry's THE authority on the first generation Camaro), and he can inspect the car for you. If you end up needing a lawyer, contact Bryan Shook at VINTAGE CAR LAW. He specializes in these types of cases.

Ed

[ko-lek-tor]

Erik, I know it is hard to accept and a lot to digest. But that is why you posted: to learn about your car. And you even admitted your lack of knowledge about these type cars. This site has seen this over and over again, that is, misrepresented cars. When these two guys (Ed & Bryon) tell you their opinion, you can take it to the bank, so to speak. We are not here to bust bubbles, but we are here to dispel myth and seek truth. And although not the outcome you hoped, you can say you learned something about your car. And knowledge is power.

[Eriktampabay]

I appreciate all you have said and the knowledge. I had suspected it with the lack of documentation on the vehicle. Thanks.

[Eriktampabay]

Bertfam You state they anticipate production to start in late Jan yet also state that the first ones to roll of the lot where mid Jan.

[bertfam]

Their anticipation was based on a number of factors including available parts, snags in development, etc... so it was just a "best guess". Remember, the bulletin was dated December 16th, 1966 (my sister turned 4 on that day!!), and apparently things went more smoothly than they anticipated.

Ed

[bcmiller]

Erik,

It’s not pertinent to know exactly to the day when Camaro SS 396 production started. Your car is too early for it to be a 396 car. End of story.

If you feel you got taken and the car was advertised as original, contact the seller and see what they will do for you. Otherwise hire an attorney.

You could also just continue to enjoy the car. The engine and transmission in my 68 are not original, not a big deal to me. The car was raced and they were likely blown up long ago. 

[Eriktampabay]

No. I hear ya. I am just relaying what the previous owner is telling me. The Broach marks are there, The rivets are correct on cowel tag. Font is correct. etc etc. First he offered me a full refund. Now he is back pedaling. Telling me about how there is no set date on the 396 blah blah blah. Now he is telling me about his health issues and gave me his attorneys number. I paid 52500 for the vehicle. Lesson learned. I will keep you guys updated. He went on to tell me about his 30 other vehicles one that sold for 5.2 million or something like that. A dodge Judge by the best of the best at Dallas world of wheels first place winner nationals.

[Eriktampabay]

Might I add he said he purchased the vehicle way before cowel tags where being reproduced.

[Eriktampabay]

Bcmiller you have seen the other photos of the vehicle. What do you think it is worth as a 396 clone? 25,000 to 30,000?

[68camaroz28]

Bcmiller you have seen the other photos of the vehicle. What do you think it is worth as a 396 clone? 25,000 to 30,000?

Hoping this turns out OK for you but stay on top of this and keep moving to correct as best you can with the end result hopefully being you got your money back. It's sad how often this happens! Good luck!

[Eriktampabay]

No worries. Glad you guys are here to educate me and I will share the results.

[Eriktampabay]

I told him to prove it wrong. Looking to rewrite history for the chevy community.

[bcmiller]

I will take a look at the pics and if you want I can post a few.  Can get you a very rough idea in value but a personal onsite inspection is always required to be accurate.  What state are you located in? 

[Eriktampabay]

I am located in FL Parrish. Just outside of Tampa. You have the photos I can take more if you wish.