Smartest way to reach my 68 PT Camaro dream?

[maverick80]

I'm in the process of saving for a 68 Camaro. Is it more affordable to put the sweat equity in myself to rehab a car and purchase a roller, or purchase one that is more complete.

I'll be looking to purchase one with at least the body work done, as I'm more experienced with the mechanical side of things.

End goal would be a mild pro touring car with a new GM crate engine of some sort.

Initial budget for just the car would be about $20k and I would modify as time goes by.

Or is it smarter to just save more and try to get something at auction? Mecum etc..

Thanks!
Mike

[im4u2nvss]

The more you spend up front the more you save in the long run. The bad news is many find surprises under nice "looking" paint. So the only way to really know is full restoration(by you and/or your $). 20k sounds pretty low. A decent driver quality car would be ~30k, then your upgrades on top(10-15k ls swap, 5-10k suspension, exc.). Then add 20% to your estimates. Best of luck to you.

[Build-It-Break-it]

I posted the same reply on pro touring. 20k just won't get you much now a days. At least not a "true" pro touring car and definitely not a good driver.

[maverick80]

Thanks guys. For examples sake, this is along the lines of what I was thinking:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Chevro...ZZvCn9&vxp=mtr

The car is $19k obo. Possible good starter car?

[Build-It-Break-it]

I'd never buy anything with paint and definitely not from ebay. Not for anywhere near 20k

If you buy Anything painted it would need to be fully documented with A LOT of before pictures.

I'd try to find one in the 10k range to build and change body panels if you have the skills. But once you start tearing a 40 year old car apart your money starts to disappear fast. Pucker your B Hole.

[clill]

That car you posted might be worth looking into. Being in Arizona it might not have any rust issues. I would post a wanted ad on this forum and be patient.