Build questions
 

Alright guys I have not posted in a long time, nor have I made any progress at all. I had a lot of money saved up but I ended up buying a house I just couldn't pass up. I also got married about 3 months ago so that set the funds back as well.

I have a 1969 Camaro that is going to need all new sheet metal I am almost sure. I took it to a bodyshop and he said I would need all new metal. I realize that this is going to be very costly. I have a huge amount of questions.

Should I start slowly buying parts until I have what I need and all that is left is body work? Or should I get the body work done first then just have the car sitting until I can afford the rest of the parts? Also since I am getting all new metal would it make sense just to go ahead and get the car mini tubbed?

I currently have a brand new moser rear, a t56 tranny, magnaflow exhaust, marquez tail, fog, and side marker lights sitting at my house so I am part of the way there. I want to run a SBC that makes around 400hp. What engine would be best suited for that? A 383, 406?

Basically I want the car to just be a mean street car, I want disc's all the way around and good suspension. I was looking at the tvs, but I have also been looking at coilovers, any opinions on which would be best?

As far as wheels go I was looking into Boze forged boost wheels, but I am sure I will change my mind a few hundred times. I am looking for a no frills street car look with a close to stock look with modern wheels and brakes.

I am just asking your guys thoughts on what my plan of attack should be.

Thanks a lot Ryan

Well, for me, based on the burnout pics, I assume it runs, because the car runs and drives now, I would start doing weekend improvments and keeping the car running. Do your TVS (or whatever you decide), Do your brakes, do your wheels, all while continueing to drive and enjoy the car. Why tear it apart and walk around it in the garage while the parts dribble in as money allows.

Keep it running. I swear it is a lot more fun to drive it then see it in peices in the garage for years.

That is kind of what I am leaning towards, I would at least like have something decent to cruise around in.

I'm in agreement with Frank and if the looks bother ya drive it mostly after dark. Another option is to sell the car and all the parts and buy one more useable as is then upgrade slowly in the same fashion. With a new home and wife you've got a lot of other projects to attend to I'm sure.

you know, I almost had half a mind to try selling the car and all of the parts and doing that. Then I sort of wondered how much my car was even worth and how much a good 69 is going for these days.

Listen to Frank! My car has been torn down for over 6 years now...life happens!!

You can replace some of the metal while keeping it drivable....front fenders, quarter panels, ect. And yes if it were me I would mini-tub it! Is your new rear end stock width or narrowed?

Can you do the metal work yourself? If not that is going to be quite a bill!!

Well do some research and "shop" for another car. See how much you would spend to get one in the condition you want. Then have a chat with the wife about your plan and how much you'd like to spend over what you can sell your current car for to get one in the condition you'd like to start with. See what she thinks, if she drives around in it with you she might think it's a great plan!

My rear end is stock width, I would imagine that would lessen the possibilities as far as wheel size goes. No I can't do metal work myself, and I got a quote of 16000 to take it off the frame and re-do everything. I had considered just fixing the few worst spots but then thought it may be double work if I was going to re-do it down the road. I am not real sure yet what i am going to do. I am not even close to being rich so it could take almost a decade to pay for all of this hahaha.

I have to agree with Frank.My car has been sitting for over 4 years.keep it running and enjoy it.

I have no idea what you're talking about, Frank. :_paranoid :lol: