Need some advice

[Weaver]

I am interested in building my own pt 69 camaro. I know...everyone and their grandmaw has one, but I have wanted one since I was in high school, which was 15 years ago. My budget is in the 30 to 40k range, which I know isn't much, but here is what I was looking to do.

Replace the front and rear suspension with a more modern one to handle high hp and add big brakes and 18's in the front and 20's in the rear. Replace the stock gauges with autometer gauges and redo the upholstery and add vintage a/c. Replace engine, tranny and rear end with a ls1/auto/ford 9 inch. Putting the cost of the car aside, could this be done for 30K? I don't know how to do any of this work nor have the tools, so I would have to get a shop to do it. Sorry I can't be more technical in what I want. I am in the process of reading the Pro Touring book.

Thanks for the replies in advance,

Weaver

[kennyd]

tracy ,
i will say no . cost of a good camaro 10k easy , motor and tans 4500. wheels 3k , 9in rear 1500, labor to paint assemble and wire 15to 20 k plus all the parts and materials i say 60k plus a interior.

[Stuart Adams]

If you already have a car, and the body/ paint is what you like then you could make some changes for 40K. The money will go real fast though so do a priority list and finish each item before you go to the next so you don't have a bunch of stuff and a non driveable car.

LS motor swaps are real pricey, I would do the front/rear suspension, brakes, wheels and tires for sure then see what is left over and add pieces as you go along. That is not too labor intensive ( that is where a large portion of the bucks will go, keep that in mind). If you have to have an LS motor then don't spend too much on the motor in there.

Good luck with it.

[camcojb]

I don't think so with all the upgrades; I think the parts cost would easily exceed your $30K budget even if you supplied all the labor.


I do wish you luck though, just seems like it's $25K+ just to re-do a car stock, not counting the cost of the car. Then again, the condition of the car has a lot to do with it. If the car doesn't need restoring, just changing it could be done. But when you figure replacing all the pieces on the car, body/paint, then adding all the upgrades it gets ugly quick.

Jody

[Stuart Adams]

If you were going to pay someone to do all that is in your post you would need at least 75K, not counting the car or body/paint.

[jy211]

You could probably find one almost to your liking...

Look here For Starters

check all the sites. SOmetimes people get bored of toys and want to off load them to get something fresh...

I happen to be one of those people!

[rocketman]

Originally Posted by Weaver

I am interested in building my own pt 69 camaro. I know...everyone and their grandmaw has one, but I have wanted one since I was in high school, which was 15 years ago. My budget is in the 30 to 40k range, which I know isn't much, but here is what I was looking to do.

Replace the front and rear suspension with a more modern one to handle high hp and add big brakes and 18's in the front and 20's in the rear. Replace the stock gauges with autometer gauges and redo the upholstery and add vintage a/c. Replace engine, tranny and rear end with a ls1/auto/ford 9 inch. Putting the cost of the car aside, could this be done for 30K? I don't know how to do any of this work nor have the tools, so I would have to get a shop to do it. Sorry I can't be more technical in what I want. I am in the process of reading the Pro Touring book.

Thanks for the replies in advance,

Weaver

It will be fairly hard to have it built for that money.If you just want a nice cruise night,car show ,weekend toy.There's alot of stuff you dont need that will help in the cost.

Like keeping the front suspension,just rebuild it with tube control arms,get some dropped spindles,and aftermarket brakes,switch it to a rack and pinion.
Same for the rear,use leaf springs and a mini tub kit.These to step's save a fortune,when you don't need all the trick suspensions out there if you aren't going race or autocross it.

If shop wise you can pick up a nice low mile's LSx pull-out or mild built engine for decent money.Don't forget you will need a computer for the engine and tranny.

if you are willing to try and do some of the work your self,that can save a good bit also,you wont need much more than common hand tools.and save the paint and interior for a pro.

Depending on the results you are shooting for,30-40 g maybe dueable.

Also if spend alittle more on the car it self,like one with a good body and interior to start with that makes it easier,not spending a fortune on bodywork.and look for one thats not a bondo queen.

Thats a few tips I can think of right now.
good luck

Rocketman

[BThibodeaux]

You don't ask for much do you?

After the cost of the car and the parts upgrades, a shop will eat up your budget way before getting much of what you want done. IMO you are going to get the most for your money by finding a car that has already been done in a way that is pretty close to how you want it. Be patient, as it could take up to a year or longer, but you will find it. Look at lots of cars first, with the idea that you will not even consider buying one until you have seen at least 30 or so. This will give you a good idea about what you can really get for your money. Photos of cars online do not count. You need to see them and drive them in person. When you think you are serious about a car, be sure to have someone who really knows these cars inspect it with you. Don't be afraid to walk away from a car that you are not 100% comfortable with.

[Weaver]

I don't have a car yet, but I don't absolutely have to have the ls1/tranny swap. If I had a 350 with an auto, I could live with that, but I definitely want to upgrade the entire suspension, brakes and wheels. The interior I could live with, just have it re-upholstered. I think that could be done for $40k with the cost of the car. Agree?

Weaver

Originally Posted by camcojb

I don't think so with all the upgrades; I think the parts cost would easily exceed your $30K budget even if you supplied all the labor.


I do wish you luck though, just seems like it's $25K+ just to re-do a car stock, not counting the cost of the car. Then again, the condition of the car has a lot to do with it. If the car doesn't need restoring, just changing it could be done. But when you figure replacing all the pieces on the car, body/paint, then adding all the upgrades it gets ugly quick.

Jody

[rocketman]

weaver,where you located.