New steel bodies - Lateral-g Forums

Al Moreno · #1 04-11-2005, 08:06 PM

Does anybody have any status on the 69 Camaro bodies?
Last I heard, they had 2 bodies at an auction, Asking price was $14,000.

I'm looking to start a 69 convertible PT project (mini tud, LS2, 6 speed, etc.) I'm planning on going through the whole car. I wouldn't want to pay the added cost for a finish car if I'm going to redo everything anyway.

I'm not sure if it's would be more economical restore a car with rust? (Replace floor boards, quarters, rockers, etc....) or to buy a new body.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

**XcYZ** · #2 04-11-2005, 08:08 PM

Last I heard, the bodies were pretty bad. I know there's a couple of members on here that can comment on it better than I can.

**Ummgawa** · #3 04-11-2005, 08:18 PM

Al

First, welcome! I had a deposit on one of the convertible bodies from the beginning, and nothing ever materialized from it. Some of the guys here said that the bodies at SEMA were not of the best quality. I had heard the same thing from Rick at Rick's Camaros. He said simply "Junk". Figure that at some point they (whomever THEY might be) will get it right at some point. You'd be best to find a nice vert body, but hurry, they are getting expensive. I bought one in Arizona thinking that it would be rust free. Well, The body was. The doors and fenders have issues that are easily remedied with some welding and grinding. Hurry up and take your time, they are getting harder to find. Good Luck.

rwhite692 · #4 04-12-2005, 12:03 AM

The one repro body shell that I saw looked quite awful. IMHO...It would probably take as much work to make the thing "right", as it would to just start with a rusty original and fix that...The repro doors were particularly terrible, in my opinion. I also don't think the issues of GM licensing and state DMV registration/VIN assignment issues are resolved yet...

Payton King · #5 04-12-2005, 01:18 PM

I believe there is a company here in NC that is selling a kit to convert a 69 coupe to a convertible. Not sure of the price or details. If anyone is interested I could find out.

**Ummgawa** · #6 04-12-2005, 04:27 PM

Payton

I am VERY interested, please give me a heads up.

Thanks Man!

rwhite692 · #7 04-12-2005, 04:44 PM

That would definately be the way to go!

Al Moreno · #8 04-13-2005, 03:13 PM

First of, thanks for all the info and secondly, Payton, I for one would be very interested, that would really open up the options.

Al Moreno · #9 04-25-2005, 09:43 PM

I just got my issue of Super Chevy and there's an article about C.A.R.S. selling the bodies for $13,100. I spoke with Pete at C.A.R.S. and he said that they and reference to fit and finish, they are only using a fraction of the chimes that the factory used to assemble them, so the panels have a better fit. They have delivered several and have 25 on order. They are doing about 2 per week. For another $16,000 you would have everything else to complete the body including a full deluxe interior.

It seems cost effective to me, what do you guys think?