The new found popularity of 2nd-gen F-Bodies... - Lateral-g Forums

**fleet** · #1 05-18-2009, 01:36 AM

I'm looking for a '69 Camaro to build, but IMO a real '70-73 Trans-Am is badder than any original Camaro and even most modded Camaros.

What else is there to do on those cars besides wheels and tires?

Pontiac simply nailed it.

**Ummgawa** · #2 05-18-2009, 05:49 AM

I'll have to take some folk to task on the 74 Camaro. Very unique in that it had the the 70-73 rear window treatment and a lot of one off stuff like true dual exaust and a corvette engine(L-82) in the Z-28.

takid455 · #3 05-18-2009, 06:40 AM

2nd gens have been on the rise for some time now. I used to pick up runners for 500, now garbage is 1500. I will state that the 70-73 body style is in demand as with the 77/78 style not far behind. the later years way surpass the early years in production, so their prices will be lower. this is for the firebirds. I am not too informed on the sister f body.

BonzoHansen · #4 05-18-2009, 08:33 AM

Pros: More parts will be reproduced, as well as increased aftermarket support

Cons: Car prices are going up.

CamaroPat · #5 05-19-2009, 12:03 PM

I've seen a huge surge in aftermarket support, which I love, since I own a 1981 Camaro and I've gone through a handful of other 2nd-gens. I'm glad to hear someone else mention the odd-ball features of the '74 model. I've considered numerous directions for builds, but as mentioned, the prices have sky-rocketed. I picked my '81 up for a grand, after helping my buddy put four grand in parts in it. I nabbed a '79 Camaro that ran high tens for $2k back in '03. I compared my car to some others on ebay and it looks like my $1000 car could sell for $8k. Now even the newer 2nd-gens are old enough to be regarded as muscle cars, and they're being priced as such. All of the really clapped out junk examples of these cars are off the road and all that's really left for sale is the well preserved stuff. Now 3rd and 4th-gens seem to be the cars that can be picked up cheap, in rough shape, but drivable. That's just the way the cycle goes I guess.

Desert68 · #6 05-19-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ummgawa

I'll have to take some folk to task on the 74 Camaro. Very unique in that it had the the 70-73 rear window treatment and a lot of one off stuff like true dual exaust and a corvette engine(L-82) in the Z-28.

And the '74 Firebird as well. Clean front ends, same rear window as the earlier ones. The Formulas have clean lines.

70rs · #7 05-22-2009, 10:32 PM

When I bought my 68 rs back in 1988 it had a fresh build on the original 327 and the factory 4 speed and original rear end were still in it. The body was a solid 7 on a 1-10 scale. It had the original interior as well but needed to be re done. I paid 2200.00 for it. I thought I got a good deal at the time.
The 1970 rs I have now came to me in bare metal, blown non original engine, blown non original auto trans, had been sitting for about 6 years before media blasting so all rubber, hoses, grommets, bushings....it's all shot. The interior is also pretty well toast.
I paid 4500.00 for it. I think it was a fair price. It did come with every bit of original sheet metal and exterior trim. Also came with new aftermarket fenders, hood, rear quarters, rear tail light panel, trunk lid and a new 3 pc spoiler. The only body panels that need to be changed are the fenders.

So the second gens are going up in value. I got in before it went nuts like the first gens. There was no way I could afford the entry fee to play with a 67-69 in as good of shape as my 70.
I'm glad I got it when I did.

COYBILT · #8 05-24-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaterCooledNelds

I'm looking for a '69 Camaro to build, but IMO a real '70-73 Trans-Am is badder than any original Camaro and even most modded Camaros.

What else is there to do on those cars besides wheels and tires?

Pontiac simply nailed it.

I love the camaro's, but the 70-73 trans am was just a beautiful car. I have always wanted one since I was a young boy.

I can see the second gens taking off, well they sorta have any way. To give you a example, I could have picked up a 1972 trans am for 3500 8 years ago. The car looked like it was only 12 years old cosmeticly. It boasted a 455/4 speed and 8 track. I couldn't touch one of these trans am's, so original and virgin like this one now for less then 10-15 grand easy. I miss that car and wish I could have bought it I would still have it if that were the case.

I will say this though, after driving one of the late 70's trans am's I am glad I bought my 65 GTO.
The second gens have a lot of plastic and extremely heavy doors.

**fleet** · #9 05-25-2009, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pontiac65

I will say this though, after driving one of the late 70's trans am's I am glad I bought my 65 GTO. The second gens have a lot of plastic and extremely heavy doors.

Agreed.

I had a '74 455 T/A and hated how heavy the doors were on that thing.

**WSSix** · #10 05-25-2009, 03:42 PM

No kidding. My 79 TA is a heavy pig overall. 3800 pounds easily.

I think the spike is good and bad. More good than bad though so I'm ok with it for now. Maybe in another 5 to 10 if I go to get a second I'll be bitching because of the price tag. For now though, I'm good.