Newbie -- Ex-Lotus Elise Owner

[Martin89]

Hello everyone.

I've been enjoying reading about and viewing all the projects on this board. As the thread title states I recently (very reluctantly!) sold my new 2005 Lotus Elise. I had to free up the cash to help out family. That is all water under the bridge now. After talking with my wife about an eventual replacement, I have only seen one car that catches my eye and IS "family" friendly......a 69 Crate Camaro Convertible.

I know this is a major undertaking but as an Engineer/Mechanic I think it would be a great and rewarding experience. Some of the work I will pay a shop to do and some of the work I will do myself. I have already bench designed the car, (created a wish list of components) now I just have to bring the price down to an amount my wife won't have a heart attack over. Problem is I want a 69 Camaro convertible shell.....with all modern interior, suspension and drive train. I know budget and performance don't often work together in the same sentence. I guess I'll have to take it slow and just do it the way I want; as I can.

Well, that's my story. Kind of a crazy dream but any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Ken

[hotroddr]

Sounds like you are getting started on the road all of us are on. I know its not always easy to balance a project on a budget but taking your time and not compromising anything to save a couple bucks will make you happier and save you money in the long run. I started my first project at 13 and the things I did compromise I ended up doing over again the way I wanted them in the first place. Im a fellow gearhead engineer with a significant other that doesnt totally understand the mentality and obsession so I feel ya there. Welcome and good luck.

[almcbri]

welcome aboard!

Well you will learn that most of us here are working on a project, majority of them being camaros. Ask questions, and search some of the older post for info as well.

Andrew

[Mkelcy]

You actually don't need to do a lot expensive things to hang with Elises in "spirited" driving. I've run with a group of them in the local mountains in my stock subframed '68 Camaro, with inexpensive suspension mods, a relatively mild 350, 6 speed and big brakes all the way around. I ended up backing off because the Elise in front of me was crossing the double yellows in an effort to drop me.

In any event, welcome to the world of fast antiques. In my opinion, it's a lot more fun to go fast when you built it yourself.

[Martin89]

Thanks for the comments and well wishes. I look forward to starting my project soon.

[XcYZ]

Welcome aboard, Ken. Looking forward to hearing/seeing your project come together.