What is the best starting point for a project

[nl12]

I am looking to build a 68 or 69 Camaro setup for street and track, I'm thinking aftermarket front and rear suspension, LS motor, floater axle, big brakes, Forgelines, ect. I have never done a project like this before, from folks with experience what condition of car would be the best starting point financially and not compromise the end product. I am in no hurry to finish, I don't do paint or body work so I would take to to a shop to get that part done. It seems unreasonable to buy a car for 20-30k just to tear it apart, I see cars in the teens that are so-so but you never know how good or bad they are till its tore down and stripped, and then there are the what you see is what you get cars that clearly have rust issues... I wonder if one of those would be better in the end since I want to start from a bare shell anyway? What do you guys suggest from your experience?
Thanks
Nick

[Rybar]

Spend as much as you can afford for a complete car with a solid body. All the small trim pieces, nuts, bolts, stainless etc can add up to alot when building a car nut and bolt type restoration.

[PSV]

Buy this, add your drive train and your done. No paint jail and no fabrication.
https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=31371

[Ron in SoCal]

Originally Posted by Rybar

Spend as much as you can afford for a complete car with a solid body. All the small trim pieces, nuts, bolts, stainless etc can add up to alot when building a car nut and bolt type restoration.

^ This is good advice. Check out the build thread in my sig. It'd be very easy to spend 20 - 35k in sheet metal and paint, plus the cost of the car if you did not start out with a clean car. Be patient and keep your eyes peeled for a documented resto that's as complete as can be. One other thought for you...if I had to do it again, I'd also do one project at a time and minimize down time to keep the car on the road. Good luck and send me a PM if I can help in any way...

[Vegas69]

Buy a car that is as close to what you want as possible and make changes to it over time. I would never build one from scratch again. To much time, effort, and MONEY. Sorry builders...

[Payton King]

We have a winner! Todd is right. You can normally buy a completed car way cheaper than you can build one and would be enjoying it months or years sooner.

The car listed above is one nice car! I have seen it in person when David was building it. If you have the means, I think it would be a home run.

[CRCRFT78]

Even buying partially complete projects are a good starting point. Check the For Sale section, projects come up for sale all the time that can save you loads of money and time.

[greycamaro]

buy your wife or significate other flowers and candy first, as the project will drain the savings account.

[Matt@BOS]

This is a hobby of diminishing returns on your dollars, at least in general. paying 20-30 for a "done" car that has paint, interior, glass, etc. that you want, and then taking it apart, will be cheaper than starting from scratch. provided you use more than just the shell, then modifying a 20-40 car will still be cheaper than starting from a pile of parts that barely resembles a car.


If you want to build a car like the One Lap Camaro, then you might be best to start with a clean shell and build it up, which gives you the opportunity to choose every detail you want. If you're looking for something like Finch's car, which it sounds like you are, then it is way cheaper, and far more convenient to start with a running driving car.

Matt

p.s. the less complete the project that you buy is, the more opportunities you have to change things. Ask me how I know...

[Bryan O]

Originally Posted by nl12

I am looking to build a 68 or 69 Camaro setup for street and track, I'm thinking aftermarket front and rear suspension, LS motor, floater axle, big brakes, Forgelines, ect. I have never done a project like this before, from folks with experience what condition of car would be the best starting point financially and not compromise the end product. I am in no hurry to finish, I don't do paint or body work so I would take to to a shop to get that part done. It seems unreasonable to buy a car for 20-30k just to tear it apart, I see cars in the teens that are so-so but you never know how good or bad they are till its tore down and stripped, and then there are the what you see is what you get cars that clearly have rust issues... I wonder if one of those would be better in the end since I want to start from a bare shell anyway? What do you guys suggest from your experience?
Thanks
Nick

Okay, finally something I can comment on with experience to back up my opinion.

First let me give you my impression of what I sense from your post:

1) "I am looking to build a 68 or 69 Camaro setup for street and track."

Basically something you can drive a lot and that will do well at the autocross.

2) "I'm thinking aftermarket front and rear suspension, LS motor, floater axle, big brakes, Forgelines, ect..."

Means, to me, your not adverse to spending a lot of cashola.

3) "It seems unreasonable to buy a car for 20-30k just to tear it apart, I see cars in the teens that are so-so but you never know how good or bad they are till its tore down and stripped, and then there are the what you see is what you get cars that clearly have rust issues..."

In my mind, this means you already know you need to search for a project car of the type that's "been sitting in the desert for 35 years". One that'll cost you way less than a project someone else has already started. Much less rust is what you're searching for. Never know what those "partially completed projects" are really like underneath. Right?

4) "I wonder if one of those would be better in the end since I want to start from a bare shell anyway?"

They are better to start with. Provided you can find a relatively rust free one to begin with. I bought two (a 67 for my son and a 69 for myself) for less than 8k combined. But, you gotta do your due diligence. They are out there. I'd give a source here as a plug but I've been sending him too much business without much reciprocation. PM me and I'll give you his contact info.

Contrary to Todd and Payton King, I say if you have the money (which it seems like you MAY), then build your car from scratch. Everything you need is available new. But keep in mind there's a premium to pay.

End product will be far superior, IMHO.

Okay builders, pay up.