tips on buying the right 69 BB Camaro

[Modena35]

Hey Forum...I'm a newbie here so please go easy on me. I am looking for some guidance on purchasing a 69 Camaro and know just enough to be dangerous. I have been almost exclusively a European sports car enthusiast and have owned and worked on them all..body and engines....but since I was a kid I have always loved and wanted the 69 Camaro.

I think I have decided on wanting a 69 Big Block that is a strong performer.... so to guide me with my decision if I could get some feedback on my following questions it would be a huge help...

1. Since a big block is only available with an SS, is it important to the value of the car to make sure it is a true SS car, even if the numbers aren't matching?

2. Is a customized SS, like adding a cage or tubbing...drastically decrease its value?

3. what does a frame-off restoration normally cost on a fairly solid car?

4. are aftermarket parts acceptable to use on a restoration or do they need to be OEM?

5. are crate motors an acceptable option, what do they do to value of the car overall....and if they are which is the best option for a high performance big block?

thanks in advance....hope to be a good addition to the community

[markinnaples]

Research, research, research, and take someone along with you well-versed in first gen Camaros.

You can start at www.yenko.net and The Camaro Research Group at www.camaros.org

[arkentect]

So having been in the classic community from an early age and through numerous cars I think I can help lol.

1. The big block 396 that was available in the SS camaro is definitely a selling point that brings the value of the vehicle up from the 350sb that was the next step down. Obviously a numbers matching big block is worth some serious $$$ but a replacement/crate BB can still influence the price.

2. Value is all in the eye of the buyer. To a true enthusiast a custom camaro with a cage is worthless... To a person who loves custom cars it could be priceless.

3. A frame-off resto is not a cheap thing and can range based upon the quality of work and quality of parts used. Impossible to gauge an accurate price range without a subject in question. So for conversation sake North of $20k

4. Acceptable parts on a resto are a subjective topic. Some one who wants an all original car wont touch "aftermarket." Someone who can afford the true resto or doesnt care will use them.

5. Crate motors value, again, is determined by the buyer. It will, however, draw bigger money than its 350sb little brother.