1969 Chevy Camaro SS
Discussion
For a local garage maybe try these guys in Mitcham as they seem to do a lot of modded stuff:
https://thesouthlondongarage.co.uk/
Clapham North MOT might be worth visiting too - motorsport connections going back to the 1960s and current sponsor of (and leading participant in) one of the national MX5 championships. They do more than just MOTs.
https://thesouthlondongarage.co.uk/
Clapham North MOT might be worth visiting too - motorsport connections going back to the 1960s and current sponsor of (and leading participant in) one of the national MX5 championships. They do more than just MOTs.
So the car actually started, being an auction car that is never a given. Actually starts pretty easily - no choke, and electronic ignition. We'll see how that goes when it's cold outside and it hasn't run in a few weeks.
It is making a nasty squealing noise at low revs, but I bet that's something like a fan belt. Frankly this car needs a full service and all belts replaced, just for peace of mind.
Heat soak from the engine is ridiculous. First order of business will be some Aircon, just to take the edge of the cabin heat. It's a cool day today. On a hot summer day, it will be awful. Windows down help, obviously.
Engine is strong and picks up nicely, with that gorgeous, lumpy idle that trick cams on a US V8 give. But it is by no means fast - modern cars have redefined that. Brisk, characterful, but my 17 year old Maserati show it a clean pair of heels.
Steering is as light as a feather with zero feel. Close ratio box is idiotic, as the car is howling along at 3000+ rpm at 50mph.
Clutch is hilariously heavy and gearchange from the box is fine, but not special enough to make me savour it.
Suspension is nicely compliant, but low and the slapper bars make every speedbumps feel like a heart attack.
All of the above makes me think that this car wants an auto box for its application, which is tooling around at low speeds being cool, rather than handling.
It also makes me want to put it on air ride suspension. To me, it rides a little low - I prefer these cars higher than the slammed customs you see.
LHD and that huge bonnet make driving it a matter of great concentration..lack of rhd wing mirror means you can't see if anyone is trying to overtake you, so it needs one fitted.
Seat belts are old over the shoulder with no lap/inertia reel. Rear belts are lap only. Interior vinyl is in good nick, and feels wonderfully period. But if I decide to keep this long term and spend money on it, I'd want a brown saddle leather interior to set off that beautiful green paintwork.
Condition is fabulous, with just a couple of light scratches and swirl marks in the paint, and no sign of rust, anywhere. Underneath looks as clean as a whistle.
I love it, but am under no illusions that if I want this to be a useable London car, some things have to change. Out here in Surrey, where I am today, it's a joy on the road. In congested London traffic, that clutch and manual change, and heat soak, will get old, fast.
Green paint is stunning in the sunshine.
I always thought that the Camaro is a little underwhelming in photos, for some reason, unlike the Mustang. This is definitely true now that I own one. In the metal, it's sheer presence, and beautiful curves, are a knockout.
It is making a nasty squealing noise at low revs, but I bet that's something like a fan belt. Frankly this car needs a full service and all belts replaced, just for peace of mind.
Heat soak from the engine is ridiculous. First order of business will be some Aircon, just to take the edge of the cabin heat. It's a cool day today. On a hot summer day, it will be awful. Windows down help, obviously.
Engine is strong and picks up nicely, with that gorgeous, lumpy idle that trick cams on a US V8 give. But it is by no means fast - modern cars have redefined that. Brisk, characterful, but my 17 year old Maserati show it a clean pair of heels.
Steering is as light as a feather with zero feel. Close ratio box is idiotic, as the car is howling along at 3000+ rpm at 50mph.
Clutch is hilariously heavy and gearchange from the box is fine, but not special enough to make me savour it.
Suspension is nicely compliant, but low and the slapper bars make every speedbumps feel like a heart attack.
All of the above makes me think that this car wants an auto box for its application, which is tooling around at low speeds being cool, rather than handling.
It also makes me want to put it on air ride suspension. To me, it rides a little low - I prefer these cars higher than the slammed customs you see.
LHD and that huge bonnet make driving it a matter of great concentration..lack of rhd wing mirror means you can't see if anyone is trying to overtake you, so it needs one fitted.
Seat belts are old over the shoulder with no lap/inertia reel. Rear belts are lap only. Interior vinyl is in good nick, and feels wonderfully period. But if I decide to keep this long term and spend money on it, I'd want a brown saddle leather interior to set off that beautiful green paintwork.
Condition is fabulous, with just a couple of light scratches and swirl marks in the paint, and no sign of rust, anywhere. Underneath looks as clean as a whistle.
I love it, but am under no illusions that if I want this to be a useable London car, some things have to change. Out here in Surrey, where I am today, it's a joy on the road. In congested London traffic, that clutch and manual change, and heat soak, will get old, fast.
Green paint is stunning in the sunshine.
I always thought that the Camaro is a little underwhelming in photos, for some reason, unlike the Mustang. This is definitely true now that I own one. In the metal, it's sheer presence, and beautiful curves, are a knockout.
Harry Flashman said:
Doofus said:
You recently sold your Mercedes, Harry, because of ULEZ.
What are you going to do with the Camaro?
ULEZ compliant, as over 40 years old. I have to say, it reeks of fuel and emissions when running, so this makes zero sense, but there we are.What are you going to do with the Camaro?
Harry Flashman said:
So the car actually started, being an auction car that is never a given. Actually starts pretty easily - no choke, and electronic ignition. We'll see how that goes when it's cold outside and it hasn't run in a few weeks.
It is making a nasty squealing noise at low revs, but I bet that's something like a fan belt. Frankly this car needs a full service and all belts replaced, just for peace of mind.
Heat soak from the engine is ridiculous. First order of business will be some Aircon, just to take the edge of the cabin heat. It's a cool day today. On a hot summer day, it will be awful. Windows down help, obviously.
Engine is strong and picks up nicely, with that gorgeous, lumpy idle that trick cams on a US V8 give. But it is by no means fast - modern cars have redefined that. Brisk, characterful, but my 17 year old Maserati show it a clean pair of heels.
Steering is as light as a feather with zero feel. Close ratio box is idiotic, as the car is howling along at 3000+ rpm at 50mph.
Clutch is hilariously heavy and gearchange from the box is fine, but not special enough to make me savour it.
Suspension is nicely compliant, but low and the slapper bars make every speedbumps feel like a heart attack.
All of the above makes me think that this car wants an auto box for its application, which is tooling around at low speeds being cool, rather than handling.
It also makes me want to put it on air ride suspension. To me, it rides a little low - I prefer these cars higher than the slammed customs you see.
LHD and that huge bonnet make driving it a matter of great concentration..lack of rhd wing mirror means you can't see if anyone is trying to overtake you, so it needs one fitted.
Seat belts are old over the shoulder with no lap/inertia reel. Rear belts are lap only. Interior vinyl is in good nick, and feels wonderfully period. But if I decide to keep this long term and spend money on it, I'd want a brown saddle leather interior to set off that beautiful green paintwork.
Condition is fabulous, with just a couple of light scratches and swirl marks in the paint, and no sign of rust, anywhere. Underneath looks as clean as a whistle.
I love it, but am under no illusions that if I want this to be a useable London car, some things have to change. Out here in Surrey, where I am today, it's a joy on the road. In congested London traffic, that clutch and manual change, and heat soak, will get old, fast.
Green paint is stunning in the sunshine.
I always thought that the Camaro is a little underwhelming in photos, for some reason, unlike the Mustang. This is definitely true now that I own one. In the metal, it's sheer presence, and beautiful curves, are a knockout.
That is what I was looking for, thanks Harry. Just so beautiful and so unbearably impractical. Wonderful.It is making a nasty squealing noise at low revs, but I bet that's something like a fan belt. Frankly this car needs a full service and all belts replaced, just for peace of mind.
Heat soak from the engine is ridiculous. First order of business will be some Aircon, just to take the edge of the cabin heat. It's a cool day today. On a hot summer day, it will be awful. Windows down help, obviously.
Engine is strong and picks up nicely, with that gorgeous, lumpy idle that trick cams on a US V8 give. But it is by no means fast - modern cars have redefined that. Brisk, characterful, but my 17 year old Maserati show it a clean pair of heels.
Steering is as light as a feather with zero feel. Close ratio box is idiotic, as the car is howling along at 3000+ rpm at 50mph.
Clutch is hilariously heavy and gearchange from the box is fine, but not special enough to make me savour it.
Suspension is nicely compliant, but low and the slapper bars make every speedbumps feel like a heart attack.
All of the above makes me think that this car wants an auto box for its application, which is tooling around at low speeds being cool, rather than handling.
It also makes me want to put it on air ride suspension. To me, it rides a little low - I prefer these cars higher than the slammed customs you see.
LHD and that huge bonnet make driving it a matter of great concentration..lack of rhd wing mirror means you can't see if anyone is trying to overtake you, so it needs one fitted.
Seat belts are old over the shoulder with no lap/inertia reel. Rear belts are lap only. Interior vinyl is in good nick, and feels wonderfully period. But if I decide to keep this long term and spend money on it, I'd want a brown saddle leather interior to set off that beautiful green paintwork.
Condition is fabulous, with just a couple of light scratches and swirl marks in the paint, and no sign of rust, anywhere. Underneath looks as clean as a whistle.
I love it, but am under no illusions that if I want this to be a useable London car, some things have to change. Out here in Surrey, where I am today, it's a joy on the road. In congested London traffic, that clutch and manual change, and heat soak, will get old, fast.
Green paint is stunning in the sunshine.
I always thought that the Camaro is a little underwhelming in photos, for some reason, unlike the Mustang. This is definitely true now that I own one. In the metal, it's sheer presence, and beautiful curves, are a knockout.
Harry Flashman said:
I always thought that the Camaro is a little underwhelming in photos, for some reason, unlike the Mustang. This is definitely true now that I own one. In the metal, it's sheer presence, and beautiful curves, are a knockout.
Funny to read that, I've always felt the Camaro was the one with the presence and the smaller 1st gen Mustangs were severely lacking - and I've got one! The 69 Camaro is the one to have, and yours looks cracking. Vintage air will do a nice simple direct fit air con setup. I've got a vintage air system to go on my Mustang and it's nicely put together. I'd suggest switching to a rack and pinion steering setup (assuming it doesn't already have one) and you'll probably appreciate the drive a bit more. Good luck with it.
Fabulous car Mr F. Was considering a '69 Firebird in a similar colour recently.
Tempted by this at the moment.
https://www.blocket.se/annons/skane/chevrolet_cama...
Tempted by this at the moment.
https://www.blocket.se/annons/skane/chevrolet_cama...
Harry Flashman said:
TEKNOPUG said:
What is going on with the rear wheel in the 2nd photo?
Camera distortion.Does anyone know where on God's green earth I can get this thing insured? On a Sunday? This is an online quote computer can't do...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Saturday 22 July 22:13
If you’ve not yet got insurance sorted, try Classicline in Hinckley. They’re great for Yank and modified stuff.
Edited by Escort3500 on Sunday 23 July 15:47
Harry Flashman said:
... any ideas for decent folk who can look after these cars, in SW London or Surrey?
IGS American in Chessington. 
As a fellow recent Yank convert (also to elude ULEZ) I found them to be great. Just don't expect marble floors and good coffee ...
You need to get it along to Classic and Cake at https://www.dukeoflondon.co.uk/. They can probably help with servicing etc also.
That is pure automotive smut of the finest kind
As the weather was so crap yesterday I sat and read Mark Donohues' book 'The Unfair Advantage' all the way through and he talks about racing one of these back in the day.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=the+unfair+advantage+...
As the weather was so crap yesterday I sat and read Mark Donohues' book 'The Unfair Advantage' all the way through and he talks about racing one of these back in the day.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=the+unfair+advantage+...
I have a 67, and have had a couple of others including one made very early in the run so was a 66.
69s look more muscled somehow, it's the vents and the big front grille recess, not a fan of 69 rear lights the only year that got it right there was 68.
Its possible to build an entire camaro without starting with one which is mad, the aftermarket for every single part is incredible, some of the quality is low if you don't watch what your buying and do your research but if you get through that it's quite fun.
The crg (camaro research group) website is a really good resource even if it's like the days of dialup message boards.
So is team camaro forums. Both US sites. And full of knowledge that is searchable.
Have fun with it, it will try and bite you on the ass if your not paying attention, and unless the brakes have been done to modern standards they will try and kill you a bit too.
Slapper bars are for taming the incredible axle tramp it will do if you give it a footfull, is it single or multi spring rear leafs?
69s look more muscled somehow, it's the vents and the big front grille recess, not a fan of 69 rear lights the only year that got it right there was 68.
Its possible to build an entire camaro without starting with one which is mad, the aftermarket for every single part is incredible, some of the quality is low if you don't watch what your buying and do your research but if you get through that it's quite fun.
The crg (camaro research group) website is a really good resource even if it's like the days of dialup message boards.
So is team camaro forums. Both US sites. And full of knowledge that is searchable.
Have fun with it, it will try and bite you on the ass if your not paying attention, and unless the brakes have been done to modern standards they will try and kill you a bit too.
Slapper bars are for taming the incredible axle tramp it will do if you give it a footfull, is it single or multi spring rear leafs?
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