GoldDust

We came to have our '68 in October of last year. My father in law bought it in the mid-70's and has had it since.

I was in the process of putting collector insurance today and ran the VIN through Hagerty and it alerted me that the car *is* in fact a Z/28. Gulp.

According to my FIL, he bought it with the original aluminum 302. Around the late 80's, the motor needed replacing. So, it was swapped with a moderately built 350. Again, I kind of want to throw up. "Oh, I have those Z28 emblems somewhere... I took 'em off when I put in the 350."

*cry*

It has the Muncie 4 speed, shifter console, special gauges, 4 wheel disc brakes, 12 bolt, and stripes.

Do you have any idea WHAT this car would be worth if it still had that 302?!?! I DO and I want to curl up in a ball.

Anyway... I need an appraisal done regardless for insurance. Any thoughts on how to represent the car? Z/28 with incorrect engine? It isn't a sport coupe, it isn't a full-on z28....?

GoldDust

According to Hagerty, it would be 1 of 7000 and worth $40-$60k depending in condition. Assuming it had the 302, of course :/

camaroz98

iTrader: (1)

i'd go with z28 w\ (modified, aftermarket, or performance) motor that's how i did my 80's RS

Doug G

Not sure how anyone can say a 67-69 Camaro IS a Z, RS,SS, ECT. by the VIN #
67 gives options on Cowl tag...68 tells you nothing...69 gives options on Cowl tag.

Anyway....sounds like it has all the right stuff (minus motor )

http://www.z28camaro.com/consvcs.html <--Jerry knows 1st Gen Camaros and does appraisals. If you're sure or even half sure it is a 68 Z....get it appraised.

GoldDust

I too was (am still) moderately skeptical about the VIN denoting a Z.

However, I *did* find this on Camaros.org, "A 1968 Z/28 VIN will always begin with these first 6 characters - 124378"

If that is true or verifiable, that is the case with our car. However, I don't have another '68 to compare vins with either.

I guess my big question is, why would somebody in the early 70's go out of their way to source factory parts and convert a base model (Trans, engine, rear end, brakes etc) to a pretty damn detailed 'clone' of a Z/28, when they weren't really even that popular?

GoldDust

Thanks for that link. I will spend some time there. Great car in the sig, by the way.

camaroz98

iTrader: (1)

you could put a newer 302 in it and if you ever sold it you could sell it as a resto mod if you badge it back up they still sell very well

SSellers

Check on camaros.net/forums and camaros.org.
'68 is the hardest to prove out. VIN doesn't tell you anything except I6 or V8, coupe or convertible. No such thing as an aluminum 302 in '68. Plain 4" bore iron block (same as used in the 327 and 350) with 3.0" stroke forged crank, pop up pistons, and fuelie/doublehump heads. Four wheel discs were not available from the factory on any '68 but were available over the counter. They were available in '69 as the JL8 option.

There should be a code on the rear end passenger side axle tube that indicates application and disc axles' two digit app code start with Q. If radiator is original Harrison unit it should be a 3 row core. If leaf springs are original they should be a four leaf pack. If the sticker is still on the inside of the glove box door it would indicate 15" tires. There should be a reinforcement plate a little larger than a credit card welded to the left rear frame rail behind the tire for dual exhaust hanger.

SSellers

.....and so will every '68 V8 coupe. Convertible V8's start with 124678 (Z28 not available as a convertible). All six cylinders start with 123378 or 123678.

GoldDust

Excellent info, thank you! It currently *has* the 15" tires, but I will check the glovebox. Also, good tip on the radiator.

I had read elsewhere (just today, but can't remember which site that was on) that the 4-discs were available as an option? I'll take that for what its worth - I have found there is lots of inconsistent/conflicting info out there regarding the '68s.

SSellers

"Option" is semantics on this one. They were available from the service department, not as a factory option like in '69 where they were offered for just a few months. They were cobbled together Corvette parts and required a new rear end as well. As such they are worth much less (but still a decent amount).

Doug G

Thanks....and 68's are the step-child of the bunch

SSellers

Yep. Even an LS won't help those turds.

Hey man, it's Steiner.

Doug G

LOL...hows it going ?

SSellers

Not bad. Nice to be on a more uncensored forum for a change. Won't bogart this dude's thread anymore.....but maybe we should warn him to get some fishing line and cinch his butthole up before heading over to camaros.net to verify a car as a '68 Z/28 and its value.

Doug G

True

GoldDust

Hey now... I'm not a dude. Does that buy me a free pass?

Doug G

as in not a guy ?

and .....maybe

GoldDust

Yes. Not male.

Minor update; we now know where the block is at least. After being rebuilt for use as a dirt track car, it was sold to a local farmer bought it for use in a tractor pull build. WTF.

Anyway, I know a relative of his. Ill see what they say.

Doug G

I guess thats why they say don't "assume"

Anyway...good huntin' wish you luck.

Now... I "think" CRG.org has an orphans list (people trying to re-unite motors and cars ??)