Got the hood installed and went to my first show and cruise! Drove the car through the hills, windy roads, and some traffic on the way back home but it held steady at 195.

Your '67 just makes me giddy.

Ageed:3gears:. Do people understand how significant your car is Jose?

----All those 42 stickers remined me of so many good times as I lived only about 20-25 minutes from 42. The last time I was there was with Red Alert for some testing back in 1992ish, But I was there many many times back in the 60s and 70s. I was there when that dragster ran off the end and cleared the road a ways down and landed in the field on the other side. Can't say I remember your 67, but that's not surprising with my memory these days....Bill S

Not everyone does, but the few that do start asking questions about the car and I'm happy to explain the history and show them the old photos.
A couple guys at the first show were in awe when looking at the W/S and knew how rare the crusty car was in front of them.

Some of my favorite reactions have to do with how it's locked in time "This is exactly how we wanted these cars to look in high school!" or "This car has "The Look"" or "This is how they should be". I also enjoy when folks are shocked I built the car the way I did considering my age (35). One guy at my first cars and coffee here in Salinas said, "Those tires on the back are much older than you are!" We both laughed.

He did take the car to Dragway 42 but not as often as other tracks. I bought those decals from a gentlemen in NOS condition and placed them on the car to help tell the story but I'm not sure he won that many times at that particular track.

He was actively racing the car the 1st year of ownership, maybe 2 years.
Before he served in Thailand he was racing his Black 55 post all the time, including at Hyde park and mainly on the street. After 11 points on his driving record, no insurance company would take him, and the last time he got into trouble with his car the judge gave him 2 options, jail or Vietnam. He chose the latter and was stationed in Thailand. He bought the car upon return after landing a good paying job.

Bruce, the original owner said he won trophies/class winner decals with the car at different tracks but since he raced on the street he never did put them on the car. His wife one day after a fight threw the trophies away. He did say he kept a diary/folder with all of his race times etc but he's recently moved and still can't find it. I'm hoping he finds the diary he kept with the time slips/decals soon.

I believe the 2 time slips he gave me are from when the car was BRAND new, as it was located with the sales paperwork and window sticker, low 13s about 110mph, both time slips from National Trail Raceway and one Dragway 42 pit pass

He said when the car was new the rear end would jump up and down.He added his homemade traction bars, home made plenum air cleaner, headers, slicks, he says he "didn't have to do too much to it" and it ran consistent 12's. He said he ran 1 11 when everything was perfect.

Here is a very early photo of the car coming home with a drag racing trophy on the hood.

I'd walk fast by the "show cars" Jose to get to your Camaro! But you might not get rid of me for a couple of hours,lol!

Same!!

I'm enjoying this car so much! And since it isn't restored I can enjoy the car without the anxiety of scratching the paint.

My brother ,18, joined me for a cruise and he's hooked. He's looking for an affordable starter car to get into the hobby.

Good for you Jose! That’s awesome!

Just re-read the whole thread, great detail and research.

What car is the engine in now, I see you updated the posts to indicate it's not in a pace car as you indicated before.

The engine is in a running and driving Camaro still in Logan OH. The engine was bought from the original owner of my car, rebuilt by the current owners. They did a good job, didn't deck the block. saved everything they could including the fuel line, carb, intake, and manifolds. They say the numbers are crisp and clear on the pad but don't want to share the pad pic with me in fear of it being copied? Anyway, The car I believe was a base coupe with AC originally.

Do you have dibs on buying that car? :)

No

It’s worth it for you and the owner of your original engine if you bought them a nice, hot Chevy crate motor for $9,000-12,000 to get your motor back.

I wish it were that simple! I haven't spoken to them in a while. It was a clear no the last time but they know I'm willing to work something out. Hopefully with time something can be done, this is a special car and it would be great to have it's born with heart reunited to the car.

I’m in the same boat.
Just reversed. I have my original l78 but person won’t sell me back the car.

Good luck Jose.Be patient and I hope they come to their senses and you get the engine.

Great story. I just read the whole thread, these are my favorite type of finds, and the journeys taken to research the cars history.

Yeah at least you tracked the engine down.

Simply fantastic. Straight out of a time machine from the mid 1970's.

My son works as maint man at a school and back in 2022 they put on a car show, he took my Z and they had a row of all generations of Camaros and saw this one- first in line at first didn't realize was a SS as the hoods are not that noticeable, but when I got closer a saw the BB Flags took a closer look and Wow a rare treat! I don't know how many of the 375s they made but cool to see. the owner had noticed my 69 and we talked for a while he was from NY and had it a good while - he drove it away before awards were handed out and missed getting his, just thought I'd share

Any updates Jose?

Bruce the original owner to my car, passed away peacefully yesterday evening (4/25) in his sleep after enjoying a nice meal. His health the last few months was in severe decline and he was moved to a nursing home where he was provided hospice care. I've been in contact with his family, his two sons in particular who have been keeping me updated on his health.

I'm thankful for Bruce being willing to talk to me and develop a relationship over the last couple years that resulted in critical documents being reunited to the car as well as his testimony regarding the purchase of the car, and the memories he created with it.

It's unfortunate that he will not see the car in the flesh this summer as planned but I'm also glad he is no longer suffering.

Before he was hospitalized he was looking for photos, his racing diary, and the POP. His sons who have been nothing but supportive, have been following the build on facebook and are aware of items that may still be around within the estate.

Rest in peace Bruce Cremean!

Prayers to Bruce's family. The family of one of the prior owners of my old COPO went through a similar path. Owner passed away before he could see the car in person again - just missed the reunion by a few months.
His family was very appreciative of the connection to his old car and we still stay in touch today. I'm guessing your experience will be similar Jose.

Let me know when you plan to make it out to Ohio, would love to see the car!

Bruce's son, Todd Cremean, has been going through the estate and collecting photos of the car. Todd has been very supportive and to say I'm looking forward to receiving the photos in the mail is an understatement. This is when the car was brand new. I noticed the antenna which got me thinking maybe it was a dealer added item as it was not on the w/s or sales paperwork.

That is awesome. The car looks in the wrapper in that pic. No trim rings even.

Jason

Super cool!!:headbang:

Some dealers ordered all ‘stock’ cars with no radio. They upcharged later for radio install.

Anyone know what track this is? or is this a street race? Note original 67 blue and white plate and slicks. I also remember Bruce saying he trimmed the rear wheel wells and you can see the rear wheelhouse trim is not installed.

I met up this morning with Brent Durst at Capitola Cars and Coffee owner of the red 4K. He bought his car years ago as a shell, he knew it had racing history and it's still hitting the track to this day.
I also met up with Jason (SuperNovaSS) at the event so he could see the car "done". When I first showed Jason the car and all it's problems he advised me just to build it and enjoy it and I'm glad I took his advice!

Man, you guys were there first thing! It was good to see you today Jose. Awesome job with the car. I love to see you enjoying it. I need to start doing more of that myself. My son has started asking, “when are we going to take that one out?” I need to take a page out of your book.

Jason

I've wanted this look since my last project. In fact I bought these wheels for my Red 67 project a few years ago. I'm really happy how this looks! 15x10 steelies dated 1973. 4.5" Backspace wearing Mickey Thompson Indy Profile N50-15s. My previous wheels were 3.75" BS. Still 1/2" clearance between inner wheel well to tire.

Jose, first happy belated birthday! Love the look of the car stance, wheels and MT's finish it off. Thanks for sharing!

Those wheels are AWESOME! HAH!

Awesome!

I went to my local cars and Coffee Father's day and a local photographer took these photos of my car. Luckily where I live there are Cars and Coffee events every weekend year round and I do enjoy my cup of Joe!

Here's the link to the original FB group post

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1497...ibextid=Nif5oz

Great job Jose. Enjoy that street machine.

Next project is to install the original bumper.

You are hard core, Jose. I could not put that frigging thing back on, I'd have to scrounge a better one.

The only other one I have is NOS which would look out of place. The front of the car was dragged out the mud when John Baxter bought it from Judy who parked it in her grandfathers barn in the early 80s where it sat until the 2000s. Anyway the bumper and tow tabs are on and I like it! The wide angle distorts the image but I'll get some better shots soon!