Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

I've been on this site for a long time and my purchase of this particular Camaro has been a long time coming. I grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, and 1979 and there were a ton of old cars in South Hills of Pgh. About that time, there was a silver '68 Camaro being built down the street from my house by a guy I only knew of, but I did know the guy who painted the car as he dated a friend of my sister. They really did a job on the Camaro with the paint designs for the time by pulling the body off the frame and painting multi-color stripes over the hood, trunk, and under the gas tank, rear end, floors and firewall. I remember seeing the Camaro and as I was about 12-13 years old at the time, I could only dream and drool.

I occasionally (but pretty rarely) used to see the Camaro when I went by the shop but after going to college, getting married, divorced, and moving to Florida, I lost complete knowledge of the car for probably 30+ years, but I never forgot about it. So, against all odds and just for my own wonderment, about 6 months ago I was on a couple Facebook groups and posted the question whether anyone remembered the car with a description just to see if anyone knew whatever happened to it. No responses online except for a member here, Day2_Z28 (Tom M.), who happened to know the original builder and painter, and Tom and I discussed the car but he didn't know whatever happened to it either, as the original owner, Norm LeBlanc, had passed away quite some time ago. Seemed like the end of the line for the Camaro.

But, about 3 weeks ago, I got tagged in a Facebook response to my post about the car, and David Miller, stated that he saw a similarly painted Camaro on eBay. Sure enough, when I looked at the link, there it was, looking almost just like it as I remembered it from 1979-ish. So after talking it over with the wife, doing some creative juggling of finances and bargaining with the current owner in Indiana, I was able to buy it. It was delivered a week and 1/2 later and it looks like there was some paintwork done to it, and there's at least one spot that could use some body work but for the most part, it's pretty solid. The Camaro was pretty much destined to be an ISCA show car, I think. As stated, Tom has been a treasure trove of information about the origins of the car and I can't thank him enough. Tom's brother Joe actually sold Norman the '69 302 that's in the car to this day. So, I've gotten the car cleaned up a little (still needs the underside go over), and I've started to go through the mechanics of it but yet need to take it to a mechanic to go over the engine and make sure it doesn't need anything (it runs and drives fine, but I want to make sure it's safe). And it needs some required items like seat belts, power steering, and disc brakes that I want to get done very soon (then I'll address the wheel issue). Sorry so long, but thought I'd share the back story to give you an idea of what the car means to me. Thanks, Mark
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics..._general_2.png
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics..._general_1.png
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...-68z_eng_1.png

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Mark,
Your maiden voyage is down Corrigan Drive !!! ???

RIGHT !??? !!!

Again congrats !!

Don't forget,,, post that pic with "the kid" behind the wheel.....

Tom

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Cool find - congratulations! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Wow, great story. It like being re-united with a long lost friend. Thanks for sharing the story. Out of curiosity, where in Indiana did you find the car?

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Thanks, I'm pretty excited. Tom, that's too funny, as I'd love to take it down Corrigan sometime. Another friend from High School mentioned cruisin' Corrigan when I posted a picture on there as well. I guess there are some things that never leave you.

The previous owner who I got the car from was in Huntington, IN, but mentioned that he thought the car was previously in Chicago. Honestly, I have no idea where it's been from the time I knew of it in Pittsburgh. There are 19k miles on the odo, but who knows how many are really on the car. From the shape of the body, interior and underside, it seems like most likely the car has been sitting for many years.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...57-68_z_11.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...58-68_z_10.jpg

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

I love it. I remember that look.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Sweet. A big time in our early lives of cruising. Love it.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

I bet those are Metalflake brand candies..Aztec Gold, Tangerine, Regal Blue and Fire Red..Metalflake candies had a distinctive look them. The base appears to be &quot;Ultra Silver&quot; # 10232. Metalflake no longer make paint.

I gladly accept finders fees:)

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Awesome find ... Its like reuniting with an old friend. Glad you found your unicorn and I hope she enjoys her new forever home with you.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Love it!

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Great story. Thanks for sharing! Oh, and congrats!

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

WOW [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charley Lillard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love it. I remember that look. </div></div>

Times two...way cool!

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Terrific Mark!!! Love the car. Can't wait to see it at some shows around Naples/Marco.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

What a Great story, and a Super cool find. Congrats!!!

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Thanks everyone, sincerely. Regarding the story, I probably could have gone on and on (and did, actually, but deleted it as I thought it was too long). I think the thing that sealed the deal for me was that if I lost it this time, it probably would have been gone for good. And, now that I have it sometimes I just go into the garage and stare at it, maybe just go over it with a clean soft cloth. I think my wife is 98% happy for me, and 2% jealous of it, lol.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

T[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img][img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img] C[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img][img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif[/img]L!!!
Big congrats also the amazing timing of circumstances seem like all was meant to be!
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
~ Pete

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Reminds me of the Car Craft Street Freaks issues and &quot;Cruisin' USA.&quot; What wheels were on it back in the day?

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

I remembered them as aluminum slots like the ones below, but Tom M. (Day 2_Z28) stated that his brother said there were Centerline 500's on it.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...aro_bronze.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...erline_500.jpg

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Great story Mark. Love the Camaro too! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I remembered them as aluminum slots like the ones below, but Tom M. (Day 2_Z28) stated that his brother said there were Centerline 500's on it.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...aro_bronze.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...erline_500.jpg
</div></div> He said that the only thing he did was put&quot;TOW TABS&quot;on it.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Great story!

Day 2.5!!!

Ryan

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Love the story, and the paint job! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]
It must have taken a long time to paint everything like that. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Centerlines, traditional slots or even Cragar S/S's would look amazing on that car.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Here are the colors on your car..Candy Regal Blue, Aztec Gold, Tangerine and Fire Red the silver base is probably Ultra Brilliant Silver

Metalflake candies were unmistakable and weer the gold standard back in the 70's and 80's until House of Kolor and other brands took their market share

My camera is messed up so it's hard to get the right look

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Thanks Dave! So you said they don't make this any longer?

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: markinnaples</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Dave! So you said they don't make this any longer? </div></div>

Metalflake no longer offer paint ..just 'flake.

I buy old cans of Metalflake candies, tints and pearls whenever I see them on ebay or the swaps. A friend of mine is an old school 1970's style of painter and still uses them. Cans 30-35 years old as long as they are sealed still work great-even partial cans.

I have Metalflake Aztec gold, regal blue and Fire red concentrate tints (that you mix with any paint) and Ultra Brilliant silver but plan to use them on my car.

If I see any more I will let you know.

Most old painters still say Metalflake was the best..true 1970's style of candies..the candies offered by co's today (PPG, Dupont etc) have a modern look to them..hard to explain...but you can tell by looking at them.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

More good information, thanks. Will have to keep an eye out for those paints.

What is your car and what is your plan? Sorry if I should know that already.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Awesome! I grew up in the west end of Pittsburgh and started going to car shows with my Dad right around 1979 / 1980. I still recall a lot of cars that were &quot;regulars&quot; at local shows in the early 1980s, but I don't recall that one.

Definitely agree that the wheels need to go in favor of something more &quot;period&quot; correct.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Pittsburgh World of Wheels @ the. Civic Arena hosted the ISCA traveling show circuit....
if you or your Dad. were present , you may have saw Norm's /Mark's. '68 there on Numerous occasions..
Off n on from around early to mid 80's it was entered.
Al Maynard Jr. was a constant at those events. ....
a Judge and Associate with the Promoters.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Day2_69Z</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pittsburgh World of Wheels @ the. Civic Arena hosted the ISCA traveling show circuit....
if you or your Dad. were present , you may have saw Norm's /Mark's. '68 there on Numerous occasions..
Off n on from around early to mid 80's it was entered.
Al Maynard Jr. was a constant at those events. ....
a Judge and Associate with the Promoters. </div></div>

I guess I just don't remember it, as we went to a few of those shows. Unusual, as I can't remember names or faces, but I usually remember cars! LOL

Speaking of Pittsburgh shows / cruises from the early 1980s, does anyone recall the monthly Saturday night car cruise at North Hills village on McKnignt road. Lots of impromptu street racing happened on McKnight road right in front of the parking lot. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img] Probably why the cops shut it down.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

John
I am amazed you haven't mentioned the Crivelli Grudge Race ,, ,Run what you brung In Disguise Car show/cruise at the Chevrolet Dealership .......

One year, 1993... I worked the event internally in Chevy Racing Garb as Dale Earnhardt was signing autographs..... thanks to Gigi's Chevy Service Racing influence.
I'm sure you were there that Day into the Night.....

So many races were run down the road......
Tom

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Day2_69Z</div><div class="ubbcode-body">John
I am amazed you haven't mentioned the Crivelli Grudge Race ,, ,Run what you brung In Disguise Car show/cruise at the Chevrolet Dealership .......

One year, 1993... I worked the event internally in Chevy Racing Garb as Dale Earnhardt was signing autographs..... thanks to Gigi's Chevy Service Racing influence.
I'm sure you were there that Day into the Night.....

So many races were run down the road......
Tom </div></div>

Yes, sir. 1993 was the last summer I worked there as a lot attendant, as it was my last year in college. I grew up just one mile up the hill, and that is where my Dad and I put together my '65 Nova, his '70 Convertible, a '63 Impala SS, etc. You might recall the brown '70 Nova (fake) SS I drove daily.

In the same time period, South Park was still a decent spot to cruise. There was street racing in Crafton off of Route 60 by the Thornburg bridge every Sunday night, and on Saturday's some of us used to go up to New Stanton by the Sony plant for street racing. I'd be surprised if any of that stuff is still happening today.

Someone needs to find and post some pictures of Boburka's old drag cars from the late 1960s / early 1970s. As I recall, he ran a '69 Z.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Daytona Yellow ,black stripes, flat hood, no spoilers.
He got the car late '68 if memory serves correctly.
He raced as a 302 competively then as a highly competitive record holder in 350 / 255 HP. trim ,then the Car was Black w gold.
SS. NHRA CHAMPION. TWICE as A 350 car.
NHRA Factured the 302's out of being competitive.

The Car was Sold years ago to a friend/ racer/collector in Atlanta about the time the New Dynacorn Coupe bodies became available.
He proceeded to build a Brand New 69 for SS/GT
still has it........

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

LOVE it Mark! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Congratulations! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Very cool ride!!!!!!!!!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Kurt

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Thanks again guys. Here are a couple more pics.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...25985-68z8.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...25986-68z6.jpg
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...25987-68z7.jpg

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Love the stripes, it had to have taken a long time to tape all of those off.

Very cool car.

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

I know we thread jacked the Torque Thrust thread so figured I would post here.

Since the car has a Tunnel Ram through the hood, I would lean towards a drag race wheel and tire combo. It would be hard to say Motor Wheel Fly's don't fit. They look kinda like the Weld Drag Stars but are relevent throughout the 1970. Even better this this thread that Rich started that shows how similar Bogart wheels are. Saftey if a modern wheel and looks of vintage Flys!


http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235747

Re: Mid-Life Crisis '68 Camaro
 

Yeah, didn't want to hijack that thread any longer. Man, I get the vibe, but I have never been a fan of MW Fly's. They just don't appeal to me for some reason. I would think that since there's so much bling on the car now, I'd be remiss if I didn't go with something chrome.