69 SS L78 restoration
 

Hey guys, I am new to this site. I recently got a hold of a 26,000 mile 69 SS L78. It still wears the original paint and it is in really good shape. Drag car that was only driven two years, raced about 10 and parked ever since. Anyway, it currently has a 427 in it, but the original engine came with it as well. The only missing items are the transmission, smog stuff, and two trim rings. Is there a good book someone can recommend for stuff such as engine compartment detailing (stickers, cable locations, etc) as well as suspension (what's painted, what's bare, etc.). I am also looking for recommendations for good books to help with the general restoration as well. Thanks to anyone who helps.

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

I like Jerry MacNeishs book. "The Definitive 1969 Camaro Z/28-SS396 Fact Book." Gives you the info you are looking for. Sounds like a nice car! I love old drag cars. Sam https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

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I recently got a hold of a 26,000 mile 69 SS L78.

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You don't mention if it is a Camaro, Chevelle or Nova https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif Sam may have assumed right that it is a Camaro. Jerry's book was gospel for me when I did up a 69 Camaro about ten years ago. Good luck.

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Sorry guys, I guess I didn't mention it was a camaro.

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

dmleonard,

May want to use the Camaro Assembly Manual available on ebay:

Assembly Manual

for about 20 bucks, and the Chassis Service Manual:

Chassis Service Manual

for about 25 bucks.

Good luck and let us know how its coming. We love pictures! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Thanks again for all the info guys. For you guys who wanted some pics, here is a pic of what I am starting with.

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Very nice looking car Dan! Keep up abreast of your progress. Where did it race? Northstar, Minnesota Dragways? It looks vaguely familiar.
Rick

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

dmleonard
Cool color.....here is a pic of my Rally Green L78.

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Nice RS - I always liked the color too. Don't see it too often.
Rick, you're right on. Raced at both almost every weekend until they closed. Brainerd and Thunder Valley in Sioux Falls, SD as well. This was my fathers car since new. He is nearing retirement, decided he was never going to race it again, and wants something "different" he can just drive. Camaros are fairly common and after 36 years of the same car, he basically lost interest in it - but it has too much sentimental value for him to sell outright. The 427 and 4 speed in it now are from a Biscayne (see different) he bought for the drivetrain and then sold the shell for $600 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif . We have the vin from the Biscayne and are trying to track it down now. If we can't find it, we'll probably just do a clone of it. So I'm ending up with the Camaro in exchange for the Biscayne body and a promise to keep it in the family.

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Thanks for the pictures. You say the paint is original. Is it in decent enough shape that you will be able to save it during the resto? Should be a great project w/ the original owner right by your side for a reference. Will you be returning her to stock or her former racing glory days? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

I am going to restore it to original. Yes the paint is original. I have received about a 50/50 mix of what to do with it every time I have asked for advice. Maybe some people here can help, I just assumed it would be the same mix here as well. The paint is in pretty good shape, but has some nicks and dings as it is 36 years old. There is some small (Very small) surface rust on the bottoms of the front fenders, so the black sill would probably need to be redone. The front valance between the fenders has a couple spots from dripped carb cleaner, so that would need to be redone as well. There is 1 scratch about an inch long on the driver fender from being brushed by a set of bike handle bars. The other big question mark is that the quarter lips were rolled up for tire clearance. Don't know if that can be fixed or if it really matters that much. It's got about 8 door dings, but I figured they could be removed without painting. What do you guys think? My decision on a repaint depends on what day you catch me on.

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Unrestored originals are becomming the hot ticket....and will get hotter (more valuable) A car can only be original once. I'd avoid painting it, or doing anything but cleaning it or replacing missing components. JMO

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

It's your beast, do what you want. But, since you've asked, I concur with UNREAL. Your car has an undeniable history that you have the good fortune of having lived thru some of it and have the gentleman responsible for it right there with you. Tell its story - flaunt its history. Those rolled fender wells are absolutely priceless - anybody with even a casual following of drag racing will know your car's lineage without you even saying a word. Think you'v e got the right idea about taking care of the dings and areas of paint that are unsightly can be blended well if done carefully. Have fun with your cool ride https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif .

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Have one of the paintless dent removal guys work out the dings, clean it up and leave it alone. I have a friend who does the dent removal work and he has done miracles on both old and new cars for me. He really has to work on the old stuff as the metal is so much thicker compared to the new cars

Re: 69 SS L78 restoration
 

Hey, Dan grat car!https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif I just sent you a PM.

Jesse