Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Personally, I think there is a big difference between a rebody and a clone. The rebody has the VIN and TRIM TAG plates that correspond with a real car, a clone is a copy of a car type. Anybody can clone a car, only the owner of the real car can perform a rebody.

There are some cars that are so far gone that people rebody them in order to save them. Everybody has a different definition of 'too far gone', but nonetheless it does save a valuable musclecar. I would define 'too far gone' for a sub-frame car when the structural integrity is lost due to rust damage only. I believe a tubbed car can be rebuilt, and under no circumstances do you restamp the firewall. Of course using a Firebird body to rebody a Camaro is sinful!

Unfortunately, some people think a rebody is the first alternative when restoring a car, when it should be the last. Just because you have this 'nice' or 'rustfree' car around, or can 'get' one doesn't mean that a rebody is the answer. If a car is too rough for you to handle, then let someone else restore it before you rebody a restorable car.

I would let a rebody race at the PS-Drags, but would lean against the clones.

Just a thought,
Marlin

[sixtiesmuscle]

Marlin, WELL SAID!

[sYc]

I agree with Marlin, there is a big difference between a clone and a rebody. To me, clones are no different then any other "regular" production car, OK, but not what I enjoy seeeing. On the other hand, a rebodied car has some connection to a real supercar, even if just the VIN (documented) and trim tags. With rebodied cars, the number of cars possible will not change, 69 ZL-1 Camaros, 198 1969 Yenko Camaros, 99 Yenko Chevelles, etc. With clones, there could be 1000s, such as the Cobra. As per the rebody versus replace sheetmetal issue, that is a choice the owner will have to make. I do agree that the more original sheetmetal/parts that can be used the better. To me, an all original sheetmetal/parts car is the ultimate prize. Why do you think Brian pursued his current dream car for over 20 years. And yes, a rebodied car can attend the reunion. If not, where do we draw the line, 100%, 80%, or 50% original parts. I would hate to be the one who has to determine "how real" a car is. From what I have heard, many of the restored supercars have at least some non-original sheetmetal/parts. And, to bring up another related topic, why is a rebodied car frowned upon, but it is OK to replace everything else, driveline, interior, trim etc? Original is original, whether talking sheetmetal or dash pad. Tom

[Charley Lillard]

I like this discussion. More opinions please. My understanding of ZL1 # 27 is the car was bought years ago but the buyers said just send the Title and Tags. So the Tags were put on another car. Is the new car a ZL1 ? If the old car still exists with the vin # stampings on the body is it a ZL1 ? If they both showed up at a meet which one is the real car ? Are they both ?

[mnyenko]

What are the vin and cowl tags worth for a Yenko chevelle with a clear title but no car?The car was crushed do to rust around 1980.Would this car be a clone if built and tags switched?

[restorer]

I dont see how you could sit in a car with just a trim tag and VIN plate and get any feeling of it being a legitimate Super Car. If even a small piece is saved at least there would be some kindred spirit attached to it.

[micky69396]

I am going to throw this out for something to think about. Lets say you have this basket case Yenko, COPO, whatever your restoring. The body is wasted. Your replacing all the ft. end metal, Fenders, inners, rad. support, etc. The doors are junk usually. The quarters are junk, the floor pans, trunk pans, deck lid. You know the drill. Most of the time the chassis is saved. How much original metal is really on that restored legit car, not much. I am the last person that will even think about it,(rebodying) but sometimes there is not a good reason to fix junk. There is a issue of dollars spent to justify the end result. I do not condone it, but sometimes its the only thing to do. Would making it a parts car and eventually crushing it be any better. I dont think so.