Finding any drivable '69 Camaro under $20 large is hard enough, but finding one this nice for significantly less--especially a convertible--warrants some close scrutiny. When we got Thomas and Diana Griego's letter, we were skeptical to say the least. But as we dug into the meat of the letter, it began to make sense. Here's the gist: The story starts in 1998, when the newlywed Griegos initially found their soon-to-be '69 in the possession of a reluctant lady seller. Unable to negotiate the sweet price, Thomas handed over negotiation to wife, Diana, who cracked the deal wide open for $7,500. Even nine years ago, it was a steal, especially with near-perfect paint and top. The running gear, however, was shot, and the couple scored a used '85 Tuned-Port IROC plant on eBay. A 700R4 overdrive from Bow Tie Overdrives was mated to the rebuilt 305, and the restoration was on. When the cash register stopped ringing, the couple was out just $16,281--less than the cost of a new Honda Civic. The Griegos did all the work themselves, save the engine and transmission rebuild. Considering the awesome visual result and the incredibly low build price, we felt a line-item breakdown was in order.
| 1969 Chevy Camaro Convertible |
| Owner: | Thomas & Diana Griego; Albuquerque, NM |
| Engine: | 305 small-block Chevy, TPI (from 1985 IROC) |
| Transmission: | TH700R4 (Bow Tie Overdrives) |
| Rearend: | original factory rear |
| Chassis/suspension: | new stock leaf springs, Performance Suspensions rebuild kit |
| Brakes: | swap meet disc brake conversion kit |
| Wheels/tires: | stock, rally wheels |
| Horsepower: | unknown |
| Best ET: | unknown |
| Total cost to build: | $16,281 |
| Where The Money Went: |
| 1969 Camaro convertible:(purchased Nov. 1998) | $7,500 |
| 700R4 (Bow Tie Overdrives): | $1,800 |
| Alignment: | $100 |
| Aluminum radiator (Summit): | $185 |
| AutoMeter gauges: | $200 |
| Battery: | $60 |
| Cam kit (Summit): | $160 |
| Disc brakes (swap meet): | $500 |
| Sound deadener (eBay): | $70 |
| ECM (eBay): | $35 |
| Eibach springs (Jeg's): | $120 |
| Electric fan (eBay): | $75 |
| Engine machine work: | $550 |
| Exhaust system (D&R): | $600 |
| Floor pans (NPD): | $80 |
| Frame rail & leaf spring kit (Rick's): | $300 |
| Fuel tank & pump (Rock Valley): | $550 |
| Hose fittings (90 degree, Summit): | $26 |
| K&N filter: | $35 |
| KYB shocks (Summit): | $130 |
| Leaf springs (swap meet): | $50 |
| Media blasting: | $200 |
| Plumbing lines, wiring isolator (Summit): | $240 |
| POR15: | $140 |
| Powder coating: | $250 |
| Radiator core support (Classic Ind.): | $120 |
| Subframe repair kit & brakes lines (Rick's): | $100 |
| Performance Suspension kit: | $330 |
| TPI chip & sensors: | $350 |
| TPI engine (eBay, after partial parting out): | $200 |
| Trans cooler (Jeg's): | $110 |
| Trunk pan (Rick's): | $40 |
| Wiring harness (Speed Scene): | $375 |
| Misc. | $700 |
| Total: | $16,281 |