1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS in Poway, California

Vehicle Description

1969 Camaro RS SS

Purchased August 1, 2008 from David Lewis In Escondido, CA.

I have always liked the '69 Camaro, especially the RS & SS. This is the final year of the first generation, when all the bugs were worked out. This car was born as an SS 396. It was a trailer queen but I quickly went through it and made it into a resto-mod that you could drive reliably.

When I bought her, she had a ZZ 502 GM crate motor with a radical cam, a 700 R4 trany, a 750 Demon carburetor w/o chock. The paint, wheels, and chrome galore under the hood made her a real looker, which won many first places at car shows. However, I didn’t realize that there were many mechanical issues with the car, so therefore I had to replace/redo the following:

• Rebuilt 700 R4 trany

• Battery
• 100 amp alternator
• Shorty headers

• Exhaust system
• MSD ignition
• Hotchkis Sport Suspension upgrade with sway bars, springs and shocks • Stereo, seats
• Seat belts
• Rear main seal

Once the above was complete, I then took her on the “www.musclecar1000.com." I drove over 2500 miles from Poway to San Francisco, did the rally, and then drove back to Poway in October 2008.

After that, I made more modifications and enhancements. I didn't particularly like the digital instrument cluster and interior. After a short destroyed the interior of the car, I decided to gut the interior, replacing all the wiring with modern fuse block. I completely customized the interior with a hard headliner, a brand new instrument cluster, a leather dash, seat and door panels, custom handles, a new steering wheel, customized seats, touch Screen Navigation, Bluetooth, iPhone and iPod connection stereo system with custom built sub woofer housing, electric windows, and a new Vintage air AC system. I also changed the cam to a stock High Performance GM Crate ZZ 502, and added roller lifters and rockers. I changed out the carburetor to an 800 Edlebrock with electric chock, rebuilt the trany again with all heavy duty internals, and added a new improved trans oil cooler, also improving the shrouding to improve engine cooling. I changed the hood to a Cowl Induction hood for more breathing and space to add a new K&N air filter. I had subframe connectors installed to stiffen and protect body, and had a new optima battery moved to the trunk to declutter the engine bay & improve weight distribution. Lastly, I added Detroit Speed lower control arms.

The Radiator is a twin fan Be Cool. The car has a 12 bolt GM with 3:73 gears all rebuilt, 17’ Budnik wheels with Nitto tires (Front: 235/45ZR17 & Rear: 255/40ZR17), and GM disc Brakes.

This car is very fun to drive and gets many thumbs up by onlookers!