What's a '69 Z-28 or L78 project car really worth?

[SeattleCarGuy]

Hi all,

I am looking for another project car to restore to as close to concours original condition as I can. I am interested in restoring either a '69 Z-28 or '69 L-78 Camaro. I just finished my '69 L-78 Nova earlier this year and I can't stand not having a project in the garage. I had bought a '69 L-34 Chevelle to restore, but it needed so much body work (floor, quarters) that I decided to sell it. I don't want to end up too far underwater, if at all, so it needs to be a desirable Z-28 or L-78 to make it worthwhile. I plan on keeping the car when done, not selling.

Anyway, over the past couple weeks, two local projects have surfaced:

The first was a '69 L-78. Seller described it as "numbers matching" L78, non-matching M21. I went to look at it. It is a rolling chassis, but other apart; front end off, dash apart, solid body except for trunk floor and one quarter needing replaced. Comes with solid fenders, replacement quarter panel, 837 alternator, correct carb/intake, has console/gauges and high rev tach in dash. No paperwork to prove its real L78. I looked at the motor and it is stamped JH, but with a Nova VIN number (guessing based on "W" in VIN), and motor is dated April 69 assembly, while car is a "02A". Code 57 fathom green car and interior is 712. I pointed out to the Seller that the engine was wrong and most likely out of a Nova. He seemed surprised and said "you can deck the block and restamp it". He wants $17,000 and I said I would have to pass since I want to do a car completely right, but it has to be right to start with. He asked if I'd make an offer, so I believe it could be had for $15,000, but again, I am passing.

Next up is a '69 Z-28. Fathom green, white stripes. Original 302 is gone, but has replacement 302. Not a CE block, but Seller is third owner and claims original 302 was blown up 40 years ago and he bought this 302 from wrecking yard in 1970's. Has incorrect heads, but correct intake, distributor and 837 alternator. Car has been sitting in garage for 30 years. Lots of NOS parts gathered in 1980's when restoration was to have begun, but never did. Standard black interior car, but has diamond tuck custom door panels and seat covers, so needs full resto interior. Seller claims body very solid. Says it is an early car that came with flat hood, but has a real GM cowl hood on it now. No paperwork to go with it, but claims its a real Z-28 based on trim tag (X code?). I am going to see the car this next weekend. Tried to see it last night, but got home to late. Seller says he was offered $17,000 and turned it down. Seller's friend says that is "doubtful" and that Seller would likely take $15,000. I am going to go see it, but I will likely pass I really want an original drivetrain car with docs or other proof. Seller claims M21 and rear end are original to car, but again, engine is not.

Is $15,000 - $17,000 kinda the going rate today for these projects? Would $20,000 be the going rate with original drivetrain and docs?

Also, I am not crazy about fathom green, but its okay. Not to offend anyone, but the only color I am really opposed to buying is Daytona Yellow.

Finally, I have a friend that has an original drivetrain Hugger Orange Z-28 with docs. He has owned it since 1989. Original paint, maybe 60,000 original miles. Engine is all there, except it has headers and manifolds/smog are long gone. Standard black interior with console/gauges and has cowl hood. He hasn't driven it in 3-4 years, but it runs and drives. He is willing to sell it also. What would be a fair price for this car?

Thanks everyone.

Paul