69 SS L78 restoration

[DM69SS]

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.

[Salvatore]

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

[Don_Lightfoot]

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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 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.

[DM69SS]

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

[mockingbird812]

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!

[DM69SS]

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

[SS427]

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

[jtower1969]

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

[DM69SS]

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 . 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.

[mockingbird812]

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?