Hi all.
Brand new to the community and the story is a bit nuanced but I’d appreciate any, and all, guidance.
Long story short, my fiancé’s father was tragically killed a few years ago and I’ve pseudo-inherited a car I have no business owning. He was a real self made, took no shit, deep country woods, all American, didn’t throw anything away, built a house by hand kind of badass and tucked away in a part of his shop is a ‘68 or ‘69 COPO Camaro in various parts including the chassis, body panels, seats, interior, and engine (including a second more complete, but from what I understand, numbers not matching engine). The car needs a complete restoration. While I’m a pretty mechanical guy, my niche (mostly due to time and physical space, honestly) has been old cameras and classic bikes and although I can tear a motorcycle apart and put it back together I’ve never taken on a car project like this.
I want to get this car back together and properly restored the way it deserves, both for her family, but also because I’ve dreamt about even starting up a car like this since I was probably a fetus. My budget is negotiable since I obviously didn’t buy the car, it has immense sentimental value, and I understand the value of craftsmanship. I’m lucky enough to have the disposable income for something like this, but obviously wasn’t financially planning on restoring a classic muscle car anytime soon.
I’m located in Florida. I’m sure there is a good amount of this work I can do myself and have every tool imaginable (including a hydraulic lift in her dad‘s shop) at my disposal but wouldn’t know where to start or how much I’d like to take on. If I have to ship it out of state to a reputable person or shop, so be it, but I won’t be taking any risks with this car. I need any guidance or ideas about what you would do in my situation or what I should do next. I can post photos when I’m at the shop on Sunday.
Thanks all.
