September 2002 Feature Car

 
Member:  David Roosth
Year: 1968 
Engine: 396 c.i. (325 HP)
Transmission: Muncie M21
Rear End: 12 Bolt Posi 3.07Gears
Options: Deluxe Hounds Tooth Interior, SS Stripe, A/C, Power Front Disc Brakes, Rally Wheels, Original AM Radio
Story:  
David drove a 1980 Camaro in high school, but always envied the few others that owned the big block first generation cars.  He didn’t think about this for many years, but sometime after being married for 10 years the Camaro bug struck.  David didn’t have much of a problem convincing his wife in the car as being “an investment” and spent over a year searching for a big block 69.  The prices of the 69 models started to climb, and David was becoming frustrated over the difficulty of locating a solid car not requiring any major restoration work for a reasonable price.  After inquiring on an ad for a 1969 in the area that was already sold, David decided to look at a 1968 from the same seller (who happens to be another NTTC club member).  As soon as David saw the car for the first time, with its beautiful rare factory Teal Blue color and shiny hood stacks, it was easy to accept that a 1968 model would work.  The car had been previously owned in Abilene with the owner spending several years completing a frame off restoration completed around 1996.  The correct 1968 396 engine, 4 speed on the floor, cold blowing A/C,  original sheet metal razor straight body, and the interior with its stunning deluxe black hounds tooth seats were enough to convince David he had found the right car.  Over the last year and half, David has added a few upgrades including a 1968 dash instrument cluster with a working tic toc tach and low fuel warning light.  A set of console gauges were added at the same time as well as the bracket assembly on the transmission to get the rear backup lights functioning.  Other additions included a new fuel tank (much shinier than the older one) and replacement of the fan clutch and water pump--- you have to keep those big blocks cool!  The latest small detail added was a mint set of 1968 Texas plates.  David hopes to one day replace the front seats’ foam and springs and maybe upgrade the suspension, but for now plans on enjoying the car while keeping it as original as possible.  Remember, it is “an investment”, right…..?