Featured Car - Mike Sheppard's 68

This beauty belongs to Mike Sheppard from Maryland (TC member '68rs327conv'). This car is also a Norwood product and was built about 8000 cars after mine. It's an original Y2 Rally Sport with a 327/210 and a Powerglide transmission. The car is a very highly optioned model, with a power top, air conditioning, tinted glass and more. Mike was lucky enough to find some of the original factory documentation, which is very rare for a Norwood built car.

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Plans call for painting the rockers the correct semi-gloss black.

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The car originally came with rear bumperettes, which was thought not to be an option for the 68's.

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Except for the valve covers, the engine compartment is completely stock, with original power steering and brakes.

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Other options include the console with clock, air conditioning, and custom deluxe seat belts.

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Mike was lucky enough to find some of the original documentation, which is very rare on a Norwood built car.

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This is the Uniform Option Information Tag, or UOIT, from the Fisher plant. According to the Camaro Research Group, this is the only 68 Norwood Camaro they have found this in to date. For a more detailed look, click here (pdf file).

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UPDATE: Mike has gotten nostalgic of late and is going for the original look. Recent changes include a full set of original hubcaps to replace the Rallye wheels. Nice!

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The non-original rear spoiler has been removed and the holes filled and painted.

After a while, it was decided the engine compartment was in need of a freshening up. Uh-oh, we know where this can lead...

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...like to a refresh of the interior...

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...and then to a complete restoration!

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The car heads off to Mike's Auto Body in Thurmont, MD for a date on the rotisserie. Plans are to repair and paint the underside, remove repair and paint the frame, and strip and paint entire exterior with attention to panel alignment. Plans also call for modern PPG paints.

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See you soon!

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During the cleaning of the firewall, the original Trim Approval inspection mark was uncovered.

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Pictures of the stampings on the original brake booster. The 331 stamp indicates a build date of the 331st day of 1967.

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The engine is the original 327/210 with a two barrel carburetor.

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The alternator and exhaust manifolds were restored by Jerry MacNeish of Camaro High Performance.

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The AC compressor looks brand new.

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Jerry does some beautiful work!

Meanwhile, at the body shop the shell has been put on the rotisserie and the task of stripping the body to bare metal has begun. They discovered the tulip panels will need some repair, and removing the rubberized undercoating Mike added 27 years ago was not much fun. So far the body looks to be in great shape.

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See the rest of the restoration here.