Michael D’s 1969 Camaro SS396 L78

Built From The Ground Up

Michael D’s 1969 Camaro SS396 L78

Michael D’s hunt for a 1969 Camaro SS396 began in 1989, which spanned a period of 6 months before he located this example about an hour away, being sold by the original owner. After about 3 years of owning the Camaro, he noticed some rust starting to creep through the edge of the driver’s door.

The Camaro was brought to a local restoration shop for inspection. The entire car was stripped to bare metal, and luckily the rust on the driver door was the only trouble spot on the whole body. A used (and rust free) door was sourced as the replacement for the original door. Michael also took the opportunity to swap the original header panel with a brand new GM replacement, as they were still being produced by GM at this time.

It retains the original numbers matching 396/375hp engine mated to a Muncie M20 4 speed which also still has the original round stick Hurst Competition Plus shifter handle.

When Michael was a teenager, he worked at a gas station near a drive-in where all the car guys used to hang out.

”My car has a Stainless Chambered Exhaust System. Whenever I start it up it makes me think of that drive in and all the Hot Rods that used to be there.”

Michael

Ground Up Parts Featured In This Build

1969 Camaro Chrome Mirror Premium Quality Left Side

Part #: MHQ-1316L-PQ

$53.95

Best Price Available

1967-1969 Camaro 11 Inch Power Brake Booster With Upside Down Delco Logo

Part #: FBB-6-UP

$170.99

You Save: 10%

1967-1981 Camaro Air Filter Exact GM Reproduction

Part #: N-1010

$170.99

You Save: 10%

1969 Camaro Big Block Chambered Exhaust System Stainless Steel

Part #: XCE-200KSS
1969 Camaro Big Block Chambered Exhaust System Stainless Steel

$899.95

You Save: 15%

Shop our huge selection of Camaro Parts!

1967-2016 Camaro Parts

We want to see your Built From The Ground Up Ride!

Submit your car to be featured here!

Share this car with your friends!

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on email
Email

More Articles From Ground Up SS396.com

Z/28
Camaro

Camaro Z/28: The History

Camaro Z/28: History of Horsepower In December 1966, the Chevrolet Camaro and Z/28 were unveiled. Vince Piggins was the man responsible and forever changed the history of the automotive landscape.

Read More »
6th Gen

Goodbye 6th-Gen Camaro!

Goodbye 6th-Gen Camaro, Hello Blacked Out Edition Chevrolet’s iconic Camaro is set to take its final bow with the 2024 Collector’s Edition, marking the end of an era for this

Read More »
Camaro

Camaro Generations

The Chevrolet Camaro has a long and storied history that spans the past 50 years and across several generations. The model continues to push the boundaries of Chevrolet’s performance abilities even today.

Read More »

Follow Us On Social

Now Hiring in Florida!

Looking to get into the Automotive Industry? Here's your chance, click below to see what positions are opening soon!

Parts Catalog

Chevelle & El Camino, Camaro, & Nova
Free

We Want To See Your Car!

Submit your car to be featured today!