How I Built A $125,000 1969 Camaro for LESS THAN $50,000! - Full Cost Breakdown

You asked for it, I delivered. Full build summary and cost break down to date on my Pro-Touring/Restomod 1969 Camaro! Less than $50k to build this beautiful car and I show you down to the dollar how I did it.
Instagram: chris_sullyvan
/ chris_sullyvan

[@redstang70]

Hard to put a price on a car this nice and well thought out. Plus no shop will put the love into it that happens when the actual owner builds it himself..that is priceless.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

This is true. Stuff always seems like it's done right when it's your own

[@lllllllllloooo-g9y]

You know Chris it's also so hard to find a shop you can completely trust in every way with your car too!

[@gsmith207]

Nailed that comment. Same thought

[@frostycools1315]

i hope some redneck steels it and chris tries to get 125 grnd from the insurance hahahahahahaha

[@nickdrewniak184]

@@ChrisSullivan69 how the hell were the 4 Weld wheels and tires only$1612? Maybe per corner!

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

Great breakdown, Dude! The key is that you have the skills. As a mechanic I can say that labour alone would add $30,000 to the build. You are a craftsman and artist. Really nice car, well done and congrats!😎

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@davidpopal4267]

I swear this guy deserves soo much more attention his videos should be getting MINIMUM a million views per video love your vids keep up the amazing work

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@markbennett2170]

Totally agree. Chris is a truly talented guy!! Respect from the UK.@@ChrisSullivan69

[@ctvette1318]

I find the transparency so interesting b/c I feel most people aren’t very honest about it or just don’t want to tell you. Thank you for sharing this info Chris.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks for watching!

[@Justin-bz1dp]

Hi

[@elliotfuselier1283]

It’s no longer a car , but a tailor fitted epitome of your dreams with no regard to time and money. The ultimate

[@Supercruze]

You could hold a master class on how to build a show quality muscle car on a budget. Well done, Chris.

[@frostycools1315]

lol can you hear me laughing

[@roguereductionist8147]

Since when is any normal persons budget 50k? Sycophants and bots really ruined yt.

[@frostycools1315]

@@roguereductionist8147 car is not worth 125,000 ither I can quote every part on that car the kid might have spent 50 grand on car and parts but that dont make it worth 125,000 id value it around 60 k at most

[@stephentalamo]

Most impressive part is that you did most of the work yourself. Congrats, great job and great vid!!! Awesome Car!!!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@inthelionsden6335]

Your series of build videos add to the value of your Camaro too. Any buyer would know everything about this gem. I'd be surprised if she didn't sell for closer to $200K.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it my man🤙

[@ohb7517]

Definitely more than 150k

[@Justin-bz1dp]

Is they

[@grimey5.565]

I got to admit. I couldn't do what you do. The amount of time and patience it took to build your car is unbelievable. From the Wiring harness to breaking down the transmission. I don't see how you can do this as a newbie. Mad props absolutely beautiful car.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

@grimey5.565 appreciate it sir 🤝

[@djking8740]

You just gave me motivation too go to school to do this I feel like you’re a genius if you can put a engine together

[@DennisCamaro]

You were 100% ahead of the game with a car that was nice to start with. You've got one bad ass ride, thanks for posting this video!

[@MikeB-tw2nb]

All of Chris’s videos are good but these cost recaps are so fun. How he bought the desired car and parted out the rest to recoup cost even more genius! Keep up the great content! Probably could get 150k today if he wanted.

[@6556cody]

Love it, I did all of my trim gloss black on my 68 camaro love the look.

[@alexpaic2984]

That car is priceless in my opinion. The work and love you got in it has no price tag. Also the way you have it built it kind of makes it a 1 of 1 so worth every bit of the 125k. Amazing content like always by the way….

[@ChrisSullivan69]

I appreciate that!

[@rockybalboa2526]

I JUST WATCHED THIS VIDEO, CHRIS? YOU ARE UNBELIEVABLE! INSANELY PERFECT JOB YOU DID ON THIS CAR! I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH YOUR SKILLS AND INDIVIDUAL SPIRIT, COMMITMENT, WORK ETHIC, MATICULOUSNESS, YOU HAD A DREAM AND YOU LITERALLY WORKED AND MADE IT HAPPEN! ( OF COURSE IT DOES HELP TO HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEEDED TO DO IT THOUGH! THE ABILITIES ARE VERY IMPORTANT OBVIOUSLY, BUT HAVING THE RIGHT TOOLS AND PARTS TO MAKE THE DREAM HAPPEN? IS ALL ABOUT HAVING THE MONEY TO HAVE THOSE THINGS YOU NEED TO DO WHAT YOU CAN DO! I DONT HAVE THAT MONEY! BUT IM PRAYING FOR IT...... YOU ARE AMAZING AND I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR YOU AS A PERSON! YOU ARE THE TYPE OF PERSON AMERICA NEEDS SOMEWHERE IN GOVERNMENT MAKING THINGS RIGHT! GREAT JOB! ALL THE BEST TO YOU!

[@Termin8r27]

This is the content real car guys want. Absolutely love the details and breakdown Chris!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@roguereductionist8147]

Living vicarioisly through someone else isnt what "real car guys want".

[@frandanisa]

I LOVE that you did this! I have the same running total for my 69. I'm under $13k total invested including the price of the car (bought it in the early 90's) by doing the work myself and doing what you did, bought a running 454 pickup, yanked the motor then sold the truck. Lots of parts of Craigslist and Ebay and recouped a lot of money selling the take-off parts. Thanks for the details, Chris. Love the car(s) and the work you do is top notch! so glad I found your channel.

[@darrellb4305]

What a great video , this is hands down the best 69 Camaro I’ve ever seen and the way u got the drive train for basically nothing was genius !!! All your sweat equity pays off in the long run

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@jeffb2456]

Well done Chris! The 69 Z28 has been an all time favorite and takes me right back to high school. Yours is amazing. Proves not all automobiles a depreciating asset.

[@marl745]

I mean...the level of mastery on this build! This guy has all the respect in the world from me!!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

🤙🤙

[@Bconley22]

Man, I absolutely love your channel. Everything is so well put together, informative, and fun to watch. Keep it up!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks, will do!

[@jasoncosta9727]

What a perfect example of a build breakdown. Such a gorgeous car. My dream car for sure. I’d trade my 2012 zr1 that I’ve got well over 6 figures into for this in a heartbeat. Keep up the awesome videos 🤘🏼

[@brian2359]

I’ll give ya $51,240 for it! lol. You hit the nail on the head Chris, you have to hunt for the deals, you can’t just jump on the first car you see! Buying a solid car is key, it allows you to do the items you want over leaving it at a shop for months and paying a big price for it! Great video!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@demtriusBrown]

Great job 👏 Chris Sullivan!!! I gave you a thumbs 👍 up and I subscribe to your channel all because when I watched you video for your build your car build was extremely motivating and it’s how I would do my build. “PERFECTION”!!!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

@@demtriusBrown thank you!

[@edgarsmartinez]

Brilliant way to save money! You’re the man!!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@HtriZzy_]

Brother you don't stop impressing! Can't wait to see what else you get into! This channel will grow fast!!!! Great work

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@matthewabrahamson8061]

Chris, you’ve done a fantastic job going through the details and going into depth like crazy. Hell yeah brotha dude! Hope to see you at some car meets in the spring!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@jessemarinjr6374]

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU CHRIS ,YOUR BAD ASS 69 CAMARO ,IS DEFINITELY WORTH ,IN MY OPINION $150 GRAND ! IT'S A QUALITY BUILD ,AND A POTENTIAL NEW OWNER WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS IN THIS BUILD !! GREAT VIDEO ,KEEP THEM VIDEOS COMING !! JESSE VIA LAS VEGAS

[@poeticalvision]

Just really goes to show when you buy a fully restored car you are really buying the labor. The biggest barrier for me to do something like this though is just knowledge. I can't tig weld an exhaust or rebuild a transmission, and frankly its scary to try. Would be fun though.

[@Truth2240]

Bravo sir. Sweet car. I love your fearless approach.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks! 👍

[@meatman3042]

The car is perfect ! Thanks for doing a cost breakdown. My opinion I think hideaway headlights would look great .

[@seabreezeof]

Doing something you enjoy, having the skills and business smarts to keep your cost at a minimum, you deserve to earn what ever you decide to sell it for, mean while enjoy it while you have.. Great job with the build !!! A lot of folks have hobbies that turn into businesses, I could see you having your own shop, if that's something you may want.

[@209jjones]

OUTSTANDING. Beautiful job. I'm in 33g on my 1972 camaro putting a Lt1 from a 2019 ss into it. Loved watching ur build as It's given me great ideas and motivation. Thank You

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Right on!

[@johnhopperstad2785]

Chris you are as rare as a 69 Camaro so talented and absolutely amazing you finished that build in one year is astounding!!you should collect these cars until your ready to retire!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it man!

[@ConcussedGaming]

Excellent job! You've got a great personality. Speak the truth and are a REALISTIC PERSON! Thats a rarity in this world and you sir have earned a new subscriber!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thank you sir! Appreciate it

[@felixserrano2511]

That’s the way to go when you have the skills and the garage with the right tools and the smart way to save lots of money. Awesome car. Congratulations, really nice work. 👍

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks 👍

[@InFiD3ViL1]

Your Camaro is absolute perfection. I may be a bit partial, as I have a 2010 SS in Cyber Gray, but still - this build is nearly exactly how I would do it.

[@curtisking2962]

Chris, in my humble opinion, you are undervaluing your car at least $100,000 dollars. I think again, this is a Barrett-Jackson quality (Saturday) car. This is just my opinion and we all know what they are worth. Great car and all great videos documenting the build. Thanks for taking us along.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate the kind words

[@MrTriplejaw]

Love the channel, Chris. I don't think there are many people that can say they built a 69 Camaro or anything of that caliber for $50k. I don't think you give yourself enough credit. Well done!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@stankypaint]

This is by far one of the best channels on youtube. Only complaint I have is that the videos arent coming fast enough! Love the content and cant wait for the next video.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Working on it!

[@5thgenZLE]

This dude has great taste. Would love to see his take on a 5th gen zl1

[@Goodoletom916]

Totally awesome, you did an incredible job, thanks for sharing that breakdown, your skill set is way up there!! She’s beautiful

[@Mi1lerTime]

Good call on the body work points at the end of the video. That's where the time suck and lack of skills can really put a dark cloud on the restoration to a great pro touring build.

[@michaeldyer6304]

Determination, hardwork a little know how and presto. Its like Magic! Good job and well done Chris!👍

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thank you 🤝

[@lanceanderson29]

Hey Chris, I love watching your videos. I get a lot of inspiration from them. I built a 69 Camaro RS that is similar to yours, but I used a Gen V 6.2 LT1/ TR6060 from a 2018 Camaro SS. Now I'm Building a 72 Camaro RS/Z28 with a 6.6 L8T crate motor and a 5-speed Tremec. I agree you can build cars yourself and save big $$. Keep up the great videos. It keeps me motivated!

[@tkmoseley]

Chris - Excellent breakdown and awesome example of building a top shelf car without breaking the bank. I did a similar build on my ‘68 Camaro almost 20 years ago, swapping an LT1/T56 combo from a wrecked ‘94 firebird. MUCH cheaper way to get a great drivetrain. 2 questions for you…first, what do you think of the ridetech setup? I’ve almost pulled the trigger on that a few times but keep waffling between than and full front subframe replacement to get the rack and pinion option. Second, with your car lift placement, do you find you have enough space to work in the side of the car by the wall? I’m working out my pillar placement and am looking at basically the same setup as yours. Thanks in advance.

[@scottlong8039]

Hey Chris, love the video. Any chance on doing a video on your background, you are so knowledgeable on so many thing just wondering how you learn all this or is this what you do for your job? Been following you since the start of the 69 build. Keep the videos coming. Great work!

[@timleuliette899]

Great breakdown video and recap. Totally agree with the price. Have a close friend at work with a 69 Camaro RS that he just put an LS3 in last summer. No Holly dash, but he has Dakota Digital gauges. He also has a bit different suspension with his full RideTech setup front and rear 4 link. He said your car was worth $125K, easily.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Sounds like a nice car!

[@MOBMann]

Like you’re post speech Chris!! Make us regular guys really believe! Me at least!!! Great work!!!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@gordonchagrin4111]

Chris....forgot how much you did to this car...thanks for sharing...and keep up the good work

[@lllllllllloooo-g9y]

Chris! Winner Winner Chicken dinner! lol You are one hell of a builder, with major skills brother!! I love the Corbeau racing seats!

[@chevrolet355]

I picked up a decent 69 camaro roller for 3 grand. It was just a shell with new doors on it. Only glass was door glass. The deals are still out there

[@vtecaccord96]

The level of detail and masterful art work you put into your ride is unmatched. You definitely have become one of my favorite KZbin channels! I gotta ask, what is your day job because I would guess Master Mechanic for a specialized shop but won't even try to assume. 😂 Keep up the excellent work man and Happy Holidays!

[@rye0987]

Impressive. Your skills saved that money, amazing. Amazing car.

[@S2NAZ]

Hey Chris, I loved this episode. I haven't had an opportunity to go back to do a start to finish on the Camaro so this was very revealing. This build process was really amazing and the passion you show with the vision to see the outcome is impressive. I watch a lot of car builder, salvage rescue shows here on YT and I have to tell you your channel is really extraordinary because you're not "in the business, but a regular guy wish a strong desire to own some fantastic cars AND you finish what you start in spectacular fashion. I salute you 👍🏻👊🏻 P.S. I love that you actually drive your cars

[@usedcouchsalesman1373]

Nice work. Economically, you're subsidizing your own highly skilled labor with a passion for doing stuff yourself. For people like me, who can barely keep a mountain bike tuned, well, we're stuck paying six figures for equivalent cars.

[@jameslane8354]

Been loving the content for years it’s nice to see your audience expanding, you will likely be one of the big cartubers in the next year or two, love the format and the clean cut to the point videos. Keep up the work, I never miss a video because they’re all entertaining

[@ChrisSullivan69]

I appreciate that!

[@ddemouchet1]

Been watching since the CTS and now I’m a fan‼️‼️

[@machlove73]

Great video!! I am currently weighing my options on my 71 Chevelle to do the same kind of thing. Only I would need body and paint. Great job on you super nice Camaro and final cost. Very inspiring

[@jesusleal1496]

Was with you on the whole build! Like a great movie, was awesome to the end bro! Love the content!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!!

[@flaS2k]

I’m sure I have commented this before, but keep the videos coming. Great work!

[@DEANO2027]

You should flex… what a car, and all that hard work you put into it. Sweet car worth every penny of 125K in today’s market.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@rickmarietta9355]

amazing car but your time and labor def bring it up to at least 70,000 still absolute value and will keep going up just owning it now and taking care of it congrats man love the channel and all the projects!

[@jconnway]

A little bit handy? Dude your a master mechanic cmon Great work

[@swift__]

Your a straight savage man, absolutely killer job on everything with the sixty9🤜🏼🤛🏼 ( I like the cost breakdown videos after watching all the episodes on the build👌🏼 ) and those 4l60s hold zero power, so your motor and trans setup are wayyy more desirable 🫡

[@ralphralphin]

The 69 is FIRE man. Great build, I enjoyed seeing it ALL come together

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it

[@adrienroy9310]

Very nice. And as a guy who flipped, I appreciate your hustle and how you worked this deal. But, I heard you say you had an 04 cobra in college and did a build with little to no money. How? I couldn't manage one now and I have a pretty good job. I heard several people say this and it's always perplexed me. Where did the money and time come from? I watched the whole video on how you managed the camaro, dude, that's impressive, and you 100% earned it. But an 04 cobra in college and a build? I'd love to hear that.

[@Facchini98]

that is a gorgeous car you did an amazing job that is literally exactly how i would love mine to be i have wanted one of them since i was a kid maybe someday I'll get mine thanks for sharing yours

[@shawnm.1540]

Great build, great work, great video. As always!

[@victor.hugo.differentialz]

This a great wakeup I will take into my vechile going 6 speed swap and selling my setup from the 4l80e super dope knowledge

[@matthewburkholder1076]

Definitely love the 68 ss the most, when i was a kid my uncle had a 68 ss 454 rat motor🤘🏼

[@philgomez6882]

That’s an amazing build. I have a 67SS Camaro with a roadstershop spec chassis and LS3/4l80 that I built. I wish I could say my net investment was only 50k. 😂😂 Looking forward to your next project.

[@nicks70roadrunner]

Great video! Car come out amazing. Glad I got to see it in person. $125,000 minimum on that car.

[@ralphowens4510]

This is the day I've been waiting for, now I gotta go turn my couch upside down and scrape up some change!

[@jackrwallace]

Wouldn’t list this thing for a dime less than $200k. Beautiful work man.

[@tysonsullivan7837]

Really liked how you broke it down,Beautiful car buddy

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks 👍

[@shortdoggcouncil1]

I’m Darnell from Rocky Mount North Carolina and I Love your videos I can’t wait to see the next one.

[@GuitarPlayer3-m5k]

Understood. Hope to see you out and about enjoying it when the weather gets nice again up here in New England😮

[@davidstephens8871]

This was an awesome video and it kind of put into perspective how much work and man hours you put into this car. Excited to see your next project get started! Congratulations!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@jasonsirois3591]

I stumbled on your channel recently, and I'm digging the content. As a fellow NH resident, which I'd bet I'm not too far away, maybe I'll be lucky to catch your rides on the road.

[@singletonperformance5473]

Just got sent this video, nice work by the way. The one comparable Camaro you used @ $195k was built by my buddy Josh, @ Victory Motor Sports and yes it sold for that price... Auction prices are alot higher than Craigslist tire kicking no finance deals..

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Good info! Trust me plenty of guys in the comments think it's worth "$75k max" lol

[@mb101367]

Sir..YES, it's worth that and, in my opinion, maybe more. Awesome job.

[@PowerWash2022]

Car is beautiful my man. I'm currently working on a 81 Camaro sport with the vinyl top.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@iamrichrocker]

i recall the work/agonizing on the dash and think this is some of your finest work..also, should consider framing some great pics and hang them on the wall of your garage..all of your cars deserve the wall of honor..

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Agreed!

[@CorvetteJoe_204]

Hey, I remember you replying to one of my comments saying that you are a Mechanical Engineer. Any advice for one coming out of college? I'd appreciate it. Thanks 👍

[@pri0r_t0_a_weekago...fukwi48]

I knew he had to of had some kinda great job to fund all this stuff lol I thought that or def wholesale drug dealer

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Keep those grades up and you'll be golden. The world will always need engineers 🤙

[@sonnycalzone7784]

Nice to see more new england boys in the youtube streets lol 👍👍 cool ride

[@ChrisSullivan69]

🤙🤙

[@yeahbuddygarage]

This is exactly how I built my '67 C10 but with a '99 z28. Found the body I wanted, installed the new drivetrain from the donor, sold some parts and pieces then took the truck on the 2022 Hot Rod Power Tour. Unfortunately I think it just collapsed a lifter which is forcing me to upgrade the heads/ cam and add boost 🤘

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Awesome! I want to do power tour someday

[@CMK90]

Awesome content man. I am newer to the channel have been going back and watching other vids. Would love to see you do an s550 project!

[@PitSmok]

Really enjoyed this episode, turn up to be amazing car, spec your way, labour of love. Just show's that hard work and dedication pays off 💪

[@greghaub1571]

What a beautiful build. Cool cool car. The definition of sweat equity! Also you are way modest, your skill set is a tad above average. In my younger years I did some body off corvettes and the great thing is it’s not work when you love as I know you do.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thank you!

[@MyFirstGen]

Very wise choices, your a automobile financial advisor.

[@nathanromeo7018]

That’s awesome love the breakdown, doing it yourself definitely saves you a ton

[@celsogarcia1882]

What's up Chris love your videos I watch them every chance I get what's going on with the sonic blue cobra I'm looking forward on watching that build I have a sn95 and your inspiring to build mine keep up the good work man shouts out from woodlake California

[@BradWhite-n1z]

Beautiful build lovd the Chanel bro! Wish i had your knowledge to do half of thst work

[@coryleeboxing3047]

AWESOME VIDEO

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it!

[@davecolquhoun9315]

You said it, if you HAVE THE SKILLS , to build it, most could do some, however, most can not do all that you did, so unless your skills are not worth anything , then fine, a $50,000 car, everyone else it would have been $150,000+ and they would be upside down in it , regarding the value. Really nice work, by the way !!!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Yes this is all very true

[@stevebader6385]

Love your channel and your cars. The 100k plus miles on the engine did get my attention. I realize you have "gone through the engine" but I do not recall do what degree? Main bearings, rod bearings, con rods, on and on. Beautiful car but would not want to spend $130 large for an engine with a 100k plus miles unless i was convinced it's more or less only the block with those miles.

[@markurbancowboy]

Dude, I wish I had your skills! Awesome car and probably worth every bit of 125K. 👍

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks man!

[@Zatix_Ken]

I love the price break down videos 🫡🫡

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@rjp9.6]

Youre a bad man! my kind of work right here, truly priceless