1967 Camaro RS: Queen of Camaros

Owned by George & Bobbie Hedrick   Lyles, TN

The Hedrick’s pampered ’67 Z/28 enjoys a life of ease and trophy-collecting

All love stories have a beginning, and this one is no different. As is the case with most ladies, she belonged to another man. And for sixteen years, George Hedrick of Lyles, TN made many offers to make her his, promising to restore and love only (not to sell). In early 2000, George’s friend (who had made the purchase from the original owner) passed away and the car went to auction where George was able to purchase her for the high bid of $1200.

The first thing George did after making her his was to properly store her, where she remained until 2009. During those 9 years, George finished his career as an independent contractor, the whole time never forgetting his love that waited. The plans were to restore her to original specs, but as the pictures show, many things changed– and as Elvis said, “I did it my way”. With a little help from friends Richard Dunn and Rod Lyonhurst, they restored a lot of metal and changed the original color from Deepwater Blue to 2008 Corvette Atomic Orange.

Next, George gave her the legs she longed for; a Detroit Speed front suspension, disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. The original 4-speed and 12 bolt rear-end were kept, the only changes were to go back with the original 3.07 ring gear and pinion and add disc brakes from a 2002 Camaro. The engine became a 358 cubic- inch, 400 hp all chrome and billet beating heart with aluminum Predator Heads, all Eagle rotating assembly, and an HEI ignition. Breathing is done through a “petite” 750 Summit-tuned carburetor and exhaling is courtesy of Hooker Headers.

When George snuggles inside, the Vintage Air, custom gauge panel, Flaming River billet steering column and wheel, billet window and door handles make everything feel just right. The interior was designed and wrapped with exotic leathers by Kaze Williams at Pope’s Hot Rods in Smyrna, TN. The slippers that will be worn to the ball are Foose Nitro III 17x8s front and rear with Sumitomo 245/45zR17 skins.

She will always be a pampered Lady with her own custom trailer where she rides to both local and national events. With only 10 shows under their belt, owners George and his wife Bobbie have accumulated seven 1^st place trophies, five best of show, two best engine, one best paint, one best interior award, and they received a platinum score of 979 points at the Classic Chevy Music City Chevy Show in Nashville.

George and Bobbie have several other Chevys in their stable including a 1967 two-door hardtop 283 Impala with 24k miles and a 1968 327 Camaro SS. They have owned several Chevys together over the years, but George’s first was a 1931 coupe in 1968. Friends that helped this build come together include Bo and John Shacklett (engine), Jesse Nash, James Smith, Frank White, Kenny Wright, and son Rodger Hedrick (wiring).

[envira-gallery id="1492"]

Vitals

Owners: George and Bobbie Hedrick

Vehicle: 1967 Camaro Z/28

Engine: 358 ci Chevy small-block

Eagle Rotating Assembly

2 stage Thumper Cam by Comp Cams

Intake Manifold: Eldebrock Air Gap

Carburetor: Summit 750

Ignition: Hunt HEI

Hooker Headers

Flowmaster Stainless Mufflers

Transmission: Muncie M21 4-Speed

Rear end: 12 Bolt Posi-Traction

3.07 rear gears

Front Suspension: Detroit Speed w/coil over

Steering: Rack and Pinion

Rear Suspension: Competition leaf springs w/stock traction bar

Wheels: Foose Nitro 3 17x8 front and rear

Tires: Sumitomo (htrz) 245/45zr17

Paint: PPG 08 Corvette Atomic Orange by Rod Lyonhurst

Interior: by Kaze Williams, Pope’s Hot Rods, Smyrna, TN

Shop for Camaro parts at www.RicksCamaros.com

Follow us on our Camaro Facebook page. Click here and Like us!