There’s a saying: to each his own. But sometimes that saying doesn’t cut it, especially when you find out what has been done to this 1969 Hugger Orange Camaro SS Convertible. As seen over at ProTouring.com, car owner Tony Whatley says he bought this Camaro in 2005, and like so many car projects it sat in the corner waiting for Tony to find the time to work on it.

When he bought the car from a man in Tennessee, it was a running car and Tony found out that the VIN tag shows its genuine Hugger Orange Camaro SS. The car was repainted in the original color, with the stripes done the original style, according to the previous owner.

Tony finally made the decision to rebuild the Camaro and turn it into a mild Pro-Touring car that will be driven, and if he can get it done in time he plans to take it on the Hot Rod Power Tour this June. That’s a tall order, but Tony says “I’m crazy like that” and we’ll take his word for it.

Tony wasn’t happy with the current paint job that was applied over a decade ago, and noticing quite a bit of sanding marks and the overall condition of the body and crookedness of the stripes, he plans to have the car soda blasted down to bare metal and rebuild it. He plans to replace any panels that are beyond repair, and to paint the car the original color with the stripes going on straight this time.

With the help from some friends, he began the process of dismantling the car and found a bunch of things that he would never do to a car like this, or any car for that matter. Speakers were held in place with twist-ties, mismatched shocks in the rear (one of them was an air shock), a coat hanger was used for a throttle linkage, and even a bent nail retaining the clutch Z-bar rod.

A new 6.2L L92/LS3 Crate engine is going to replace the GM Performance Parts 350HO crate engine that was in the car, and will be backed by a built Borg-Warner T56 six-speed transmission with an LS7 clutch, nice parts that this self-proclaimed parts hoarder had laying around the shop waiting for a new home.

Sub-frame connectors will be in place to keep the chassis stiffer, and for rolling stock Tony’s current plans are 18” American Racing Torque Thrust 2 Classic wheels. A 3.42 geared 12-Bolt Posi will keep the engine calm during those highway cruises he plans to take. To slow the Camaro down so everyone can get a closer look at it, he will install a CPP 4-wheel disc brake kit. Sounding out the exhaust will be Hooker long-tube headers, 3” tubing and a pair of Magnaflow mufflers.

The convertible top frame will be blasted and repainted, covered with a new canvas top. Inside will be new Arizen Houndstooth seats, an update wiring harness by American Autowire, and new door panels. For those days when it’s too hot outside, even for a convertible, a Vintage Air system will keep the interior cool.

Taking it apart and loading the car onto his Direct Lift rotisserie, he can begin the transformation that includes restored OEM and DSE parts that he already has. His front sub-frame is outfitted with DSE control arms and steering box, out back he has DSE lowering leaf springs. QA1 coil-over shocks are being installed at all four corners.

Many people would have thought the Camaro was just fine the way it was, sans the twist ties and rusty nails that don’t belong on the car. But Tony admits he’s pickier than most and we don’t blame him a bit. This is one time when “to each his own” just doesn’t cut it – we agree with Tony and can’t wait to see the finished project.