Introduction     The website officially opened up December 1st, 1998 under the name "The Camaro Enthusiasts Hideout" and the domain name (free back then) http://camaro-source.n3.net. Why did we introduce The Camaro Enthusiasts Hideout? : Being just that we just purchased our first car; Camaro we immediately went looking around the internet looking for Camaro information.  We found great sites that offer a great deal of information. However most of these sites only had information on specific Generations of Camaro's. Some were on all F-Body's (Camaro's and Firebirds), some were of a specific year and were not always updating their information. And for these very reasons, we decided to do our own website. Not only a website for Camaro's but a FULL Resource website for ALL Generation of Camaro's. We quickly discovered this would definitely be a task! However even with our plan underway, we never dreamed the site would grow to be as large, and as popular as it is today. In the beginning we didn't really do any cross-referencing and would immediately put the information we found onto the website. Unfortunately we eventually discovered that you cannot reply on any one resource for accurate information. Even official GM brochure can have mistakes; even very careless mistakes at that. We'll mention more about this above. For now, please enjoy as we travel back in time to the first days of our "little" hobby website; "The Camaro Enthusiasts Hideout" into Camarosource.ca "Internet's Largest All Year Camaro Resource Site".

Back in time : 1998 - 2001 Layout : Version 1.0 The website officially opened up December 1st, 1998 under the name "The Camaro Enthusiasts Hideout" and the domain name (free back then) http://camaro-source.n3.net. While the website was fairly large in size in it's opening, its Camaro information was not entirely accurate as we didn't realize at the time how even official resource material can be incorrect. We eventually learned from our mistakes and resulted in many changes throughout the years. Here you find a number of pages that we have been able to locate so you can see what The Camaro Enthusiasts Hideout" was like at opening. Main Layout - Note: The car (Click to enlarge) Camaro Picture Viewer : This was a very graphic intense interface to showcase our Camaro and it's pictures. We however don't recall this actually working and almost positive that we removed this before it was operational when we redid the layout. Camaro Picture Viewer (Click to enlarge) It would be 6 months before we realized a real change had to occur.

Back in time : 2001 - 2002 Layout : Version 2.0 June 1st, 2001 we officially relaunched the website with an entirely new layout and new domain. Naturally with a domain such as http://camaro-source.n3.net it is bound to be mis-quoted and simply was time to register a proper domain name for the new launch. We launched the new updated website with www.camarosource.ca under the new name "Camarosource.ca" rather than "The Camaro Enthusiasts Hideout". By this time around we were certain the direction we wanted to take this website (global and to be a complete resource site for all years and models). This time around the we introduced free email address's, ability to search within the site, advertising banner capabilities, webmaster news, as well as an opening page splash screen.  This splash screen with help introduce to the visitors what the website featured. Unfortunately however as you will discover lower in the more recent layout change, having a splash screen (opening page) was more of a disadvantage rather than an advantage. Below you may notice that the stats seem to indicate June 1st, 2001 as being the start of the site. This is actually not true and was the date we introduced visual statistics online. Splash Page (Opening page) (Click to enlarge) With this new launch came a brand new layout. However at this time we had so many pages on the website that we littered the page with links. This was not changed until the next layout. By the time we introduced this new layout, the webmasters Camaro had a visual change; ASCD Fiberglass hood and the replacement of the 2 silver stripes which were now painted down the car rather just stopping on the hood. Of course we had to update the car on the website as well so we added a new picture of the Camaro to the main layout page. Also unlike the first initial layout, this new layout consisted of embedded frames which allowed us to open each new page within the main layout template without having to rewrite the entire page for each one. Main Page (Click to enlarge) Our next layout update would come nearly 1 year later.

Back in time : 2002 - 2002 Layout : Version 2.1 March 19th, 2002, we updated the layout to make it easier for our visitors. Over on the left side we continued with the separate Camaro generations. The layout also featured an image we did with our 1992 Camaro on the middle page. Later on we removed the image as once we upgraded to the torque thrust ][ rims to the car, this image didn't work as it was taken with the old stock rims. We also updated the main banner on the top of the banner straightening the "Camarosource.ca" rather than on an angle, and replacing the regular red 4th generation Camaro on the far right for a 2002 35th anniversary edition. We also introduced our own Camarosource.ca webring to help drive traffic to not only our website  but to others who join. Main Page (Click to enlarge) This layout remained until it changed until it was updated in November, 2002.

Back in time : 2002 - 2004 Layout : Version 3.0 November 3rd, 2002, we introduced this new layout to our visitors. This layout mostly redone from scratch using some of the previous layout such as the overall appearance of the left side (blue). New features included a brand new, faster loading and easier to navigate layout. It now has many Automated Features such as our new Yearly Camaro Information Database (10 Sectioned Pages), Links & Product reviews, automated featured rides script, host-able VIN decoder (the only All year Camaro VIN decoder that also decodes the check digit to verify VIN authenticity),  Classified ads (Message Board), and more... Yearly Camaro Information Database : This database written exclusively for Camarosource.ca, contains over 600 Camaro variations completely broken down to each model and engine variations throughout. The database programming consists of over 10,000 lines of coding and was a long and hard worked accomplishment that had greatly enhanced the website. Today MOST of our visitors come to the website for this information. As a whole, you can view the following : * Camaro model year History * Dealer introduction date * Camaro model year Facts * Production Numbers * Visually view all Camaro Models for each year along with brief summary describing each one and their standard mechanical features. * Engine specs * Engine sample pics * Exterior & Interior Color Codes * Exterior color sample pics * Trim Code Suffix Codes * Wheel Color Codes * Stripe Color Codes * Vinyl Color Codes & Colors * Convertible Top Color Codes & Colors * Carpet Color Codes & Colors * Interior Combination Availability Codes * Material Sample pics * Available Transmissions along with specs, quantity, cost. * Factory Options along with info, RPO Code, Quantity & cost * Wheel choices * Wheel choice sample image pics * Engine Suffix Codes * Rear Axle decoding * Camarosource.ca's EXCLUSIVE ALL YEAR, HOST ABLE VIN DECODER. (Host on your own site) * Spotter's Guide text distinguishing features * Visually distinguish each model same pics and information. The ability to view each model by itself and be able to view the following : * Brief information about this model * Detailed information on all about this model * View its STANDARD Features along with their descriptions * View its OPTIONAL Features along with their descriptions * Sample pics of many angles, engine shots, interior, emblems, and more * Specific General Information * Specific Engine & Transmission information * Specific Body Information * Visually see indications as to whether or not this model came with Disc brakes, air bags, keyless entry, and more. * Specific information on this models Weight/Capacities * Specific information on this models Interior Dimensions * Specific information on this models Exterior Dimensions * Specific information on this model, Performance wise * View a sample image of it's emblem * Find out it's cost and production * General information about this model * Related outside links regards to this particular model. * And Much more. Link images were added at the top of the layout page and over on the left side we expanded each Camaro generation separately. Each with their own set of links to various pages that was directed specially to that generation of Camaro. Most all of the links for this layout was positioned on the far left side of the page. Unfortunately this resulted in very long pages. A neat little feature on this layout was a "BOSS ALERT!" image we had in the top right corner. This was an image to be clicked on if you happen to be surfing camarosource.ca while at work and your boss were to have walked in. Once the image was clicked on, a new page would load that would appear to be a windows desktop with Microsoft Word and a document being written. While this was basically featured as a joke, we eventually discovered this little humorous feature was actually used by some of our visitors when surfing the site at their workplace. The layout also featured an image we did with our 1992 Camaro on the middle page. Later on we removed the image as once we upgraded to the torque thrust ][ rims to the car, this image didn't work as it was taken with the old stock rims. Main Page (Click to enlarge) The next this layout would have a major change is in 2004.

Back in time : 2004 - 2005 Layout : Version 3.1 April 17th, 2004 we yet again did a fair size update on the layout of the website. The main layout was widened to allow more information, top title banner was widened and checkered border added to both ends for a more "Chevy" appeal. Since the layout was slightly widened, this resulted in shorter lengthen pages resulting in much less required scrolling. We also removed many of the links on the page for ease of usage. Additional features included a fully automated featured rides written exclusively for Camarosource.ca as well as multiple LIVE stats (ie. current members registered in msgboard, number of msgs, numbers of featured rides, etc). Main Page (Click to enlarge) It would be close to 1 year before our next initial layout update.

Back in time : 2005 - 2007 Layout : Version 3.2 Our next fairly large update become introduced on January 15, 2005. Some of the changes included : * Even wider layout for more information per page shorted scrolling length * Larger, brighter, clearer, enhanced title logo * LIVE STATS of website including: - # of users online website - # of Camaro's in Yearly Camaro Database (Variations) - # of pages in Yearly Camaro Database - # of pages in website * 6 Recent message board posts (Reduced text size for allowance of 6) * Created new Msgboard image rollover link with LIVE Stats * New Image links on left side for EASY navigation DIRECTLY to the Yearly Camaro Information Database * Added a New Announcement page and removed the LONG previous news from the main opening page. * Moved HUMOR pages to MISC page * REDUCED the amount of images on the screen which should result in a bit faster loading. * More BACKGROUND color and TEXT rather than images are being used. * Removed a LOT of old and useless links which include (From what I can remember) : - Chatroom - About Webmaster - About Website - Camaro Windows start up/shut down pages (Over 3 years old) - MANY of the wallpaper which links were DEAD to sites that closed years ago. - MANY of the huge list of File Downloads that are no longer on the sites that they are linked to. - Site Credits - Testimonials - Live Camaro News - BOSS ALERT! (Turned out barely anyone knew about this little sneaky feature of ours ) * Converted the left side links to LITTLE icons for easier navigation and a better look without all the links piled on the left. These include : - Make Us Your Homepage - Bookmark Us - Links Database - Guestbook Main Page (Click to enlarge) The next time this layout would be updated (which would be minor) wouldn't come until 2007.

Back in time : 2007 - 2009 Layout : Version 3.3 April 18, 2007 we did a very minor change to the layout as well as one change that greatly increased our daily visitor count. This new update was very minor but wanted to keep up with the times. At that time, the new Camaro concept was very much in the news and was the talk of all Camaro owners. We decided to replace one of the 3rd Generation Camaro's with a silver Camaro concept. One small change was the removal of the 1LE R7U banner which was used to help sell 2 1LE R7U Camaro's for a friend of ours. One important change that was long overdue was the removal of the opening page.  We realized thru our website statistics software that we may likely be losing visitors to the website due to the opening page we had since June 1st, 2001. We felt many visitors were likely not going further from the opening page and likely exiting the website. As a result, we decided to remove the opening page and go straight to the main page. Once we did this, we immediately witnessed an increase in daily visits to the website. Main Page (Note : SMALL change - top right corner and removed 1LE R7U banner) (Click to enlarge) This layout would turn out to be the longest running layout so far as the next layout update wouldn't come until the summer of 2009. This new change would be a total redo of the website. Starting over from scratch with a new concept and way of thinking for the website and it's future, and further modernizing the layout with the times reducing much of the fairly dissatisfying bright appearance of the website.

Back in time (CURRENT) : 2011 - Present Layout : Version 4.0 After over 1 year of redoing the entire layout, and all pages within, we were proud to introduce the ALL NEW CAMAROSOURCE.CA. With hopes to drive more traffic than every before with not only the many new features offered but also because of the more modern appearance and feel of the new layout. Unfortunately, no matter how much we liked the previous layout it was LONG overdue for a major change. We discovered many visitors over the years found it at times too bright, and contained too much information on the main page at once. The layout was also done so the page loaded under the main part of the upper portion of the page. This resulted in the page loading under everything else giving it the impression that website simply refreshed and didn't load any new page. While we found it easy to navigate (since we built it), visitors over the years didn't find it all that easy. While there were no major complaints, we were amazed how many visitors were not even aware there was a message board on the website Apparently the large amount of links and images on the page resulted in confusion. This is when we realized it was time for a change. A change that meant redoing the entire layout from scratch. Nothing would be the same as well as toning down the brightness while keeping it easy to navigate. This was our challenge. We feel we can definitely say we were able to successfully modernize the website and hopefully our visitors will enjoy the ALL NEW CAMAROSOURCE.CA.