Paint jobs are all over the place price wise. Seems most quality paint jobs run around $3,000-$4,000 but you should ask around and talk to a lot of people. Someone may know somebody who does good work oout of a home paint shop that can beat the price.
Maaco is OK, but wont be the quality of factory or even close to a really good shop. Still if the prep work is done good by you and your friend, the Maaco paint can be an acceptable low cost option. I'd consider epoxy primer sealing it before it goes to Maaco, as they wont do that important step. They will clear coat it if you buy the highest level they sell, but it wont get a cut and buff so it may not be a really high gloss.

 

I'm going to keep the interior black as-is, but the dash is cracked and is in bad shape. There isn't a center console and the carpet was new when my brother did it, but his buddy made the cut-out for the auto tranny opening and made the opening too big and sticks out the sides of the shifter, so I gotta redo that one. Also, I want to rip the carpet out anyway to add sound deadener and heat proof before I reinstall the carpet. Headliner was replaced in 2003. My only concern is I have been trying to find replacement '79 dashes, but they seem to be nonexistent. I found a 78 Completele Replacement Dash on FBodyWarehouse for $1200, but I'm assuming I'd have to get a new cluster and all, which seems like a lot of work. So all in all, this is what I plan on:

1) Sound deadener + Insulator - $45
2) New Carpet - $137
3) New Seats - possibly just Scat ProCar Sportsman Racing Seats w/ tracks & sliders - $453
4) New Center Console + Lid - $340
5) New Pre-Assembeled Door & Quarter Trim Panels - $230
6) New Dash Components - (prices will vary depending on what I get)

I'm looking at $1200 without the dash stuff. Maybe $2k with some minor dash stuff or around $2400 if I decide to go with the 78 swap, but then I'd have to change the gauges and cluster as well.

Money is not an option for the interior, in my opinion. I rather have the interior completely suited to my tastes since that's where I will be spending the majority of the time in this car.

My brother did mention eproxy primer sealing and I'll look into it, I'm sure it's something I could do onceI feel confident in it. I'll price the paint jobs around here...I'm willing to pay as long as long as the end-product will be halfway decent. I'm looking to paint it Hugger Orange. As long as the paint job isn't anywhere near the thin clearcoat layer on my G8 that starts chipping with the slightest touch, then I'll be happy.

 

What kind of sound deadener do you plan on using? I've heard prices around 5-600 to completly cover the inside with dynamat.

 

It's a 7 piece kit offered at NPD. Page 21 in their online catalog.

http://npd.dirxion.com/WebProject.as...a10flx&from=2#

 

Here's a question. My brother had a Holeshot 2800RPM stall converter installed before he put the new motor in and his buddy told him to upgrade to a 3000RPM one. His buddy did the install and ever since then that tranny continually leaks. What could be the problem?

He tells me the 2800RPM one he had was a perfect fit and never had problems and he still has it. He told me to put that one back in. Are than any advantages/disadvantages to having a 3000RPM stall over 2800 vice versa?

 

It's possible the converter wasn't seated when he put it in and damaged the front seal. Can you tell where the leak is coming from? A 2800 stall converter is pretty high speed! I run a 2200 for a pretty big cam. Anything around 2000 or higher is pretty high. Can't imagine why you'd ever want a 3000 rpm.
At cruising speed with a 3:42 rear I'm doing under 2500 rpm at 65. So a 2800 would never lock up, and eventually it will take the clutches out. You'd probably need 4:11-4:56 gears to get locked up with a 3,000 stall converter.
NPD has dash caps that cover the cracked pad and look just like a pad. Priced at $89. on page 12 for a 1979.

 

This Camaro has a 3.73 posi rear. When my brother had the old 2800RPM stall converter installed, on the highway cruising at 65mph, he was around 3000-3200RPMs.

Is it difficult to replace the front seal?

I was thinking of the dash cap and I may just go with that. Check this out.
http://nastyz28.com/index.php?page=camarodashrepair

What kind of gauges are those in the pictures listed in the "Results" cell? Those are really nice! That's a '78 obviously since it is rounded, but do they make similar types of gauges for the '79?

 

Depends on what you consider difficult.

You have to separate the engine from the trans and pull the torque converter. The seal is around the input shaft and takes about 2 mins to remove and about 2 mins to install. Removing the trans, disconnecting from the flexplate, etc., will take you an hour or two depending on tools and experience. Then reverse the process and you are done.

 

I belive by looking at your pics that you have a 290 hp crate motor. Just a guess. If it still has that cam in it I wouldn't think it would need a converter at all. At least not one much higher than stock. I would question the craftsmanship of a guy wanting to stall a 290 horse engine at 3 grand. I don't claim to be an expert in this area, but man that sounds way off. I would talk to the guy you go the car from and know exactly what crate motor he bought. Its from GM so it will be easy to get the cam specs. Then give B+M a call with that info and see what they recommend. I'd bet dollars to dougnuts it ain't 2800. If you need help finding the cam specs let me know. I have a ton of catalogs with GM crate motors in them. Best bet would be GM Performance Parts web site or Scoggin ****ey.

How does that tranny fluid look by the way? Does it smell burned? We'll help get you squared away. Don't worry.

 

It's my brother who is selling me the car. Here's are the specs to the motor in the car. His buddy at the time picked this motor out. My brother thought he had the 290hp version this whole time until he dug up the paperwork. It's actually the base 195hp version. He is pissed!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-10067353/

I got more info about the stall. A 2000RPM stall converter was installed and they swapped it for a 3000RPM.

It's a GM 350 Crate modified with:
+ torqer II manifold
+ summit cam kit: 282/282 duration w/ lifters
+ valve adjustment
+ timing: 10* 700RPM curb idle (ported preferred on dist)
+ holly 670cfm elec choke carb
+ summit dual feed w/ gauge for carb
+ holly fuel pump 9psi max
+ summit fuel pressure regulator
+ 3/8 fuel lines & fittings
+ stock water pump
+ 18" flex fan

350C6C2 350 trans w/ lockup