Looking for some opinions based on facts and or experience.

I have a 78 Camaro. To me, the car seems pretty stock or original. But if you break it down it actually is not. I'm trying to decide if I wanna keep it in the general state that it is or go more resto-mod. Here's a list of the things that have been replaced over the years by the former owner, that aren't original.

1. Cowl hood (fiberglass)
2. Radio and speakers
3. my seat belts are a grayish in color and old as hell, while everything else is black. So the seats, carpet and headliner appear to be pretty new and I'm assuming not the original color.
4. entire motor
5. wheels and tires
6. A/C unit
7. entire exhaust
8. exterior paint? (not sure, its been repainted and is black)
9. oil pressure gauge isn't stock but looks very much like the other gauges
10. Clutch


I know that sounds like a lot, maybe it is. The transmission is original and the seats look or resemble something from that generation. The car has a very old school feel to it. Carb, flat tappet cam, 4 speed, Torque Thrust II 16 wheels, roll up windows, dash and gauges (minus one) all stock. Consul is still there and in good shape. Steering wheel is stock

I have debated on going to some after market head lights. Nothing wild or tacky. Something of the same shape but maybe a halo of some sort. I was considering a darker head light because the car is black. I like the almost all black theme. the tail lights i wanna replace with new/stock ones. dash I wanna buy a new/stock one. Thought about going with different gauges? Maybe a different steering wheel.

 

IMO, do what you want with it. It's not a high value car anyway.
Have fun and enjoy.

 

Not a fan of those halo headlights. Put the money into seatbelts instead maybe? These cars arent imports and shouldnt look like one.

Thats just my opinion and its your car. Im sure ive done lots to my car that other people disagree with.

 

I don't care for the halo headlights on 2nd gen Camaros either. I do like the aftermarket gauge panels, and whatever gauges you want in them. Seat belts definitely need to be matched up, as the off color will really jump out and get attention.
Don't like any of the stock steering wheels on 2nd gens, so I'd change that too. I like performance, so I usually try to wring some extra out of my cars.

 

when i bought my 78, it came with a beat up 305, sun damaged red int. i was thought about keeping it stock, but where is the fun in that? lol

i replaced the 305 with a freshly rebuilt 355, i done some interior work but my goal is to buy everything new and completely redo the interior. and i'm in the process putting in a 3.73 rear end. my opinion is, have fun and build it to your liking.

 

I had a feeling I would get comments like that on halos. Reason being is because Ive been on that same page. I don't want anything too extreme and something about them has been telling me its probably better to not. I've never seen them on these cars. Really, Id like some HI lights that are smoked some, not too dark.

Im thinking seat belts, tail lights and steering wheel first.

 

The aftermarket gauge panels look great. Only problem is they run from about $900 for cheap gauges to like $2000 for crazy stuff. New tails, wheel and seatbelts arent going to make a big loud difference but it will make the overall appearance much nicer.

 

The panels I was referring to are under $150. Just a aluminum panel with either bare finish, anodized, or carbon graphite. Then you install standard 2" gauges in them. Total cost with gauges can be under $300, depending on your gauge choices.
Several guys have made their panels themselves for under $15 in material, by mocking up cardboard to fit, and then punching their own holes. That saves the panel purchase price.

 

That's what i put in mine,aluminum gauge bezel,cost me right about $100 with all holes pre cut,then i went with autometer ultra lite gauges,i think all the gauges ran me about $400,so i have maybe just a bit over $500 for the whole setup including a few small spools of wire to hook everything up.

 

Thanks guys! Going over to the interior section to post about seat belts now