Hello all -

I'm new around these parts, but have great success using forums with a few other projects - so I've discovered you all.

Long story short, I've just been handed the keys to an old 2nd gen car. She's been out in a field for 5+ years....and frankly, I have no idea where to begin. There is so much potential, but I'm pretty intimated at this point.

I grew up driving a 1st gen Firebird, but it was light years ahead of this car. I really have no idea where to start.

From some very quick and dirty research, it looks to have been a 6-cyl car that's been converted to a small block with a 3 speed. Additionally, it looks to have been a standard package car, but now has some of the RS fittings up front, but not all.

The body looks to have been patched up with some interesting welding/panel work - but it's held for a good while. Paint is rough of course, and most of the interior is as well. The seats are/have been refinished in white/sandalwood, so that's a bonus.

To the point: what do we do with this? I'm not interested in a restored 6-cylinder, honestly, so that's out. What next? A souped-up driver? A solid driver would be GREAT, but that's going require some serious dough. Do we just get her running and dump it, and look for a car that's more solid from the beginning? In regards to the body, I'm guessing that there's no real way to determine just how serious things are until we start removing some of the paint - am I correct here?

So many questions!

The good news is the price was right, so we're sitting well in that regard. The bad news is we have very limited resources (it's just me a few middle school boys, working on this thing in the summer and after school). We can't afford to spend $10k bringing her around - not all at once, at least. Over time, we could do it....just taking baby steps and all.

We've done a few other cars before, but nothing with this potential. This is a REAL car. With sexy lines and a small block - the dream car for these boys (ok, me too!).

Take a look at the pics and tell me what you think. You can be honest - you're not going to hurt our feelings one bit. We're just looking for a bit of "jumping off" advice...

I'm going to post similar inquiries in another forum or two as well, looking for some input.

Here she is:

 

Looks like a good start. I am starting a resto on a 72 myself but mine is not a complete car like yours. I know the early 2nd gens are getting harder to find. I looked for years to find mine. Mine is not in even close to as good of condition as yours. Good luck with the resto.

 

welcome to the forum. to solve all your questions you could always sell me the car and make a profit anyways good luck with the build... but seriously if you wanna sell it let me know

 

That's not only a desireable car, but a very complete car. I personally would start by getting it driving. This is the kind of car that could make a decent driver to start, and then do upgrades as you go.
Being into it at no cash out puts you right side up at this time, and it can e a decent investment if you don't get crazy right off.
I'd start by checking out the engine and drivetrain and seeing if it can be made to run. If not, then I'd look into rebuilding, or having the engine rebuilt. After that I'd clean it inside and out, then do whatever minor things it needs to cosmetically make it look good. Things like a good wash and wax, and detail.
Then you can drive it for awhile and decide what direction to take from this point forward.
Welcome to the forum, and great find!

 

Its crap and been sitting too long. I'll swing down there and pick it up and give you the scrap price for it.

 

OK - we're jumping in. Our goal will be simple for now: a safe, functional driver. If time/energy/money allow, we'll attack the bigger stuff later. I know the body will require extensive bodywork, which we've never been a part of - but hey, you gotta learn sometime,

Indeed, she's got some unique "Camaro gremlins" but overall she's a fantastic place to start. Again, we couldn't consider ourselves more lucky.

The boys I work with are ecstatic, to say the least. Here's a quick pic I snapped of one of the young men; he worked with that grin the entire time.



We have so many questions - perhaps we should start a new thread(s) to better target what's happening. Here's just a few things I'm wondering about:

Is there a definitive reference source when it comes to these cars? Such as Chiltons? Haynes? Where do we go for the nuts & bolts sort of questions?

I'd like to put the boys to work researching the car's history; where are all the "numbers" we should be looking for (i.e., VIN numbers and such)? The firewall has one - but where else?

Are there a few parts suppliers that are the mainstay for these cars? One or two "go to" suppliers that have great resources as well as great tech support?

We've been wrangling with some British cars for the past 2 years or so, and I know they have a few rock-solid parts suppliers, reference manuals, etc. that really stand out - especially since most of the parts are not available at the local NAPA. This American car might be tons easier than what we've been dealing with, but I really don't know - so I feel like we're starting our learning all over again.

Thanks for all the great feedback so far - we're moving forward! Baby steps - one thing at a time...

 

Don't know off any book that will guide you through a restoration on a 2nd Gen Camaro. They have one for the 1st gens, but not 2nd gens. There is a ton of info here in the project section that can be accessed throught he search function that will help you when looking at areas that are a general problem in most 2nd gens. Also good advice on how to go through the suspension when that time comes, or repair the body panels and floors.
I have purchased many parts from National Parts Depot, and Biscay's Classic Chevy. Biscay's was very helpful, and somewhat local, so saved me a lot of shipping charges on many items I purchased. NPD sells good parts at reasonable prices.
I haven't purchased from F Body Warehouse, but they get good reviews by many of the members here.

 

Another couple of parts sources are Classic Industries and Rick's Camaro. Classic Industries has a huge catalog of parts. I too use National Parts Depot, as one of their locations is local. They have a great selection too. Ebay and Craigslist have been a good source of parts also. When I bought my car it included an assembly manual that looks like a xerox copy of the original build book. It believe it cam from Ebay. It shows exactly how the car goes together. I'd do a lot of online research before you start. There's a lot of info out there. Good luck with the project!