1973 Z28 LT Project
 

Hello everyone! I’m in the early stages of restoring a 1973 Z28 Type LT, and I need some guidance on a couple of things. I’ve done some research but so many people disagree on what could be “original”.

What made these cars have the big rubber pieces on the front of the whole bumper?

Did these just have the 4-spoke steering wheel with an LT badge?

Did these have the Z28 emblem on the grill and spoiler, and then the LT emblems on the quarter panels and front and back?

Were the grills black or chrome?

If they have bottom chrome, should the body be black underneath the chrome to the ground?

Can this car have stripes?

What wheels and caps did these come with stock?

Are there any little or big things I should know about with building these whether they be general to Camaros or specific to Z28/LT?

All help is greatly appreciated. I’m 20 years old and I don’t have much help with figuring out what I need to do to make this thing as original as possible. I know there are a lot of questions, but I’d rather ask real people than find random answers on Google.

Thank you!

here is a start to unravel the car. https://nastyz28.com/camaro.html also look for a factory service manual. im old so I like paper manuals. post up a few pictures and keep track of progress on here. makes a great way to document the history of the build. welcome to the forum.

I've seen that website before, but I found some new info I didn't see before this time! I also feel pretty confident with building this thing with the parts that it had with it and assuming they are all original and correct. So far, nothing has been incorrect on it according to the VIN and Trim Tag.

Do you know where I can find all of the codes for the engine, tranny, and stuff that isn't included on the trim tag? I don't think I've seen any RPOs for that stuff on the car yet.

Thanks!

look under the rear seat and see if the build sheet is there.

https://nastyz28.com/threads/what-gi....342410/page-2

All the numbers you need should be right there on the block just above the water pump. This will have part of your vin number and if it has a CL where the CK is in the above picture it is a Z28. If the original engine is gone then there is almost no way to prove the car was a Z28 because everything else can be forged. Many guys will find pictures of the car from back in the 70's either from the original owner or his family and a line of who owned the car since to try and establish.

I am not a 73 expert but I have had a 72 and a 74

Strips on an option.
The big rubber parts of the bumpers are optional. Check out how the 73 RS looked.
I think all 73's had the 4 spoke steering wheels.
Lower chrome was an option and I believe it was add right to the standard paint job.
Wheels on the Z should have been 15" x 7" 5 spoke "https://www.camarocentral.com/1971_1973_Wheels_Set_for_Z28_and_Chevelle_5_Spo_p/whe-691.htm"
Not sure about the emblems in 73 but 74 did have the "Type LT" badge on the quarters. I am sure one of the parts houses will list the badges and locations.

A word of warning. The way I think of parts for restoration, There are 3 levels parts out there. One: is a China knock off, Anyone knowing these cars can spot theses from 20ft away. Parts are not as good as original but will normally function as intended. Two: American made or oversaw. This makes the overseas manufacture held to a higher standard. Three: A part a real car show judge cannot tell it is a repop. It is marked will all the correct making and most likely will require a license from GM due to the markings. The difference and price can be a lot. I am not sure you can find all parts at show quality for a 73. The 73's never had the value the 72's had. They were more on the smog side.

Maybe you can find a local expert. I have used a local guy who has now been selling parts for Camaros over 30 years, Not only did he know which parts where good but also which parts fit together with over parts.

He is only part time.
https://www.dennyscamaroparts.com/