Just took my 1986 z28 to the shop to have them once over it to make sure that I have a baseline to work with. The car has sat for a year. I purchased the vehicle after my friend passed away.

Here is what they are telling me:

Front Wheel Bearings
Steering linkage- idler arm
Choke needs to be cleaned
air filter
transmission flush
oil change
air pump ceased up.
and new tires (which I knew since they are rotting)

how much of this is something an "amature" could do?
I know they are going to tell me, we can do it.
I'd like to gain knowledge on the vehicle and working on vehicles.

 

Depends on how good of an amateur you are. But you can get help here, from a manual, or youtube. The wheel bearings and idler arm are a little more involved (above amateur status) but save those for last once you see how well the other things go. All that stuff you list is either normal maintenance or normal wear stuff. The air pump you can bypass with a different belt. I was able to use a shorter belt when I removed the one in my old 91, but that was a serpentine. Isn't yours a v-belt? Would have to see yours to know if a shorter belt is all it will take.

 

I have exterior pics of the vehicle. I would have to take some and post up of the engine compartment. I know it's a 305 V8,