Or, should I just scream and run for the hills?

My name is Boris and I am new here. I have always enjoyed the look of the third generation Camaro. It's long, low, and very sleek. Now, nearly 20 years after the end of the 80s, I would like to buy one. Am I too late?

I see lots of third generation Camaros for sale in the local Craigslist and they are far from pristine condition. My goal would be to slowly restore it to make it shiny and pretty. Unfortunately, I have no idea what to look for. I couldn't distinguish a previously wrecked vehicle from new-old-stock single owner vehicle if the body shop did a good enough job on the wrecked vehicle. At the moment, I would be thrilled if I could simply drive one home and not get stuck on the side of the road. Forgive me if I sound like a putz, but what should I look for and what should be ringing alarm bells?

My automotive background is pretty slim. I'm a bicycle mechanic at heart and an electrical engineer by profession (although I have done a lot of mechanical work too). I've put together my fair share of bikes, built my own wheels, and replaced enough bearings to last me a while. Am I about to get in over my head?

I want to spend the next few months learning more about how the car is put together. There are probably lots of catalogs showcasing aftermarket parts and the like. What are the big ones to look at?

Thanks a bunch!

-- Boris

 

Makes you feel any better I am not a huge mechanic myself. I'm a systems administrator... far from the likes of a 3rd gen.

That said, most of the work that needs to be done aside from engine work is pretty simplistic and there is a ton of info out there about how to accomplish most of it.


In regards to finding one in better condition, it can be hit or miss.

I live in NYC, right near the tracks, so people always ruin any camaro and make it a track car (take out the back seats, etc.) then never finish the job. It took me over a year to find a 5 speed in great shape and I had to settle for an auto beforehand which also treated me very well.

Just look hard and you'll find what you want.

-bez

 

I got talking to some of my coworkers about my wanting to get involved with a 3rd generation Camaro.

"Really? You? Cool!"

One of my coworkers said that the 3rd generation Camaro is a "clip on" car. What they meant by this is that wire harnesses, panels, dashboard, etc are clipped onto the unibody base rather than being bolted together - and the clips are all plastic. They didn't want to discourage me but they told me to seek out an older generation. The newer generation is "more work" than the older ones.

Not having worked on cars (other than changing the oil and rotating tires), I'm not sure what "more work" means. What does that mean?

-- Boris