First let me say I came on a unique opportunity to purchase this car from a friend. I thought the car had a lot of potential as a fun DDer. However, as this deal kinda came up so quickly, budget was tight. So getting this car back to DD standard while keeping it budget friendly is the idea here. After I get done with it, it will go to its new home in Dallas TX where hopefully it will live the remainder of its days doing well. On the pics. BTW, the car is stock with 4.10 gears as the only mod.

Its had a not so decent respray. Nothing to write home about and its filthy. :nod:


A rather strong running LT1/M29 T56 drivetrain, however, its been the victim of some shoddy mechanics in the past. All thats gonna be undone



To start, its getting an opti and new water pump. Its a Chandler Motorsports Opti, like I said this was budget friendly, so dont give me the Delphi comments. I already understand the risk involved.









Upon driving it this car had lots of issues, one being a sloppy shifter. Here's the replacement. Brand new Hurst base, with chrome Hurst short stick and white Hurst ball. A nice piece I think.

Stock shifter



New shifter









I also felt this car could use some routine maintenance. So I purchased this bundle from Oriellys.

Starting at top left: PCV valve cover grommet, TR55 plugs, rear brake pads (i post pics of this later) stock replacement wires, Bosch O2s, fuel filter and PCV valve



Also this car had no stereo or speakers installed in it. It did have Bose amps attached to both the front door speakers but they hummed like crazy when you turned them on so I bypassed them.

 

The shift boot was slightly dried out and had a rip in it so I patched it up with some black permatex



I ordered a throttle body gasket set and a new aluminum top plate cover





Started to get into the opti/waterpump install

 

This car had brake issues in the back when I got it. The pads fell out on the drivers side and the caliper was gripping the rotor. Alum vs. steel= disaster. So I got a new set of pads, new rotors, and a used set of calipers.

The worn caliper:


The worn rotor:


The new stuff installed:


Next project was this bull****. A flowmaster catback that was hacked up:




This is what is going on there:






Before:


After:

 

looks good so far. picked one of the hardest to find some parts for. 93, welcome to the 93 club

 

I have the exact same issue only mine is a 94 z28. Also it's a convertible do I have more issues than just mechanical. Bought it for a DD too after my divorce. I had my New vehicle repossessed after the ex took everything. Anyhow save that story for another forum. What if like to ask you is where do you start? I mean I need a back window on the convertible top and I know I need tires. The car motor wise seems to be in good shape. Runs real string and no knocking or unusual sounds. This is my first attempt at restoring anything so any help and or tips, tricks would be greatly appreciated. I was told the omni spark had already been replaced. I don't get much heat out of the heater core so not sure what that is.

 

Id start with a new top if it needs it and glass.

 

Yes in fact it needs a new back window. I'm going to put the the glass one in with the defrost. I have a quote for just the back window at 800 plus tax. Seems kinda steep to me. I think at that price I may as well just replace the whole top. Also the piece directly above the rear view mirror needs replaced also. The fabric has come unglued and the foam like material is dropping all over the inside of the car. She needs allot of tlc but I think 10k ought to cover it lol. So much to do I just don't know where to begin but I guess the top is as good a place as any. Did I mention it needs tires, brakes, tune up and possibly a heater core lol. I think I may have bit off more than I can handle. It will be an experience I'm sure. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

once the top gets stretched out so far your better off to get a new top. waste of time to try and make it last longer. the more work you do the less the cost. just want to make sure the higher level difficulty stuff is done right. did you get the manual downloaded?

 

No I did not. That site is like a downloader site and it wanted me to create an account. I wasn't sure I wanted to do that. I think I'm going to buy a Haynes or a Chilton manual do that I have hard copies. Can you recommend a good service manual that I could get? One or two that I could buy that would be good for everything? If there is such beast. I have to do everything from mechanical to electrical and interior. Thanks.

 

best is the factory service manual. heres one 1993 Chevy Chevrolet Camaro Service Manual Cheap Shipping | eBay