Buying a second generation z28 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Polaris428 · 08-08-2012, 06:04 PM

Anyone have any tips on what to look for and what to avoid?

Rust? Certain types/models? Are frame rails worth replacing?

Thanks

(Preferably 1978-1980)

74 Camaro C-2 · 08-08-2012, 06:18 PM

Ahh lots to look for! Before I tell you what to look for what's your price range? That can help a lot. One thing is for sure, I would not suggest getting a car with rusty frame rails, that's a real pain and '78-'80 models are not too hard to find.

Polaris428 · 08-08-2012, 06:22 PM

Well, probably 2-5k, and 5k is stretching it, more like 4k. I found a 1980 for 4k but have yet to look at it and also found a 79 for 2400 but one frame rail needs to be replaced, i really dont know much about them.

Polaris428 · 08-08-2012, 07:12 PM

the 1980 is an automatic but comes with 4 speed trans and has a 350 with headers extra traction bars but spedo isn't accurate and not sure if original motor they want 4000 but i think they'd take 3800

74 Camaro C-2 · 08-08-2012, 10:12 PM

That doesn't seem like a bad deal. Stay away from needing frame rails, really expensive if you get it done and really hard to do yourself. For 4k your best option is to get a car with a good rebuilt motor (doesn't really matter if it's original or not) so it's mechanically sound. If you can fix it up a bit but have it driving good that's a huge plus. Also I wouldn't worry about the speedo too much, mines off about 10mph because they switched the trans to a 4 speed.

Something like this I think would be ideal for you!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-...#ht_500wt_1182

Polaris428 · 08-08-2012, 10:20 PM

That's exactly why, it was a manual now it's an auto and i plan on changing it back

And it has headers and supposedly runs great i have yet to check it out, very small rust and frames are in good shape yet, its an hour away and he said its definately strong enough to drive home

I'd rather have a z28, and besides its probably another 400 dollars for shipping to where i am in Wisconsin.

But thanks for looking for me

Just trying to decide if its a good deal or not :P

Oh its also a t top

ripcurl329 · 08-09-2012, 10:15 AM

Check out NastyZ28.com . its a 2nd gen forum. Lots of info there. Here is my build Bondo Bandit http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148169 1970 Camaro SS/RS 350 4 speed 3.73 12 bolt.

When looking check frame rails, and the back bottom window areas.

Polaris428 · 08-11-2012, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the link and very nice

08-08-2012, 06:04 PM	#1
Polaris428 Drives: Looking for one Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 8	Buying a second generation z28 Anyone have any tips on what to look for and what to avoid? Rust? Certain types/models? Are frame rails worth replacing? Thanks (Preferably 1978-1980)

08-08-2012, 06:18 PM	#2
74 Camaro C-2 Drives: '74 Camaro 383 Stroker 4-Speed Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 169	Ahh lots to look for! Before I tell you what to look for what's your price range? That can help a lot. One thing is for sure, I would not suggest getting a car with rusty frame rails, that's a real pain and '78-'80 models are not too hard to find. __________________ 1974 Camaro - 383 Stroker - 4 speed - black on black

08-08-2012, 07:12 PM	#4
Polaris428 Drives: Looking for one Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 8	the 1980 is an automatic but comes with 4 speed trans and has a 350 with headers extra traction bars but spedo isn't accurate and not sure if original motor they want 4000 but i think they'd take 3800 Last edited by Polaris428; 08-08-2012 at 07:13 PM. Reason: adding picture

08-08-2012, 10:12 PM	#5
74 Camaro C-2 Drives: '74 Camaro 383 Stroker 4-Speed Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 169	That doesn't seem like a bad deal. Stay away from needing frame rails, really expensive if you get it done and really hard to do yourself. For 4k your best option is to get a car with a good rebuilt motor (doesn't really matter if it's original or not) so it's mechanically sound. If you can fix it up a bit but have it driving good that's a huge plus. Also I wouldn't worry about the speedo too much, mines off about 10mph because they switched the trans to a 4 speed. Something like this I think would be ideal for you! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-...#ht_500wt_1182 __________________ 1974 Camaro - 383 Stroker - 4 speed - black on black

08-08-2012, 10:20 PM	#6
Polaris428 Drives: Looking for one Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 8	That's exactly why, it was a manual now it's an auto and i plan on changing it back And it has headers and supposedly runs great i have yet to check it out, very small rust and frames are in good shape yet, its an hour away and he said its definately strong enough to drive home I'd rather have a z28, and besides its probably another 400 dollars for shipping to where i am in Wisconsin. But thanks for looking for me Just trying to decide if its a good deal or not :P Oh its also a t top Last edited by Polaris428; 08-08-2012 at 10:43 PM.

08-08-2012, 06:22 PM	#3
Polaris428 Drives: Looking for one Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 8	Well, probably 2-5k, and 5k is stretching it, more like 4k. I found a 1980 for 4k but have yet to look at it and also found a 79 for 2400 but one frame rail needs to be replaced, i really dont know much about them.

08-09-2012, 10:15 AM	#7
ripcurl329 Drives: 2012 SS/RS 45th & 1970 SS/RS 350 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 140	Check out NastyZ28.com . its a 2nd gen forum. Lots of info there. Here is my build Bondo Bandit http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148169 1970 Camaro SS/RS 350 4 speed 3.73 12 bolt. When looking check frame rails, and the back bottom window areas. __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS 45th foot well&cup holder Ambient Lighting package, K&N Intake, Hurst Shifter, Kooks 1 7/8 LT Headers w/High Flow Cats 3" Kooks Street Screamer, ADM Scoop, Roto-Fab W/W relocation. 1970 SS/RS 350 - 1187 Steel Crank, Pink Rods, TRW flat tops, 10.5 to 1 w/ AFR 195 heads, GM Stage III off road solid cam, Air Gap Intake with a Holley 750 DP. Kenny Powers: Sure, I’ve been called a xenophobe, but the truth is, I’m not. I honestly just feel that America is the best country and the other countries aren’t as good. That used to be called patriotism.

08-11-2012, 01:28 PM	#8
Polaris428 Drives: Looking for one Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 8	Thanks for the link and very nice __________________ ~Ford Trucks, Chevy Muscle~