need some opinions

[oldman14ss]

I have a chance at a 78' firebird that will probably need a lot of work. the thing of it is Ive been down that road before. the ol lady wont let me keep both. Ive just turned 36k on my 14ss 6spd and now everything is just starting to loosen up. having fun with it by how much I drain my catch can. what do you all think ? all the advanced electronics are my biggest fear on my 14. I'm a retired electrician so wiring the 78 is a no brainer, then you look at paint,bodywork,rearend,motor trans,etc.. I am very spoiled with the 14 it's just like you know grab the door handle the window rolls down a 1/4 inch so door opens then rolls back up. I just worry about all the stuff I cant control on the new car. thoughts guidance? I'm not getting any younger. should I just enjoy what I have? I rally don't want to start another ground up build. but then if this fat old body would fit in a new c8 ? cant do a vette I'm Camaro through and through this is my 4th one. thoughts ? the oldman...........

[Aqua Blue RS/SS]

I think I’d keep what you got if I were in your shoes. I Love the mid 70’s T/A’s, they are one for my all time favorites. That said, there’s something special about a 5th Gen. you’ve got timeless looks, speed and very good handling all in one package factory built and light years ahead of the performance and handling of a stock 2nd Gen Firebird. If I had to keep one it would be the 5th Gen, especially if you’ve finally got it to where it’s what you want it to be. These cars have proven to be incredibly well built. I’ve not seen any major electrical issues out of them and don’t expect many to arise in the future.

[InFiD3ViL]

If this was me? Keep your car. I love Camaros too, but there is no way in hell I would get rid of a low mile 2014 SS for a 1978 that needs a ton of work. No damned way.

Obviously the best solution here is to keep the 2014 and buy the 78 as a project. Convince the wifey that since you just retired, YOU DESERVE IT as a gift for yourself. This will also be a gift for her, as it will keep you out of the house and busy and from annoying the hell out of her. I know there is some way you can spin this to your advantage!

I hear a lot of complaints from retired people that the biggest problem they face is boredom and also a fear of getting old by 'having nothing to do'. You gotta keep that brain working Oldman! If you absolutely have to make a choice, I say keep the SS. But if you can make both happen while keeping her happy? Go for it. You obviously want it and you know you deserve it.

Side note...I wouldn't worry too much about the electronics on our cars. Get yourself a good advanced scanner (something that can report, control/configure all of the modules) and then you are already a step ahead in troubleshooting. I bought a Chinese Tech2 Clone with GM GDS2 and it is a freaking lifesaver. Or you can get an Autel, Snap-On($$$), or competent knock-off. Keep up the maintenance, keep water out of the car, and the SS will last you decades. Nothing you can't handle.

[ariZona28]

I'm going to be a little harsher than my fellow well respected forum members. WTF are you thinking?! Those years of F-bodies were of very poor quality, no power and IMO not very visually appealing. While I did like Jim Rockford's round headlight model I just don't get the "Smokey and the Bandit" nostalgia thing. I was a young auto mechanic in the '80s and those cars were falling apart at the 10 year mark. Difficult to work on also with all the smog equip. Some folks have done some nice restos, more power to them. Keep your '14 and enjoy. Any problems you encounter can be solved by consulting with your good friends here in this forum. And everyone knows that Burt Reynolds' best movie was Deliverance. Just ask Ned Beatty.

[byrds8]

My first ride was a 1979 Berlinetta. I loved her and restored her from the harsh life she had before me. There are many a day I miss her but...I wouldn't trade my 13SS for her. Not sure what ariZona28 means by they were difficult to work on. I found it was more of a pain to work on the 4th gens. I have owned 6 different Camaros 2 2nd gens 2 4th gens and 2 5th gens. Even with the 5th gen flaws, they are a lot more fun that the previous ones. Just my 2cents worth.

[sinlinson]

I'm getting the nostalgia bug myself. My Camaro is the fastest, best handeling car I've ever owned. But I find myself giving the old muscle cars second and third looks. I had a 75' TA and it was an awesome car. I myself have been looking at AMX's, had a 70' in my 20's and it was an amazing machine. Only problem is I would need $15,000 plus the Camaro to buy it back now.

[TheFlyingBananaSS]

Do both if you can. But if I had to choose I would go modern muscle all day.

[byrds8]

Nice looking ride. Now I will say I did see a 700+HP 1970 Chevelle that made me look a few times. Was a gorgeous ride. Granted my Dad would probably choke me out like Bart Simpson if I ever bought one for myself lol. It has been one of his biggest regrets he got rid of the 1969 Chevelle he owned and would love to have another.

[redcoats1976]

had a 66 pontiac that i could fix in the driveway,but my 2015 RS is a lot better of a car,and no fighting the rust demon.id rather cruise than work on it at this point(yeah,i just retired too)

[byrds8]

Originally Posted by redcoats1976

had a 66 pontiac that i could fix in the driveway,but my 2015 RS is a lot better of a car,and no fighting the rust demon.id rather cruise than work on it at this point(yeah,i just retired too)

Grats to you also then.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

If this was me? Keep your car. I love Camaros too, but there is no way in hell I would get rid of a low mile 2014 SS for a 1978 that needs a ton of work. No damned way.

Obviously the best solution here is to keep the 2014 and buy the 78 as a project. Convince the wifey that since you just retired, YOU DESERVE IT as a gift for yourself. This will also be a gift for her, as it will keep you out of the house and busy and from annoying the hell out of her. I know there is some way you can spin this to your advantage!

I hear a lot of complaints from retired people that the biggest problem they face is boredom and also a fear of getting old by 'having nothing to do'. You gotta keep that brain working Oldman! If you absolutely have to make a choice, I say keep the SS. But if you can make both happen while keeping her happy? Go for it. You obviously want it and you know you deserve it.

Side note...I wouldn't worry too much about the electronics on our cars. Get yourself a good advanced scanner (something that can report, control/configure all of the modules) and then you are already a step ahead in troubleshooting. I bought a Chinese Tech2 Clone with GM GDS2 and it is a freaking lifesaver. Or you can get an Autel, Snap-On($$$), or competent knock-off. Keep up the maintenance, keep water out of the car, and the SS will last you decades. Nothing you can't handle.

^^^ This right here, I couldn't have said it any better myself!! Modern muscle all day long. I too just retired this past July and now I have all the time in the world to enjoy what I worked so hard to have, a clean well kept big HP modern muscle car! I also did the gear head thing when I was younger with the 69/327 Camaro with a Muncie and a 72 Challenger 340/4bbl auto, and to keep them running nice they needed constant attention, spent a lot of time working on them, and not cruising like I should have. Now the 14 SS you have, just keep her maintained properly and she will take great care of you. My Camaro is 10 yrs old and 118k miles and everyone of them has been a blast!! Keep the new one as you can mod the heck out of it, the old school one, you'd be working on it all the time. Good luck, congrats and have funnn!!!

[xstuntman]

You wanna work on it or drive it?

I looked at several '70s Vettes and realized they were going to need work, break down at every inopportune moment, and suck me dry. Besides, i'm not a big fan of OLD fiberglass. Performance wise and stock, my little six does better and twice the mileage on trips. Probably cheaper to insure too.

Just one?
Stick with your SS and start planning out a fun motor build.

[ZED SLED]

First, get a new wife. One that likes cars and has a job to pay for your parts.

[Glassman66]

My love was the '70 Chevelle. Every car I looked at was in bed of work or drove like shit.

I said F that, I love my decision. Went with a super low mileage car and could not be happier.