Keep it or Dump it?

[patRIOTik]

Welll, During the summer of my senior year in highschool I bought a 1986 Camaro Z28 with a 4BBL 350 in it. At the time I didn't know anything about cars, and so I bought it without giving it the inspection that I should have.

To tell you the truth, this car has grown on me. I love it. So, I decided that since im going to be coming into a relitively high-paying job in may, I am going to build up a powerful and good looking camaro. My question is this: Should I start from a better looking and functioning camaro, or work my way through the problems on this one?

Here are some of the problems with my current 'Maro:

1) Body - Body shows evidence of collision. New passenger side door (without power window... ), new windshield Everything looks straight from the outside, but apparently the front clip is damaged. I have another Z28 parts car with a 100% straight body though for swaps. Some surface rust.

2) loose steering. about 10* of play in the steering wheel with car off.

assorted other problems, nothing too big though.

So, what do you think? work thisone through, or start with a better looking car? Thanks for any input

[Jeremy]

Most high-mileage 3rdgens are going to have those same problems. New, high paying job... in relationship to what? I know that if it were me, I would be looking to a completely different type of car, rather than restoring a 3rdgen that won't be worth any more than it is now, and that will obviously require years of work and cash thrown at it for it to be what you want (which will most likely change after all that time passes, anyway).

Everything is fixable, but consider the cost, time, and effort that it will take... make sure this car is really something that you care about and want to hang on to. It's not exactly a classic...

[patRIOTik]

Well put, well put.

Didn't really consider that aspect of the equation. I'm looking at a job under a private contractor for communications support for the military. The combination of a decent job, and not having to pay full living expenses (live in Santa Barbara, CA for now, moving back to lompoc with the parents) I felt that it would be a good time to start working on a car.

Kind of hard to explain my fondness towards camaros. i dont know, I've always loved the way they catch the eye (if done properly). I'm not interested in fixing up a car for resale value, but rather to build a car that I am particularly attracted to. Plans are to pull out the 4BBL 350 and assemble an effective 383, which yes, I realize is an expensive project through and through. The kind of power that I will be looking at will neccesitate the purchase of tranny, diff., and other components.

Thank you for the valid input though, I value it.
Rob

[costill92rs]

i understand the love for 3rd gens, ive owned 3of them and would have had more if i had not been guilted out of the purchase. if thats what you want, then go for it...
i would suggest fixing your steering, budget body work and getting your car up for sale, save up and find a rust free body that is the color and options package you most want. i wanted either a purple haze 92 z28 or rs 5spd/ or a green grey metallic color(both 92 only, but i ended up with teal b/c i got a deal.
if you wait and search with patience, you will find the car you are looking for at a reasonable price for its condition.
if you are completely satisfied, then keep your current car and get a plan first and foremost try to map out what your goals for the car are and your plans of use ie. trailer queen, street strip etc.
just remember that a lot of things need to be updated/ and or fixed at these cars' ages so money can't be too much of an object, hence why my rs is still sitting collecting dust
good luck

[kman87iroc]

hey man i was in the same place you are about 2 years ago, except it sounds like my 87 is in a little better shape. anyways i passed on building my 87 iroc and bought a 67 RS/SS camaro. right now i am happier then hell because its almost done, and its worth what i have into it. it also turns more heads in primer on a trailler then my 3rd gen does painted. i know you said you arent building it for resale value, neither am i but its nice to know that if needed you have a good investment sitting in the garage. regardless of what you do have fun with it. dont let it get you down too much. if needed walk away and have a beer or two then come back in an hour or 2. its always funner doing these projects when you dont need the car to go to work in the morning.

[patRIOTik]

Ookk. I think im going to let it go an start with more potential. Took the car to a good paint/collision/body shop to get an estimate.

The (ethnic euphanism) that 0wned that car before me decided that he would primer the car without sanding or even removing some wax from the factory paintjob. the primer is peeling everywhere. There are evidence of stress fractures on the fenders, bumper, and below the headlights. To get this car painted, they would have to completely take the body down to bare metal (lots of surface rust in crevaces) and apply an epoxy primer/sealer. thats 800 dollars before painting is ever considered. Also, there looks to be some bondo on the body, which i am told will desolve when the panels are acid-cleaned. so, brand-new dents. Doors are sagging, and it looks like i am going to need to cut the hinges from the door, place a backing plate in the door, and mount new hinges. bahh.
Im looking for an 87 or 88 Iroc with t-tops that looks nice, doesnt even need to have an engine or tranny.

Thanks again all.