Choosing an appropriate candidate for a project build can be challenging because there are numerous factors to consider. If you plan a DIY approach, finding a vehicle that isn’t beyond your skill level is a must if budget is also a factor. This 1970 Chevrolet Camaro is a pony car worth taking a closer look at. Its rust is not extensive, it features a small-block under the hood, and the price isn’t unrealistic. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Orland, California. They set their BIN at $5,900 with the option to make an offer.
After a few delays, Chevrolet introduced its Second Generation Camaro in February 1970. The company sold a total of 124,901 vehicles, and while that tally looks low when compared to its predecessor, it was actually very respectable considering that the latest offering landed in showrooms halfway through the model year. This Camaro doesn’t make a positive first impression, and it is almost impossible to spot traces of its original Mulsanne Blue paint below layers of Gray primer and surface corrosion. However, delving deeper reveals some significant positive news. This classic has spent its entire life in California, a location renowned for protecting classic steel. Therefore, if we look beyond the surface issues, penetrating rust appears to be limited to minor holes in areas like the trunk pan. I believe that the only way to do this Camaro justice would be by adopting a nut-and-bolt approach, but it appears that there won’t be much welding required to whip the shell into shape. The front clip is a later addition, as are the wheels. The listing suggests that almost every item not visible in the supplied images is present, but only an in-person inspection will determine whether these items are fit for reuse.
Assessing this Camaro’s interior is a short and sweet process, because it requires a complete retrim. The seats, which aren’t installed, wear custom diamond-pattern vinyl, and someone has painted many of the remaining Blue components. However, the dash structure and gauges are intact, providing a solid foundation for this aspect of the build.
The seller is unsure about this Camaro’s history, believing that it could be an SS. It features a 12-bolt rear end and a couple of other features that may or may not be original, so the buyer faces a spot of detective work to establish the truth. Hiding in the engine bay is a 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. The supplied images reveal a rat’s nest of wiring, suggesting that a new harness is required to eliminate any possible electrical issues. The seller states that the small-block ran in 2016, but it appears that it hasn’t fired a shot since. Revival may prove fairly straightforward, but allowing for the cost of a rebuild would be wise while the car is dismantled for its cosmetic refresh.
I admit that returning this 1970 Chevrolet Camaro to its former glory isn’t the sort of challenge that can be tackled via a few weekends of tinkering in a home workshop. However, when you look beyond the layer of surface corrosion, it appears that it is a rock-solid vehicle that could reward its new owner without the need to spend hundreds of hours wielding a grinder or welder. The listing has drawn over 700 views during the last day, and with 24 people adding this classic to their Watch List, it appears that it will probably find a new home fairly easily. Are you tempted to make it yours?
It’s rough, has no title, has no history. There is nothing to indicate it’s an RS other than the seller suggesting it might bee, but instantly says he doesn’t know. As for it being an SS, the one year only 12 bolt doesn’t prove anything, they weren’t uncommon in the 1980’s and early-90’s, I bought several of them at pretty reasonable prices, I also had perches put on several 68-72 Chevelle 12 bolts (they are the same width) then installed them in Camaros after cutting off the upper and lower control arm mounts.
Basically, this is a roller with no title and a few good parts for $6,000. As for the lack of rust, there looks to be some at the base of the rear window, that’s a really bad spot since everything underneath pools water and is difficult to repair.
Someone will likely buy it soon, best of luck to them.
Steve R
She sure would be a beauty dressed in the original blue with a set of ivory stripes, front and rear spoiler and cowl induction hood. I’d prefer a ZZ4 type crate engine and Tremec 5 speed. Clone it to Z28, SS or leave as is. This will be at least $50K over what you pay and would be more if not so solid already…give or take how much DIY ya got in ya!
With all due respect Steve R, what do you get for that price anymore? I like it. If I were ready for a new project right now I would take a closer look at that. Seems a fair price for overall how solid it is. Would need to evaluate how many parts are missing for sure.Do whatever you like with it. Full resto, drag car, some people like cloning, whatever.
I agree. Can’t get much for that price and some of what’s available for that price isn’t what you want! I don’t want a 1978 Nova 4 door with a straight 6 in it for that price! This has cool factor and is a nice blank slate…vary blank, Hahhaha! For sure you’ll be sinking in some $$$ but it’s a good foundation if you like these early 2nd gen Camaros. They have cool front ends!
My personal favorite gen of Camaro, that front end is awesome!
Another no title car with additional issues. Getting that title would be of paramount importance, because the car could be stolen, or simply not the current possessor’s vehicle to sell, which could be tricky to resolve.
It’s a bit of a stretch, but if you’re a fan, it seems like a solid foundation.
Hard pass.