I would wager that almost every Barn Finds reader knows of someone left in the same situation as the owner of this 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. They handed their classic and a fist full of cash to a professional in good faith, expecting the finished product to present beautifully and drive just as impressively. What they receive falls short of their expectations, and they decide to wipe their hands of the mess and sell it to someone who can realize the dream that has turned sour for them. If you feel you could achieve what the seller hasn’t, the Camaro is listed here on eBay in Enid, Oklahoma. Bidding sits at $12,400 in a No Reserve auction.
The seller is candid about a significant point with this Camaro. They admit that because the Trim Tag has been sanded so many times, it is now virtually illegible. Therefore, they can’t confirm whether it is a genuine Z28 or a clone. They purchased the vehicle four years ago wearing what was probably Antique White paint but handed it to a shop to transform into the car of their dreams. The shop stripped away the White, patched the only known small rust issue in the floor, and applied the current Black paint and White stripes. It looks good at first glance, but there are issues requiring the winning bidder’s attention. The seller says they don’t believe the car was blocked as well as it could have been, meaning the finish doesn’t meet their expectations. The work quality on the deck lid and the rear spoiler is substandard, requiring a strip and refinish to achieve a respectable appearance. At least the buyer will start this revival with a solid car because apart from some pitting in the trunk pan that was treated and painted, this Camaro is rust-free. The trim and glass look good, as do the wheels. On the surface, the cosmetic needs for this Z28 don’t look too extensive if the buyer seeks a driver-grade car.
The Camaro’s interior is another disappointment for the seller because everything was new when they handed the car to the shop. Nothing was removed, but the driver’s seat now has a stain on the base and a small hole on the outer edge of the backrest. A professional detailer may be able to remove the mark, and an upholsterer should be able to apply a blind patch to ensure the hole doesn’t deteriorate. There is a hole in the dash that deserves a radio or a retro stereo, but there are no other apparent problems. The upholstered surfaces look good, as do the dash, pad, and console. Custom touches include a B&M shifter, aftermarket gauges, and a sports wheel.
The Camaro’s mechanical configuration promises an enjoyable driving experience, featuring a 350ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The car isn’t numbers-matching, but the engine and transmission were sourced from a freshly restored 1978 Z28 that was rear-ended and totaled. Both components had covered 5,000 miles following a rebuild and have accumulated no miles since. The seller splashed cash beneath the surface of this classic, replacing the fuel tank, fuel pump, water pump, power steering pump, master cylinder, booster, sub-frame bushes, wiring harness, and a long list of additional items to ensure the car was mechanically perfect. They received a call from the shop saying it required collection because the shop owner was relocating interstate. When the seller arrived, expecting a completed vehicle, the car didn’t run. There had never been fuel in the renewed system, no battery, and the brakes were inoperative. They trailered it home and hooked up a jumper, but there is no response from the car’s electrical system. Power makes it to the firewall, but it is a mystery beyond that point. That’s when the seller threw up their hands and walked away, thoroughly disillusioned. They are candid about the car’s problems, but if the electrical gremlin is traced, I see no reason why it shouldn’t roar to life reasonably easily. The impression is that it would take more time than money to return this Z28 to a roadworthy state.
I can’t help but feel for the owner of this 1973 Camaro because their classic dream has turned into a nightmare beyond their control. The car shows so much potential but falls short of their expectations. However, that doesn’t mean it is a lost cause. I hope someone can add the finishing touches so it returns to its rightful place on our roads. The forty-six submitted bids suggest a few people are willing to try, but are you?
I feel for this owner. Pour your heart, soul and cash in a car with potential, only to get hosed by the shop. Not right for them to torpedo the dream. Understand why you need to give it up bro, just find it a good home.
This car is not a Z28. Look at the VIN. It left the factory as a Type LT with a 350 2bbl engine. Now with that said, it does appear the be a fairly good clone in need of finishing. That’s what it is and what it is not.
I would start with getting the engine started by using a remote starter switch used when working on cars that clip on starter as well as a loaner battery from a running car. Then if needed a gravity feed (lil tiller gas tank) sitting higher to feed carb on fender well. This would see if the distributor is wired up properly. The brakes are a walk in the park Kowalski.
Sometimes a simple ground mess up wiring.
The other is its old wiring and just spend 300+ and put all new in car. I rewired my 63 as the brittle wires shorted on me twice and was scared I would melt my Split Window.
This base Camaro looks fun after putting two weekends in getting the bugs out.
Even if the cowl tag is hard to read, it really should be shown anyway since we’re tossing the Z28 label around.
The stripes are not done correctly either.
Maybe this write up should refer to this car as car a Z28 since it’s not and the seller even states he thinks it’s not a Z28. It could be a fun car, but the automatic transmission makes it lose all appeal for me.
I obtained an 73 mgb-gt original car with 31,000 miles no rust in this state. The original owner had it painted and bought complete interior ,sent all the piece parts to a local shop for restoration. After 5 years all that was completed was paint and disassembly. He brought it home and left it in his garage in total disgust . I inquired on it for years offering to complete the restoration….with mention I wanted first offer when it / if was possibly for sale. Six years later he called me and said come get this thing out of my garage, I cant stand to see it in this state anymore. All I ask is can I drive it when it is complete. long story short… he is in his late 70’s and I pick him up for cars and coffee every chance we get.
Yes, if you find a good body man and a good mechanic, be very glad.
My 63 Rambler had some paint in an expensive shop three years ago that already has a rust bubble on one arch.
And my 74 Land Rover has been 6 months at a shop rebuilding the gearboxes that should have taken three weeks. He is 180 miles away but I took it there because he previously did a good and quick job on another car. Now he just has a lot of excuses.
Old cars can be frustrating.