This 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 isn’t perfect, but it’s a great platform for a fairly easy restoration. Plus, it’s a desirable four-speed manual transmission example, and the seller has already tackled a fair amount of mechanical restoration work to make for an easier lift for the next owner. The Camaro has some rust to repair, but the seller has some of the panels available for potential purchase if the next owner wants to start with some clean sheetmetal, along with a whole parts car. The Camaro is listed here on eBay with bids to $3,600 at the moment and no reserve, and the listing reads as a project that was well on its way to completion before the seller changed course.
What I mean by this is he mentions little details like ordering new window motor kits and getting the driver’s side done but only starting the passenger side, leaving the job half finished with the door panel removed. The good news is nothing that he’s started and left undone is too significant, and the drivetrain work has seemingly been completed. Out back is where some of the rust resides, with the seller noting that the rear tail panel and trunk lid need repair. A spare trunk lid with accompany the car, and the seller seems confident the other areas can be repaired with small pieces of scrap metal.
The interior is in decent shape overall, with what looks like a crack-free dash and bucket seats in very nice shape. The factory steering wheel and center console remain in place, and there’s no significant evidence of color fading. The Camaro is located in West Virginia, which isn’t exactly known for its harsh sunlight, but I’d still wager this Camaro spent some time indoors given how nice everything looks inside (save for the door panel that’s been removed but is included with the sale.) The seller claims the floors are excellent and really, the interior presents better than I was expecting considering the tatty cosmetics on the outside.
The engine is in serious need of a detailing, but at least it has that shiny new Pro Form 750 carb installed. The valve covers would certainly do well with fresh paint, but that’s a minor gripe overall. The seller notes he’s also installed a new Edelbrock intake and that the braking system has almost been entirely refreshed, aside from the emergency brake and booster. Overall, this is a worthwhile project that could be a great driver as-is, and is definitely a car you can drive and enjoy while the rough spots are fixed. And at no reserve, it seems like a no brainer to us.
The seller probably added up all of the costs to get this car looking good and bailed out for an easier project. I had an ‘81 Z28 the same color as this, that I also had to give up due to costs. The big expense on this one is a complete two stage paint job. Rust repair. Front and rear Z28 emblems, and at least one centre cap missing from the wheels. No pictures of the trunk and underside can also present some big surprises.
I had a ’78 Z28, this same color! It was one of the best cars I’ve ever owned, lots of years and trouble-free miles, all while being abused like only a male in his 20’s could abuse a car. A lot of people dismiss Z28’s from this era, but mine was a tight, well balanced car, and could easily dominate most of what was on the road at the time. Nice to see one still kicking!
I had two ’79 Z28’s and one ’81 Z28, all of which had 4 speeds. Unfortunately they were abused before I got them. Put money in all of them but sold the cars before finishing them. Do I want to buy another one? Of course I would!
Jerry do u have any pics
A deal if you can get it south of $5K.
Wheres my mullet hat. I had one while I owned mine in 1990
we beat that poor car so badly, one day I snapped the balancer off the crank sidestepping the clutch, got real hard to steer and the alt light came on, hmmmmm