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Restore or Parts? 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Bidding is quite low at the moment for this rusty but deserving 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. The Camaro really is a desirable spec, featuring T-tops and a four-speed. However, the seller pulls no punches in stating that it is quite rusty, so this may be a parts car – but doesn’t it break your heart to think of a Z8 like this that’s otherwise so complete getting broken for spares? Find the Chevrolet here on eBay with bids to $1,825 and located in North Carolina.

Oof – that’s a bit of rust. I have a Firebird of this same vintage for sale and also equipped with T-tops, and seeing the patterns of rust between this project car and my own makes me wish more enthusiasts declined to get the removable panels. Of course, we’re talking about a car made in 1978 , when T-tops were all the rage and buyers weren’t thinking about how a bad weather seal could ruin their day. The rust has gone right through the panel that sits just above the trunk lid and has obviously taken over prime real estate on the B-pillar and above the rear windshield. Can all this rust be easily repaired?

The interior isn’t even that rough, and white over red is a great combination. The door panels look almost minty, and the carpets – except for some funkiness going on with the driver’s side – aren’t too bad. The driver’s seat will need some work, but really, for a project-grade muscle car, the interior is pretty respectable. The seller claims the previous owner told him the mileage of 68K is genuine, so do some due diligence to see if there’s any way to confirm.

The engine bay is complete, and despite claims that it ran in the past year, the Camaro isn’t exactly humming at the moment. The Camaro is also equipped with power steering and power brakes and comes with a clear title. The photos in the listing show rust not only in the panel above the trunk lid but also around where the T-tops meet the windshield frame and inside the driver’s door jamb, all common fault areas for a car equipped with removable panels. The low price here likely reflects the fairly huge unknowns in terms of whether this Rusty Z28 can be saved. Would you restore it or part it out?

Comments

  1. Avatar Claudio

    Beautiful model but its srap for parts on this one

    Like 2
  2. Avatar leiniedude Member

    I agree with Claudio, But I do not think you can blame the T-tops for all the rust here.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar ruxvette

    If it looks that bad on top can one imagine what it looks like underneath???
    It looks like it was underwater at some point.
    Per “prior owner the car was running in the past year. I have not tried to start it”. Because the pan is full of water?

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Mike Pesotski Member

    Not many of the Z28’s had the upgrade wheels like this one has. The 70-81 is body style is my favorite but this one is pretty rusty.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar joenywf64

    May be Chevy Vega steel used on these too.

    Like 0

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