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Although probably going to be an extended project I have finally brought the car out to begin the restoration.
Short History:
I bought the car in 2009 with 61K as an "R" Title for $4000. The guy had all the parts needed to be replaced (Upper control arm, Fender, Front Bumper, New ZR1 Wheel/Tire, Paint). $300 later ($4300 total investment) and she ran good up until I parked her at 81K miles. I parked her at my parents when I had my daughter and got married 4 years ago and haven't seen the car since.
I got the ok to bring her home this weekend. After $1500 repair work due to undiagnosed overheating issues (stated it was head gasket but I was 4 hours away so I could not verify) and replacing all fluids and brakes she seems to run just as I remembered all though she reeks horrible of rat **** (any suggestions appreciated).
I have planned my project in this fashion:
Stage 1: SLP Stuff
Unfortunately the previous owner had stripped some of the rare Z28/SS stuff so I am working at trying to collect this stuff first. If my deal goes through here shortly I should have it all besides the Passenger SLP Sticker and I wouldn't mind having a better condition air box.
Stage 2: Interior
A good portion of the hard plastics need repaired or replaced (Console, Rear Door Panels, Hatch Panels, Kicker Panels) and the seats need new covers. At that point I will probably order new carpet and SLP Floor Mats to conserve the original.
Stage 3: Motor
Plan on Stock Bottom End with LE2 Head/Cam setup, LPP Headers, and Ram Air Intake (as long as I can find a backup). This along with all the necessary supporting hardware.
Stage 4: Paint/Body
The parts that were provided were aftermarket and although they work I will need an OEM Front Bumper and Driver Fender to get best fitment. After I will be doing a factory Repaint of Bright Rally Red as well as getting an additional Gloss Black "Berger" panel.
Suspension: Going with a few of the powdercoated black UMI parts probably mostly 3 PT SFC and Panhard to start.
Anyways that's kind of my plans we will see where it goes but I will update with pictures and progress.
First Order was to remove the ugly *** RK Sport Wing that had been on it since I purchased the car and replace with an OEM LT1 SS Spoiler that I bought of a wrecked 1997 Camaro SS from Hawks Third Gen.
Overall I am pleased the corners seem to sit a little high but for know I will deal with it. (I know my SS Emblems are out of place so no comments on that please)
Although probably going to be an extended project I have finally brought the car out to begin the restoration.
Short History:
I bought the car in 2009 with 61K as an "R" Title for $4000. The guy had all the parts needed to be replaced (Upper control arm, Fender, Front Bumper, New ZR1 Wheel/Tire, Paint). $300 later ($4300 total investment) and she ran good up until I parked her at 81K miles. I parked her at my parents when I had my daughter and got married 4 years ago and haven't seen the car since.
I got the ok to bring her home this weekend. After $1500 repair work due to undiagnosed overheating issues (stated it was head gasket but I was 4 hours away so I could not verify) and replacing all fluids and brakes she seems to run just as I remembered all though she reeks horrible of rat **** (any suggestions appreciated).
I have planned my project in this fashion:
Stage 1: SLP Stuff
Unfortunately the previous owner had stripped some of the rare Z28/SS stuff so I am working at trying to collect this stuff first. If my deal goes through here shortly I should have it all besides the Passenger SLP Sticker and I wouldn't mind having a better condition air box.
Stage 2: Interior
A good portion of the hard plastics need repaired or replaced (Console, Rear Door Panels, Hatch Panels, Kicker Panels) and the seats need new covers. At that point I will probably order new carpet and SLP Floor Mats to conserve the original.
Stage 3: Motor
Plan on Stock Bottom End with LE2 Head/Cam setup, LPP Headers, and Ram Air Intake (as long as I can find a backup). This along with all the necessary supporting hardware.
Stage 4: Paint/Body
The parts that were provided were aftermarket and although they work I will need an OEM Front Bumper and Driver Fender to get best fitment. After I will be doing a factory Repaint of Bright Rally Red as well as getting an additional Gloss Black "Berger" panel.
Suspension: Going with a few of the powdercoated black UMI parts probably mostly 3 PT SFC and Panhard to start.
Anyways that's kind of my plans we will see where it goes but I will update with pictures and progress.
-how’d it end up? just got a 96 camaro, base model v6, about to do the same thing with it. been sitting for 3 years in the sun, grown over in grass and stuff, and i was looking around for other people doing something similar, and you got me interested in the story. just wondering if you ever finished it and some tips that might be useful or some things i should know before i head into this mess?
08-24-2015, 12:38 PM
1996 Camaro SS #390 Restoration/Build Thread 
