Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

The interior was the tan leather set up from the factory. The carpet was badly stained, the driver seat and rear seat were ripped and stained in multiple places. Sadly enough, the rear plastics were not the factory tan pieces, but rather grey pieces that had been painted tan. Why you ask? I have NO earthly idea. Additionally, the headliner was missing.

So my friend Mike sold me his charcoal seats, and i found some nice black carpet and plastics from a donor car. Total interior investment for seats, carpet and plastics is about $190. I purchased and installed the headliner a few months ago for $50.

THE OLD

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

So here are pics of the Black Interior. I still need to get matching door panles, seat belts, and a set of sunvisors to complete the interior.









Thanks to MIke selling me his seats, i was motivated enough to purchase the black carpet and plastics to get this part of the restoration started at leats. I am very happy to finally have a clean and presentable interior.

marc97taws6

iTrader: (6)

I am so proud you are doing this! That thing was beat to a living hell

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

The suspension and tires on this car were shot from the day i purchased the car. The Springs sagged, the shocks no longer absorbed ANYTHING on the road. The ride was just absolutley horrible; between the bad tires and shocks, the car would randomly try and drift in and out of ruts and grooves in the road, NO traction what so ever, and cornering was like trying to take a turn at 70 mph in a caprice.

I sadly had to drive the car like that for nearly a year due to budget issues. I was not going to purchase brand new tires if i couldn't afford to buy my shocks and springs at the same time. So i waited and researched Tire and Suspension Set Ups.

Once i finally had the money for parts, i purchased BMR 1.25" Lowering Springs, and a set of Bilstein HD Shocks. My friend Mike helped me install everything and saved me major cash by not having to have a shop do all the work, and i actually got to do some work on the car which is always good.

THE OLD



THE NEW



Although we ran into a few snags with rusty stock parts, the install took one night.

OLD SPRINGS COMPARED TO NEW





INSTALLED



Mike under the car, couldn't have done it without ya buddy!





So thats the Shocks and Springs. Next month i plan on some BMR Sub-Frame Connectors and a BMR Torque Arm.

Speedy

Nice work. I actually prefer the cloth seats for a DD. I find them more comfortable.

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

Thanks man! I'm still not sure why i didnt just walk away from this car. But i found myself feeling really bad for it as it sat there in his drive way. Some people rescue dogs, and others rescue cars.

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

Yeah the cloth seats are SO much better IMO. They made a big difference.

SILVER 2288 SS

iTrader: (1)

its come a long way since we started working on it man and im glad ure letting me help. lookin forward to getting some work on my car done here soon to lol

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

The kid cut off the exhaust right passed the cat. Needless to say, the car was LOUD. The car was missing a good amount of torque, throttle response, and I constantly woke up neighbors.

I was able to purchase a used Texas Speed Rumbler Catback for $120. Mike and i were able to bolt everything right on with no fitment issues. Shortly after we stopped by a local exhaust shop and had a set of quad tips welded on. I just have pics for now, but will try and get some sound clips. The car sounds AMAZING now. Nice and deep tone, and i can hear myself think inside the car now..lol

Mike and i also got a chance to paint my "Camaro" letters on the Berger Panel, which you can check out in these pics below.

WHAT THE REAR LOOKED LIKE WHEN I BOUGHT IT

No SS Spoiler
Cracked Rear Bumper Cover
Euro Tail Lights
Chipped and flaking Berger Panel
No Exhaust



WHAT THE REAR LOOKS LIKE NOW

Semi-Gloss 00-02 SS Spoiler
Semi-Gloss Berger Panel
Red "Camaro" Letters
Bumper Cover
Stock Tail Lights
Quad Exhaust Tips



MUCH MUCH BETTER!!!!!!

marc97taws6

iTrader: (6)

Rescuing cars is much more pricey for sure - lol

I have a feeling I might get into F-bodies again once I get bored with my future C6 and want the "raw" feeling and nostalgia of an f-body again

twelver12

iTrader: (3)

I hope the engine hasn't beenbeat to hell like the interior, I'm glad to see it getting some respect now

SILVER 2288 SS

iTrader: (1)

the motor seems to sill oull hard

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

Check Craigslist on a daily basis my friend..lol. Thats how I got lucky enough to find a matching set in black.

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

So for the last set of upgrades for the month i purchased a set of Nitto 555's, 275/40/17 for all four corners. I did a lot of research for a good set of tires, and these had the best reviews by far.

THE OLD



THE NEW

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

I am very happy with the new ride quality of the car. The Springs ride smooth, the shocks do their job, and the tires grip and handle like a charm.

We are having to work out some kinks with the front right shock, but toher than that i am a very happy man!!

THE OLD RIDE HEIGHT ON STOCK SPRINGS



THE NEW RIDE HEIGHT WITH BMR 1.25" LOWERING SPRINGS

nascarnate326

iTrader: (1)

damn man!!!!!!!

Your car has had a transformation like mine.

fergymoto

iTrader: (129)

Great looking SS! It's nice to see people fixing up LT1 cars.

SILVER 2288 SS

iTrader: (1)

his car is gonna be even more beautiful when were done

TrybalRage

Bravo dude! Keep up the great work!

Tampa_97_SS

iTrader: (6)

lol Yeah but we cant be forgetting your car though. We need to ride out to BMR next month and grab some suspension upgrades for our cars and knock all that out in a weekend

Thanks for all the compliments guys! Its great even for me too look at this thread from start to now and think.."DAMN...thats what my car use to look like?" lol. Its a lot of fun though and will post more pics as we continue restoring it.