1973 vs. 1974+ 2nd Gen Camaro
#1
1973 vs. 1974+ 2nd Gen Camaro
I've been searching with no luck so, if this topic has already been covered I apologize.
I've been looking at possibly doing a LSX swap into a 1970-1973 camaro. 70-73 look the best IMHO, followed closely by 69. But finding a 70-73 camaro in half way decent shape and running is almost like looking for a 69 now-a-days. I personally don't care for the 74-81 camaro's, front end and rear end are fuggly, but you can get them in really good condition, and running for under 3K easily.
I know that the 70-73 and the 74-81 share a lot of parts, even their hoods. So whats the main differences between the two body wise? Has anyone ever put the 70-73 front and rear end on a 74+ 3rd gen? Does anyone know what would take to do so? I haven't seen many 3rd gen's in person so I really don't know. Anyone that does know feel free to chime in. Thanks
I've been looking at possibly doing a LSX swap into a 1970-1973 camaro. 70-73 look the best IMHO, followed closely by 69. But finding a 70-73 camaro in half way decent shape and running is almost like looking for a 69 now-a-days. I personally don't care for the 74-81 camaro's, front end and rear end are fuggly, but you can get them in really good condition, and running for under 3K easily.
I know that the 70-73 and the 74-81 share a lot of parts, even their hoods. So whats the main differences between the two body wise? Has anyone ever put the 70-73 front and rear end on a 74+ 3rd gen? Does anyone know what would take to do so? I haven't seen many 3rd gen's in person so I really don't know. Anyone that does know feel free to chime in. Thanks
Last edited by TFord; 04-09-2011 at 05:54 AM.
#2
Main appearance difference are the rear window and front and rear bumpers. Yes you can put the front of the 70-73 on the 74-81 but you would have to change fenders on the 78-81 as well. And the rear would be possible, but with a lot of fabbing since the body is different. And 70-81 are "2nd gens" not third. Btw 74-81s aren't too bad, just depends what you do to them.
#3
Main appearance difference are the rear window and front and rear bumpers. Yes you can put the front of the 70-73 on the 74-81 but you would have to change fenders on the 78-81 as well. And the rear would be possible, but with a lot of fabbing since the body is different. And 70-81 are "2nd gens" not third. Btw 74-81s aren't too bad, just depends what you do to them.
#5
Hold out for the one you want and keep looking. There is nothing worse than having a bunch of time and money in a car when you really want something else.
You might consider getting a really rough 70 to 73 that has the parts you need and then pick up a nicer 74-81 to use as a parts car or vice-versa.
The only hard part would be cutting out and welding in the rear body panel from a 70-73 into a 74-81.
The rear window difference you may not even care about unless you are trying to make it look identical.
You might consider getting a really rough 70 to 73 that has the parts you need and then pick up a nicer 74-81 to use as a parts car or vice-versa.
The only hard part would be cutting out and welding in the rear body panel from a 70-73 into a 74-81.
The rear window difference you may not even care about unless you are trying to make it look identical.
#7
its getting hard to find camaros and novas in any condition i have a 80 camaro it was pure dumb luck to find it in the condition it was in we are going to have to embrace the g body more just because of their number i think i might start looking for a pontiac grand prix for my next build...
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#8
its getting hard to find camaros and novas in any condition i have a 80 camaro it was pure dumb luck to find it in the condition it was in we are going to have to embrace the g body more just because of their number i think i might start looking for a pontiac grand prix for my next build...
#9
I had a way-rusty '71, and found a '77 parts car. I found it easy to make the '77 look like a '71, and it shaved a good bit of weight, also. After sitting in both cars several times in 5 minutes, I decided I preferred the larger back window in the '77. Better lane-change / passing visibility and not as dark-feeling.
Everything needed for the retrofit is available from all the big resto companies.
Everything needed for the retrofit is available from all the big resto companies.
#10
I had a way-rusty '71, and found a '77 parts car. I found it easy to make the '77 look like a '71, and it shaved a good bit of weight, also. After sitting in both cars several times in 5 minutes, I decided I preferred the larger back window in the '77. Better lane-change / passing visibility and not as dark-feeling.
Everything needed for the retrofit is available from all the big resto companies.
Everything needed for the retrofit is available from all the big resto companies.
Was wondering what will transfer over from a parts car (77-80 ish) to a 72?
Can I use (from a 1980):
Doors?
Windshield?
Interior?
Front Fenders?
Brakes?
Rear end?
Power Steering / Steering Column ?
Hope someone can help me with this... I may have bitten off more than I can chew! LOL
I'm not looking for authenticity at this point, but just functionality...
Thanks for any help!