Barn Find Project: 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
In spite of a dry storage hibernation that’s lasted through two owners and three decades, it’s the circumstances the car was exposed to more than 30 years ago that the next owner will be facing when they begin restoring this 1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 here on eBay. The seller purchased the vehicle himself from New York 16 years ago, which had been stored at least another 14 before that, and although the Chevy’s now in Green Forest, Arkansas, it’s said to have the typical rust issues associated with previous winter driving in a more harsh climate. But if you’ve got some strong metal skills this F-Body might make a good project, and so far bidding is only at $5,100 with the reserve already met.
The Z does seem pretty much complete on the outside, but the seller isn’t kidding when he talks about corrosion issues. The exterior is for sure gonna need quarters on both sides, and from where the car is sitting it’s kind of hard to see some of the other panels, but around the rear window area is also going to require some attention as is the passenger side front fender, and likely other sections that are less visible in the photos. Although the paint is now brown, its original color was actually Antique Green.
Moving inside, the seats appear like they just might be salvageable with a thorough cleaning, but the door panels, headliner, and dash pad probably won’t. The seller mentions at first that the floorpan and trunk are OK, but then goes back and adds later that after pulling up the carpet it was discovered that at least the front section of the floor is rusted through, and he assumes this extends to the rear seat section and trunk as well. This is the only shot we get to view from the undercarriage, but the frame rails are specifically stated as compromised so there’s work to be done on the bottom side also.
Some ascending bad news continues regarding the engine, as the seller thought the 350 was numbers-matching at first, but in the updated ad near the end it’s now determined not to be plus the crank cannot be turned by hand. Not much is mentioned regarding the transmission, but it is a 4-speed and hopefully will still go through all the gears. This one’s gonna need a thorough restoration, but it’s said to be a real Z28 and I feel definitely worth saving especially if you can do most of the work yourself. What are your thoughts on this one?
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Comments
I’d like to see the trim tag on the cowl. That’ll tell the story…….
There is a pic of the data plate in the ebay listing. Its a real z28 but pretty crusty
Real Z 28s did not have one piece bumper. They didn’t cover nose
Only the RS option came standard with the split front bumper, it was optional on other models
It’s a true Z28. It’s not an RS/Z28. The only split bumper Camaros had to have the RS option
It has languished too long in a harsh environment. It isn’t worth resurrecting with a thousand hours of labor. IMHO
Rough car..not much z28 stuff there…no motor or tranny stuff…it’s just a parted camaro
Part it out if there’s any good parts left.
Bumper had nothing to do with being a Z car.
We’re talking a lot of money you have to replace the metal all underneath it I’m sure the exhaust the brake lines the fuel lines if the motor doesn’t turn over then we’re talking you might as well put crate motor in it so if you’re doing it yourself good luck if you’ve got 50 60 75,000 to put it into it be my guest but I sure as hell don’t
It’s in sad shape, but the seller seems to be truthful in his advertising?
I suppose if you want a Camaro, this could be a start?
Most of these old, unrestored vehicles needs work anyway.
Some of these sellers appears to cover the rust with body filler, give it a cheap paint job, then try to sell it as all original with 20k miles??
It just depends on how much money a person is willing to spend? For this one, a lot!
Good luck to the seller and also the buyer.
I hope when the auction ends, both parties are happy!
Just my oponion!
I like the wheels.
Well Bumper guards are part of Z’s options
At best? A hillbilly hot rod. Wrong motor? Thats the least. HEI, 660 Holley and 1967 heads? This is a giant CHANCRE SORE that needs penecillin more than anything. Good for a few parts and off to chinaman…
Here’s a thought say you have a plain Jane 71 Camaro in good condition but you always wanted a Z28 buy this now you have a title vin plate and a trim tag along with a lot of the pieces needed to change that plain Jane into a Z28. What’s the difference if you have a Z28 that’s mostly new panels and parts or one that started life as a plain Camaro. GLWTA