My Next Project

So this past Monday I took the day off because I finally decided it was time to revive my 1976 Camaro. Since I moved in with my wife in December 2002, it had sat idle and was reduced to shelving. I got tired of seeing my car like that, so I charged the battery (which miraculously accepted a charge) and started her up. She ran just like the day I got her. I backed her out and did an oil/coolant change and then cleaned all the dirt/dust off her. She was much happier after that. Seeing she has no registration, inspection or insurance, I was not able to drive her around. Plus, she needs some back brake work, which is a breeze. So my plan is to do a front end rebuild, fix the back brakes and do some cooling system repairs. That way I can at least drive her around. The body and paint will have to wait until we have more garage space, but that is no big deal.

Here is a pic of her as of August 3. I will update the progress of the work I do. But I thought I'd share my next project with you guys.

 

Thanks - some people at another site I moderate (acuraworld) gave me grief for it, but it was all in fun. This is my first car and I have such a sentimental attachment to it. My ultimate project car would be a 1969 SS Camaro, but that will wait. I am all about getting my baby back to "badass' status. She still runs and drives good, so I just need to fix the rear brakes and then I can drive her around.

 

No shit? I was born in 1976 too, so I feel the same way you do. Nothing like having a car from the same year as me!

 

Oh, the engine is mostly stock man - the only upgrades I have done are Hooker headers and two-chamber Flowmaster mufflers. When I used this car as my daily driver in HS and college, I really didn't have money to spend on performance upgrades besides the exhaust. But it sounds really fuckin good. It's a strong motor, but it's made for highway driving (has 2.73 gears). That will all change in due time though. I really need to do some mechanical repairs before I mess with performance upgrades, mainly the brakes and cooling system. In fact, it would be kind of pointless to do something like a carb/intake swap and not change out the heads or other internal components at the same time. I want to do it once and do it right.

I will take come pics of the interior and under the hood for the hell of it. The engine is nothing really pretty, but a few pics can't hurt. The interior is pretty clean, except the seats. Those things are jacked up. I have some Pep Boys seat covers on them now and they are some greyish blue color that doesn't even come close to matching the rest of the interior.

 

I think not!! This is a gas guzzlin, 4 barrel carb, set off car alarm American muscle! There is no room for a turbo in this vehicle.

On a side note, I did my first repair project - replaced the rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes on the drum brakes. Next stop is the cooling system.