I submit for your opinions, my best, most loyal friend of the last decade plus. It never left me stranded (well, once, but I had a cute date with me, so bonus), it never lost my carefully chosen races I gave it, it took me up and down the east coast numerous times, and guided me home many times when I probably shouldn't have made it back from the bar back in my early 20s (stupid, I know, but hey, we've all been there).

It died at my hand, just before Halloween of 2011. I was in the grips of some evil bug. I had a 103 degree fever, and decided that at 3AM I absolutely needed to go out for a drive. I was occupied by a particularly hard-to-open Reese's fast break and ran off the interstate's left lane into freshly churned-up-by-construction median dirt, and got dragged into the cable barrier divider. Evil things. Don't know what other states have these, but SC was the first I saw them in. I never tensed up, which is the only thing that kept me from injury. I realized I was headed for disaster and kept trying to steer out of it, to no avail. My fever addled brain just couldn't process that it was a lost cause, and I fought til the bitter end (and I realized the headlights were gone). I took out about 150 yards of the barrier. My insurance paid the state for the damage, and the trooper took mercy on me and only hit me with an $81 "Too Fast For Conditions" fine. I was totally without injury. My baby was not.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/233/totalc.jpg

(Copy & Paste the link)

Hopefully that pic show up for you, if not, I'll try another host.

It's the RIP listed in my signature, and referenced on the high mileage 4th gens thread.

Now, I did not have collision on this vehicle. So, I was able to have it towed home from the accident site without insurance looking at it. Thus, it still has a clear title. It still runs, and would have driven had the passengers side a-arm not broken. There are no fluid leaks, and the exhaust is intact save a few dents. It had subframe connectors and a strut tower brace. I believe this may have saved it from twisting too much. The rear of the car is still pristine. One quarter has a decent size dent, so that'd need to be worked. Both airbags deployed and in the process, destroyed a pristine dash.

Bottom line: It had 210,000 miles on the clock. I would like opinions on my two possible plans.

1. 93-96 Camaros are a dime a dozen here. I have seen numerous 6cyl cars on craigslist locally with all the parts I need intact, still running, driving cars, for $700-$1200. I would buy one of those, strip it, do the necessary work on mine, take it to a frame shop, etc. While I'm at it, rebuild (and upgrade) the engine, trans, and do an LS1 brake conversion. By the time I'm done, it would be more or less newish again.

2. Keep all my fond memories of the old girl. Part her out, but keep the drivetrain for use in the 1967 2 door no post Nova that has been my "project" that I've yet to start on for 15 years. My parents went on their honeymoon in 1977 in that Nova. So I'd be taking part of something special to me, and using it to power another vehicle that's got a ton of sentimental value to me. Added bonus: That Nova only weighs 2800. The LT1 would kick out some serious MPG in that car I bet.

Sorry if this was rambling, hopefully it was entertaining though. I just got off from a 12 hour shift working my job on a psychiatric unit and last night was a full moon. Yes, it does make people crazier.

So I welcome all votes for either option, or any other suggestions you'd have. Or you can all just tell me to stop typing these long winded posts!

 

You had an extra "/" in the photo address, after the ".jpg". I fixed it and it still wouldn't hotlink, so I removed the [IMG] tags. Appears the embedded link will work - if not, copy and paste.

Ouch!!!! That is horrendous.

 

Thanks for the fix. I guess imageshack just sucks.

It really does hurt to look at it.

Believe it or not that passenger side front tire popped off the rim, unfolded, and lives on, of course I did manage to pop it off the day after the accident, any longer and probably not.

 

I wouldn't bother with the car personally. There is almost always damage you don't see/find right away and it likely won't be the same. I have a feeling you would spend way more on the car than it would ever be worth. I would say the car has served its purpose for you.

Take the drive train and drop it in the Nova IMO.

 

This. I know the car has a lot of value to you but, it might be time to let it go. Part it out and put the drivetrain and money in the NOVA!

 

I'm the sentimental type. I'd keep it. I have a '97 SS but I still miss the '96 Z I had years ago.

 

I just crashed my 2000 Camaro SS and have the same type damage (except my rear bumper got ripped off too). I just got the damn car back after months and months of it being down getting a sick motor built for it (low tens easily).

I trailered it home and now sit here crying looking at her when I know heart surgery will be done knowing the heart will be better served in another car.

 

Personally, I would scrap the remains (or keep the good stuff) and buy a used 4th gen. Look carefully and you'll find what you want. It may not be the same as your last z28, but in the end it will just be too expensive/ painful to repair the car back to the way it was. Not to forget the car has 200+K miles, either.

It may hurt, but you'll be happier in the end with a "new" z28

 

Find a hotter and nastyer girl (CAR) lol and you will forget all about your old girl (CAR) lol