I'm on the hunt for an early model Camaro. I came across a 1968 Z28 camaro. Turns out it belongs to a friend of mine. He bought it brand spanking new. What should I do first? It has high miles on it ... hasn't been driven in a LONG time, but it starts up and still purrs. Everything is factory. I'm just confused as to where to start. I'm looking for a street legal, yet strip worthy car in the end. Any suggestions?

-Jake

 

Uh, where to being on fixing up a car is all up to you...

A few options to start with is any body work that needs to be done, paint fading, rust.... Next comes interior, is it faded, torn, ripped? If so you want to reaplace that, and next is the engine. Gotta have a good healthy rat to power the new ride

If it still runs take it out and freshen it up with a re-build kit.

Just a few ideas on where to start, I personalyl started doing the body work first, the interior, then engine work.. however you might like doing it totally different, its up to you. Good luck

 

If that is a true 68 Z28, then that thing is pretty damn rare, i would keep it as original as possible. I dont know though, i am all for driving your cars and not trophying them, but that car is supossed to be pretty damn rare.

 

Where is it and how much does he want? If you don't buy it I may.

 

1st if it hasn't been driven in a LONG time my suggestion would be to redo the breaking system. The fluid goes bad, the seals go bad and the hoses go bad relatively quick when they sit. If you can't stop, you chance losing your investement if not your life.

2nd thing, change all fluids, filters, and check all hoses and belts and change as needed. Again, since it has been sitting and you don't know how long those fluids have been sitting in there. I pretty well do this with any used car I buy, unless I know the person has done it recently.

3rd a good tune up

4th drive, enjoy and mod as/if you want.

 

Hmm, I haven't heard of the rare condition ... learn something new everyday, lol. Anyway, I KNOW it is a 1968, my mother and I are having this argument about it being Z28 or not. The only reason he would sell it, is if he can't drive it ... he had his foot amputated ... and I don't think he can drive it. But he said he would see if he could, and make a decision from there. "I'll sell it to you, or give it to my son" <-- I don't think the options are much, sorry to whom ever wanted to buy it. Anyway, it is in northwest Virginia. I DEF. want to keep it origional ... but I also want to "beef" it up just a little

 

Some things to look for on a 1968 Z28. They came with rear bumper guards only. Of course Z28 or 302 emblems in front of the front wheel well's. The engine code would end with MO or DZ, depending on early or late in the model year. The engine oil filler tube and cap were chrome. And no air conditioning was offered.
I have an original numbers matching 302 Rally Sport that I am the original owner of. I agree with pacesetter and Gerrd4Speed and would add body mount and front suspendion bushings. Preferrably the Polygraphite kind.
If it is a Z28, I don't think I would replace it with a Big Block. The 302 was a real "screamer" when coupled up with a 4-10 or 4-56 gear set. Although the 4-56 is a bit much on the street. Good luck with your decision.