My dad and I are looking into buying a 4th gen Z28 as a project and future daily driver for me. Neither of us really have much auto-mechanic experience. My biggest bragging right is installing shocks/spings on my Saab, while I don't think my dad can match that. You get the point- we don't know much.

What I'd like to know is how difficult you think it would be for two unexperienced guys like us to turn a Z28 shell into a working car. The car we're looking at would be rolling except it doesn't have wheels. The interior has been gutted, as well as damn near everything in the engine bay. The rear end is still there, and so are the windshields. The seller does have all of the pieces that we'll need, minus an engine, tranny, and wheels.

So would something like this be too difficult for us? We have plenty of time (as long as we want) and a great set of Craftsman tools. Other tools and equipment wouldn't be hard to get either (engine lift, jack stands, etc.) But is this too big of a first project? I'm sure we'd have a helluva time putting things together.

I'm looking forward to your input. If it helps any, I'm 16 and my dad is about 55 - he just retired .

 

you would be amazed what can be accomplished with the proper set of tools and a haynes shop manuel. Not to mention this board. Cars in general can be a huge headache for anyone to work on much less beggining enthusiasts but with enough time, patience and a good attitude anything can be done. I say go for it. You may have 2000 posts by the time you are done but that's what we are here for

 

as long as you know how 2 pieces can work together, you'll be fine
it's just a matter of having 2 pieces work with another 2, and another 2...you get my drift
i say go for it also
be prepared for frustration, headaches, long nights, and that one great day when you're finally done

it'll be a nice project i'm sure, and like said above, this board is at your disposal

 

You know, I dont want to sound like a party pooper but I think its a bad idea. Not saying you can't do it, but the cost of taking a parted out 4th gen and trying to restore it to original status would cost alot more than just buying one that already worked. Why don't you pick a different car? Something older, and swapping in a modern powertrain? Like an LT1 or an LS1 in an older vehicle? 78-81 Z's look BAD *** when done right.

 

I wouldn't even consider it with a Haynes manual, but with a factory shop manual, I would be more inclined.
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...6&page=1&pp=40

 

All the pieces you will need to buy will nickle and dime you to death. In the end, you might not have something you even want.

Buy a really high mile driving, running car and rebuild the motor if you are looking for a project. Just make sure all the parts are there from the get-go.

 

Starting with a tired but assembled car and rebuilding it would be a lot easier than trying to piece one together as even some of the best mechanics have trouble putting things back together that they did not take apart. As stated before I think an older car would be cheaper and easier (traditional small block chevy parts are dirt cheap compared to lt1/ls1 parts) something like a late second gen or a thirdgen but then again I'm a little biased.