[hurst1979olds]

OK. I am new to the whole camaro thing. I have a chance to buy a 1980 Camaro with original engine. It has a brand new TCI TH350 with about 20 miles. The engine smokes like a crop duster. He is a friend and he doesnt know what he doing in that department. Take a look at these pictures and let me know what you guys think and is it worth picking up.

[HwyStarJoe]

Give him $500... then start buying new everything.

[Vintage 68]

If I could get it for the cost of the "brand new TCI TH350" then - maybe ...

Otherwise pass

(ps: Joe types a little faster than me - but we think alike )

[bcm66]

The rust has me a little worried. Maybe a lot worried.

Depends on the price...

[HwyStarJoe]

Yeah, the missing frame rail is a deal-breaker.

[hurst1979olds]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/74-81-CAMARO...56f9f7&vxp=mtr

The frame doesnt concern me so much. I know how to cut and weld. I had to redue the floors on my cutlass. Surprising the floors and trunk as in good shape. But that piece behind the tank were the back bumper is. I cant seem to find a new or used replacement piece of that. the engine has a newer Holley dual plane intake, new distributor, 600 cfm Thunder Series Edelbrock Carb, edelbrock water pump, new starter and alt., he has a B&M Ratchet shifter in it now but he has the original console and shifter.....He wants $750 for the car, but said was negotiable.

[HwyStarJoe]

Negotiate.
Deduct the cost of an engine rebuild, or replacement.

[hurst1979olds]

Originally Posted by HwyStarJoe

Negotiate.
Deduct the cost of an engine rebuild, or replacement.

I depends on how you figure cost. I could build an $5,000 engine and then he'd have to pay me to take the car....I like that idea.

but seriously I see your point and definetally something to consider. I think I'm going to throw 600 in his face and I wont pay more then 700. He is a good friend and know him my whole life. We grew up next door to eachother(thats my dads Bonneville SSEI in the background). I dont wanna beat him up too bad on the price.

[bcm66]

If you think you can do some or most of the rust repair yourself, I would say go for it. Price is right...

[Vintage 68]

Originally Posted by hurst1979olds

... that piece behind the tank were the back bumper is. I cant seem to find a new or used replacement piece of that. ...

The mid-70's/late-80's F-Body uses a double rear panel construction.
That is the Rear Tail Light 'Inner Panel' and it is repopped in full form now - http://www.npdlink.com/store/product...10606-974.html

You'll also need the 'Outer' panel and, of course Frame Rails and other 'gone' thingys you find as you dig into it ...

My appraisal hasn't changed yet ...

[hurst1979olds]

Originally Posted by Vintage 68

The mid-70's/late-80's F-Body uses a double rear panel construction.
That is the Rear Tail Light 'Inner Panel' and it is repopped in full form now - http://www.npdlink.com/store/product...10606-974.html

You'll also need the 'Outer' panel and, of course Frame Rails and other 'gone' thingys you find as you dig into it ...

My appraisal hasn't changed yet ...

Thanks for that. That does look like it and is reasonable priced.

Thanks for all the input guy, I will be buying the car.

[nutchevy]

sounds like a good deal for you. Like to see pics of it done.

[Vintage 68]

Originally Posted by hurst1979olds

Thanks for that. That does look like it and is reasonable priced.

Thanks for all the input guy, I will be buying the car.

If you bought the car and are looking for 'wrecking-yard' parts - like that rear panel inner - be sure to check the Firebirds
On a 'bird, the outer panel is different to fit their lights - but, the Inner is the same
Same goes for many 'foundation' body parts

[hurst1979olds]

Sorry I havent updated in awhile. I bought the car, it is now home and in the garage. I plan on dropping the tank which is new with new lines to front, as well as the rearend with leaf springs. So I can tackle the passenger frame rail. The driver side is perfect and solid. How will I suppose the body if I cant put a jackstand on the frame? Put it on the pinch welds, or put a 4x4 under the body sideways and do it like that? Any suggestions. I will post more pictures as I dig into this car.

I'm doing the most difficult project first, everything from their is cakewalk. I already got the engine lined up. a 383 stroker with 460hp. I should start assembly in a couple months.