[GonHuntin]

I have been lurking here for a week or so........ just thought I'd introduce myself before I asked a bunch of questions!

I own a triple black 1968 camaro, bought it in 1978 when I was a senior in high school and have kept it all these years. It was my daily driver until 1982, at that time, I had it stripped and painted and the vinyl top replaced........since that time, the car has never been rained on. It started life as a 210 horse 327 sport coupe with a powerglide, factory air, power steering and manual drum brakes. I put a mild 327 in it in '79, converted it to muncie 4 speed in 84. I drove it once in awhile just for fun and took it to a car show or two.......then, in the late 80s, we started a family and the car was put on the back burner. Other projects and race cars came and went, but the camaro has always been there. It has been parked in my shop under a light nylon (parachute)cover since 1990 and hasn't been moved or started since about '94. I have had many opportunities to sell it but never would let it go. To tell the truth, I had pretty much lost interest in it until the last few weeks.

I decided to pull the cover back last week and see how bad it really is.........it is worse than I thought! I knew the carb and brakes would need rebuilding and figured on pulling the tank and radiator for flushing........what I didn't expect was RUST! When I had it painted in '82, there was very minor rust in the right rear quarter just behind the wheel opening........it was "fixed" at that time.........when I parked it, there was no evidence of rust on either quarter or front fenders........when I pulled the cover off, I found some minor bubbling behind the wheel openings in both quarters and behind the wheel opening in the right front fender.......to say I am sick would be a huge understatement! I NEVER expected the car to develop rust while sitting in a dry shop on a concrete floor!

The good news......I oiled the cylinders and can turn the motor manually, so I guess the cylinders aren't full of rust........and the carb can be rebuilt without too much of a problem........I hope the seals aren't completely gone!

I plan to get the carb back on it, change oil and see if it will run before I go any farther........

All this has got me thinking about finding a later model donor car and swapping in a tuned port 5.7 and trans........and putting it back on the road.........but I need to see how bad things are with the rest of the car before I go any further.

I have enjoyed reading about all your projects, maybe I'll find enough inspiration to proceed with mine! I'm sure I'll have lots of questions about which patch panels to buy, how to do this or that and where to get parts!

Thanks! Mark

The way she use to be!

[camcojb]

Welcome Mark! Cool car! Sounds like you have an attachment to it since you've kept it so long. If you can hang onto it and fix it, it will be worth it.

Jody

[zack 68]

welcome friend [img]graemlins/waving.gif[/img]
this is THE site for all your camaro needs. i can truly vouch for the quality of and quantity of knowledge found on this forum since team camaro practically built my car. all i had to do was follow the instructions given to me and my car just came together. once again nice to have you on board [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
zack68

[HwyStarJoe]

Welcome to Team Camaro Mark!

Like Jody says, it sounds like you've got an attachment to the car. The first step in coming to grips with your affliction is to join TC! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Since you've kept projects going through the years, just think of this one as just the next project.... one that will only appreciate in value. It appreciated just sitting under that cover all this time!
Bring it back to it's former glory and TAKE PICS!

[click]

Welcome to TC come early, stay late, ask if you need help, help others if you can.
Way cool car too. Yep you have the fever. Feed it.
[img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
By the way, new guys buy the first round of beer [img]graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

[Everett#2390]

Welcome, Mark. I feel your pain on the rust. Mine's been outside for years and the front left fender is a sacrifical anode for the last 6 years.

Every sprng when I crank mine up for opening season, its always an event to put a smile on my face.

Believe it or not, concrete "pulls" alot from what's sitting on it. Place a square of wood underneath each tire or jackstand to isolate the car from the floor. Your garage isn't a s dry as you thought it was, huh?

Nice car you have, hope you stay awhile and share....