1973 Camaro "Project Pumpkin"

[Rick D]

Ok so here's the build of what will always be know as Project Pumpkin

The car is a mostly solid 1973 Camaro, both front fenders lowers and three small spots in the trunk are the only rust on the car. Well that is until I strip it

For those that don't know and just to the rest of the 2nd gen owners out there. This car would have been the first 2nd gen built by Mark Steilow sorry but that's not goning to happen now

This is not a full on build take it apart and hope to finish it some day!! Nope this will be worked in stages, also this is being built on a budget, so not a lot of fancy new parts going in here.

Ok so here's the quick plan, some will change as I get into it I'm sure.

I will start with the drive train. It has a GM crate 350 with a 350 trans. For now the engine is going to be used, upgraded but still going with a SBC

The trans will be changed to a manual, trying to find a T56 6spd but we'll see?? Second round will be a ls2 6spd (already have a deal working on that).

Plans for the engine are new gaskets, fresh paint, new cam, headers, carb, and if I can find a deal on a pair of used aluminum heads that would be cool.

Rear end will get a freshing, posi, and maybe a gear change.

I will paint it and NOT orange maybe silver?? Cowl hood but with MAJOR work done to it as I hate how it looks like a ramp for a water skier more on that later.

Suspension is still open, ideas? I'm not going to do anything with the front yet as I want to change out the whole sub frame but not sure when that will happen. DSE solid body bushings and DSE frame connectors. Not sure if it will get mini tubed or not as then the bigger wheels and more money come it play. Maybe phase 2

Rear will stay leafs for now but will change it to Ride Tech I think??

Interior will be mostly stock but freshened up new carpet and seats. Still thinking about seats suggestions??

The biggest part is the wheels, I really want to start there because as you all know shells can make or break how a car looks. I've got a few ideas so we'll see how that goes? Again suggestions?? Also looking at something used (budget budget budget).

So here's the starting point with the pictures.

[strtcar]

Car would look great silver with some black stripes.

[Rick D]

Originally Posted by strtcar

Car would look great silver with some black stripes.

That's my thinking as well but not sure on the strips??

[Rick D]

Me really likey this, sorry SW I stole it from your thread!

[tubbed69]

Rick looks like a great solid car to start with,silver sure is one of my favorites on these,also either red or black is nice,good luck.

[jr2226]

Congrats on getting the camaro its a great feeling. I know how I felt the night before getting mine and it was a basket case. Yours looks to be a really nice camaro. Can't wait to see this build. Good luck.

[garickman]

Nice start Rick! Can't wait to see this come together.

[Track Junky]

Car looks great Rick. I know what its like trying to build on a budjet. Try and get what you want the first time around or you will be spending twice. Research what you want, put a plan down on paper, and then start collecting parts.

[pokey64]

Congrats on the new project Rick! I'm looking forward to following along.

[Ron in SoCal]

Congrats Rick! Car looks great and I know pumkin's in great hands. Tell the owner project names can come back to haunt you, lol.

Originally Posted by Track Junky

Car looks great Rick. I know what its like trying to build on a budjet. Try and get what you want the first time around or you will be spending twice. Research what you want, put a plan down on paper, and then start collecting parts.

I agree w Gae. Make a plan and budget, get the car handling and stopping first. Marty has a pretty good blueprint IMO. Engine upgrades and prettiness last.

Good luck man. I know you've been dying to wheel a car for a long time so enjoy the moment