New project, '72 Camaro RS

[Ovidiu]

I've been lurking here for a while, but in July I finally bought my "project" car, after more than a year of looking around to find one.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mTWAM1tRXF0/Tk8RrOaG0oI/AAAAAAAAEPA/FlUNM4WFonA/s800/IMG_0911.JPG

The car is in good shape, no rust issues whatsoever, has a good driver quality paintjob, interior is pretty complete (albeit blue, which I don't really like).

Plans for it are as follows:
- minor maintenance stuff in the short term (rear suspension rebuild, etc...)
- some LSx engine / 6sp manual swap, re-do wiring, steering column as a first big step
- re-do interior
- rear suspension: minitubs and I am hoping for some sort of IRS
- new front subframe, hopefully a DSE one.
- finally, after it's all said and done, strip it down and get a good nice paintjob

I am fully expecting this car to be a very long term project that I want to do in smaller stages and enjoy the car between the build stages. One idea that I have right now is to find a wrecked 5th gen and re-use engine, trans, interior and IRS.

[70rs]

Welcome! Another RS, cool. :)

That looks like a really good starting point for a project.

[Ovidiu]

Thanks! It is a really solid starting point, and that's exactly what I was looking for. I even felt a bit bad because the people that had it before were 2 brothers that did a original condition restoration over the course of 12 years, and I was buying it knowing full well that I wanted to "cut it up". They were also very proud of the original blue interior, which I don't really like and want to switch to black at some point in time. :lol:

[70rs]

Don't lose any sleep over it. It's your car now, do what you want. Cut it up, swap interior, paint it purple......if they wanted to ensure it would stay stock they should have kept it.

Do you have any more pics? Interior, engine bay, trunk?
I'd like to see more of it.

What are your plans for parts you don't use in the new configuration? I am looking for a few things for my car, maybe some of your left over stock stuff?

[scottysimp7]

Welcome, and God Speed! Turn that thing into the beast you dreamed of! Unleash the Fury :thumbsup:

[coolwelder62]

Very nice car to start project on.:thumbsup:

[musclecarmatt]

very nice looking project car...wish mine look that good when i started my 71 RS...:thumbsup:

[Ovidiu]

Thanks guys! I'll definitely do to the car what I want to, that's why I bought it after all. I just felt bad about doing that right before I bought it, I'm over it now. :rofl:

It looks a lot nicer in the pictures than from 2ft away, panel fitment and all that is very amateur-ish, but I definitely didn't want to start the project by fixing bodywork and paint, and it's more than adequate for driving the way it is.

I'll try to take some more pics soon and I'll update the thread; as far as the leftover parts, everything will definitely be going.

Again, thanks for the encouragement fellas! :bow:

[EddDeeEye]

One idea that I have right now is to find a wrecked 5th gen and re-use engine, trans, interior and IRS.
You might check out Heidts new IRS... listed as fitting 67 - 73 Camaros. It's kinda pricey, but might save you some time/$$$ over having to fab a 5th gen into your car.