History / RestorationGot a question about Third Gen (1982-1992) Camaro or Firebird history? Where can I find these original parts? What is this option or RPO code? Those questions, answers, and more!
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The car looks outstanding. You and your son should be very proud of what you accomplished. Make sure to take that car to a couple local car shows and cruise nights so that everybody else can see your great work.
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Originally posted by kboehringer
We've spent soooooo much $$$$$$$ these last few days that the Decals are going to have to wait. I also feel like we should wait until it is truly WARM before we try and install $160 worth of decals and have them peel off as we drive down the road. If we had a garage we might be able to do it, but that's not the case. We still can't glue down the T-Top seals because the temperature is still far too low for that.
Sincerely,
Kurt & Derek [/b]
Wow, that car turned out so clean and sharp looking it almost seems a shame to put decals on it!!
Excellent choice on the tires!! Solid white letters in a 235 fits that car perfectly, well worth the extra money!!
You'll have one heck of a good time this summer!!
Just look out for guys checking out the car and not watching the road!!
Andy
Yeaaaaaaaaah! I can't wait to see it at THIRDGENFEST! That is bad as (insert naughty word here)!
I think I need a partner to help me finish all my cars. I'll feed Derek really well. So can I have em for few months? You know I got a VERT to finish before TGF.
__________________
MR.THIRDGENFEST 06'
RECIPIENT OF THE 07' THIRDGENFEST LOIN CLOTH
NMCA BURNOUT CHAMPION 05' CORDOVA DRAGWAY PARK
DRIVER & CARETAKER OF THE 92 CAMARO Z03 1LE LB9 MM5 Z28
84 FIREBIRD SE LG4 BLUE
85 CAMARO SC LG4 BLACK
85 CAMARO IROC Z LB9 SILVER
86 CAMARO IROC Z LB9 BLACK
86 CAMARO IROC Z LB9 WHITE
86 FIREBIRD TRANS AM LB9 BROWN
87 FIREBIRD TRANS AM GTA L98 WHITE
88 CAMARO SPORT COUPE LO3 VERT BLACK
89 CAMARO IROC Z L98 ULTRA BLUE METALLICA
89 FIREBIRD FORMULA L98 BLACK
89 CAMARO RS L03 MM5 RED
89 CAMARO RS L03 BLUE AND KINDA GREEN
90 CAMARO RS/Z28 LO3 BLACK
91 CAMARO RS LO3 RED
91 CAMARO RS LO3 RED
91 FIREBIRD FORMULA LO3 RED
91 CAMARO RS L388 MEDIUM QUASAR BLUE
91 CAMARO Z28 LB9 VERT BLACK
91 CAMARO Z28 LB9 RED
92 CAMARO RS LO3 RED 25TH ANNIVERSARY
92 FIREBIRD V6INATOR VERT WHITE
95 FIREBIRD FORMULA VERT WHITE LT1 CRAZY CHICK GETTER http://home.mchsi.com/~klande/wsb//index.html
Wow, I am currently attempting to restore my 84 camaro and this thread gives me so many ideas and images to work towards. You guys have done a great job!
Originally posted by SmallTires I am currently attempting to restore my 84 camaro
IMPO - First thing to do is find a GM FACTORY SHOP MANUAL on E-Bay. We have Two(2) of them we got for about $10 each! Some guys are selling them for upwards of $80+ but we kept looking and got the first one for $6! After shipping it was only $11. I stumbled across a second one and got it for about $15 after shipping. We keep one in the office and the other in the car.
Whatever you need a photo of (or advice removing) let us know. There isn't any single piece of this car we haven't removed including the Engine, Trans., Entire Dash, Wiring Harness, Doors, Fenders, Nose, GFX, Etc. Don't hesitate to ask...... I probably already have a photo of it or I can photo-copy a page from the GM Manual.
Quote:
Originally posted by ahusted ...almost seems a shame to put decals on it....
I kinda thought that way also... Briefly... But We think decals will REALLY put the finishing touch on it. The Rims & Tires really made it look great they turned it from a Kid's Toy into a Classic. I think the stickers will probably take it to the next level.
Quote:
Originally posted by KEVIN L. ...I'll feed Derek really well....
Be warned the kid can eat.... if you have ANYTHING on the table with Spaghetti Sauce on it, grab your portion before he grabs his fork or you'll leave the table hungry....LOL
HISTORY & RESTORATION QUESTION.....
TGO Guys,
One of the items left on our "checklist of final items" is to have the Y-Pipe professionally fabricated and make any necessary repairs to the exhaust system. Does anyone have a photo of the BACK-END of their Z-28 showing what the original tailpipes look like? The Car is equipped with a FlowMaster and these HUGE Chrome ends/tips. They just don't look proper......(See attached)
kurt, the appropriate tips for any thirdgen in my opinion is dual 2 1/2" turndowns right before the bumper. this way they are not really seen, but still exit out the rear of the car making a very mellow ride.
Originally posted by kboehringer HISTORY & RESTORATION QUESTION.....
TGO Guys,
One of the items left on our "checklist of final items" is to have the Y-Pipe professionally fabricated and make any necessary repairs to the exhaust system. Does anyone have a photo of the BACK-END of their Z-28 showing what the original tailpipes look like? The Car is equipped with a FlowMaster and these HUGE Chrome ends/tips. They just don't look proper......(See attached)
Sincerely,
Kurt [/b]
This was stock in 83. I think it was in 84 as well. I have more pics at home i will post later.
That's definitly stock for '83 because mine still has it.Those are nice pics phess(wish I has the crossfire emblem for the back of my '83).I agree mw66 about exhaust being tucked up out of the way.
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454
Originally posted by mw66nova kurt, the appropriate tips for any thirdgen in my opinion is dual 2 1/2" turndowns right before the bumper. this way they are not really seen, but still exit out the rear of the car making a very mellow ride.
agreed. Hard to see in this pic. But, the tips were tucked and suttle.
Originally posted by phess11 ..... the tips were tucked and suttle.
Phess11, Thanks a bunch for the Photos. I'll probably get the Car over to the muffler shop (LT1Guy recommended a local one) some time late next week. The Pipe from the Cat Backward is like new and the muffler and tailpipes are also like new. I'll probably just ask the guy to cut off those Chrome pieces (they're welded) and put some mild "Turn-Downs" on them. [IMPO] these chrome "smoke stacks" look like something all the Southern Boys put on their pick-up trucks. Definately, not an appealing picture on a Camaro.
I hope you guys remember the day you bought the car, because I'm sure after all this work it's like a member of the family, and you'll have to celebrate it's birthday!
I have always been a fan of the 91-92 camaros, they all are so sleek and stylish, and most in decent condition... but seeing the 82-84 in such GLORY it makes me think twice! You guys have done such a FANTASTIC job on the car since day one.
Didnt you guys have to trailer the car home when you bought it?
Dont think you'll have that problem for a looooong time
P.S. With a car like that, and Derek still in school you may wanna teach him the line "no glove, no love"
Didnt you guys have to trailer the car home when you bought it?
YEP.... E-Bay advertised as "Running" but was clearly NOT. Paid $150 to have it flat-bedded 40 miles to our house. She's now just slightly over 1-Year old.
For what it's worth, the 2.5" Dynomax exhaust system is very inexpensive ($150), and has turndowns that can tuck up under the bumper just like stock.
I also have the stock y-pipe and catalytic converter from my 85 IROC that I'd be willing to let go real cheap. This is the same y-pipe and cat that was on the L69 cars, and is a big improvement over an LG4/Ceasefire y-pipe, and I'm sure it'll cost you less than having one made at an exhaust shop. I really didn't have any intentions of getting rid of it, but the reality is that I'll never put it back onto my car, and I'd love to be able to contribute something to your project. Send me a PM if you're interested.
Originally posted by Jim85IROC For what it's worth, the 2.5" Dynomax exhaust system is very inexpensive ($150), and has turndowns that can tuck up under the bumper just like stock.
I agree. In my research the 2.5" Dynomax is the closest off-the-self setup to stock barring custom.
here is how i had mine done. they are 3 inch but have factory look. i dont like the truck tips they make out ours look trashy. sorry guys that like them i just dont think they fit our cars. they aren't trucks. here are a few pics of mine
Originally posted by ssean92 i dont like the truck tips they make our cars look trashy
Based upon the photos everyone has taken the time to submit to this thread we get the idea that exhaust should be HEARD but NOT SEEN ! LOL We're definately cutting them tips the heck off! Thanks for the photos guys...
Kurt
Last edited by kboehringer; 02-21-2006 at 04:55 PM.
Originally posted by Jim85IROC I'd love to be able to contribute something to your project.
Jim,
Thank you very much for the offer but we have Shorty Headers and no standard Y-Pipe will work. We purchased the headers on E-Bay and didn't get the Y. We will upgrade to a good set and get the Y with them, but that will have to wait. The 350 has a DR's Side DipStick so we had to use the headers.
Sincerely,
Kurt & Derek
Jim just curious is the L69's y-pipe better because of cleaner bends or larger diameter pipe(or a combination)?Are they slip fit to the cat or flange?And do you which models,beside L69s obviously,would I possibly find the y-pipe?Any help would be greatly appreciated.The original factory duals in the picture weren't they resonators instead of mufflers?
Dynomax's products are great(especially the SuperTurbos).I have one on my '95 Jimmy and have had them on almost everything I've owned.And you can always go with the stainless Ultraflows later.Tests actually show they outflow Flowmaster's "40" series below 3500rpm.And they also give a nice rumble without being harsh.
Kurt did you keep the expanded metal behind the grills like said said you may do?And you and Derek must have trouble at night wiping the grin off before rack time.I can't say enough what a fantastic job you've done.
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454
The car turned out amazining and those tires are perfect for the car. Thumbs up for mom sugesting to spend a little extra$ for those. The more time that goes by the more I appreciate a totally clean stock looking 3rd gen. I really like the colors you guys picked. Everyone at the local car shows should be checking out your ride this summer.
Hi Kurt, been following this thread from the beginning and you have done a fantastic job on your car! I have a muffler and tailpipe assembly off a '90 IROC 350 that came off a friends car when he redid his exhaust. It had about 30K mi. on it. If interested you can have it. I live just north of Atlanta in Marietta.
Originally posted by coolram62 Jim just curious is the L69's y-pipe better because of cleaner bends or larger diameter pipe(or a combination)?Are they slip fit to the cat or flange?And do you which models,beside L69s obviously,would I possibly find the y-pipe?Any help would be greatly appreciated.The original factory duals in the picture weren't they resonators instead of mufflers?
Dynomax's products are great(especially the SuperTurbos).I have one on my '95 Jimmy and have had them on almost everything I've owned.And you can always go with the stainless Ultraflows later.Tests actually show they outflow Flowmaster's "40" series below 3500rpm.And they also give a nice rumble without being harsh.
Kurt did you keep the expanded metal behind the grills like said said you may do?And you and Derek must have trouble at night wiping the grin off before rack time.I can't say enough what a fantastic job you've done.
The L69's y-pipe is a much larger diameter than the standard unit. I don't believe the bends are any better. The cat is a large oval shaped cat with a 4 bolt mounting flange on both ends of it. This setup was unique to the L69 cars and the 85 TPI cars. I don't know if the few 86 L69s continued to use this design or if they migrated to the same setup used on the 86 TPI cars.
TGO Guys,
I've been out of town at Cumberland Island with the Boy Scouts (Gotta do the "Dad Thing" with "all" my boys[3]). Just got back..... I hope to get the tailpipes resolved this week. Hopefully I can manage to grab another day off this coming week.
Kurt
Kurt and Derek,
I've been away from TGO for a few months and jumped on tonight to see what was new. I joined this thread when the other one closed, but never really got around to reading it. I can't even begin to say how impressed I am at the work you guys have put into this car. It looks AMAZING !!!!!! I am very impressed. I'm glad to see that you stuck to it and got it done (or this close to done) because a lot of people START these projects, but never get them even close to this stage. It really goes to show what a little family and a whole lot of work can acomplish! I said in the other thread about how it reminded of me and my dad workin on cars.....well he and I are going to be down in Talladega in the fall. I'm gonna have to get ahold of you then and take a look at this for myself. It's funny sometimes how something someone has done 700 miles away can make you sit at your computer and smile......
Originally posted by 911rsq I'm gonna have to get a hold of you then and take a look at this for myself. Dylan
Dylan,
Thanks! When you're headed our direction, give us a call. Scott had mentioned an event in Florida somewhere, Derek and I discussed making a long trip with the Z-28 soon. I have to find the post, we may try to make that (if it isn't already over).
UPDATE...Car.
I've neglected all of the “other" cars so this last weekend was dedicated to repairing Honda's & Caravan (YUCK!). Once done, we addressed the Z-28.
Well...... Son #1 (Not DEREK) tried to move the Z-28 so he could shoot hoops and he pumped the daylights out of the gas petal (or something) and fouled all the plugs so bad she wouldn't start. I replaced the Accel Shorties, and decided to try and re-adjust the Rockers as they’ve been a problem. I called LT1Guy and talked over my concerns about the Lifter/Rocker adjustments and decided to replace the rockers w/roller tips. Also, even though the Dwell readings etc. were perfect I thought she was a little rich so I cranked in the Mixture Screws ½ Turn.
We took her out for a quick spin last eve……THAT WAS A QUICK RIDE! The car has NEVER and I mean NEVER run so well. Perfect Idle at about 700 and PLENTY of power!
UPDATE...Restoration
We haven’t been able to get the exhaust done yet as the Muffler Shop is only open Weekdays. I haven’t been able to get there. The Headliner is back in. We did some creative work to keep the material in the corners properly. (I’ll post a photo tonight). Derek painted and reinstalled all the little deflectors and plastic stuff under the nose. We found a couple Seat Belt Spool trim pieces that hold the headliner (on the roof above the speakers) Derek installed those, although he had to enlarge the holes 1/8” to get the belt mounting into them. The other option we wanted to avoid was to cut a slit in them.
I hope we can get the Exhaust done soon…. I believe that will greatly improve the looks and will likely improve the performance.
TGO Guys,
We received a new Z-28 Logo Sticker from a TGO Friend (Thanks GROUNDRAT!) and are about to glue it into position on the rear bumper. However, we have a quick question/concern.
Derek's original logo did NOT have a Chevy Bow Tie on it. It does not appear that the previous owner cut it off. Did the Z-28 Logo always have the Bow Tie on it? We can easily trim it off but not sure if we should?
I know the bumpers changed (see inset of Scott's) and Chevy made an indentation to "HOLD" the logo, also the horizontal groove that runs the length of the bumper (side to side) got smaller on the newer cars.
We're preparing for the monthly Atlanta Camaro Firebird Meeting (Today at 1:00pm) any quick advice would be appreciated.....
Kurt,
My '83 has the bowtie also.But I've seen bumper emblems without the bowtie for sale on Ebay in the past that state this is just for the '82 Z28.It's a similar deal with the wheel center cap emblems.The '82's were red/orange,except fot the pacecar i belive,then in '83 it changed to the grey shaded ones.I agree with Lo-tec to leave it because it looks good.And couple more reasons would be you're not doing a 100% correct restoration and,as you well know,the gold/bronze emblems are VERY hard to come by.
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454
Kurt,
I found this '82 for sale on Ebay.This is the only pic of the rear of the car but if you look close you'll notice there's no bowtie.I'm sure there's someone that has much better picture and info as to what is correct.But again IMHO you should leave it.
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454
Go past 5 minutes and you can't edit.So my 3rd post in a row LOL.I got to thinking,which can be very dangerous,groundrat's car is an '82 if I remember right.Did he tell you it was on his car or something he had come across?Maybe this was a running change during the short '82 model run.You have me curious now as to which is right.Hopefully someone,scottmoyer,Jim85 or James C come to mind,will know.
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454
Thankyou scott for the great pic and answering the question.I knew I had read,somewhere,the '82's bumper emblem didn't have the bowtie and had seen a few on Ebay.Do you know if there was a running change to using the bowtie bumper emblem or did the change come with the '83 model run?The gold emblems are hard enough to come by but finding one for an '82.
I wish I had that for my service vehicle working at the Air Station.It does say something for GSA ordering pool vehicles.And it looks like a '80s Camino SS and a '60-'62 Impala post in the background.
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454
Originally posted by coolram62 Thankyou scott for the great pic and answering the question.
I glued the Logo on rear with some epoxy and I guarantee it'll NEVER come off. We kept the Chevy logo... I could have screwed it up cutting it off, and as CoolRam mentioned this is a RARE find....
TGO Guys,
The wife and I took Derek's Z-28 over to the ACFA (Atlanta Camaro Firebird Assoc.) Club Meeting today as Derek had work today. BEAUTIFUL day in Atlanta, Sunny & Warm, T-Tops Out, Round Trip about 75 miles. The car ran like new... it really is running fantastic....FINALLY!!!!!
We had the nicest ThirdGen at the meet. (LOL... We had the ONLY ThirdGen there!) Some of the folks remembered Derek's Z-28 from before paint, they were really impressed with how well she's coming along (THANKS AGAIN TGO GUYS!!!).
We actually turned some heads for the RIGHT reasons!!!!! Our "J.Yard/Recycled" Headliner was finished this morning. We're definately NOT skilled at interior and upholstery....We had to install some buttons in the corners to stretch and hold the fabric into them. The photo (see inset) makes them look silver but Derek actually painted them black before we installed them.... It's not perfect but it looks better than NO headliner which is how we purchased the car.... Derek's Mom really helped out with the Cutting, Trimming, Glue & Holding, and with a stitch or two.
Kurt & Derek,
The emblem looks great and I'm glad you decided not to modify it.And the tail lights looks fantastic.I went one step further with mine and applied 3 light coats of tail light tint.It turned out better than I could have hope for(this after having to paint the center stripes on because I started with Sport Coupe lights).
You did a very good job,especially for your first time,with the headliner.I need to do something with my headliner as the material is gone.The base is in good shape though.What type of material did you use as a replacement?
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454
i am very impressed with that entire project a month or so back i read through your engine thread, and just finished reading through this one. and that is one beautiful z28 i am jealous. derek is very lucky to have you for a dad who is willing to help with all this, i've never had that advantage.
keep up the good work, next time i'm in georgia i have to see this car.
After reading your engine buildup thread and the restoration thread, I can honestly say that that is one helluva vehicle. Congratulations to both of you for sticking through it and keeping the 3rd gen alive and out of the crusher. I have the same relationship with me and my dad but the roles are reversed. He about paid 300 dollars for pads and rotors 3 days ago. I did both for 51 dollars. Instead of simple problem solving, he prefers to pull out his checkbook. I applaude both of you and hope that all goes well in the future!
Kurt & Derek,
Hhmm I do remember a certain sister that said she wouldn't get in red nose much less ride in her.Looks like her opinion has been somewhat altered LOL.
Did she have the factory body side moulding?The type that uses the aluminum channel,secured by rivets to the body,with the rubber insert?
__________________ '02 Envoy SLT 4DR 4WD 4.2/4L60E/4.10/G80,K&N,PCM4Less,HiPo cat,Dynomax catback
'83 Z/28 LU5 305 CFI/K&N/Factory Dual Electric Fans/MSD-Hypertech Coil/Performance Rebuilt 700R4/JG1/J65/G80/G92-3.23/Hollow 36mm front-24mm rear bar,TDS steering brace,16" single stripe IROC with Summitomo HTR-H4/T-tops/Pwr everything
'73 C-10 CST 454/TH400(Factory BB Truck)A/C,Tilt,12 Bolt Posi,Dynomax
Miss my '70 Monte Carlo SS454