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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TGO Friends,
My son and I are getting ready for some new paint (hopefully a X-Mas present) for my son Derek.
We been searching and looking for good examples of the ORIGINAL '82 Paint Scheme for his car. The Flat Black seems to vary on every car we see or find. We know the HeadLamp area is supposed to be black (B) and the area inside the small holes on the bottom skirt (C). However the Indy's and some other samples have had the primary intakes for the radiator (D) painted black. Was this an INDY ONLY painted black area? We've seen it painted this way on samples that were not INDY's.
Also there is a WIDE variety of paint schemes for the scoop area. This is a FUNCTIONAL Scoop as this car WAS a Crossfire. Unfortunately, the Cross-Fire is long gone (maybe someday we can return it to original) but we want it to look like it did when it came off the showroom floor 25 years ago. The INDY's (and some others we've seen) have a colored scoop and multiple stripes at the base, others (left upper sample) have flat black and no entry stripes. What should OUR car look like?
We have no color sticker on the Glove Box Door and don't even know what color this was called by GM. The Ground Effects were painted a darker gold when we purchased it and it APPEARED that this was an original color scheme. Was that correct?
Absolutely ANY help would be appreciated. Photos of an original '82 style STOCK color NOSE would be GREAT!
One more PITA item.... We found 5-Spoke GOLD Z-28 rims in a J.Yard. We can get them for $100. But I think they might look like POO (i.e. too much gold?). Would this car have come with GOLD 5-Spokes?
Thanks in advance for ANY help.
Kurt & Derek
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__________________ Kurt & Derek Boehringer
1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28
------------------------------------
1979 Pontiac TransAm '78 Clone - 455 MONSTER!
Last edited by kboehringer; 11-01-2005 at 08:39 PM.
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TGO Friends,
This is what the car looked like before we started restoring it. The Scoop area (a) was painted darker gold, this did not look original. There was rounded corner striping around the scoop area and it look cheap and stupid. Original might have been similar color without the striping?. There was a large damage area in the middle of the scoop as a result of an engine fire or the constant back-firing without an air cleaner assy. The damage has been thoroughly repaired.
The headlamp areas (b) were definately painted over with Gold, we found the original black under about three layers of Maaco gold. The nose was in poor condition and was replaced with a J.Yard (red) nose in better condition.. We also found Black under the gold in the front spoiler area (d).
my buddy has a bone stock 60k mile 84 z. everything u outlined is painted black-a,b,c,and d. i donno if i was just a 84 deal or a 82-84 deal. i just kno its got all the original paint and those parts are black. ill c if i can get some pics later.
matt
__________________ Suspension Spohn Lower Control Arms, Spohn Panhard Bar, UMI Relocation Brakets, UMI Sub Frame Connectors, Tokico Illuminas, J&M Camber Caster Plates, 36mm/24mm Bars Exhaust Edelbrock TES Shorties, Random Tech High Flow Cat, SLP Loudmouth Cat Back Drivetrain 355, Holley 670, Vortec Heads, Comp XE268H, Comp 1.6RRs, Hurst Short Shifter, Three Rivers Aluminum Driveshaft, 3.73 10 Bolt, T/A Performance Stud Girdle Brakes LS1 Front and Rear, Drilled and Slotted Rotors, Hawk Pads, Earls 1LE Stainless Lines Wheels Eagle 077 18x9, Continental Contisportcontact 255/35/18, 275/35/18
1989 Chevrolet Camaro
1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport
The hood area should have a satin black decal set. The headlight buckets and the GFX slots are painted black to match the finish of the hood decals. I have seen some cars with the area around the front plate black also, but most are body colored. I don't know which year or color combo this might be specific to. I think this is what your car is supposed to look like. There should be the triple decal stripe above the gfx in tri gold also.
Originally posted by phess11 A, B and C were black. From the factory C was 2 black decals. You can get them from Yearone.com or Classicindustries.com
phess11,
Thanks for taking the time to post the original ads for the early Z-28. I've saved all the Photos to my son's Z-28 folder for future reference.
I think most of these cars (25 year olds) have had a few owners and all the samples I have seen have changed a thing or two over the years.
Thanks for identifying a source for the decals. That will be a lot easier than trying to paint that area properly as I may be taking on the painting project myself (with help from a friend or two).
Originally posted by scottmoyer The hood area should have a satin black decal set. The headlight buckets and the GFX slots are painted black to match the finish of the hood decals. I have seen some cars with the area around the front plate black also, but most are body colored. I don't know which year or color combo this might be specific to. I think this is what your car is supposed to look like.
scottmoyer,
Thanks for the photo of the Gold Z-28. It's actually opposite of what our car APPEARS to have been from GM. However, it certainly shows that the Gold Spokes look really pretty decent and much better than the garbage the previous owner installed on my Son's Z-28. I think you convinced me to go and get those rims this weekend. The hard part is going to be finding those ultra-hard-to-find plastic center caps. The J.Yard set doesn't have them.
Does anybody know the color codes for that Gold Color Scheme?Or, know of a web-site or other method I can use to determine them on my own. As I stated in the previous post the glove box sticker no longer exists.
I GUESS that the plate area was only painted black at the factory for the Indy Pace Cars. The one or two cars I have seen up close and personal had been repainted. I personally prefer body color, but we do want to keep the "GM Original" look regardless of what that turns out to be.
ANOTHER RELATED QUESTION: The indentation on the rear bumper has either been painted black or a sticker has been inserted in the indentation on several early Z-28's I've seen. I assume that YearOne will have that sticker if has the Scoop Area Stickers. I ASSUME that was also a stock GM original on all the '82's?
The center caps show up regularly on eBay. Make sure you get the GM ones and not reproduction. The reproduction sets don't lock onto the wheel very well and are prone to flying off.
The color codes should be on the upper radiator support. There will be a plate riveted to it with 2 numbers and the letters L and U. it will be seen as XXL XXU. Let us know what the XXs are and we can tell you the color. If the plate isn't there, feel under the passenger seat in the seat springs and see if the build sheet is still there. If it is, you will need to remove the seat to get it out in 1 piece.
The rear bumper indentation was also a black decal. This can be purchased as part of a kit from Classic Industries, Year One or Phoenix Graphics. Classic Industries will also have most emblems needed for a full restoration.
By the way, I don't know what you mean the color is opposite? The picture above shows the only shade of gold on the gfx during 82-84. The rims will be the same color gold as the gfx. The only thing that could be possible is that the top color is cream. There was a cream color with gold gfx. Based on your pic, I think this is the closest to original you'll find.
Last edited by scottmoyer; 11-02-2005 at 08:02 PM.
Originally posted by scottmoyer .........The color codes should be on the upper radiator support. There will be a plate riveted to it with 2 numbers and the letters L and U. it will be seen as XXL XXU. Let us know what the XXs are and we can tell you the color. If the plate isn't there, feel under the passenger seat in the seat springs and see if the build sheet is still there. If it is, you will need to remove the seat to get it out in 1 piece.
.........By the way, I don't know what you mean the color is opposite? The picture above shows the only shade of gold on the gfx during 82-84. The rims will be the same color gold as the gfx. The only thing that could be possible is that the top color is cream. There was a cream color with gold gfx. Based on your pic, I think this is the closest to original you'll find.
ScottMoyer,
Here's ALL the data from the plate you mentioned. Some of it is a little hard to read as it's not in A#1 condition.
G(?) 04D(?) 1FF87 L 152366
18 D 55L 55U N
AQ9 CC1
D B S 224135
Do you happen to know what any of those other numbers/letters mean?
As far as the "Opposite" is concerned we actually went out and took a GOOD look at it and you're correct that photo probably is pretty darn close. We had to go out and look to remind ourselves that it actually is dark over light not the other way around. The "Original" color in your photo looks a little darker because of the lighting. Also, my son's Z-28 has been repainted a couple times (minimum) although none of the Jams have been repainted and they look pretty close the the exterior. I don't believe this color would be considered "Cream".
Code 55 is Gold. I guess my pics are of brown with gold trim. Let me see if I can find a gold on gold car. I've seen them, I just don't think I have a pic. I know someone on this board has one that color. I've seen it.
Originally posted by 91Zman This your Z's possible colors???
91Zman, That's it!!! Even the interior looks like it's the same color (light gray seats , although our seats also need some serious repairs). Do you own the vehicle pictured or is this just a photo you were able to find for us?
Originally posted by kboehringer The hard part is going to be finding those ultra-hard-to-find plastic center caps. The J.Yard set doesn't have them.
GM still has them available for the 15" wheels. Part # 10154284, list price $36.42. The decal for the center of the cap (Z28 logo) in 3-tone silver is 14035332, list price $16.72. The hard part is shelling out over $50 buck a cap. FWIW, my one owner '84 originally had A, B, and C painted black but not D.
__________________ Four weeks, twenty papers, that's two dollars plus tip.
12.59@113 w/1.82 60' 11/20/05 The tidybowl man says I should flush this turd!!!
Contact the dealer and inform them that the center caps have not been used since 1992. Tell them that they have been in inventory taking up shelf space and ask what they will take for them. I did this with a set of rear window louvers and the sales manager dropped the price from $240 (or something like that) to $90 shipped.
Originally posted by scottmoyer Contact the dealer and inform them that the center caps have not been used since 1992. Tell them that they have been in inventory taking up shelf space and ask what they will take for them. I did this with a set of rear window louvers and the sales manager dropped the price from $240 (or something like that) to $90 shipped.
scottmoyer, That's a great idea!, Thanks for the idea!!
91Zman,
Your photo has convinced us that the stock looks of the original spokes are going to be perfect. That is really the look we are after.
We're going to take a REALLY good look at the Rims at the Salvage Yard to make sure they don't have any serious "Curb-Rash" or other problems. We kinda noticed them in a corner of the building and didn't spend enough time looking them over, (although they did look pretty nice from a couple feet away). We can get the center caps as time (and $$) permits.
phess11,
Thanks for the paint link we'll place an order for the single stage #55 in a week or two.
We also started ordering replacement seals so we can start stripping the old stuff off and start preparing the under-seal areas for paint.
We're going to leave the intake area "D" body color. It's possible this area MIGHT have been black originally but most of the samples we have seen are body color. Maybe some of those we have seen were owner color changes? The only car we know absolutely positively had back in area "D" for every single unit WE HAVE EVER SEEN is the '82 Indy Pace Car Version.
According to the paint web-site. That is what would have been applied to this car originally. We're not going that NUTS about stock looks, heck NOTHING under the hood is stock.....
The problem is that [b]"I'm probably going to be the guy doing the painting"[b]. I have VERY limited experience & have NEVER had any experience with clear-coat. I've painted a car or two (actually a Jeep & a VW Beetle) and they turned out better than some paint jobs I've seen guys pay a whole Bunch of $$ for.
I can take it to a "CHEAPO FRANCHISE" and get overspray on everything, tape lines and missed areas for over $700 (because of the Black, Gold, Gold).
Or.... I can pay a few Thousand to a good body shop and have more $$ in paint than we have invested in the entire project.
Or... I can do the best job I know how for a few hundred and a bunch of sweat-equity. With help from some good friends it will look pretty decent. I'm a little afraid of the Clear-coat. My primary helper (a 60 year old mechanic from my plant that use to own a body shop) has great prep skills but also has never used clear-coat.
WOW I just had to say for all the '82 LOVE in this thread it makes my whole day !!!
__________________ Dave Hoppie
1982 Z28 Almost every mod, and a bit of Torque
1967 R.ally S.port Restoration almost complete
Former M.E.C.P. Car Audio installer
SCCA autoX ESP class #28
3rd Gens 4 life !
Originally posted by BumpaD82 WOW I just had to say for all the '82 LOVE in this thread it makes my whole day !!!
BumpaD82,
Although we got much less vehicle than we expected when I purchased it, the one really good thing [IMPO] is that it is the Original 3rd Gen body. The newer models have some features that are more attractive and the construction of the ground effects was vastly improved on them but the Original '82 has a certain distinction and style. It actually looks older! That Older look appeals to my son and I.
Styles seem to change with every season seems like MONSTER Rims w/Tiny Sidewall tires are the current rage. What will it be next year?. We'll take the Painted '82 Five Spokes with Raised White Letter Tires... over the current style. When "I" get behind the wheel of this car with it's original GM AM/FM Cassette I feel like I'm back in 1982! (yes it works, and I have retained a box full of Led Zeppelin albumns, as well as many others on Cassette!)
Originally posted by kboehringer BumpaD82,
Although we got much less vehicle than we expected when I purchased it, the one really good thing [IMPO] is that it is the Original 3rd Gen body. The newer models have some features that are more attractive and the construction of the ground effects was vastly improved on them but the Original '82 has a certain distinction and style. It actually looks older! That Older look appeals to my son and I.
Styles seem to change with every season seems like MONSTER Rims w/Tiny Sidewall tires are the current rage. What will it be next year?. We'll take the Painted '82 Five Spokes with Raised White Letter Tires... over the current style. When "I" get behind the wheel of this car with it's original GM AM/FM Cassette I feel like I'm back in 1982! (yes it works, and I have retained a box full of Led Zeppelin albumns, as well as many others on Cassette!)
Sincerely,
Kurt
I agree I just LOVE the 1st year 3rd Gen, and the 1st year F-body aswell (hence my '67).
I don't know about the newer features being more attractive, but I do agree some of the construction methods were vastly improved.
OH and it looks like we have close to the same opinion on tires and wheels I still have the factory 5 spokes in storage (with white letter tires on them!) BUT I'm mixed some OLD with some NEW with my 17" cragar SS's and 40 series on the car now....
__________________ Dave Hoppie
1982 Z28 Almost every mod, and a bit of Torque
1967 R.ally S.port Restoration almost complete
Former M.E.C.P. Car Audio installer
SCCA autoX ESP class #28
3rd Gens 4 life !
Originally posted by BumpaD82 oh and to contribute the the thread here is another NICE factory pic...
BumpaD82,
The Factory photo is very nice. It may have indicated yet another feature of the original paint scheme. The pixel count is low so it's hard to tell for sure but it looks like there is a stripe around the scoop area. Our car (which had been repainted atleast three(3( times) had a border stripe around the scoop. It was obviously not stock but something similar may have been on the original?
My 82 Z-28 looks exactly as the photo that phess11 attached. That shows an 83, but the paint scheme and colors are what mine looks like. I've always liked the look of the 82-84 front facias on the Z-28's. Mine has the black around the headlights and around the lower front air dam.
Originally posted by BumpaD82 oh and to contribute the the thread here is another NICE factory pic...
That hood in the picture is an early prototype. There was never any production cars with that hood. The hood in the 83 brochure is the same as the 82 had. Also, if you look in my post that has the magazine article from Jan. 1982. That is an 82 in the picture.
Originally posted by phess11 That hood in the picture is an early prototype. There was never any production cars with that hood. The hood in the 83 brochure is the same as the 82 had.
I thought the "Scoops" looked a little small and a bit high on the hood. That explains it.
Hi...I don't know anything about the original colors, I just wanted to say that I'm kinda new to the thirdgen world and found this site a couple of weeks ago. I'm taking on a project with my newly aquired "91 Firebird and was looking at the engine swap boards. The very first Thread I read was your father and son project and man was it awesome!!! I've actually been checking the boards to see if you guys have started the paint or interior projects and low and behold I came across this. I can't wait to see how the paint is going to turn out,but from what I've read about you guys it will be awesome...keep up the good work guys!!! Sorry this is so long,just wanted to share that with ya'll.
Originally posted by nowIgotabirdtoo .......The very first Thread I read was your father and son project and man was it awesome!!! I've actually been checking the boards to see if you guys have started the paint or interior projects and low and behold I came across this. I can't wait to see how the paint is going to turn out,but from what I've read about you guys it will be awesome...
nowIgotabirdtoo,
Thanks pal and WELCOME to TGO. This is a really great site, it's becoming a little (LOL) addictive. We've made some great friends with our Father & Son Project there are a couple guys we talk to on a daily basis.
The interior is nearly complete and although we would have preferred perfect 1982 seats.... the '96 versions were #1 Better Constructed and #2 Cheap ($$$). All we need now is carpet and the interior will be done!! New Seating Photo Here
Hopefully, our '82 will look as good as the one posted by 91ZMan that's what we are really after!
Sincerely,
Kurt & Derek
Last edited by kboehringer; 11-07-2005 at 09:42 PM.
Glad to see you guys are on the move again (i'm not sure if you took a break or not, but I haven't seen any new threads!). The interior is looking great, you snagged the same seats I have in my 94' and they're rather comfortable. You found an incredible deal, huh? I'm currently converting to leather, and it's pretty expensive. I've found back seast for $120.00 shipped and door panels for $99.99 shipped. I'm expecting to pay no less then $250.00 or more plus shipping for fronts, but that won't be until I can work up the cash!
I visited the website you have listed in your profile...and man, your 350 worked out nicely, eh? I noticed you had some headers... working on any other mods or are you trying to keep it less rebellious? Either way, what a job you guys did...very impressive.
I'm also impressed with the lengths you're going to, to keep it visually stock. The amount of research and workmanship you two as a team are putting into the project writes a book about your character, and it's rather refreshing. Keep up the great work and make sure you post a nice shiney thread with pictures when you finish!
Originally posted by Dark Mavis
---- I haven't seen any new threads!).
---- You found an incredible deal, huh?
---- I visited the website you have listed in your profile...and man, your 350 worked out nicely, eh? trying to keep it less rebellious?
---- post a nice shiney thread with pictures when you finish!
-Mark
Mark, I don't want to get too far off this thread's primary topic but.... This is probably the first thread we've actually STARTED since the engine swap was completed. I fancy myself rather skilled with the Quadra-Jet (I've had plenty of practice - LOL) and I've been trying to lend a hand whenever I can with some guys questions over there. Otherwise the TGO Search feature works great and has resolved many questions.
Yep... Great Deal on the seats $100 for the ENTIRE set. They are almost perfect. The Driver's side is showing the beginning signs of wear on the edge... Otherwise perfect. We would have preferred to have the originals but all the springs had rusted and busted etc. You know the deal...... after 25 years wasn't much left of those seats......
There are MORE new pics on the web-site as of yesterday.... We don't have any of the exterior as it is pretty nasty... WITH HELP FROM THIS THREAD WE'LL GET IT RIGHT....Hopefully, before XMas.
The 350 runs like a BULLET! It's scary fast. I AM limiting the performance parts. We had to use headers because of the Driver Side Dip Stick.
Derek's been assigned the project of finding information (TGO Search) for a homemade security feature(s) for the Z-28. Once we get THIS PAINT JOB FININSHED....I think this Z-28 might get a little TOO MUCH ATTENTION from a thief.... Until that date she's VERY SAFE!
Expect a NEW THREAD with Great Photos around XMas....I hope it looks just like 91Zman's photo.
This weekend: Sanding, Spot Putty, Sanding, Spot Putty, Sanding, Priming, Sanding, Priming, Sanding..... YOU GET THE IDEA!
TGO Friends,
We're making progress toward paint. We've found another friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend. #1 owes #2 a favor who owes me a favor......... ETC ETC. Basically we get a very reasonable deal and the guy has experience with the two-stage paint. He will help us do the "TWO-STAGE" paint job in his paint booth and let my son and I be there to help as much as possible. He's seen the car and is willing to spend an inordinate amount of time helping us get it looking as good as possible.
We really need to find some sort of a very close-up photo of the stripes on the side of an '82 at the area where the Ground Effects meet the Tin.
HISTORICAL QUESTION:
Our '82 (according to the Metal I.D. Plate under the hood) was GM Code 55 & GM Code 55. Apparently not originally two-tone. Would this car have even had striping on the area above the Ground Effects? We assume it would have had some sort of accent striping? Even if the colors are not the same any photo of the '82 Z-28 striping would be helpful. If possible taken next to a ruler for proper size or please measure them. The potential painter has offered to PAINT them onto the car rather than use reproduction stickers.
RESTORATION QUESTION:
We've noticed several little "Bubbles" in the fiberglass hood. At first we thought the were from previous poor painting but after mild sanding actually appear to be imperfections in the base hood from the factory? There are only a few on the top above the hinge areas (the bolts are proper and are not causing the problem). Has anyone noticed this kind of problem in the fiberglass hoods? Could this be from stress (the lift struts are in good condition)? It really looks like it is INSIDE the fiberglass. My digital can not capture the problem but it's relatively easy to see and feel.
Thanks guys.....
__________________ Kurt & Derek Boehringer
1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28
------------------------------------
1979 Pontiac TransAm '78 Clone - 455 MONSTER!
Last edited by kboehringer; 11-23-2005 at 12:36 AM.
Originally posted by kboehringer BumpaD82,
The Factory photo is very nice. It may have indicated yet another feature of the original paint scheme. The pixel count is low so it's hard to tell for sure but it looks like there is a stripe around the scoop area. Our car (which had been repainted atleast three(3( times) had a border stripe around the scoop. It was obviously not stock but something similar may have been on the original?
Thoughts?
Kurt
there IS pinstripe around the scoop area,i have one almost like the one in the pic(only mine is a t-tops car)and i have the pinstripe
There might be pinstripe around yours, but GM didn't stripe around the hood scoops.
kboehringer, all 82 Z28s were two tone. The body plate didn't always represent the ground effects color. It represented the top half of the car and the bottom half. I personally would not paint the stripes on. You have 3 color stripes at the GFX. If you are trying to restore the vehicle to correct in appearance, the decals would be the best. They are also guaranteed to be the correct size as they move down the car. The total width of the decal is narrower on the rear bumper cover than it is on the sides.
In 82 the Z28 ground effects would be one of two colors, Gold or Silver. The ground effects always matched the 5 spoke aluminum wheel accent, AND was coordinated with the interior color. The GFX color could not be ordered gold or silver. I know, because I tried to on my 83.
All Z28s had accent stripping above the ground effects. Attached is the gold wheel that I believe would go with your car.
Note the areas (outline) left aluminum. Not painted gold.
i had a Van Nuys `84 t tops Z28 L69 that was identical to this one:
i will have to scan pics and post them here
its running around over in indiana rockville area now
good luck
__________________ 1982 Trans Am HT WS7
LG4/TH200C to TH350 w/2400 stall 2.73 drum open
code 21 light blue
level III blue PMD interior package
123,800 miles
2 1/4" full length pipes soon,
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ans%20am%20ws7 Will never be hacked into a KR wannabe or later model body Co-Founder of the Early Bird Club(82-84) Long ago... in a galaxy not far enough away.. If only ppl could say: "im sorry im not educated on or experienced with this subject so i cannot provide a useful reply"
I have LOTS of good used '82 83 84 and some '85-90 parts.. try me.. PM or email me!
Originally posted by phess11 In 82 the Z28 ground effects would be one of two colors, Gold or Silver.
phess11, You wouldn't happen to know the color code for the gold? Anybody know what color code that would be?
Thanks for the info on the rims. We'll be replacing our aftermarket rims with the five spokes you have shown in your photo. Seems like our current tires probably have a few thousand miles remaining. Once they're dead or below the saftey indicator bars we'll replace the entire set-up with stock rims and new white letter tires.
Originally posted by phess11 GFX matched the interior.
Phess11,
Thanks for all the info. I saw that e-bay car last evening. In the case of our Z-28 I don't think the interior was coordinated to the GFX. The original interior was a dark grayish cloth. The interior plastic was all Black as was the carpeting. I am certain none of the interior pieces were upgraded by any previous owners (trust me that crap was 25 years old and completely smoked!) If the GFX were only available in Silver & Gold, they didn't match them up on our car.
After finding out that the accent striping was not a consistent size I think it is probably best to spend the $230 at YearOne for the decals.
Originally posted by Pacer I personally have an original 82 Pace Car ... nice to see folks
Keep the pictures coming.
Ron/Pacer,
Unfortunately the exterior of the car may be the only thing that retains it's factory original configuration. We do not have the original intake, engine, or transmission. My son and I would have preferred the original Cross-Fire and 305. Maybe someday we'll get fortunate and find a few cross-fires in the J.Yards and get enough parts (and spares - LOL) to make the entire car historically correct. We've been to a J.Yard almost EVERY weekend for over a year and have yet to find even one Cross-fire.
My primary helper (a 60 year old mechanic from my plant that use to own a body shop) has great prep skills but also has never used clear-coat.
for all the '82 LOVE in this thread it makes my whole day !!! 
