Hey everyone new here, browsed around for a while but never posted, need some advice have a 82 Camaro my father left behind he started fixing it some years back but didn't get to do much cuz he passed away right away when he started working on it. Basically it's a shell gutted out the back half is cut off from the inside. I have a roll cage in the garage that hasn't been welded together and a Chris altons chassis works 4link as well that hasn't been put together. My question is were do I start what do I do first? I know I have a longs ways befor it's up al together but I would like to get started slowly.

 

Anyone got any advice or can point me in the right direction

 

Wow...that's tough to say.

From what you've said, and speaking just for myself, I think I'd find a chassis shop that can weld in the rear suspension and cage. Then you can start building up around that.

 

Ok yea there a good chassi shop about 20mins from me that a lot of ppl go to, I'll head that why soon. Car has a little rust in some areas should that be taken care of first befor the cage and rear suspension? There any good build
Threads that you've read is that the best place to start from the cage and rear suspension or only cause I have that allready?
BTW thanks for the reply

 

don't take this the wrong way, but if you're seriously asking this question don't even consider trying to do this yourself, it will be a disaster. Especially if it's something that has meaning to you (a car your late father left).

Take it to a good shop and put some scorch marks on some plastic, you'll be happier with it in the long run

As far as the rust goes, depending on where it is it might get cut out as part of the work...

 

I am not going to be doing the work myself not atleast any body or suspension work, I'm just looking for advice on where to begin to know what to start with and take it the right person for that. As far as taking it the wrong way no worries thanks for the reply.

 

Post up some pictures, it's hard to tell how it is exactly and give advice.

 

Sorry 'bout the loss of your Dad.

From what you've described, it sounds like he was into a SERIOUS
build-up, which would not be a good project for someone without
EQUALLY serious fab skills -- or at least knowledge of how not to
get screwed over when purchasing such skills from other vendors.

If your determined to go through with this, educate yourself by spending
time (& LOTS of it) at local car shows / clubs, etc.. to determine if this
is really something you want to tackle. Don't let sentiment suck you into
a very large commitment of time & money, unless your absolutely certain
about willing to see it through to the end.

Try to find someone w/ something close to what this might look like.
Most gear-heads will be happy to help others avoid their mistakes.

Post up some pics of what you currently have at hand, and you'll get
lots more accurate info.

Good luck,
kk

 

Welding in the back half to make sure everything is square and straight isn't something the average person with little fabrication knowledge is going to attempt. Same for putting in the roll cage. Not saying it can't be done but you're going to need a MIG or TIG and have good welds to make sure it all stays together. I did my own work and I really wouldn't want to do another. It's a lot of time consuming work.

After installing a back half and roll cage, you're also going to need a narrowed diff.

Taking it to a chassis shop to get done is going to give you sticker shock. A completed rolling back half should be around $10,000 as a ballpark figure. Roll cage is typically $100-$150 per point so you could probably add on another $1000-$1500.

In the end, it may be a lot cheaper to find a car that's already had the work done.