My wifes car, a 1987 Camaro IROC-Z, is in need of some serious love. The interior has been abused by previous owners and needs a complete restoration, and the engine condition leaves something to be desired. Just running the car will cause a misting spray of coolant to create a little pond of water under the passenger seat area (probably a bad heater-core, although we haven't ripped up the dash yet to find out).

Here is our plan. Financially, we are pretty strapped right now, but she loves the car and we want to get it back into good shape. Knowing that it may take years to purchase and install all the restoration parts, I'm asking here first for any guidance. I've never restored a car before. That being said, we are discussing our options... and have so far come up with this: install a crate engine, do a complete engine-compartment replacement (most or all accessories and components, they aren't in great shape anyway), rip up the entire interior and replace with good quality, lasting stuff. Replace the seats, the carpet, all the upholstry... everything.

All the other stuff as well, like weather stripping... you get the idea. Total restoration of the inside, complete replacement of the engine.

Is anyone able to give me some places to look that sell good quality interior components? Can anyone give me a rundown on how best to proceed with this project?

Right now my plan was to gut the entire car, clean it up and grind out any rust (or replace poor-condition steel), drop in a crate engine and associated components, get the entire engine compartment sorted and running, then start working on redoing the interior, installing the new upholstry and seats and all that.

Any feedback or help is appreciated.

 

yeah that is kinda my same situation, my biggest problem is finding orginal parts for it. but good luck to ya.

 

Also consider getting a donor car. that is a good way to get a lot of parts at one time instead of buying each replacement part one at a time.

Good luck. Restorations are fun, especially as the car starts to come back together. It's like raising a kid and seeing the final product.

 

Thanks guys, and good luck to you thunder101 I'll start combing the area for a donor car, that's a good idea that was too obvious for me to think of.

 

Don't forget the steering and suspension. Shocks, springs, bushings, tie-rods, bearings, brakes, exhaust etc. are all things that are part of a restoration.

 

Oh yes, I didn't mention that in my original post -- that's defintely on the list, and high on the list! The car handles like it's a rowboat in a tossing sea right now, so we plan on completely rebuilding the suspension. Will see how the steering system looks when I tear the car apart this weekend / next week.