Hi Everyone, so I am new to the site. Just transported my late mom's, 1990 Camaro RS halfway across the country from MD to Iowa.
No need for sympathies, she got sick in 2010/11 and passed in 2012, so that might foreshadow the challenges faced with this garaged but never driven beaut.
Boy I was not prepared for the repair bill which is still growing. I am already in for $1300 for the trip and car carrier. (thread...)

 

Where to start? Brake pads and rotors, drums and shoes, cracked distributor cap and rusty distributor, spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, tune-up, standard stuff.
And now the Camaro extras; Drivers door power window motor and rear hatch motor, collapsed brake line, seized brake caliper, cooling system flush and fuel system flush and AC recharge (so grateful Mom had the AC converted to the new coolant in the early 2000's big sticker on the antifreeze tank) . Also the rear hatch gas shocks to keep the trunk up. All in all about $2,400. The fuel sending unit needs to be replace if I want the gas gauge to work again. That's another $750 because they recommend changing the fuel pump at the same time since they have to drop the fuel tank. I am going to pass on that for now.

Love small town mechanics, they brought me out the the shop floor pointed everything out. Actually the guy working on it, said hey if this is too much I'll give you "top dollar" for it "as is" and take it off your hands. I passed and said let's get this thing on the road. This was last week....

 

Damn man. Well focus on the payoff when it’s running clean! In your position I’d rationalize the new parts as an “investment” into the future. Seriously.
What miles did she have when you got it?

 

No doubt these cars are money pits. But when you get them fixed up they are worth it and if run routinely, properly maintained, and kept out of the elements they do pretty well. When I first got mine i had to replace pretty much the whole suspension and of course all the tune up type stuff, " plugs, wire,cap, rotor, rotten exhaust,etc etc..but I rarely turn a wrench on it any more. Very nice car there I'm sure it's worth it and I'm sure it will get better and less problematic.

 

Welcome to TGO. Even if you invest $4k overall it's a great price for a nice ride. Did your mom have it painted at some point?

 

The maintenance parts do add up. I always find myself saying might as replace that too since Im in here. Lol. It will be worth it.

 

They are pretty reliable and easy to work on for the most part unless they get neglected.. then you have some work to do..

But as others said above, once you address the neglect it’s basic mainenence and not so bad..

 

Abandon all notions that your investment will pay off in the form of the car becoming worth, to any other person, what you invest.

You either do this - and spend your money - for the love of the game, or you walk away.

If you think the mechanic is getting rich on you, just wait until you start buying tools to do it yourself.

I wouldn’t have it any other way!

 

It was kind of high 87K, it won't be a daily drive so not too concern at that.

 

It was professionally repainted in the mid 90's right before she bought it.

 

The wheel tire combo looks great so right there there’s something you don’t have to $witch. Seats look good too. Lots to appreciate.

 

All regular items we see around here all the time. The 750 for the tank & sending unit are a bit much though.


Cars are better when they are driven, they don't like being left alone.

 

Kelley Chargers.. those a blast from the past! I like the look of this car and think once you get through this initial shock to your wallet you will have a really nice car. Just drive it every now and then and avoid letting it sit for too long so you are not fixing the same thing twice. Like the others have said, once your issues are sorted these cars aren't a lot to maintain.


Welcome aboard Kevin

 

Vinny, I seen those Kellys too! I had them on my 79 waaaaaay back when!

 

That's awesome Bob! Looks like you had the SUPER Chargers!

 

Long time ago there Bob! Very cool cars.

 

Thanks Vinny, yes the tires are killer and have lots of tread on them, just old. So it is out of the shop and getting detailed professionally detailed. to include seats out shampoo etc. So it need to fuel injectors and the Cat was bad. Originally they told me they had to replace by law, but he checked and said it's grandfathered. so he straight piped it. Was this a good or bad move? Thoughts?

 

I personally think it is not a bad idea. I have a straight pipe in mine. Some say it smells worse but I just think it smells different. I also use non ethanol gas. Not sure if that is available in your area but these cars were never designed with ethanol in mind. The car starts and performs much better since I have switched about 8 months ago.

 

I too done away with my cat. No problems here and I totally agree with Vinny on the non-ethanol gas.

 

There is non-ethanol in my area and I run it as much as I can. A little pricey, but worth the drive ability.
Dustin....1982!