1971 possibly Z28, mostly in boxes question

[Mwilson904]

hello, I'm new here, not sure if I should've posted this elsewhere.
I went to look at a "rust free" 1971 mostly disassembled "Z28" in between meetings at work.
It was thought to be a numbers matching car, as mentioned completely taken apart and it would cost me 9k to get it in my garage (including transportation). The seller purchased it that way and doesn't know anything for sure. Story is was 1 owner car, original owner started to restore and is no longer with us.

This is what I saw and need some opinions/help:
No cowel tag at that time, possibly packed away.
Rear passenger quarter was replaced, inner fender was not as not attached to outer under at seam, shell in primer but no interior (boxes) so could see about everything except didn't have keys for trunk.
Everything else showed virtually no signs of rust, surface only in some areas
Subframe was removed intact and rebuilt and had 1" sway bar
Found rear springs, open wrapping in middle, only saw 4 leafs not 5
Block there, no vin present (unless I missed it)
Heads were wrapped, couldn't see
Turbo 400 trans, I didn't check for vin
Several holes at bottom of gas pedal area where hinge would go, possibly.
Doors primed and no tags, but decent shape.
Everything else was either boxed or wrapped.

Here's the $9k questions, would you Gamble and go thru boxes later looking for tag and paperwork hoping it's a Z28? And if it was a clone would that be a deal breaker.
Should I be overly worried about the rear quarter replacement? It seemed to have original pans and all else seemed fine.

I ended up telling him if he can find the cowl tag and/or paperwork I would buy it.

What do you think? Pass if no documentation showing it as a Z?

Thank you for your opinions
Mike

 

[larrylarry]

For me I'd give my left nut for a 71 weather or not it was a Z28 but I'd show him 6 grand in cash first. If what you want to build is a true numbers matching car.... Good luck but if you just want a 71 build with upgrade parts such as a LS engine, new upgraded suspension an such then 6 grand might take it. You know an I know their will be some of the boxed stuff that'll be unusable. I'd find out what a already build, running 71 sells for now an weigh the difference. Then take that price an cut it in half. I can guarantee that you'll end up spending more than you think. 9 grand for a 71 Z28 that's questionable? And in boxs... That to much

 

[Mwilson904]

For me I'd give my left nut for a 71 weather or not it was a Z28 but I'd show him 6 grand in cash first. If what you want to build is a true numbers matching car.... Good luck but if you just want a 71 build with upgrade parts such as a LS engine, new upgraded suspension an such then 6 grand might take it. You know an I know their will be some of the boxed stuff that'll be unusable. I'd find out what a already build, running 71 sells for now an weigh the difference. Then take that price an cut it in half. I can guarantee that you'll end up spending more than you think. 9 grand for a 71 Z28 that's questionable? And in boxs... That to much

Thanks Larry!
He won't take a dime less, around here I don't have anything really to compare it to. On the web I see a few for 15-18 (typically clones) then up from there, but it's tough to know if there's a bunch of rust in them. That's what I wonder these days, can you get a decent 71 (non Z28) for under 20k? If it was a number matching z, then I would build it that way, as you mentioned I'm sure it's missing parts and will cost a lot more than I'm willing to admit. If he finds the tag or paperwork show a Z28, Im committed and will follow thru even if it's not numbers matching. If it's not, I'll have to punt.

 

[larrylarry]

Interior parts for our Camaros can cost big bucks. It's not unheard of to spend 3 grand just for parts only. I've had my 78 Z28 for 12 yrs now, gives me a bonner every time I drive it but I don't want to know what I've spent on it. I'll never get that money back. FYI all of us on here know this. But I'll say this it's a blast to drive. Mine will corner harder than I can stand, throws me out of the seat, goes faster than I'm willing to do. I do take it to the edge of insane sometimes but not much. It's just knowing it can do it.

 

[Gary S]

Take another look at the engine. The partial VIN will likely be stamped in the rough cast area down by the oil filter. If it is a numbers matching Z28 engine, that makes it worth more. Also, you can check the partial VIN on the TH400. If it matches the car, it was originally either a Z28 or SS396.

 

[Mwilson904]

Gary, great idea on the TH400!
I was in such a hurry for my next meeting I only took a few useless pictures
(I wouldn't have never thought of that one)
I didn't even get a picture of the car vin, I was looking for rust and the cowl tag etc. I took a picture of the block casting but since the vin on the block was gone it doesn't tell me anything, I thought I may be able to figure out the date code.
I did happen to notice a 8000 rpm gauge in a box but I really figured that he was in the process of creating a clone.
He's said that he will find the stuff, it's about an hour away in a storage unit otherwise I'd be nagging him to meet and look thru it together.
Thanks for the idea!

 

[Peter Wilson]

why would the cowl tag be removed from the body? that is the first red flag to me ! If the tag is found I would scrutinize the numbers on the tag very closely to see if they correspond to the vehicle sitting in front of you . try to find some history on the car and if local make a few calls around to some car people to see if anyone remembers the car , or the previous owner .

 

[wnmech]

I paid 9K for mine 2.5 years ago and it was basically in kit form but mine did have the build sheet and is an RS/Z28 with a CE engine and the turbo 400 transmission. I've probably got 15K more into the car. The interior seat covers and foam alone cost me $2500 dollars. To me it was worth every penny that I have spent on it. I loved restoring it. Anymore these cars are becoming more rare and folks are paying big bucks for them. Like others have said before you spend the money be sure that you can identify what you have and make sure there is a good title and check out the trunk for rust.

 

[tom3]

Couple little things to look for, spacers on the bump stops on the lower front A-frames. Rear sway bar mounts on the frames.

 

[Mwilson904]

Thanks for your input! I'm supposed to get a picture of the tag and paperwork tomorrow, we'll see what they come up with. after reviewing my crappy pics, it appears that the block may be a 72, I think the casting on the rear was Oct 70.
Cutting it close on time, I'm flying out for a week soon and coming home with a disassembled car (un announced) may make for an unpleasant flight with my bride.
But, that's why they hand out head phone on long flights!