1976 Camaro - Project Ideas

[FSAE]

I have a 1976 Camaro that has been passed down through my family and driven by just about everyone. It has nearly 200,000 miles on it and you can tell rust is taking it's toll. Within a year I plan on finishing the car mechanically ( Engine, Suspension, etc ) and then putting restoring the exterior and interior. The interior will remain stock, except for a different gauge cluster, as well as front tweeters ( so the people in back can still hear ).

The only real limitation on the exterior is the color, which my grandma told me never to change. I've spent a lot of time looking at this car and I really think these second gen Camaros have amazing lines and I want to do my best to bring them out. I've got some pictures attached of the car as it is now, as well as some Camaros that really appeal to me, and other cars that are an "inspiration". Basically I want your guys opinion on what to do with the car, because you know better than anyone else.

 

[SS2001]

Nice looking start to a project. I went for the Z/28 look with mine (1975 LT model):

 

[FSAE]

Exhaust, covered in salt and dirt. I think I might do something different with where the exhaust tips are, the muffler is perfect.

Rust... The rear wheels should be wider IMO, but I would need a 10+" rim in the back and I'm not sure if they make this style in that size. It has 215/60/15 up front, and 255/70/15 in the rear. I can get some nice 295/60/15 tires for free, but that might be too much.

 

[FSAE]

Nice Camaro SS2001. Everything works together nicely.

I've been staring at this car for year, and I think I'm going go with a more bare bones style. My car is supposedly a LT as well, but it came with a weird interior from the factory. I know I don't want a spoiler, don't ask me why, I don't even know. And with the suspension work I've already done, it's going to sit pretty low.

 

[FSAE]

The car sits nicely right now, I almost want to lower the front even more, just another 1/2" to match the rear.

that's the frame support under the engine and the can is right against it, about 3" ground clearance. The car never gets stuck in snow, but smooths it out nicely as it goes and hits about anything it goes over. Lowering the car any more would be a bit of a problem.

 

[79CamaroMan]

I would consider tucking in the front and rear bumpers. The "how to" for it has been documented on this site very well. Evidently it isn't that hard and I am yet to hear of someone regretting doing it.

Many like to paint the bumpers body color. I'll admit it looks nice, and its reversible.

The bumpers can also be repolished and even chrome plated, depending on budget and preference. Repolishing them can be done at home, but its not exactly easy. I may be biased, but I prefer the chrome look myself.

I would also consider blacking out the tailpanel. I think it looks nice that way.

 

[81_Z28_NC]

Nice looking start to a project. I went for the Z/28 look with mine (1975 LT model):

SS2001 I like the color and stripe combo on your 75 big bumper !! Especially dig the look of the louvers !!

 

[SS2001]

Thanks.

 

[BondoSpecial]

Body color, or blacked out bumpers, is the only way I like the big bumper cars. The chrome bumpers really bother me.

Here was my old 77. The car came with the paint and all of the trim (and bumpers) blacked out.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q116/shylin01/Race Tracks/DSC01209.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q116/shylin01/Race Tracks/track1.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q116/shylin01/Race Tracks/track2.jpg

Having the bumpers blacked out disguised their chunky and sticky-outy-ness.

 

[FSAE]

I read the thread on the bumper just today, and it's something I will be doing more than likely, just need to get the means to weld the front bumper so it doesn't slide off without the "leaf springs". Blacking them out is an option as well. Here's a few Camaro's and other cars that I'd like it to somewhat mimic.

Lamborghini... but it seems like the 2nd Gen and the Miura have some similar lines and I wouldn't mind exploiting them.

Don't like the hood, and the overall car is a bit ridiculous, but it seems to work pretty well together.

I don't like the front chin, or the wheel shoulders, but I like the way it sits.