Another possibility is that your car has some "dealer add ons". Things like the different style door side molding would be added while it sat on the dealer's lots...things like that have led some to believe in "factory original" myths.
Sounds like a good possibility, they have been on a long, long time. The edge guard on the drivers side has split down the middle from age, fine for a 10-footer. For retirement in 6 years, (if I'm lucky) the burnt orange color will be re-sprayed with the same (or close to it) and might even do something a little off like color match the window trim minus body side moldings for example
Photos of my cars I have tried several times to upload photos but the site is locking up my computer and sending me back to the upload screen. Wish it would work! Yes it was a true black Z28, it's sold now but I still have the silver 77 Z. I also have a 76 Camaro.
Great story. I was 19 in 1982, so only a couple of years older than you. I remember these cars when brand new. They definitely carried a reputation as “fast” performance cars for that time. Most of us, me included, were trying to put 4 barrel carbs on our “wanna be muscle cars” and would have loved to have had one of the new Z28’s. I can still remember my friends mom (yes mom) brand new ’80 white with red decal Z28. For some reason, she bought a car like that for her daily driver. She was a “young mom”, if you know what I mean. He had a lot of fun taking that car out when she allowed. There just wasn’t a lot of new muscle to be had back then. The mid ‘80’s changed all that.
77 Z/28? I just picked up a 1977 2nd gen. I'm trying to find it if its a Z/28 though. It is a cali 350ci car. The biggest thing I'm having a problem with is the fact that it was once totally gutted to be turned into a racecar and then it was put back together with whatever parts they could find so I have no idea on trim or anything because its either missing or could just be what they found. I know it was an original 4 speed car, has the big spoiler, has front and rear sway bars, can't find a build sheet. Can I get more info on the top-of gastank build sheet. Like do I have to pull the gas tank to see it or is it visible/feelable another way? Also hood and grill were replaced. It does have chrome trim around tail lights. But that's it for trim. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
The gas tank has to be dropped. But if it looks like it's been out before save yourself the aggravation/time. Have you checked for the aluminum spacers (search the forum for this, there are pics of what you should see) on the front bump stops? That would be a good indication it is. But if it was gutted at one time chances are the Z specific parts are long gone....and there went your proof.
