BurnttoastBurgos 1979 Z build post.

[Burnttoastburgos]

Hello, here is a build post for my 1979 Z with 59k miles. I like to document the build along the way and this forum has proven to be very valuable with information and content. Thanks for the help with questions and input.

I originally decided to go oem, period correct, but as my previous builds, decided against it. The mileage has been documented through through the years with all paperwork leading up to my ownership. The matching numbers block was fitted with a cam of some sort and a trans rebuild that obviously has a shift kit. This will be yanked and stored in the crate when new engine arrives.

We will be dismantling piece by piece and sent off to get stripped of all paint. This will most likely be my last build as time, patience and money all get shorter as time goes on. I will sandblast and powder coat as much as possible, as I have easy and affordable access to a powder coater near me.

So far, items purchased to date and waiting install is the following:

383/475 with Sniper intake built by Engine Factory in Jersey. build in que
Pypes exhaust.
TKX 5 speed, full turn key set up.
Complete UMI 2.5 suspension: UCA/LCA, Leafs, Coils, HD Sway bars, alum body mounts, UMI Traction bars and all the trimmings.
Viking shocks, adjustable
Chassisworks g-Connector System.
Gunmetal Ramblers 18x8 and 18x9.5 with Nitto 245/40R18 fronts and 275/40R18 rears
House of Kolors Tangelo Orange Pearl.
TMI Interior: Distressed Buck & Amber Suede Front seats with tracks, rear seat covers, door panels, rear dash, console, extra material for headliner and dashboard.
OC Carpets: Charcoal Grey
SeatBeltsPlus: front and rear seat belts, charcoal.
Griffin alum radiator with dual spals.
Quik Performance: big web 9" w/35 splines, 3:50, TrueTrac, Wilwood discs w/e-brake

Motor to arrive by August, rear to arrive by September. Interior? who knows.

Blue front seats and rear seat skins, door panels and console will be for sale shortly.

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[grzewnicki]

Beautiful color combo, love the wheels, had similar on my 73Z back in 1980. Every time I see the later dash it blows my mind that they thought "hey lets square this thing off, it will fit perfectly in a car with nice rounded shape". What the heck were they thinking? Is easier to make an instrument panel for it though. Looks like a nice project.

 

[mrfleet12]

Looks like a nice car to start with, I have the QP 9 inch in mine, nice piece.

 

[Burnttoastburgos]

ok, my friend and I started at 1 and was at this stage a little after 9pm...much cleaner than anticipated for a Virginia car

 

[Burnttoastburgos]

....another 10 hour day, stripped and ready for glass bead. All parts labeled and bolts in little Ziploc bags. For a Virginia car, I was shocked at how little rust was there...If any, small patches of surface rust with zero major problems. Paint arrives in two days and will be in the body shop most likely until the first snow falls here in Colorado.

 

[Zspoiler]

Maybe it was garaged most of its life. I have a 1979 Z-28 thats a Washington State .It had very little rust.Good luck on your project.

 

[Burnttoastburgos]

probably garaged. He had it next to his high dollar SuperBee and I had it here in Colorado since 2019.....drove it for a few years. swore im not touching it....then just got bored and started saving and compiling lists. Now, this is will hopefully be as fun to piece back together as I anticipate. I have only done trucks to this level, and this F body is way more parts involved. The dash stuff is a bit intimidating, but took a few hundred pics in hopes that my "post Grateful Dead concerts" memory will remember. Should have the engine by the end of the month, then work on the engine, subframe, suspension and trans install until paint is done.

 

[roadrace2]

Looking awesome! Love the organization! Solid plan too!

 

[Jerry73Z28]

Looking good, good luck with the build!
May I ask where in Colorado? I'm in Colorado as well and restoring a 73Z, and it might be interesting to compare our outside vendors.

 

[Burnttoastburgos]

Montrose