Real Z28 RS?

[70lt1z28]

At this point, IMHO, for the money they are asking you could get a very nicely restored 70 RS (non-Z28) with an LS engine or better first gen small block or big block and have a more enjoyable cruise-in or driving car. Some may not like what I am about to say, but without the original engine, or one at least built to original specs , you won't be getting the original Z28 experience anyway, if that was your goal. If not, than there are many other cars out there that do not have Z28 emblems that are much better value.

 

['70 Z/28 RS]

Yeah that price reflectes a fully documented number matching car that’s been fully restored 5-10 years ago. The problem is the parts to bring this back to original are way expensive and more problematic not readily available. Here’s some thought as to what the parts I see missing will set you back (if you are ever lucky enough to find them)

1. Carburetor $1500-$2000
2. Air cleaner $300 (reproduction)
3. complete smog system (reproduction) $2000
4. correct steering wheel $1200
5. exhaust manifolds, tins and exhaust system (reproduction) $1500
6. 777 fan blade and clutch (reproduction) $300

As to the incorrect pass side fender, it would be prohibitive cost wise to remove and replace with all the body and paint costs you’d incur.

I think you're right on the price area for a documented one that was restored 5-10 years ago. Mine was restored about 8 years ago and I bought it 2 years ago for $60k. Only thing they didn't restore and put on was the smog system pump, etc. and I didn't really mind that. Everything else was good to go.

I have wondered what a smog system would go for these days, so I guess I could always cough the $2k up and put it on one day if I had too. Question though: If I had Jerry MacNeish appraise it, would he tell me to go ahead and get the smog pump sorted first, or would he come out and appraise it like it is?

 

[unrestored72Z]

Yeah that price reflectes a fully documented number matching car that’s been fully restored 5-10 years ago. The problem is the parts to bring this back to original are way expensive and more problematic not readily available. Here’s some thought as to what the parts I see missing will set you back (if you are ever lucky enough to find them)

1. Carburetor $1500-$2000
2. Air cleaner $300 (reproduction)
3. complete smog system (reproduction) $2000
4. correct steering wheel $1200
5. exhaust manifolds, tins and exhaust system (reproduction) $1500
6. 777 fan blade and clutch (reproduction) $300

As to the incorrect pass side fender, it would be prohibitive cost wise to remove and replace with all the body and paint costs you’d incur.

Rosster, thank you for that breakdown.

 

[COPO]

The clutch fan is a 772 not 777 just for numbers sake. The repop breather is not exact either. Your better off buying one that needs to be restored.

To me, it’s like me wanting a real 70 SS396/375 L78 Chevelle and just settling for a clone or a plain jane. In the back of my head I would constantly be reminded that I should have kept looking and paid for the real deal b/c I’m not happy.

 

[mallard]

So it appears what the OP is considering is buying a true ‘70 z28, RS (most likely but not guaranteed) with most likely the non-original engine, car is in nice condition. Still needs some expensive parts to be “more” correct. Probably worth 35-45g’s US as you’d never build one for that.

 

['70 Z/28 RS]

To me, it’s like me wanting a real 70 SS396/375 L78 Chevelle and just settling for a clone or a plain jane. In the back of my head I would constantly be reminded that I should have kept looking and paid for the real deal b/c I’m not happy.

Same thoughts here. I almost bit on a few Camaro's that were nice and all, but not quite what I wanted. Took me well over a year of looking at many Camaro's out there, before I finally found the one I have now. Glad that I waited though. Happy with my purchase, even if it was more cash than what I originally wanted to spend on one.

 

[LoneStarN8]

I’ve also noticed as I look around that other RS with the wood grain interior have wood grain in the steering wheel as well, where this one does not. Is that incorrect?

 

[70lt1z28]

I’ve also noticed as I look around that other RS with the wood grain interior have wood grain in the steering wheel as well, where this one does not. Is that incorrect?

That's not an original 70 wheel. Its from a 71 or 2. 70 wheels are a bit hard to find in good condition. Very prone to cracking. Here's a pic of one with the woodgrain. This is for a non-RS as it has the bow-tie emblem. An RS wheel would have RS and an SS would have an SS emblem. RS-SS car would still have the RS emblem.

 

[FS87LT]

As I discovered when I got my '70 Camaro Assy Manual, there is a hierarchy in ornamentation. Base, then SS, then RS, then Z/28 . . . in that order. Which would mean that an SS/RS/Z28 would have the RS items, but only "Z/28" ornamentation and such.

FWIW,
FS87LT

 

[Twisted_Metal]

As I discovered when I got my '70 Camaro Assy Manual, there is a hierarchy in ornamentation. Base, then SS, then RS, then Z/28 . . . in that order. Which would mean that an SS/RS/Z28 would have the RS items, but only "Z/28" ornamentation and such.

FWIW,
FS87LT

You could get an RS/SS or an RS/Z28 but there was no SS/RS/Z28.

The triple option was only available in 73 with a Type LT RS/Z28. (No SS available in 73)