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New to forum...1978 project

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New to forum...1978 project - 9/22/2008 1:39:35 PM

chevyfreak78

Posts: 3
Joined: 9/17/2008
Status: offline

I have a 1978 z28 that my dad gave me two years ago and want to start restoring it....how much is the average to restoring the car completely...need new door, body work (dent on quarter panel, trunk needs a little work and new floor pans), paint, and putting in a 400 small block with a 400 turbo tranny

Post #: 1

RE: New to forum...1978 project - 9/22/2008 4:27:00 PM

JRs72RS

Posts: 326
Joined: 1/1/2007
Status: online

The cost is up to you.
The info you gave is too vague to come up with a realistic figure on bodywork. Many times when you dig into a car and remove the damaged sections you run into more damage. Best place to start is the mechanical aspect of the car. Get your engine, trans & differential done first make the car solid and reliable. Then go about getting the body straight and solid. By doing the mechanical work first you reduce your chances of chipping new paint and when done, just get in and go.

Set your own budget, make it fit to your finances. Be a good shopper, look for deals but do NOT settle for cheap knock-off parts, they will cost you later if you do. If it takes 2-3 years to finish thats great. Many people here will tell you how their car might have taken longer, it is the nature of the business.

Much of the cost will depend on your ability to do the work yourself or have friends help. If you can build your own engine 400 horse - $1750-$2500. Have a shop do it $3000-$4000. Trans around $1000. If you can cut & weld or have someone to learn from you can do some bodywork yourself.

(in reply to chevyfreak78)

Post #: 2

RE: New to forum...1978 project - 9/23/2008 9:11:05 AM

chevyfreak78

Posts: 3
Joined: 9/17/2008
Status: offline

oh my pop and i have just started the rebuild on the engine the tranny is good...its tryin to find parts that are pretty reasonable for the body...i want to get a skin for it but dont kno if its a good way to go or just replace the door

(in reply to JRs72RS)

Post #: 3

RE: New to forum...1978 project - 9/23/2008 3:29:23 PM

JRs72RS

Posts: 326
Joined: 1/1/2007
Status: online

Skinning a door is alright if the shell is in good shape or needs minimal repair.

It is great if you and your dad can do most of the work, you will save a lot of money. I had a lot of fun working on my son''s cars and I think they learned a lot too. My oldest son went on to be quite a good mechanic and dirt track driver.

(in reply to chevyfreak78)

Post #: 4

RE: New to forum...1978 project - 9/23/2008 4:30:12 PM

DemonCamaro

Posts: 2
Joined: 9/23/2008
Status: offline

Im restoring a 78 camaro myself and luckily the body i got was in almost perfect condition. From what i''ve seen looking around though looking for replacement body parts can be expensive and tricky. i might be able to find you a few from a friend of mine who has alot of parts for decent prices. i bought a z28 hood from him last week with almost no damage to it. what all exterior parts do you need?

(in reply to JRs72RS)

Post #: 5