1973 Camaro "Project Pumpkin"

[Rick D]

Ok so here's the build of what will always be know as Project Pumpkin

The car is a mostly solid 1973 Camaro, both front fenders lowers and three small spots in the trunk are the only rust on the car. Well that is until I strip it

For those that don't know and just to the rest of the 2nd gen owners out there. This car would have been the first 2nd gen built by Mark Steilow sorry but that's not goning to happen now

This is not a full on build take it apart and hope to finish it some day!! Nope this will be worked in stages, also this is being built on a budget, so not a lot of fancy new parts going in here.

Ok so here's the quick plan, some will change as I get into it I'm sure.

I will start with the drive train. It has a GM crate 350 with a 350 trans. For now the engine is going to be used, upgraded but still going with a SBC

The trans will be changed to a manual, trying to find a T56 6spd but we'll see?? Second round will be a ls2 6spd (already have a deal working on that).

Plans for the engine are new gaskets, fresh paint, new cam, headers, carb, and if I can find a deal on a pair of used aluminum heads that would be cool.

Rear end will get a freshing, posi, and maybe a gear change.

I will paint it and NOT orange maybe silver?? Cowl hood but with MAJOR work done to it as I hate how it looks like a ramp for a water skier more on that later.

Suspension is still open, ideas? I'm not going to do anything with the front yet as I want to change out the whole sub frame but not sure when that will happen. DSE solid body bushings and DSE frame connectors. Not sure if it will get mini tubed or not as then the bigger wheels and more money come it play. Maybe phase 2

Rear will stay leafs for now but will change it to Ride Tech I think??

Interior will be mostly stock but freshened up new carpet and seats. Still thinking about seats suggestions??

The biggest part is the wheels, I really want to start there because as you all know shells can make or break how a car looks. I've got a few ideas so we'll see how that goes? Again suggestions?? Also looking at something used (budget budget budget).

So here's the starting point with the pictures.

[strtcar]

Car would look great silver with some black stripes.

[Rick D]

Originally Posted by strtcar

Car would look great silver with some black stripes.

That's my thinking as well but not sure on the strips??

[Rick D]

Me really likey this, sorry SW I stole it from your thread!

[tubbed69]

Rick looks like a great solid car to start with,silver sure is one of my favorites on these,also either red or black is nice,good luck.

[jr2226]

Congrats on getting the camaro its a great feeling. I know how I felt the night before getting mine and it was a basket case. Yours looks to be a really nice camaro. Can't wait to see this build. Good luck.

[garickman]

Nice start Rick! Can't wait to see this come together.

[Track Junky]

Car looks great Rick. I know what its like trying to build on a budjet. Try and get what you want the first time around or you will be spending twice. Research what you want, put a plan down on paper, and then start collecting parts.

[MX145]

I like too. That car is sick in silver. 2nd gens are very cool. You have a nice ride Rick!

Originally Posted by Rick D

Me really likey this, sorry SW I stole it from your thread!

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by Rick D

This is not a full on build take it apart and hope to finish it some day!! Nope this will be worked in stages, also this is being built on a budget, so not a lot of fancy new parts going in here.

Rick

Stick to your statement and build it modular. Don't take it off the road for more than a week at a time unless you suddenly are willing to spend

Take a look at Siegs car. He has a nice ride that he has kept on the road (most of the time) and has made some key upgrades without breaking the bank or stalling his progress.

I can't argue with jumping on a 6 speed conversion. I would jump on that right off.

The car is a 20 footer or better so even though you can do paint leave it alone until you are done slinging big parts into and out of it. Just get rid of those dam bumperettes.

Take Gae's advice and put together a budgeted plan. Start with the $$ you are willing to spend and prioritize your wants based on what fits within that number.

Then lay in wait for a bit. If you buy good second hand stuff you can resale it down the road if you step it up and it won't really cost you. Sure you may want new brakes first but if seats show up at a great price buy them first.

When you save some $$ from the budgeted number by scoring a good deal then you can reallocate that $$ to another upgrade on your project plan.

Bottom line is be disciplined about it. You just got out of one stalled project.

Wheels. For the first round wait for somebody who just bought a complete sub and tubbed their car to sell their "small wheels". I see nice looking wheel sets out there all the time. If you buy smart you can sell them if your project escalates. Bottom line JMO is don't buy them new because they are a big expense and their specs are dictated by so many pieces of the build you haven't settled on.

For you Camaro guys there are so many suspension options it make me dizzy. I don't pay that much attention to all the details of them for obvious reasons, are any of them modular? Can you do spindles and arms now with the stock sub and steering and later go full sub and rack? That way you can ease into it and get good brakes, that you can keep with future mods, on the car sooner than later. Doesn't the Ride Tech or Speedtech route allow you to do this?

Leave the stock rear diff alone for now. I'd target a rear suspension upgrade first. The front of a 2nd gen isn't terrible so look for a good deal to show itself for the rear. Save that $$ you want to dump on that 10 or 12 bolt to put it towards a nine inch.

Same with that motor. Clean it up and beat the snot out of it don't drop $$ into it.

You asked for opinions so you got mine.

BTW congratulations Charley Brown on finding the "great pumpkin" I hope your driving it today.