| Randy & Sylvia Squires - 1970 1/2 Camaro Z28 |
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| Rebirth of a 1970 1/2 Camaro: Our 1970 1/2 Camaro was found in a field completely stripped of all its interior and engine components. The car was being stripped to make a drag car or dirt track car, which one we're not sure. The original engine had been sold to another buyer. The car itself was in terrible shape. The original hood had a 24" hole cut in the middle of it. It was discarded later on for an L-88 fiberglass hood, presently on the car. The biggest task was to get the car home, feasibility of restoration, cost, and availability of parts. We soon learned that the second-generation Camaro is the hardest to find parts for and what you do find is very expensive! Our first goal was to find an engine so we could drive the car back and forth to the body shop. Our first engine was a 406 we picked up at a car show. It lately was replaced by the 327 which is currently in the car. Once in the body shop, total body restoration was our main goal. Both door skins were replaced as well as rear spoiler, windshield, chrome, and grill filler. We were able to but three old dashes with instrumentation attached. Out of the three we built an original Z-28 instrument panel which functions very well. The original gas tank sending unit was replaced with an aftermarket unit which did not work with the original gauge. We later replaced it with an OEM unit from Classic Industries in California. Since the car was stripped of interior when found, changing the color of the car was easy. Red was the new color with black interior. Scott Patterson (our son-in-law) did all the body work as well as painting. We were able to scrounge original seats from a junkyard. The seats were then refurbished by VI's Upholstery Shop in Macon, Georgia. Interior installation was completed at home except for the new headliner. VI's installed it. New carpet was installed at home. The 327 CID engine now in the car was completely rebuilt from the pan up. Roberts Machine Shop of Macon, Georgia did all the machine work for our project car. The block was stripped three times. The double humps were completely reworked, the camshaft turned, and cam bearings pressed in for us. All other engine work was completed in our garage at home. The new engine is painted with prism paint (black) to continue the new color scheme of red and black. The engine bay is painted red with prism overlay. The rear springs were changed in the car as the body was twisted slightly (we think from drag racing) to try and level out the back end. Air shocks were also added to help out. Traction bars were installed to enhance the appearance and add to the customization process. New tires added are BF Goodrich P215/60R 14's up front, P245/50R 15's on the rear (new wheels will be added later). The trunk of the car was completely redone. Rhino Liner was first added for sealing purposes with a new black carpet added to the floor and sides, encasing the entire trunk area. The spare tire is also fitted with it's own cover for car show purposes. Many little odds and ends of the car were also replaced (to many to mention). The current restoration cost is approx. $15,000+. Out three year project couldn't have happened without the support of the many junk yards we ventured through as well as Classic Industries in California, Year One in Georgia, Robert's Machine Shop of Macon, Georgia, VI's of Macon, Georgia, and Ray's Paint and Body Shop in Reynolds, Georgia. But most of all a big "thank you" to our son-in-law Scott Patterson for all the hard work in making a dream come true. Thanks Scotty! Specifications: Original:
Current:
Show Awards: To date the car is shown throughout Georgia in numerous car shows with Top 25 and 50 winnings. The car is driven to all shows, has been is parades and monthly cruises.
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