CHEVROLET CAMARO
1971 - 1981
BODY & CHASSIS
All these Camaros have been around for between 40 and 50 years and some spent time on wintery North American roads before emigrating. Thoroughly check the floors, rear quarters, sills, window apertures and door skins for rust or previous repairs. Door hinges wear and doors become hard to close. Cars with a vinyl covered roof are worth avoiding if they have bubbling or discoloured vinyl. A complete roof transplant could be required. Grilles, a variety of rust repair panels, new door handles, lenses and glass are available from specialists and not especially expensive. Bumpers seem more difficult to find than other parts.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
V8 engines fitted as standard equipment to 1970s Camaros will be almost boring in their reliability. Those that are infrequently driven may leak from ancient hoses and dried out gaskets, so be prepared for some expense if a car hasn’t seen much use in years. Noisy valve lifters are very common and can be cured by an engine flush and oil change. Cars with larger than standard carburettors may also be chucking money down the exhaust pipes by delivering more fuel than a street-driven car can burn. Most Camaros of this age in Australia will have automatic transmissions that are very durable and easily repaired. A loose torque converter will produce knocking noises under acceleration.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Age and deterioration can really ruin the way an older Camaro handles, and this can especially be a problem when the car has an older RHD conversion. Listen when driving for creaks and thumps from the front end and look underneath with the wheels on full lock for any power steering leaks or suspension components showing signs of wear. A quality set of shock absorbers will improve handling without a detrimental effect on ride quality. Excessively wide tyres can foul the inner mudguards on full lock. Disc brakes are recommended most that came new to this country should have them. Ensure that the parking brake releases without excessive force.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Local Camaros will have some powered accessories so check everything that works via a switch and test the speed and smoothness of electric windows, where fitted. The standard trim was vinyl, sometimes with a cloth insert and not difficult to replace if worn, or just repair. A business in the USA called Classic Industries offers complete sets of reproduction seat coverings (front and rear) for US$515 plus freight. Door trims and carpet sets are also being remade as are good quality reproduction instruments. These come individually at prices from US$100 for a fuel gauge to around $300 for a tachometer. A new speedo drive – often the cause of a non-functioning instrument – is just US$25.