Needing reassurance on purchase
 

HI guys, I wish I knew about your forum just a few days ago, you see I just bought the 70 RS Z28 in question in the for sale forum. Please go there and either let me know i'm a big dummy or give me some words of comfort. Did I make a big mistake or not. Thanks,Gord

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

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There is nothing wrong with the tag on the car. VIN matches build date.

There are however some small items that are wrong. Alternator, water pump (could be a mistype), fan shroud, master cylinder, wrong shifter and knob, radio is wrong, should have slide on top for AM/FM selection, no rear bumper guards. Since there is no numbers for the carb and because the way the PCV hose is routed I would say it's not correct. Bunch of little incorrect items but the car looks good.
Missing smog would be expensive to correct. Wrong exhaust (but how many really have the correct exhaust).

You could pick on it for all the small stuff but the car is nice. It even has the correct and they look like the original fenders.

Rick H.


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Quite a few guys know their stuff here but this post seems to sum it up....even if there are a few things wrong its a very noce car...excellent colors and it doesn't look look like you paid way too much....get out there and wax it and have a good time...I don't think you made a mistake.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

When I read this from Rick H. last night I was relieved, but then he posts later that the partial vin on the stamp pad is missing numbers. Leading me (and everyone) to believe that it a re-stamp or worse. I don't want to sound like I,m sniveling but what are the chances that the car is num. matching legit. Or should I just resign myself to enjoying the car as it is and take my lumps. I know the trim tag is o.k. but more (or as as much) is #'s matching drive train.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Crappy feeling not knowing if its a restamp but I would still be enjoying it...you should PM Rick or one of the others and get more info to hunt for from them.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Can you post a good close up pic of the engine stamp?

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

I will post a pic if you can just tell me how.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

I looked in FAQ and I don't think my browser is compatible. I tried to cut/paste from my own files, but that didn't work. Maybe I could e-mail the pic to someone and they could post it for me.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

email pictures to me at [email protected] and I'll post them.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Here is the stamping

[image]http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d8.../stamp_pad.jpg[/image]

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Thanks for doing that for me

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Is the vin supposed to be stamped there? The reason I ask is mine only has the CTB stamp on that pad.

Jack, Chuck, Rick, anyone????

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

How about the trans stamping for a comparison.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Tom...My 70 Z28 is a Ca car, April built. It has the VIN on the pad.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Once I get the car home, I will check the bell housing flange as well as take a pencil rubbing off of the tranny for comparison( I just learned that trick from you guys )If I find a ground off spot on the rough casting our suspicions will be confirmed. But if the gang stamp lines up right I will feel alot better. Why would someone go through the trouble to restamp it and then not do it right??

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Good question, I've got a 72 Olds W30 that has a replacement block, and it has only the last three digits of the VIN stamped UPSIDE DOWN on the pad!

Maybe a lazy dealer replacement? Most likely just some Dufus that didn't know better.......

Enjoy your new toy!

Joe

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

I am not going to repost what I have already said about this car. I think the car is very nice and you should enjoy it. Fix the little stuff and have a blast. The car is very cool. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Rick H.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Well here it is. The car arrived on Thurs. night. I'm so disappointed that I'm close to inconsolable. The car is definitely a 3 dressed up as a 9. I'm so embarassed of myself, that's why I haven't posted til now. I can't believe I got hosed. You purists would laugh at it. So many things wrong I wouldn't know where to start. ALOT of money for a poorly finished car. I can't even go into my garage to look at it. Sure wish I'd had found you guys sooner. Willing to take a loss on her if anyone is interested. I just want it out of my garage.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Well Gordon, start out by letting us know what you found. Mabey it isn't as bad as you think. The pics didn't look too bad on ebay. Try not to be embarassed. If you don't know this stuff, you gotta learn sometime. It can be an exspensive learning process though. I bought a 70 Nova not too long ago. The guy that assembled it has no business working on ANYTHING mechanical.It is now a real nice car. Just time and money, anything can be made right.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

If I'm trying to sell it I should point out some of the positives, motor seems to run great, as lumpy as it should be, no smoke, etc. A-arms have aluminum spacers, correct sway bars (f & r), floor mounted gas pedal. Most of interior looks great. Basically all there just alot of real dumb fit and finish goof ups, like rear pass marker light in upside down (bevel on the bottom), radio doesn't work, paint thin in alot of places, doors repainted hastily, drivers door fits poorly especially to upper weatherstripping (which is very loose), drivers window very floppy, endura nose cracked (looks like it was repaired at some point with bondo), metal door edge guards weren't removed when painted, poor stripe finish (some tape edge seeps), quick undercoating job (alot came off in car wash) doesn't appear to be hiding anything though, a few bondo cracks on hood. Overall it has all the bits its just not nearly the way it should be for the price I paid. I was willing to pay good money for a car I could tinker with and fix the small stuff and end up with a really nice driver, but for what I paid, I feel I got hosed. I didn't pay good money for a car I would have to do a thorough going through.

Sorry......I'm just venting now.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Hey, this venting bit is really theraputic! The more I talk about it,I'm actually getting a little pi$$ed off instead of just being depressed. I want to publicly thank you guys for your site and your personal comments, both are very insightful and informative. It's nice to correspond with people who know their stuff and who have probably been in my position at one time or another. For that I'll be sending a donation to help ensure this site will continue to educate and inform enthusiasts. Having a priceless resource at your finger tips is a reassuring feeling, knowing that you can bounce your opinions off the people "in the know", and you will get a dozen intelligent responses. Like the little guy with the sign says: YOU GUYS ROCK!! I would like to hear what anybody has to say about my options concerning my dilemma.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

I can't remember which car you bought. Was it a Ebay car ? Item # ? Sorry it didn't work out. Have you contacted the seller ?

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

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I can't remember which car you bought. Was it a Ebay car ? Item # ? Sorry it didn't work out. Have you contacted the seller ?

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I think it was the yellow 70 RS Z from EBAY in Jan. Car looked nice in pics, and with the way prices are going on 2ND Gen Camaros right now the things that need fixed are probably worth doing. Of course I have not seen it in person so the paint problems he noted may be troublesome and finding a smog system may take some hunting...CAN I HAVE IT!

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Sorry 'bout that! I bought the Daytona Yellow 70 RS/Z28 that was originally listed on Ebay(bought it "off" Ebay however). It got alot of buzz a month ago in the "For Sale" forum.

Yes I have contacted the seller and he offered to help me out to find a new home for her by giving me contact info on other interested parties. So far though.......... nothing yet. Only been a couple of days though, and weekend and all. I just hope he doesn't mistake my good nature as a sign of weakness. He did seem genuinely concerned that I was upset. Time will tell though. Keep you posted.

I guess I was stupid to assume that if you pay 42K for a car at least the radio should work and the drivers door should close properly.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Radios can be fixed for a couple of hundred bucks to work good as new...and the door closing properly can be as easy as new weatherstripping or latch adjustment (or not!)

The important thing is do you like the car? If you already have really bad feelings about it...get rid of it. Otherwise, fix the small stuff that's wrong with it and have a ton of fun with it. I must say that the car looks really nice https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

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Did you win the auction on Ebay ? Have you left him feedback ? Can you post the Ebay item # ?

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

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Did you win the auction on Ebay ? Have you left him feedback ? Can you post the Ebay item # ?

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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4604137057

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If you're serious, BARN FIND, send me a PM with your offer. Keep in mind though that I'm not just giving it away. It'll go to the offer closest to the one in my head. I'm already eating the costs I have put out to ship it, insurance, importing(broker fees), Canadian tax, etc. I can't take a complete bath on it, alright?

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Not to be a party pooper but...GRUSUM are you related to the Bain that these guys all have issues with?

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

I'm not familiar with that at all. All my relatives are up here in Canada and none are car enthusiasts. So the answer is definitely no. I'm curious now though, What's the beef. Should I hunt him down for giving my family a bad name or what?

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

A quote from the auction "THIS 70 Z/28 HAS JUST COME OUT OF MANY YEARS OF STORAGE, IT WAS RESTORED SOME TIME AGO, THE CAR IS NOT A TOP SHOW CAR, BUT IS A DRIVER / LOCAL CRUISER. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR FROM THE START,

I WILL DESCRIBE THIS CAR WITHOUT TYPING FOR DAYS AND WOULD LIKE A PROSPECTIVE BUYER TO INSPECT OR HIRE AN INSPECTION COMPANY TO EVALUATE THIS CAR PRIOR TO BIDDING.



THIS Z/28 IS 35 + YEARS OLD AND I DO NOT KNOW THE CARS ENTIRE HISTORY. HERE IN THE NORTH EAST THE ROADS ARE NOT SATISFACTORY AT THIS TIME “SALT AND ICE”. SO WE HAVE ONLY TEST DROVE THIS CAR AROUND OUR FACILITY."

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

We all have different visions of quality and from the auction pics the car looks nice. I do remember the issue of the vin stamping on the front pad. Stuff like the undercoating was clearly shown in the auction. Sorry you are not happy with it but I bet you now have a better idea of what questions to ask next time. It looks like you bought it after the auction also.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

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Not to be a party pooper but...GRUSUM are you related to the Bain that these guys all have issues with?

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Why even travel down that path?

I think Grusum is a little surprised at the Camaro he bought. I have never bought a car I have not personally inspected myself first. If necessary, I also will bring a professional restorer, judge or mechanic. When I bought my '66 Corvette Convertible original owner car, we brought a NCRS 300 level master Judge, when we bought the Z28, we brought my good friend who owns a restoration shop to ensure the metal was rust free and as described. It is hard to trust people these days when all these muscle cars do is increase in value, seemingly over night…

So you learned LESSON NUMBER ONE really well. Never buy a car without going to see it. Its like buying a new car. Would you spend $42k on a new BMW without driving it or going to the dealer? Absolutely not. The same should be said about classic car purchases as well. We even flew into Chicago to inspect my plane jane '70 Camaro that was viewed and inspected by a big time source from this website. You can NEVER be too careful. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

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CAN I HAVE IT!

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GRUSUM, this is a long running joke, when ever someone gets a new car we all try to be the first to ask "Can I have it" (for free).

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

Yeah, I just felt that the undercoating shouldn't have fallen off the first trip to the car wash. Some aspects of the car are surely a very hasty "spiff up to flip" job. I just expected more for my money. Things like the exhaust manifolds, they just got a quick blast of grey for the pictures, there's even overspray on the orange of the head, other areas where filler was roughly sanded and recently painted (didn't remove door edge guards), etc.

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

You got me Ray......for a while there I had my hopes up that you were serious. I must add that I did have some independant support to making me think the car was up to snuff. Out of the blue I phoned a guy in Fishkill, N. Y., to see if he knew anything about the car. I had talked to him about a car that he had up for sale quite a while ago and he was very honest and forthcoming with me, he even told me the he had for sale was a re-stamp without me asking. He said the seller was a friend and if he said it was legit than it was so. This was before I found you guys by the way. Also the seller told me that during the time period that my car sat at his place waiting for the shipper a guy came by and pestered them almost daily for them to contact me to sell to him for a profit. This was all positive reinforcement that I had bought the right car. Hope I get a call from him soon!

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OH yeah, I forgot to tell you, a credit card sized piece of bondo flew off the hood the minute I washed it too, right up front in the middle(not a very good first impression) .

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Dash extremely floppy, Instrumet/guage bezel broken. I might have to go out to the garage and look at it again, I know there's more. Then again, maybe I should shut up, I wouldn't make a very good salesman would I.

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Seriuosly though what's up with this other Bain guy. You've got me relly curious. Is he a pedophile or worse. Let me guess, he does repop tags. LOL

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hey, this venting bit is really theraputic! The more I talk about it,I'm actually getting a little pi$$ed off instead of just being depressed. I want to publicly thank you guys for your site and your personal comments, both are very insightful and informative. It's nice to correspond with people who know their stuff and who have probably been in my position at one time or another. For that I'll be sending a donation to help ensure this site will continue to educate and inform enthusiasts. Having a priceless resource at your finger tips is a reassuring feeling, knowing that you can bounce your opinions off the people "in the know", and you will get a dozen intelligent responses. Like the little guy with the sign says: YOU GUYS ROCK!! I would like to hear what anybody has to say about my options concerning my dilemma.

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Gordon,
I feel a litle responsible as i'm the one that started the original thread concerning this car.I have been looking for a nice second gen for a few years,and when I came across this one I posted the auction here to see what other members thought of it.To me yellow with houndstooth is one of the coolest combo's on any camaro bar none-but my only concern,(other that zero paperwork)was the trim tag-not that it wasn't the real deal,but that it looked to have been off at one point.I made a toungue in cheek joke about rebody and Well,I recieved more than one PM asking what my problem was,including the then owner who is registered here,when all I was trying to do was get a read from more people as to what the impression was of the originality of the car.Had I known the seller was an SYC member or the car been posted in the for sale section here,I never would have addressed the car publically.

A few years ago I was high bidder on a 70 M22 RSZ and about a day before the auction ended I receieved an e/m from a moderator on the second gen site concering the car.He posted a link to the thread where it was being discussed and it was categorically proven to be a clone.I contacted the seller(who was a peace officer)and sent him a link to the thread where his car was being discussed.After he calmed down,he realized that he had been duped by the person that sold it to him years ago.I retracted my bid,(which he was amenable to),and he sold it to the second highest bidder who didn't care if it was real or not(this was back when nice second gens were still in the mid teens).The point being is I was indebted to the member from that forum who took the time to hip my dumb azz that I was going to get soaked on a clone,(which your car is not)Sounds like it is mechanically sound,if you decide to keep the car and put another 10k into paint I dont think you will be upside down a the rate these are appreciating,especially with that color combo.JHMO https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Needing reassurance on purchase
 

I have just reviewed the auction again and I have to tell you the car looks pretty darn good in the pictures. I wouldn't be to concerned about fit and finish because he clearing stated it wasn't a show car and needed some work.

I would hope you did your homework before you bought the car and realized what was wrong or missing on the car. From what I see anything wrong or missing can be found and corrected. For example I mentioned way on that the radio was incorrect so it needs to be relaced anyways.

If you were looking for a correct vehicle and had any reservations, spending a few bucks to have someone check out the car would have saved you the aggrevation you are now experiencing.

In my opinion the car has great potential. Great color combo, with correct motor/tranny/rear, RS option, etc.. In the long run I don't see you losing on this. Start looking for the correct parts, correct them and have fun.

Rick H.