Restoring a camaro based on trim tag

[camarofanatic]

About a year ago I purchased my first muscle car. I purchased a 1980 camaro. I know, nothing to brag about. But I have always loved muscle cars and specifically camaros ever since I saw my uncle's 69 Z. Anyways I purchased a basket case with the intentions of a full restoration. The only thing I have to go by is the trim tag which seems suspicious. First, it was not riveted like it should have been. Second, through removing several layers of paint what appears to be the original color does not match the tag. Worst of all, the tag is in very sad shape(It has been pryed off at some point). Should i restore the car based on the unusual tag info?

[SuperNovaSS]

I do not believe 1980 tags were rivited. I think they were screwed on. Also, GM may have docs on your vehicle still.


Jason

[camarofanatic]

How would I find out info on if the trim tag is actually for the car? The trim tag shows a two tone paint scheme and the car was originally the 229 V6 based on the VIN. Before I call my car a Rally sport I want to make sure it is. If it's not, then oh well. I bought it thinking it was just a plain camaro w/350 (not original motor or trans).

The real odd part of it is there is no disclaimer by GM at the bottom of the trim tag. Is that normal for 1980? Build date 1st wk of November.
COULD THIS BE A FAKE?

[Rainer]

Hey Justin - I don't have the answer to your question, and you may actually not get much response on it at this site because most people here are into the stuff that's 10 or more years older than what you're working on.

Hang out here, enjoy, and participate but you're best bet to get answers to questions about this car is to post something at one of the Camaro boards where second-generation cars are regularly discussed.

Any suggestions for Justin?

[CamarosRus]

www.nasty.z28.com lotsa info, if you turn the pages and read.

[camarofanatic]

Yeah, I checked out nastyz28. That's what made me question the trim tag in the first place. It shows all 1980 models should have either a 1FQ87 or 1FS87 RPO, mine is 1FP87 (a 1981 RPO). It has paint codes 15L 19U (a possible 1980 RS scheme). There is a chunk of the left side of the trim tag missing about the size of a nickel.

[camarofanatic]

The more I read the more I doubt it's authenticity.

Is there any shame in painting the car in the Rally Sport scheme the tag indicates but not putting RS anywhere on the car?

[PeteLeathersac]

I'm only on for a few moments (see other post), but here's the link that may help...

http://gmcanada.com/english/maintena...arts_vint.html

With the suspicious body tag, obviously you need you confirm the Vin belongs with the car before going any further (especially investing money into the car) but if the Vin is good and for the minimal fee it costs, shoot the Vin to GM Canada Vintage Services as they can document I believe most '77 and up Camaros including U.S. cars!.

~ Pete