There's nothing like restoring a classic Chevrolet Camaro. As one of the first muscle cars, the Camaro has a rich heritage and parts are easy to find when you look. That said, JEGS has all of the restoration parts you need for classic car restoration. It's for these reasons that Camaro restorations are popular.
While Camaro restoration often costs between $20,000 and $60,000, many factors influence the cost. Read on to learn more below.
Determine Your Restoration Plan
When it comes to classic car restoration it's important to have a plan. Therefore, you need to know what the end goal of your build is going to be before you begin the project. Common things to plan for include the parts you need, where you're getting the parts, and how long the build will take.
Still, the most important thing to plan for is the type of restoration project you'll be doing. It's important to determine if you're doing a full restoration or a partial restoration. Full restorations include replacing almost every nut and bolt on the vehicle, while partial restorations might just be a new intake manifold, new seats, an engine refresh, and paint job.
Keep in mind that full restorations are more expensive, especially if you need a new engine. Fortunately, JEGS will help you with all of your classic car engine needs. You'll have access to all types of classic car restoration parts from engines to the gears in a transmission.
List Out Parts & Specialty Tools Needed
Before you restore a classic car it's important to list out any parts and specialty tools that you need. These tools and parts will help the process go faster and prevent unnecessary delays. For classic Camaro restoration, there are a few tools and parts you need to consider.
It's also helpful to make a list to help you with the order of parts. A good rule of thumb to follow is to start with the big things first. This includes the chassis, suspension, and frame. Then, move on to the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. The last parts to focus on are the interior and exterior, with the exterior being the last thing to get completed.
While you don't have to follow this order, it's helpful to organize the project to help you determine the cost. Taking pictures of parts that are missing or damaged and checking online forums is also a great way to get help with your classic car restoration.
Common Parts You'll Need
As long as you have the right parts, restoring a classic car is relatively easy. Classic Camaros have a few parts you need to look out for. These include:
- Mirrors
- Bumper sets
- Headlight sets
- Taillight sets
- Hood adjusters
- Water pumps and radiators
- Brake sets
- Intake manifolds
- Gaskets
- Bearings
Some of these parts are inexpensive, while others are more expensive because they're hard to find. These are the recommended parts to look for because they wear down over time – regardless of if the vehicle has been driven.
Common Tools You'll Need
When it comes to the tools you'll need, it helps to have a diverse toolbox. Some of the best tools to have are listed below:
- Impact wrench
- Air compressor
- Paint stripper
- Jack stands, creeper, and lift
- Angle grinder
- Automotive jig
- Basic hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, pliers, clamps)
- Dent puller
- Engine hoist
- Engine stand
- Spot weld cutter
- Grinding discs
- Paint
- Fillers
- Shims
- Lubricants
- Rubber tracks
When looking for tools, it's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. So, select as many tools as possible and acquire specific tools based on the work you're planning on doing.
Leave Room for Error & Professional Help
Restoring a classic car is not a weekend job. It's challenging to find parts and even harder to install them. So, it's always a good idea to leave room for error. Plus, it's wise to seek out professional help when possible.
Professionals will help you restore a classic Camaro without making many errors. On average, a professional charges between $50 and $150 per hour to restore an old vehicle like a Camaro. Thankfully, many shops charge $75 for labor on restoration projects. The higher costs typically come from specialized garages.
While installing a new engine and doing bodywork is possible without an advanced skill set, car restoration is complicated. For example, some parts might need to be welded and dents may need to be removed. For these types of bodywork, you'll need professional assistance. However, if you do plan on learning skills like welding make sure you avoid practicing on your restoration project. Instead, use scrap metal.
Also, always account for errors and mistakes. If it's your first restoration, there's a good chance that things won't be perfect. Make sure you have extra capital to afford replacement parts like bumpers and fenders. These parts are easy to damage, especially when handled incorrectly.
The last thing to look for here is hidden damage. Damage that's hidden is hard to find because it's usually underneath the car. Causes of hidden damage include rust, exposure to moisture, overspray, and stuck nuts and bolts.
Wondering if Your Plan is Realistic? Average Cost Breakdowns for Camaro Restoration
Restoring a classic Camaro will cost you a few thousand or $100,000 or more. Ultimately, it depends on what your goals are for the build. You have to factor in the cost of finding the Camaro, gathering parts, installing parts, and more.
On the low end of the scale, some Camaro restorations cost as little as $5,000 to $10,000. In this case, you're often working with a Camaro that has an engine that starts. If you only need a few parts and a fresh coat of paint, you're probably not looking at more than $10,000 from most shops. If you want it to be in pristine condition, expect to shell out another $5,000.
On the other hand, finding the shell of an old Camaro in a barn is going to cost more to repair, especially if the engine doesn't run. The cost is high because you'll need new parts, tools to remove rust, and engine components to help the vehicle run. Therefore, restoring a barn Camaro that needs all new parts will cost between $40,000 and $70,000.
The last build to consider is a show car. Show cars are builds that are meant to impress judges at car meets and car shows. Unfortunately, turning a classic Camaro into a show car is expensive. If the vehicle runs you're looking at costs between $40,000 and $60,000. However, starting from scratch will cost you between $70,000 and $100,000.
However you want your Camaro to end up, you’ll find the parts you need and the tools to get the job done right at JEGS. Since 1960 – well before the first Camaro arrived – we’ve been supplying performance parts and classic car components to car enthusiasts and restorers. Shop online or visit in-store to get top-notch customer service and quality parts at a great price.
