1984 Chevy Camaro help with car sitting for ten years!

PROFONDOROSSO75

MEMBER
1984 CHEVROLET CAMARO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hi All, looking for some expert advice here. I have a 1984 camaro 2.8 v6 auto that has been sitting unused and not started for about 10 years (long story). The car has sentimental value to me so I will not sell it or junk it. Now I'm wanting to get back on the road. I'm wondering if anyone can give me a rough estimate of what would need to be done to the car to make it roadworthy. I realize this is impossible to accurately asnwer but I'm just looking for ballpark. Like would the engine need to be rebuilt automatically(I don't know much about cars) or just serviced? If rebuild would replace be the better option? And what other things would need to get done/replaced right off the bat just from sitting. I assume barakes and suspension from rust. Tranny if I remember was slipping somewhat at 3rd gear, not sure if that means it needs to be serviced or rebuilt/replaced. I think I remember the engine stalling if the AC was on also. Trying to figure here if I can afford to get it running or should just get a used car for now. Thanks in advance for any help.

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Get a used car as it would be better to have that and run around in and slowly restore or do whatever you will with the car. You will need to rebuild the transmission if it was slipping when it was parked. For the rest of the car all fluids need to be changed as well as the belts and hoses. Of course all the filters as well. Tires are only good for 6 years so if you drovethey would probably come apart. As far as the engine, sparkplugs an dwires for sure. If it ran good when it was parked ti wil lrun good for a while. The bearings will etch and need replacing bu tyou could drive it until they went out and then overhaul the engine. Rust will be your biggest enemy especially if you have had it parked in the dirt where moisture has never been able to dry. Of course if you are out west or down south you may not have that problem.