1970 saw the introduction of the all new Second Generation Camaro. Due to production delays the 1970 Camaro was introduced in February 1970, half way into the production year. Because of this, some people will call the 1970 Camaro a 1970 1/2, but officially the car is a 1970 model year Camaro.
While 1970 is the 1st year of the Second Generation Camaro, it is also seen as the last of the high compression, solid-lifter cam, low-geared ground pounding muscle cars. While the 1970 Camaro was being introduced, the muscle car market was disappearing, or at least changing. Among the other highlights& distinguishing features for 1970 were....
THIS Camaro came originally equipped with a L-65 350 / 2-bbl engine, TH350 transmission, and Chevy’s 8.2” 10-bolt 2.73:1 open (NOT Posi) rear end.
The car currently has a rebuilt 350 / 4bbl (Edelbrock carb and intake, mild cam, headers), and 8.5” 10-bolt 2.73:1 POSI rear end. The previous owner told me the transmission is the original one to the car, and that it has been rebuilt. The engine is not original to the car. I kept the rear axle gearing the same as stock so the speedometer would be sort of accurate, and so that I can cruise on the freeway with modern cars (75-80 MPH). Switching to a 3.42 ratio would REALLY wake this car up.
The body is very straight, and the floors/trunk/undercarriage are in REAL nice shape. See pics/video for more details. The car was re-painted once with the original color. The car was originally dark green with a green interior, and came with AC. The interior is now 90% black. The AC is all there and hooked up, the compressor spins free, but there is a leak in the system (it will not hold a charge). The dash controls work, and the fan blows. All lights, switches, and the horn work. The front end has been completely rebuilt: new upper/lower ball joints, new inner/outer wheel bearings, new inner/outer tie rods, new center link, new Bilstein shocks. Front end was aligned 8/2016. Receipts for parts/work will be provided to high bidder.
While the front end was apart, I did the big brake swap: Used a Cadillac spindle, IROC 1LE front rotors (giant 12” rotors!). I also added a 2nd Gen WS6 Trans Am 1-1/4 front sway bar and have the matching¾” rear sway (not installed yet). All rubber brake lines were also replaced.
The front seats are original 1970 with the separate headrests, and will need to be recovered. The rear seats looks REAL good. The interior shows how dusty the car is from sitting...
The Camaro currently runs, drives, stops and steers fine. It accelerates well, shifts crisp, and stops fine. I’ve driven it to a couple of cruises with no issues. Motor does leak a little oil.. but nothing too drastic. I did notice a vibration at highway speeds – most likely due to the driveshaft. Probably could use new u-joints eventually. It has ceramic coated headers, and a dual exhaust to a crossflow muffler (custom muffler built by previous owner). It sounds like a muscle car should! I replaced the original 4-core radiator with a newer 2-core aluminum unit, and the car stays nice and cool, even in traffic. The original radiator is boxed up (and included), it just needs a minor repair to the fill tube. I also have a (new in the box) ACC Black Carpet kit and headlinerthat will go with the car, and misc other pieces.
The car is missing it’s door panels (the originals were junk) and 1 trim ring. I’m pretty sure I have everything else this car needs boxed up and ready to go. All parts will go with the car if high bidder wants them. Better bring a truck... I have boxes of spares/duplicates.
I bought the car to have some fun with (cool weekend cruiser) but my work schedule has me traveling over 50%.. . I was home a total of 4 days in November. As a result, the car has been sitting for months. I figured I’d see if someone else is interested in giving this car the finishing touches it deserves. If it doesn’t sell, it goes into long term storage, which I really don’t want to do..
I have a clean and clear CA title in my name. Car is currently registered/insured. Located in Santee CA (92071). CA smog is NOT required on this vehicle.
Just completed a walk-around 6+ minute video. Search Youtube for "Bill's 1970 Camaro for sale" to see it, and hear it running. The car is SUPER dusty from sitting...