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28 2<br />
Tuesday [Edition datE] <strong>July</strong> <strong>26</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />
MY PRIDE & JOY<br />
SELWYN TIMES<br />
A CAMARO TO DRIVE AND ENJOY<br />
Jason had been scrolling TradeMe,<br />
looking for a project car to restore when he<br />
saw a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro advertised for<br />
sale. The car looked interesting and being<br />
an american left-hand drive, it had more<br />
appeal for him than a more basic model of<br />
car so he thought it would be a good project.<br />
“The older 60s Camaros have been very<br />
popular which has priced them out of the<br />
range for many hobbyists. The 1970 to 1981<br />
second generation Camaro models are more<br />
affordable, which might explain why they’ve<br />
grown in popularity,” suggests Jason.<br />
When Jason purchased the Camaro, he<br />
said its condition was below average and<br />
while the paintwork had been re-sprayed,<br />
closer inspection showed that it was in poor<br />
condition.<br />
The Camaro was fitted with the basic<br />
305 cubic inch engine, which while more<br />
economical to run had in Jason’s words,<br />
no grunt so this was replaced with a 383<br />
engine.<br />
“It was typical of the era,” explains<br />
Jason. “Most american models were<br />
under-powered at the time to save on fuel<br />
consumption.”<br />
Jason started with a brand new roller cam<br />
block and contracted an engine builder,<br />
engine Reconditioning services in Tai Tapu<br />
to build the engine, which he then installed.<br />
The interior had what Jason described<br />
as a rather unattractive tacky grey interior<br />
so this was changed to black vinyl and<br />
after-market non genuine seats along with<br />
steering wheel were added.<br />
The Camaro is a three speed Th (turbo)<br />
350 automatic, two-door, four-seater coupe<br />
and Jason has added a replica of an L88<br />
hood scoop, along with chrome 17 inch<br />
wheels on the front and 18 inch wheels on<br />
the back to give the car a more staggered<br />
muscle car look.<br />
Jason says that it is a bit of a petrol guzzler<br />
due to the new motor though fun to drive<br />
and reasonably comfortable so a great<br />
weekend cruiser.<br />
he has taken the Camaro to the Ruapuna<br />
drag strip for a couple of social events,<br />
where it achieved 13.7 for the quarter mile.<br />
“It was a lot of fun and good to see what<br />
the car would do,” adds Jason who says the<br />
restoration took over five years.<br />
he has kept no record of the cost<br />
of restoring the car, with repairs and<br />
modifications carried out as money allowed.<br />
The car was able to be driven for most of<br />
that time, except for the last year when the<br />
car was painted a dark metallic blue colour.<br />
Jason now has the 1979 Chevrolet Camaro<br />
the way he wants it.<br />
“It’s what I always wanted but couldn’t<br />
afford to go out and buy brand new. While<br />
it’s been a roller coaster ride with ups,<br />
downs and some hurdles along the way, I<br />
really love it,” says Jason who confesses to<br />
having a feeling of satisfaction now that the<br />
car is finished.<br />
“I’m in no hurry to restore another car<br />
though I won’t rule it out. If I get bored<br />
again, then I’m likely to look for another<br />
project.”<br />
Not just a tyre shop!<br />
• On-farm services - NO CALLOUT FEE (<strong>Selwyn</strong> district)<br />
• 24 hour fleet service<br />
• Full mechanical repairs<br />
• Nitrogen fills, batteries, WOF, shock absorbers<br />
• Agricultural tyres<br />
• Car tyres, 4x4 tyres, light truck tyres, truck & bus tyres<br />
• Wheel alignments, puncture repairs, full groom<br />
Courtesy car available.<br />
Kiddie’s toys & entertainment.<br />
enjoy a free coffee, massage<br />
(chair) & tV while you wait.<br />
Mon-Fri 7.30am-5.00pm, saturday 9am-12pm<br />
Call 03 347 4702<br />
or 0800 838 973<br />
The Camaro was fitted with the basic<br />
305 cubic inch engine, which while more<br />
economical to run had in Jason’s words,<br />
no grunt so this was replaced with a 383<br />
engine.<br />
847 jones rd, rolleston • www.tasmantyres.co.nz<br />
BURNHAM<br />
auto services<br />
Keep your motor running smoothly this summer<br />
• WOF<br />
• Challenge Service Station<br />
• Vehicle Servicing<br />
We are now open from 7am-7pm Mon to Fri<br />
• Tyres/Puncture<br />
• Repairs<br />
• Courtesy car<br />
36 Russell Road, Ph: 03 347 6607 • Txt: 021 522 150<br />
Email: burnham.automotive@vodafone.co.nz<br />
9198779AA<br />
Jones Road, Rolleston, RD 7<br />
Christchurch<br />
Ph 347 8703 Fax 03 347 9576<br />
Mob 027 228 2854<br />
Email cameron.hcc@paradise.net.nz<br />
• Panelbeating<br />
• All insurance<br />
claims<br />
• Sandblasting<br />
• Spray (Bake)<br />
Painting<br />
• Truck Refinishing<br />
• Windscreen<br />
Replacments<br />
• Chassis<br />
Straightening<br />
• Motorhome<br />
Refinishing<br />
• Loan Cars
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