As we bid the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro farewell, the future of the iconic ICE-powered Chevy sports car seems uncertain amidst GM’s shift towards electrification. This makes every remaining internal combustion engine Camaro, especially classic models like the IROC-Z, even more desirable for enthusiasts. Recently, a 1985 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z, hidden away for over two decades, was brought back to life with its first wash in 23 years, as documented in the following video.
The video comes to us from WD Detailing and follows the journey of discovering, purchasing, and restoring this long-neglected Chevy. Initially found under a pile of trash, the IROC-Z was covered in dust and grime, but the team at WD Detailing saw potential beneath the layers of dirt. The car reportedly has just 14,000 original miles, though the actual mileage could be closer to 114,000, and was purchased for $4,500 after some negotiation, down from the original asking price of $7,000.
In the video, viewers are taken through the process of extracting the car from its resting place in the garage, some details of its history, and the beginning of the restoration process. Originally, this IROC-Z rolled off the factory line painted in red with a tan interior, but at some point, it was repainted black and the interior was swapped for gray. Despite all those years sitting, plus a minor fire caused by a fuel pressure regulator gasket leak, the WD Detailing team remains optimistic about the car’s future.
The video highlights the meticulous cleaning and inspection process, showcasing the car’s unique features, including gold wheels, distinctive decals, and upgraded suspension, setting the IROC-Z apart from other Camaro models of its era. The team also identifies the necessary repairs to get the car back on the road, such as addressing rusted brake lines, replacing the distributor, and assessing the condition of the engine, which may be seized.
As the video progresses, the Camaro slowly begins to regain its former glory, offering a glimpse of what could be a full restoration in the making. Whether the car needs a complete engine swap or just a few repairs, the effort to save this classic muscle car is a satisfying watch all the same.
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Comments
I subscribe to that Youtube channel and find it (strangely) soothing to watch them clean these cars in so many year. I watched this one the other day. The car was factory optioned in red with the tan seats. The guy that sold it to them got the car many years ago and didn’t like red or tan seat, so they painted the car and replaced all the interior with black.
Wouldn’t it have been easier back then to just find a black one? Not like they were hard to find back then.
I remember when IROC Z28s first came out they were the coolest thing on 4 wheels but instead of being a true limited edition they were oversold big time by GM which turned them into just another meh car…..
I bought a 89 IROC Z new and that 5.7 Liter tuned port injection was a $1,900 option on the window sticker. I ended up putting an underdrive pulley set on it and it made a big difference, turned the car into a tire smoker. The alternator pulley was so small I had trouble finding a thin-walled enough socket to install it.