FIRST DRIVE of My 1973 Camaro Z28..BACK On the ROAD AFTER 25 YEARS!! Freshly Rebuilt Shakedown TEST

FIRST DRIVE of My 1973 Camaro Z28..BACK On the ROAD AFTER 25 YEARS!! Freshly Rebuilt Shakedown TEST
The time has finally come to drive the Barn find 1973 numbers matching Camaro Z28! It was last registered in 1996 and took me a little under 1.5 years to get everything done in my small 2 car garage (including waiting on backordered parts). I was able to get in some drive time before having to put it away for yet another winter, BUT it will be back on the channel again for some fun things in the Spring!

[@Thekarlskorner]

At seventy years old, and participating in many GM muscle car restorations over the last fifty years, I can truly applaud your efforts and dedication to restoring this beautiful '73 Camaro Z/28. Your test drive is priceless. It brought back fond memories of a similar one I and my wife did with a '73 Firebird Formula 400, four speed back in 2008. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video series with us.

[@OutdoorLiving93]

Couldn’t help but smile when you two were taking it for a test drive. You both will remember that moment for the rest of your lives! God bless you and amazing job!

[@riwoof]

A world class restoration. You should be very proud of all your hard work!! I followed you every step of the way and would love to see you win a trophy. 🏆👍👌

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Hey thanks Bob! Really appreciate you watching and always commenting. Looking forward to finally going to some car shows next year!

[@kelvincarolinaboilawton9799]

Same here Great Job i see the proudness on his girl & his face.

[@billtaglia2865]

To take this car completely apart and put it back together and it runs is utterly amazing. What a journey. Well done.

[@jeffreyhaynes5774]

You and the wife will be able to enjoy many car shows together,looks like a good fun couple.Enjoy your ride.

[@BuickstotheMoon72]

Ryan, I have watched every instalment of the transformation of this fantastic car. You have done incredible work and the videos showing the ups and downs of muscle car restoration are truly authentic. You should be very proud. Well done.

[@YogurtSnipe]

It makes me smile every time I see a Z28 get restored and drive again. I grew up watching and helping my father rebuild his own Z28 after he had decided to take apart the car when he saw corrosion getting to the structure. He wanted all new metal for it, and he did that. Finished the build and all of the family had many memories of getting ice cream with it and going to car shows. Nowadays though there’s very few car shows and that car sits under a tarp in the garage untouched for about a year now. Last thing he tried to do was make a custom harness for the fans to turn on automatically while cruising. Sucks that he’s thinking of selling the car cause there’s nothing to use it for.

[@2ndgendreamin779]

As a fellow owner of a 1973 Z-28, congrats on getting her back on the road and getting her back to such great shape. And if all the videos showcasing your father's helping hand didn't seal the deal for Father of the Year, that Halloween-themed front yard sure did! Supportive Dads make for great kids.

[@smsunder]

Ryan, it has been a pleasure to be on this labor of love with you, thanks for the ride! Huge congratulations on this frame off rebuild and bringing this awesome machine back to life. Beautiful!

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thank you Steve! Really appreciate you watching 🙂

[@smsunder]

@@RyanSampsonRPh What an accomplishment and during a time when acquiring parts was difficult. Enjoy that new "baby" BTW, I have friends who are from Salem and Youngstown who live here in AZ now.

[@smsunder]

@@RyanSampsonRPh Are you going to do a vid on the costs for this restoration?

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

@@smsunder Oh man those part backorders were the hardest part for me! Wow that’s a small world, especially all the way in AZ!

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

@@smsunder I have been thinking about doing a total cost, with the car purchase price too but that might be a touchy subject with the owner I bought it from. Also the wife doesn’t know the true costs of all the parts so we will see 😅

[@jefflarson6513]

Great car I have a 73 as well. People forget how good and durable those old cars where. People got bored with them. Basic maintenance and care and they run forever.

[@justinbieber12373]

71 Z28 Owner . Took me 3 years for a full resto.. done by myself .Was well worth it , CONGRATS !!! 🍷 Get ready to answers lots of questions at the gas station and eveywhere else.

[@randyallen3052]

"Don't do anything stupid". But that smile was saying "be a little stupid". A beautiful build on the best body style ever.

[@cyrilledimeglio7242]

I’ve enjoyed every single minute of this restoration. I’m from France and I enjoy a lot watching such an inspirational young adult . Congratulations and thank you so much.

[@joeroad6618]

I went through the same journey with my Trans Am, it had been sitting since 95, nothing more satisfying than that first test drive!

[@calblue95482]

You're awesome bud!!! Props to the wife for supporting you in this too! Looks absolutely terrific! Easy on it for a few hundred miles,,,,,,then let it breathe!! Again, great job. Love the full bumper without those bump stops. Blown away by your knowledge and work stamina. The looks on the face of you and your wife on this first ride is priceless. Thanks for taking us along on that ride

[@gotrojans82]

My favorite is when your wife says, "Do I need to get out?" Priceless. GREAT video's Ryan and don't ever sell your '73. It's beautiful!

[@jefflong3200]

Fantastic from beginning to end. Leighann looked like she was wondering what she got herself into for the first 30 seconds in the driveway! So great to see the smiles on both of you. Enjoy the heck out of the car!

[@Cookiebaggs233]

Taking your wife for the inaugural first ride? Priceless! It was a pleasure to follow along with this build.

[@bobdobalina8910]

WoW! Did I say WOW!? I mean AWESOME! Congratulations! Having your Dad involved is something you will always cherish. Hats off to you. Enjoy that Fine Looking Machine.

[@IronHammer59]

Nice job on the restoration. You are a member of an exclusive club. Not many people can say they’ve done a complete restoration in their garage. Enjoy the ride man!

[@mattbalik2585]

Great job! The car looks and sounds amazing. Looking forward to more videos with you and this car.

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thanks Matt! It will be back on the channel for sure!

[@ironhorse127]

Awesome job. Nothing like getting the car out for the first time after all that hard work. It came out beautiful. Congratulations!

[@wayneanthony9386]

Great job Ryan. I have enjoyed this whole series. I have a 55 Chevy that I purchased in 1968 and drove in high school. I stored the car for 30 years. This video series reminds me of my journey restoring the car and driving it for the 1st time. My wife and I enjoyed this video of your first drive brings back great memories.

[@leafforever9174]

Well done. I have a '73 Z28 numbers matching 4-speed. Medium red (75) Black stripes (YF8). Love the whining sound of my M21 when you are spinning her up through the gears. You done a magnificent job. Mine is going no-wheres. Throughout the years I owned classic cars and motorcycles, and basically sold them for a song, not knowing what today's market would be...She will eventually go to my youngest Son, when I'm too old to push the clutch in anymore. He showed a great interest when I purchased her 30 years ago, and has been a driving force to get her back on the road...My oldest Son will be getting my 1975 Z1B900 Kawasaki, that we totally rebuilt/restored (Everything on her) to my vision, when I'm too old to hold her up anymore ( These 'Kings' of the past are becoming 'Icons', and are being treated as same as, the old 'Hemi' cars are, today, and rightfully deserved).... In closing, great to see young people have a true interest in the muscle cars of my era. Enjoy her, and 'Please', drive her. Don't let her sit because the appreciation value is increasing every year. Don't let some one else enjoy the fruits of your labour. I drive the Z28 and ride the Z1B900, every chance I get...Great job, young man....👌

[@scrappy7571]

Looks and sounds good! You should be very proud of your work! Those flex fans were factory in '73. Due to emissions, the engines ran hot. The factory added extra air flow to help keep it cool. The fan clutch is the way to go., less noise more HP.

[@dennisostler9613]

Ryan, congrats on completing such a level of detail and craftsmanship in this pain staking restoration. The finished product is awesome and by the smiles on both you and your wife’s faces during the first ride this car will forever be a member of your household. Your video production was informational and enjoyable to watch…well done and again congrats!

[@PuristMotorsports]

Really excited for you! Such a great reward for all your hard work. Congrats! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@musclecarsusa9269]

WOW. So happy for you guys!! Been following this build since the beginning, and am totally impressed with the level of perfection that you strive for in your restorations. Car came out fantastic and it was an absolute thrill to watch you guys test drive it for the first time. The smiles on your faces were priceless!!! God bless you guys and keep on keeping on!! Looking forward to future content.

[@digidrum2003]

Aw man the smiles on your faces when yall get onto the street is awesome!!! Great job bro!!

[@skinnerhound2660]

Hey Ryan, sorry you missed the show but taking us along for the "maiden voyage" was fantastic. The looks on you and your brides faces was priceless. Been here since the beginning and your hard work and discipline for the highest result is commendable. Drive it, that's what they're for. One down several more to go. Cheers.

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thank you so much for watching everytime Kevin, you hit the nail on the head!

[@AsixA6]

The best part of this one was seeing you smile!! lol Congrats! It's been great to watch.

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Haha thank you so much!😁

[@GentStyle]

Amazing job! I’ve been watching this series for a while now! So happy to see that car running!

[@pipelineraustralia]

The car looks and sounds fantastic, well done!!!!!!!!!!!! I remember the first drive in my 71 440 Roadrunner like it was yesterday!

[@jimmccune568]

That flex fan is 100% factory and date coded to the car! Car is very nice. I miss the correct front bumper, but it is your car.

[@thomaswhite3823]

You are correct as always Jim. He did a great job on the Z , yours will be a show stopper when it is done too.

[@douglix7087]

CONGRATULATIONS! The smile on both of your faces as you hit the road says it all. I have enjoyed watching the whole series.

[@georgecromerjr2860]

Awesome job! The fan that you did not put back on is an original one that came on a 73 Z28. I have a 74 Z28 and mine had the same fan. The 73 Z28 came with similar parts on the original engine as the 74 Z28.

[@sc2137]

Ryan, Dude what an artist you are! I’ve followed you since you first got the Camaro. You and your dad obviously are two peas in a pod. Perfectionism thy name is Ryan Sampson.

[@charlesd4041]

Congrats on getting it back on the road! You've done an amazing job on your restoration! I use your videos to stay motivated on my Nova restoration

[@Redbuzzcut]

Congratulations Ryan! I've enjoyed following your restoration - great documentation for us viewers. My older brother bought a new one of these back when I was 12. I've sent a link of this vid to him as I'm sure he still regrets selling it. Apart from his car being black, your car is just what his looked like, sounded like, and ran like... I still remember the smell of that car. What a time warp! I'm sure you'll get many years of enjoyment showing it. Cheers and enjoy the Z ride!

[@bigjoefirearmsandreviews2762]

I have followed you through your journey with this car from day one..you did an amazing job and let me tell you that car is a powerhouse..it looks beautiful..enjoy it and trust me the smile that will be on your face when you open it up is going to be irreplaceable..all the best luck and dont forget to keep us up to date

[@s3hooligan]

“Don’t do anything stupid”…lol! Well done. Excellent job!

[@derekking7186]

Congrats on all your hard work! The disappointment of not going to the car show is surpassed by your determination to finish your beautiful car. Thanks for sharing… Cheers

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Exactly! Thank you Derek🙂

[@sherryhulsey9840]

Congrats! I was excited for y’all ! Beautiful car❤️❤️❤️

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thank you Sherry 😁

[@jacobsansom3800]

So glad to see this build. Motivates me even more to get my 73 ready for spring.

[@johnfrakes4746]

Beautiful and top-quality restoration! Thanks for helping some of us get through these Turbulent times...

[@Primus54]

Wow… great job, Ryan. You might think this took a long time but in reality this is one of the fastest turnarounds I’ve seen, especially with the garage limitations (no lift, space, etc.). I look forward to seeing this next year at a car show… be sure you bring it to Columbus! 👍👍👍 ~ John

[@RodrigoVargas72]

I’m so glad I took this ride with you. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.

[@robertc4311]

Wow! Awesome job!!! Congrats on getting her in shape and on the road! Brings back a lot of memories! My first Camaro was a 1973 Type LT with the exact same exterior and interior colors! I sold her back in 1987 and forgot what she looked like...thank you!!!

[@marvinpues]

Cars are fun. This is awesome. On Halloween I had the same moment with my wife. Got the '84 Z28 she grew up with running for first time in 18 years and we went around the block. Our drive was way more smokey plus a leaky radiator. Cool you got that on film.

[@imkwuzn]

Wow! What a gorgeous Camaro. I can’t even begin to imagine the thousands of man hours (not to mention $$$) to fully restore it to better than new condition. Congratulations!

[@davidfarias4822]

Wow! Pat yaself on the back! I remember that first day you picked that car up from the garage. And I watched you rebuild that car from the foundation and up. I watched every video you put out on this car. I was so thrilled watching you drive it for the first time, I felt like my first drive also. You have done a phenomenal job my friend. Have many enjoyable times with your Camaro

[@713AMC]

Nice randomly came across your channel when you found the car and now it's on the road! 🙌🏽👌🏾💯

[@brian2359]

“Don’t do anything stupid” I get every time I take the family out in the Firebird!

[@ecoron2721]

I couldn't stop smiling just seeing how excited your both were to finally be driving the car!! The car looks amazing - phenomenal actually. Love the sound and the stance (am I remembering right that you lowered it?). Watching you pull down the seatbelts from the roof brought back memories of my 442 Olds. Hope this is not the end of the journey - love to see how it performs once it is broken in / see it at a car show. Awesome job Ryan (on both the car and your video story of the restoration).

[@coreystanfill9064]

When you first started this i said this would be something your kids fight over one day.... that is an awesome job man.

[@raven69600]

That’s gotta be some type of feeling! I’m doing the same here with my 1970 Firebird… I’ve been waiting since 2003 to start on it. Now that all my kids a grown I was able to start on the car in 2020. Can’t wait to get it back on the road!

[@benjiarehart2878]

Congrats bro! Looks, and sounds awesome. Thx for sharing. I almost started crying. Haha

[@booncha1971]

So so sweet ! I know how you felt you had when it went down the road...its a great feeling ! After a year hard work, busted knuckles, putting my 67 bronco together and having it move under its own power was intense...had a tear in my eye lol...great job on this car !!!

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

It’s a surreal feeling when it moves on it’s own for sure, nothing else like it!

[@jamesveach6918]

Well she's looking pretty damn good now take care of it respect it and cherish the car for all the work you've done to it she is a true classic muscle car

[@faninblack3]

Nice job well worth the time spent! Like the attention to the detail 👍now you guys enjoy it.

[@donaldgarver6594]

Having owned a '73 Camaro Z28 new in '73 these cars will always be deja vu to me, I think its nice that you kept it the basic factory style, it looks good, the one I had also looked good and the stock L82 was a strong motor and handling was very good for that era with the bias belt wide oval 60s but the muncie shifter would hang up sometimes causing you to miss 3rd and lose the race

[@charlesbrown3248]

Really nice job, thank you for sharing your journey, well worth the wait.

[@cartersclassics]

Looks AMAZING!!! You deserve it! Good job!

[@joanndegiorgio647]

Great job! Beautiful car! Keep up the good work 💪

[@bobbyviti7794]

Looks awesome Ryan!! Congrats on your restored second gen... Excellent job! And as many said, thanks for sharing your build with us!!

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

I can’t thank you enough for watching! You guys helped me stay motivated!

[@docholliday1970]

I'm currently working on a restoration of my '68 Pontiac LeMans.Glad to see yours is up and running.My Pontiac has been sitting up now these past 12 years,I can't wait until I'm back up and running

[@dougbrown9861]

That car is beautiful! You did an awesome restoration and you should be very proud of what you accomplished. Congratulations on a job well done.

[@MOREMISHU]

Great work! What an epic transformation!

[@MMACHMP]

I’ve been watching since you first found it so cool to finally see it done and on the road great job man enjoy it

[@TheHarvick29]

Absolutely outstanding job, car is beyond gorgeous, best of luck and guard it with your life.

[@Hillbillymafia]

Those smiles say it all. Great job on the build

[@user-jh7mi3ss8p]

The smile on your wifes face is priceless. Nice work!

[@mattperkins7038]

Looks great! I followed since video one. Be proud, brother.

[@markleblanc3447]

That is one Badass ride Ryan! Congrats to you. A ton of hard work but you could just tell the Excitement you were feeling when you were Driving it.

[@Will-zi1sj]

Loved the last scenes with before/after. Great job on getting her back on the road. 💪

[@mustangmarty8491]

Beautiful car, I had a 79 the same color congratulations on getting it going again..🇺🇸

[@GrouchoTM]

Have to say I admire you! Shes a beauty. Have an 1980 Z28 myself and currently looking to restore her! Cant wait to drive her again!

[@VG-iq8xq]

Man that thing looks concourse! So awesome that you will be driving it not just letting it sit. Beautiful job!

[@tonybosworth5382]

Well done Ryan! I went back and watched the first two videos before commenting. You came a long way with that in a pretty short time! Looking forward to a driving video before the snow falls. Congrats!

[@AGPullen]

So cool to see the transformation! Some day I'll own another 2nd gen but for now, I'll enjoy your videos with this gorgeous example!

[@ESharp79]

The 2 piece split front bumper would make this camaro look so mean. Great job getting this classic back on the road. My hat's off to you young man!!

[@cuttysupe7749]

Dude I've been following your Z28 project from the beginning. It really warms the heart to see it back up and running and looking so amazing. Great work man!! Super happy for you!!!

[@iamrichrocker]

Ryan..a most deserving praise for your efforts..You and Your Family have to be lauded for such a supreme effort..reasons for such lofty praise is due to your limited resources..space..tools..and family commitments and your job..this car has forged memories that will last you for the ages...peace and health

[@tomvetter6928]

Yeah Ryan! It's the best feeling finally getting a big project out for the first trip. Congratulations!

[@ald6829]

Congrats Ryan, beautiful job! I enjoyed watching this come to fruition.

[@tedefinley4780]

I was smiling with all 3 of you folks, CONGRATS

[@AJsSpeedShop]

Car looks great man! Very nice attention to detail on it. Your girl looked scared to death the whole time. LOL

[@redwhiteandblue7290]

THE AMOUNT OF BAD ASSERY IN THIS VIDEO IS AMAZING ... GREAT JOB MY MAN !!! 🤘🤘🤘🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@giancarlopbranco]

That's amazing! Congrats man!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TommyRibs]

Ryan, This is awesome! Congratulations on getting this beauty all ready to go. Be VERY proud of what you have done here. It came out awesome!

[@1ocean515]

Wow. Really awesome Ryan. You’re going to need to put ropes around your Z28 when you get to take it to a show. Just a beautiful restoration on an iconic car from back in my day. Thanks for taking the trouble to document your journey. Now I’m a bit envious! 👍👍

[@cposwn]

Rayn, well done young man. The car looks beautiful, sounds mean and should bring a smile to your face eveytime you get in it. Congratulations on completing your project. Looking forward to seeing it from a street view. Again, well done.

[@tonycompton6690]

I've followed the whole build, awesome job.

[@OhYeahAboutThat]

Congrats on your success! It turned out great. I've been watching.

[@Boxsta_57]

Nice work!Thats a truly awesome rebirth!!!

[@marvinholland4108]

Well done. U saved a beautiful classic. Good job.

[@jmark7390]

Awesome. I have been married 38 years and had 73 Z for most of them. About a year ago I bought a 14 z28...my wife said she would never ride in it. Will she did one day and the first thing she said when she got in was "don't do anything stuipid" ..she puts up with me and my cars....awesome job though.

[@llewis7324]

Great looking and sounding car. Fantastic restoration, and the big smiles say it all.

[@chancethompson8686]

Hard to believe a year and a half has gone by since you pulled it out of that barn.. You have done a hell of a nice job, cleaning her up and putting her back together.. Been there with you since your first video, left you a comment about using saddle soap on your seats to soften them up.. The smiles on your faces during the maiden voyage, said it all.. It is nice to see the younger generations, giving the old classics the love and attention they deserve.. You didnt restomod it, or LS swap it, just took her back to her glory days.. Awesome.. Happy Thanksgiving ✌♥️🇺🇸

[@scottkovacs7634]

It really sounds good, hope you enjoy the car. Awesome job