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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 😅

[@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.

[@billtaglia2865]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jeffreyhaynes5774]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@randyallen3052]

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

[@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!

[@ironhorse127]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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....👌

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Cookiebaggs233]

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

[@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!😁

[@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.

[@pipelineraustralia]

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

[@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!

[@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).

[@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.

[@williepelzer384]

Just a tip I leave the the thermostat out , fill the engine then install thermostat and hose . No problems with air in system, also good for first startup.

[@sherryhulsey9840]

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

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thank you Sherry 😁

[@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

[@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

[@65oldguy]

Wow !!! You did an excellent job with that car. Great car, great sound. Was neat to see the before and after shots. It’s nice to see your Girl so excited about the car too. Your a very lucky Guy. Congratulations job well done.

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thanks John, I appreciate that!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@richardalbritton8163]

Congratulations Ryan all your hard work has paid off. Thank you for letting us see your beautiful Camaro come together. 🏆

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

It was a ton of work but very rewarding like you said. Thanks for watching 🙂!

[@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!

[@PuristMotorsports]

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

[@brian2359]

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

[@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🙂

[@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

[@digidrum2003]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@s3hooligan]

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

[@douglix7087]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@coreystanfill9064]

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

[@jacobsansom3800]

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

[@rogertraynor2287]

Great job the car looks awesome 👌. I am still interested in purchasing the car when your ready to sell 😀 👍

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thanks Roger! I will keep you in mind if I ever decide to 🙂

[@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!

[@GentStyle]

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

[@Rev22-21]

The look on your girl's face was priceless. A few thoughts... nice ride, very nice. Remember life's priorities, God, country, family, job and fun. Keep those in their order and you won't have very many regrets. Lastly, there are few safety nets in life...so don't temp God or fate.

[@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!!

[@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

[@thomaswhite3823]

Ryan you should be very proud of what you have done . Have fun this year cruising the Z with that beautiful young lady . As some other 73 Z28 owners have said the flex fan is factory and you have the valve covers reversed . I have watched you from the beginning and enjoyed watching the Camaro transform. Great job.

[@Hillbillymafia]

Those smiles say it all. Great job on the build

[@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!

[@user-jh7mi3ss8p]

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

[@michaelgrant6003]

Congratulations on an excellent restoration. I’ll bet that stroker motor feels strong. I’ve watched this process from the first episode.

[@johnguilfoyle5341]

Amazing job you should be proud,you remind me of my younger brother who was an amazing mechanic who could rebuild anything,God rest his soul,enjoy your car.

[@RodrigoVargas72]

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

[@OldManFrank]

*I haven't driven my 1976 Camaro since June. I am hopefully going to throw in a new battery with dual terminals (easier jump starts) this up coming weekend. I had to buy an extender for my ratchet to reach the battery hold down bolt and I bought new battery terminal bolts. It should start right up but, I still need to roll to a small meetup soon.* 2ndGenFrank

[@goodbonezz1289]

WOOOOW...awesome job! I loved that maiden voyage with your gf..you guys were both so happy and excited..I was too! Beautiful!

[@tedefinley4780]

I was smiling with all 3 of you folks, CONGRATS

[@VG-iq8xq]

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

[@glsfutura6752]

Its funny how she looks like she's just waiting for him to light it up and all hell is about to break loose lol

[@Mr-er6fg]

I bought one brand new in 1973. Bob Baker Chevrolet, Indianapolis. $3317.00 You have a nice one!

[@billybobbubbawubba9457]

I swear, you and I are the same guy, with a different body! We do things the same way, in the same environment. I'll admit you are a better wrench than me. But, we always share that last-minute glitch!

[@rubicon-oh9km]

You should be very proud. You're talented. Car looks amazing. Looking forward to seeing the trophy queen when she's 100% done.

[@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!

[@carloseduardoromerosanchez3282]

Siempre tiene que existir una chica hermosa en todo Camaro!!! Si no no es un verdadero Camaro👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🎖️🎖️🎖️🎖️🎖️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😂😂😂😂😂😂🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@lawrencebryan1867]

I had a 72 Camaro...miss it

[@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!!!

[@JP-dw1fp]

Great Job! Good to know not everyone your age isn't just staring at their cell phones.

[@dirtbike9003]

The wife with the sense of reason! Lol . Great looking car with some real good throttle response by the sounds of it!

[@johnfrakes4746]

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

[@713AMC]

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

[@mustangmarty8491]

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

[@PatandDoopypoopy]

Beautiful car by the way. I should have said that first. Really a neat neat car with all of its classic vibes. That is so cool you did that in appearance

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Thank you!!

[@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.

[@boostedbilly7308]

Good for you best thing is you did it yourself and you know where every little piece and part of that car your girlfriend or wife looked as happy as you did big smile on her face the whole time

[@kevinsedo6869]

awesome Ryan good to see a young guy follow'in old school , your a credit to your generation

[@jkaps1173]

Smiles per gallon. Beautiful resto.

[@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

[@mikesworld1921]

Awesome job Ryan!! The smiles on you & your girlfriend faces was priceless! Congratulations!

[@redwhiteandblue7290]

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

[@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!

[@larryburwell8550]

I've watched every show to see this car run again. You did a super job on this restore. I feel like I've been waiting for a baby to be born over this past year. Your pretty wife I could see excitement and horror in her face. So I want to see the real test drive. Great job buddy as meticulous as you could be on a restore. I had 2 Trans a s 76 and 79 neither stock after I finished with them. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to the real shake down

[@N98858]

WOW Ryan... That is quite a journey with exemplary results Sir! The footage with your "Bride" so reminded me of a similar journey and test hop after a restoration of 1968 Shelby GT500KR Restoration back in 1977 or so with my young and equally pretty wife ';-) Thanks for the ride and happy memory...!

[@86c5corvette]

You have done an amazing job I have a '81 Z28 I am restoring that I drove my senior in high school way back in '91 yea im old its been apart a few years in my garage cant wait to get it back on the road.

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

That’s awesome! It will be worth it when you’re done.

[@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 ✌♥️🇺🇸