Friday, February 26, 2021

1970-1973 Split Bumper Camaro RS

1970-1973 Split-Bumper Camaro

Split Bumper Camaro


To say the least, the split bumper Camaros are great-looking muscle cars that are sought-after by many car enthusiasts. But there has always been a lot of confusion about which Camaros came with the split bumper option.


Camaros with the RS trim package RPO Z22 option are the Camaros that were originally meant to come off the assembly line with the split bumper feature. There are a lot of split bumper replicas out there because of the high demand for the unique look the Z22 option produces.  



Since there are more original full bumper Camaros, there is a huge market for kits that can transfer a Z28 or an SS trim package into a split bumper look. If you're okay with a replica, then there's no problem, but if you want an original split bumper Camaro for investment purposes, then you need to know what you're looking for or you are sure to get duped. 



If you are looking for a Camaro with a legit Z22 option trim package, you will probably be making a smart move by doing some investigating on these Camaros before purchasing one. Taking someone's word for it is a fool's game. In fact, there are ways you can find out if the Camaro you are looking at is a real RS trim package or if it is a Z28 or an SS trim package with aftermarket Z22 parts.



Could it be a Z28 or an SS with a Legit Split Bumper Z22 Package?


Yes! It's important to know that just because a '70-'73 Camaro is a Z28 or an SS doesn't mean that it couldn't have been specially ordered from the factory with the Z22 option. You see that all the time, even in today's Camaros, Z28s ordered with RS stripes, ground effects, leather delete, etc.  



Don't get fooled. If you're looking to purchase a true split bumper Camaro, ask the owner if they have a build sheet. If they do, then the build sheet should specify if the Camaro was optioned with the Z22 package. If it wasn't, then the bumper most likely is aftermarket. 











If they don't have a build sheet, then specific features of the car should tell you what you are looking at. A true Z22 package should have most of these options: body-colored inserts on the door handles, bright chrome window and body trim, sill and hood panel moldings, hidden wipers (RPO C24) option, and bright accented parking lights, tail lights, and backup lights.  


There is one other way to find out the true identity of the car. Takedown the VIN# and call Chevrolet or use the Internet for the information you need. It may take a while, but it could be very well worth it. 



It also should be noted that an RS package is not worth more than a Z28 or an SS package. But if a Z28 or an SS came original with a full bumper and it was converted to a split bumper, that could decrease the value of the Camaro.