AMD

Chevy Camaro

2nd Gen Camaro F-Body

1970–1981 Chevrolet Camaro

The Second-Generation F-Body and AMD Restoration Support

The 1970–1981 Chevrolet Camaro marks the full lifespan of the second-generation F-body, a platform that transformed the Camaro from a compact pony car into a wider, lower, more refined performance machine. Introduced on February 26, 1970, this generation was heavily redesigned and engineered to be more balanced, more comfortable, and—according to GM engineers—more of a driver’s car than its predecessor.

Produced through the 1981 model year, second-generation Camaros evolved alongside changing emissions laws, safety regulations, fuel concerns, and shifting buyer priorities. Despite these challenges, the platform delivered some of the most recognizable Camaro designs ever built, including the return and rise of the Z28, the introduction of luxury-focused trims, and record-setting production numbers in the late 1970s. AMD supports this entire generation with premium restoration parts that address both structural needs and cosmetic accuracy.

Second-Generation F-Body Platform Overview

Although visually all-new, the second-generation Camaro retained the proven fundamentals of the F-body architecture.

Core platform characteristics

  • Unibody construction with a bolt-on front subframe

  • A-arm and coil spring front suspension

  • Leaf-spring solid rear axle

  • Lower roofline and wider track than first generation

  • No convertible body style offered

Chevrolet engineers refined suspension geometry, steering response, braking feel, and ride isolation using lessons learned from racing first-generation Camaros. These refinements make second-generation cars especially popular for modern street builds, autocross, and touring-style restorations—applications well supported by AMD’s structural and body components.

How AMD Supports 1970–1981 Camaro Restorations

AMD manufactures and supplies a wide range of restoration parts specifically engineered for second-generation Camaros. These parts are designed to:

  • Restore correct body lines and proportions

  • Reinforce structural areas prone to fatigue

  • Support both factory-style restorations and modern performance builds

From early 1970 performance-focused cars to late-model Z28s and luxury trims, AMD provides restoration solutions that reflect real-world installation needs and long-term durability.

An Era Defined by Evolution

The 1970–1981 Camaro tells the story of adaptation—where performance, regulation, and consumer taste intersected during one of the most turbulent eras in automotive history. Despite shifting priorities, the second-generation Camaro remained competitive, relevant, and wildly popular.

With its timeless fastback profile, broad range of trims, and unmatched cultural impact, the second-generation Camaro continues to thrive. AMD is proud to support these cars with premium restoration parts that help ensure this iconic F-body generation remains on the road for years to come.

Key Model & Platform Changes

1970

The Benchmark Year

The 1970 Camaro is widely regarded as the most desirable early second-generation model due to its performance potential and pre-bumper-weight design.

Key highlights

  • All-new fastback body with no vent windows or rear quarter glass

  • Wider doors and improved rear-seat access

  • Unique front and rear styling with Corvette-inspired round taillights

  • First Camaro equipped with a rear stabilizer bar

Powertrain highlights

  • Base engine: 250 cu in inline-six

  • SS 396 (actually 402 cu in) big block rated up to 375 hp

  • Z/28 introduced with the LT-1 350 cu in V8 rated at 360 hp

The LT-1 offered greater torque and drivability than the earlier 302 Z/28 engine and was available with an automatic transmission for the first time.

Because the 1970 model was introduced mid-year, it is sometimes referred to as a “1970½,” though all were officially 1970 models.

Products

H-70FS-SB

70-71 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brakes & Multi-Leaf Springs Master Chassis Hardware 347pc Set

H-70FS-F41SB

70-71 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brks & Multi-Leaf Spgs with Sway Master Chassis Hdw 347pc Set

H-70FS-BB

70-71 Camaro 396 with Disc Brks&Multi-Leaf Spgs with Sway Master Chassis Hardware 350pc Set

W-132

Accelerator Gas Pedal Pad Trim - Stainless - 68-81 GM Cars and Trucks

X409-3965

Accelerator Pedal - uses trim - 70-72 Camaro; 67-70 Chevy GMC C/K Truck, Blazer, Jimmy, Suburban

409-4076

Accelerator Pedal Pad - Chevy GMC Pontiac Car Truck; 76 Chevy GMC CK Truck Suburban Blazer Jimmy

W-571

Accelerator Pedal Rod Pin - 67-81 Camaro; 68-81 Firebird; 68-74 Chevy II Nova; 68-72 Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo

W-565

Accelerator Pedal Tension Spring - Fits many GM Models, see list under applications

W-260H

Air Cleaner Element - 14" Open Element Style - 66-70 Chevy II Nova; 66-72 Chevelle El Camino; 67-74 Camaro

K-8756278

Air Flow Control Cable - 65 Chevy II Nova; 65-70 Fullsize Chevy Car; 69-81 Camaro; 72-81 Firebird;

R-300

Alternator Fan - Correct without Hook - 69-71 All GM Car

W-736

Alternator Mounting Bolts - Big Block - 5 Piece Kit - 69-72 Camaro Nova Chevelle El Camino Fullsize Chevy Car

1971–1972

Emissions and the End of the Big Block

These years marked the beginning of emissions-driven changes that reshaped performance across the industry.

1971

  • Compression ratios reduced to accommodate lower-octane fuel

  • Horsepower ratings dropped

  • New high-back Strato bucket seats introduced

1972

  • Switch from SAE gross to SAE net horsepower ratings

  • Final year for factory-installed big block engines

  • Last year for SS 350 and SS 396

  • Z/28 badge simplified to “Z28”

Production challenges from labor strikes resulted in low output, making certain 1972 models especially rare.

Products

H-70FS-SB

70-71 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brakes & Multi-Leaf Springs Master Chassis Hardware 347pc Set

H-70FS-F41SB

70-71 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brks & Multi-Leaf Spgs with Sway Master Chassis Hdw 347pc Set

H-70FS-BB

70-71 Camaro 396 with Disc Brks&Multi-Leaf Spgs with Sway Master Chassis Hardware 350pc Set

H-72FS-SB

72 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brakes & Multi-Leaf Spgs Master Chassis Hardware 339pc Set

H-72FS-F41SB

72 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brks & Multi-Leaf Spgs with Sway Master Chassis Hdw 357pc Set

H-72FS-BB

72 Camaro 396 with Disc Brks & Multi-Leaf Spgs with Sway Master Chassis Hardware 360pc Set

W-132

Accelerator Gas Pedal Pad Trim - Stainless - 68-81 GM Cars and Trucks

X409-3965

Accelerator Pedal - uses trim - 70-72 Camaro; 67-70 Chevy GMC C/K Truck, Blazer, Jimmy, Suburban

409-4076

Accelerator Pedal Pad - Chevy GMC Pontiac Car Truck; 76 Chevy GMC CK Truck Suburban Blazer Jimmy

W-571

Accelerator Pedal Rod Pin - 67-81 Camaro; 68-81 Firebird; 68-74 Chevy II Nova; 68-72 Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo

W-565

Accelerator Pedal Tension Spring - Fits many GM Models, see list under applications

W-260H

Air Cleaner Element - 14" Open Element Style - 66-70 Chevy II Nova; 66-72 Chevelle El Camino; 67-74 Camaro

1973

Safety and Luxury Take Center Stage

The 1973 Camaro introduced federally mandated impact-absorbing front bumpers.

Notable changes

  • Urethane front bumper system

  • Introduction of the Type LT luxury model

  • Super Sport package discontinued

  • Z28 available on Sport Coupe and LT trims

Power was down, but drivability improved, and air conditioning became available on higher-performance models.

Products

H-73FS-SB

73 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brakes & Multi-Leaf Springs Master Chassis Hardware 345pc Set

H-73FS-F41SB

73 Camaro 307/350 with Disc Brks & Multi-Leaf Spgs with Sway Master Chassis Hardware 363pc Set

W-132

Accelerator Gas Pedal Pad Trim - Stainless - 68-81 GM Cars and Trucks

409-4076

Accelerator Pedal Pad - Chevy GMC Pontiac Car Truck; 76 Chevy GMC CK Truck Suburban Blazer Jimmy

W-571

Accelerator Pedal Rod Pin - 67-81 Camaro; 68-81 Firebird; 68-74 Chevy II Nova; 68-72 Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo

W-565

Accelerator Pedal Tension Spring - Fits many GM Models, see list under applications

W-260H

Air Cleaner Element - 14" Open Element Style - 66-70 Chevy II Nova; 66-72 Chevelle El Camino; 67-74 Camaro

K-8756278

Air Flow Control Cable - 65 Chevy II Nova; 65-70 Fullsize Chevy Car; 69-81 Camaro; 72-81 Firebird;

460-4073-51

Air Vent Outlet - LH - 73-91 Chevy GMC C/K Truck Blazer Jimmy Suburban

K-K4424

Antenna Cable Lead - For Windshield Antenna - 73-74 Chevy II Nova; 70-81 Camaro Firebird

660-3570-C

Back Glass - Clear - 70-74 Camaro Firebird

660-3570-T

Back Glass - Green Tint - 70-74 Camaro Firebird

1974–1975

The Bumper Years and Transition

1974

  • Camaro grew seven inches due to new front and rear bumpers

  • New wraparound taillight design

  • Last year for the Z28 until its return in 1977

Despite the fuel crisis, Camaro sales exceeded 150,000 units, as competitors exited the pony car market.

1975

  • Introduction of catalytic converters

  • Z28 discontinued

  • Rally Sport returned as an appearance package

  • Wraparound rear window introduced

By this point, Camaro and Firebird were the only traditional pony cars left, solidifying GM’s dominance in the segment.

Products

W-132

Accelerator Gas Pedal Pad Trim - Stainless - 68-81 GM Cars and Trucks

409-4076

Accelerator Pedal Pad - Chevy GMC Pontiac Car Truck; 76 Chevy GMC CK Truck Suburban Blazer Jimmy

W-571

Accelerator Pedal Rod Pin - 67-81 Camaro; 68-81 Firebird; 68-74 Chevy II Nova; 68-72 Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo

W-565

Accelerator Pedal Tension Spring - Fits many GM Models, see list under applications

W-260H

Air Cleaner Element - 14" Open Element Style - 66-70 Chevy II Nova; 66-72 Chevelle El Camino; 67-74 Camaro

K-8756278

Air Flow Control Cable - 65 Chevy II Nova; 65-70 Fullsize Chevy Car; 69-81 Camaro; 72-81 Firebird;

460-4073-51

Air Vent Outlet - LH - 73-91 Chevy GMC C/K Truck Blazer Jimmy Suburban

K-K4424

Antenna Cable Lead - For Windshield Antenna - 73-74 Chevy II Nova; 70-81 Camaro Firebird

660-3570-C

Back Glass - Clear - 70-74 Camaro Firebird

660-3570-T

Back Glass - Green Tint - 70-74 Camaro Firebird

R-521

Back Glass Molding Clip Set - 22pcs - 70-74 Camaro Firebird

R-523

Back Glass Molding Clip Set - 24pcs - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

1976–1977

Sales Surge and the Return of the Z28

1976

  • Minor cosmetic updates

  • Introduction of the 305 cu in V8

  • Power brakes standard on V8 models

1977

  • Z28 returns as a standalone model

  • Powered by a 350 cu in LM1 V8 rated up to 185 hp

  • Camaro outsold the Mustang for the first time

Production reached over 218,000 units, signaling a major resurgence.

Products

W-132

Accelerator Gas Pedal Pad Trim - Stainless - 68-81 GM Cars and Trucks

409-4076

Accelerator Pedal Pad - Chevy GMC Pontiac Car Truck; 76 Chevy GMC CK Truck Suburban Blazer Jimmy

W-571

Accelerator Pedal Rod Pin - 67-81 Camaro; 68-81 Firebird; 68-74 Chevy II Nova; 68-72 Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo

W-565

Accelerator Pedal Tension Spring - Fits many GM Models, see list under applications

K-8756278

Air Flow Control Cable - 65 Chevy II Nova; 65-70 Fullsize Chevy Car; 69-81 Camaro; 72-81 Firebird;

460-4073-51

Air Vent Outlet - LH - 73-91 Chevy GMC C/K Truck Blazer Jimmy Suburban

K-K4424

Antenna Cable Lead - For Windshield Antenna - 73-74 Chevy II Nova; 70-81 Camaro Firebird

R-523

Back Glass Molding Clip Set - 24pcs - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

K-K138

Back Glass Molding Set - Black - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

K-K139

Back Glass Molding Set - Polished Aluminum - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

341-3466

Battery Clamp Hold Down - OE-Style - 64-80 GM Car and Truck

341-3466-1

Battery Hold Down Bolt - 67-81 Camaro 67-80 Chevy GMC CK Truck

1978–1979

Peak Popularity

These years represent the visual and sales peak of the second-generation Camaro.

1978

  • Body-colored urethane bumpers

  • Introduction of T-top roof option

  • Z28 production exceeded 54,000 units

1979

  • Introduction of the Berlinetta luxury model

  • Highest Camaro production ever: over 282,000 units

These cars are among the most commonly restored today, making accurate body panels and trim alignment especially important.

Products

W-132

Accelerator Gas Pedal Pad Trim - Stainless - 68-81 GM Cars and Trucks

409-4076

Accelerator Pedal Pad - Chevy GMC Pontiac Car Truck; 76 Chevy GMC CK Truck Suburban Blazer Jimmy

W-571

Accelerator Pedal Rod Pin - 67-81 Camaro; 68-81 Firebird; 68-74 Chevy II Nova; 68-72 Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo

W-565

Accelerator Pedal Tension Spring - Fits many GM Models, see list under applications

K-8756278

Air Flow Control Cable - 65 Chevy II Nova; 65-70 Fullsize Chevy Car; 69-81 Camaro; 72-81 Firebird;

460-4073-51

Air Vent Outlet - LH - 73-91 Chevy GMC C/K Truck Blazer Jimmy Suburban

K-K4424

Antenna Cable Lead - For Windshield Antenna - 73-74 Chevy II Nova; 70-81 Camaro Firebird

R-523

Back Glass Molding Clip Set - 24pcs - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

K-K138

Back Glass Molding Set - Black - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

K-K139

Back Glass Molding Set - Polished Aluminum - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

341-3466

Battery Clamp Hold Down - OE-Style - 64-80 GM Car and Truck

341-3466-1

Battery Hold Down Bolt - 67-81 Camaro 67-80 Chevy GMC CK Truck

1980–1981

Technology and the Final Chapter

1980

  • Inline-six replaced with V6

  • New Z28 air induction hood with functional throttle-activated flap

  • Revised graphics and trim

1981

  • Final year of the second generation

  • Introduction of Computer Command Control (CCC) engine management

  • Z28 engines limited by emissions requirements

  • RS package discontinued

Production declined sharply as the next-generation Camaro was prepared.

Products

W-132

Accelerator Gas Pedal Pad Trim - Stainless - 68-81 GM Cars and Trucks

409-4076

Accelerator Pedal Pad - Chevy GMC Pontiac Car Truck; 76 Chevy GMC CK Truck Suburban Blazer Jimmy

W-571

Accelerator Pedal Rod Pin - 67-81 Camaro; 68-81 Firebird; 68-74 Chevy II Nova; 68-72 Chevelle El Camino Monte Carlo

W-565

Accelerator Pedal Tension Spring - Fits many GM Models, see list under applications

K-8756278

Air Flow Control Cable - 65 Chevy II Nova; 65-70 Fullsize Chevy Car; 69-81 Camaro; 72-81 Firebird;

460-4073-51

Air Vent Outlet - LH - 73-91 Chevy GMC C/K Truck Blazer Jimmy Suburban

K-K4424

Antenna Cable Lead - For Windshield Antenna - 73-74 Chevy II Nova; 70-81 Camaro Firebird

R-523

Back Glass Molding Clip Set - 24pcs - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

K-K138

Back Glass Molding Set - Black - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

K-K139

Back Glass Molding Set - Polished Aluminum - 75-81 Camaro Firebird

341-3466

Battery Clamp Hold Down - OE-Style - 64-80 GM Car and Truck

341-3466-1

Battery Hold Down Bolt - 67-81 Camaro 67-80 Chevy GMC CK Truck