asmoboba

Sooo...I was out looking for a "2nd car" to take to work and use on the weekends with the kids if my wife is working.

Somehow the practical used commuter-type Civic became an '86 Firebird. I couldn't resist. Call it a mid-life crisis at 35.

And....only 17,000 miles. It sat for years, and a couple of "car guys" restored it, took it to a few car shows (best 80s stock!) then sold it....to me.

I love it. First up is replacing the stereo, then if money allows down the road I'd love to try the exhaust/intake/headers routine. I'm not handy though so I'm paying someone else to do all that. Maybe it'll happen maybe it won't.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying my 80's time machine.

83Z28/L69

Nice! Welcome to TGO!

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

Wow, very nice. Congratulations, and welcome to TGO.

MYFIRSTZ

Gorgeous car. Congrats!!

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

B E A U T I F U L L !!!!
Can I ask if that is a Canadian Car??Your Instrument Panel is different than mine.

asmoboba

Sure is. Good eye! I even had to google how many miles 28,000km is haha.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Why would you want to MODIFY an all stock/original 17,000 mi.28 yr old 3rd gen.

padak

iTrader: (10)

It's ultimately your car, but I DEFF wouldn't modify it, and why beat it up as a daily driver with such low miles lol.. Curious, what did you pay for it? If you don't mind me asking...

87350gtanj

That would definitely not be worth doing to a car that original with those miles at least in my opinion as others have already mentioned.

asmoboba

Good question. No intention to initially until I read too many message boards filled with people talking about these cars being underpowered, etc.

Given the cost it's really a longshot. I'm more worried about keeping everything working properly/maintained.

asmoboba

Hmm...you guys are really making me think.

As for daily driving, it's either that or not buy the car. However, I'm only putting on about 400km (250 miles) per month. So 3000 miles a year approx.

I paid $7000. They've replaced a whole whack of stuff, painted it etc. all within the last year. Hope I didn't overpay but a 28 year old car with this mileage in great condition (mechanic impressed) was enough for me.

Oh, and it's a Trans Am. So cool!!!

asmoboba

Here's a question - how can I easily tell if this car has the ws6 suspension package?

asmoboba

forget it... I see the code inside the console...

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...an-i-find.html

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

How about some more pics.

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

At 7k I think you got a great deal! I would ride in it and enjoy it. Dang nice car man!

padak

iTrader: (10)

I was going to guess and say you paid around 10K, I know I certainly would with those miles and condition.

padak

iTrader: (10)

As for the daily driver stuff, if you are only putting around 3,000 miles a year on it, I don't really see an issue. It's not like it's the 10 mile Camaro that was found a few years back lol

I just got scared when I seen Daily Driver, because I put around 3,000 miles on my daily driver in 2 months lol

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

If you want to change the radio, go the route of either a cd version of a third gen radio like (89+) or go with the ever numerous 4th gen monsoon unit. Also you are lucky enough to have the UQ7 option. (Performance sound) I think thats pretty cool for originality purposes. It is getting harder and harder to find these units in our cars. I think that if you go with one of these radios, your wiring should not have to be modified. If you want to leave the wiring intact, then a member on here modifies our radios for an aux. jack so you can listen to your ipod or whatever. I had it done and I love it. (actually any of these units can be modified to have a aux jack). Just search for it, it will def. come up.

asmoboba

Thanks guys, wasn't sure except for researching car ad sites and noticing there are very few of these out there w/ similar mileage...

asmoboba

Hmmm...I was just going to get a modern unit where you can choose from a variety of lighting shades. That way it would match the dark orange/red of these gauges when they're lit. That's taking the easy way out isn't it.

What's the easiest way to go stock/4th gen? Look on Ebay? I see a couple on there when I search 4th gen monsoon.

asmoboba

Not sure how people include full-size pics in the body of messages as opposed to attaching.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Do you have a pic of the engine bay?,your decal on the lower L/F fender says it's a HO and your sig.is saying it's a TPI

asmoboba

Yeah those would be the wrong decals then.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

You mentioned that a couple car guys restored it,it always amazes me why people cut corners when there so close to doing a job right,($40.00 for the correct ones)those little detail things go a long wayI noticed your missing one of the Trans Am decals on one of the bumper covers also.Those decals are available at http://phoenixgraphix.com/transam/8586ta.php

asmoboba

Thanks, I hear you on the if you're going to do it do it right sentiment...

asmoboba

Ten months in....still loving it!


Messing around with some black & white shots today...

gearhead141

That is a very well optioned car! I did not know that auto dimming mirrors were available in 1986. The price paid was very fair in my opinion. But then I live in SoCal and everything is expensive down here. I have an '85 LG4 T/A and use it to commute to work occasionally. I have had 23mpg so far, which isn't bad for such an old car with an automatic. I typically cruise the freeway at 2000rpm which comes out to about 68mph. Appreciate your time capsule for what it is. If you want something really quick, get a new Camaro.

asmoboba

Thanks gearhead, time capsules are exactly what these are. Gotta take the bad with the good if you want to experience the Trans Am like it was in 1986 (or 85 in your case.)