ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
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Originally posted by okfoz "The T-top thing" as you put it, was important because instead of re-constructing the roof behind the windshield they just had to cut off the center bar. Also the extra structure of a T-top car(insignificant as it may be) would also have been a benefit.
I believe all Camaros and Firebirds that were converted by ASC all started life as a T-top car.
On a side Note: GET THIS: I went to a car show, and if I took my tops off I changed classes becasue I was then a "Convertible"
John
I have a convertible, when it rolled offf the factory floor it was a t-top and it was sent to ASC to be converted to a rag-top
Forgive me if this was addressed elsewhere, I didn't see it -
Does anyone currently do conversions on 3rd Gen t-top cars?
I have a really clean '87 T/A, brand new engine, basically stock, with t-tops. I would LOVE to turn my car into a convertible if possible, since I already replaced almost every moving (and non-moving) part on the car so that absolutely everything is as it should be.
I wonder if ASC would do it?
__________________ I don't believe in a government that protects us from ourselves.
- Ronald Reagan
I have the remains of an 89 GTA conv. Car is hit hard in the left front. All the convertible pieces are there. We were going to convert another car ( wanted to do a 89 TTA because we are into turbo Buicks ) but have too many other projects. Car is for sale as is to do a conversion, or I own a restoration shop and would contract to convert your donor. If anyone is interested, I can send pics via e-mail
For those up on GM 1980s cars, typically, For Cadillac especially, ASC converted convertibles had a $10,000 sticker premium. How much does a current conversion compare?
I would think specialty houses can do the job, but ASC does factory contracts...not really open to the public...but that's been discussed here elsewhere. There are two in California. I know of one local Camaro owner with a non-factory looking conversion, done on a few pre late 80s 3rd gens. Correct me here, but 3rd gens of 90s vintage were around $25,000 new?
Forget getting info from ASC on the 3rd gen birds. I have tried contacting them by e-mail and phone to find out more info on these verted cars. Was once told that they no longer have records on the 80's verts.
I have an 88 Formula ASC vert done from factory. I, as the other had said, don't think you can get them done privately after the fact.
My Vert is for sale, if anyone would like to take a look at an excellent example of these rare cars. Only 104 made that year.
Here's a few words from the 9/'91 issue of Automobile mag on the then new Firebird ragtops:
"The Firebird convertible is also remarkably tight and rattle-free compared with the first Camaro convertible we drove in 1989. The explanation can be traced to Ray Kooperman, a GM engineer formerly responsible for the Corvette convertible. Both the Firebird and Camaro now incorporate more than fifty changes suggested by Kooperman and his team, including rocker reinforcements, thicker-gauge B-pillars, and the use of structural adhesive throughout the chassis. In fact, some of the changes have been used in Firebird and Camaro coupes to improve overall chassis stiffness and body integrity."
If I recall correctly, Pontiac didn't want the Firebird available as a convertible until these issues were dealt with, which is why there was a delay in the Firebird versions.
In my book of Cadillac Eldorados, published in 1995, I don't recall Ray Kooperman, but that may be by chance, though many of GM's best designers worked in other GM studios during their styling career, and some of the ALL TIME greats worked to build Cadillac's varied history at GM, being I own an ASC 1989 Formula droptop and it's reported here, there were earlier versions as well, I am hoping you're aware of that, though OFFICIALLY only the 1991/92s are well known to exist as options. I have that observation brought up from astute fellow motorists about my ride, and it's nice to at least have researched it a bit, and also great to have this site hunting down the lesser known facts.
I think the mention of stiffening adhesives a bit funny, most people opt for bolt/weld in braces of metal.
Bill
Does anyone have any info on 1992 Trans am's? I have one that is in great shape and would like to know how many were made. Mine is a white with tan interior, 305 TPI, performance suspension, aluminun driveshaft car. Any help would be great. Thanks
Does anyone here have any info on who will true a hard top F body into a convertible? I was thinking of have my 87 GTA done, i cant seem to find any links or info about this. Can anyone help????
You do know, hard tops are not the cars GM converts, or ASC?
You need the reinforcement that comes into the production of the t-tops as well as additional work.
Could be a bit more spendy I imagine. I don't know of any either, but I just looked up some people to do my top here where I live, have to call for an estimate...used the Yellow Pages hehe
Bill
I belive they used heavier steel in the floor pan area to help stiffen it. When you open the doors you will notice some door jamb wedges that help transfer the load through the upper portion of the body, rather than totally through the floor pan. In essence your door jambs would beat to crap without them.
On the factory convertables, I was told they pop-reiveted some extra sheet metal on the bottom side of the car to help re-inforce it.
Any detailed ASC papers (GM and others, etc) should note the changes as well, but like most of the archives, they seem lost to time. I think people who've done extensive work and examination between several cars have the best idea. That wouldn't be me >(see smiley)
I think things may turn up and to host them here is always welcome
BILL
I may be the subject of some speculation at this site, unless there is another red 89 formula 350 vert out there. Sorry but I can't immediately find my color pics. The car is flame (dark) red. Am hoping this works?
The speculation related to some folks on this site who referred to a red 1989 formula 350 L98. There were exactly 269 full range firebird verts in 1989. Most seem to have been GTA or TA models. Very few formula 350 L98 models and I would, of course, be interested in others who actually have a GM authorized 1989 ASC Formula 350 L98. I am not aware of any other than mine although there may be a few more? There were most certainly more than 50 L98 out of the 269 produced since most that that I was aware of were GTA or TA. The promotion was oriented toward GTA models as apparent from the promotional information. Please do let me know if you know of any actual L98 Formula models produced.
Sorry, I had to go to work but left my PC on in fact! ha
I do own a 350 Formula Firebird, it has the ASC badge on the drivers door only, in the latch area of the body, however, not literally the door.
There should be some pics left of it here? Since revamping the site, haven't been here much, I joined Lincoln Vs. Cadillac.com to discuss my Deville, second Caddy of mine since my first 1984 Biarritz, which was a mistake to sell I see now! Still, even with little rust, I've had my hands full with part problems! Tranny failed, bought and installed (shop) replacement used at $900, a new fuel pump for $400 installed and alternator! Then the damn sim-top blew off going to my folks retirement home up North (lovely MN), anyway that leaves me with a car that will be tough to sell from appearance standpoint, the electric windows failed as well, 3 of the 4, and the headliner is sagging big time! FUN! haha
Anyway, That's what I've been doing while away....aside from old PC hotrodding ;:~)
Re: You say you want to order a Firebird convertible?
ASC is was hurting and still is.. in Michigan anyway there shop has moved further down Fort street and is 1/16 of what they use to have. all they do now is make sun roofs for local dealers. no more installs. alot of the documentation for the verts and equipment is long gone. From what i was told in the 2 years that i worked for ASC was that they where the only ones gm gave rights or privlages to do the modifcations to the t top cars and are the only cars that are reconized in the gm production numbers.
so say gm says there are only 102 verts made in 91 they all came from one of the ASC plants. any of the other companys that did the conversion will not show up in the production numbers.
Re: You say you want to order a Firebird convertible?
bmxernc,
I have some info you might be interested in. email me.
As for the trunk with 3rd brake light...
Unfortunately the brake light housing appears to be a unique feature to the Firebirds from 1987-1989, since there were only about 607 made TOTAL for all three years, 104(87), 173(88) and 330(89) they will be hard to come by. As for the trunk lid Just about any 87-92 Camaro or Firebird convertible trunk lid should work. If you find one get the rear quarter caps to match the spoiler as that might be your only option.
The Spoiler is from a base firebird, Honestly I do not know why ASC did not use the stock 3rd brake light housing as its more attractive IMHO.
Re: You say you want to order a Firebird convertible?
This is my GTA Convertible. Started life as a T-top and then the ASC convertible morph.The original cost was 22,053.00 plus the extra $5,300 for the top.
$27,353.00 Man that was alot of money in 1989!!!
My question is, were all 5.7 350s called High Output?
and What is the Special Level III Performance suspension?
My car also has the Ronal 16" X 9.5 wheels on the front and 10.5" on the rear.
...
88 Firebird Formula 350- 85,XXX miles *G92* *Ws6*
