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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I went to look at this last weekend. Ran strong on a 20 mile test drive.
The good: Runs strong. New, very nice paint. Owner knows body work and put an almost flawless 2 stage paint job on it. Said he used really expensive paint and it looks it. We didnt' even start bargaining and the guy said he would take $1700 for it (asking $2200 now)
The bad: Needs: new top, matching wheels (has 15s on front and 18s on back with good tires) moderate interior work (no stereo, cracked dash, tear on back seat, and cloth on driver's seat is getting thin. 7"crack near top of windshield. Wipers didn't work, he said he removed a fuse. gas guage is not working. Odo says 61K miles, but carfax says it had 96K in 1996 so it was probably rolled back. 1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO (1G1FP31E9KL124554) Registration expired in April '09.
Also, he only has 1 ignition key for it. I understand this year has an electronic key, how hard is it to duplicate those?
The guy has been out of work for a while and needs money, is out of cash to put into it.
I've seen the most inexpensive tops run just over $200 if you install them yourself.
I just got off the phone with the owner. He just offered to give it to me for $1500. I'd feel bad asking him to drop it down any more because I know he's out of work and he has a family. I'm seriously tempted now. I've been wrestling with buying this or a 1999 or newer Mustang convertible.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO REPLACE THE MAGNETIC KEY ON THESE CARS?
The keys aren't "magnetic" but just have a resistor. It's a bit crude, and thus, not too expensive or large concern. A GM dealer would measure the resistance, find the correct blank, and cut the key. No programming required, unlike today's keys. You could measure the resistance yourself, look up the data and buy a blank on eBay.
The VATS keys for my vette were around $25 each at a local locksmith/key shop. They had a little box in the shop for measuring the resistance and had the key cut within a few minutes.
It's not a GTA or IROC, its an RS - You still say buy?
Ive done cars for years.I can tell you how the gen 1s and 2s went.This is the main reason also I chose the Rally sport in black also.dont look at the hp look at the P -numbers then do a squid breakdown.89 to 92 rs models (verts)will sell later for more especially if the have a 5 speed.Less made especially 91-92 but its a sound investment.I am sure people will down that but watch this old man has seen the same thing over and over.We look now for the Yenko and RS as left are left as they were mostly used for donor cars when less were built.Lowers the number and close to factory rule.When time goes by collectors look close for factorys.
I hope you are correct on your prediction. I have a 1990 Camaro Convertible V8 5.0 TBI. Everything is stock on it except for the 20 in. Iroc rims that I have on it. I plan on getting a Flowmaster exhaust put on it as well. It runs great, no problems at all. Just ordered a new top for it, and also have a set of 15x7 Z28 rims for it if I plan to drive it alot or if I go to a car show I will leave the 20's on. If I could put a pic in here I would, but best I can do is.... http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=2795779
Yes I feel 100% correct . Listen to get a convertible F-body in that shape for that price is a home run . With my looking for parts for mine I can also tell you we all have the same addiction to them . They are great cars that draws a certain type of personality plus you can go fun or classy in the Maro and your guests also have comfort . The parts are 10x cheaper for the Maro and also it is very easy to work on . The Maro is a lot more rare also . How many do you see a day ? I suggest that way under priced maro. You can always get a Fox body mustang but the Maros are of a different class . No compare .Take that car or let me have the contact and I can start looking at shipping quotes .
Suggestion with that muffler upgrade to that stock build from a ASE master tech in diagnostics with over 30 years experience as a master tech and 15 years working restoring cars and my fathers business prior. Go with the dynoflow unless your putting on headers . I know prob you and everyone feels a flowmaster is best but not for your aplication.
You will recieve the same sound effect but cleaner but the dynafow will keep the best recorded dyno stats on your stock set up . On the 305 a bit of back pressure is a good thing at stock set up. I know that is against the basic rule of talk on all the boards but its a proven fact .The dynaflow opens up more also when you hit the gas. So warm up is not a loud thing also and you wont hear the plain dull bog of no cam like the flowmaster.
Will sound the best and perform the best if placed on a complete stock system . Not the 350 but the 305 stock is best met with dynaflow muffler . Check Dyno stats and there are many reasons for that install other than dyno. The back pressure on the 305 is good or you end up with another boat anchor sooner than later .SLP tags them for their 305s and that is what the open baffle plate design was originated for -SLP for the 305 .
Check that out and listen to a Dynafow on a 305 .Sounds better than a flowmaster .Now if you plan -heads-cam and headers later don't go that route but stock go dynafow and you won't regret it .
I appreciate the info you have provided me with. My car does not need much work done to it. Runs great and I put TLC into it just to make sure it stays that way. I have looked for 1990 RS Verts online and I can not find any forsale. There was only 729 in production that year and I found this car in Cali and they guy didn't know what he had.
Jeeeeeez !! For $1500 bucks, I'd buy it for a parts car. Tops are cheap even to have put on. You can get interiors out of any 3rd or 4th Gen. These cars are slowly going to the dumps and are going to start taking the slow grind into very expensive territory. The days of $1500 and $2000 3rd gen verts are quickly going bye bye.
My 89 RS had 2 bullet holes in the pass side, needed paint and a top. Rough life on the south side of Chicago. Still bought it, for a bit more than what the man is asking. Never regretted it a minute.
I just bought a 92 firebird vert because the guy didn't know what he had and has been out of work,. long story short the car is 1 of 30 in dark green gray metallic and only cost me $1500. Hope you bought the car and good job on finding a great deal!
Dood...my side business is buying and selling high end road and mountain bikes. I regularly sell bikes over $2k like it's nothing. You are getting a CONVERTIBLE THIRDGEN with NEW PAINT FOR $1500! Stop being such a cheap *** and ****ING BUY IT!
I paid $12k for my car over 10 years ago. If this guys was in my area, I'd give him $1500 and turn around and resell it on ebay for $4k.
Just for a little reference here.
I took all 12 3rd gen verts listed on ebay now...
Took the lowest price that is mentioned or bid on...
Came up with a grand total of $107,070
That total would by all 12 verts at the lowest selling price.....
Take $107,070 and divide by 12 cars and came up with $8,922.50 per car...
You could say that $9k is an average price for a third gen vert I would say...
Keep in mind I just did this for fun. Some cars listed may be listed at a higher or lower value than they are worth.
You can find a new top for what $800 ? Interior work is cake man, that's such a steal. I paid $7 000 for my GTA, and i've since put over $4 000 into her.
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1988 Trans Am GTA Built 385 sbc
Built 700R4
Baer Track4 13" Front Brakes
YearOne 17" Snowflakes
Eibach Pro Kit
KYB GR2 Struts
UMI Suspension
you can get a new canvas top for $309 and you are right they aren't that hard to put on. This is with a vinyl window instead of glass but vinyl was what they came with and the glass window is way smaller anyway. I'm with everyone else $1500 is a great price