fastrehotrods

Hello. I am new to this board. I thought I would join as something has really got me curious.

I just had the opportunity to get an 86 IROC convertible. I bought it thinking that it's just a clean 64,000 car. Upon talking to more people, I hear that this is quite a find. Here's the specs. The paint is fading. It is an all black convertible. There is a single gold pinstripe (1/4") around the entire car, and there is the typical IROC lettering on the door. On the dash, there is a IROC-Z badge, and immediately below that, there is a "special edition #00138" in matching colors. Below the lighter, there is a sheet covering the defroster hole with "ASC". I have the ASC manual from the factory in the console. The spoiler has a third brake light in the spoiler (my 89 IROC convert. does not have this).

So can anyone shed some light on this?? It was first registered in June of 86, so it was a later model. The original owner was a rich, and prominant car guy (his dad owned the million dollar Jag XKSS that sold for 1 million at Barrett-Jackson two years ago). Any ideas??

Thanks, Josh.

okfoz

ASC was doing Camaro and Firebird Conversions before they were oficially licensed to convert factory cars in 1987 for the Camaro and 1991 for the Firebirds.

I think that even after the fact if you wanted your T-top F-body converted from 1987-1992, I believe if you paid ASC they would still convert your car.

John

labrat

definitely a customer converted Iroc-z. No factory authorized ones til 87. Since it was converted by ASC, it is basically the same as a factory authorized one.

fastrehotrods

So could it be converted after the fact if my title does actually say 2dr convertible?

Bill Speed

Try out the convertible section on the board. I own an 89 vert I new nothing about when I joined up... this is the place for 3rd genners!
I'd say as an ASC (American Sunroof Corp/Automotive Specialty Co. parent company), it is officially 'produced'. Even if ordered the ASC cars were the prominent GM specialty dealer as they also produced cars for shows...pre-production, they had the tooling to do custom jobs like this
BILL

okfoz

What is the VIN, that will tell all

John

labrat

The reason it's a customer converted one, aside from the fact that it is an 86, is the "special edition badge" 00138. No factory Camaro convertible came like that.

fastrehotrods

So what does the "special edition" signify?

labrat

That ASC converted it for a private customer instead of for GM.

So the car is No. 138 of however many they converted for customers in 86.

fastrehotrods

Well I looked the car over some more. The vin says it was a coupe, which was expected. But, it is serial #1,20*, so it was built pretty early in the run. It was first titled in June of 86, so wouldn't that mean that it was built as a vert before it was even sold to the first owner?

And a bit of information on the first owner. I found documentation that the first owner was John Grove, son of James Grove (a very wealthy, and prominant person in the car world, and original owner of the 02 Barrett-Jackson feature car (http://www.barrett-jackson.com/about...es/jagsale.asp )).

He knew it was something special, because in the console, I found every, I mean EVERY receipt for all 64k miles. Records were kept for every lube job, service, and repair that car had.

Willie

iTrader: (1)

Josh,

Did a previous owner tell you of this website? I'm asking because I believe he/she has been here. It's the only way I can explain how I obtained this pic. It's your number!!

More on the history aspect. In 1986, ASC was converting Camaros. GM liked the conversion so they licensed ASC to perform this for them, starting in 1987. So, all 1986 ASC conversions were performed for individual owners and therefore, not reflected in the VIN as 1987 convertibles are.

ASC sequentially serial numbered all Camaro convertibles in 1986 and only customer-owned 1987 units. The "official" GM convertibles reflect it in the VIN, were NOT serialized and were designated the "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Camaro. In 1988, almost all conversions were for GM. The few that were not were usually 350 TPI cars because GM did not make a 350 convertible and the practice of serializing was stopped.

aaron7

iTrader: (7)

Wow, that's cool! Neat to know that he was a TGO visitor as well. Keep us posted!

fastrehotrods

That's cool, and thanks for the excellent, informative post.

Unfortunately, my number is 138, not 183, but close .

I'm glad to know the truth though. Thank you very much. It would have made sense though, since you're in Tucson, and I'm in Gilbert AZ.

Bill Speed

In my Eldorado history book, a lead, long time GM designer talks about a personal car he sent to ASC for special mods... Isn't that recommendation enough for official status as well
BILL

fastrehotrods

Here's another pic for you.

justininaz

I just bought this car the other day here in Chandler, AZ ! I am actually going thru and having it painted. Had small bumper cover and fender damage so previous owner took it off.

I acquired the front bumper and fender, as well as ordering a new chin spoiler. Other then that and a couple plastic pieces I changed out in the interior, its a nice car!!! Cant wait to get it finished!!

burnout88

I believe I saw the add for that car on craigslist not to long ago. Is that were you found it? Welcome to TGO and be sure to update your profile info with the cars info and your location. Then also check in with the rest of us in the Southwest section.

justininaz

Yes, thats where I bought it from. Neat car!! and super clean! Thanks!