V6-RS

A Little Background:

Okay, I'm 32... I've always wanted a 3rd Gen Camaro... it just never worked out when it came time to buy the next car. (I've owned cars ranging from '61 Oldsmobile, '72 Lincoln, 89 Supra, 99 Prelude, 96 Monte Carlo... etc)


What I've always loved about the 3rd gen is the body style... there was always just something ultra cool about the wide/low stance, the 'chevy roll' of the engine, and what is cooler than T-Tops? The Camaro/TA's were the epitome of 'cool' when I was a kid, and I'm happy to say I finally have my Camaro.

The Tribulations:

after selling my Monte Carlo to a friend who pawned the title and lost the car, the prelude I purchased started having problems, so I had to take it back to the dealership, the 2001 Integra they gave me was awesome until I was rear ended (totaling the car) So, I had to ride a 50cc Moped for a year... then my wife's friend tells me about his 1986 Z-28 hard top.

He says I can get it for $1,500 (and make payments) so, as he puts new carpet in, fixes some small mechanical issues, and draws up paperwork... the DAY I'm supposed to pick it up he calls me and tells me he lost his job at the SHOP and can't sell me his 86, because he can't put his new engine in his 1982... so no Camaro.

I ALMOST purchased a 1993 Chrysler Lebaron Convertible (because everything hinged on me getting a Camaro for Christmas) but when I arrived someone was already test driving it, and they ended up buying it (after I drove an hour, and the person KNEW what I had just went through) so.. my wife magically hears of a Camaro for $1,000... that runs and drives. (I'm thinking no effin way it's in good condition) I COULD NOT BE MORE BLESSED WITH THIS CAR.

First Thing's First:

I'm not building this car for speed... it's a RS-V6 Automatic (and I'm completely cool with it) this is my DAILY DRIVER. I do have some plans for it to make it more fun/awesome to drive... but I'm not planning on any tranny/engine swaps, or turbos. (if I had the 86 Z-28 Stick Shift) overall though, the car passed emissions with flying colors, and my wife's shop checked it out for me.

The Good:

It's been very well taken care of (clean engine bay/runs well) receipts for work done, including new pipes front to back (stock appearing/sounding) passed emissions, new belts, decent single DIN aftermarket stereo system, T-Tops do NOT leak, heat/AC working, electric windows/hatch working, 15" chrome rally wheels.

The Bad:

Left side of Gauge Cluster not functioning (speedo/gas... y'know the important stuff) Hatch back shocks not working, Red Paint is faded/couple of primer spots (but other wise in great shape) louvered grill insert broken, cloth interior has seen better days (stained/worn out) cracked dash pad, could use some shocks

Overall Feelings:

SERIOUSLY? for $1,000 cash... I don't care if it is the slowest version of the Camaro that came out in 1991, It RUNS with virtually no real problems... throw some paint on it, fix some cosmetic interior stuffs, fix the gauges and I'll have a daily driver that I can fix up AND drive.

My Plans: fix Gauges/make Red, sand/prep for painting black, debadging, deleting door stripe, red mesh grille, headlight conversion, cup holder conversion, replace cloth interior/carpet, keyless entry, deleting key holes, recover dash pad, new suspension, upgrade audio system... more to come.

if you took the time to read all that, thanks... super excited to be a thirdgen owner.

-Jarret

skirkland1980

iTrader: (2)

Welcome! I also live in the Atlanta area.

grngryoutmyway

iTrader: (1)

Wow your right around the corner! You can help me fix my now wrecked 92, thats awesome!

Kidding, congrats on your recent purchase I wouldn't mind a daily V6 to get around town in either. You found a great resource for helping fix a lot of your problems, this board is full of information, just use the search feature.

V6-RS

yeah... absolutely. I am a 'search first, ask second' kind of person... plus, I'm pretty familiar with board etiquette in general. Thanks for the heads up, more people should work in a polite way to say 'search first' like you did, for like... every person that ever joins a new board. - also, I've already found the answers to many of my questions already...

I'll be posting my 'before' pics soon, before I start working on it. - the only things I've done since purchasing for $1,000 is have it put through a 'road trip' style checkup, and had the gauges looked at up at one of my wife's shops.

also... where at 'right around the corner' and yeah... I can absolutely help you out where I can, I believe I have a decent hookup on paint, (haven't had the chance to take him up on it) and my buddy with the '86 and '82 said he would help me with projects. - I'm thinking possible meetup/projects

I know it's good that my daily driver is V6, and Fuel Injected... for gas, but going from that 86 Iroc-Z... to my car, the engine in MY bay looks tiny by comparison. hahahhaha

Rickey_85TA

Hi, welcome to the forum.
I also live in the Atlanta area (kind of). I'm half way between Atlanta & Athens.

V6-RS

hey, outmyway... what kinda snake is that? - we used to have a Milk Snake, we have a King Snake now. (it's my wife's snake)

grngryoutmyway

iTrader: (1)

Just messing around man, I appreciate the offer though. I have a decent hook up for paint, but good paint is always expensive! I am in north Marietta, not too far from downtown Woodstock. The snake in the picture is a Borneo Short Tail Python, similar to a Blood Python. I used to breed snakes, but haven't had the time for it in the last few years. I am going to be hunting for parts as soon as I get a check from insurance, so lemme know if you are looking for something and I'll keep my eyes open for ya.

V6-RS

I'm putting together a list, and prioritizing it. - right now... my #1 item needed is a gauge cluster for a v6 RS automatic.

grngryoutmyway

iTrader: (1)

I believe the only difference in the later cars cluster was an option for a 145 mph speedo. The V6 would obviously just have the standard 115, there is an extra spot for a shift light for a manual, but the auto's they just did not install the bulb. Should be an easy find online, I will let you know if I find someone parting a 91-92 local though. If not try Hamps speedo repair in Alpharetta, I'm guessing they would charge more for the repair than for a used speedo though.

Coolwheels84

iTrader: (5)

Hey man, welcome to the boards. Looking foreword to seeing pics. My '84 is also a V6 / 5spd, which I've been working on for about 5 years. I just had it painted this last fall and it turned out real nice. I also have an '86 Iroc that I'm slowly working on. Good luck with yours. I'm out in Dallas, but work in Kennesaw.

V6-RS

my wife's shop said they would remove it, send it to another company that would fix the board/gauges and send it back, and they would reinstall it for $250... I'm thinking if I take it out myself, they would charge less.

I would go to the pull a part, but it's always a crap shoot with used electronics, and I was worried about getting an incompatible cluster.

coolwheels - you sound like my friend Willie out in Austell. - he has an '86 Iroc Hard-Top, and an '82 *something* that originally had a 4 cylinder in it... he's pulled the engine and is waiting to drop in a 350 and new tranny. (I was going to buy HIS Iroc before he lost his job at the shop over some dumb ****)

also, I work in Kennesaw as well.. Jiles Rd @ Cherokee/wade green

V6-RS

I will be taking pics soon (for reference) but its raining outside, and my car's paint looks better wet... so, I am going to wait until its dry to take more realistic pics hahaha

grngryoutmyway

iTrader: (1)

I think the last speedo I had at Hamps was $150, but he goes through the whole thing. It is not hard to pull. I foudn a guy in Kenn selling one as well, it is probably pretty cheap... no affiliation with the seller. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/pts/3491492058.html

Coolwheels84

iTrader: (5)

Dude, that's right were I work. LOL, small world.
I work off Royal Drive, which is right off Jiles just past the Kroger.
Funny.
I will eventually pull the V6 outta mine, reseal it, drop in in a roller and sell that. Then use that money to buy a nice sbc to put in. I'd also like to upgrade the 5 spd to a 6 spd. That all hinges on me getting the Iroc running right. I'm replacing the injectors now. What a pain in the butt. I don't want to be out of a 3rd gen to drive. I have a nice 05 Silverado that I drive most of the time. I only drive the '84 when it's nice out.

V6-RS

i'll have to look into that.

super small world coolwheels84, I used to work off of Royal manufacturing golf practice equipment in those warehouses. haha

Rell_1218

I also live in the atlanta area with a 91 V6 camaro. Can i get yall contact info for future help with my problematic camaro?

V6-RS

awesome bro... yeah, ill send you the info.