I am considering picking up a camaro Vert and had a few questions.

What parts should I expect to be scarce if I get one to be restored?

What parts can I scavenge a the bone yards, and what parts absolutely must be replaced?

How hard will it be to find motors/frame work for the roof?

Body panels... ?

Does anyone on the web specialize in TG verts ?

As a whole, what beyond the normal scope of third gen problems (old interiors, engine etc..) should I expect?

Ultimately, I need to determine whether the scope of restoring a vert is within my finances currently. (don't have one yet, but have my eye on a few). Any info would be appreciated.

 

Eveything related to the top/tonneau assembly, decklid, and specialized interior trim pieces.

Never once have I seen in a thirdgen vert in a boneyard, so good luck there.

Frame? Watch for someone parting them out. I've seen 1-2 in the past year between here, cz28.com and ebay. And the top is not power, so there is no motor to be had.

Only the quarter panels, decklid and spoiler are different. If you get rear ended in an accident, consider it totaled.

Top Down solutions has some stuff, so does Hawks.

Missing pieces that are hard to find. Leaky top, worn out weatherstripping, etc. . .

I knew it would be expensive going into it, but as rare as a nice thirdgen is, a rare thidgen vert is even rarer. It will be worth it to me.

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...p=y&cardist=49


Thats a nice GTA vert I'm looking at. Thanks for the tips.

 

I'd check on that car closely. Accoding to the ad, it says it has a 5.7L, but the most the verts got was the 5.0. Not saying he couldnt swap one in, but be careful.

 

Thanks alot. He may be under the assumption (like I was) that all GTAs were 5.7L.

 

All pre-91 Firebird verts were customer or dealer sent cars, so they could be had anyway (even with a 350)..

Kevin D.

 

I'm pretty sure that all the 86 and up Firebird verts were made right next to the Camaro verts at ASC.

 

Not saying they weren't, but the the 87-90 ASC firebird verts are vinned as normal cars not verts. The conversion came after the car was complete not during production, so it didn't have the same restrictions the Camaro verts had..

When the vert was officially back in 91, only the 305 was an option..

Kevin D.

 

If you got a shot at a half-decent vert, go for it! I love all third gens, but nothing beats a nice vert with the top down. The benefits of the convertibles outweigh the hassles of finding parts, IMO. As mentioned earlier, the trunk lid, spoiler, rear quarters, are real tough to find. Also interior parts like the side panels in the back seat and the seat belt trim. The cable to unlatch the roof from the tonneau, and the solenoids to release the tonneau, are near to impossible and are quite pricey when they do come up for sale- I live with unlatching everything by hand. But tops themselves as well as weatherstripping and latches are pretty easy to come by. So if the rear end is straight and the top is intact you should be in good shape.

For parts, TDS has flip rods for the top that are priceless. Hawk's has a few things (they show a black RS vert in their parts cars listings right now). And parts do pop up on Ebay if you watch for them. I personally did well with thirdgenparts on Ebay.

Good luck!