Just wondering if GM made any changes/improvements to the unibody, sheetmetal , brackets , welds etc... from 82-92
You would think after 10 years the 92 would be a better made car( structure wise than the first model year). Anyone have any knowledge on this?

 

nothing done, added a wonderbar to the irocs, thats about it

 

92's were assembled with structural adhesive and additional spot welds to make the cars stiffer and less of a rattle trap. Too bad GM didn't do this earlier during the life of the 3rd-gen.

I've noticed a brace that runs from the passenger side hood hinge to the cowl and one from the drivers side battery tray to the top of the radiator support on later cars. My '84 T/A has neither of these features nor have I seen them on other early 3rd-gens.

 

Dens71TA where 92's the only ones built that way?

 

As far as I know. I have an old magizine from around late 1991 that talks about the enhancments for 1992.

 

I can back Dens71 up on the 92 Adhesive usage. I have heard that before too.

Also the cowl-hinge support (there is another brace going from the pass. side shock tower to the frame rail) was used on Z28's, Irocs, and 91/92 TPI Pontiacs.

 

It was done on all the 91's and 92's. Some of the earlier years may have the "special" treatment when being assembled but the last 2 years are the best.

I'm also biased to.

 

yeah, my 91 had all those things before I took it appart. You guys think they are really worth it, to put them back. I have SFC now and a 6 point.

 

I just found the magazine. To quote:

"The Firebird line sees a number of small improvements for '92, the most notable of which lead to improved structural rigidity. Pontiac began using a new structural adhesive process midyear on '91s, which continues in '92. It essentially glues and then cooks body panels together. Improvements have been made in the spot-welding process, as well.

Rocker panels are now applied with adhesive glue too, in addition to being welded and riveted. Plastic clips also are used, all of which results in tighter door feel"

So it appears that some '91s also have the structural adhesive. All this info came from a Pontiac magazine but it also applies to Camaros.

 

My 91 Z28 was made in 06/90 so I guess it did not get the adhesive.
I'm very surprised GM would spend the money to do this at the end of its model life unless this was a trial for the 4th gen.

 

ding ding. not only do they insult the third gen with an ugly follow up, they use us as guinne pigs. i feel violated

 

Agree 100% on that.

 

I took a dash out of a 91 firebird and found that it had an additional bracket spot welded to the body to provide another spot for the dash assembly to bolt to. It's located near the corner of the dash right near where the small air vent is located. The 91 also had a bracket welded to the tranny tunnel that the radio pod bolted to. My 84 T/A doesn't have either of these but I wish it did.. my dash loves to rattle and move around.

 

Ah the old "Bust A Move" dash huh.