Your Convertibles
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield, IL
Car: 1988 Formula convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Rare convertable
The guy, 88Convertable, I'd like to talk with you on your car. I have the exact same car for sale and would like to compare notes.
I tried attaching a pic, but it was too big to enter. Car can be seen @ www.autotrader.com as 88 Formula Convertable in IL.
Look forward to hearing from you.
I tried attaching a pic, but it was too big to enter. Car can be seen @ www.autotrader.com as 88 Formula Convertable in IL.
Look forward to hearing from you.
1991 Z28 | 305 TPI | 700r4 | 2.73 rear | 107,000 miles
All original. Only thing I've done to it was install a temp sensor on the radiator that Willie helped me with over the phone when I first bought it about 2 years ago.
All original. Only thing I've done to it was install a temp sensor on the radiator that Willie helped me with over the phone when I first bought it about 2 years ago.
Last edited by BlueByU; Apr 15, 2004 at 06:04 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Midvale, UT
Car: 88 Iroc Z
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
I feel like I'm whoring this pic out, but what the hell. I'll do a before and after.
I sold it a couple years ago but I miss it soooooo bad.
She never calls. She never writes.
91 RS Vert TBI 350, built 700R4.
Before:
I sold it a couple years ago but I miss it soooooo bad.
She never calls. She never writes.91 RS Vert TBI 350, built 700R4.
Before:
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Florida
Car: 92' Firebird Convertable
Engine: 5.0L TBI "E"
Transmission: 700r4
I just found mine and bought it. I have always been an f-body freak. When I saw this I couldnt pass it up. I had to buy it.
is there a better car
can there be a better car then a fbody conv. if there is i havent found it
- look foward to seeing you all at the meets
check out some other pics i have let me know what u think
- look foward to seeing you all at the meetscheck out some other pics i have let me know what u think
Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 0
From: MN
Car: 1989 Formy droptop/88 Deville
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: factory RWD, WS6 susp
Originally posted by 89raggtopp
All factory decals, ASC decals, ASC top instruction manual, window sticker, etc I have. Including documentation from ASC on number of conv. they made in 89. If anyone has doc on how many 5.7L were converted this would be great. I have read several postings and mag articles where they claim 50 5.7L verts were made. But no one can back this up with documentation, all hearsay.
Thanks,
Brent
All factory decals, ASC decals, ASC top instruction manual, window sticker, etc I have. Including documentation from ASC on number of conv. they made in 89. If anyone has doc on how many 5.7L were converted this would be great. I have read several postings and mag articles where they claim 50 5.7L verts were made. But no one can back this up with documentation, all hearsay.
Thanks,
Brent
I own one as well and the ASC info you have I'd like to see.
-Bill
Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 0
From: MN
Car: 1989 Formy droptop/88 Deville
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: factory RWD, WS6 susp
Originally posted by 89raggtopp
All factory decals, ASC decals, ASC top instruction manual, window sticker, etc I have. Including documentation from ASC on number of conv. they made in 89. If anyone has doc on how many 5.7L were converted this would be great. I have read several postings and mag articles where they claim 50 5.7L verts were made. But no one can back this up with documentation, all hearsay.
Thanks,
Brent
All factory decals, ASC decals, ASC top instruction manual, window sticker, etc I have. Including documentation from ASC on number of conv. they made in 89. If anyone has doc on how many 5.7L were converted this would be great. I have read several postings and mag articles where they claim 50 5.7L verts were made. But no one can back this up with documentation, all hearsay.
Thanks,
Brent
I have a 350 Formula drop top, share your ASC stuff!
-Bill
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield, IL
Car: 1988 Formula convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
I understand that the ASC FB converts, any year, are much more rare that the Camaro sister.
As Bill can attest, the FB converts, no matter what yr or engine are far and few between. You can cruise any street in any town and be hard to find yourself a 3rd gen FB convert B4 you see a Camaro vert.
Long live the 3rd gen FB vert,
As Bill can attest, the FB converts, no matter what yr or engine are far and few between. You can cruise any street in any town and be hard to find yourself a 3rd gen FB convert B4 you see a Camaro vert.
Long live the 3rd gen FB vert,
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern MD
Car: 92Z
Engine: 6.6
Transmission: 6
Wow, I feel like I just went through some camaro **** or something... nice pictures! I want a white one now.
We need an action shot:

Some specs: 406SBC/LT4cam/Superram, T56, 4th gen rear and wheels and leather, 4Point rollbar and KB Subframe connectors. 12.08 ET on this street driven, lo-buget 89 octane setup. 420 ft/lb but loves street driving, very tame.
Heres a video (50 meg) from the rollbar-cam, going around IRP for a 2:04 lap:
http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~dzug/indy...teVette-II.wmv
I'll have to take the vid down soon (edit-it's still there!). if you'd like to do more than just wax your car, follow the link at the end of the video
We need an action shot:
Some specs: 406SBC/LT4cam/Superram, T56, 4th gen rear and wheels and leather, 4Point rollbar and KB Subframe connectors. 12.08 ET on this street driven, lo-buget 89 octane setup. 420 ft/lb but loves street driving, very tame.
Heres a video (50 meg) from the rollbar-cam, going around IRP for a 2:04 lap:
http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~dzug/indy...teVette-II.wmv
I'll have to take the vid down soon (edit-it's still there!). if you'd like to do more than just wax your car, follow the link at the end of the video
Last edited by 92Z-666; Apr 16, 2006 at 09:35 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
Car: '89 rs convertible
Engine: ls1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 posi
lots of pics and info on mine http://www.geocities.com/badjuju342/ if you got to the bottom of the page and click on the pics and more pics links , that should satisfy your curiousity
roll bar
sorry guys the only thing a really know about the bar is that its a 3" custom made chrome dipped bar that was build in b.c canada. the guy who had the car before me got it made and put it the car,
Here is the 91 TA, that I used to have:

I have since gone over to the dark side, but I wish I still owned my TA.
Rogue

I have since gone over to the dark side, but I wish I still owned my TA.
Rogue
Last edited by Rogues 91 TA Ragtop; Jan 26, 2007 at 01:05 PM. Reason: changed image link
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Canal Winchester, Ohio
Car: 1991 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5-Speed
I haven't posted in a LONG time, just came across this section. I had been toying with the idea of selling my convertible in the next year or so, but looking at all these pictures makes me want to restore mine now.
Here is a picture of my 92. It's only a V6, but been very reliable. I've now got 198,800 miles on it. I'm looking forward to turning 200K on it. It still has the original motor and transmission. It could use a new interior. The ground effects are starting to fade a bit. The front one needs repainted, but overall the car looks great for the years and mileage on it. 138,000 miles of the 198,800 were driven by me personally. It's been the most reliable car I've ever owned.
Here it is along side my 87 Corvette Convertible. I've always wanted a convertible, now I've got 2
Here is a picture of my 92. It's only a V6, but been very reliable. I've now got 198,800 miles on it. I'm looking forward to turning 200K on it. It still has the original motor and transmission. It could use a new interior. The ground effects are starting to fade a bit. The front one needs repainted, but overall the car looks great for the years and mileage on it. 138,000 miles of the 198,800 were driven by me personally. It's been the most reliable car I've ever owned.
Here it is along side my 87 Corvette Convertible. I've always wanted a convertible, now I've got 2
Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: New England
Car: 98 BMW 540
Engine: 4.4 32v V8
Transmission: 6-spd manual
Looking at an 89 GTA 'Vert today...
Newbie here, 1st post - I'm going to look at a 89 GTA convertible today, asking price is $4800, the owner sent me some pics but I can't figure out how to post them. I'm doing ALOT of homework on this car as I've been out of the picture for a few years raising a family, I'm 44. I'm hearing that fewer than 100 of these were produced, is that true? I'm pretty 'up' on what needs to exist in order to authenticate it being a GTA, one question I do have is do all 89 GTA have the 5.7L engine? I think this one is a 5.0...
I'm going to use this car as a 3rd car to enjoy ONLY with the top down and it seems like a great car the entire family can enjoy.
Thanks
Dave
98 BMW 540/6spd
1970 Chevelle SS396 (owned from 1977 - 1994)
I'm going to use this car as a 3rd car to enjoy ONLY with the top down and it seems like a great car the entire family can enjoy.
Thanks
Dave
98 BMW 540/6spd
1970 Chevelle SS396 (owned from 1977 - 1994)
Member

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Carrollton, GA (West of Atlanta)
Car: 1992 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700R4
Hello Dave:
Im sure someone can bring you more up to speed on the 89 GTA Verts than I, but it is my understanding (although I could be mistaken) the the only factory verts were made in 91 and 92 and were only Firebirds and TA's..no GTA's. There are a few GTA verts that Pontiac Made prior to 91/92 and were used as mules, special test cars, etc. The are hyper rare and your car may be one of them.
Starting in 84 there were hardtop cars that were purchased by dealers and redirected to various conversion companies after they were made and then sold much like a conversion van is done today or the ChooChoo customs did on the mid 80's ElCamino.
If you run the VIN number and or go to Pontiac Historical Services and order the window sticker I don't think you will see anything about the car being a vert.
The above is just fyi, however I don't think it takes away from its value and fun factor to drive. Ive never seen a 3rd Gen Vert that was not simply a wonderful looking car.
Good luck, it sounds like your potential car has an interesting history and Im glad to see someone purchase it who understands the uniqueness of it.
Best Wishes,
John
Im sure someone can bring you more up to speed on the 89 GTA Verts than I, but it is my understanding (although I could be mistaken) the the only factory verts were made in 91 and 92 and were only Firebirds and TA's..no GTA's. There are a few GTA verts that Pontiac Made prior to 91/92 and were used as mules, special test cars, etc. The are hyper rare and your car may be one of them.
Starting in 84 there were hardtop cars that were purchased by dealers and redirected to various conversion companies after they were made and then sold much like a conversion van is done today or the ChooChoo customs did on the mid 80's ElCamino.
If you run the VIN number and or go to Pontiac Historical Services and order the window sticker I don't think you will see anything about the car being a vert.
The above is just fyi, however I don't think it takes away from its value and fun factor to drive. Ive never seen a 3rd Gen Vert that was not simply a wonderful looking car.
Good luck, it sounds like your potential car has an interesting history and Im glad to see someone purchase it who understands the uniqueness of it.
Best Wishes,
John
Last edited by JWKbride; May 23, 2004 at 10:42 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Car: 91 Z28 convertible
Engine: 96 LT1 5.7
Transmission: t5 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 gears
Here are a couple of pages you can check out some info on the gta.
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/techdb.shtml
http://www.f-body.org/tech/
Here is another page you can decode the vin #
http://www.fbodymotorsports.com/89firebird
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/techdb.shtml
http://www.f-body.org/tech/
Here is another page you can decode the vin #
http://www.fbodymotorsports.com/89firebird
Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: New England
Car: 98 BMW 540
Engine: 4.4 32v V8
Transmission: 6-spd manual
OK - just came back from looking at the GTA, I can't tell if it's a real GTA or a rebadged TA with new fenders and a 5.7 in it. The VIN tells me the 5.7 is right but the steering wheel with the radio buttons has been swapped out for a Grant GT wheel, the SPI sticker is gone so the "Y84" option code can't be used to verify it and the bucket seats look to generic to be a GTA seat. I'll dig into it some more. Thanks for the links guys that got me real smart very quickly. In anycase the asking price is $4800, the car looks great from 15ft away, nice shiny red paint, gold GTA wheels etc. I fired it up and the exhaust is shot from manifolds to tail pipes - no big deal I'd replace that anyway. The big item that got me concerned wsa some rust I found in the left rear wheel well just in front of the tire, I was able to put my finger right thru into wherever it went to, I also noticed the the floors under the driver's rear seat was rotted thru, maybe a roof leak for a time. The only other rust I saw was the edge of the trunk lid and the very bottom of the passenger door (not bad). The other thing that happened was when the car was running for about 5 min the water temp needle got pinned to the high side, very strange. I shut the car off and it wouldn't start again for about 30 mins. BUT, the engine didn't seem to be hot??? The hoses were cold, the fill bottle was fine, the cooling fans never went on - strange. Any ideas on that one? Is there a sensor that kills the car when the guage reads too hot and it is shut off? Head gaskets? Air pocket? - in Anycase I think I can get this car for about $3500 which I believe would be a good deal. Thanks again for your help..
Dave C
Dave C
Member

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Carrollton, GA (West of Atlanta)
Car: 1992 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 700R4
Dave:
This a good resource to see if the car is a real GTA or not.
http://www.gtasourcepage.com/Authentication.html
This a good resource to see if the car is a real GTA or not.
http://www.gtasourcepage.com/Authentication.html
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Car: 91 Z28 convertible
Engine: 96 LT1 5.7
Transmission: t5 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 gears
might be relays not kicking fans on. termostat might be bad also the vin number will tell you what the car really is. when i bought my 91 z28 convertible it had 5.7 badges and after i check the vin# it was a 5.0 liter so check it out.
Last edited by z91bowtie1; May 23, 2004 at 09:10 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 3
From: Iowa
Car: 89 RS Convertible
Engine: 350 Carbed, No Computer
Transmission: 700R4
Here's my 89 RS Project. I bought it in March for $3000. I figured since I quit riding motorcycles because of a missed turn at 120 mph, a convertible was the next best thing. It still needs some work to get it where I want it, but it's driveable, and doesn't look terrible.
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern MD
Car: 92Z
Engine: 6.6
Transmission: 6
Originally posted by Rogues 91 TA Ragtop
Here is the 91 TA, that I used to have:
I have since gone over to the dark side, but I wish I still owned my TA.
Rogue
Here is the 91 TA, that I used to have:
I have since gone over to the dark side, but I wish I still owned my TA.
Rogue
Hey there! ooh.. a 'mustanglife' link... not good maan...What did you buy? I hope it was a classic or an '04 at least.
(this guy sold me my 92 convertible, above... I don't think theres a single thing left of the original car except the top I keep re-sewing)
Rogue, check out the video link I just posted in my entry above. The car is coming along nicely... I told you it had a date with some serious attantion! I'd really like to know whats up with the frame damage underneath though... if you know... No, I won't be upset.. just like to know what the thing looked like when you bought it... got any pics???
PS, I will erase this post later so as to not mess-up the intent of this thread.
Last edited by 92Z-666; Jun 10, 2004 at 04:11 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Albany GA
Car: '90 RS Vert
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700-R4
92Z-666, I just checked out your Video posted above. I enjoyed it VERY MUCH!!!!
markus9 , If the rest of the car looks like the part you showed in the pic you got a sweet one. Looks GOOD!
Speedy
markus9 , If the rest of the car looks like the part you showed in the pic you got a sweet one. Looks GOOD!
Speedy
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Clackmas, OR
Car: 1989 IROC-Z Convertible, '67 RS Coupe
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R
Here's a picture of the 1989 I just purchased. Been wanting one of these for years. It's got 62,000 miles and completely stock with 305 TPI and limited slip. Nice car with red leather interior.


Last edited by Maui; Jun 13, 2004 at 01:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Albany GA
Car: '90 RS Vert
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700-R4
EBAY
In case anyone is interested I just saw a good looking White '91Z on Ebay. Bidding was at 2500 and change... I think the car is somewhere on the left coast...
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Lake in the Hills, IL
Car: 2000 Astro
Engine: 4.3L of funk
Transmission: 4L60E
Although I posted this in another topic, I am trying to feel at home so I will post it here as well. HOWEVER, by it's looks, it seems a little out of place..............
REMEMBER, it has never been washed since I've owned it and probably way before I bought it (April). Also, it's in the works.
Chris
REMEMBER, it has never been washed since I've owned it and probably way before I bought it (April). Also, it's in the works.
Chris
Last edited by dakleenupman; May 19, 2006 at 12:53 AM.
They Shipped them to Canada too. This factory 1991 came with a special order code Z28 hood. The Ronals were a must addition
We might not have hockey but we got style!
We might not have hockey but we got style!
Last edited by Rezz; Feb 19, 2005 at 01:12 PM.



