I'm sure someone here knows the answer to this question, but is there a post or link that explains how the '91-'92 Trans Am convertibles were built/converted by ASC? Did they go down the GM assembly line with coupes and pulled at some point and sent to ASC for the convertible specific items, or did ASC do their part first? Were they painted at GM or ASC or at both plants? Just curious.

 

The cars were made at the plant as a T-top car, primed, painted and shipped to ASC without the rear hatch & tops, they had fiberglass plugs that would cover the hatch opening and the (not sure how they handled the T-top openings).

ASC painted the convertible parts to match the car. At ASC they cut off the bottom of the front fenders and attached a bracket, then they attached the sub frame connectors, attached the other vert reinforcing parts, cut off the T-tops structure, installed the trunk, tonneau and the interior pieces.

All ASC Camaro and Firebird Verts were essentially the same from 1985 - 1992...

Does that answer your question?

John

 

Only one note: I wouldnt call them subframe connectors. In my opinion, I would say they were a sheet metal box to look like something structural. SFCS are a really good thing that strengthens the frame and not a piece of sheet metal made into a box. I have TDS sfcs and plan to do something also to go down the side of the car near that "subframe connector". I had an 84 Z28 and put proper sfcs down the side and they made a world of difference. It has to be the BEST thing to do to these cars.

 

John,

Yes it does. Thanks so much for that information. I figured the process was something like that, but I was not for sure. I have really gotten into these cars since I bought my red/tan '91 conv. last fall. I also bought the black/gray '91 conv. that was in the classified section a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks again,

Jason

 

3rd Gens are like potato Chips, "You can't have JUST ONE!"

John

 

Not sure I agree with this. There were subtle differences that started appearing as they progressed, no? I mean, essentially the same, yes.... with notable differences over time.

 

I know the top for a 91/92 is slightly different in size than previous years. In the pre-91 models the seat belts in the back seats used different means to thread the belt from the tensioner thru to the seat. 92 models beefed up the bracing under the car and yet again improved upon the rear seat belt guides.

In 91 the VIN and the factory window sticker denoted the car as a convertible.

Hope this adds to the mystery of these uniquie cars.......enjoy!

John

 

Structurally they are the same, is what I was alluding to.

Basically you could classify 1985 - 1988 Camaros and 1986 -1988 Firebirds as type 1, and 1989 - 1992 type two with some variations.

1985 - 1988
(Mid 1988) Included the little extension on the doors,
Narrower top,
different latch system
Windshield header garnish type 1
Bow garnish type 1

(mid 1988) stopped using the "Rear Quarter" cap extensions on the doors

1989
Windshield header garnish type 2
Unique Bow#1 Garnish
Wide Top
Addition of back seat shoulder harness (attached to tonneau)

1990 - Mid 1991
Windshield Header Garnish Type 2
Bow #1 Garnish Type 3
Wide Top
Included headliner
back seat shoulder harness (attached to tonneau)

Mid 1991 thru 1992 (all 1991 & 1992 Firebird)
(Same as 1990 except the following)
Rear compartment change, the modified Coupe inner plastics were dropped for a all material & cardboard style. mid year for Camaro.
1992 only note: Modified back seat shoulder harness (no longer attached to tonneau)

My point was The conversion process would be the same, they were all converted by ASC at ASC's facility, because the "Factory" had no place to do the conversion.

I used the word "essentially" to indicate that there were slight changes year to year, but for the conversation it was not pertinent.

All's good...

 

Great info!

 

I might actually have VIN breakpoints for some of the information. I know I have it for the rear compartment trim...

John

 

John...understood...I think others were just adding to the conversation on what changes were. Very nice info provided in your follow up post. Thanks for the data.

John

 

John, are you going back to the Trans Am nats this year?

John

 

Yes Sir...how about you? I've added a few things...nothing fancy, but I think it might push me into your class...maybe. Hope to see you there. We have to get our yellow cars together for a photo shoot

 

WEll do not say anything they might miss it... Jsut say your always in the one class and they might put you there anyways.

John