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1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 07:27 PM
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1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Hey all, I'm new to the board, looking to do a little reasearch on a 1985 Firebird Convertible that I recently aquired...

It does not have a title so I'm not sure if I should sell it, part it, ebay it, or take what I want and junk the rest or what...

a few people said that its 1 of about 250 cars made in 1985

Its really a pretty straight car, has one fender that is all dicked up and a couple rust spots on the pass door, other than that its not too bad, its been parked in the same spot under a tree for 2 years so its SUPER dirty...

what do ya'll think?

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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 07:49 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

If it's really that rare it'd be a good candidate for a full restoration. Takes resources and commitment though. Can titles not be recovered legally? I know they can here.
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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 08:24 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

yes titles can be had legaly...but i hear that its quite the headache...

and I dont really want to invest any time and money into this thing...
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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 10:44 PM
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From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

I want to think that there were about a total of 500 or 600 Autoform Verts made from 1983 thru 1986...

The problem is with cars like this is parts are so scarce. If you are set on it, make sure the parts that are Autoform Specific are all there and in reconditionable to some degree. Keep in mind that unlike the ASC parts, that the parts just are not that common. For the most part the main body parts are all modified factory parts, The trunk area, the tonneau, the convertible frame, are all unique to some degree...

John
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Old Jul 17, 2009 | 10:52 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

If your not up to restoring it, please sell it AS IS to someone who IS willing put the effort into what it needs to live again, rather than just stripping the parts for money.
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 04:37 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

I just got one of these last weekend! Let me tell you itz a really nice ride if you decide on restoring it. But I would agree with Stephen, this car is too rare to just part out. You need to see it to somebody that has the time and money to restore it. But if you do part it out, I have dibbs on the stock radio if it's the one with all puch button controls and an equalizer!

--SF
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 04:44 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by Stephen
If your not up to restoring it, please sell it AS IS to someone who IS willing put the effort into what it needs to live again, rather than just stripping the parts for money.


The car looks complete which is a good start for someone willing to restore it. If I were in your shoes I'd get it cleaned up. Pump up the tires and get it off the grass ASAP.
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Old Jul 18, 2009 | 08:58 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

I'm also with Stephen. Sell it AS IS if you're not willing to invest the time/money into restoring it. Even in the condition it's in, if the motor runs and it rolls, you could make a nice chunk by selling it whole.

If you have a Bill of Sale, the DMV can tell you what else you'd need to get the title back, but please, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, do NOT part it out and junk it!!!!

BTW, where are you located?
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 10:20 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Let me know if you want to sell it.I would definetly be interested.PM me a price if you want.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 10:44 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

The car is located in Lincoln, Nebraska

I got it back to my house today, going to clean it up and throw it on ebay this week if someone does not buy it first.

camaro2seater I will pm you.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 11:15 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Hey there; I got one of these last year an '86. They are rare, check the inside edge of drivers door for AFC ID TAG. This will give you the build number of car. They made
500 by late "88.
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 11:30 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

that is good information to have AFC, thanks.
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 12:44 AM
  #13  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

good luck Bobby I have had mine on here for a week and no takers, not even a nibble, I am getting ready to part it out, the heck with rairity. I need it gone and the money for a new project
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 11:07 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

^^^ you also have an 88 Camaro Vert right?

The car will be listed on Ebay tonight after I get it all cleaned up and get pictures taken.
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 11:30 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

yes sir it is a 1988 Vert it is now listed on E-Bay with out the drivetrain at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...%3AMESELX%3AIT
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 04:27 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

It is Build # 259
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 06:04 PM
  #17  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

You could always clean the rims up and send them to me

Jk, You should clean it up and then see what it looks like lol
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 06:32 PM
  #18  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Sure I will sell the rims to you for 1000 bucks...and give you a free car!

and yes, it will get all cleaned up, I spot cleaned a couple places and it dont look too bad.

More pictures to come tomorrow.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 11:01 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

cleaning went well, gotta get er on ebay now.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 11:02 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 11:02 AM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 12:04 PM
  #22  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Will the top not fully fold up & store away, under the rear lid?
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 12:09 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

This is cooool,why do people do this to rare cars,can't they go destroy an escort or something.

Man that's a cool car. If some of you other guys could post pics,I'd like to see them.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 12:16 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by 1ATony
This is cooool,why do people do this to rare cars,can't they go destroy an escort or something.

Man that's a cool car. If some of you other guys could post pics,I'd like to see them.
What was destroyed?

It was a conversion package (like a Choo Choo Customs conversion van is) that was done back in the 80s.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 01:11 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by Stephen
What was destroyed?

It was a conversion package (like a Choo Choo Customs conversion van is) that was done back in the 80s.
The car was left for dead under a pine tree in the grass.The number one thing that'll rot a car out other than pine needles is grass.Grass holds moisture so it eats away at the underside of the car.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 01:13 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

What kind of rims did these cars have on them? Were they the stock ones?
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 01:15 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by 1ATony
The car was left for dead under a pine tree in the grass.The number one thing that'll rot a car out other than pine needles is grass.Grass holds moisture so it eats away at the underside of the car.
Ah.....I thought you were referring to the 2-seater conversion.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 01:42 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

this is what the car looked like from the dealer

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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 01:52 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by Stephen
Will the top not fully fold up & store away, under the rear lid?
it does.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 01:56 PM
  #30  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

I know it is supposed to, but just curious because your pics only show it half folded.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:25 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

I just didnt want to jack around with it honestly.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:26 PM
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From: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by Bobby Light
this is what the car looked like from the dealer

This particular car looks to be a repaint... notice that there are no emblems...

The White car found under a tree in a back yard looks more like it may be all original...

John
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:32 PM
  #33  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by Stephen
Ah.....I thought you were referring to the 2-seater conversion.
Nooo....what the heck is the matter with you,you guys should know me by know,I live for this stuff.Thats a cool car.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:53 PM
  #34  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=290333262926
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:58 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Hey all I guess I cant post anything in the classifieds...

if someone feels so inclined to do so, please post up this link in the classifieds for me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=290333262926
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 02:59 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Checked it out on Ebay.It'll be interesting to see what it goes for.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 03:00 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

that is a pretty cool find.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 03:14 PM
  #38  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

ya hopefully someone buys it and fixes it up, would be a good driver.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 03:31 PM
  #39  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Too bad container freight is through the roof nowadays and I have too many projects already but i'd love to own that ...and for that amount of money? Can't go wrong.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 03:35 PM
  #40  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by Bobby Light
Hey all I guess I cant post anything in the classifieds...

if someone feels so inclined to do so, please post up this link in the classifieds for me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=290333262926
any help ya'll???
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 05:07 PM
  #41  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Originally Posted by Bobby Light
any help ya'll???
The rules in the Classifieds state that you cannot post eBay ads or links, or state that the car is on eBay. It has to be either a firm price here, OR an auction on eBay.
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 05:38 PM
  #42  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

Ah I see that now...

Well I hope that someone wasnt looking for something like this.
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Old Jul 27, 2009 | 05:51 PM
  #43  
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

my 1985 Camaro has those same wheels. It even has the same story as your Firebird. It's just not a convertible. And yes, I do have the right wheels. I just need the lug nuts. I'm not the first owner though.
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Old Apr 22, 2011 | 08:09 PM
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Re: 1985 Firebird Convertible Barn Find...

BOBBY IF YOU STILL HAVE THE CAR GIVE ME A CALL 304-676-6430
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