Hi Guy's
New to the group.

I've just brought my mother's '85 matrix3 convert from SoCal to Texas (she passed two years ago). The car is in great shape, hes been garge kept all it's life. It has a few small dents from items falling on it durring an earthquake, but nothing major. The car is pretty much unmolested 106k miles car. It coverd the 1.4k miles from SoCal to Austin with no problems(other than the itty bitty fuel tank) I found running without a/c I could get about 23.5mpg from the stock 305 (21 with a/c)

The top is in great shape (2nd top in it's lifetime)

Vin 1G1FP87H7FL428003
Matrix tag Date 6/85 1707/8003

Black with tan int.

I plan on keeping the car forever, and passing it to my grandson when I leave this earth.

My question (looking for opinons), should I just refresh it, clean up the dings, new interior (it's a little aged), steam clean the engin, and just enjoy it the way it came from Matrix. OR... build it with all the 2012 goodies I can throw at it, complete restomod. I'm inclined to keep it stock, just because there are so few of them around... but a ls1 is mighty tempting.

This will not be a daily driver, but a nice day/ special event ride.

 

Sounds like a great car. We would love to see photos of it. As to what to do with the car?...it is up to you. I tend to prefer original cars, but if you plan to keep the car a long time, then make it what you want. Future buyers might not like it, but you did and that is all that mattered.

I really think these coach convertibles will gain in value in the near future...especially the better built ones like Matrix3.

 

Hey Slim,

Thanks for the reply. After a lot of thought, I think I'm going to keep it pretty much stock, with only a few upgrades. Nothing that couldn't be returned to stock without much trouble (maybe have the interior redone in leather). I'd say the car is about a 7 out of 10 in overall condition, with no major issues. The car never will be for sale, it was Moms car so it's pretty special to me. I'll post some pictures when I get some time.

 

1984 matrix3 I would keep stock so few around just picked one up to add with my autoform conv like to see some pics of yours

 

rainmaker70 and jstreiff - Can you list all the locations where your car has a M3 badge? Is there one on the dash? ...the steering wheel? ...the front bumper? ...the side sills? Also, does your car have the Matrix3 label in the door opening?

 

Mine has no M3 badging whatsoever, Nor does it appear there ever was any. I just have the standard Z28 markings. I do have the silver Matrix3 tag on the doorjam (drivers side) and the Matrix3 owners manual.

 

badges on side sills only none on interior

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks to both of you for sharing. I am noticing that consistancy is inconsistant on label and badge placement.

 

how do you attach pictures? I took some of my "badge placement", I'm just not sure how to insert the picturs.

 

ok... I think I got this

 

now that I have this picture thing down, here are a couple of snaps of the car... understand she is still pretty dirty from the trip out from CA.

 

rainmaker70 and jstreiff - You both have great cars there!

 

Thanks Slim, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with it

 

Looks like your collecting convertibles... I like the look of it. Wash that thing and post a couple more pics.

 

Badnblk, Yeah, I have a few '05 Sebrings... seems I can't go more than 3 years before somebody smacks into to me. I'm now on my third '05 sebring convertible, the others I keep for parts.

I have to say that the Sebring looks like a PIG next to the Camaro, with all it's rounded off corners, and and euro styling, I hate parking them side by side. The Camaro will go into the garage next to my '65 Mustang.

 

what exactly is does the matrix3 option include?

 

Matrix3 was a company that made coach convertibles. Unlike most other Gen3 convertibles, the Matrix3 has a power top. I'm not sure how many they made, but you don't see very often.

 

Oh cool! I've never seen one till now, they definitely rare

 

If you have a passing interest in coach convertibles of all types and are on Facebook, search for a fb group called "fans of coach convertibles". Good stuff.