I am looking for numbers and possible documentation of 89 FB conv made. I have a 89 TA conv (since 92) red/black (26K mi) with every GTA option except leather/lumbar seats. It has 5.7L, dual cats, 140 speedo; which I've read and been told only 50 1989 FB conv models came with this combo. I would really like this doc. The only documentation I have is a letter from ASC stating they made 330 FB conv (all models: FB, Formula, TA, GTA, TTA) from 1988-1989. They could not give me anymore specific numbers. I read in a mag (several yrs ago, early 90's) where 2 conv were TTA's as one was advertisized for sale $30K w/ 6K mi. What a steal that would have been. As for GM Pontiac all they could tell me is there were 577 1989 TA model with t-tops made. Mine was ordered as a t-top and shipped to ASC. I had mine appraised Aug 2001 for StateFarm at $16000 cash value. At the time the appraiser used my docs with info a 89 GTA w/80k+ miles, new paint and motor sold for $12500 in Heming Motors. So if you have any info please respond or e-mail me at bnc72096@msn.com. I would really like to narrow down to the # of 89 TA conv w/ 5.7L were manufactured.

Thanks,
Brent

 

I assume the 50 were Firebirds of all types.
There were closer to 400 all together IIRC.
I think that appraisal is a bit high.
I never see them sell that high, but then again...
The 1989 turbo Birds have a collector market, but the convertibles don't seem so obvious.

You will find Eldorado convertibles listing up to $30,000 by owners, and that was the new price!
Condition and location seem to play a big part in pricing.
Condition is obvious so the 80K miles is on the broken in side of things
hehe

-B

 

I'm not too sure about the appraisal numbers but your production number is dead on. I don't know where the 400 or so number came about, but if you have a letter from ASC that states 330 then that is great. Look at this thread:


https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...&highlight=asc

I replied in this thread with production numbers from ASC as well. My numbers came from a guy at ASC, who was involved at the time with the f-body conversions. Razor put me on too him. Willie was disputing the numbers and said he was going to follow up with the info I supplied him. I assume that never happened since I never saw or heard anything regarding the numbers.

It sounds like you have not only a rare bird convertible but the 350 as well. Good for you. You will see by the production numbers between the Firebird and the Camaro that the Camaro was way over produced in comparison to the Firebird. So it would be logical that whatever the Camaro is worth the Firebird would be worth much more.

Thanks, Joe

 

I think the production was for 1989 and not both years, and I think it was around 350 actually. Last time I read that info here anyway. I didn't check your link though.
As you say about the Camaros, it makes one wonder why, but Camaros popularity probably had an adverse affect on me, however, I love the concealed headlights the Birds offer. More European styled.
Bill

 

It may be there were 330 units built in 1989. Letter only states 330 units made during 1988-89 model year. Does not specifically state 330 units made in 88 and 89. Since new models (89) come out in Fall of previous year (88) it probably is just for 89 FB's.

If you would like I could e-mail you copies or try and post them here.

Thanks,
Brent

 

I heard those figures here and the folks replying seemed to agree, but yeah... Post the pic or scan if it will fit.
I've found it very hard to get text with my el cheapo digicam
Bill

[here's the project following my top cloth replacement:]