History / Originality Got a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!

1983 Camaro z28 convert how rare?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-08-2005, 07:39 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Workhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1983 Camaro z28 convert
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 3speed w/ OD
1983 Camaro z28 convert how rare?

this is a white 1983 convert 2 seater
i believe was done by ASC anyone know anything about it??
below is a pic
when the top is down it looks like a "batmobile"(scoops to the back of head rest)
Attached Thumbnails 1983 Camaro z28  convert    how rare?-dsc00234.jpg  
Old 03-08-2005, 10:01 PM
  #2  
Senior Member

 
cdartz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If forget the name of the company that did that style, but for sure it's not ASC. It might be Autoform.
Old 03-09-2005, 05:58 AM
  #3  
Supreme Member
 
RB83L69's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Loveland, OH, US
Posts: 18,457
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Car: 4
Engine: 6
Transmission: 5
Yup, the one with the 2 headrest bulges is AutoForm.

I don't think "rare" is much of an isue here. Wrong question to ask. Remember, this is a Camaro, not a Firebird.

They had grossly inadequate chassis bracing. (like, none, beyond the factory T-top setup....) I recall them coming into the RHS shop at the time they were new, when my late little bro was working there (82-85 or so).

There must have been some hundreds of them built, maybe over 1000.

If you want a convertible, buy it. Be warned that since it's not factory, parts can be rather hard to obtain. Don't buy it because it's "rare" or not.
Old 03-09-2005, 06:24 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Workhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1983 Camaro z28 convert
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 3speed w/ OD
already own the car
So it is AutoForm and not ASC?
and on that chassis is that where Mclaren came into play??
if u are not calling it "rare" have u seen one?? I have posted in many forms and everyone is suprised because they have not seen one if u have can u post pictures??
Thanks for all your help
Old 03-09-2005, 07:44 AM
  #5  
Supreme Member
 
RB83L69's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Loveland, OH, US
Posts: 18,457
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Car: 4
Engine: 6
Transmission: 5
I have seen many of them. They are not rare at all... or at least weren't when they were new, although they have not withstood the test of time very well. I don't feel somehow obligated to post pics to prove to you that I am familiar with them.

McLaren didn't come in to play on that chassis. He stayed outside, and played on some other chassis. There is no "McLaren" connection that I know of with AutoForm.

It's an aftermarket body conversion. Think of it as being just like a body kit or a van customization. Even if it was the only one in existence (which it most assuredly is not), it carries no special "rare" aura with it.

What is the significance of "rare"? That is, what would you do differently if it was "rare", compared to what you would do if it was not? What are you really asking here?
Old 03-09-2005, 08:19 AM
  #6  
Administrator

iTrader: (1)
 
IROCZTWENTYGR8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: In a mint Third Gen!
Posts: 7,386
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: Red 87 IROC-Z28 T-Top
Engine: 5.7 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: 700R4 Auto
Axle/Gears: BW 9-Bolt 3.27
Is it rare? Sure. There weren't many of them made. They still qualify as rare no matter if they are Camaros or Firebirds. (less Firebirds than Camaros always though) There's lots of "rare" Third Gens that people don't really think about, especially in mint condition. Alot of them will get rare as the years go on by default.
Old 03-09-2005, 08:22 AM
  #7  
Supreme Member

 
TechSmurf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: '99 Trans Am, '86 Camaro
Engine: LS1, Scrap
Transmission: T56, T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Stock ZT, 3.42 Open
In my time on this great earth, I have seen no less than 5 different 1989 TTAs... however, I have only seen *one* of those. I think that qualifies as rare.
Old 03-09-2005, 10:04 AM
  #8  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 163 Likes on 118 Posts
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
THe one I remember had a hard top that folded back in the storage compartment, I also remember it having sub frame connectors, Very much like the ones I have from SSM.

John
Old 03-09-2005, 11:56 AM
  #9  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
Abubaca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: JAMESTOWN, NC
Posts: 8,366
Received 348 Likes on 275 Posts
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Hawks 8.8 - 3.73
I'd say that by the literal definition of "rare", that car would have to qualify. That being said, I've seen several over the years. But when you consider that we all see thirdgen EVERYDAY, then yes, it's rare to see one.

But It doesn't mean it's worth anything "extra". Although they were not great engineering marvels, they are nice looking.

Here's a SWEET 86!!!!!
Attached Thumbnails 1983 Camaro z28  convert    how rare?-86speedster010post.jpg  
Old 03-09-2005, 11:57 AM
  #10  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
Abubaca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: JAMESTOWN, NC
Posts: 8,366
Received 348 Likes on 275 Posts
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Hawks 8.8 - 3.73
Now an IROC converted by Autoform, THAT is rare.

Here's a sweet 84 too.
Attached Thumbnails 1983 Camaro z28  convert    how rare?-84autoform004post.jpg  
Old 03-09-2005, 03:07 PM
  #11  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Workhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1983 Camaro z28 convert
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 3speed w/ OD
im not trying to say "rare" meaning more money
i meant do you see them and im sorry for the miss understanding and thanks for those pics of the 84 it confirms that it was done by Autoform and the 83 looks alot like that with the top down
When it gets warmer i will be sure to get it outside all polished up and the top down and get some picture of that
Hopefully i can get to go to one of the 3rd gen "conventions" to see more caramos that look awesome
Old 03-09-2005, 03:40 PM
  #12  
Supreme Member
 
RB83L69's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Loveland, OH, US
Posts: 18,457
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Car: 4
Engine: 6
Transmission: 5
They've definitely thinned out in the last 20 years. You don't see them any more as much as you used to.

I rather suspect that if any of the conversion-specific parts gets damaged, in a wreck or something for example, the car is toast. Which may be why they're aren't as many as there used to be.
Old 03-09-2005, 03:49 PM
  #13  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Workhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1983 Camaro z28 convert
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 3speed w/ OD
No damage to the conversion parts just some minor dings in the fiberglass trunk part but when it warms up that will be rather to easy to fix
so any one have a guess how many 83 Z28 were converted?? a guess is all i am lookign for
Old 03-09-2005, 04:22 PM
  #14  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 163 Likes on 118 Posts
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
Is it me or are the last two not original T-top cars...

The band across the top looks too wide in the middle, more like a C&C conversion than the GM T-top.

John
Old 03-09-2005, 07:57 PM
  #15  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
Abubaca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: JAMESTOWN, NC
Posts: 8,366
Received 348 Likes on 275 Posts
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Hawks 8.8 - 3.73
On the 86, I suppose it's possible. I've got some other pics and it doesn't look that wide. I think it's just the angle. ...but who knows.

On the 84, same thing. My other pics don't seem to show it looking that wide. But again who knows. Did C&C do T-tops in 84?

...I don't know either car real well so anything is possible, but I learned a while back that if you have to stare and look at the front of the windshield and you're not sure, it's not a C&C. They are pretty obvious as soon as you look.
Old 03-10-2005, 07:24 AM
  #16  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 163 Likes on 118 Posts
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
I think C&C did tops from 82-92, as a dealer option.

John
Old 03-15-2005, 04:40 PM
  #17  
Member
 
RArnold's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Evansville IN
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1984 Camaro conv
Engine: 350, .040, warmed up
Transmission: 700R4
Where is/was C&C located ?????? did they badge their cars in any way??
Old 03-16-2005, 06:45 AM
  #18  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 163 Likes on 118 Posts
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
I think C&C sold a kit, and there were places that would install the "kit"

I imagine C&C was larger than this, but they had a place down near Brighton, Howell, area in IM where they maintained several Show car Cadallacs, and they had the Pontiac Banchee, (and you thought Pontiac made it).

If your ever in Michigan, and you are on US23, take I-96 East, in a few miles you will see a white water tower that has "Delphi" on it. That water tower used to say, along with other things over the years, "C&C". I believe that was the C&C headquarters, but I may be mistaken.

JOhn
Old 03-21-2005, 03:57 PM
  #19  
TGO Supporter

iTrader: (7)
 
aaron7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,460
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
The non-ASC verts come up on ebay every now and then, and usually bring a decent amount of change. Like what was said above, there wasn't any extra chassis bracing, so I would think the car wouldn't have been very strong!
Old 03-23-2005, 12:17 AM
  #20  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
DTL504's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 84 Z28 Convertible 2 Seater
Engine: Dart Little-M SBC 400
Transmission: Pro-built Automatics 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange Engineering 3:73
Originally posted by aaron7
The non-ASC verts come up on ebay every now and then, and usually bring a decent amount of change. Like what was said above, there wasn't any extra chassis bracing, so I would think the car wouldn't have been very strong!
I totally disagree with the bracing of these 84 convertibles.
They have 4pc subframe connectors and a stiff center brace that will prevent flexing.
Take a look at these photo to see how the fram was strengthen during the conversion.
http://www.firebirdgallery.com/Site%...ges/AFBPG2.jpg

Here is my 84 Z28 Convertible:
Attached Thumbnails 1983 Camaro z28  convert    how rare?-c-documents-settings-david  
Old 03-23-2005, 12:18 AM
  #21  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
DTL504's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 84 Z28 Convertible 2 Seater
Engine: Dart Little-M SBC 400
Transmission: Pro-built Automatics 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange Engineering 3:73
Must show the trunk lid: no picture

Last edited by DTL504; 03-23-2005 at 12:21 AM.
Old 03-23-2005, 12:21 AM
  #22  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
DTL504's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 84 Z28 Convertible 2 Seater
Engine: Dart Little-M SBC 400
Transmission: Pro-built Automatics 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange Engineering 3:73
Boogie Man
Attached Thumbnails 1983 Camaro z28  convert    how rare?-c-documents-settings-david  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozer!!!
Camaros for Sale
35
01-19-2024 04:55 PM
jaridjohn
History / Originality
5
04-25-2019 03:21 PM
jklein337
Tech / General Engine
2
09-19-2018 06:23 PM
NufNuffZ28
History / Originality
2
08-14-2015 09:12 AM
greeny
Wheels and Tires
1
08-12-2015 03:55 PM



Quick Reply: 1983 Camaro z28 convert how rare?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:43 AM.