Drew

iTrader: (58)

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58mark

iTrader: (3)

I say a or b

please don't choose C. 20 years from now there will be so few unmolested camaros that you will kick yourself

there's an option D. Get it appraised for its real value, which will help you enjoy the car without fretting about the texting teen. Arm yourself with documentation, maybe even an extra insurance rider to cover the collectors value of the car, and get out there and ENJOY IT

Drew

iTrader: (58)

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Drew

iTrader: (58)

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Drew

iTrader: (58)

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58mark

iTrader: (3)

wow, the value of that thing is going to go up every year... If you sell it, you'll regret it

yo soy el warg

I totally agree with 58mark I wouldn't alter it or sell it if you can hold out longer. That is an immaculate car! I'm also in about the same situation as you are as far as these cars go. I have the same concerns that you have with my more valuable and some day, hopefully, more collectible ones that I own, but don't drive! So that I could enjoy driving these third gen cars again.This last summer I bought a 1992 TBI/305 RS T-Top with 76,000 miles in like new condition from the original owner. My only reason for purchasing this car was as a driver and nothing more. I have enjoyed it more than any of my three other third gens that sit in the heated garage like yours do. I just can't part with them or drive them. They are in the same original condition as your 1991 rs convertible.
It's sad to say but my LB9-1985 1C5 California Iroc, and my LB9-1988 & 1989 Iroc convertibles haven't been driven more than 350 miles in the last 17 years I've owned them.
I think you'll find similar stories among many third gen owners who think so highly about the cars they own.

Pyroviking

iTrader: (4)

Whoa... nice ride.

IMO, the Camaro RS is about the shittiest car ever made, but you've really got the exception. That is an absolute jewel of a car. Please don't opt for C.

Camaro Z Man

If I were you I would just hold on to it a little longer. The prices are going up. If you hack it up or mod it that would be a real waste of a mint 3rd gen. If it were a regular RS I would say go for it, but not a vert.

radical82

Great looking car!!! I'm no purist on cars. Personally, I've never seen one too nice to modify and turn into what I want it to be... If it's been sitting all this time with so few miles I'd guess it's probably not a real thrilling ride for you, so why not turn it into something you like???
As for the insurance, I have a couple of rides insured through State Farm. Criteria is that they have to be over 20 years old and driven less then 3500 miles a year. It's an agreed value deal, have my pickup insured at $20,000, and when the Camaro is built it will be insured for a bit more. The rates for this coverage are very reasonable, about $100 a year for each car, of course depending on your age and driving record...I'm 59 and had my last ticket in 1985..... I've learned to save most of the go-fast time for track days.... the ticket in '85 was for 135 in a 55, a very spendy mistake!!!

Drew

iTrader: (58)

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//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

my only opinion on the matter is the mileage, 56k isnt very high, but its not really low either compaired to all the >1000 mile cars that seem to pop up from time to time. Besides 1 of 6000 isnt really that rare when compared to the earlier 1 and 2nd gen cars that are going for big money these days. I wouldn't worry about modding it, but then again, what exactly do you want to do to it? If its just typical drive train suspension stuff, just keep the original parts and go to town.

Its like my 92 Jamaican yellow firebird, yes is a rare color, but its a base firebird, one of something like 350 cars or something like that. Yes it has low miles, 73k, hardtop, in great mechanical condition and the body and interior are still original and really nice, but only the color is rare, other than that, there isnt much desirable about the car. Will it evey be worth anything? who knows, i still plan to use it for DD service this coming spring and summer again.

On the other hand i see your point about being afraid to drive it with all the d-bags on the road these days. I have the same problem. I have soo much more money invested in my car than what its book value is, that if it does get wrecked, im out a ton of money just to get a lousy 1500 dollar check from the insurance company. Just have to lean to be carefully and observant when you drive. Keep an eye open and be awair of whats happening around you and you should be fine.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Drew, I know you're dazed and confused about the entire matter. I'm here for you, Dude. Let me drive to Salina (it'll be a huge inconvenience with my being in Lawrence and all, not to mention gasoline and time), buy you a Big Mac Supersized with an apple pie, and I'll just let my wife drive the clunker home. End of dilemma. Lemme know.

JamesC

Drew

iTrader: (58)

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IROCZTWENTYGR8

iTrader: (1)

I'm not voting on the poll either because I want to choose A and B, but of course, I cannot. With a car in that condition, I'd continue keeping it mint until you happen to find a like-minded buyer that will take the same care of it and that knows it's actual value, not what KBB says. In 10 years from now, a Third Gen, and even an RS, won't be just an RS anymore, but instead a 30 y/o rare collectible. When the last of these cars made start hitting 25 and 30, that whole mystique will really start to begin with them, because the earlier ones will be 35-40. That's when cars usually get alot more desirable. There are plenty of lesser condition Thirds out there to mod if you'd like, as you know since you've owned so many LOL. Just make sure you keep the IROC-Z.

scottmoyer

This is going to blow many of you away. I say mod it! As was mentioned, the mileage isn't super low, but is low compared to the 15k mile a year average. I would make the car what GM should have. It can be all reversed! I would love to have a TPI based convertible with a 5 speed and posi. Then to add to it, I'd also put on the Z28 hood and blisters. I'm not a fan of big rims, but I say put on some 17" or 18" rims. WIth the hood and blisters, I'd also add the heritage stripes, but that's just me. Like Drew mentioned, it's an RS and there were many like it. After watching Barret Jackson, even a properly done resto mod will bring in good money.

If it's not what you really want and it's just in the way, sell it for the project that you want. Based on the condition of the car and the way you have taken care of it, I believe the upgrades will be professionally done and the car will look factory correct. Good luck as I vote "C"

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

How about option D) trade 1MeanZ the car for his 2000 Honda Shadow Sabre motorcycle!!

nascarfan7

Tough call. I'm going to have to go for A though. C is this close though. Perfect candidate for a T56 swap and the other mods you mentioned. You wouldn't be screwing with some Z03 1LE after all. Sure you could keep all the original parts and bring it back to "almost" original condition. Will the mileage go up that much more though? You could mod, drive and enjoy the car now.

Reason I say A is in time the value might go up in 5/10/15 years. You'd kick yourself if this turns out to be the Barret Jackson high bid car of 2025, lol. Getting tougher to find clean, lowish mileage, unmolested originals and I think that will be where the worth will be. Either for you or someone else looking to do the same with the car.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

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Yor

Man, that thing is a legit TIME CAPSULE. I'd say hold onto it as well, just because it's a base model RS, the low mileage factor and convertible top will pay off to keep in the end.

Up in New Hampshire people pay 5+ grand for a early 70's camaro SHELL, nothing in it at all, and I know the 60's/early 70's were the true muscle car days, but there are plenty of 3rd gen fans that would pay top dollar for a mint convertible.

Hell, people around here fork over good money for cheap late 70's base model camaros that aren't even in that great of shape. Literally in the next 5-10 years you'd HATE yourself for selling it. Letting it just sit is a great investment to be honest, since you even said you had 2 others that you actually enjoy driving.


A. is the best answer in a financial standpoint, no way you'd regret it other than the space it takes up. MAYBE post it around once summer is around, you'll get your best money then.

FormulaL98

Personally I'd mod that thing. All of the mods you listed earlier (with the exception of the T56) would be things the majority of people wouldnt notice anyway and can all be done as clean as can be. You cant see a gear ratio & TPI would wake up that LO3, not to mention it would look "stock" to many people. With the mods it will still be an amazing RS, just more fun. You have the car, parts, and ability, have fun.

I dont diagree with just keeping the car also, clean examples are getting hard to come by. But drive it man! Keeping it as a "investment" I dont think will ever sit well with you. At the end of the day, its a third-gen RS with decent miles on it, but I suppose its worth whatever someone will pay for it.

I just cant imagine third-gens will be worth what some people project on this board. Dont get me wrong, I love my Formula and will keep it for...well ever, but third gens will never reach a fever pitch as with the earlier generations, no car will. Thank Barret-jackson and the millionairs who compete in thier pissing contest for that.

cs2000

My opinion is : Keep it stock, It dosen't have to be fast to be cool, just a nice cruiser, The way I look at it (about modifing cars) You wouldn't buy a copy of the Mona Lisa and paint a mustache on it would you? Just my opinion, but I've seen too many ruined 1st and 2nd generation cars. If I go to car show I'd rather see a clean un - molested 4-cyl Camaro than a another Modified Chevelle or '69 Camaro, I'm not knocking anyones car.. Just giving you my opinion.. Chris

Apeiron

Cars are meant to be enjoyed, either by working on them, or driving them. If you're not going to do either of those, then sell it. Holding on to it and doing nothing with it actually gets you the least value. Even if the value increases, which isn't guaranteed, you have to consider the opportunity cost, even if it's just a question of what else could you be doing with the garage space. If you're motivated by the money, then you'll get a better return by selling it now and making some sort of real (non-automotive) investment with the proceeds. By the time the car has appreciated "enough" value to be worth selling, it's practically certain that your alternative investment would have long-since paid more.

Kevman

Drive it..

That's my 2 cents..

KnottyBuoyz

iTrader: (2)

If it's not meant purely as an investment, insure it, drive it & enjoy it! That's what it was built for!

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

That thing is BEAUTIFUL Drew. Here's my take. Keep it and mod it to the point you can return it back to original if anything. And keep the original parts obviously. I think a TPI conversion with runners, 3.42 rear end, and maybe a shift kit in the 700r4 would be nice. Everybody these days has the mentality that their thirdgen is worthless and the best thing to do is mod the sh*t out of them. That's what people used to say about the 60s and 70s musclecars that are now almost priceless being in their factory original form. Sure your RS is one of 6,000 others made but how many do you think are left in that condition? People rarely took care of their RS's, being convertibles or not.
I'm quoting your cardomain profile on this car:

"Getting trophies at car shows is almost too easy with this car. It's a true all original low mileage car that will only increase in value over time. Check my profile for my other rides..."


With that said, why would you even consider getting rid of it? And surviving a marriage AND divorce makes that car even more special! lol . And one more thing... drive that thing some more! Can't live your life in fear. I have a 91 T/A convertible that I love and would hate to see anything bad happen to it but my love of driving it is greater than my fear of it getting ruined. You still have plenty of room to consider that thing low mileage. Speaking of which, mileage is just a number. The car will still be valuable even with 100k miles if you keep it in that shape. My car has 99,000 and I have no plans of "capping" it anytime.

Pardon my lecturing... perhaps I took this too seriously but I hope you take my advice lol.

mister_hudson

iTrader: (3)

I'm in a similar boat my friend... My opinion is not much different than many others here. First of all - enjoy her and drive it! If that involves a little modification than go for it, just hold onto the original parts so IF the day ever comes that you want to sell than you put her back to "stock" in a matter of a few days... As far as the insurance thing goes - shop around there are policies available that will offer you coverage well beyond KBB should something happen.

I noticed you have SD plates, Sioux Falls if I read them right. I'm originally from there - miss it like crazy!

Good luck in whatever you decide! She's gorgeous!

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

You know you baby your camaro when you can see the reflection of the headlights on the bumper! Especially with original paint!

Mark in Maine

Great debate! I think that I'd have to preserve a car like yours, if it were me, just on the basis of its incredible original condition. They're only original once. On the other hand, I own a '90 RS convertible, not ratty, but not pristine either, and I'm considering some reversible mods in the powertrain, just to make my car a bit more entertaining. Granted your car is an RS, but I have to agree with all of the folks on this thread who are in the 'keep it original' column, because it is just in such good condition . . .

grassyflats

wow its that RS I dig!
dont do anything! except the tpi intake will be cool
wait to sell her because the Z28 I recently purchased
was a great deal-the guys I purchased her from said
they lost $2500 because they had to sell cause of the recession
wait another decade and you will double your money from now
yer the man drew and you know what to do

JackRs

iTrader: (2)

Well since you got the car in the classifieds already my opinion probably doesnt matter.
But just in case it does here it is.

Ideally i'd say, like many others to keep it. Its in pristine condition and has decently low miles.

But since i'm assuming your having to pay to keep it in storage. Would 10 years of storage cost, plus what you paid for it really make you such a huge profit? Its refreshing to see an un-molested rs like that, but it sounds like you already have two other third gens.

So i say go B or C.
Good Luck Drew.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

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88gta_hiflyer

iTrader: (1)

It would be a shame to hack up such as pristine car for engine swaps etc. The only mod I would consider would be installing a "Fuel Injection" air cleaner lid. I'm pretty sure those add like 15hp.

RockinGTA89

agreed with apeiron, I enjoy doing all of the above, cruising in it, working on it, and restoring my ride. However, I would put my baby in the "resto-mod" catagory. My goal is to make my car stock appearing but with with minimal and tasteful modifications.
Things like adjustable shocks, lower rear control arms, and a aftermarket wonderbar are a few things i would to to "enhance" my ride and be used as a street performer on the track. Of course no one will notice that all that has been done on the car unless it's pointed out! If SLP was able to reproduce their aftermarket products for our rides like they did back in then, I sure would install the prom chip, cold air induction system, Tri-Y headers, runners, etc. That way you say it's period correct aftermarket parts that won't hurt or affect value of the car and confuse judges at car shows. But that's just my personal opinion

jensen73110

iTrader: (4)

I know you've kinda made your decision, but it's an interesting discussion....

I'm normally a "C" guy: Cars are meant to be driven, so mod it your way and drive the hell out of it.
Since you can't do it guilt free, and worry about driving it, it is time to sell. Again, cars belong on the road, let someone put it there if you can't.
"A" is a terrible idea IMO. It's an annoyance now, it's going to be an annoyance for the next DECADE, so you can get a little more money out of it? Lame. It's not a garage ornament. It's not an investment (especially being a 4rd gen).

The problem with comparing to the muscle car era is the numbers. High amount of Boomers with low production numbers for sweet rides. Our 3rd gen run was longer than the entire muscle car era, and with fewer nostalgic drivers.

Bottom line, do you really want to hang on to it until 2020 so you can sell it for $8,000?