Hey guys. I recently got an offer for a trade and I need some help. My brother owns a 1986 IROC-Z camaro with around 170k miles on it. Has fresh paint and the motor runs good but smokes a little. Tranny shifts ok as well, but could possibly need a rebuild down the road. It's a very solid car and has no rot in the floors or anywhere on the car. Basically it's in mint shape compared to 90% of third gens. I've attached a pic of it too.

Now there is a guy that said he would trade striaght up for a numbers matching 1968 pontiac firebird with the original running 350 engine and TH350 tranny. The car has bucket seats and center console so it's not a base model. It's restorable but needs a lot of work. The exhaust is rotted off and the body has no major rot but is completely surface rusted. The floors look solid in it and the subframes are in good shape minus a lot of surface rust. The car seems to be all there but like I said, will need a lot of work and restoration to be nice. I know restored they pull in around low to mid 20's which is pretty good considering I don't think the car needs quite that much into it to be completed.

I just want to know your ideas and thoughts on this. Is this something any of you would consider? I love third gens, but I have always dreamed of a first gen firebird, or TA replica. I really don't know what a car needing that much work is worth though.

 

As long as your brother is willing and you're sure the rust is limited to the areas you describe, I'd pull the trigger. From a financial standpoint, it being a numbers matching, you should stand to make a couple grand. That's a minimum I believe even if you farm out most of the work to make nearly new. There's usually more rust you can't see, so just make sure your confident the unibody frame is as pure as you say it is.
If your going to lose a f-body at least it's for another

 

I'd avoid it; but thats just me; The first gen birds don't do anything for me.

 

I wouldn't...That Iroc looks CLEAN. I would just be happy with it and keep it. If he is looking to spend a grip of money for a 1st gen that wont handle as well, suck gas, and need alot of work then go for it. I mean 1st gens are sweet, but sounds like that ones needs a ton of work.

 

If this is a hobby for him and he has the time, money and skill then its worth it but if he's going to farm most of it out then to me its not worth it--too much headache and cost. Alot of it does depend on where his heart is at though--I bought a 3rd gen because I love 3rd gens! I dont want a 1st, 2nd or 4th gen but thats me!

 

I would do it. If someone wanted to trade a 1st gen Firebird that was in as good of condition as my car with some stuff done to it, I'd seriously consider it. I love 1st gen Firebirds.

 

The 1st gen needs a restoration to put it kindly, although it is in very restorable condition. The thing is the iroc is getting tired and has high mileage. At best that car is worth around 3500$ where as the 1st gen restored being numbers matching could easily fetch mid $20k. Me and my brother both are huge 1st gen fans as well, though I do love my 86. We also have the tools, knowledge, and space to do probably 90% of the work here so that wouldn't be any extra money. I think he's going to hold off on the trade at this point but I would still love to have a 1st gen someday.

And as far as the not handling and sucking gas and all that about the 1st gen, Thats what an LS1, 6 speed, and suspension work are for!! LOL. For me though honestly it's just the feeling of cruising around in a restored 68 firebird. Yea it's not as advanced as a third gen, but it's a classic, and they sound awesome and look awesome.

 

not if you plan on crapping out an ls engine into it.

 

In my mind it all depends on what you want. I have never been impressed with the handling (and resulting driveability ) of the 1st and 2nd gens. If you want the project rebuild status and the resulting boulevard cruiser, then have at it.

There are a couple of 1st gens (1 Camaro and 1 Firebird) around here plus a few 2nd gens.

I know they are not rare and not especially desirable, but heck, I wouldn't let my GTAs go for love or money (good thing my wife loves them too LOL).

 

It seems that from what you're saying, you really want the 1st gen. It's basically one big gamble. Like with any old car; there's going to be problems. Inspect the body a little more. The rust can be deeply rooted especially on an old car like that. Doing the work yourself does save you a ton of money on labor costs. It also makes you feel greater. Most people would say to hell with the 1st gen that's barely running and rotting. But, you never know who you'll get as a buyer(if you want to restore and sell). Some auctions offer a lot of money, or just your garden variety trans am nut. I would say do it. The collectibility can only go up(if its stock) over the years.