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History / OriginalityGot 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!
This is my '88 T/A, Van Nuys obviously. All painted parts as discussed above, and a blacked out cowl. Only the original owner before me, and no signs of paint work on the whole car.
I've owned probably 15 3rd gens over the last 30 plus years and I dont recall ever owning one with a painted hood latch.
(just looked through all my old pics). Scott's car is the only one I've seen, but admittedly, it's not something I've been specifically looking at/for.
I've owned probably 15 3rd gens over the last 30 plus years and I dont recall ever owning one with a painted hood latch.
(just looked through all my old pics). Scott's car is the only one I've seen, but admittedly, it's not something I've been specifically looking at/for.
I have had 5 myself; just did the same looking through pics - all natural, except for my old ‘86 IROC (which I know for a fact was repainted) - I even found a picture of a friend’s old ‘88 Formula, which was also natural with black bolts - the only variance I noticed over the years was with the upper latch on the hood, where Norwood was natural but Van Nuys was painted, but i’ve never had an original one from either plant with a painted lower latch or painted bolts.
My 1989 Van Nuys built IROC convertible has the latch along with the bolts NOT painted.
My 1988 Van Nuys built IROC convertible has the latch along with the bolts painted.
My 1988 Van Nuys built GTA Notchback has the latch along with the bolts painted.
My 1987 Van Nuys built IROC t-top 350 has the latch along with the bolts painted.
My 1985 Van Nuys built California IROC has the latch along with the bolts painted. It also has the spring on the hood painted the same color as the car which my other 1987-1989 Van Nuys built cars don't have the spring painted. Has anybody else got the same things painted or not painted? Mine are original cars.
They may have stopped painting the latch and mounting bolts in 1989. I also noticed the spring on the hood isn't painted from 1987-1989 on the cars I have.
My 1989 Van Nuys built IROC convertible has the latch along with the bolts NOT painted.
My 1988 Van Nuys built IROC convertible has the latch along with the bolts painted.
My 1988 Van Nuys built GTA Notchback has the latch along with the bolts painted.
My 1987 Van Nuys built IROC t-top 350 has the latch along with the bolts painted.
My 1985 Van Nuys built California IROC has the latch along with the bolts painted. It also has the spring on the hood painted the same color as the car which my other 1987-1989 Van Nuys built cars don't have the spring painted. Has anybody else got the same things painted or not painted? Mine are original cars.
They may have stopped painting the latch and mounting bolts in 1989. I also noticed the spring on the hood isn't painted from 1987-1989 on the cars I have.
Seems to be no rhyme or reason to this - I have a 1988 Van Nuys built Formula 350 and the latch is NOT painted.
I just checked my 1988 V6 sport coupe and it has the latch and bolts painted. I bought this V6 sport coupe and my 1988 IROC vert years apart and they were built on the same day, both were white, and 1 Vin number difference between them, what are the odds of that happening? The Van Nuys plant built IROC verts right along with V6 hard top coupes.
I just checked my 1988 V6 sport coupe and it has the latch and bolts painted. I bought this V6 sport coupe and my 1988 IROC vert years apart and they were built on the same day, both were white, and 1 Vin number difference between them, what are the odds of that happening? The Van Nuys plant built IROC verts right along with V6 hard top coupes.
Strange, I see no pattern at all with this - it's odd at best
Those aren't real pics. Those aren't your cars. It's clay bar residue not paint. It's a conspiracy. My lawyers will be in touch.
Can't really tell, but kinda looks like my 83 VN and 86 T/A (VN or NW Idk), both may have been painted. But I'd really consider a natural zinc hood latch and black phosphate bolts to be correct. Anyone that proves otherwise should consider themselves on notice, monitored, and subject to inevitable unmasking! Those meddling kids with their dog. N ****.
It also has the spring on the hood painted the same color as the car which my other 1987-1989 Van Nuys built cars don't have the spring painted.
I'm 99% sure my spring is body color, like the latch. I should be able to recall for sure...I've hung a work light from it enough times. But it's a little cold out (zero) right now for me to want to run to the garage and check.
01-26-2019, 09:41 PM
