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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!
I've always thought that these Firebirds didn't look quite as good without the spoiler. That simple wing finished off the tail really well. (Although if you ask my brother-in-law who had a new '82 with spoiler, he thought that wing "spoiled" the appearance.)
Under the hood doesn't look bad at all. Notice the upper radiator hose still has the chalky mold release agent on it, and the original wire hose clamps. The yellow zinc treatment on the brake booster is still crisp and shiny. The air cleaner isn't a surface rusted mess, the emissions/info placards are still clear and not washed out, and the washer/overflow tanks are still white. I'd tend to think that a person would do more harm detailing it than preserving it how it is.
The S/E was kind of an oddball. Between the Firebird and the Trans Am, with more luxury features. Not too surprising to see the rear wiper, but interesting that it didn't get the spoiler too. It'd be interesting to look at the original order forms to see what was or wasn't standard equipment, just to see how much of the car is really unusual vs typical option packages.
Too bad some nerd is probably having delusions of KITT looking at this car. Unable to appreciate it for what it is, only dreaming of the retardation it could be.
Were the Firebird emblems body color on these years? For some reason I’m waiting for the clay bar residue comments forthcoming lol
No, but the 'chrome' lettering could just be reflecting a dark area, or the lettering could have faded (My project birds were faded completely black), or maybe they were actually painted body color by an owner at some point. I can't really tell if it's just the pic giving optical illusions or if they're actually dark.
Honestly I think the thing is super cool. My cousin had 82 with an iron duke back the early 90’s when we were in high school, so man this brings back memories. And yeah I thought the same about the under hood and notice the radiator hose and such as well. I’m sure it’s more prone to some corrosion in this area given that not many detail under the hood
Yes, It was body color on the Firebird S/E along with the sail panel emblem.
Weird, never noticed that before, but now that it's pointed out, it's pretty obvious in the brochure photos, along with the color filled door handles. Just goes to show there's always something new to learn.
Weird, never noticed that before, but now that it's pointed out, it's pretty obvious in the brochure photos, along with the color filled door handles. Just goes to show there's always something new to learn.
i think I was born a tad late to really appreciate these early cars. Would have been 5 or 6 upon their release and damn do I love the color of the one in that brochure Drew, as well as this maroon one. I’m all about the oddball colors lol. I think the only thing that kills the deal for me is that big ugly unnecessary wiper in the back, what an eyesore on a beautiful ride
Knight Rider is the holocaust for early thirdgen birds. Right up there with the obsession with destroying 69/70 Chargers. It wouldn't be so bad, if it wasn't such a terrible show.
Knight Rider is the holocaust for early thirdgen birds. Right up there with the obsession with destroying 69/70 Chargers. It wouldn't be so bad, if it wasn't such a terrible show.
Actually Drew, 68 and 69 Chargers were used in Dukes of Hazzard. No 70 models were molested to make the show, not even one. There were some 68s that had the grilles and tail panels replaced to look like 69s, and the rest were all 69s.
Just had to jump in on this one. Pretty sure this is the only time in 20 years I've been able to issue you a correction, and low and behold it's not even thirdgen related LOL.
The S/E Shift ***** were the same way, they were interior color, instead of the typical Black or later Gray. If you look thru the parts catalog the S/E got a lot of "upscale" items that fell by the wayside, some were things like extra insulation for a quiet ride, other things were interior matched dash panels, shift ***** (later years) etc... They were neat cars, but finding a replacement one of those unique parts would be a pain.
This is REALLY cool to see! My first car was a grey metallic '82 S/E! I beat the living SNOT out of that car, I mean Dukes of Hazzard style. Brokedown on me ALL the time. I cut my mechanic teeth on that car installing a V6 from an '86 Camaro into it, swapping the tranny, etc. Hell, I even lost my virginity in that car haha! So many great memories.
11-27-2019, 10:29 AM
