Mine again....
12-09-2014, 09:35 AM
#1
Mine again....
The short story here is the car I ordered new almost 28 years ago is mine again!
The long story if you care to follow along goes like this....
A 23 year old kid living in Boston totals his first car, a used 77 Formula one night when an elderly Asian woman crosses the center line of the road and plows straight into him driving of all things a Fiero. Borrowing a car from a coworker to use he walks into the local Chevy dealership two weeks later with his insurance check and realizes the 1986 Camaro's only have 185hp & can only be ordered with an auto (no offense to any who own them) but is told by the salesman that the 87's will have more power and will be available with a stick. So he picks up the classified section of the paper and goes out and buys another 77 Formula for half the money he got for the totaled one & waits.....almost a year!
Saturday February 14, 1987 he walks into Porter Chevrolet in Cambridge MA with $1,000 and orders his IROC but after studying his brochure, some current magazine articles & thinking about it all weekend, he calls back Monday to hold the order and goes back in on Tuesday February 17, 1987 to up the ante a bit - here is the order sheet.
Early in April he gets a call from the dealership that the car is in production and will be at the dealership soon - April 16th 1987 he picks it up and promptly drives out to his parents house near Springfield to give his father the first ride!
10 Days later the car is stolen....
It's recovered the next day but spends another 2 weeks in a different dealership's body shop getting put back together.
He enjoys it for a little over 2 years making the most of his warranty period, races/beats most of the local cars, gets married, and finally sells it, buys a Nissan Pathfinder, builds a house, starts a couple of businesses, and has a couple of kids.
Fast forward 27 years he now has more classic Pontiacs than a normal person should own but is haunted by his first new car. One day he gets an email with a free coupon code for an Autocheck report and plugs in the vin expecting to find the car totaled in the early 90's......WTF?......the car is in Janesville Wisconsin!
A wanted add on Craigslist & postings on a couple of other tech boards finds him the owner of the car. Less than 72 hours elapsed between running the VIN & talking to the current owner WHO HAS OWNED THE CAR FOR 14 YEARS! Some negotiations took place and the realization the car was going to a good home and last month I went out to the MCACN show in Chicago with my trailer in tow and Sunday took a side trip to Janesville to pick her up.
She's in amazing original condition aside from the interior which has been changed to another year after the owner's dogs destroyed it. 110,000 miles now clocked on the odometer, running & driving just as it did when I first owned it.
It's now stored away in the barn awaiting some paint-less dent repair, some careful repainting of required areas and a replacement grey custom cloth interior with split folding rear seat and deluxe luggage compartment trim
wish me luck on finding that combination in good condition!
The plan is to not restore it but to tastefully repair/refinish those areas that are necessary, drive & enjoy it. I'm a huge fan of cars that look like you just pulled a cover off of them in some old garage & still tell their stories and this car suits that in spades! The only changes I'll make to it will be to add the JG1 Aluminum Drive Shaft & N65 aluminum spare that I have and possibly an NA5 dual cat exhaust if I can find one in NOS or super nice used condition.
So that's it, mine again and will never leave! Thanks for indulging my story - I'll be updating it as things move forward with the car.
The long story if you care to follow along goes like this....
A 23 year old kid living in Boston totals his first car, a used 77 Formula one night when an elderly Asian woman crosses the center line of the road and plows straight into him driving of all things a Fiero. Borrowing a car from a coworker to use he walks into the local Chevy dealership two weeks later with his insurance check and realizes the 1986 Camaro's only have 185hp & can only be ordered with an auto (no offense to any who own them) but is told by the salesman that the 87's will have more power and will be available with a stick. So he picks up the classified section of the paper and goes out and buys another 77 Formula for half the money he got for the totaled one & waits.....almost a year!
Saturday February 14, 1987 he walks into Porter Chevrolet in Cambridge MA with $1,000 and orders his IROC but after studying his brochure, some current magazine articles & thinking about it all weekend, he calls back Monday to hold the order and goes back in on Tuesday February 17, 1987 to up the ante a bit - here is the order sheet.
Early in April he gets a call from the dealership that the car is in production and will be at the dealership soon - April 16th 1987 he picks it up and promptly drives out to his parents house near Springfield to give his father the first ride!
10 Days later the car is stolen....
It's recovered the next day but spends another 2 weeks in a different dealership's body shop getting put back together.
He enjoys it for a little over 2 years making the most of his warranty period, races/beats most of the local cars, gets married, and finally sells it, buys a Nissan Pathfinder, builds a house, starts a couple of businesses, and has a couple of kids.
Fast forward 27 years he now has more classic Pontiacs than a normal person should own but is haunted by his first new car. One day he gets an email with a free coupon code for an Autocheck report and plugs in the vin expecting to find the car totaled in the early 90's......WTF?......the car is in Janesville Wisconsin!
A wanted add on Craigslist & postings on a couple of other tech boards finds him the owner of the car. Less than 72 hours elapsed between running the VIN & talking to the current owner WHO HAS OWNED THE CAR FOR 14 YEARS! Some negotiations took place and the realization the car was going to a good home and last month I went out to the MCACN show in Chicago with my trailer in tow and Sunday took a side trip to Janesville to pick her up.
She's in amazing original condition aside from the interior which has been changed to another year after the owner's dogs destroyed it. 110,000 miles now clocked on the odometer, running & driving just as it did when I first owned it.
It's now stored away in the barn awaiting some paint-less dent repair, some careful repainting of required areas and a replacement grey custom cloth interior with split folding rear seat and deluxe luggage compartment trim
wish me luck on finding that combination in good condition!The plan is to not restore it but to tastefully repair/refinish those areas that are necessary, drive & enjoy it. I'm a huge fan of cars that look like you just pulled a cover off of them in some old garage & still tell their stories and this car suits that in spades! The only changes I'll make to it will be to add the JG1 Aluminum Drive Shaft & N65 aluminum spare that I have and possibly an NA5 dual cat exhaust if I can find one in NOS or super nice used condition.
So that's it, mine again and will never leave! Thanks for indulging my story - I'll be updating it as things move forward with the car.
Last edited by PurelyPMD; 12-16-2014 at 09:18 AM.
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88coupedoop (04-17-2020)
12-09-2014, 12:48 PM
#3
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Re: Mine again....
WOW! And Holy Cow!!! I really enjoyed the story. Damn fine look'n IROC also.
I have a feeling that you are as giddy as heck find your car from years gone by and to be in that condition. Truly wonderful story. (Except for the stolen thing)
AWESOME!
PS: You care to share whats hiding under all those car covers????????????????????????????????????
Last edited by Bob88GTA; 12-09-2014 at 12:49 PM. Reason: More info
12-09-2014, 02:14 PM
#4
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Car: '18 Jeep Wrangler, '19 Honda Accord
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Transmission: 8 speed auto, 10 speed auto.
Re: Mine again....
Dude, that is one awesome story! I love to read stuff like that! I wish finding my Dad's 86 IROC would be that easy!
12-09-2014, 02:52 PM
#5
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Car: 1986
Engine: 350
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: Auburn 3.73 posi moser axles
Re: Mine again....
I am glad you got your car back. I have been able to hold on to mine even when I thought I should get rid it of it, and years later I am so glad I did keep it.
12-09-2014, 05:01 PM
#6
Re: Mine again....
My hat is off to all of you who have kept theirs! That was my original intention but after having the heads replaced under warranty (and the bolts not being torqued properly) and then getting the block replaced because of anti-freeze in the oil, I decided it was better to let it go.
But that was then & this is now - I've been looking at them for years and have considered buying many t-top models & convertibles but they just would have been replacements. I love the 1988 & up ones with the blue stripe on the bottom (did even back in the day) and the 1988 & up ones with the IROC decal back on the door, but honestly, none of them would have replaced this car.
But that was then & this is now - I've been looking at them for years and have considered buying many t-top models & convertibles but they just would have been replacements. I love the 1988 & up ones with the blue stripe on the bottom (did even back in the day) and the 1988 & up ones with the IROC decal back on the door, but honestly, none of them would have replaced this car.
12-09-2014, 07:21 PM
#7
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Car: 83 Z28
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Re: Mine again....
That is an AWESOME story! Glad you were able to get it back! I too, want to see what is under all those other covers!
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12-10-2014, 07:28 AM
#8
Re: Mine again....
It had to have been the 5spd that saved the car but it was easy to tell it was mine. Unique combination of options....the lack of a rear defroster was a mistake on the salesman's part (he thought it was standard equipment) G80, G92, J65 & KC4 could be found but not very many out there with radio delete.
Car still wears every original body panel (all vin stickers in place) and has the service replacement block in it that I have the dealer warranty receipt for.
Driving it back in the day with my Brother-In-Law riding shotgun.
My NOS radio delete plate that will be going back in it thanks to Bluetooth technology.
Car still wears every original body panel (all vin stickers in place) and has the service replacement block in it that I have the dealer warranty receipt for.
Driving it back in the day with my Brother-In-Law riding shotgun.
My NOS radio delete plate that will be going back in it thanks to Bluetooth technology.
12-10-2014, 08:36 AM
#9
Member
Re: Mine again....
Awesome story and great car. I just recently bought a black 88 350 iroc from the original owner and he gave me the window sticker and order sheet.
12-10-2014, 08:40 AM
#10
12-10-2014, 10:31 AM
#11
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Re: Mine again....
Well I am glad that you got it back man. It sounds like you have a love affair with your car just like most of us on this site. The old school picture of you driving your car is total bada$$ too
12-11-2014, 05:43 AM
#16
Re: Mine again....
Some time slips here from one of the other owners I was able to get in touch with out there - best was 14.57 @ 91.71 MPH - not great but not bad for driving to the track & driving home bone stock.
12-15-2014, 09:59 PM
#19
Senior Member
Re: Mine again....
I love to hear stories like this! Congratulations on finding your orginal ride! It's a great time capsule and i'm sure the memories you had with it will surface once again!
Your story only gives me hope in finding my GTA, since i sold her back in March '10 after losing my job and needing the money I had no choice but to sell it and I can't believe it's almost 5 years when i did that! People say you'll find another but I just want that one back because i know every nut and bolt that i have removed on that car!
I love the fact you have all those classic pontiacs in your stable. To have a 3rd gen in your collection is mighty fine as well.
I wanted to go to the Mecum Auto Auction but the scedule had to change. So i ended up going to the car show presented by Mecum last month (nov) and at least saw a couple of thirdgens. (one was #11 formula firehawk that didn't sell).
Your story only gives me hope in finding my GTA, since i sold her back in March '10 after losing my job and needing the money I had no choice but to sell it and I can't believe it's almost 5 years when i did that! People say you'll find another but I just want that one back because i know every nut and bolt that i have removed on that car!
I love the fact you have all those classic pontiacs in your stable. To have a 3rd gen in your collection is mighty fine as well.
I wanted to go to the Mecum Auto Auction but the scedule had to change. So i ended up going to the car show presented by Mecum last month (nov) and at least saw a couple of thirdgens. (one was #11 formula firehawk that didn't sell).
12-16-2014, 09:11 AM
#20
Re: Mine again....
I was lucky enough to pick up a set of the wrong color 87 seats (plus a ton of interior plastic panels) for $150 yesterday and then dropped them off at the local detailing shop to be steam cleaned for an extra $50.
I won't be using these in my car but at least now I've got a complete black interior that I can put in whatever donor car I buy to pull my correct interior out of. Ideally when I'm done with the donor I can sell it for what I paid for it & get my correct interior for FREE!
I won't be using these in my car but at least now I've got a complete black interior that I can put in whatever donor car I buy to pull my correct interior out of. Ideally when I'm done with the donor I can sell it for what I paid for it & get my correct interior for FREE!
Last edited by PurelyPMD; 12-16-2014 at 09:19 AM.
12-17-2014, 04:30 PM
#21
Re: Mine again....
I washed it today for the first time - shines pretty nice for 28 Y.O. paint but it just made me realize more how many dings need to get rubbed out of it. 
I had to put it on the trailer to bring it down to the house - it's muddy up by the barn.
I had to put it on the trailer to bring it down to the house - it's muddy up by the barn.
12-17-2014, 07:55 PM
#22
12-18-2014, 06:31 AM
#23
Re: Mine again....
Thanks, I'd been planning it for years but push came to shove when Hurricane Sandy destroyed my temporary storage. Construction started almost exactly 2 years ago and the shell is up & done. There are still plans to add a compressor shed off the back left corner and a shed roof down the left side "chute" that will sit on posts in the stone wall.
The mistake I made was I loaded it immediately with cars & parts without pouring the floor. I'm planning on radiant heat in the slab and have the pex for it but need to move everything out & get it done before I can hang the doors. There's water, power & gas run up from the house underground and once done there will be a 2 post service lift in it and as many 4 post storage lifts as I need.
The neon PONTIAC sign will be going up over the Service sign on the left once I get it repaired - it came off a closed dealership last year.
The mistake I made was I loaded it immediately with cars & parts without pouring the floor. I'm planning on radiant heat in the slab and have the pex for it but need to move everything out & get it done before I can hang the doors. There's water, power & gas run up from the house underground and once done there will be a 2 post service lift in it and as many 4 post storage lifts as I need.
The neon PONTIAC sign will be going up over the Service sign on the left once I get it repaired - it came off a closed dealership last year.
Last edited by PurelyPMD; 12-19-2014 at 04:09 PM.
12-18-2014, 06:41 PM
#25
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Re: Mine again....
Oops. That was supposed to be "NOW that is a barn." Typo fixed.
Love the Pontiac sign! There's a fellow with a nice shop on Garage Journal that has one reworked with LEDs inside, hung across the back of his shop. That thread is here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=142656
I built a 26x36 to go with my attached garage. When the economy tanked, my progress stopped. I promised myself I would not move anything in until electric/insulation/drywall were done. It's now stuffed to the gills.
Love the Pontiac sign! There's a fellow with a nice shop on Garage Journal that has one reworked with LEDs inside, hung across the back of his shop. That thread is here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=142656
I built a 26x36 to go with my attached garage. When the economy tanked, my progress stopped. I promised myself I would not move anything in until electric/insulation/drywall were done. It's now stuffed to the gills.
12-18-2014, 11:12 PM
#27
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Re: Mine again....
I never said it before but that is an awesome story and congrats on getting your IROC back. Looks like you have a pretty awesome set up there. Keep the pics/plans coming!
12-19-2014, 08:54 AM
#28
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Car: 88GTA
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Re: Mine again....
Oops. That was supposed to be "NOW that is a barn." Typo fixed.
Love the Pontiac sign! There's a fellow with a nice shop on Garage Journal that has one reworked with LEDs inside, hung across the back of his shop. That thread is here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=142656
I built a 26x36 to go with my attached garage. When the economy tanked, my progress stopped. I promised myself I would not move anything in until electric/insulation/drywall were done. It's now stuffed to the gills.
Love the Pontiac sign! There's a fellow with a nice shop on Garage Journal that has one reworked with LEDs inside, hung across the back of his shop. That thread is here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=142656
I built a 26x36 to go with my attached garage. When the economy tanked, my progress stopped. I promised myself I would not move anything in until electric/insulation/drywall were done. It's now stuffed to the gills.
12-26-2014, 03:52 PM
#33
Re: Mine again....
A belated Christmas present showed up today - the For Sale sign that was hanging from the mirror when the car was purchased by the owners in 1998 & 1999. I met them out at the MCACN show & they said they would send it to me. That & the time slips they had from the track were the only things they had held on to.
Another nice piece of documentation to add to the collection.
Another nice piece of documentation to add to the collection.
12-29-2014, 09:39 PM
#34
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Car: 92 & 91 Z28 1LEs, 87 IROC-Z, 90 ZR1
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Re: Mine again....
This is a great story!!! Glad to hear that you were able to purchase it again, that's awesome! Post up more pics of the car in it's current state when you have time.
12-29-2014, 09:55 PM
#35
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Re: Mine again....
Awesome car and cool story!!! Congratulations!!!
12-29-2014, 09:56 PM
#36
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
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Re: Mine again....
Awesome story and congrats! I'm with ev305tpi, post more pics. That barn is also awesome - I'm jealous.
12-30-2014, 09:19 AM
#40
Re: Mine again....
The one closest to the front is my 70 GTO convertible (Judge clone), next row from left is the 87 parts car I bought from Don this weekend on the trailer, my 87 IROC under the blue cover, my 68 OHC6/3spd manual Lemans next to that and the 1997 Firebird I sold to a guy that works for me this summer.
Last row left to right is my 71 GT-37, my 73 Trans Am, my 72 Lemans Sport Convertible and my Mom's 93 Grand Prix SE.
There are a few others I have too - not all of them are at home.
Last row left to right is my 71 GT-37, my 73 Trans Am, my 72 Lemans Sport Convertible and my Mom's 93 Grand Prix SE.
There are a few others I have too - not all of them are at home.
12-30-2014, 12:17 PM
#46
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12-30-2014, 11:10 PM
#47
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Re: Mine again....
Cool Story! I can relate. I just bought my first car back after selling it 3 years ago. its a 1986 IROCZ.
12-31-2014, 04:02 AM
#48
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Car: 1986
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Re: Mine again....
That's a beautiful collection of cars. It must be a tough decision deciding which one you are going to drive
12-31-2014, 06:07 AM
#49
Re: Mine again....
In the summer I usually have one parked in the garage under the house and the trailer usually isn't in the barn so there are sometimes three that are easily accessible.
The nice thing is that if I have a bad day at work, I grab a set of keys and always come home with a smile on my face!