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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 have been a member on here for while but I did not have a car. My mom had a 1984 camaro sport and I grew up in that car and learned to drive in that car. Growing up I always liked the 3rd gen's and had my mind set on a 1992 RS being that it was the last year of the 3rd gen. Some may say they are slow but thats what I wanted so I dont wanna hear any flack lol. After years of searching for the right car at the right price I have finally found a car that I could not pass up. I was able to find a 1992 RS red on red and a two owner with 103K miles. The car runs good and no rust. My goal is to maintain the car in its current condition and keep it reliable. Any recommendations for maintaining its glory feel free to let me know. Things to watch out for, maintenance, paint protection anything. FYI. I have had the car for about two weeks. I have pretty much just checked all the fluids and driven to one car show. I plan on dropping the oil pretty soon. I have included a few pics of my journey so far below. I'm sure I will have more questions as time moves forward. I plan to keep you updated on my progress.
Very nice looking RS. My car shares the same engine as yours and at 90k miles I changed plugs, wires, dist cap, rotor and coil then moved on to springs, shocks, struts, end links, sway bay bushings, exhaust,etc. Car runs much better just getting those basic things up to par. Hopefully I will run into you at a show and get to see it. Good luck!
In regards to the history. I picked it up from a older couple in VA near the southern MD line. The wife purchased the car for herself from a lady down the road while her husband was deployed back in 2001. When she got the car it had 99k miles on it. They only put 4k miles on the car between 2001 and 2016. Thats crazy! The husband pretty much maintained the car for his wife and they kept it garaged. I found the car on craigslist and was surprised it hadnt sold. The husband mentioned that they had a few scammers and dealers come by but the wife wanted it to go to a good home. I exchanged emails with the husband for about 2-3 weeks before going to see the car. I asked the typical questions. ie. fuel pump, speedometer, dash, any mechanical issues. I ran the car fax and it verified the information that he told me. He wanted 5500 and I walked away with it for 5k. To me thats what the car was worth and he could have gotten 6-7k if he really wanted too. I have looked at many cars and 5k is a good price for this car. They sold the car because the wife had back issues and it was hard getting in and out of the car. Also they werent driving the car and the husband needed room for his new tractor.
Random question? I am noticing small road chips on the hood and front pumper. Is that a common issue when driving one of these cars? I try not to drive too fast and give myself space from other vehicles. The car came with a bra but I told myself I'm not driving around with a bra on.
I submitted a response previously but it did not show. Hopefully this one will.
I got the car in VA from an older couple. The car was purchased by the wife in 2001 with 99k miles on it. I got it about a month ago with 103k miles on it. The car was garaged most of the time and the wife has back issues now. That is the reason for selling the car. The husband took good care of the car for his wife. They wanted the car to go to a good home hence the reason why they had it on craigslist for about a month. They turned down dealers and scammers. Husband wanted 5500 and i paid 5k. Was worth every dime. Any feedback for rock chips? I am noticing them. I assume that comes with the territory. Thanks for all the feedback guys!!
FYI. before going to see the car. I exchanged emails with the owners for about 2-3 weeks. I wanted to make sure everything was working: fuel pump, speedometer etc. Also wanted to make sure there were no major issues.
As dmccain said there are a lot of things that will wear out over time. Definitely look into replacing any rubber underneath the car; I'd recommend checking the torque arm bushing and transmission mount for rot, along with your bump stops on the front and rear suspension. Up to you on whether to swap in polyurethane but I personally like the increased stiffness.
Keep that dash covered so it doesn't crack!
Check your fuel tank neck for cracks. My 91 had this issue.
Check to make sure everything is greased properly.
With any luck the p/o might have some receipts for previous work. This can help you prioritize what you want to replace right away vs. what can wait until later. Never hurts to ask.
If your car is a driver, you can expect the paint chips. I back off too but I still get a chip or two every month or so. Clear coating can also deteriorate after a while. Paint looks good for the age of the car. I've had mine touched up a couple of times, but I am planning a respray sometime in the next year or two.
I went to a local paint/ supply shop and got a color coded paint pen to touch up the chips every now and then. It works very well you would have to look very hard to tell those chips were there.
Took the RS out to a local meet up/car show yesterday afternoon and walked away with an award. Check it out.
*Question for you guys? I have been keeping the car parked outside with a cover on it. I am noticing small scratches here and there and i think its coming from the cover. Any recommendations on covering the car? I decided that i could save 85 dollars a month vs storing the car. I have read a few forums and some people say its better just to leave it uncovered. I want to know whats the best way to protect it while leaving it parked outside. Any feedback would be helpful on this.
Buy a carport or park it in the shade best you can. Car covers will scratch your car or hold moisture and you don't want that. These old cars wont hold up outdoors paint and seals will go south before long. Nice car man good to see you out there winning awards and enjoying it!
