5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
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From: *member since 1999, I think - just can't remember my old name, and the big site crash...*
Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
At least he's coming down in price. He started at around $25K a few years ago. I've told him that he'll own the car until he can come down to $5K. Needs the factory hubcaps, though.
Last edited by chazman; Jan 25, 2018 at 10:14 PM.
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Part of me thinks it might be fun to own something like this, until I realize what horrible performance it would have. It would have to go to the right guy in order to be preserved, too many butchers like Drew and I in the world...
Charlie is right, the guys price is laughable.
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
The first thing everyone says who see's it is "LS swap". Personally, it seems like a shame for it to have survived untouched for 35 years to go through that.
Now, full disclosure: I've never driven an Iron Duke Camaro. If I did, I might drive it around the block and realize how painfully slow and unsatisfying it is to drive. At that point, I wouldn't LS swap it though, I'd do a smallblock. 350, 383, whatever - but make it look like a factory LG4 as much as possible. Probably need to get a truck air cleaner. I think I'd paint the motor corporate blue, even though it's an '83 and GM had gone with black by then.
Key component however, it MUST have the factory dog dish hubcaps or no deal.
Now, full disclosure: I've never driven an Iron Duke Camaro. If I did, I might drive it around the block and realize how painfully slow and unsatisfying it is to drive. At that point, I wouldn't LS swap it though, I'd do a smallblock. 350, 383, whatever - but make it look like a factory LG4 as much as possible. Probably need to get a truck air cleaner. I think I'd paint the motor corporate blue, even though it's an '83 and GM had gone with black by then.
Key component however, it MUST have the factory dog dish hubcaps or no deal.
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Nah, see you're looking at it all wrong... There's no reason to leave it alone because a 4cyl in a Camaro is an abomination. It should be stricken from the record. There's also no reason to make it look like something it's not (an LG4). This is a golden opportunity to right a colossal wrong. A clean LSWhatever swap with whatever trick drivetrain would actually increase this car's value. It'd make it an enjoyable car. It'd vastly improve it's viability as a car rather than a lawn jockey.
As it sits, the only purpose it'd serve is an exhibit in the museum of modern miscalculations, it could be between BetaMax and the Zune. You can't miss it, go down this hall until you see the Nintendo Virtual Boy, turn left and it's right there.
I'd have to bust out the paperwork to doublecheck, but those poverty caps don't even look correct. -puking smiley goes here-
As it sits, the only purpose it'd serve is an exhibit in the museum of modern miscalculations, it could be between BetaMax and the Zune. You can't miss it, go down this hall until you see the Nintendo Virtual Boy, turn left and it's right there.
I'd have to bust out the paperwork to doublecheck, but those poverty caps don't even look correct. -puking smiley goes here-
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
No, those are the wrong ones. His uncle had a box full of hubcaps and he just put those on because he didn't know which ones to use. This car came with the base dog dish caps, not the optional full wheel covers.
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From: Somers, NY
Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.0L TPI LB9
Transmission: 5-speed manual (T5)
Axle/Gears: 3.45 POSI
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Are you sure that isn't a factory-installed Delco AM-only radio? I've never seen the AM-only radio in person, but that looks close to what I would imagine it should look like. I believe 1983 Sport Coupes came with AM radio "standard". This one has the digital clock, though, so it would be an optional upgrade! It might be the only option on that car! Does anyone spot any other option?
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Are you sure that isn't a factory-installed Delco AM-only radio? I've never seen the AM-only radio in person, but that looks close to what I would imagine it should look like. I believe 1983 Sport Coupes came with AM radio "standard". This one has the digital clock, though, so it would be an optional upgrade! It might be the only option on that car! Does anyone spot any other option?
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
These are the optional covers -

I've got a set of the world's most basic Pontiac hubcaps out in the garage. They're 70's style, and 15's, so I started digging. Turns out they're off a mid-70's Firebird. I have been trying to get rid of them for a decade. Probably recycle them as scrap aluminum, one of these days.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I can't copy and paste the pic, but it's in here:
https://gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm...let-Camaro.pdf
https://gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm...let-Camaro.pdf
Last edited by chazman; Jan 26, 2018 at 04:26 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 123
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From: Somers, NY
Car: 1987 IROC-Z
Engine: 5.0L TPI LB9
Transmission: 5-speed manual (T5)
Axle/Gears: 3.45 POSI
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I just checked the dealer's order guide on the GM Heritage web page. What I wrote above was not quite right -- an AM radio was not standard on 1983 Sport Coupes. In fact, a radio wasn't standard with Berlinettas or Z28s, either!
(What I wrote above is more relevant to 1987 Camaros.) The digital clock was also an option on Sport Coupes. So that car has at least two options (AM radio and digital clock), which add $151 to the MSRP!
My father had a nice 1982 Berlinetta (black V6 with four-speed manual). That car had the top-of-the-line radio (ERS w/ cassette), but it's hard to imagine that no radio was standard on that car.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I've got a set of the world's most basic Pontiac hubcaps out in the garage. They're 70's style, and 15's, so I started digging. Turns out they're off a mid-70's Firebird. I have been trying to get rid of them for a decade. Probably recycle them as scrap aluminum, one of these days.

I wish I had a Pontiac to put them on. They're pretty cool!
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From: CT
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS B4C
Engine: 5.7 TPI Crate Motor
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I think this car would be cool if you can source all the Iron Duke superduty parts. I did a quick google search and a 2.7L made 272hp and a 3.2L was at 330hp. I am assuming this car probably weighs close to 3000lbs. With the right suspension set up and a 2.7 it would be a good autocross car. An LSX or 350 swap is easy and cheap but there are thousands of 3rd gens like that already.
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From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I'd be inclined to leave it alone.
If I "had to" change the powertarin, I'd find a totaled Solstice GXP / Sky Redline to steal the powertrain from.
If I "had to" change the powertarin, I'd find a totaled Solstice GXP / Sky Redline to steal the powertrain from.
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
This car would be sick with a killer drivetrain. Right now it looks like a 4cyl Camaro. Now imagine it still looked like a 4cy Camaro, but with wheels and Holy Shh... Is that an LSWhatever!?Right now most people would walk up and see the engine an say, "Well, that's dumb". A clean engine swap would surprise people. Not to mention that nothing in the world runs as poorly as an Iron Duke. It's not just a 4cyl, it's the worst 4cyl of the last 30 years.
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Posting this for perspective. This is the 1967 version of this car. A 3 on a tree, 250 with 59,000 miles.






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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: Gem State
Engine: LG4
Transmission: 700R4/4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Are you sure that isn't a factory-installed Delco AM-only radio? I've never seen the AM-only radio in person, but that looks close to what I would imagine it should look like. I believe 1983 Sport Coupes came with AM radio "standard". This one has the digital clock, though, so it would be an optional upgrade! It might be the only option on that car! Does anyone spot any other option?
Joined: Mar 2001
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Car: '89 Firebird
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
This car hasn't been neglected but it hasn't been doted (sp ?) on either.
If I had that car I would turn it into the Camaro version of my car. Keep the stock body but make it super clean. And blow the whole thing apart mechanically. Not a damn thing worth saving under the hood or under the car.
If I had that car I would turn it into the Camaro version of my car. Keep the stock body but make it super clean. And blow the whole thing apart mechanically. Not a damn thing worth saving under the hood or under the car.
Last edited by QwkTrip; Jan 28, 2018 at 12:15 AM.
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From: London, UK
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
damn, get some subframe connectors on that stat before it folds in half from all that glorious Duke torque
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
My impression as well.
It certainly hasn't been pickled in a protective bubble, it basically spent a few decades sitting in someone's garage. Paint is dull and scratched, check out rear bumper pic. I think it could look spectacular after about 100 hours of detailing! But.....you've gotta find those factory poverty caps.
Over the past few years, this car has appeared in dozens of threads here on TGO and on various 3rd gen FB pages. I wonder if the owners know how famous their car has become!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: *member since 1999, I think - just can't remember my old name, and the big site crash...*
Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
All of these cars were bought as cheap transportation appliances, were completely used up and met the crusher years or decades ago. This one survived simply because it's owner passed away and it sat in someone's garage for a couple of decades.
So it's more than just the analogy of the tallest midget, it is the only midget. We've got the other thread going about a mythical 3rd gen museum. This is a car which would be interesting to display there, if not actually drive.
The asking price is crazy, I know. I've tried several times to educate the owners on that, trying to be as delicate as possible. Maybe I should let Drew talk some sense to them!
They have come down from about $25K a few years ago. And now they seem to be coming down about 100 bucks after every eBay auction.
I'd be interested in this car, to be perfectly honest, but at the right price though.
Last edited by chazman; Mar 29, 2018 at 09:03 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,208
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From: *member since 1999, I think - just can't remember my old name, and the big site crash...*
Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
If putting in a museum is akin to the bearded lady at the carnival, I'd be one for checking out the side-show.
It is cool from a scarce, never seen factor, but in the grand scheme, there's just no real demand for something like this when prices so high.
A 6 cyl. Was avail on a 1969 Charger. But it doesn't add value over any of the V8 cars, no matter the scarcity.
It is cool from a scarce, never seen factor, but in the grand scheme, there's just no real demand for something like this when prices so high.
A 6 cyl. Was avail on a 1969 Charger. But it doesn't add value over any of the V8 cars, no matter the scarcity.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
If putting in a museum is akin to the bearded lady at the carnival, I'd be one for checking out the side-show.
It is cool from a scarce, never seen factor, but in the grand scheme, there's just no real demand for something like this when prices so high.
A 6 cyl. Was avail on a 1969 Charger. But it doesn't add value over any of the V8 cars, no matter the scarcity.
It is cool from a scarce, never seen factor, but in the grand scheme, there's just no real demand for something like this when prices so high.
A 6 cyl. Was avail on a 1969 Charger. But it doesn't add value over any of the V8 cars, no matter the scarcity.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
$250 price drop.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-Chevro...53.m1438.l2649
I wonder how many more years of eBay listings and price drops it'll take before this car gets into a realistic price range?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-Chevro...53.m1438.l2649
I wonder how many more years of eBay listings and price drops it'll take before this car gets into a realistic price range?
Last edited by chazman; Mar 29, 2018 at 09:02 AM.
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Well... From January to March it went down $250. So that's about $125 a month. It's $12,000 overpriced... So in about 8 years it might sell, if it hasn't rotted into the ground, or hasn't been blown up by North Korea or the Yellowstone eruption, and fossil fuel conveyance hasn't been outlawed through a push by 17 year old morons. Oops, left out the possibility it could burn to the ground in a garage fire.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Well... From January to March it went down $250. So that's about $125 a month. It's $12,000 overpriced... So in about 8 years it might sell, if it hasn't rotted into the ground, or hasn't been blown up by North Korea or the Yellowstone eruption, and fossil fuel conveyance hasn't been outlawed through a push by 17 year old morons. Oops, left out the possibility it could burn to the ground in a garage fire.

I truly think that you need to speak to the owners.
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From: South Ms
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Its not worth the space in my yard much less my shop. I couldn't think of anything id want to do with it. Even with a killer LS swap it would still be ugly.
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From: Crawfordville Ga
Car: 88 Sport Coupe
Engine: LT1
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Low mileage,Time capsule,no options,very interesting seeing it,but it just looks awful.
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From: Crawfordville Ga
Car: 88 Sport Coupe
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From: Central Ohio
Car: 1988 IROC
Engine: LB9
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Sad day for me, I just found out that a 3rd gen Camaro can be in good shape and butt ugly at the same time
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
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From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I'm not sure if anyone has made any offers on this car the past dozen times it has been on ebay or not, but today I did.
I offered $3K and that offer was declined.
I offered $3K and that offer was declined.
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
A real thrill-seeker aren'tcha?
What would you do with it if you won it?
I'd seriously put a V8 in it. The baddest V8 I could come up with. Bolt on some sport mirrors, maybe some wheels that don't look retarded... It'd look a lot better if it weren't bright red, but that'd defeat the purpose.
What would you do with it if you won it? I'd seriously put a V8 in it. The baddest V8 I could come up with. Bolt on some sport mirrors, maybe some wheels that don't look retarded... It'd look a lot better if it weren't bright red, but that'd defeat the purpose.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
A real thrill-seeker aren'tcha?
What would you do with it if you won it?
I'd seriously put a V8 in it. The baddest V8 I could come up with. Bolt on some sport mirrors, maybe some wheels that don't look retarded... It'd look a lot better if it weren't bright red, but that'd defeat the purpose.
What would you do with it if you won it? I'd seriously put a V8 in it. The baddest V8 I could come up with. Bolt on some sport mirrors, maybe some wheels that don't look retarded... It'd look a lot better if it weren't bright red, but that'd defeat the purpose.
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
4Cyl Camaro is an abomination..
What about putting a 3.8 Turbo Grand National motor in it..
Would look cool with the 3.8 SFI Turbo badge on the back..
Keep it a non V8.. wouldn’t be the cheapest option, but we’re just talking, right?
What about putting a 3.8 Turbo Grand National motor in it..
Would look cool with the 3.8 SFI Turbo badge on the back..
Keep it a non V8.. wouldn’t be the cheapest option, but we’re just talking, right?
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Another price drop to $15,150.
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From: Syracuse NY
Car: 84 Z-28
Engine: 305 HO
Transmission: r-700
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 9,937
Likes: 636
From: Chicagoland
Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I also first thought that those were the export paddle mirrors.
However, if they are GM export "breakaway" paddle mirrors, the design was changed by 1987 because 1987 paddle mirrors are shaped differently.
Strange that there is a phillips-head screw holding the trim tag to the radiator support. I thought all those trim tags were riveted.
To me, it looks like the tag is not clear-coated.
However, if they are GM export "breakaway" paddle mirrors, the design was changed by 1987 because 1987 paddle mirrors are shaped differently.
Strange that there is a phillips-head screw holding the trim tag to the radiator support. I thought all those trim tags were riveted.
To me, it looks like the tag is not clear-coated.
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
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Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
I had to click the "this listing has ended" button 5 times to get to the latest ad, lol
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
Only four history records in CarFax. Did not see the report, only the free info from the CarFax site.
Ebay's Autocheck indicates one-owner and no accidents.
Interesting.
Ebay's Autocheck indicates one-owner and no accidents.
Interesting.
Re: 5k mi time capsule 83 - check out the lack of opts
This Camaro must have been radio delete. It has an AudioVox SPS AM/FM radio (as CorvairGeek mentioned above).
The Camaro AudioVox did not have a cassette player, like the below link.
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Vintage-SPS-...-/172934791109
The Camaro AudioVox did not have a cassette player, like the below link.
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Vintage-SPS-...-/172934791109






