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ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
I've always thought the thirdgen convertibles looked super nice. Back in '99 when I decided to move on from my first car (an '88 Formula), I wanted a '91-92 Dark Green Trans Am convertible with a tan interior. I always liked that color combo. In my search, I came across a black on black GTA that was fully loaded for a really good price so I bought it. Over the years I've always admired the convertibles. Well, after 17 years of daily driving my '91 GTA I finally bought a convertible to pair with it. I got a '92 T/A convertible in the color combo I was looking for. I had to have it shipped from Florida to CA, but oh well. This is the first pic before I washed it:
The seats have been recently reupholstered and the top was new as well. I still have a lot of work on nickel and dime gripes to bring it up to my standards, but nonetheless it is in pretty solid shape. Here is my new addition after being washed:
The view from the front of my garage. That's my '91 GTA in the foreground.
Well, I have a few questions. First off is what are some of the things that are unique to maintaining a convertible that I need to know? What are the trim pieces or anything else that I need to really pay attention to? Particularly the items that are very hard to replace or even locate (such as those light bars...I really want one of those).
Also, can somebody post a picture of the latch for the rear of the top from the underneath side?
Somehow, after the first couple of times of figuring out how to raise and lower the top the spring/clip and arm assy popped off and no matter how I try to get it back on correctly the latch release doesn't want to work properly. Thanks in advance.
Eldon
P.S. I'll update my sig soon to reflect the vert as well.
Battman - Did yours come with the charcoal laced wheels or did you swap out the gold? I like the green but my number 1 was the Brilliant Red Metallic. They both stand out in a crowd!
Battman - Did yours come with the charcoal laced wheels or did you swap out the gold? I like the green but my number 1 was the Brilliant Red Metallic. They both stand out in a crowd!
I think it came with them but I'm not sure if one of the previous owners didn't swap them out.
I'm debating on putting gold wheels on there and see how I like it.
Just take a look at mine, it will give you an idea of how it will look. I actually didn't like the gold ones on my black GTA, but love how they look on the T/A. It offsets the tan top/interior and flows with the gold "Trans Am" decal on the door.
Just take a look at mine, it will give you an idea of how it will look. I actually didn't like the gold ones on my black GTA, but love how they look on the T/A. It offsets the tan top/interior and flows with the gold "Trans Am" decal on the door.
I do like the way yours looks with gold wheels, it flows better with the color scheme.
I think I will throw on a set of gold ones and see what it looks like in person.
I notice one of you has the Trans Am logo on the front bumper cover and the other hasn't, can I ask was this supposed to be there from the showroom? or was it an option? or retrofitted? I've seen one other pic of a '91 with the logo there and plenty of '91 - '92s without. Both superb looking verts by the way.
There's a green and tan 92 here in central Arkansas I still might get. Owned by a 75 year old woman who drives it everyday. She has the top down most of the time. Hope I'm still that hip when I am 75. Anyone know how many of that color combo were made? Hers has the gold wheels and it matches the car better imho.
Congrats on the car it looks to be in way above average shape. I always wanted a triple black 90 iroc or 92 25th car and after about 15 years I finally found a 92 that was in great shape and reasonably priced. It's all I drive.
I notice one of you has the Trans Am logo on the front bumper cover and the other hasn't, can I ask was this supposed to be there from the showroom? or was it an option? or retrofitted? I've seen one other pic of a '91 with the logo there and plenty of '91 - '92s without. Both superb looking verts by the way.
Didn't come with it on the front bumper, only with the bird in the top middle of the nose. Only had Trans Am on the rear of the GFX under the doors.
This was not too uncommon, especially in some magazines. Might be in part because the Gold PW7 rims were strictly only available on the GTA once the GTA began in 1987. It wasn't until the end of the ThirdGen run did the Gold PW7 rims become an option on the Trans Am convertible. So a late ThirdGen Trans Am convertible with Gold PW7 rims, to some, gets mistaken as a GTA.
Originally Posted by 1992 Trans Am
Eldon, for sure. Someone else earlier in the post referred to it as a GTA.
For sure JT! The only reason that I posted this reminder is because I've seen several unscrupulous people trying to sell 91-92 TA verts that they put GTA badges on and then try to sell as actual GTA convertible, which of course never existed. On my 92 TA vert I know that it was special ordered awith the GTA black cross laced wheels instead of the gold ones, so after all of these years and the amount of owners that most third gens have cycled through at this point, it's hard for some people that do not know all of the details about third gens and their options that can be duped into buying something that isn't what they think it is.
Originally Posted by JT
This was not too uncommon, especially in some magazines. Might be in part because the Gold PW7 rims were strictly only available on the GTA once the GTA began in 1987. It wasn't until the end of the ThirdGen run did the Gold PW7 rims become an option on the Trans Am convertible. So a late ThirdGen Trans Am convertible with Gold PW7 rims, to some, gets mistaken as a GTA.
Figured I'd update the progress, albeit slow, on getting my car up to standards.
1) I installed a Bluetooth/Satelite receiver w/backup camera capability, and then last week finally actually installed the backup camera. Even though I have been driving my GTA for several years, I did not anticipate the lack of visibility when backing up in the vert.
2) Replaced all the speakers with JL Audio speakers. The fronts had already been replaced by the PO. They were Polk Audio 4x6", but the rubber surround had deteriorated completely and was gone. Replaced them with 4" rounds. Swapped out the stock rear 5" speakers with 5x7". Had to cut the holes to be a little bigger since they weren't even big enough for the stock speakers.
3) Replaced the power mirror switch.
4) Replaced the rear LCAs with a set from Global West.
5) Replaced the stock panhard rod with an adjustable piece.
6) Installed a BMR strut tower brace today.
7) Tossed in a set of floor mats that matched the seats.
8) Replaced the cup holders with a set that was correct for my year. When I got the car, it had a set that appears to have been originally black but were painted to match the seats. Scratching, cracking and chiped paint made them look like crap so I got a set that matched the 1992 tan. (In the process learned that 1992 was its own shade/variation of tan).
9) While I was running the cable for the backup camera, I ran new speaker wire that goes from the amp location (not yet installed) to the speaker locations.
10) Installed new MSD spark plug wires, cap and rotor as well as new spark plugs.
11) Replaced the EGR valve so now I can pass emissions.
12) Balanced the tires.
13) Fixed the cigarette lighter so now it has power.
14) Replaced all the bulbs in the third brake light because four were burned out. (In case anybody is looking for quality replacements, Lon at TopDownSolutions has them in stock for a good price.)
15) I almost forgot that I had to procure a stock air intake and rubber bellows. It came with the air canister, but it was in bad shape. So I grabbed the one off the shelf that came from my '91 since it was in good shape and had a K&N air filter in it.
16)...and naturally I gave it a thorough washing, clay bar, and waxing.
I'll update this if I can remember anything else.
Last edited by blacksunshine'91; 07-03-2017 at 12:05 AM.
9) Replace speedometer. The trip odometer has a small issue that I thought I fixed, but still has issues. I have a replacement speedometer, but it has 10,000 more miles than my current one. So I'll wait until I get to that mileage and then swap them out.
10) Buy subframe connectors. I almost have enough money to buy a set from Lon at TDS.
11) Install the amp and connect all the speakers. I have almost everything I need to have my complete stereo system. Just need a box for the sub. I have a pair of JL 10"s in the garage, but I'm only going to use one of them.
12) Going to Dynamat the doors and the rear sump.
13) Oh, I have a set of Founders adjustable strut towers going on soon.
14) The shocks and struts are beyond shot. I have a spare set of Koni Yellow shocks from my GTA that I'm going to toss onto this car. I also bought a used set of KYB AGX struts for it since the budget is stretched a bit thin at the moment.
15) A K&N fuel filter will get installed soon when I get under the car.
...other stuff I can't think of off the top of my head.
Last edited by blacksunshine'91; 12-31-2019 at 02:44 PM.
Now for some of the things about this car that I've noticed or that are puzzling me.
1) There appears to be a Line Lock on the prop valve. The wires to it have been clipped so it isn't functional right now. Just makes you wonder, why would anybody put a line lock on a convertible? Its not like you would drag race a convertible with a 305.
2) Possibly related to the line lock; The wires attached to and around the relay assembly by the master cylinder is a hot jumbled mess. There are wires that were spliced into the relay wire harness. Some run into the harness, while others are cut a few inches from the relay when whatever they went to were cut. Somehow I need to replace either the relays or the wire harness itself.
3) While I had the shifter plate off, I noticed that the blue wires going into the window switches had been cut and then reconnected. Only the blue ones. Weird.
4) The three wires coming out of the power antenna relay were cut about six inches from the relay. (Probably because the antenna broke and was running continuously as is common with them). When I had the dash panels off, I couldn't locate the other end of the wires where they had been cut from. I'll have to get to that later.
5) I don't think the secondary fan works. This might be related to the wiring situation around the fan relays. I'll troubleshoot this one eventually and see if its just wiring or if the fan motor is shot.
6) There is a knocking sound coming from somewhere around the pulleys on the passenger's side. Not sure if its the A/C pump, smog pump, or what. But it is a loud knocking sound. Pretty certain that it is not the engine at all or TunerPro would show the car adjusting for knock retard.
7) The headliner trim piece has something rattling somewhere over on the passenger's side.
8) The are that the bolts that hold the rear seats in place have been stripped out pretty bad. To the point where one side looks like they ripped the bolt straight out and it pulled the sheet metal outward like it exploded.
9) The convertible top release is puzzling me. When I try to pull the handle, it won't release the top. I have to reach under the tonneau and mess with the spring/clip to make it release the top. I think the clip might need to be replaced, but I am not sure and I am having difficulty finding just the clip without having to buy the entire assembly.
There are other things, but can't think of them off the top of my head.
Last edited by blacksunshine'91; 12-30-2016 at 08:21 PM.
I have a nos Delco fan motor if you need to replace that Eldon. As far as the top rattling noise, have you tried to tighten everything thing up including the plastic bow trim piece that goes around the release levers on the top?
Originally Posted by blacksunshine'91
Now for some of the things about this car that I've noticed or that are puzzling me.
1) There appears to be a Line Lock on the prop valve. The wires to it have been clipped so it isn't functional right now. Just makes you wonder, why would anybody put a line lock on a convertible? Its not like you would drag race a convertible with a 305.
2) Possibly related to the line lock; The wires attached to and around the relay assembly by the master cylinder is a hot jumbled mess. There are wires that were spliced into the relay wire harness. Some run into the harness, while others are cut a few inches from the relay when whatever they went to were cut. Somehow I need to replace either the relays or the wire harness itself.
3) While I had the shifter plate off, I noticed that the blue wires going into the window switches had been cut and then reconnected. Only the blue ones. Weird.
4) The three wires coming out of the power antenna relay were cut about six inches from the relay. (Probably because the antenna broke and was running continuously as is common with them). When I had the dash panels off, I couldn't locate the other end of the wires where they had been cut from. I'll have to get to that later.
5) I don't think the secondary fan works. This might be related to the wiring situation around the fan relays. I'll troubleshoot this one eventually and see if its just wiring or if the fan motor is shot.
6) There is a knocking sound coming from somewhere around the pulleys on the passenger's side. Not sure if its the A/C pump, smog pump, or what. But it is a loud knocking sound. Pretty certain that it is not the engine at all or TunerPro would show the car adjusting for knock retard.
7) The headliner trim piece has something rattling somewhere over on the passenger's side.
8) The are that the bolts that hold the rear seats in place have been stripped out pretty bad. To the point where one side looks like they ripped the bolt straight out and it pulled the sheet metal outward like it exploded.
9) The convertible top release is puzzling me. When I try to pull the handle, it won't release the top. I have to reach under the tonneau and mess with the spring/clip to make it release the top. I think the clip might need to be replaced, but I am not sure and I am having difficulty finding just the clip without having to buy the entire assembly.
There are other things, but can't think of them off the top of my head.
Just taking a guess, I'd imagine the knocking sound is something going wrong with your smog pump?
Originally Posted by 1992 Trans Am
I have a nos Delco fan motor if you need to replace that Eldon. As far as the top rattling noise, have you tried to tighten everything thing up including the plastic bow trim piece that goes around the release levers on the top?
Have to tried to lubricant the top release mechanism?
Originally Posted by 1992 Trans Am
I have a nos Delco fan motor if you need to replace that Eldon. As far as the top rattling noise, have you tried to tighten everything thing up including the plastic bow trim piece that goes around the release levers on the top?
Forgot to mention that the VSS needs to be replaced. Got a replacement Delco unit sitting on the shelf. When I get under there to replace the filter, I'll swap that out as well. I also have a new Corvette servo that I'd like to put in there as well.
The car is also missing a piece of the seatbelt trim on the driver's side as well. Not the big cap piece, but that little bezel that the belt slides through.
Just taking a guess, I'd imagine the knocking sound is something going wrong with your smog pump?
It could be. Its just hard to determine exactly where its coming from. I've checked all the stuff in that area and I don't see anything that just needs to be tightened down. I'll look into it more at a later time when I get a chance.
Have to tried to lubricant the top release mechanism?
No, it isn't something that needs lubed. After I get the top to release, the clip doesn't return back to its original position. I think the clip is just worn out. Definitely annoying.
Eldon, do you still have my number? Text me a pic of the clip and mechanism and I'll compare it to mine so we can see if it looks different or is missing something.
1) There appears to be a Line Lock on the prop valve. The wires to it have been clipped so it isn't functional right now. Just makes you wonder, why would anybody put a line lock on a convertible? Its not like you would drag race a convertible with a 305.
2) Possibly related to the line lock; The wires attached to and around the relay assembly by the master cylinder is a hot jumbled mess. There are wires that were spliced into the relay wire harness. Some run into the harness, while others are cut a few inches from the relay when whatever they went to were cut. Somehow I need to replace either the relays or the wire harness itself.
Hopefully I can knock out a bunch of stuff off my to-do list. Once I can do that, I'm going to take the 3" Edelbrock cat back off my GTA and put on the vert. It currently has what I believe to be the stock intermediate pipe with a Borla muffler. I do not like the sound of the Borla at all. The GTA will get the set of GMMG pipes I have hanging in the garage.
As far as the top rattling noise, have you tried to tighten everything thing up including the plastic bow trim piece that goes around the release levers on the top?
I've tightened a few things, but I'm not going to try to eliminate all the rattles until after I get subframe connectors installed. I know from my GTA that installing connectors will cut squeaks and rattles down immensely. Once they're on, I'll go through and try to make the cabin as quiet as the GTA.
Just taking a guess, I'd imagine the knocking sound is something going wrong with your smog pump?
I'm thinking you are correct. While I was out working on the vert today, I tried to locate the source of the knocking. I removed the belt and then turned all the pulleys by hand as fast as I could. I didn't hear anything doing that (other than I think the alternator is the source of an intermittent squeak I also had). So I then grabbed each of the pulleys and tried to move them around. When I moved the smog pump pulley fore/aft I could hear the smog pump make a sound that was very similar to the knocking sound. It wasn't moving visibly, but I could feel an extremely slight movement. My hunch is that the bearings on the pump are probably going out.
I'm thinking you are correct. While I was out working on the vert today, I tried to locate the source of the knocking. I removed the belt and then turned all the pulleys by hand as fast as I could. I didn't hear anything doing that (other than I think the alternator is the source of an intermittent squeak I also had). So I then grabbed each of the pulleys and tried to move them around. When I moved the smog pump pulley fore/aft I could hear the smog pump make a sound that was very similar to the knocking sound. It wasn't moving visibly, but I could feel an extremely slight movement. My hunch is that the bearings on the pump are probably going out.
I was able to find an NOS AC Delco smog pump, so I bought it. I haven't installed it yet though. I plan on tearing into the car in April. I'm going to swap that pump out while I have the car up on stands to replace the front & rear brakes, brake lines, and front steering linkage. I'll let you know if that cures the knocking sound.
Right now I have the door panels off, just waiting for some better weather so I can replace the door hinge bushings. The doors will be treated to some new window felts and weatherstripping when I put it all back together.
Last edited by blacksunshine'91; 03-06-2017 at 10:00 AM.
I finally was able to chase down the wires that went to those extra relays. They went into the driver's side kick panel and were clipped by a previous owner and over to the line lock. So those are now removed and my relay bank looks normal without that rat's nest of wires present. Just curious, when I was changing my tranny filter, I noticed a wire attached to the valve body. Does anybody with experience with line locks or tranny brakes recognize the wire with the red pieces on there?
I was able to find an NOS AC Delco smog pump, so I bought it. I haven't installed it yet though....I'll let you know if that cures the knocking sound.
Right now I have the door panels off, just waiting for some better weather so I can replace the door hinge bushings.
I installed the smog pump on the 18th, and haven't heard any knocking since. So I'm pretty sure that was the source of the knocking sound.
Yesterday I was able to knock out the final door hinge bushings. Doors open/close super smooth now. Only thing left is the driver detent roller pin. That's going to be fun to change with the door on.
I was finally able to knock out some more work on the vert this weekend. I replaced almost the entire brake system. It now has new calipers, pads, EBC slotted rotors, S/S brake lines, aluminum drums, Porterfield shoes, hardware, and I replaced the brake line from the prop valve that had the line lock on it. While I had it in the air, I installed new Moog ceterlink, pitman arm, inner and outer tie rods with Hotchkis tie rod sleeves and a new steering shaft with one from an AstroVan. The struts were upgraded to some KYB AGX struts and the strut mounts were upgraded to a pair of J&M mounts. It also got a new pinion seal to replace the torn/leaking one and a aluminum T/A diff cover.
The door bushings were replaced on both sides with greasable sets sold by Lon at Topdownsolutions. The door weather stripping was replaced by stripping Fairchild that I bought from 1A Auto. I must say that these ones are superior to the SoftSeal weatherstripping. They fit much better and are easier to install. The window sweeps were also replaced. I sourced them from 1A Auto as well. Prior to the door panels being reinstalled, I lined the doors with Dynamat tri-lite to cut down on road noise. Finally, I installed some gauge bezels I acquired from TGO member Rgauder.
Its been a while since I replaced the smog pump, and I am quite certain that the smog pump was the issue. I haven't heard any knocking like before at all. Pretty sure that was the issue.
That's awesome Eldon! We both got a lot done to our verts yesterday!
Let's take our verts on a cruise sometime soon!
Originally Posted by blacksunshine'91
I was finally able to knock out some more work on the vert this weekend. I replaced almost the entire brake system. It now has new calipers, pads, EBC slotted rotors, S/S brake lines, aluminum drums, Porterfield shoes, hardware, and I replaced the brake line from the prop valve that had the line lock on it. While I had it in the air, I installed new Moog ceterlink, pitman arm, inner and outer tie rods with Hotchkis tie rod sleeves and a new steering shaft with one from an AstroVan. The struts were upgraded to some KYB AGX struts and the strut mounts were upgraded to a pair of J&M mounts. It also got a new pinion seal to replace the torn/leaking one and a aluminum T/A diff cover.
The door bushings were replaced on both sides with greasable sets sold by Lon at Topdownsolutions. The door weather stripping was replaced by stripping Fairchild that I bought from 1A Auto. I must say that these ones are superior to the SoftSeal weatherstripping. They fit much better and are easier to install. The window sweeps were also replaced. I sourced them from 1A Auto as well. Prior to the door panels being reinstalled, I lined the doors with Dynamat tri-lite to cut down on road noise. Finally, I installed some gauge bezels I acquired from TGO member Rgauder.
Finally installed the wire harness so the car now has auto up/down windows. Had the wires made longer so that the modules are attached to the support bar inside the passenger's side kick panel. Made it much easier to install without having to force those modules into positions inside the console.
Then I dropped in the silver gauge bezels from rgauder. They look super sharp. I'll post pics soon.
Oh, while I was at it I replaced the mirror switch with one I got from 1992 Trans Am. Works like a champ now.
Sorry I know this is off topic , I'm new here , how do I start a post ?
Go to the topic related to where you want to post into and create a new thread by clicking the new post link that is located on the top left above the box area where the threads are listed.
Nice!, I'm glad the mirror switch and bezel worked out for you.
Originally Posted by blacksunshine'91
Finally installed the wire harness so the car now has auto up/down windows. Had the wires made longer so that the modules are attached to the support bar inside the passenger's side kick panel. Made it much easier to install without having to force those modules into positions inside the console.
Then I dropped in the silver gauge bezels from rgauder. They look super sharp. I'll post pics soon.
Oh, while I was at it I replaced the mirror switch with one I got from 1992 Trans Am. Works like a champ now.
06-07-2016, 12:07 AM
