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What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
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!
What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I was thinking about a few moments in some threads, realizing most on this site were probably not alive or in the market when these cars were new. So just curious if you do actually remember when these were new, and if you have some old pics of them when they were. Post up.
Of course, if you got into the action 2nd, 3rd, or even 8th-hand, that's cool, too.
I do remember when they were new, buying my first car from the Chevy dealer and seeing more than a few IROCs around the lot. I also remember seeing and all black in/out GTA, and thinking it might work... But held out and bought the Corvette instead.
When I did buy my first (1989) GTA, I took the car to the local Pontiac dealer where they had 1991 Firebirds, getting a PPI done before purchase. Still have the 1991 brochure.
SO what's your memories and experiences? Bonus for pics.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I was alive then, but too young to drive. I just have memories of going to the local dealers with my dad and looking at all the new Chevy's and Pontiacs. Occasionally getting to sit in one, but that's about it. Around the '91-'92 timeframe, he almost went for a new Trans Am because Haydocy Pontiac kept offering him good money for his '90 SSE. I tried hard to sway him, but no such luck. In early '93, he ended up trading it for a supercharged '93 SSE.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I bought several brand new off the showroom floor - got a ton of old pics somewhere - need to dig them up.
I've had a ton of them over the years, both Camaro and Firebirds
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Graduated HS in 1988, so these were the hot cars for cruising back then, along with the TA's, Monte Carlo SS and Regal Grand National. 30 years later, and I bought my first Iroc this past fall..... I don't know how it is in other parts of the country, but cruising has been stifled by the local authorities here. Great memories....too bad the kids now don't get the opportunity to enjoy the summer nights doing it....
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
My 1st up close experience with a tpi 3rdgen was in 85. Our freshman yr shop class got a (crushed ttop roof by a transporter) 5mile, rear disc 85 IROC tpi auto.
I did have older friends with new 82-84 trans ams.and got to drive them when they were close to new. Those HOs with 373 gears were fun to blow the tires off of.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
In 1987 when I was 18, I went to a Chevy dealership and wanted to buy the new Z28 but got turned down for the financing and had to settle for a used 1981 Z28 instead. I wanted that 3rd Gen so bad but was happy I drove away in a Z anyways! How ironic that I own one today. Lol Probably why a lot of us own them eh!
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I remember them when they were new very well. I graduated from high school in 1994, and had probably 10 third gens during my high school years. Here's a few pics of some of them I had during h.s. I had a house fire back in 2002 so I lost most of my car pics...
My first 3rd gen. 1983 Trans Am. 63k miles. I was 16. I ended up putting some cool aluminum wheels on it I think this was my 3rd, third gen. 1986 IROC, tuned port, auto, red on red. 70k miles. Had this when i was 16, too. This pic was taken right out of the paint shop, before the new fender liners were installed. This was my 4th, third gen. 1984 Trans Am. 305, 5 speed. 60k miles. I spun a rod bearing in this car right away and my dad had an engine built for it. Itd spin 7,000 rpms easily, and ran very hard. Trophy was from the dragstrip. I was 17 This was probably 3rd gen number 9 or 10 for me. The last day of my senior year in 1994. Car was a 1987 IROC-Z, 5.7 TPI, 4 wheel disc brakes, 48k miles
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I was 19 in 1982, and looked everywhere for my first glimpse of one...it was December, and a brand-new red Z/28 had just been delivered at my local dealership. It looked like a spaceship to young eyes.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I was like 6 years old when I saw my first third gen Camaro in 1982. It was an 82 Indy Pace Car. I remember my dad lifting me up so I could see the t-tops, and someone had written "CHEVY SUCKS" in the dust on the drivers side t-top.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Fall of 1992 I started high school. My first car that wasn't a hand-me-down was my 1983 Camaro in about April 1995.
Before that, I knew they were out there, but they weren't really on my radar before the Camaro popped up at the last dealer we tried that day. Ironically it was within my budget, and my dad didn't veto it. Drove it until 1998 when some kid plowed into the back end while I was sitting at a red light. Replaced it with the Iroc a couple months later, added the Formula 6 months later, a bunch of others from then until now. Missed them when they were new, but been involved ever since.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
My older brother had an '82 Berlinetta Camaro. It sat for years under the hay shed but I never paid much attention to cars at that time. Then, when I was 18, I suddenly got interested in cars and bought the '89 Firebird I still have today.
The first time I got spanked on the street was by a purple 3rd gen Camaro that smoked my '68 El Camino by a mile. I thought that Camaro was so cool! Being smoked by that Camaro is what started my hobby of wrenching on cars.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I could not afford a a new 3rd gen when they came out at & I was just starting HS, But the impression was made on me when I was a junior & went to the local Chevy dealer for some parts & walked past a brand new 1985 Iroc on the inside sales floor. I remember stopping & looking at those crazy wide VR Tires on 16" rims & was simply blown away. I had never seen a 50 series tire on any car before (even though they existed) At that time I thought the % ratio was the width, so 50's seemed incredibly crazy on a factory camaro. Not many cars besides the corvette had a wheel that big. It was amazing & made a lasting impression & might be why I still love the look of the VR/ZR tires so much.
So, I immediately texted picts to all my friends....... Jk, yes I had to drive home, then call them on our wall mounted rotary phone, go to their house & ring the door bell......... Or just wait until the next school day to describe it.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Gee I guess I am one of the old guys here I remember clearly how well I liked the 3rd gens when they came out. I hated the looks of the 2nd gen cars from day one,,, and still do. When the local dealer got the first delivery of 1982 Camaros the wife and I piled in our 68 RS and drove to town just to look them over. Problem was every time I about had enough cash to buy one I'd come home from work to a big smile smile and guess what dear?? another tricycle motor on the way. In 1988 we finally scraped up enough cash to buy a new car and I of course was looking at IROCs, she was looking at vans (3 kids) She won and I never got my 88 IROC until last spring.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I saw a red Iroc on the Garden State Parkway in Jersey, back in the mid 80's. I was about 10. I remember it so vividly, and that was the moment that the Camaro overtook Kitt and all Firebirds as the coolest car I'd ever seen! Didn't even know the difference, what it was called, or even the relationship between the two, but I knew I loved that car. Couldn't afford an Iroc in HS though, so I got this 86 SC. I loved that car. Little 2.8 and a 5 speed. Oh the memories.Bought it for $2500 in 91.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Camaros were always on my radar. I was obsessed with the bandit Firebird from ages 3-5.. I had a ton of Firebird toys with the screaming chicken.
When I was in middle school and I saw the movie “Better Off Dead” I remember John Cusack losing those races in his parents station wagon because his Camaro was broken down under a tarp in his parents driveway. When that French girl helps him fix up his Camaro and he whoops those guys butts, I always remembered that..
I’d say about 1986 my aunt showed up with a brand new gray SC. I was obsessed with it and ran off the bus because I thought my parents got a new car. Apparently my grandfather kept telling her she’s going to get nothing but tickets in that car.. She did actually sell it because she got stopped more than any other car she drove and her insurance went up:
Looked like this:
When I was about 10/11 I saw my first IROC. Had to be an 88 Black with red. A lady in my neighborhood bought it brand new and every time she drove by I’d stop what I was doing and stare at it. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. At one point they moved our bus stop near her driveway and I’d stare at the car and the sticker on her bumper “If you don’t like my driving dial 1-800-EAT-SH*T”
It looked like this one:
I had a neighbor who used to wear cowboy hats and boots who bought a Maui Formula 350 with T-Tops. I was friends with his son and right after he got divorced he bought that car brand new. Always liked those:
When I was in high school I got a job as soon as I turned 14 and my parents had to drive me to work to bus tables and wash dishes at a restaurant. I was obsessed with saving money to buy a car and had saved any dollar I got up to that point for that purpose. I bought an 85 white Z28 with TPI, T-tops, etc. But there was a burgundy 5-speed one I really wanted, just didn’t pass my dad’s mechanic’s test. This is the white one:
When I saw my friend’s burgundy 87 IROC it brought back all my memories of how awesome that black IROC was. Another guy I knew was selling a 26k mile G92 5-speed burgundy IROC and I was able to get money for my white Z and buy the IROC. That was in 1992 before the 4th gens came out. Technicallly my 87 was second owner because the guy I bought it from drove it on a dealer plate. His dad owned a dealership and he found the car. My friend with the burgundy 5.7 bought his from a showroom at a dealer even though it was used. They weren’t brand new, but it was right before the 4th gens came out and I didn’t see 4th gens on the road until about 1995:
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I bought my 82 TA when I was in High school in 1989. I remember seeing the 20th anniversary TA that year and wanting one. It took me another 21 years to get it.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
52 here and counting!
I was a sophomore in HS when the third gen came out in 82' I was busing tables for peanuts and no way I could afford one of these. Man, not sure if I should tell this story but the chances of this guy being a member here is pretty slim and the statute of limitations has run out. In 85' I was at a "kegger" by the beach on the intracoastal here in FL I guy pulls up in a all black z28. Just bought it that day. Can't remember if it was an IROC I just remember how gorgeous the car was and that I had to have one. The car drew a crowd back then as it was brand new. At the kegs end the owner got drunk and lost his keys. His friend drove him home. My friend was bound and determined to find his keys by, which he did, by the fire pit....well you can guess the rest! At the end of the "test drive" we left the car abandoned on the road side. I found out that if you down shift into 3rd gear while doing 120+ that the trans would not handle this. I still to this day kinda feel bad about this and not sure what happened to the car. I am sure the owner got it back though.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by vinny R
52 here and counting!
I was a sophomore in HS when the third gen came out in 82' I was busing tables for peanuts and no way I could afford one of these. Man, not sure if I should tell this story but the chances of this guy being a member here is pretty slim and the statute of limitations has run out. In 85' I was at a "kegger" by the beach on the intracoastal here in FL I guy pulls up in a all black z28. Just bought it that day. Can't remember if it was an IROC I just remember how gorgeous the car was and that I had to have one. The car drew a crowd back then as it was brand new. At the kegs end the owner got drunk and lost his keys. His friend drove him home. My friend was bound and determined to find his keys by, which he did, by the fire pit....well you can guess the rest! At the end of the "test drive" we left the car abandoned on the road side. I found out that if you down shift into 3rd gear while doing 120+ that the trans would not handle this. I still to this day kinda feel bad about this and not sure what happened to the car. I am sure the owner got it back though.
I wonder if it was reported stolen...I wonder if the trans was replaced under warranty?
I bet he held onto his key after that night.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I remember this older kid pulling up to a house down the street in a new black 87 GTA. I rode up on my bike 9 yrs old at the time and asked "what does GTA stand for?' He replied ..."BAD MOTHER FU*&ER" I wanted one so bad right then!
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I bought mine new in March of '91, it was a left over from 1990. It's my first and only new car and it's still mine after 2 marriages and one idiot kid that thought he could cross 3 lanes of traffic from a turn off to get to a gas station and almost took the front end off. I love all true F bodies (new camaro don't count) but my family has history with Pontiac so the choice was pre-ordained so to speak.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by dmccain
I remember this older kid pulling up to a house down the street in a new black 87 GTA. I rode up on my bike 9 yrs old at the time and asked "what does GTA stand for?' He replied ..."BAD MOTHER FU*&ER" I wanted one so bad right then!
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I was on my way home from school, maybe late '81 or early '82. I had been on the look out for my first 3rd gen sighting and drove by the Chevy dealer purposely looking for one. Parked right in front was the first one I'd ever seen, just came in that day. It was a silver base SC with maroon cloth interior. I believe it even had the dog dish center caps. I was simply blown away by it! So beautiful, so modern, it looked like it's design had leapt decades forward compared to an '81.
A week later, the same dealer had gotten a loaded, maroon, Z28 and put it in the center of the showroom. Oh. My. God! It had that exotic Crossfire Injection! It had Eagle GTs and 4 wheel discs!. I mean there was REAL leather on the steering wheel and shift ****. Holy $h!t!!!!!
As soon as GM certified the CFI with a 4 speed, I vowed to buy one!
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by dmccain
I remember this older kid pulling up to a house down the street in a new black 87 GTA. I rode up on my bike 9 yrs old at the time and asked "what does GTA stand for?' He replied ..."BAD MOTHER FU*&ER" I wanted one so bad right then!
Awesome.. If that happened to a kid nowadays they’d probably cry.. ha ha
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Yeah, I'm over 50
I was 23 in 1985 and ordered a new 85 Bright Blue Metallic T/A. LOVED that car. I kept it for 3 years and then bought a new 88 GTA that I still own.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by 88IROCvertZ
When I was in middle school and I saw the movie “Better Off Dead” I remember John Cusack losing those races in his parents station wagon because his Camaro was broken down under a tarp in his parents driveway. When that French girl helps him fix up his Camaro and he whoops those guys butts, I always remembered that..
I'm still waiting for a female, foreign exchange student from the across the street to come fix my Firebird. WTF. The 80's Lied to me!
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I'm 72 and my favorite third gen story is from 1992. I was the used car manager at a Chevy dealership and we had 1 new third gen left to sell but nobody wanted it. It was a blue 5 speed car and the Business manager at the dealership ended up buying it. He was terminated shortly after and left town. I got a call from a local banker asking if I knew where he might have gone because they wanted me to recover the car since he never made any payments, turns out he never registered it either and had been driving for close to a year on 30 day permits he had taken with him from the dealership.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by 88IROCvertZ
Camaros were always on my radar. I was obsessed with the bandit Firebird from ages 3-5.. I had a ton of Firebird toys with the screaming chicken.
When I was in middle school and I saw the movie “Better Off Dead” I remember John Cusack losing those races in his parents station wagon because his Camaro was broken down under a tarp in his parents driveway. When that French girl helps him fix up his Camaro and he whoops those guys butts, I always remembered that..
My wife and I love that movie!
How can you NOT love stop motion clay hamburgers and fries rockin' out to Van Halen's "Everybody Wants Some"!
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
"Two dollars, CASH.....I WANT MY 2 DOLLARS!!!" As he ski's down the hill on his bike withe the cards in the spokes! Damn, i watched that movie 100 times!!!🤣🤣🤣
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Oh jeez Dave, this is getting derailed BIGTIME!! I sat in a Air Force dorm room, drinking beers, laughing my butt off with a bunch of buds when it came out. "Sorry about your Mom's face Ricky, the Dr. said she'll be ok!!"
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I bought my first car, a 1983 Z28 LG4 5 speed in blue, in 1985. I had my driver's license 10 days and totaled the car when an 18 wheeler ran a yield sign and crushed my car. I replaced it with a 1982 Z28 in fire engine red, LU5/auto, TTops and every option under the sun. Those were the days you could buy a car with a crappy factory radio and buy a used top of the line factory radio that just plugged in and worked.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by Bob88GTA
Yeah, I'm over 50
I was 23 in 1985 and ordered a new 85 Bright Blue Metallic T/A. LOVED that car. I kept it for 3 years and then bought a new 88 GTA that I still own.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by scottmoyer
I bought my first car, a 1983 Z28 LG4 5 speed in blue, in 1985. I had my driver's license 10 days and totaled the car when an 18 wheeler ran a yield sign and crushed my car. I replaced it with a 1982 Z28 in fire engine red, LU5/auto, TTops and every option under the sun. Those were the days you could buy a car with a crappy factory radio and buy a used top of the line factory radio that just plugged in and worked.
Those WERE the days. Now, you have to buy a whole new car when your radio fails.
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
A friend an I used to spend our weekends test driving the IROC-Zs at different dealerships. At one point, I test drove an '89 RS V8 and the throttle stuck when I tried a WOT run. The salesman reached over and threw the car into neutral because I was approaching a red light. Can you say BOOM!!!. I left the car on the side of the road and walked back to the dealership. I decided that I didn't want the RS at that point.
While in high school, during the 80s, I had my two Z28s, one friend had an '84 L69, one had a 1985 black/gold IROC-Z and another had the blue IROC-Z and another had the silver '85 Berlinetta. I miss high school!
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
Originally Posted by scottmoyer
I bought my first car, a 1983 Z28 LG4 5 speed in blue, in 1985. I had my driver's license 10 days and totaled the car when an 18 wheeler ran a yield sign and crushed my car. I replaced it with a 1982 Z28 in fire engine red, LU5/auto, TTops and every option under the sun. Those were the days you could buy a car with a crappy factory radio and buy a used top of the line factory radio that just plugged in and worked.
Which combo did you like better Scott? The LG4 stick or the LU5 auto?
Re: What's your story? Who actually remembers when these cars were new?
I worked at a Chevy dealer from '88 to '92, we fixed several wrecked Camaros of all flavors. We did an all-over paintjob on a new 90 IROC when it was delivered with poor paint from GM. I had a '70 Chevelle SS396 as my daily driver back then, I bought an 84 Z28 in March of 1989, had it a week and got side-swiped, fixed it and traded for an '87 IROC in 1990.
11-25-2018, 07:03 PM
I remember clearly how well I liked the 3rd gens when they came out. I hated the looks of the 2nd gen cars from day one,,, and still do. When the local dealer got the first delivery of 1982 Camaros the wife and I piled in our 68 RS and drove to town just to look them over. Problem was every time I about had enough cash to buy one I'd come home from work to a big smile smile and guess what dear?? another tricycle motor on the way. In 1988 we finally scraped up enough cash to buy a new car and I of course was looking at IROCs, she was looking at vans (3 kids) She won and I never got my 88 IROC until last spring. 
