Like it says, I am interested in doing a build on a Camaro vert. I know what to look for on "normal" cars, but I am sure there are special things I need to look for on a vert. I am interested in things that would make it more desirable, and the things I should look for that might be missing or hard to find.

 

Wow... loaded question I suppose. I'll focus on what I think (limited scope) is important with the vert.

• Exterior: Makes sure the top is free of rips, tears, or parts that appear to be peeling up at their connection points. These things get larger/worse with time.
• Weatherstriping. This is the big one. If there are problems here it could mean that water has been leaking into the cabin. This causes all sorts of problems with smell, rust, and general nastiness.
• Rear window - mine is horribly sunburned and opaque. I don't mind too much but ot could be a negoitating point and another sign of how the car has been treated.
• Operation: The switch that releases the back part of the top should operate freely. Feels like a decent sized spring here. Furthermore, the switch that operates the tonneau should operate and "click" with every press of the switch.
• Look inside and around the trunk and area where the top enclosed for other signs other neglect. You know, lots of leaves, mouse droppings (I'm serious) and other things.
• Check the interior of the car for mildew/stench associated with a leaking top.

One thing to note and that I have found with the suspension and chasis of the vert is that it flexs a WHOLE LOT. If you do a build up for other than street driving, you will want to invest in stablization bars, a wonderbar, and other stuff to stiffen it up. Depeding on the previous owner, some of this may have already been done. Check for it.

A new top is anywhere from 300 to 500 bucks depending on where you go. Could cost more if you want the glass window in the rear. A quality installation (as far as I can tell) will run around the same. Weatherstriping... I recall seeing this as expensive as 175 bucks.

The rest of the things you need to look for are general engine/drive train stuff. Of course having the maintenance records would be great. Eyeball the tires, feel the brakes, check tranny for slippage, all that good stuff.

I'd say I got really lucky with mine. This dude has a LOT of work in front of him.

 

Kewl....thanks for the info. I have heard that there are several companies that did the vert conversion. Is one company better than any other? I've read that 1 company did the conversions for GM...ASC??? What's up with these other companies? Ref the flex in the body, I will def do sub frame connectors, STB, and wonderbar reguardless on what I build.

I would buy SonWolv??'s car for a couple of $$, but not much. I don't know many experienced builders (me included) who want to jump into a project that big. He said in another post that this is gonna be his first build. I wish him luck!!!

Edit - Also, on the camaro's, is there a difference in the convertible itself between different years? I would prefer a 91-92, as that is what I have now, but anyone know the diff in the verts based on year? Any particular year to stay away from?

 

There were a couple different companies that did the conversion but I think ASC did the majority as well as having a direct relationship with GM. There is a gentlement that recently posted who had a conversion done by a company in Newport Beach, CA called Straham. I imagine there coulbe be a few companies that did this. Do a search in this forum for "conversion" or something like that to see what comes up on this topic.

Concerning the ASC cars, each of them should still have the sticker listing their conversion dates and other data right inside the driver's door. I have a piture of mine but it's not on the web at this time (and mine has seen better days).

About any differences between years of convertible there could be some but I would think they tried to keep this as standard as they could at ASC. I can't be 100% sure about that though. No complaints on the operation of my '91's top at this point.

 

Sweet.....thanks man!!!!! I've been doing some reading and lookin at pics from the dif vert makers and I think I am gonna stick with an ASC car. Would be cool to find one close that was in decent shape. I dont mind doing the work on it if it's close and in the right price range for the amount of work needed to be done to it. Seems some people out there with some real klunker verts think they are worth a fortune........ prolly are, but worth A LOT MORE done.....

 

Cod! I hope you are right.

Your welcome for the information. I'm afraid you tapped me out though.

 

If the car is a asc conversion, also make sure that all 3 pieces of the rear wing are in good shape. I am pretty sure they are still very hard to find.

 

Save a lot of money. TONS of it. When I bought mine I underestimated the scarcity and cost of replacement parts specific to convertibles. It will be worth it in the end I know, but holy cow, its a pain in the *** right now. I've been looking for a working tonneau release assembly since last March when I bought the car and still havent found one that didnt require me to buy the entire tonneau. And since people that have those know how rare and valuable they are, most have been upwards of $500.

I'm also getting ready to spend about $1500 on the top half of the car alone. A new black canvas top w/ glass window, all necessary weather stripping, all the installation, and if I can find one, a 91-92 frame w/ headliner.

 

Be sure to check out how well the doors shut and line-up with the quarter panels. Don't want too much of a gap there, and they should be flush with the quarters when shut. Keep an eye on hood and decklid fit too.

 

Thanks all..... I have been doing nothing but thinking about what I am gonna do to this car when I get it......WHEN I get it. I have actually been looking for one for a while now, just havent come across any close by. I will take everything everyone has said about them as I look, but.....
Anyone know somebody who's got one for sale???

 

See if it has been wrecked....and make sure it is not a saw-zaw convertible conversion.

 

Like yours.......
:hail: The Saw-Zaw Convertible:hail:

 

Mine is a rare 1 of 50 350 TPI 89 Formy, as mentioned more then a few times, it's worth noting as a rare car WORTH jumping on if you spot one. I had no idea going in, but I was sold after seeing and riding in it, later I noted I could have gotten a mid 80s Eldorado droptop for the same cost I paid!
Anyway, that's still on my list of future cars
ASC cars just look right, and the Camaros I've seen, and GTAs are very much like mine as far as I can tell. One person asked where my top was, having no idea he was LOOKING at the tonneau! hehehe
Bill

 

More so with Birds I imagine and mine needs resto bad... The ends came out but at least their safe inside my apartment, unlike my car! hehe
I'm skimping on weatherstripping due to cost and only gonna get the part I need when redoing my top. I put that project off for about 3 or 4 years now!! It's gotten VERY bad at this point. Shop around whenever you can afford to jump on a deal.. I've heard some high estimates, while others seem very reasonable
Bill

 

Try hawksthirdgenparts.com, i think they have what you need

 

You are lookin for a good ASC example of a 3rd gen vert? I have one to offer.

I have an 88 Formula, 1 of 104 made that yr., for sale.

Contact me for pictures and I am in Illinois.

Rare88vert