Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

I've decided to sell my trans am and get a V-6 convertible ... Over the years from 87-92 I know about engine/trans changes ... But I'm more concerned in terms of the top. were there any years that were problematic with sealing issues etc etc.

I want to know all problematic areas of convertibles so I know what to look for when buying one.

My preference is a firebird so lets limit it to that model. I do want to know though about the 2.8/3.1 was one better then the other and however I am not to partial to the 91-2 ground effect so did 90 and earlier come with the 2.8.

okfoz

Yes, from 1987 thru 1989 the V6 Convertibles were available as they were all converted as per dealer request. Pontiac did not offer a Vert because it probably would not have met the EPA fuel milage requirements.

Good luck finding one tho, there is probably less than 150 TOTAL with the V6 for those three years. (No Firebird verts were made in 1990 according to ASC)

As for leaks I do not have any problem in my 89...

John

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

So I am pretty much limited to a 91 or 92 firebird convertible then? I guess that explains why in my search I had a very difficult time finding a 87-90 v-6 convertible.

Were production figures high for the 91-92 model year?

Dale

iTrader: (12)

If you go to the main page, then search year by year, it shows est production figures. 1626 in 91, 2092 in 92. None supposibly made in 90.

You would have better luck for a camaro as more were made, but I understand firebird.

As for problems..

Alot of the vert specific plastics are damaged now. Upright post, section above the window, and section around the handles on the top.

You can not have the flip lid and trunk open at same time. Trunk struts can be purchased so dont worry about if them are bad. Flip lid will be "spring loaded" like a standard trunk lid with bars.

All verts leak somewhere at some time. Esp on a 16+yo car. Try to look at rear panels/seats and see if there are any stains in teh seats that look like water stains. Also check floor and kinda smell it. If it smells like mold, not good. Also check floor boards from underside for rust. Mine personally leaks in the area where the door, top, body meets. The front/top section on mine is good. You can purchase all new gaskets, new top, but it is major $$$$$$. Dont think you can purchase new bows, flip lid, trunk, or mentioned above plastics.

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

Not a huge fan of the camaro's looks is all and prefer the firebirds dash/console.

Dale

iTrader: (12)

Like I said, I can understand the Bird part. But all the info I mentioned is still true.

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

was there ever a camaro berlinetta convertible?

Dale

iTrader: (12)

Possibly, but it would not be the desired "ASC" version. It would be a matrix or coochoo conversion.

91 Ragtop

You definately JUST missed a hell of a deal... unless you were set on a V6

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...have-sell.html

That being said, I can speak for the 92 V6 Camaro. I had one from 1995 - 2004 and it was probably one of the most reliable cars I've owned. I bought it with 61,000 miles on it and sold it with 206,000 miles on it. The original motor / auto transmission ran great the whole time. Had a couple of leaks here and there, but overall it was a GREAT car. I actually miss it.

Like you though, I always thought there were 2 things wrong with it.... It was a V6 and it was a Camaro not a Firebird. I have always preferred the dash of the firebird also. Love those bright red guages. Which is why I have the 91 right now.

I recall seeing a stray 87-89 firebird V6 on E-bay a couple of times, but they will probably be more than you'll want to pay. Good Luck on your search though!!

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

91ragtop

Yes I am set on owning a V-6 convertible. I saw that one and had my eyes on it till I saw it was a V-8 .... BTW I love that vette convertible you have veryyyyyy nice car, I have a 82 vette convertible project I'm also working one ..... Part of the reason I want a 6 banger .. no need for 2 V-8's is all.

okfoz

Considering that there were less than 50 V6 Firebird Convertibles made in 1989, and that one year exceeded both 88 & 87 sales combined I think what your looking for will be a tall order. I would bet that there were less than 100 TOTAL, I would think even a total of about 80 might be on the high side for the three years.

Good luck

John

BlueZee28

iTrader: (30)

Wow it's actually harder to find that model in a V6 than a TBI or TPI version?

Red1992V6Rs

The TBI 305 was the base motor for all ASC verts. You could however take your 6-cyl and get it personally altered without GM or as far as I know order a V6 for credit.

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

Heres actually what I have planned for a convertible. I really never cared for f-body looks after about 87 so here is what I really want to do.

Firebird take and make it look just like my black and gold 82 trans am.

Camaro now this is a car I saw and honestly it gave me a woody ... This guy took and cloned this asc car into a look alike 82 indy pace car. Even had right interior, older 82-84 ground effects & bumpers. He even managed to get a 82-84 spoiler on the back.

So thats why I am specific about the make I want but want it to be a economy car is all so a V-6 is a must.

89RsPower!

will it have a kaiser roto-charger?

VERTIGO Z28

iTrader: (1)

I can talk to Brett and see if he wants to sell my old 92 V6 Bird Vert if you want me to!

liv2ryde

my car is an 84 vert bird with a 2.8 2bbl and a 4 speed auto. I don't like to have it out in the rain because it will leak at the top of the door windows as it is nearly impossible to line up the weather stripping attached to the top to the glass and rain can get in. I have yet to take it to a shop for options on fixing this. Otherwise this particular vert is a fun car, best with the top down on warm summer days. The top uses snaps to attach at the rear which seem to do just fine, I also like the look. Good luck in your quest!
In this picture I just flipped to top up and it is not clipped in at the front but you can see how the snaps attach the rear.