Bill Speed

I'd signed up and joined y'all cause I was the new owner of my 1989 Firebird Convertible with the rare 350 Tuned Port power plant with dual cats and 140MPH speedo. During 2007, layoffs led to a company shutdown that afforded me this great ride, I posted about it here and attribute the great info as a growing experience for all of us ***** F'ers...that is F-Car lovers. Third Gen models, and sadly, invested.....with help..... $700 on a rust free exhaust after the muffler and cat-back split in half, literally!

Then, about 2 months back, my transmission clutches (700R4 4spd auto) went Kaput.
Add to that, this month I am forced to give up the car because my funds ran out, I am moving back with my folks till the job situation comes back, this recession is too long for me to make it through to the other side. This RARE rare car needs a TLC, loving owner to save it from the scrap yard, it will have to be a nasty forced sale if you can't make it happen, someone here gotta love to see this car survive besides me? John?
If you can, afford a road trip to claim it, it's gotta go in a week, and I am looking for as low as $850 for it, because my rent is that much at the end, if I'm legally bound to address that. Wish me luck at any rate, but I have to say, that 300+ figure has still left much doubt as to how many of these are left. It's rusty and needing a donor car really, but someone must be handy with trans over-hauls and welding?! The Hot Rodder spirit!

If you can, help save my ride, ADOPT IT!
-Bill S
Email or call, not sure where to place this, but the abrupt move came up on me faster then I ever wished it would. I have no idea when or what car I will happen to own next, but for now, it's back to biking...pedal power

zenish

i think 305 is the largest third gen convertable engine.

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Not true, the Firebird, being not a GM conversion was available with the 350.

PS I wish I was closer or the car drove, I'd pick it up in a heart beat

Bill Speed

My folks are giving me 7 to 8 days, but it will be disposed of by the guy storing it, our family mechanic, and that would mean an unknown fate, if anyone can help me, my email is billschwenke@aol.com
I have the title, the car drives, but top speed is 30 MPH thereabouts thanks to the transmission's clutch failing, That can be a repair from $1000 to $2700 I'm told. I've seen the 700r4 listing for $2000 with a motor as well.

Current condition is poor, but I've been saying this for awhile, I need someone who could do some sanding, (blasting), welding, take it for the VERT parts and convert a better 89 donor

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Hi Bill,
Whats your bottom dollar on selling it to someone who will restore it, not part it? Shipping is expensive to WA, since it doesn't drive... PM me if you want.

NufNuffZ28

iTrader: (10)

Hook him up Bill.


AmoirgetRS, I would love to see that thing restored back to prestine condition!

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

Jesus if you were closer to me I'd be at your house with cash in a heartbeat.

874ME

iTrader: (1)

Armogetrs, hope you know what your proposing to step into. That car has serious rust issues and will cost 1K+ to ship to the PNW. You can pick up cars in the area for way less than what it will cost to get that thing back in shape.

However, I do not recall seeing a Formula convertible before.

If your hearts set on a real 350 convertible I know a guy with one. He has a 89 GTA 350 Ci ASC conversion and hasnt driven it in a long time and is not that into 3rd gens. You have probably met him before at local shows, he also has a 69 FB vert with tri power.

If your heart is set on a 3rd gen vert, I will save you thousands and sell you my 90 IROC convertible for 8K. No rust, no shipping and it runs, body is straight, the paint stills shines the top works, it also has a 350 just not factory installed.

okfoz

Yes there are 350 powered Verts... Keep in mind all of the "factory convertibles" from 1987 thru 2002"were modified T-top cars by ASC. from 1986 and 1987 ASC also made side jobs as special order for Chevy dealerships and 1987-1989 for Pontiac Dealers. There was just shy of 200 TOTAL 350 powered convertibles, the majority of them being the GTA and Trans Am Around 140ish (in 1989), then there was 42 ish Formula 350's (in 1989) and a total of 4 Camaro 350's in 1987. (there was also 2 for sure and possibly a 3 TTA convertibles made in 1989 as well). Also note that all 3rd Gens were modified off site at ASC, they consider this a complete conversion, whereas the 4th Gen was modified at a place in the production plant where they consider that a conversion supplied parts.

From my research, There were Zero 0 Formula and Trans Am/GTA verts with the 350 in 1987 & 1989, 1990, 1991 or 1992 converted by ASC. Only 4 Camaro 350 Verts in 1987, and that is it... So they are "Rare" for all intents and purposes. Finding one is not easy.

To be honest I know people that have sought out for an example. Several of these have made it into collectors hands.. Although not overly popular at this point in time, I see no reason why they will not accrue in value as they gain some recognition, they have all the makings of a great car.

I have contemplated buying Bill's car, BUT I really have no place to store it right now...

In all Honesty, i would prefer an original 350 T-top car converted by ASC, than a 305 converted to a 350... Its just me...

John

Bill Speed

As far as I know the car's not salvaged yet, but I suspect, if no one gets serious, my family mechanic, Mike Courtney who runs Courtney Truck Service will part it out and offer whatever he thinks is fair on it, the Title is already signed since I moved out of town, having no more rent available, still jobless in this crap economy. I know I had it beat down, but I also felt bolting new panels on or a donor car would allow this 89 Firebird to gain more life. Offered it to Jay Leno some years back to see if he'd take on a rare bird resto, someone from his office called and said Jay wanted OLDER rare cars then mine, sad to say. If you can manage it, Courtneys Truck Service is West of the Twin Cities Metro and can be reached at 9xx-xxx-xxxx, They're right off Hwy 494's West side (N/S), basically, Eden Prairie MN
The car WAS on eBay but didn't sell there. I did not ever own my own garage, so yeah, it had been exposed to some rain and snow, and salt. I did try my best washing it on a regular basis however

I have to ask for clarification on this :"From my research, There were Zero 0 Formula and Trans Am/GTA verts with the 350 in 1987 & 1989, 1990, 1991 or 1992 converted by ASC. Only 4 Camaro 350 Verts in 1987, and that is it... So they are "Rare" for all intents and purposes. Finding one is not easy."
By Zero converted by ASC, how is that so, when the ASC is a conversion outside of the factory GM assembly plant, mine is an 89 and badged as such

DAYTONA 500 TA

I own it now. It will be restored back to stock. New quarters, doors, fenders, hood and front bumper cover.

I drove it home from where shipper dropped it at. It was late at night so I couldnt see much. The hood buldge was open and some dried leaves caught fire...No worries they went out fast and didnt damage anything.

Also have a 89 Trans Am convertible (350 TPI)

Stay tuned for resto pics...Thanks Bill

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

Now this is a resto thread I wanna see.

slimwhitman

WOW! I thought for sure the rust on it made it beyond saving. I cannot wait to hear more about your plans. So the frame rust was not terminal?

DAYTONA 500 TA

Im currently going to Lincoln Tech for Collison/Refinishing along with welding. The body work and parts that need to be replaced will be easy and inexpensive since I have a rust free donor car. I will be doing all the expensive body refinishing and replacing rusted parts...I've learned how to weld already. MIG TIG steel/aluminum.

Nothing to difficult once you learn how to do it...correctly.

Most of my instructors owned shops and are very talented and full of knowledge... I pay close attention and ask alot of questions.

They're a big help.

DAYTONA 500 TA

The back window that was blown out was already remedied. i found new stuff thats clear plastic and self adhering. So the back window is sealed. No more crap coming in that way...water and what not.

It will be stored inside for the winter anyway.

I'll post pic of window fix/shot term

The trans is slipping but I've managed to drive it around. It's junky now but still neat to drive. I've installed a working stock Delco AM FM cass with EQ that works...so It has tunes now.

DAYTONA 500 TA

I saw your video on youtube on installing a new top. Great vid and I'll be doing the top too now.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for the top vid...

musclecar70sfan

iTrader: (1)

You're quite welcome, glad to know it's coming in handy . Now be sure to post up plenty of pics!

DAYTONA 500 TA

I'll post pics as soon as I start...I'm having too much fun blasting around in it all junky

Awesome-X

lol funny how that works, huh? I have a t top 5 speed Camaro that I could have painted any time this summer but just couldn't bring myself to park it for the summer

Bill Speed

I have the original out of the car, somewhere, I also have aftermarket Pioneer cassette I mentioned, and the front bumper (replacement is red) along with the honeycomb energy absorber in storage. The top just shrunk. Never expected that to be honest, the plastic window broke due to ice I had to get off back in the middle of winter, When my car cover froze, I used hot water a little at a time. To get that top up and down, pull out the right side hinge bolts to the trunk (already loose to accomodate) and pull the deck lid out slightly, I got rear-ended stopping for an emergency vehicle siren and the lady behind me drove on as if nothing was important for her to stop. I had a few minor hits, one last winter was coming down into a turn in plowed snow, hit the car on the end of the road, opposite side (pass side of my car) and the guy was alright with the damage to his car, that was a real load off my mind. No frame damage I think, other then the bumper mount on the front PASS side, they told me they'd mount a new bumper for $150 if I pulled the old one, so those rusty bolts were removed, Still it's in place, you'll notice, I'm not sure what comes next. Replace the rusty bolts and tower braces, obviously ...for the struts. The exhaust was replaced for $700, and the rear stabilizer bar as well at that price. The trans was pretty much the most recent trouble really. When you said leaves caught fire, I was alarmed!! Never had any serious trouble with it, but it takes longer to start then it used to

okfoz

At Least it has a good home and hopefully a bright future. Better chances now than in the junkyard. Great Save BTW...

There are some parts that are specific to the Firebird convertible, but only a few of those. Most of the parts are the same as the camaro, from the same year, and other things that will be the same as a Pontiac Sunbird, or Chevy Cavalier, that if you need them you can get them from those cars, but I only know of a few of those parts.

Good luck, and have fun...

What color are you thinking of painting it? I want to think white was not a super common color on the Formula Vert Yours is the only one so far, the vast majority of them were Red...

John

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Going to be a massive project.. I hope the hidden stamped vin numbers in the rear are found and preserved..
good luck !!!!!!!

Bill Speed

Just my personal opinion, I would have kept the car with my own hopes of restoring, and keep it white, as originally produced, with the same scheme, subtle custom black accents. The VIN is on the PASS side firewall, under the hood. I also have the spoiler ends that fell out (luckily not on the road, like one of the hubcaps did!!) My sister seemingly packed them up so they probably show up later. I bought wheel rim cleaners but never did get the chrome to become original shiny state. I had those few nicks and scrapes happen few years back and then the rust just came on faster then I could make any money. I offered the car to Jay Leno via his website, but he's not interested in restoring it would seem, or newer cars I was told. The bezel for the antenna is black, that fell out and I took the antenna off myself, it got stuck in upright position and then bent somehow, so it was basically needing replacement. I did wash it all the time, not as much waxing as I could or should have, but I used the Absorber product for washing and drying it ever since I first bought that product. It's worked wonders. My friend Jeremie did the harder mechanicals when I could request his work, he told me the fuel pump replacement is done inside the trunk from above, that he made some sort of hatch to access it, I can't even tell he did the work, to be honest, but it did fail originally. The alternator and radiator were replaced, and some other engine repair I can't recall.
The front set of brakes were bought off eBay IIRC, and reapplied after some rust removal, not brand new since I can't afford all that, but the brake work made a vast difference, the steering column and key were repaired at one point, but now the directional lever is iffy I seem to remember (broken around the base, push the two sides together to get it working normally (tape??))
If there's any other things, I can't think of them at this time

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Yes there is a vin on the cowl on driverside visible thru the glass, one on the pass side firewall and one is hidden on one of the rear frame rails on some of these cars.
The 89 will also have VIN stickers on the inside of doors, fenders, rear quarters, hood and on the bumper supports.

Bill Speed

However, mine is originally a PA car, The owner prior was a female in Minneapolis, I didn't get a complete history but it was a Theft-recovery, it's been noted here in all my postings, the VIN normally is removed by the people stealing the car, not a proper mechanic, or by me.
I know the dashboard VIN is absent, the re-badged VIN is marked as PA, so it's happened long ago in the car's life span, I never had details about what happened, if the VIN was salvaged from another area, it was used to re-badge under the hood. It checks out without an issue

okfoz

The VIN would be original as it is on the dealer order logs for the ASC conversions, it is obviously a convertible, I would have no reason to doubt that it still retains the original VIN, even if it was reapplied after a theft.

John

Bill Speed

I recall there being problems retaining those ASC records, however, the VIN never caused me issue, I don't know what all the thieves had molested on the car prior to my tenure owning it. I have all the pictures and video I took of it over the years, the original 1997 condition if the images are required for a resto at all, Happy to help. I'll be watching to see too

okfoz

Actually the record I have has been virtually spot on. of the 330 cars that ASC claims to have converted there are only 324 on the list. I have found only one car that was listed but without the VIN, and it checked out with the original owner, as going to the same Dealer as shown, since it was the only car that the dealer had ordered it was pretty easy to decipher which car it was.

So at this point I am shy 5 VIN's, and there are 10VINs that were exported, and 5 others that I cant find because I suspect they were either exported or totaled early on. Or they were never registered. Therefore out of the 330 VINs, I was able to decipher 310 of them and of those I have 46 cars that have been confirmed, or about 14% confirmed cars...

I do not expect to get all of them, as I suspect at least have been totaled by this time...

Most of my errors have been human error more than anything since I had to input the information by hand. So I got some numbers transposed, but I have checked and rechecked about 5 times, so I am reasonably confident in my data.

John

Bill Speed

I'm not sure how to interpret that, Was there a warehouse fire at some point that records were destroyed, (might be confusing a similar event for custom guitars built - data at another web site I joined) or Dealer lists and ASC's being two different ones? I get confused with that at times. As for specifics about my car; the right rear quarter was damaged backing up into a low lying metal cart on wheels, I just couldn't see it and sadly, didn't scan the area before moving my car. It caused horizontal scratches that then rusted down to the lower fender half....the worst of the rust I think...right rear is shot because it couldn't be addressed soon enough.
On the other side, the gas filler area was also a source of gas fumes or leaks marring the paint there, I've no idea how to deal with that, still.

Hoping to hear an update, As to the front fender, nose, absorber honeycomb, impact strip? I bought those two major car parts that I couldn't keep with the car physically, but could arrange shipping through my brother.
?

DAYTONA 500 TA

I really would like the end caps for the rear wing. As far as the bumper cover and impact bar it depends what you want for them. Those parts are the same for any firebird, already have fenders from another 89 Formula. I really dont want to pay shipping.

I go to Lincoln Tech for body collision/structure and refinishing. The front bumper cover is fixable with plastic adhesive repair from 3M, I kinda wanted to use original parts and fix bumper myself. I need the end caps though.

The car is staying its original color (WHITE) gray cloth interior and black canvas top. I too have never seen a white one before, other than pictures when new; so it will remain white.

I will also be purchasing 16' Formula rims returning it to stock.

The rear trunk wing and side pieces will be painted white again. Sorry but that black makes it look like it doesn't flow smoothly.

The radio would be nice if it worked but I can obtain another anywhere. I also have a stock Delco disc player...

picking up a new passenger side GM rear quarter now I just need a driver side...doors are coming too...

Bill Speed

The front nose and reinforcement were too big to keep with the car, I assumed although they might have been able to find a place for them, The parts are all in Buffalo MN still, and I can't get there readily myself. I know I kept the spoiler tips indoors, but during the moving, someone packed them unbenownst to me, Since we used little boxes and most were labeled it should be in with notable items where I kept them, Sorry they weren't bagged with the car, it would have been a simple prep. I much prefer the GTA style mags, I should think they're more expensive then the Turbo style generic rims. The two tone always looks more sporty to me, whether it's paint or the rim style. I would have used a donor myself, the problem with white is any imperfection is easy to see. When I got the car, each time I filled it, I got a fluid stain below the filling hole, and it seemed to never come clean, I still don't know what would protect against that. If you work in the trunk, perhaps you'll figure out how my friend repaired the fuel pump. He always saved me plenty of cash helping out on my bigger repairs.

DAYTONA 500 TA

Any luck finding the rear wing end caps ?

Bill Speed

I looked extensively in my storage finally, no luck. Make no mistake, it was my number one priority, but not the only thing I couldn't find. No idea where it is, other then my mom thinks it was packed into the car's trunk in a box. Look around the rear seats or cracks, under the seats? Not sure who handled them last, they were stored above my sink, in plain view, but could have been discarded by a not so wise family member during my move. What I did find as thought, stored, the energy absorbing honeycomb front bumper, impact bar, the red outer bumper skin, a driver side manual mirror I bought for it's good glass (you'll note some hail damage crack in my glass, I believe it was hail since a storm had gone through the area before it was noted. I saved the passenger or driver side door sill, in gray plastic, I removed it to get behind the rear armrest speaker "skins", this was needed requirement for both speaker upgrades and wiring as well as the tonneau release for the convertible cover, the Rip Cords fell behind that panel and it had to be pried at times to retrieve the rip cord, that's the MAJOR downside I faced with the top manual method, but having a convertible was worth all the problems it entailed in my opinion!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Post up some recent pix if you can..

DAYTONA 500 TA

haven't done much body wise except seal the top so the weather stays out. I did the trans so I could drive it and been concentrating on the 89 GTA convt 350 I just picked up. Flame red metallic tan leather 350 auto. I'll post pics of both as soon as I get a free moment

Bill Speed

Normally I get email updates on a thread like this, I am VERY interested that you doc as much as possible on your project, that would have been mine, if it took to the end of my days, I wasn't totally in love with my Vert, but the 3rd Gen Firebird is the most appealing to me, second would be the very first generation 60s variety. So, next to owning a Corvette, the Firebird or Camaro offers a very similar experience, that said with experience, mind you, I did get to ride in an 80s convertible Corvette!! haha

I am really sorry those spoiler caps weren't bagged and put in the trunk for the sale, I just think that would have been the way to keep track of them, and thought they were with the other parts. I still have the rest in my storage though, like that bumper, driver mirror with good glass ( bought for the glass only) so.... Unlikely I think you'll be hitting me up to ship those since I still am without a new ride, place, job, life...etc. Recession is painfully endless at the moment, I'm feeling it

okfoz

One thing you may consider, or at least until you find a good set of 86-89 Quarter caps, you could install the 91-92 style or ones from a Camaro to hold you over... It would be a dirty solution, but a solution nonetheless.

John

TRANSAM82-92

iTrader: (1)

The end caps Im talking about are the ones the cap the wing section on the trunk not the spears that go down the side of car to door...

okfoz

The 87-89 Firebird Convertible Wing was a Base firebird wing ASC cut the ends off of. ASC simply put bondo in the holes on either end... Painted to match.

I am still confused to why ASC did not use the 3rd brake light assembly, I know there is a huge pocket under the 3rd brake light, but it seems like they could have saved everyone some hassle to use a stock spoiler & brake light setup.

John

TRANSAM82-92

iTrader: (1)

Yes that's true with the third brake light. Personally I like it with no third brake light. Looks cleaner. Still looking for 89 ASC convt order form and any other interesting tid bits. 89 GTA is getting a new top. It's flame red metallic and the top will match. Still debating on blk or red headliner. My interior is red. DD9 paddle mirrors also.

TRANSAM82-92

iTrader: (1)

Looking for information, pics or parts used for power pull down for rear of top. I had a 87 GTA with that and another maybe 89 cant remember...

okfoz

i want to think the power pull down was a Firebird 87-88 thing, haven't seen any 89s like that... I Know Camaros did not get it... So your pickings are slim... I have an in with a guy that worked at ASC and remembers the Firebird convertibles, but he is kind of sketchy when it comes to getting a hold of...

John

TRANSAM82-92

iTrader: (1)

I know I'd tried contacting him through here

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

Any updates? This thread peaked my interest.

TRANSAM82-92

iTrader: (1)

Working on my 89 GTA 350 convt right now. The FB convt is on the back burner for now.

Dante93GTZ

iTrader: (5)

Just curious whatever happened to this car. Do you still have it? Did it ever get restored? I remember the car from probably 15 years back And it just popped into my head this morning. I just stumbled upon this thread.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Wonder what happened to the OPs car?

TRANSAM82-92

iTrader: (1)

I sold it years ago to Don Jaslowski in cedar lake Indiana. I’m sure he just flipped it and sold it again. He bought it for $700 from me