3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
#1
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Piscataway, N.J.
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula 350, 2002 Grand Prix G
Engine: 350 with SLP & Edlebrock mods
Transmission: 4-speed automatic-700 R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt with 3:73
3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
These pictures are from a 1991 GM brochure that I just bought on eBay and include all the models that were exported to Japan, like the Cadillac/ Buick/ Chevrolet and the Pontiac. I have 1991 Firebird brochures from Belgium-Germany-France and Canada and none of these have the mods that were installed on the Japan cars. The first thing you will notice are the BLACK fold away side view mirrors on the Camaro and the Trans Am. Now look at the GTA and notice that it uses the STOCK Firebird tail lamps and also has BLACK FENDER FLARES. I wonder where you could ever get a set of those if you wanted to!
Last edited by edpontiac91; 09-17-2010 at 09:27 PM.
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (25)
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
I wanted to buy a GTA in the UK not long ago, it had those flares too, it was a jap car. Sadly the car was repainted black without doing the engine bay and taking off the flares. One of the flares was missing and thus showing the original green metallic paint.
All Euro models here had the big dumbo mirrors (corvettes too), I have a set somewhere. My buddies original German export GTA (92) originally came with those too. His came w/ the amber/red/white lights too. The reason is, in the UK and most of mainland europe you ahve to have amber turn indicators (the same was done for Corvettes, they had amber outer units)
Another jap only option that may have made it in the F bodies too is a hot exhaust warning system consisting of a pyro switch in the exhaust. My 90 vette (also a jap car) has it.
All Euro models here had the big dumbo mirrors (corvettes too), I have a set somewhere. My buddies original German export GTA (92) originally came with those too. His came w/ the amber/red/white lights too. The reason is, in the UK and most of mainland europe you ahve to have amber turn indicators (the same was done for Corvettes, they had amber outer units)
Another jap only option that may have made it in the F bodies too is a hot exhaust warning system consisting of a pyro switch in the exhaust. My 90 vette (also a jap car) has it.
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (25)
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
ugly dumbo mirrors on my 90 vette. They are power mirrors, identical to the F body ones. I think they are the same ugly ones as used on Porsches back then.
My vette has funky jap style brake/turn indicators too. Unlike on any other vette in Europe.
My vette has funky jap style brake/turn indicators too. Unlike on any other vette in Europe.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Piscataway, N.J.
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula 350, 2002 Grand Prix G
Engine: 350 with SLP & Edlebrock mods
Transmission: 4-speed automatic-700 R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt with 3:73
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Those are some great pictures. I think (on the GTA) if they were painted the same color as the car, they really don't look all that bad.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: West Jefferson, OH
Posts: 1,285
Received 40 Likes
on
33 Posts
Car: basic third gens
Engine: that I like
Transmission: to restore
Axle/Gears: and enjoy
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
It has a locking gas door too! I also noticed in the brochure pic that the Bonneville SSE has sealed beam headlights (US got composite), but the Grand Am doesn't. I wonder what the reasoning behind that was.
#9
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
The export variations have come up before, and I want to say a few of those pics (from the brochure) have been posted before. The mirrors were export parts before the GTA was conceived... Something about the need for break away mirrors? The locking gas door was a standard option on the Firebird S/E, but I want to say it wasn't available on later cars in the US. Export cars seem to regularly break the rules of what we consider in the US.
#11
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Piscataway, N.J.
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1991 Formula 350, 2002 Grand Prix G
Engine: 350 with SLP & Edlebrock mods
Transmission: 4-speed automatic-700 R4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt with 3:73
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Anybody know where you might still find a set of these? I have never heard of or saw the flares on ANY 3rd Gen. I don't think too many Japanese dealers have them laying around somewhere!
#13
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
on
125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
The Flairs were interesting nonetheless. I did not ice that the Trans Am did not have them, neither did the Camaro, just the GTA...
Some years there was actually a Windshield mounted antenna as well... I think it went thru 1986. You can still get the windshield, and its not a whole lot different in price than a non antenna windshield... I considered going that route when I repainted my car, but I forgot, would have been kinda unique honestly.
Almost cheezy... almost
Some years there was actually a Windshield mounted antenna as well... I think it went thru 1986. You can still get the windshield, and its not a whole lot different in price than a non antenna windshield... I considered going that route when I repainted my car, but I forgot, would have been kinda unique honestly.
Almost cheezy... almost
#14
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Posts: 3,109
Likes: 0
Received 25 Likes
on
17 Posts
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
The Flairs were interesting nonetheless. I did not ice that the Trans Am did not have them, neither did the Camaro, just the GTA...
Some years there was actually a Windshield mounted antenna as well... I think it went thru 1986. You can still get the windshield, and its not a whole lot different in price than a non antenna windshield... I considered going that route when I repainted my car, but I forgot, would have been kinda unique honestly.
Almost cheezy... almost
Some years there was actually a Windshield mounted antenna as well... I think it went thru 1986. You can still get the windshield, and its not a whole lot different in price than a non antenna windshield... I considered going that route when I repainted my car, but I forgot, would have been kinda unique honestly.
Almost cheezy... almost
#16
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
on
125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Drew has it,
The Antenna hole would have been shaved, filled, painted over and I would be left with a windshield mounted antenna...
I called a few places a couple years back and they all said I could still get the windshield with the antenna... Take a few days to get it in, but available.
John
The Antenna hole would have been shaved, filled, painted over and I would be left with a windshield mounted antenna...
I called a few places a couple years back and they all said I could still get the windshield with the antenna... Take a few days to get it in, but available.
John
#17
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Norfolk, VA. USA
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
I guess japan doesn't like smoked tail lights. since that is the only reason to use the base firebird lights. Amber turn signals are a requirement.
#18
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Drew has it,
The Antenna hole would have been shaved, filled, painted over and I would be left with a windshield mounted antenna...
I called a few places a couple years back and they all said I could still get the windshield with the antenna... Take a few days to get it in, but available.
John
The Antenna hole would have been shaved, filled, painted over and I would be left with a windshield mounted antenna...
I called a few places a couple years back and they all said I could still get the windshield with the antenna... Take a few days to get it in, but available.
John
#19
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
on
125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Call up a Glass shop, tell them that you have a 1986 Berlinetta, and it has the windshield mounted antenna, see what they come up with...
The part number is no longer there, however they make mention that the windshield without the antenna is still available, so there had to be one with an antenna...
I would see if you could get one.
It was primarily a European thing BTW,
John
The part number is no longer there, however they make mention that the windshield without the antenna is still available, so there had to be one with an antenna...
I would see if you could get one.
It was primarily a European thing BTW,
John
#20
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Posts: 3,109
Likes: 0
Received 25 Likes
on
17 Posts
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Or that the base tail lights were approved by whatever department of transportation there from GM and it was easier to retrofit than have a new set of lights approved since they were only going to be on two years worth of imported cars? Maybe a couple thousand?
#22
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
on
125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Buuut.. The 91/92 TA taillights had Amber too...
I suspect it had to do with the placement of the taillights particularity. I could see where some places could specify where the brake light has to be in relation to the side of the car. I'm thinking about 80's & 90's imports from Japan, look at their taillights, I remember my friends 73 Datsun, but nothing from the 90's Japanese is coming to mind... may take a little investigating to get a clear picture, but worth investigating.
interestingly there was almost (might as well be) (ZERO) Firebirds shipped to Japan, Only Trans am's. 1991 there was 2 non WS4 cars shipped there, and 0 in 1990 and 0 in 1992.
John
John
I suspect it had to do with the placement of the taillights particularity. I could see where some places could specify where the brake light has to be in relation to the side of the car. I'm thinking about 80's & 90's imports from Japan, look at their taillights, I remember my friends 73 Datsun, but nothing from the 90's Japanese is coming to mind... may take a little investigating to get a clear picture, but worth investigating.
interestingly there was almost (might as well be) (ZERO) Firebirds shipped to Japan, Only Trans am's. 1991 there was 2 non WS4 cars shipped there, and 0 in 1990 and 0 in 1992.
John
John
Last edited by okfoz; 09-21-2010 at 08:40 AM.
#23
Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
It's DOT approval requirements (in the UK and I believe in Europe). Items such as light clusters have to meet certain inspection requirements to be used in the UK and given the low volume of these vehicles that were imported to Europe combined with the costs involved in getting approval, it was cost effective just to approve one type of rear cluster.
Those arch flares - I see them on C4 'vettes from Japan aswell. I'm thinking motoring legislation around how far the wheel can portrude/ come to the arch lip?
Those arch flares - I see them on C4 'vettes from Japan aswell. I'm thinking motoring legislation around how far the wheel can portrude/ come to the arch lip?
#24
Supreme Member
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
WEIRD!! I would have thought that if anything, they would MANDATE the composite headlights since pretty much all Euro and Asian cars had composite lights YEARS before their U.S. counterparts (think full-size Mercedes and such).
#25
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,242
Received 170 Likes
on
125 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
1) Interestingly I could not find the flairs in the Parts catalog ... I found the Z20 tho.
2) There were literally a few thousand cars each year sent to Japan. More than I would have thought. It may be that not all of them went to Japan, however there were quite a few with the Japanese requirements for each year.
John
2) There were literally a few thousand cars each year sent to Japan. More than I would have thought. It may be that not all of them went to Japan, however there were quite a few with the Japanese requirements for each year.
John
#26
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Norfolk, VA. USA
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 88 Formula
Engine: 95LT4, 305TPI
Transmission: T56, T5
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Buuut.. The 91/92 TA taillights had Amber too...
I suspect it had to do with the placement of the taillights particularity. I could see where some places could specify where the brake light has to be in relation to the side of the car. I'm thinking about 80's & 90's imports from Japan, look at their taillights, I remember my friends 73 Datsun, but nothing from the 90's Japanese is coming to mind... may take a little investigating to get a clear picture, but worth investigating.
interestingly there was almost (might as well be) (ZERO) Firebirds shipped to Japan, Only Trans am's. 1991 there was 2 non WS4 cars shipped there, and 0 in 1990 and 0 in 1992.
John
John
I suspect it had to do with the placement of the taillights particularity. I could see where some places could specify where the brake light has to be in relation to the side of the car. I'm thinking about 80's & 90's imports from Japan, look at their taillights, I remember my friends 73 Datsun, but nothing from the 90's Japanese is coming to mind... may take a little investigating to get a clear picture, but worth investigating.
interestingly there was almost (might as well be) (ZERO) Firebirds shipped to Japan, Only Trans am's. 1991 there was 2 non WS4 cars shipped there, and 0 in 1990 and 0 in 1992.
John
John
the 91/92 tails have the same pattern as a Supra but are not smoked.
http://the-car-club.co.uk/Images/Pic...006%5D-600.jpg
#27
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
So, in the last couple months I've happened across two third generation Camaros here in Japan, much to my surprise. One white, one black, Both Rally Sports. Both have 91-92 GFX, but the white one has the regular North American style side mirrors. However, the black one has the original export fold-away style mirrors. Due to how it's parked, I haven't seen the tail lights on the white one, but the black one has the same tail lights as earlier RS cars, with the black stripe through the middle, not the grid lights.
Both cars are a little beat, and both have what look like el cheapo aftermarket wheels on them.
I talked to Modern Day Muscle a few months back, and they said they were going to be listing a NOS set of export Camaro tail lenses on their site, for $1000 due to the rarity. I realize Europe and Japan require amber turn indicators, but I assumed these lights must have been amber delete, with the amber part being red, kind of like how some people modify theirs, so I asked. He actually told me the amber and red sections are reversed, which doesn't make sense. Either way, they have yet to list them on their site, so who knows. They had to have been Camaro lenses since we were talking about Camaros and Camaro grid lenses at the time, but perhaps he was mistaken.
I should really get some pics of these two Camaros, I drive by the black one a couple times a week and the white one is right by my wife's workplace. Maybe I'll do that this weekend, since I have nothing else planned. They look so lost and out of place here.
Both cars are a little beat, and both have what look like el cheapo aftermarket wheels on them.
I talked to Modern Day Muscle a few months back, and they said they were going to be listing a NOS set of export Camaro tail lenses on their site, for $1000 due to the rarity. I realize Europe and Japan require amber turn indicators, but I assumed these lights must have been amber delete, with the amber part being red, kind of like how some people modify theirs, so I asked. He actually told me the amber and red sections are reversed, which doesn't make sense. Either way, they have yet to list them on their site, so who knows. They had to have been Camaro lenses since we were talking about Camaros and Camaro grid lenses at the time, but perhaps he was mistaken.
I should really get some pics of these two Camaros, I drive by the black one a couple times a week and the white one is right by my wife's workplace. Maybe I'll do that this weekend, since I have nothing else planned. They look so lost and out of place here.
#28
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: 3rd Gen EXPORT Japan 1991 Brochure Pics! Different
Actually, I was just browsing the thirdgens for sale here locally, and I found tails exactly as described by the guy at Modern Day:
Wow!
EDIT: Uploaded the pics to my Flickr to preserve them so they aren't lost when the ad expires. This is the only time I've ever seen these tail lights, and likely will be for most other people as well so I wanted to document these permanently. The car shown is a 1984 Z28 with 20,000 miles. Not stock, but spotless.
Wow!
EDIT: Uploaded the pics to my Flickr to preserve them so they aren't lost when the ad expires. This is the only time I've ever seen these tail lights, and likely will be for most other people as well so I wanted to document these permanently. The car shown is a 1984 Z28 with 20,000 miles. Not stock, but spotless.
Last edited by puma1552; 03-04-2011 at 08:32 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post