My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 305
Transmission: Automatic
My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
All,
I have been a member on here for while but I did not have a car. My mom had a 1984 camaro sport and I grew up in that car and learned to drive in that car. Growing up I always liked the 3rd gen's and had my mind set on a 1992 RS being that it was the last year of the 3rd gen. Some may say they are slow but thats what I wanted so I dont wanna hear any flack lol. After years of searching for the right car at the right price I have finally found a car that I could not pass up. I was able to find a 1992 RS red on red and a two owner with 103K miles. The car runs good and no rust. My goal is to maintain the car in its current condition and keep it reliable. Any recommendations for maintaining its glory feel free to let me know. Things to watch out for, maintenance, paint protection anything. FYI. I have had the car for about two weeks. I have pretty much just checked all the fluids and driven to one car show. I plan on dropping the oil pretty soon. I have included a few pics of my journey so far below. I'm sure I will have more questions as time moves forward. I plan to keep you updated on my progress.
I have been a member on here for while but I did not have a car. My mom had a 1984 camaro sport and I grew up in that car and learned to drive in that car. Growing up I always liked the 3rd gen's and had my mind set on a 1992 RS being that it was the last year of the 3rd gen. Some may say they are slow but thats what I wanted so I dont wanna hear any flack lol. After years of searching for the right car at the right price I have finally found a car that I could not pass up. I was able to find a 1992 RS red on red and a two owner with 103K miles. The car runs good and no rust. My goal is to maintain the car in its current condition and keep it reliable. Any recommendations for maintaining its glory feel free to let me know. Things to watch out for, maintenance, paint protection anything. FYI. I have had the car for about two weeks. I have pretty much just checked all the fluids and driven to one car show. I plan on dropping the oil pretty soon. I have included a few pics of my journey so far below. I'm sure I will have more questions as time moves forward. I plan to keep you updated on my progress.
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: South Ms
Posts: 4,477
Received 753 Likes
on
516 Posts
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Very nice looking RS. My car shares the same engine as yours and at 90k miles I changed plugs, wires, dist cap, rotor and coil then moved on to springs, shocks, struts, end links, sway bay bushings, exhaust,etc. Car runs much better just getting those basic things up to par. Hopefully I will run into you at a show and get to see it. Good luck!
#3
Supreme Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: CT
Posts: 2,814
Received 290 Likes
on
169 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.0 Liter 4-BBL V8 High Output
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Nice Looking Car,Looks Like The Previous Owners Took Good Care Of It.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Overland Park Kansas
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 91 Firbird Formula
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Congrats! Looks great.
My first 3rd Gen was a copy of yours only Aqua with the Grey interior. Loved it. Now I drive the Firebird version. Couldn't stand not driving one.
My first 3rd Gen was a copy of yours only Aqua with the Grey interior. Loved it. Now I drive the Firebird version. Couldn't stand not driving one.
Trending Topics
#8
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lascassas TN
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1989 IROC G92 LB9 MK6
Engine: LB9
Transmission: MK6
Axle/Gears: 3.45
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Really nice car, I like the interior and has been well cared for. I know you are proud of it. Looks much better than my car.
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 305
Transmission: Automatic
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Thanks guys for the feedback! I appreciate it.
In regards to the history. I picked it up from a older couple in VA near the southern MD line. The wife purchased the car for herself from a lady down the road while her husband was deployed back in 2001. When she got the car it had 99k miles on it. They only put 4k miles on the car between 2001 and 2016. Thats crazy! The husband pretty much maintained the car for his wife and they kept it garaged. I found the car on craigslist and was surprised it hadnt sold. The husband mentioned that they had a few scammers and dealers come by but the wife wanted it to go to a good home. I exchanged emails with the husband for about 2-3 weeks before going to see the car. I asked the typical questions. ie. fuel pump, speedometer, dash, any mechanical issues. I ran the car fax and it verified the information that he told me. He wanted 5500 and I walked away with it for 5k. To me thats what the car was worth and he could have gotten 6-7k if he really wanted too. I have looked at many cars and 5k is a good price for this car. They sold the car because the wife had back issues and it was hard getting in and out of the car. Also they werent driving the car and the husband needed room for his new tractor.
Random question? I am noticing small road chips on the hood and front pumper. Is that a common issue when driving one of these cars? I try not to drive too fast and give myself space from other vehicles. The car came with a bra but I told myself I'm not driving around with a bra on.
In regards to the history. I picked it up from a older couple in VA near the southern MD line. The wife purchased the car for herself from a lady down the road while her husband was deployed back in 2001. When she got the car it had 99k miles on it. They only put 4k miles on the car between 2001 and 2016. Thats crazy! The husband pretty much maintained the car for his wife and they kept it garaged. I found the car on craigslist and was surprised it hadnt sold. The husband mentioned that they had a few scammers and dealers come by but the wife wanted it to go to a good home. I exchanged emails with the husband for about 2-3 weeks before going to see the car. I asked the typical questions. ie. fuel pump, speedometer, dash, any mechanical issues. I ran the car fax and it verified the information that he told me. He wanted 5500 and I walked away with it for 5k. To me thats what the car was worth and he could have gotten 6-7k if he really wanted too. I have looked at many cars and 5k is a good price for this car. They sold the car because the wife had back issues and it was hard getting in and out of the car. Also they werent driving the car and the husband needed room for his new tractor.
Random question? I am noticing small road chips on the hood and front pumper. Is that a common issue when driving one of these cars? I try not to drive too fast and give myself space from other vehicles. The car came with a bra but I told myself I'm not driving around with a bra on.
#11
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 87 GTA, 88 GTA, 92 TA, 72 RS SS
Engine: 350, 350, 305, 396
Transmission: T56, 700r4, 700r4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23, 3.23, 3.73
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Great looking car! Looks like all it needs is a little detailing under the hood and it will be show ready.
Congratulations on owning your dream!
Congratulations on owning your dream!
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 305
Transmission: Automatic
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
I submitted a response previously but it did not show. Hopefully this one will.
I got the car in VA from an older couple. The car was purchased by the wife in 2001 with 99k miles on it. I got it about a month ago with 103k miles on it. The car was garaged most of the time and the wife has back issues now. That is the reason for selling the car. The husband took good care of the car for his wife. They wanted the car to go to a good home hence the reason why they had it on craigslist for about a month. They turned down dealers and scammers. Husband wanted 5500 and i paid 5k. Was worth every dime. Any feedback for rock chips? I am noticing them. I assume that comes with the territory. Thanks for all the feedback guys!!
I got the car in VA from an older couple. The car was purchased by the wife in 2001 with 99k miles on it. I got it about a month ago with 103k miles on it. The car was garaged most of the time and the wife has back issues now. That is the reason for selling the car. The husband took good care of the car for his wife. They wanted the car to go to a good home hence the reason why they had it on craigslist for about a month. They turned down dealers and scammers. Husband wanted 5500 and i paid 5k. Was worth every dime. Any feedback for rock chips? I am noticing them. I assume that comes with the territory. Thanks for all the feedback guys!!
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 305
Transmission: Automatic
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
FYI. before going to see the car. I exchanged emails with the owners for about 2-3 weeks. I wanted to make sure everything was working: fuel pump, speedometer etc. Also wanted to make sure there were no major issues.
#15
Member
iTrader: (11)
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Best looking car on the trailer, nice find!
As dmccain said there are a lot of things that will wear out over time. Definitely look into replacing any rubber underneath the car; I'd recommend checking the torque arm bushing and transmission mount for rot, along with your bump stops on the front and rear suspension. Up to you on whether to swap in polyurethane but I personally like the increased stiffness.
Keep that dash covered so it doesn't crack!
Check your fuel tank neck for cracks. My 91 had this issue.
Check to make sure everything is greased properly.
With any luck the p/o might have some receipts for previous work. This can help you prioritize what you want to replace right away vs. what can wait until later. Never hurts to ask.
Best of luck!
As dmccain said there are a lot of things that will wear out over time. Definitely look into replacing any rubber underneath the car; I'd recommend checking the torque arm bushing and transmission mount for rot, along with your bump stops on the front and rear suspension. Up to you on whether to swap in polyurethane but I personally like the increased stiffness.
Keep that dash covered so it doesn't crack!
Check your fuel tank neck for cracks. My 91 had this issue.
Check to make sure everything is greased properly.
With any luck the p/o might have some receipts for previous work. This can help you prioritize what you want to replace right away vs. what can wait until later. Never hurts to ask.
Best of luck!
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Overland Park Kansas
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 91 Firbird Formula
Engine: 5.0 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
If your car is a driver, you can expect the paint chips. I back off too but I still get a chip or two every month or so. Clear coating can also deteriorate after a while. Paint looks good for the age of the car. I've had mine touched up a couple of times, but I am planning a respray sometime in the next year or two.
#17
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: South Ms
Posts: 4,477
Received 753 Likes
on
516 Posts
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
I went to a local paint/ supply shop and got a color coded paint pen to touch up the chips every now and then. It works very well you would have to look very hard to tell those chips were there.
#19
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: S. UTAH
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 0
Received 170 Likes
on
141 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z 305 LB9 AT Convertible
Engine: LB9 305
Transmission: AT
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Nice looking, well kept RS!
Paint chips are inevitable on driven cars.
Forget the word Polyurethane. They squeak and increase NVH. (Noise Vibration Harshness) The OE's only use poly on anti sway bar END LINKS.
Paint chips are inevitable on driven cars.
Forget the word Polyurethane. They squeak and increase NVH. (Noise Vibration Harshness) The OE's only use poly on anti sway bar END LINKS.
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 305
Transmission: Automatic
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Update.
Took the RS out to a local meet up/car show yesterday afternoon and walked away with an award. Check it out.
*Question for you guys? I have been keeping the car parked outside with a cover on it. I am noticing small scratches here and there and i think its coming from the cover. Any recommendations on covering the car? I decided that i could save 85 dollars a month vs storing the car. I have read a few forums and some people say its better just to leave it uncovered. I want to know whats the best way to protect it while leaving it parked outside. Any feedback would be helpful on this.
Took the RS out to a local meet up/car show yesterday afternoon and walked away with an award. Check it out.
*Question for you guys? I have been keeping the car parked outside with a cover on it. I am noticing small scratches here and there and i think its coming from the cover. Any recommendations on covering the car? I decided that i could save 85 dollars a month vs storing the car. I have read a few forums and some people say its better just to leave it uncovered. I want to know whats the best way to protect it while leaving it parked outside. Any feedback would be helpful on this.
#24
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: South Ms
Posts: 4,477
Received 753 Likes
on
516 Posts
Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: My 1992 RS - Worth the Wait
Buy a carport or park it in the shade best you can. Car covers will scratch your car or hold moisture and you don't want that. These old cars wont hold up outdoors paint and seals will go south before long. Nice car man good to see you out there winning awards and enjoying it!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post