'88 IROC New Owner/Member
#1
'88 IROC New Owner/Member
Unlike a lot of forums, I did not see a new member/introduction category, so if the mods want to move/delete this post, it's totally understood. I have been a longtime fan of third gen F Bodies. I owned three 4th gens and loved them all, but had always wanted a third gen. Growing up through the 1980s, these are the cars that always bring back happy memories and nostalgia. To me, the IROC convertible is the pinnacle of the 80s F Bodies. I am also an avid fan of manual transmissions, so the 5Speed IROC was the ultimate. I had literally searched for this unicorn for 20 years, however any that I stumbled across (and they were painfully few) fell very neatly into one of two categories; either ridiculously perfect show cars that demanded an unrealistic price, or used up garbage ready for the junkyard. There were no decent cars that were better than 90% of the stuff still on the road, yet not so perfect as to be unattainable. That is, until I can across this car on Facebook Marketplace last year. I'm still amazed I found it. Previous owners had lost their storage which is why it was up for sale. Had seats recovered (not a huge fan of the style, but it's growing on me), and a brand new top. The last time it was driven was literally from the upholsterer to have the top installed. This in normally a red flag to me. There is no reason to invest the money in a car to immediately sell it, but enough made sense for me to take a look.
Car was originally a DX3 stripe delete, but I have always liked the stripes. Never fully understood why GM put a black stripe on black cars, so I didn't want to put factory stripes on it. Ultimated decided on a 1/4" / 1/8" Void / 1/8" stripe. Personally, I think it looks perfect. OEM style Phoenix Graphics IROC decal, although I feel it looks just a little too dark. I may cut new ones in a brighter red at some point. I know a lot of people will be opposed to anyhting other than the car exactly as it was from the factory. I totally get that, but it's also a car that I am going to drive a lot, so there is no point in making it a museum piece. I would rather have it exactly as I like it. Steering wheel is also a nice touch in my opinion. Leather was totally junk on the original. This wheel is from a 1987 Monte Carlo SS which also happens to be the first car I ever owned. Lot of great memories with that car, so it's nice to have that in this Camaro.
Last photo is of the IROC alongside my other pieces of 80s GM history.
I really enjoy this forum. Lots of great info, and for being deidicated to a car now 40 years old, it's very active.
Car was originally a DX3 stripe delete, but I have always liked the stripes. Never fully understood why GM put a black stripe on black cars, so I didn't want to put factory stripes on it. Ultimated decided on a 1/4" / 1/8" Void / 1/8" stripe. Personally, I think it looks perfect. OEM style Phoenix Graphics IROC decal, although I feel it looks just a little too dark. I may cut new ones in a brighter red at some point. I know a lot of people will be opposed to anyhting other than the car exactly as it was from the factory. I totally get that, but it's also a car that I am going to drive a lot, so there is no point in making it a museum piece. I would rather have it exactly as I like it. Steering wheel is also a nice touch in my opinion. Leather was totally junk on the original. This wheel is from a 1987 Monte Carlo SS which also happens to be the first car I ever owned. Lot of great memories with that car, so it's nice to have that in this Camaro.
Last photo is of the IROC alongside my other pieces of 80s GM history.
I really enjoy this forum. Lots of great info, and for being deidicated to a car now 40 years old, it's very active.
Last edited by 08H3; 04-28-2022 at 11:13 AM.
#2
Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Ft Wayne, IN
Posts: 238
Received 164 Likes
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Car: 1985 L69 Iroc/90 Iroc/99 Firehawk
Engine: L69/LB9/LS
Transmission: 5 spd/Auto/6 Spd
Re: '88 IROC New Owner/Member
Welcome aboard, nice ride! I see by the "90" on your plate, you are not too far from me (Ft Wayne).
#3
Re: '88 IROC New Owner/Member
I’m in Fort Wayne frequently, so if you see a third gen convertible, be sure to wave. It’s probably me as I haven’t seen another on the street around here for years!
edit: Just looked at your profile and saw you also have a 98 Corvette convertible! Same here! Weird!
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IROCIN (04-28-2022)
#8
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Northern NY
Posts: 1,116
Received 401 Likes
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314 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 9 bolt 3.27
Re: '88 IROC New Owner/Member
Welcome to TGO! That is a really nice looking convertible and I like the red decals and stripe, it really pops.
#10
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Central IL.
Posts: 100
Received 28 Likes
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15 Posts
Car: 1985 Iroc-Z (yellow)
Engine: LB9
Transmission: MXO
Axle/Gears: GU6, G80, J65
Re: '88 IROC New Owner/Member
Welcome, great to have you! Nice to see you making the car the way you want it. I like the added touches.
#12
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: New England
Posts: 2,406
Received 191 Likes
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Car: 1988 IROC Z Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: 700 R4
Axle/Gears: G80 GU2
Re: '88 IROC New Owner/Member
Awesome! I love the black and red! I was looking for a 5-speed convertible too but I wanted Red, Black, Dark Red or Blue…. Ended up with this one because the seller took my offer out of frustration trying to sell it years ago…. Not a stick but it had everything else in perfect working order for a price I couldn’t say no to…
congrats on finding that color with three pedals!
congrats on finding that color with three pedals!
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