Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
04-04-2012, 04:57 PM
#1
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Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Finally took my IROC-Z out of storage on Monday, and today I changed out just a few things that needed to be swapped. There are still many more things I would like to do, but heres what Ive done so far.
My door lock buttons were severely worn, so I swapped in some new genuine buttons.
I also scored some NOS parking lights made in the usa in their old original boxes. These things are beautiful.
Here is how bad my originals were. This is after I attempted to polish them last summer.
Seems as though this IROC-Z has been down some dirt roads too. (Although the car was in Arizona for a few years.)
My door lock buttons were severely worn, so I swapped in some new genuine buttons.
I also scored some NOS parking lights made in the usa in their old original boxes. These things are beautiful.
Here is how bad my originals were. This is after I attempted to polish them last summer.
Seems as though this IROC-Z has been down some dirt roads too. (Although the car was in Arizona for a few years.)
04-04-2012, 04:57 PM
#2
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
NOS lights installed. I recommend everyone finds a set of NOS lights. They instantly make the front of the car look 15 years younger.
One of my license plate lights was busted when I bought the car, so I got a used lens and a new bulb.
And thanks to TTOP350 for the awesome set of NOS gauges (except speedo) They look brand new, the red lines are not faded at all, and work great. All gauges have resistance. Even the water temp gauge sweeps slowly when you start the engine.
Old faded/broken tach from an 89 IROC
New gauges installed (except speedo) Please excuse the scratched lens.
Next on my to do list:
Leather Steering wheel
Turn Signal Stalk
Ignition Cylinder
GM Key Blanks
Stay tuned!
One of my license plate lights was busted when I bought the car, so I got a used lens and a new bulb.
And thanks to TTOP350 for the awesome set of NOS gauges (except speedo) They look brand new, the red lines are not faded at all, and work great. All gauges have resistance. Even the water temp gauge sweeps slowly when you start the engine.
Old faded/broken tach from an 89 IROC
New gauges installed (except speedo) Please excuse the scratched lens.
Next on my to do list:
Leather Steering wheel
Turn Signal Stalk
Ignition Cylinder
GM Key Blanks
Stay tuned!
04-04-2012, 07:27 PM
#4
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Thanks. I saw pics of your car with new lights too but it looks even better in person. 
04-04-2012, 09:35 PM
#5
Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
They sure do, they look good in pics but it really is amazing how much healthier the new ones make the car look in person. It really makes the difference between, "It looks alright" and "Wow that is one clean car." I also did all new headlights (Silverstars).
The detail items are what make an old car or a new paint job look good...a $10k paint job will look no better than a $1000 paint job if all the old lights/emblems are put back in, but a car with a 20 year old paint job can absolutely glow with fresh lights and detail trim all around.
The detail items are what make an old car or a new paint job look good...a $10k paint job will look no better than a $1000 paint job if all the old lights/emblems are put back in, but a car with a 20 year old paint job can absolutely glow with fresh lights and detail trim all around.
04-05-2012, 03:21 AM
#6
Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
I really want a set of NOS parking lights but they seem to hard to find. I ordered them from GMPartDirect and what came was an imitation of what the factory pieces were. Horrible waste of money and I won't use them.
04-05-2012, 07:49 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Wow, your reeeally getting her cleaned up! I'm glad the guages went to a good home, they look good in there! Grab a new lens or polish yours and that'll be super clean!!
I still have the 2 NOS T-body to heatercore molded hose with the ink stamp part number on it..
Nothing like NOS/ super low milage parts!
I still have the 2 NOS T-body to heatercore molded hose with the ink stamp part number on it..
Nothing like NOS/ super low milage parts!
Last edited by TTOP350; 04-05-2012 at 07:56 AM.
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04-05-2012, 09:08 PM
#8
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
IROCZTWENTYGR8, you just have to be patient on ebay and wait for a set to pop up like I did. I look for signs like Made in USA stamps on the back of the units, and old and brittle looking boxes and yellowed stickers to go along with the lights. Thats how to guarantee they are actually New Old Stock and not New-New-Stock GM approved aftermarkets from China.
TTOP350, thanks for the compliments. The gauges look great in my car. Once I find a better lens (maybe NOS?) then it will be even better. But hey, at least the red line is actually red again and not pink like the old gauges!
TTOP350, thanks for the compliments. The gauges look great in my car. Once I find a better lens (maybe NOS?) then it will be even better. But hey, at least the red line is actually red again and not pink like the old gauges!
04-06-2012, 07:59 PM
#10
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
I paid 110 on ebay for my particular set. I was willing to go up to 125. There are sets of "Buy it Now" lights for 249 on ebay at the moment, but I would never gamble that kind of money risking they show up at the door looking like what IROCZTWENTYGR8 described.
Like I said I look for old boxes in the ad to accompany the NOS lights. So I guess 125 would be the top of my "fair" bracket. Others may be willing to pay more though.
Like I said I look for old boxes in the ad to accompany the NOS lights. So I guess 125 would be the top of my "fair" bracket. Others may be willing to pay more though.
04-06-2012, 08:13 PM
#11
04-06-2012, 08:20 PM
#12
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Thanks Charlie! I really appreciate it. It was your Yellow IROC-Z thread that got me motivated to clean up my car a bit and make a thread. I still have a lot more to get to though.
04-07-2012, 08:12 AM
#13
04-07-2012, 09:51 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Ive actually pulled 3 or 4 really clean/clear sets of parking lights off of junkyard cars.That doesnt happen very often
04-07-2012, 09:51 AM
#15
Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Have any of you tried wet sanding those old parking lights?
I friend of mine has an old '69 Fire Truck, and the red light bar on the roof was really oxidized and cloudy. We wet sanded it with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 grit (just like wetsanding paint). Then we polished it with plastic restorer, and it turned out nice and clear.
I friend of mine has an old '69 Fire Truck, and the red light bar on the roof was really oxidized and cloudy. We wet sanded it with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 grit (just like wetsanding paint). Then we polished it with plastic restorer, and it turned out nice and clear.
04-07-2012, 12:25 PM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
What was wrong with the ones you got again? I know that you posted about it.
04-07-2012, 12:32 PM
#17
Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
http://www.moderndaymuscle.com/inc/sdetail/163/869
It doesn't say that they are discontinued, so the dealer may even still carry them.
04-07-2012, 07:26 PM
#18
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
The difference in the two sets are the original GM lights are trimmed in black inside the light and the new ones aren't.
04-08-2012, 01:16 AM
#19
Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Charlie and puma,
Like Scott said, these companies all advertise their parking lights as new but they are NOT the same as the NOS parts. The insides of the originals have black trim around the sides and the inimtations, made overseas instead of in the US, are mirrored. It absolutely changes the look of the light, even making them seem brighter than normal when on. Unfortunately, GMPartsDirect doesn't take those parts back, it'd be nice if there was a warning beforehand that these parts are not what originally came on the cars.
Like Scott said, these companies all advertise their parking lights as new but they are NOT the same as the NOS parts. The insides of the originals have black trim around the sides and the inimtations, made overseas instead of in the US, are mirrored. It absolutely changes the look of the light, even making them seem brighter than normal when on. Unfortunately, GMPartsDirect doesn't take those parts back, it'd be nice if there was a warning beforehand that these parts are not what originally came on the cars.
04-08-2012, 07:12 PM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
That black trimming makes all the difference in the world!
04-08-2012, 09:26 PM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Charlie and puma,
Like Scott said, these companies all advertise their parking lights as new but they are NOT the same as the NOS parts. The insides of the originals have black trim around the sides and the inimtations, made overseas instead of in the US, are mirrored. It absolutely changes the look of the light, even making them seem brighter than normal when on. Unfortunately, GMPartsDirect doesn't take those parts back, it'd be nice if there was a warning beforehand that these parts are not what originally came on the cars.
Like Scott said, these companies all advertise their parking lights as new but they are NOT the same as the NOS parts. The insides of the originals have black trim around the sides and the inimtations, made overseas instead of in the US, are mirrored. It absolutely changes the look of the light, even making them seem brighter than normal when on. Unfortunately, GMPartsDirect doesn't take those parts back, it'd be nice if there was a warning beforehand that these parts are not what originally came on the cars.
http://thirdgenranch.com/-strse-951/...ide/Detail.bok
They appear correct, are they?
04-08-2012, 09:43 PM
#22
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Those look like the correct ones. Just make sure they have a good return policy in case they show up to the door in the "all chrome" version...
04-09-2012, 09:06 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Maybe we should get Denny from Thirdgen Ranch to comment on them. I just PM'd him.
Last edited by chazman; 04-09-2012 at 09:13 AM.
04-09-2012, 09:35 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
What about these knock off ones? Looks like from the pictures it has the black inserts...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clear-lens-N...754f04&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clear-lens-N...754f04&vxp=mtr
04-09-2012, 02:21 PM
#26
Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Unfortunately, automakers change suppliers and designs from time to time so replacement parts may not be exactly like the originals. This is even true in the case of newer cars.
07-02-2012, 09:31 PM
#27
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Well I'm finishing up some final touches to the Camaro before this weekends Camaro Superfest 2012 in Ypsilanti MI, (whose going?)
Got a new leather wheel from Chuck Pelton at his shop in West Bloomfield MI. Picked it up in person. What a great guy and he does great work.
Before:
After:
Also since I had the wheel off, I installed a NOS turn signal stalk with correct skinny stalk, and a NOS ignition lock cylinder with new GM keys.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Other than finding a NOS Shifter Plate, my interior and exterior are finally the way I like it.
Got a new leather wheel from Chuck Pelton at his shop in West Bloomfield MI. Picked it up in person. What a great guy and he does great work.
Before:
After:
Also since I had the wheel off, I installed a NOS turn signal stalk with correct skinny stalk, and a NOS ignition lock cylinder with new GM keys.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Other than finding a NOS Shifter Plate, my interior and exterior are finally the way I like it.
Last edited by Motown; 07-02-2012 at 10:16 PM.
07-02-2012, 09:42 PM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
its all the little stuff that really all together makes it stand out like it was new. Looks very nice, i should do my ignition next already am doing door key cylinders while is apart for paint
07-02-2012, 10:12 PM
#29
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Yeah I recommend getting one. Youre right its the little things that make the car as a whole stand out more.
07-02-2012, 11:08 PM
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07-03-2012, 05:35 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Looks good! Isn't it amazing how little parts here and there totally change the overall look of the car? Nice IROC!
07-03-2012, 07:12 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Charlie and puma,
Like Scott said, these companies all advertise their parking lights as new but they are NOT the same as the NOS parts. The insides of the originals have black trim around the sides and the inimtations, made overseas instead of in the US, are mirrored. It absolutely changes the look of the light, even making them seem brighter than normal when on. Unfortunately, GMPartsDirect doesn't take those parts back, it'd be nice if there was a warning beforehand that these parts are not what originally came on the cars.
Like Scott said, these companies all advertise their parking lights as new but they are NOT the same as the NOS parts. The insides of the originals have black trim around the sides and the inimtations, made overseas instead of in the US, are mirrored. It absolutely changes the look of the light, even making them seem brighter than normal when on. Unfortunately, GMPartsDirect doesn't take those parts back, it'd be nice if there was a warning beforehand that these parts are not what originally came on the cars.
If you pay for an NOS part it better be in the original GM package and marked with a legit GM part #.
As for repop parts, thirdgen ranch seems to offer the best.
07-03-2012, 05:47 PM
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07-03-2012, 11:06 PM
#34
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Great job! Everybody has their own taste, I like original. I just bought a new curse control/wiper stalk for my 1988 Firebird, would like to replace the ignition switch too, just like you did.
07-04-2012, 06:54 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Have any of you tried wet sanding those old parking lights?
I friend of mine has an old '69 Fire Truck, and the red light bar on the roof was really oxidized and cloudy. We wet sanded it with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 grit (just like wetsanding paint). Then we polished it with plastic restorer, and it turned out nice and clear.
I friend of mine has an old '69 Fire Truck, and the red light bar on the roof was really oxidized and cloudy. We wet sanded it with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 grit (just like wetsanding paint). Then we polished it with plastic restorer, and it turned out nice and clear.
07-04-2012, 10:48 AM
#36
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Thank you! You wouldnt believe the difference a fresh turn signal stalk and ignition lock cylinder makes on the overall interior appearance. I say you should do both.
07-04-2012, 12:15 PM
#38
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
07-04-2012, 01:06 PM
#39
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07-06-2012, 06:48 AM
#43
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
Yeah, thats what I figured.
I put new ones in all of my cars, pricy. A pain in the butt to not touch them on the lettering!
I put new ones in all of my cars, pricy. A pain in the butt to not touch them on the lettering!
07-06-2012, 07:32 AM
#44
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
I need a new multi-switch in mine. It not only has all the lettering gone but last time I drove it with the cruise on and signaled to pass, the cruise kicked in and out with the turn signal :eek
07-06-2012, 08:40 AM
#45
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
I have some old ones that work but the lettering isnt perfect or gone if u just want it to work..
07-06-2012, 02:37 PM
#46
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07-06-2012, 02:39 PM
#47
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
I just got a firm grip on it and pulled straight out slowly. The cruise wire will be down in the column and will have to be unplugged before you can pull it all the way out.
07-07-2012, 11:47 AM
#48
Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
There is a retainer on the end and I think it will only pull off in the off position setting. Be sure to check for this.
07-10-2012, 11:20 AM
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
07-10-2012, 05:04 PM
#50
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Re: Freshening up the White 85 IROC with NOS parts
I also have a decent yellow print wiper/turn signal lever available.Pic in this thread
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...c-1991-rs.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...c-1991-rs.html
Last edited by my82roc; 07-10-2012 at 05:21 PM.