N7X

I have a stock 92 Camaro RS 305 TBI. A typical example of a third gen. Some rust here and there (some places are getting bad). Weird problems that don't exactly prevent it from doing its job, but are minor annoyances you just get used to. Bought her when I was 16, my first car, and I've loved her every day since.

I live in north/central NJ and am tired of being told by shops and family how much my car isn't worth putting any money into.

My dad has been a GM guy his entire life and has worked at a major parts dealer for most of it. He knows GM cars inside and out. Even he tries to convince me not to bother. His old clients, a lot of whom I know first hand do great work and whose opinion I hold in high regard, have begged him to talk me out of dumping money into my car.

I understand why. I know it's not fiscally responsible and will not see a financial return on my investment. But its not an investment. Its my baby.

I see lots of awesome third gens all over these forums from all over the country. Does everyone face this kind of negativity or is this an east coast thing?

The weather over here is killing her at a rate I'm not comfortable with. The point where I'm going to have to do something, or junk it, is becoming a sad reality.

KillaSwagg977

Keep it please...I hear the same thing also but who cares cause at the end of the day...it wat makes u happy

N7X

I'm with you on keeping it. It's what I want to do. I have a 67 camaro I bought to restore (which ironically, IS a sound financial investment), which is pretty much what all of my savings is going towards. I figure for $15k to $20k, I can have my car completely done the way I want. Doing the work myself of course. The 67 will cost me close to $40k, with shop assistance for body work as it's a collector and needs to be done with precision and experience I simply don't have. I just hope she lasts long enough where I'll be able to pour money into her without putting the 67 on hold.

Another problem is that within 5-10 years my family will be moving to West Virginia. With dirt roads and lots of snow.. New jersey doesn't have the best roads, but at least I can pull out of my driveway onto asphalt. And I nearly die every time it snows significantly here. I usually just borrow my mom's AWD lexus. The massive overhang of the nose is also a concern.

Another option is to take that $15-20k and either get an '05 STI (which I've always had an interest in) or put a down payment on a brand new warrantied car. Probably a 5th gen.

There's a lot of pro's to saying goodbye when the time comes. But I think I'd always regret it. At least I'm not the only one being told it's not worth it

mr305

iTrader: (1)

Keep it!
Its not just an east coast thing, I live in Arizona I crashed my car when I was 17 back in 2006 I've had mine since I was 16 also. I took it to I don't know how many shops and a lot of them refused to fix it even tho I was willing to pay their quoted price. They told me it wasn't worth it that I could buy 2 of the same car with the money it would cost to repair it(they were right) but it is my baby and did it anyways. Best/dumbest choice I ever made but I wouldn't have it any other way....save it!!

N7X

I never understood why you would REFUSE BUSINESS. That's just silly. A lady backed into my driver's side door recently (just a dent) and the shop I usually go to quoted it at $1053 to fix. He estimated the door would cost about $450. She left a note with her name and number and offered to pay the damages. That's unheard of in this state. I felt so bad when I got the estimate and it was that high. He's just replacing the whole door. Earlier that year he replaced the driver's side mirror and didn't charge me labor, just $100 for the mirror. It's great to have connections. I've been lucky enough where that's the only two real accidents I've had it in.

I'm going to find a way. If I've got to pack it and put it up on blocks for a year, so be it. I can't fiddle with the 67 or a new car anyway, this is going to be my project car, done the way I want. Now I just have to keep her running and learn to weld. One step at a time.

melissadunagan

I would keep it. Maybe you could find a cheap everday car so you can get the rust fixed right on your Camaro.

Rickey_85TA

It sounds like you really enjoy your Camaro.
If that's the case, then fix it up and make it look real nice, but keep the stock engine and drive train.
Turn it into a stock show car or if you want to dump that 15K into it with a new LSX engine, drive train and suspension upgrades. The value will go up tremendously.
Stock "good condition" third gens are starting to go up in value. I bought my car back in 2003 and in 2013 the value is nearly double what I paid.

Richboll

Keep it. Just try to keep it out of the bad weather, fix what you can when you can, and feel good about the fact that you have it!

lunati397

keep it just dont waste money trying to get power from the 305 look into doing a low buck lsx swap (5.3 with a carb)if done smart you can get away with that for around 1500

My car is nice or I like to think and its life started as a 305 tbi RS and no matter what I do to it I still call it a RS its fun though when you say ahh its just a RS and the the assumtions begin and then they get their doors blown off

NCC-2569

iTrader: (1)

Keep your car.
As I bought my car everyone was like "Hell, no! What have you done? Look at that pos!"
Yeah, the condition was quite bad on the first pics I got, but up close it wasn't anything that couldn't be fixed. And now it's running, looks quite good, is dry around the t-tops again...
and just imagine how much you'd pay for a new car... and over what time period.
Now imagine putting that amount into your car over the same period!
And you're not even financially BOUND to do ANYTHING in contrast to buying a new car!

Street Lethal

iTrader: (16)

Anyone who refuses work on a particular car, or tells you to just junk it, or not to sink money into it, doesn't know much about cars, period. You have everything there, right in front of you, to make it an extremely fast car for the street and to turn a lot of heads. I just started a turbo build thread in the power section for my anemic 305 engine, and most of what I am doing doesn't cost much at all to do. As far as it being an investment, you only live once, and you can't take your investments with you. So long as the car makes you happy, that is all that matters. Your father had his time, live and enjoy yours...

lunati397

Smart guys will buy the v6 and 305 cars because most of them were not abused as bad as the irocs and z28s

One guy I know wanted a trans am so instead of buying a beat up one for 8k he got a MINT v6 bought a ls1 heads cam full exhaust all new suspension and he is sitting right at 8k now but with a new motor good fuel system new suspension new trans ect


I run a small shop too and I take in everyjob one car is a 87 montecarlo (DONK) im building the lift kit and doing a motor swap LS6 with a turbo It may not be my style but its what the guy wants and I will give him top quality work because that is what he is asking for and if you came to me and wanted to head cam nitrous turbo your car I would advise you the right way to go but if its what you are set on then ill do it

WolfmanTA

Hi Bro! I hear the samething from people I know. But when I'm out and people I don't know say your ride looks sooo sweet. That makes it all worth it. I have pride in my work on my TA. Like the looks I get when I'm out for a ride and when my Trans Am is parked and I see people checking it out. Love it! It have come a long way in only a year of owning her. As you can see in the pic's from left to right. Cheers Bro....

krackle82

Living in the north east I'd say your biggest investment would be under coating. I moved from Ohio to Tennessee and believe me, the under side of cars here a A LOT cleaner (rust free). Also, Camaros are not snow friendly, they are definitely warm weather cars. Keep it and stay on dry pavement. (Also ditch the 305, just sayin)

2007xl50

I have only had my 92 RS a short time, bought her kinda cheap just to mess around with. It's got a bit more rust than I thought, but it's not rotted at all-still a nice car for cheap and people still tell me it's sweet. I have been thinking about selling it, but for some reason I can't do it yet. If you love you car just keep it and do what you can on it. Got any pix of the bad spots?

N7X

And that's why I love the camaro community. You guys are super supportive and take a lot of pride in our hobby. The plan is to find a donor LS1 and a T-56, nothing that hasn't been done to death before, but a solid swap for some solid power. I like the LS1 because it maintains the spirit of a third gen, being a 5.7L. I prefer having a plain jane or a V6 without any special packages so that I can fiddle and swap. My 67 is too rare and desirable to do anything other than factory stock, so I have no issues having a regular old RS.

I'll get some pics up today. Thanks again for reminding me what it's all about.

Edit: Pics of rust and general car condition



^ on the hatch has the worst rust that I've seen or remember seeing on the car


^ This is the passenger quarter. All but one wheel well is rusting, this is the most recent addition. I couldn't get the rest because it's covered in mud.


^ Damage from years ago when my brother was driving to the shore and the front tire exploded. The tread whipped the fender, broke the skirt, and ripped the inner wheel well out. This is the result of a few years of weathering.

Full car shots:



All in all I'd say its in pretty good condition considering others I've commonly seen. But I'm looking at its condition when I'd be working on it, in 2-5 years. That fender bubbling wasn't present a year ago. Who knows what else is rusting away beneath the body. The floor pan is in surprisingly great condition. I'm quite pleased with that.

2007xl50

My car is not near that bad, but your car is not all that bad if the floors, strut towers and and other key rust area's are fine. That fender and GFX damage sucks, but is not a hard fix if you have the parts. I don't see why you would not fix her up if you love her so much. I have seen alot worse cars on here fixed up to be very nice cars.

Iroc-EZ

iTrader: (1)

I maybe the only one on the forum to say this and will probably be flammed to hell for it. But its really not worth putting a lot of money into. A 305 rs is a dime a dozen car, there everywhere and in no short supply. That being said I understand the attachment to the car, my first car was a 74 carlo. I put quit a lot of money into it when I was 18, and everybody said to get rid of it but i kept it for many years. You could just drive the car till it dies and save your money that would have gone into repairs, then after she dies part it out and crush it at the scrap yard. Then go buy a 3rd gen, like an clean Iroc-z, 1LE, B4C, TA, GTA, etc,etc,... with the right options that could be an investment vehicle.

Richboll

I can't disagree with what you're saying, but I do remember when 1st Gens were a dime a dozen.

Only the owner can decide if its worth the time and money investment or junk it and get a clean desirable one while they are still affordable.

W.E.G.

These "instead-you-should-just-buy" cars are as much crap shoot as the beater that you restore.

The good and the not-so-good are all a quarter-century old, and if you get them cheap, there is a REASON it is being sold cheap.

Its your money, and your time.

If "some guy on the internet" is giving you heartburn, pay him no mind.

If your car doesn't look "car-show-clean," who cares?

I have fairly new (and very ordinary-seeming) "modern" car that will smoke most of the street-legal Gen 3's. I'm glad to have it when the weather is poor, or I absolutely have to arrive on time. The old beat up Camaro is still the one I'm happiest to see when I look out in the morning.

Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

N7X

I appreciate the rational opposing argument. I like that it doesn't have any special packages and is a "plain jane" basic V8 model. I have a 67 thats pretty rare waiting to be restored and I can't do what I want with it because I can't bring myself to butcher such a desirable car. Everything I'd do to the 92 is aftermarket including drivetrain. I'd keep the original block and trans in storage just in case the third gens do gain desirability. If I got an iroc or Z28, I'd probably beef up what's in it without doing any modification that can't be undone. But I'd be limiting myself and have another car I'd have to baby.

Of course, I've also thought about driving it until it dies and then getting a 67 vette frame and shell and making that a project. Money is just a matter of time for me as it stands. I live at home and don't have bills, but I also err on the side of caution, as that can change in a flash. A project vette would be more work and more expensive to build. So would a custom 67 camaro, one I could drive every day as opposed to only on sunny days once in a while like with the rare collector.

I think I'll continue on with the intention of doing the work to the 92 for now. Who knows what the future brings

2007xl50

This is a good post. I too have an awesome new DD that's faster than my 3rd gens, fun as hell to drive and roll around in -2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport S. I also have a very nice 87 TA WS6 T-top 95% original, A sweet 07 Harley 1 of 2000 made then my half beat 92 3.1/auto hard top RS. Guess what vehicle gets the most love? The RS. Hell I have even kicked the Jeep out of the garage so I can get more work done on the RS. See my bike is where I want it, The TA is not getting redone or modded anytime soon and with only 50k on the TA I don't like to rack alot of miles on it, the Jeep I dont't want to mod so that leaves the RS to play with and learn more on-that is the best part to me.

krackle82

For what it's worth, there are only 2 3rd gens in our town, one is mine. They're getting hard to find in this part of the country.

N7X

There are quite a few in my area. Mostly 'birds. I've never seen one in great condition around here. A really cute girl that came into where I work had one though. I didn't know it was hers until she left. I wish I said something.

UBHSTRY

If you want to come up to north of pittsburgh, I have a fully equiped garage to fix all that rust.

Lets see though, my current thirdgen was pulled from a field, and 6 grand dropped on a 383......hm....was it worth it? YOU BET!!!!!!!

2007xl50

Where I live I see about 20 3rd gen Camaro's to 1 Firebird or TA. Some kid in my town just bought a clean looking teal 91/92 Brid and it's his DD from what I can tell. Seen him out in a snow storm a few weeks ago. It seems to always be clean so at least he is takeing care of it.

Should any of us really spend money on cars that are just toys-NO,but it what we love. There are all kinds of hobbies and most cost money so do what you like if you can afford it.

MalibuSSwagon

iTrader: (2)

I'd find some dry indoor storage for the car, and buy a Honda for 1K. Cheap, reliable, and expendable.

N7X

I'm can't do FWD. It feels weird whenever I turn, accelerate, brake.. you know, drive. Plus, when things go wrong, my instincts are to react like a RWD. I'd miss that V8 rumble.

FirebirdJim94

I'm with ya bud. My 91 Bird and I have been thru Hell and back twice together. Between motor issues, Transmissions, and now a recently bust quarter appraised to fix at $890! I just can't depart she's my babes! Also have a project car and that's my 85 T/A. So, being in SJ I understand where you are coming from.. It sucks!

86T/A_Ram_Air

that is really not that bad. that rust on the fender can be fixed by just replacing the fender. As far as putting money into it well it's your car. you put whatever you want into it. Some ppl just don't get it. If you want to put money into it do it. If you want to build a 6000 dollar engine do it!! It really isn't anyone elses business what you want to do with it or how much you pour into it. Do it for you and enjoy the living day lights out of it

FirebirdJim94

exactly!^^^ Hell, i've probably put well over 3k into mine and it's not nearly finished. Things take time and money. I'm 18 and i'm aiming by age 21 everything will be done and possibly a nice ls1 under the hood!

Shane B

It seems like you have a genuine love for your third gen.I think if you do decide to get rid of it you will definetly regret it.Ive entertained the thought of selling mine and I just cant do it lol.My three rides and guess which one I love most .

FirebirdJim94

Aha nice Shane! Sweet trucks look to be in great shape. Gotta love the ThirdGens though! I've also had the thought of selling it when things got difficult but I could never do it. it's going to be so hard to sell my 85 T/A after i'm done restoring but the 91 will always be in my yard.

Blue1990camaro

iTrader: (1)

well as you can see alot of us here get that to, if its your baby keep it, i was in the same boat with my iroc z, body damage, blown motor, bad trans, blown rear, trashed interior, dented hood, broken GFX denter fender, old primer, now it has a new built trans, 9 bolt rear, all new interior, new fenders, body finished just needs paint, new motor with some work into it, wire tuck in progress, new t tops, all in all iv MAYBE spent $4000 into it, and with another $1000 to finish and paint it shell be GORGEOUS

so, listen to your heart like i did, no matter how bad she got, i kept her and started fixin her up, so if you love yours like i love mine, do what alot of us here did, DONT GIVE UP, enough third gens get crushed, we dont need another one crushed because its "rough around the edges"

just my 2 cents, its honestly your car tho

Blowtorch79

I say the hell with everyone else. I get the, "you could have gone to Mecum and bought a 1st gen or old corvette for what you are spending on that P.O.S. Firebird." My response, "then I would be buying someone elses dream." Yep, I have a 3rd gen Formula 350 that will never be worth anything......but she will run with the best out there and was built to MY specifications.... My car, my dream! Kiss my *** if you don't like it.

Blue1990camaro

iTrader: (1)

we definatly need a "Like" button because that was epic!

Dirty birdie

When I took my "new" '84 firebird into the shop for brake work, they told me to think about replacing the vehicle. I told them to put perfume on the pig.

phasevariance

I have a 92 RS TTOP with a 305. It's just a cruiser now. It's been through a front end collision, an interior fire, bad (horrible) floorpan patch jobs, ghetto wiring, junkyard worthy rust, a previous owner who spray painted the valve covers with the engine running, bad transmission ect.

This poor baby was abused and neglected to hell and back, and will never be race worthy. But now it's my summer cruiser and I love it.

KnightmareCS

iTrader: (7)

Was it black? lol
Where in NJ are you? I've seen a chick driving a black 85+ Bird on 440/287 on multiple occasions. Always in my daily though...

N7X

Negative, it was a white camaro. I'm in North/Central jersey, in a little town called Clark. It's in Union County.

It's been like 2 years since that happened. Never saw her again.. If I ever met a girl that asked me "Is that your third gen?", I'd drop down to one knee and propose purely as a reflex.

Hawkeye1980

iTrader: (3)

I had a love affair with a 1971 CJ5 and dumped a ton of money into it back in the late 80s early 90s. That was a waste of money. But at the time I learned so much about cars in general, now in my mid 40s I am not afraid to tackle anything car wise, for the most part, lol.

If you can, KEEP IT. My 1989 Formula 350 was purchased new by me back then. I LOVE this car, and miss it so much. Only now, after 10 years of sitting in my driveway its so close to being back on the road. It needs a lot, but it runs solid. Having new cat back exhaust, tires, brakes, and other assorted parts helped! I dream of taking it down the road so very soon. Some day to restore to her deep black paint it once wore.

Life moves so fast, when I bought the car I knew then I would not part with it. Had offers from folks to buy it, etc. But this is the ONE thing that is mine and mine to fix and enjoy.

You don't see to many of the 3rd gens around, even more so Firebirds. Heck I hardly ever see 4th gen Camaros and Firebirds either. But when I do see a 3rd gen, I stop and take a close look. Back in the day these bad boys were all over the place but now you never see them. They are American muscle cars just as much as any other, which equally deserve to be preserved, enjoyed, driven and passed on. Just my 2 cents....

88FormulaKiller

iTrader: (8)

Do what feels right. Anything can be saved with dedication and passion.

This is a pic of my own dedication, hopefully to inspire, started with nothin more than a shell and glass. She now has a fully adjustable 4 link suspension with coil overs and front coil over suspension. still have aways to go, but that grin I'll have driving a 67 Bird with an LS 6 Speed drivetrain is worth the 1000 hours I'll put into it.

N7X

Consider me inspired. Also, DAT A$$$$$. I almost didn't pick up my 67. I was looking for a 70ish 2nd gen project but couldn't pass up a street beast 396, glad I didn't.

I've been wondering if I should pick up bits here and there for the 92. Drivetrain options will always be around, but the little visual things seem to come and go rather quickly. Like taillights, headlights, etc. Don't want to regret not grabbing something when I had the chance and $$.

lmidden

ive been getting the same stuff fro here even everyone one this website. the nicer comments from family is to make it look nice and sell it here everytime i post anything about body repairs i get comments like scrap your car so mine can be worth more after a while you ignore it. your car is in alot better condition then mine

N7X

If it's any consolation, if you get it on the road, you'll love that car more than any of them could understand. And you'll know her inside and out. It's not just 4 wheels and a motor getting you from A to B. It's your camaro. Nothing else will feel the same. I've driven my mom's lexus IS250, my sister's G8, and my dad's sierra pickup. All great cars. Fun, surprisingly quick, much smoother ride than my third gen and I don't feel like I'm going to die every time I brake hard in the rain. But I miss mine every time. It's not the same. At least that's why I want to keep it.

lmidden

id rather have a car that ive done a bunch of repairs to to get it on the road and know every little piece of the car then have a car thats probably a complete hack job repair that i dont know whats hiding under the paint

N7X

Exactly. It's a lot easier working on something you've done yourself. You know where to look instead of spending half your time figuring out what some other idiot did.

lmidden

i had that when i got my car i found more and more stuff that a dealers body repair guy just filled with up to 1/2 inch of bondo worst part is some of the bondo never hardened

TxTtopZ

I have had this argument over and over again, especially when it came to putting money into a 305. Even on this very board I have been heated over certain opinions of others. These cars came with MANY variations of engines, injection set ups and configurations and each following will defend it to the death. As far as the general public goes, it's a car that people either love or hate. I seriously doubt many have the heart, the drive or the ***** to be what this board supports. Except maybe the 2.2 Chrysler Turbo car crowd. lol

RoccoNH1

I am with all of you. I just finally after 25 years got the car I wanted... Everyone thought I was nuts and I told them I had been waiting for years for this car. in the end, you do what you want because rust is going to happen, people are idiots and will not have the same respect for your stuff as you will for yours. whatever your future holds with your car, love it while you have it.... and enjoy the **** out if it!