[trackbird]

I got up at 2am and drug a trailer almost 700 miles today to bring home a 2002 Z28 convertible (6 speed manual). It's a virtual twin (other than a convertible instead of t tops) to my original 2002 that I bought new. I actually believe every option matches right down to the color. It came with piles of service records, a receipt for a new GM installed engine (15k miles/4 years ago) as well as new clutch (with the engine), new window regulators and all kinds of other stuff. The previous owners spent a fortune at the dealer with this car. It was a summer car at the house on lake Michigan. I don't think it's ever seen anything beyond some occasional rain. The steering column is tight and there's no major wear on the seats or steering wheel. It has a few small door dings and I think the paintless dent guys can remove those. Overall, it's a solid and clean car that should be lots of fun. It was also dead stock, not so much as a lid on it.

I'm planning to swap on some larger wheels, lower it a bit, stiffen it a bit, sway bars, exhaust and a "lid". I just want a fun driver to enjoy on nice days. I've actually never owned a convertible in my life, I've always had t tops or targa cars....this should be a new adventure.

I don't have many pics, but I'll add a few before I crawl off to bed.

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[CrashTestDummy]

So how's that 'instant new car' now? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif) I'm planning that for our Caprice. There's a huge pile of parts in the corner of the shop, just waiting for a long weekend to get to it.

The 4th Gen convertible mechanisms are pretty reliable. The only issues we've had with ours are with the 'bow links'. Those thin metal rods on the sides up front. The plastic 'rod ends' tend to break, and we've actually bent one of ours, somehow. They seem to be almost year-specific, or at least there are a couple of iterations of them, maybe LT-car andLS-car specific?

Hawks Third Gen does list them, I'm not certain what years they say theirs fit, but they do have them. Suffice to say, if you run across your year vert in a JY, and they're there, grab them!

The windshield latches can be an issue if you are not parked level, it's amazing how much these cars twist, even with SFCs. Just something to remember when parking with the top down.

[trackbird]

So how's that 'instant new car' now? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif) I'm planning that for our Caprice. There's a huge pile of parts in the corner of the shop, just waiting for a long weekend to get to it.

It's much better, much much better. And I got down beside it with an impact gun (socket and impact swivel) and a box end wrench and "leaned" on the front LCA bolts a little bit. No more clunk. So that seems to be fixed.

That's good news on the top mechanism. I had no idea what to expect. There really aren't too many of the convertibles around (from what I've seen). I bought a pair of spare ebony seat belt guides for the front seat. When one broke (it had been glued) I ordered two, then I bought a spare for that one. That should hold me for a while. Parts seem to be drying up for these cars. It's really strange to me since I bought one new when the aftermarket was in full swing. I guess I'm getting old faster than I think. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)