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ASC Conversion: 1986 Chevrolet Camaro

While enthusiasts generally prefer their sports cars in hardtop form, it’s hard not to like this 1986 Chevrolet Camaro that was converted by ASC when new. Generally, ASC knows what it’s doing when it comes to chopping the roof off and adding a custom soft top, and this one-of-200 Camaro convertible looks way better than you’d expect for an aftermarket conversion. The Camaro has 73,000 miles on the clock and is listed here on eBay with bidding over $6K and the reserve unmet.

I always cringe at the Ferrari Daytona conversions, not only for the value those cars hold when unmodified but also because I feel like there’s always a very minor giveaway that it’s not a factory car. Most aftermarket companies seem to suffer this condition, but ASC’s been doing it so long and with so many GM and Ford vehicles that it should come as little surprise they can make a Camaro like this look as if it were built on a Chevy assembly line as a drop-top.

The interior is OK – not great – but that’s to be expected for the mileage and a car that was never treated to its own inflated bubble with red velvet ropes alongside of it. No, this Camaro was used despite its rarity, so some deterioration to the plastics is to be expected. The seller emphasizes that it is not a perfect car with its fair share of bumps and bruises, and also notes the trunk and hood were repainted due to sun fading. The convertible top is said to be in good shape.

Under the hood lies a 305HO engine paired to a 400 automatic transmission. The seller notes a boatload of recent maintenance, including fluid services, new rear wheel bearings, new brakes and brake lines, new tires, new exhaust from Y-pipe back with new catalytic converter, and an A/C conversion to R-134, which is helping keep the cabin occupants cool when the sun is beating down their backs. The reserve still not being met surprises me – what do you think it’s worth?

Comments

  1. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Not sure if I agree with your comment. ‘enthusiasts generally prefer their sports cars in hard top form ‘. Maybe I am in the minority. For comparison I saw this on C/L this morning. https://madison.craigslist.org/cto/d/verona-1991-camaro-rs-convertible/6914436041.html

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Moparman Member

    rode with a firend in one of these when it was new; I’m 6’4″ and the top of the windshield ran directly in front of my eyes! The only way I’d be able to drive it, would be semi-reclined! :-)

    Like 0
    • Avatar NotSure

      Or you could sit on a phone book and get above it! Maybe need some goggles though…. ;-)

      Like 0
  3. Avatar dirtyharry

    Question: How do you own a car and not even know what transmission you have? There is no 400 trans for this model, they are all 700R4 (overdrive) not a 3 speed automatic as described.

    Like 6
  4. Avatar irocrobb

    I have owned a 1988 Iroc Z convertible for 26 years. Same colour as this one with the tpi engine and a 5 speed manual. I sometime think I am getting to old for it. They are a fun and great handling car, but there is body flex on bad roads.
    There use to be a few in the area but they have all vanished.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Steve

    ASC did these cars after this year as a factory ragtop. I own a black on tan 86 convertible. It is number 52. 42000 miles. Bone stock. Original paint. These cars RPO says t top. 87 on register as convertible. I hope these escalate in value. Fun car.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Edmund Member

      I have an ‘86 like this one and also an ASC “non-factory” 1987 and they are almost identical to the ones ASC did for GM in 1987.

      The program ASC ran in ‘86 served as a pilot program for what became the 744 factory ones made for 1987.

      I’ve learned a lot about these cars having bought one new in 1988 and researching the two I own now. This one is number 29, the lowest number ASC Special Edition badge I’ve ever seen.

      Like 1
      • Avatar khell

        Hi, I have an ’86 identical to this one pictured above that I’ve owned for 22 years. Although in mine there are no interor badges of any sort identifying that it is an ASC conversion. Do you know if there are other labels or markings that can identify it (and possibly number it) if it is an ASC ?
        It is a confirmed 86, has all the ASC details with regards to spoiler extensions on the doors etc. Has hardtop in the VIN. 305TPI/auto. Im the 3rd owner. I was originally told by the 2nd owner that it was converted by Choo Choo Customs, but with ASC parts, although there are no CCC markings of any sort either unfortunately.

        Like 0
    • Avatar tony king

      hi i have an 1986 camaro thats been converted to convertible, it came with no soft top and im wanting to buy a new top for it not sure on how to measure it so i get the right size ?, also do you know how to tell if it was an asc conversion ?, any help would be amazing thanks, tony,
      perth australia

      Like 0
  6. Avatar The Tower

    Just bought an 88 IROC Z with 98k miles a couple of weeks ago. It’s the same color as this one, only with a hard top, the 5.7 L98 mill and every other option. Body is nearly perfect, just needing paint, while the interior is about a 9 out of 10 with very little wear. I paid $4500 for it and feel I did well, given that the only things it’s needed mechanically are rear brake pads and and a new idler arm.

    These are great driving cars, and if you can tolerate the very firm ride, will handle as well as anything built today under $50k…. assuming the road is smooth.

    These cars are just starting their ascent into collector territory, and anyone looking to get in on a 3rd gen F-body should do it soon, as I’m guessing the $5000 beater-grade example is only a few years away.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Johnny Joseph

      From the description of the one you bought it sounds like you ripped it. Enjoy it. The 5.7 is a pretty significant step up in performance from the 5.0.

      Like 1
  7. Avatar Jay

    Nice, unmolested, low milage examples go in the 15k range. This one should be in the 7k range.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Al

    Those yr/models are complete squeak & rattle traps lol. Friends ’82 when NEW was like that, was very annoying. Doors, long & heavy wore the hinges not long after.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Miguel

    Notice the small third brake light on this car.

    That was an ASC add on.

    For the 1987 model year, Chevrolet had made the rear spoiler with the longer third brake light integrated, so they started using those.

    It is a small difference, but noticeable if you know what to look for.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Brett hayward

    1986 Camaro
    Retractable hardtop convertible.
    Roof folds onto the trunk.

    (Like the old Ford Skylines)

    How many were made

    Like 0

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