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GM J-body Convertibles and Automobile Specialty Company. |
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During the 1970's American Sunroof Company continued to expand and offer more than 40 products, including the design and construction of the industry's first glass panel sunroof, first rail-to-rail sunroof, and first power-actuated sunroof. By 1982 the company had launched Automobile Specialty Company, Incorporated and set up manufacturing centers in Livonia and Lansing, Michigan, and Lexington Kentucky. A new contract with General Motors would ensure a bright financial future for the company as Americans eagerly waited for a new round of convertibles following a six-year drought. The 1982 Buick Riviera proved a subcontractor could deliver a convertible with high build quality, good fit & finish, and a true "factory built" appearance and design. But GM needed a convertible with broader appeal. Something sporty. Something fresh and fun-to-drive for younger buyers.
The solution? Build a convertible in the new J-body series. |
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The Conversion |
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J-body History |
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I have tried to provide the most accurate information regarding the actual conversion process at ASC on this website, but after repeated attempts to contact the company I have come up empty-handed. I have called, written formal letters, and emailed various executives at ASC Global over the course of the last year and have yet to recieve a single reply. So I can only speculate the following details based on my research and personal observations. |
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The GM J-body line was assembled in Lordstown, Ohio after the H-body Chevy Monza, Pontiac Sunbird, Oldsmobile Starfire, and Buick Skyhawk lines bowed out in 1980.
After the retooling, the new compact FWD cars made it to dealers for the 1982 model year to much success. The smaller cars shared similar names with their H-body relatives. Pontiac's new model was called the J2000 (Sunbird), Oldsmobile's was called the Firenza (Starfire Firenza), Buick kept the Skyhawk nameplate, while Chevrolet debuted their Cavalier series. The J-car lineup included a coupe, four door sedan, three door hatchback, and station wagon for all divisions. For 1983, GM wanted the Chevy and Pontiac versions to feature a convertible as well. |
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The following modifications were made to the 1983 and up J-body coupes during the conversion process: |
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* Top removed. Cut was made roughly 3 inches above the windshield, and below the C-pillar in the rear. |
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* Convertible-specific rear seat and fiberglass side panels fitted. Top "Up/Down" switch replaces "defog" switch in the dash. |
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* Rocker panel braces installed, painted black to match rocker panel trim mouldings. |
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* Drivers and passenger side door window frames removed. Door skins fitted with special window regulators, glass, and weatherstripping. New rear glass installed. Rear speakers relocated. |
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* Convertible top frame assembly, hydraulic system, wiring, and trunk trim installed. Boot placed in trunk. |
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* Brushed aluminum trim piece installed on windshield header panel. A-pillars capped with chrome trim latches. |
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J-body cars that were converted at their Michigan facility all received this sticker on the driver's side door: |
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If anyone has pictures of J-body convertibles at the ASC plants, or more information about their conversion, please email me! |
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1983 is a Success! |
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Out of the 627 1983 Cavalier convertibles produced, the first 500 were assembled in the color white with blue interior. Later models were available in other colors. |
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Pontiac & ASC produced 626 J2000 convertibles in their inaugural year. Many were outfitted in red. 66 of these were sold through GM Canada. |
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Special thanks to Brian Wilson of JBO for the J2000 information. |
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Continue |
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Cavalier home |
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