looking at 89 sho

[nefordfan]

I found a hail damaged 89 sho, are there any major issues with this year that I should be aware of? I know it needs tires, front and rear windows, and dents fixed from the hail storm.

 

[jelloslug]

The big question is how much?

 

[nefordfan]

He has best offer in the paper. I called a local glass installer, around $400 for the glass replacement. So I'm not going to offer a whole lot for the car.

 

[SHO_Diehard]

I found a hail damaged 89 sho, are there any major issues with this year that I should be aware of?

I can't really think of any issues specific to the '89. There are some design differences (you probably know these if you've been around SHOs for very long). The '89 is the only year with no ABS and no air bags. It will have a cable shifter, unless it's been replaced. The dash design is different from the '90-'91, most like the '90-'91 speedo/tach over the '89. I believe silver may be the only clearcoat for all three colors that year, for sure the red is not clearcoat. The red paint is high maintenance, but can be brought back from the dead with a lot of work.

Are you thinking about parting it or fixing it?

IMHO, my '89 in it's day was a better car in every respect compared to my '95 MTX (except that blasted moonroof).

 

[SHO_Diehard]

What are the miles, condition of the interior, what maintenance has been done?

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

I like '89s

Only mechanical differences stock for stock is:

*smaller clutch (more than likely its been upgraded by now)
*classy interior :corn:
*no ABS
*no Airbags (but you do get the ONLY SHO-specific steering wheel)
*vented front and rear rotors (actually interchangeable front to rear!)
*cable shifter (rod shift upgrade is a "MUST HAVE" IMO)

 

[SHO_Diehard]

I forgot, IMO, the steering feel in the '89 is much better than a late gen 2.

The cable shifter is okay if in good shape, at least mine has not been a problem for most of its life. Probably lighter than a rod shifter too I've often wondered if Mark N is running the cable shifter to save weight.

 

[nefordfan]

I may fix it up and drive it for awhile, it has 114,000 on it, as far as the mechanical aspect I don't think that the motor has ever been opened up, and I'm not sure about the clutch if it has the cable or rod. The interior is a lttle better than mine, and it is the silver color but it needs a paint job. Oh, it does have a set of aftermarket wheels on it!