Well I've started some more changes to the GT. During the next couple of months we plan on installing a T-top, a modified ZR1 Hood Scoop, chin spoiler, finish the Whaletail, T/A fender vents, prime and paint the GT 2000 Viper Grey.

For those who aren't familar with my car. It has been lowered 2", has 11.25" brakes, just replaced all the poly, Mr. Mikes, running Koni's, and have a partially rebuilt 3.4 w/ Gen III heads and 3.1 intake (bigger runners and looks better) on the engine stand, and more.

Today we cut 4" out of the center of the ZR1 scoop. Manily because I didn't care for that little recessed area in the middle.

We marked the scoop and measuring how much I wanted to remove to make the hood fit the way I wanted it. We Decided 4 " would be about right.

After cutting we lined up the scoop center seam and changed the angle in which it will sit on the hood a little and applied a little fiberglass on the outside. After that set up we turned it over and did the underside.

Next we have to take out the T/A hood scoops and cut the opening larger so the air will flow throw the new ZR1 scoop and exit at the windshield. (Ski's idea that I saw and a very good one)

[This message has been edited by FieroGT87 (edited 01-04-2004).]

Great work. Sure brings back memories. Itchiness, dust, the smell of fiberglass resin, dust hours of sanding, dust and more dust. I thought I would never get the dust cleaned up in my garage and my kids were ready to move out from the smell of fiberglass resin and body filler. Good luck.

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Red 88 GT T-Top 3800 INTERCOOLED SUPERCHARGED
White 88 GT Stock
Please give me a rating if you appreciate my contribution.
History of Skitimes Car UPDATED 8-11-03

[This message has been edited by skitime (edited 12-25-2003).]

Made a little progress today. I use every spare minute of time off work that I can.

Anyway, today I cut the hood. One small mistake when cutting I cut a little to deep in a 2-3 inch space on the left side. I can repair that later. I was amaze how easy it was to get the cut strips seperated from the hood framework.

I used a SMC body panel adhesive to attach the scoop to the hood. I sanded the underside before attaching it. The top I decided to wait on since I knew there was much more sanding to come up there after I fiberglass the top in.

You went about it a little differently. I only cut part way through the top layer. You went the whole way though. Interesting. That sure would of been easier and less dusty.

Ski, what did you do there? It kinda looks like you took a grinder and cut through the upper layer of the hood except on the very front.

I did cut all the way through the top panel leaving only the lower frame panel. I decided after molding in the Whaletail I could do the same thing here. Basically I attached the scoop the same way as the factory top panel except using a different bonding agent. Then I plan on using fiberglass on the top to fill the small open gap between the hood and scoop. The Scoop actually sits a little lower than the original top hood panel so using fiberglass will be easy along with a little SMC Vette body panel filler.

I notched the top layer without breaking through where I wanted to bond it to the scoop. I used a circular saw to do it.

I then molded the hood top with fiberglass before bonding the scoop.

I also spent way too much time to finish the bottom of the scoop so it was as smooth as the top. I hate to see rough fiberglass anywhere. Sorry I do not have pics of the bottom seperate. You can see the bottom in this picture after I bonded it to the hood.

Earl...

That really looks good! I can't wait to see it at this years show. Keep the picturese coming.

Paul

I got to do some more work on the hood yesterday and today.

It's almost finished. A couple of uneven places to smooth out then primer coat. I think I'll primer the rest of the panels at the same time.

But before that I need to install these.

A pair of T/A fender vents for the GT. Ski you must think I'm coping your car but notice the Whaletail and Mustang scoop.

Earl R.

[This message has been edited by FieroGT87 (edited 12-28-2003).]

Hood looks good. Did you do much to finish the bottom of the hood? Not worried about the coping since I still have a few unique things on mine. lol The trunk looks cool. Do you have more pics of it?

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Red 88 GT T-Top 3800 INTERCOOLED SUPERCHARGED
White 88 GT Stock
Please give me a rating if you appreciate my contribution.
History of Skitimes Car UPDATED 8-11-03

Look's Great Earl... Actually, it look's like alot of work as well!!

Ski, your's look's.. well... Ummm... FANTASTIC!!

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New Name.... New Attitude....
AKA. SmoothGT....

Custom Made WIDEBODY 1986 GT!!

I know ski, you've more mods than I'll do to my GT thats for sure.

I spent 8 hours between yesterday and today on that hood. I flipped it over today to work on that opening but haven't got that far on it yet.

The dust is really bad in the garage right now. Even with the garage door open and the fan going it still collect everywhere.

Here is a pic of the whaletail and Mustang scoop.

This is the one thing I like about Califonia Kids car, but I liked the Mustang scoop as well so I incorporated both.

I worked on the T-top yesterday. It took me about 2 hours to seperate the C&C T-top frame from the old Fiero roof frame. It was a PITA to say the least. I have to rebend some of the metal and clean it up and paint it before installing it over the next few days.

Here is a pic of the C&C frame sitting on top of the GT after I seperated it from the old roof frame. Hopefully I can get the T-Top installed this weekend. My son is wanting to help, so this will be interesting and fun I think.

Here is a pic of the GT sitting in the garage. I sat the hood back in place, it's not bolted up, I had to store it somewhere.

Gee what are you doing in your spare time?

LOL Ski, working on the GT. I've got to get it finished by early to mid April for the Gateway show. I AM GOING TO BE THERE WITH THE CAR THIS YEAR! I missed the last 3 years, or should I say the car missed the show the last 3 years, not this one.

I have 2.5-3 months to get everything done so I can get it painted in time. 2000 Viper Steel Grey. Dark grey with a very slight blue tint to it.

Determination!

Promises, Promises..........

Can't wait to see it!

Paul

Paul I may have to come over and see you with the GT so I can get it lined up. I need someone who knows what he's doing to get it done right.

No problem, just let me know a week or so in advance. Hopefully I'll have the "beast" back together by then. It resides on the lift right now. Are we even having a show this year?! As of mid-November we didn't even have a hotel yet.

Paul

I've been out of the loop for a while, so I assume we are having one. Let me call Dana and see whats up. I haven't worked on the website in some time and I think Dana was going to get someone else to do it because of my lack of time to devote to it because of Cub and Boy Scouts, my business, my wifes honey do list, and modifing the GT.

I thought I would post the Chrome tips I'll be using on the GT.

I wonder where those came from?

[This message has been edited by FieroGT87 (edited 01-04-2004).]

quote Originally posted by FieroGT87: I thought I would post the Chrome tips I'll be using on the GT. I wonder where those came from?

Those are really nice... What are they from..??

Thanks, I bought them from Aus a year or so ago. I wanted something a little different than the norm, I know you know what I mean

Anyway it will one of the last things to go on the GT, right after the paint job.

Well you're out of 70 degree days buddy!! why havent you finished it yet??? where in STL are ya???? looks great! keep it up!

-T

No **** ! I was just getting use to wearing short sleeve shirts again. I live in Hazelwood off Howdershell and Teson Rd in the White Birch subdivision if you know where that is.

Anyway 250,000 BTU's of heat in the garage, Cold no problem, you would think you were in Hell when I crank that thing up. It just made it nicer with the garage door open.

Wow, lookswise, a cross between skitime's and California Kids car, that baby is gonna be sweet when u get it finished.

Started on the T-top today after church.

Here is a pic of the way I decided to support the roof and push it apart slightly to get the T-Top frame in place. I used a 3/8" Turn buckle. (Thanks JScott for the idea) Notice the drink on the car before I started needed the courage to cut it GT.

Here is the GT Targa style

Here is the T-Top frame in place and riveted in. I made sure I used plently of 3M urethane sealer on the front and back of the frame before riveting it in place.

I'll finish it up on Wednesday, I'm busy for the next couple of evenings.

I would never have the guts to cut my roof like that!

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1986 Fiero SE

Man....I really want to do T-tops on my Fiero....that should be my next mod..... If only I could find a cheap set somewhere!

The biggest problem is also the simplist and I think everyone who has installed a T-Top has said the same thing. Measuring and remeasure and fit the frame up before cutting. If it's measured right the rest is a breeze so to speak. Hard work, but ease of mind I guess is what I should say.

I'm getting very excited about getting the GT painted. I'm tired of it looking like a spotted whale. I just want to get it drivable, looking good and drivable. I'll worry about a new V8 engine later. The 2.8 it has in it now is a very strong engine no problems with it so far. I start it every couple of days to keep it loose.

I've rambled enough now.

I did some more on the GT today. I took the first step in molding my T/A fender vents in. I used SMC body panel adhesive and mounted the vents from the backside of the fender. After it sets for a day I'll sand finish smoothing them out.

Bump to the top and a + for you.

Well the GT is offically a T-Top car now. I'm leaving the T-Top trim off on the exterior until after paint, but otherwise it's finished. I had to take the locks out because the key didn't work, that was fun.

I set the fender on the car today just to get a feel for it in person. Seeing in a picture on Ski's car and seeing it in person is different. It feels and looks good.

Heres a picture from the back.

Now all I have to do is focus on getting the car sanded out and primed before it goes for paint.

JScott if you read this, I went ahead and welded some along the back and front of the T-Top frame. I was talking with Tim (tesmith66) the other day at lunch. I was a little worried about racing the car and the T-Top frame just being riveted in. I hope this gives it a little more strength. I was also considering welding some tubes along the frame front to back, to give the car a little more rigidity so it won't twist (flex) as much in hard turns. Tim suggested dropping the gas tank and welding some tubes in the tunnel. After thinking about it I think the tubes should be on the outer edge of the car from the front wheel well to the rear.

Thanks All for the ideas and support,

Earl

[This message has been edited by FieroGT87 (edited 01-17-2004).]

Earl, if you want to brace the frame, you might consider putting in a convertible cross brace. I know that Bill ( can't remember his last name, but he's the guy in Florida that did the widebody notch) builds a convertible cross brace with a removable center section so that you can take the gas tank out. Something to think about. His username on PFF is B&BSpyder.

Thanks Litespd.

I have access to some tube stock and was thinking about welding it so that the ground FX would cover it. I haven't measured for it yet, just a idea right now. If that doesn't work I may try and get ahold of him.

Me and Tim talked about the cross bracing corner to corner, right now I really don't need the extra bracing for normal driving. With the T-Top also welded in as well as riveted it is stronger than most. I guess I just need to do something before Wheatstock That gives me a little time.

Looks great , I am contemplating installing a whale tail spoiler also what did you use to bond it to the rear deck also will the trunk stay up with the addition of the tail.I am doing a sunroof if I can find a good set up for a reasonable price and I have also done the Trans Am vent like you.

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Tuners of the Quickest 4.9
12.51@118 mph

4.5/4.9 (RSR)Hi Perf. Caddi-V8 Fully Blueprint&Balanced Rotating Assembly
Custom Intake Manifold
Custom Machined Heads
Victor Reinz Head Gaskets
50-150HP Nos Power Shot.
Holley 510-0-4412C Carb.

quote Originally posted by Master Tuner Akimoto: Looks great , I am contemplating installing a whale tail spoiler also what did you use to bond it to the rear deck also will the trunk stay up with the addition of the tail.I am doing a sunroof if I can find a good set up for a reasonable price and I have also done the Trans Am vent like you.

Thank You.

The Whaletail is one of Pat's (ferrari_momo), I used SMC panel adhesive on it. I ran screws through the whaletail into the deck lid to hold it into place until it dried. I gave it a couple of days. Then I used SMC Vette Panel Filler to smooth it out. I also used the SMC on the T/A fender vents and ZR1 hood scoop as well. The wieght is more but it does stay up with the whaletail and Mustang scoop with no additional help.

I do like those T/A vents the way they fit and match the contour of the wheelwell. They add a nice touch.

If you need a sunroof glass and latch I have them left over from the removal of my sunroof. I even have the headliner still. It's in OK shape, I had to repair it when I changed the liner material last year. If you want them LMK.

I don't think I've ever seen a picture of your car, do you have one?

Thanks,

Earl

I am very much interested in the sunroof parts as I could get the skin locally, I have been talking to Pat on a regular basis trying to decide I think I now will.I have a few bad pics of the fastback conversion and the TA scoops that I will send you in an email since the will not load with pip but it look real good .Will now send you a email.

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Tuners of the Quickest 4.9
12.51@118 mph

4.5/4.9 (RSR)Hi Perf. Caddi-V8 Fully Blueprint&Balanced Rotating Assembly
Custom Intake Manifold
Custom Machined Heads
Victor Reinz Head Gaskets
50-150HP Nos Power Shot.
Holley 510-0-4412C Carb.

PM sent .

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Tuners of the Quickest 4.9
12.51@118 mph

4.5/4.9 (RSR)Hi Perf. Caddi-V8 Fully Blueprint&Balanced Rotating Assembly
Custom Intake Manifold
Custom Machined Heads
Victor Reinz Head Gaskets
50-150HP Nos Power Shot.
Holley 510-0-4412C Carb.

You can have what I have left for free plus shipping cost.

I sent a PM

Earl,

I'm really impressed! You are moving right along. Great job!

Paul

Looking good, you got more guts than I do!! keep it up!!