Ok...we all know that Ms. Lori's windows were as close to exact as we've seen. We also all know that those windows are pretty much a myth at this time.
My question is...
Which "other" set is the best option?
We have the option of getting a set from www.fierowarehouse.com which run $200/pair shipped.
We also have the option of ordering a set from www.kahines.com which run $125-130/pair shipped(depending on whether you want clear or tinted).(I think these are the same units the Fiero Store sells)
Are there any other/better options out there? Can anyone give me/us pros and/or cons of any of these products? Pics would also be great.
I'm needing 2 sets(so far) and don't relish the fact of having to buy one of each,and return the inferior pair for a refund.
I bought *modernman* 's off of Ebay. They are not perfect, but they look pretty convincing. I think they are very similar to Doug's at the Fiero Warehouse. I paid $200 for a set on my car. They are thinner than the OEM windows and don't have a smooth curve, it is sort of a slight bend. Also, the GT logo is slightly too far forward. That's it though.
Yes, me!! I bought some from kahines too , last year. As you know, I have only now got around to spraying the car, but I did trial 'fit' them. They are thinner, more flexible, not very curved from top to bottom, but the roll along the leading edge is excellent. No GT sticker or logo...fine by me.The tint is quite dark, which I like.I guess they will have to be attached using windscreen mastic, to make up for the lack of curve. All in all, I think they aren´t bad for the money, but obviously the originals are the best Nick
Mine came from Fiero Warehouse. They are dark tinted and have the dot matrix around the edges. No GT emblem. They come with the correct tape for mounting.
I'm quite satisfied with mine.
------------------ Raydar 88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe -soon to be something other than red
Thanks Raydar. I'm hoping that this thread will help anyone needing replacement windows(myself included) to be able to weigh all the pros/cons of each different available set and be able to decide which set best suits them.
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10:10 PM
IMSA GT Member
Posts: 10458 From: California Registered: Aug 2007
Here are some pics. Actually, these were the most unflattering angles I could come up with. This was just to illustrate how good Doug's windows are. They would look even better if I had been more careful installing them. You should also recognize that I don't have rain gutters. Rain gutters would have helped to disguise my crummy installation job. I also haven't wiped them down since the World of Wheels. There are probably ten million fingerprints and smudges.
If I was in need of another set, I wouldn't hesitate to buy them from Doug.
I bought *modernman* 's off of Ebay. They are not perfect, but they look pretty convincing. I think they are very similar to Doug's at the Fiero Warehouse. I paid $200 for a set on my car. They are thinner than the OEM windows and don't have a smooth curve, it is sort of a slight bend. Also, the GT logo is slightly too far forward. That's it though.
I have the Fierowarehouse ones. To me they are a 100% better than most of the others. Most people don't realize that they aren't original unless they know what to look for. The dot matrix is good and looks so much better than the taped edge and hard corners painted on the others. I would under no circumstances use the ones that require rivets. Just saw a set of them yesterday and didn't like them at all. The rivets look out of place on the Fiero's smooth lines.
I will still buy some of Ms. Lori's when and if they finally become available.
Dave
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10:06 AM
IMSA GT Member
Posts: 10458 From: California Registered: Aug 2007
Thanks for the pic. Those do look really nice.I'll have to keep an eye on eBay for a set at that price.
Curious...what's up with the section I circled?
That was an unfinished area where the IMSA kit blended with the roof panel. The fiberglass did not line up with the factory roof panel. It has since been smoothed out.
I paid $150 a pair + shipping, no regrets. I'm pretty picky about my Fiero, and was a bit worried about the quality of his windows. He shipped quickly and when they arrived, I was very surprised at how nice they looked. They have the dot matrix even had a roll of the correct 3M tape included. The only thing is, I've never seen him offer tinted windows without the GT logo. You might contact him to see if he has any available.
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Below is some info I sent to another member on this forum, might help you too:
I recently replaced the quarter windows on my '86 GT. I tried everything to remove the tape. The best way I found is to use a large model car paint brush to "paint" on Goof-Off. Then, cover that section of old tape with plastic (I used a piece of a plastic bag). Let it sit 5-10 minutes in the shade or inside a garage. Remove the plastic and use your finger to roll the old tape off. I did one small section at a time, didn't take too long to do.
If you are going to install new quarter windows with tape, first use some 3M Adhesion Promoter #051131-06396 on the body. It is recommended by 3M because it helps the tape bond to the Fiero body. O'Reilly's Auto sells it for $1.69ea:
You will need 2 packets, 1 per side. The tape is made by 3M #06450, white tape with a red backing. I put the tape on the body first, test fit & then installed the window. When I did the test fit, a little of the tape could be seen through the window around the lower rear corner. It appeared to have been trimmed there by the factory so I trimmed a little until it couldn't be seen.
Wow! I'm glad I kept my originals and the OEM ones from GM (although I don't know why?).
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"Anyone can make a copy of something, it may look good, but never is the real car. Make something from your imagination, something unique, something nobody has, anything is possible and, ideas can become a reality; Archie and the Crew can make your Dreams into a reality."
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01:22 PM
jscott1 Member
Posts: 21676 From: Houston, TX , USA Registered: Dec 2001
Unless you have an otherwise 100% original car or you are doing a concourse restoration I think the reproductions I've seen are close enough. I have Doug's on my car and I am happy with them.
I use the Fierowarehouse ones. Been a good 5-6 years now, and they still look good. Added to it.. Doug's a really good business-owner. He's stood behind any product I bought from him (A while back, I bought a ton of stuff)..