84-86 coupe nose on an 86-87 GT? (Page 2/2)
dizzie MAY 18, 12:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:


It'll all fit, you'll just need to get all the parts from the 85-86, including the rocker panel (which is what you mean by the lower door molding).

The trim molding on the door and quarter panel will also swap out, and then use the one that matches the 85-86 front and rear bumpers that you use. You'll want to get one from an 85-86 SE 2m6 because it'll already have the dual exhaust notched cut-out.



Hey that's expert advice on a slick way to get it all done - I do appreciate it.
dizzie MAY 18, 12:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

Okay, I'm confused. You were initially asking about swapping out the nose of the car. So how is the "lower door moulding" now a part of this process?



I can appreciate the confusion Patrick, lol! It's just that the rocker panel on the fastback GTs seems to integrate with the nose in a way that might not quite be there when adding a coupe nose. Plus, I like the wider rocker panel on the GT a lot more than the coupe and would want to keep it. Reference photos:

2m4 coupe rocker:


GT fastback rocker:

[This message has been edited by dizzie (edited 05-18-2024).]

Patrick MAY 18, 03:33 PM
Dizzie, your images reminded me that the front plastic wheel well liners would also need to be added to the list of required parts for a nose swap.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-18-2024).]

Patrick MAY 18, 06:41 PM

quote
Originally posted by dizzie:

I like the nose of the early coupes, but the fastback and options of the later GT models. I'd look to get everything repainted once in place. Also - are the coupe (non-SE) noses from 85-86 pretty much the same? Looks like they might have changed the base coupe nose in 87 (or 86.5?) from what I'm seeing, though it's hard to tell.




quote
Originally posted by dizzie:

...the rocker panel on the fastback GTs seems to integrate with the nose in a way that might not quite be there when adding a coupe nose. Plus, I like the wider rocker panel on the GT a lot more than the coupe and would want to keep it.



Years ago, I was interested in doing something similar... combining an '87-'88 coupe/Formula nose with aero side trim. One of the photoshopped images that was created by forum member 85SEnochie was the following. So yes, it's difficult to continue the lines of the aero trim forward onto a coupe nose (of any year).

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-18-2024).]

longjonsilver MAY 19, 07:25 AM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:
Whatever you do, be sure to use the proper air ducting, rubber flaps and lower air dam under the radiator.

The aero nose (Indy, GT, later SE) is a bottom breather, whereas the bumper pad and 87-88 coupe/Formula nose is a mouth breather.



When i converted from the bumper pad on my 84 to the aero nose, i used the air dam from the bumper pad and modified it to fit the aero nose. imho it is better than the original aero nose air ducting as it is angled and better able to push air into the radiator. i have never had an overheating issue after installing the aero nose - of course i live in Canada - not in Texas. The best thing is a hood vent tho - i can feel the hot air coming off my radiator even at rest as it thermo siphons upwards thru the hood vent. Its great as well keeping the nose glued to the ground at freeway speeds.

------------------
Astronomy says we will find a coded signal from outer space. Then we'll KNOW that life exists there, for coded signals aren't by chance.

Biology says there are coded genetic signals in every cell, but we KNOW that no intelligence created life.

I'm the original owner of a white ' 84 2M4 purchased Dec 10, 1983 from Pontiac. Always garaged, no rust, 3800SC, 4-wheel drifts are fun!

dizzie MAY 20, 03:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

Dizzie, your images reminded me that the front plastic wheel well liners would also need to be added to the list of required parts for a nose swap.




Gotcha, thanks. Haha, this is definitely beginning to sound like it isn't worth it for me personally
dizzie MAY 20, 03:43 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

Years ago, I was interested in doing something similar... combining an '87-'88 coupe/Formula nose with aero side trim. One of the photoshopped images that was created by forum member 85SEnochie was the following. So yes, it's difficult to continue the lines of the aero trim forward onto a coupe nose (of any year).






That's a really nice mockup job. The combo itself doesn't look too bad, all in all.
dizzie MAY 20, 03:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by longjonsilver:


When i converted from the bumper pad on my 84 to the aero nose, i used the air dam from the bumper pad and modified it to fit the aero nose. imho it is better than the original aero nose air ducting as it is angled and better able to push air into the radiator. i have never had an overheating issue after installing the aero nose - of course i live in Canada - not in Texas. The best thing is a hood vent tho - i can feel the hot air coming off my radiator even at rest as it thermo siphons upwards thru the hood vent. Its great as well keeping the nose glued to the ground at freeway speeds.



Haha nice, I love the literally cool hack. I'd also love to see the exact type of hood vent you're talking about - sounds interesting and functional.
dizzie JUN 26, 10:55 AM
Resurrecting this thread to pose the opposite question:

Would it be just as problematic/ difficult to take a bumper pad Fiero coupe/ SE and swap in a GT fastback top back panel and decklid (assuming I could get my hands on GT tail lights)? Would the bumper need changed?

Honestly, if the bumper would have to be changed, that may kind of kill the look due to the lower moulding on the GT bumper being a mismatch for the notchback rocker panels.

Thanks!