88 Coupe to GT Body Conversion (Page 1/11)
88Slayer JUN 21, 07:01 PM
As I have always liked the GT look better than the coupe, I have always wanted to own one. I have just put about $3k into my current 88 4cyl Coupe to fix various mechanical problems, and do not want to part with it as it was my very first car. I have decided to therefore start a swap of body panels in order to get the appearance of the car to my own liking. This car will be a work in progress for the next few months as I have to raise money and put in the time to work on it between my job and college. Here are a couple of pictures of the coupe that will be the base.



The damage to the bumper and fender was caused by some moron backing into my car while it was parked in the USF dorm parking lot. Of course they never came forward to offer to pay for the damages.


The interior is still in ok condition. It shall be in better condition after I get the money to pay Mr.Mike for some of his interior work.

I picked up an 87 GT w/ T-Top and Isuzu 5 Spd tranny. The engine was blown but then again I was buying it for bodywork. Thanks engine man for the car.


Not in mint condition, but godd enough for me to fix up the panels and swap them.

Not a suprise, broken tail lights. The T-top and fastback will be a full weekend to weeklong conversion depending on how much time I have to work on it.

As soon as I can start picking up repair materials, the swap shall begin. I shall update this thread every couple of days if I get the time.

[This message has been edited by 88Slayer (edited 06-29-2008).]

jscott1 JUN 21, 08:04 PM
This is going to be a nice conversion... you won't believe how much more exciting it will be to drive a t-top fastback compared to a coupe. Good job!!

engine man JUN 21, 09:13 PM
Glad to have sold it to some one that it will help good luck I am sure it will be nice
88Slayer JUN 22, 12:37 PM
Well front bumper is now changed for the most part. I just have to pull the bottom bracket off of the GT and screw it into my frame and bumper. Later I shall fabricate some new hangars to tighten up the bottom part of the installation.


Replacement bumper from the GT. Will need to have my painter work on some spots during prep.


My old torn up front bumper. Those coupe bumpers have alot of screws to be pulled before it can be pulled off.


Had to release the hood to get the top screws.


Almost done with the bumper Install.

[This message has been edited by 88Slayer (edited 06-29-2008).]

blackrams JUN 22, 01:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by jscott1:
you won't believe how much more exciting it will be to drive a t-top fastback compared to a coupe.



You are very correct. I don't believe it but, it's all about perspective. But, of course, I'm a notchback guy. T Tops are cool, got one sitting in the shop beside three with moon roofs, but one thing to remember, anything with a sealed hole in the roof is eventually going to leak. Mine doesn't yet but, it's going to someday.

Ron
88Slayer JUN 22, 01:58 PM
Aye that is true blackrams, That is why I shall Make sure everything is checked for water leakage every year. And if a seal is suspect, then it shall be replaced. Better safe than sorry.

Well bumper is totally done and reinforced. Next step involves me taking off the fenders(sure thats gonna be alot of fun to do).

One last pic of the reinforced bumper.


I shall start on the fenders tomorrow once I figure out how to loosen the lower section.

[This message has been edited by 88Slayer (edited 06-29-2008).]

LitebulbwithaFiero JUN 22, 02:13 PM
On the 84 I tore the body panels off it had alot of big rivets holding the rocker panel and lower fender on. Just drill them out and they should come off.
88Slayer JUN 22, 03:24 PM
It will probally be the same on the 88
blackrams JUN 22, 08:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by 88Slayer:
That is why I shall Make sure everything is checked for water leakage every year. And if a seal is suspect, then it shall be replaced. Better safe than sorry.




While I agree with you, have you checked on the availability of T Top seals?

BTW, I admire your ambition. One of my 88 Formulas is a CJB, factory authorized. Not sure I'd take on installing one myself. I know it would leak.

Ron
88Slayer JUN 23, 01:15 AM
The door to top seals I will be converting from the '82 camaro seals. The rest I shall stock up on while I still can get them.