Well when I wasn't looking Will-Martin's original thread got archived....

So I have to start a new one. With Archie chop #14 nearing substantially complete, time to give the chop t-top some love.

All you homebrewed choppers should love this one.

A little history first...Will-Martin did all the cutting and welding. I'm just repeating some of what he did here so it's all in one place. For all the details look here:

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20060206-1-043452.html


Here is how it looked a couple of months ago, when no one wanted to buy it.


Here is the base coupe, half stripped.


Here is a 1/4 shot from the front. Notice the A-pillar on the opposite side in the stock location. It already has a section removed also!


This is the rear view. As you can see, this is about a 3" chop much like Archie's. Here the outer welds on the B-Pillars have been made.

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88 GT T-Top, 88 Fastback Chop-top (Archie #14), 1984 Indy, and 88 Chop Top T-top
Firebird Interior Installation Website

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 05-01-2006).]

the A Pillar on the passenger side fitted and welded.



It was a chore to get everything exactly square, but I think the shorter windscreen and the lowered roof is going to look spectacular when the car is completed.



Here is the finished product, side by side with my GT



And finally... A profile shot. See how thin the T-Top frame is?



And that completes Will-Martin's part of the story...

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Then the chop t-top relocates to Houston, parked next to Proud-2



And now for an update:

Took some measurements for rear glass. Visiting the glass shop tomorrow.




By the way, I held my template up to Archie chop #14 and it was nearly identical.

Once the rear glass is fitted we'll start on the curved side glass, and then the big challenge is the windshield!!

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 05-01-2006).]

Very cool !

I have been anxiously waiting for you to pull the tarp back and dig into this project.

Good luck and keep the pics flowing.

Very nice!
Sinse you need a new rear window anyway why not get grey tinted tempered instead of clear. I've actually been debating pulling my window out and replacing it with Greylite 14 (the equivilant of 20-30% tint)

quote Originally posted by 88fierocoupe: Very nice! Sinse you need a new rear window anyway why not get grey tinted tempered instead of clear.

Good choice, I've already told my glass guy I want tinted. My curved glass side windows are pre-tinted.

Really sharp looking --I `ll be watching the post too. I have been putting off trying something like this, good reason though--I can`t weld worth the crap--but have shop buddy`s that can--just have to figure out how to swipe their free time .....

Rear window is cut. I had it done in bronze so it has a little bit of tint in it already. You are actually looking at two windows; I asked them to shave an 1/8 " off my template and they forgot to do that, so they cut another one just an 1/8" smaller. So if the bigger one fits then I have a spare.

This is exciting,..breaking new ground !

Orville's Windshield...is this the ticket?

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 10-12-2006).]

Interesting mod:

Yeah, Orville likes a real short hood so he had to relocate the brake reservoir to make room. I would like to relocate the brake booster and master cylinder as I think it ruins the whole front trunk area. Or at least go with a smaller one. The Fiero one is huge by today's standards.

project looks awesome. Keep the pics coming

The windshield is going to be mounted similar to what Archie is doing on the Arch Rival... Build up a new pinch weld and move the lower lip of the windshield closer to the front of the car. This will cause the A pillars to be wider at the bottom but it's not too bad. It will also displace the windshield wipers, but I'm thinking about using a mercedes single wiper system, so I don't have to try and squeeze in the wiper assembly on the drivers side. It would look something like this:

Great thread.

Wow, I had not seen this thread before, very nice. I love chop tops and T Tops so this is the best of both worlds to me.
Keep up the good work!
Any recent updates?

Any updates????

quote Originally posted by SAFASTRO: Any updates????

This project has taken a backseat to my other chop top nightmare and the Indy...

But stay tuned I have some ideas for the windshield, maybe I'll test them out this weekend and post the results.

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 06-14-2007).]

Hey J,

Did you get a chance to test out your windshield ideas ?

quote Originally posted by exoticse: Hey J, Did you get a chance to test out your windshield ideas ?

Yes and no...stand by for major update.

That's going to look sick when it's all finished. Very nice job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This project is going to be completed by someone else.... He is a member on PFF, but I'll let him announce his intentions if he wants to.

I had too many things going on and Prouds 1 and 2 both need my time and attention.

The good news is that the new owner has big plans for this car. I'm dropping it off at Loyde's where it will get a new powerplant. Beyond that I'll leave it to the new owner.

I hear you Jscott. Sometimes you have to prioritize and scrutinize while you’re marinizing.

It must be kinda cool working done in NASA country. You've got your own ROBOT to work on your cars.


"Danger Will Robinson"



Bob