Comealongway:

Yes the studs are longer than stock. I bought them with the hubs so I didn't have to source them. If you ask Tony AKA Fierosound he can probably tell you where he purchased his.

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 08-08-2006).]

That abnormally large tunnel is exactly what has stumped me every time I consider a dash swap, and the reason I didn't have any good solution for you. I would want to retain the storage bin on the back wall, so everything I've considered lately has incorporated the stock center console. The best I can come up with is to flatten out that slight mound in the top of the armrest part so that you can sculpt rounder deeper curves into the two side corners. This should allow it to look narrower as a function of the more pronounced curves, and keep the flat top that the 3000gt armrest/lid has. Meanwhile, you may be able to taper the entire thing from the back forward to meet the new shift console in size. This should also keep that somewhat gentle look while slimming the piece a little more. The only problem there is that I don't know what kind of space is under the console, and I don't know how thick the walls are. There simply might not be enough room or enough material to remove.

This is the best idea I have been able to come up with, but without the pieces in front of me I really can't tell if it is even possible. At the very least I'm a darn good dreamer.

quote Originally posted by Toaster_Man: That abnormally large tunnel is exactly what has stumped me every time I consider a dash swap, and the reason I didn't have any good solution for you. I would want to retain the storage bin on the back wall, so everything I've considered lately has incorporated the stock center console. The best I can come up with is to flatten out that slight mound in the top of the armrest part so that you can sculpt rounder deeper curves into the two side corners. This should allow it to look narrower as a function of the more pronounced curves, and keep the flat top that the 3000gt armrest/lid has. Meanwhile, you may be able to taper the entire thing from the back forward to meet the new shift console in size. This should also keep that somewhat gentle look while slimming the piece a little more. The only problem there is that I don't know what kind of space is under the console, and I don't know how thick the walls are. There simply might not be enough room or enough material to remove. This is the best idea I have been able to come up with, but without the pieces in front of me I really can't tell if it is even possible. At the very least I'm a darn good dreamer.

LOL, at least you are dreaming!

I don't think re-sculpting the stock console is an option. However, sculpting a new one using foam and possibly including some bits from other consoles and using it as a form for a fiberglass one is, I think a viable option. It would be possible to incorporate some of the tapers that you are talking about that way. I think I'm going to go and snoop around the wrecker later this week and look for some ideas.

Thanks for your posts, keep the ideas flowing.

Nolan

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-28-2007).]

I'm really digging the 'glass work! You've inspired me to go get some fiberglass and resin and try my hand at it.

As far as the switch placement is concerned, you could put the switches in the facia that has the lighter in it.

Looking forward to seeing how you address the center console issue.

------------------
Kendall (Icelander) Whitlatch

you coul always put the switches in the door panels when you get around to designing them... good work so far btw

You already have a glove box and maybe some map pockets ditch the center console and make and enclosure including a sub, i purchased mine from fibresmith it was $100 a long time ago,i got it wrapped locally at a place called cutting edge upolestery they did an amazing job.

Icelander:

I'm glad that you have been inspired. Now get some resin and mat and have at her!

wicked93gs:

Thanks for the compliment! I have thought about putting the window switches in the door panels, and I may end up doing that, but there is less wiring modifications to put them close to the stock location.

Comealongway:

I'm not a big fan of the console/sub configuration. But I hear what you are saying. Thanks for the name of the upolsterer, it may come in handy.

Nolan

I went shopping!

Spent about 4 hours wandering around the local Pick-n-Pull yard looking at just about every car in there. They don't usually have much newer than '98 models and few of those. Most are in the '90 to '96 range. but I managed to find some things that I think show potential.

First off I found some small vents that I may put into the two dash infills to direct air onto the door glass:


Then I found a center console that I like. It is out of a mid 90's Lincoln of all things! (I know, I know it's a Ford) The console is much narrower than the stock Fiero console but it has some interesting curves and accessories:

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-28-2007).]

Oh, and this was also delivered today:

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-28-2007).]

quote Originally posted by Sourmug: Timo: They didn't have any Monte Carlo's or Lamina's with the same type of window switches. I can send you the ones I have and pick up another set later if you would like.

That is OK. When you find another set then pick them up for me. It will be awhile before I really need them anywaqy. Thanks for the offer.

You really got some nice stuff there. The Lincoln console looks really good. Gave me a couple of ideas. I think I'll see what I can get around here from AUDI, Mercedes Porsche, etc. I might be able to find something.

quote Originally posted by Fiero1Fan: I think I'll see what I can get around here from AUDI, Mercedes Porsche, etc. I might be able to find something.

Sure, rub it in!


Here a a couple of pictures after the door panels were cleaned up. I had the wifeoid Hold them in the door openings just to help visualize how they might look:


I like the overall look! There will be some tweaking to the length and the shape and the upholstery will be gone but I like the overall effect.

I have also started to cut up the Lincoln console to start test fitting. I fact most of it has actually been trimmed away:

Not much left eh? I really like the general shape and the overall appearance:

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-28-2007).]

looking good, as always, you are drawing close to a complete interior...I especially like the grand am door panels and can easily imagine how they will merge with the dash

I honestly wasn't too sure about how that Lincoln console was going to look when you first showed it, but it seems like that widening job you did was exactly what it needed. I think it is going to look perfect sitting in there now, excellent job. I am curious what you plan to do to merge it into the firewall. will you integrate it into the computer cover like the stock setup?

I can't wait to see what you do with the Grand Am panels too. They look like a great start, but I think they are going to need something to make them "belong" with the rest of the interior. I just can't put my finger on what yet.

wicked93gs:

I'm Quite happy with the general look of the GA panels. I was very surprised when I was measuring them at the wrecker as they are very close to the Fiero panels for size.

quote Originally posted by Toaster_Man: I honestly wasn't too sure about how that Lincoln console was going to look when you first showed it, but it seems like that widening job you did was exactly what it needed. I think it is going to look perfect sitting in there now, excellent job. I am curious what you plan to do to merge it into the firewall. will you integrate it into the computer cover like the stock setup? I can't wait to see what you do with the Grand Am panels too. They look like a great start, but I think they are going to need something to make them "belong" with the rest of the interior. I just can't put my finger on what yet.

Toaster_Man:

Yes I agree that widening the console was the right thing to do. I plan on carrying the console up the fire wall but it won't be as deep as the stock one. I'm going to be installing a 3.4 DOHC and the computer is in a weather proof case in the engine compartment so I don't need the room.

The GA panels are going to need to be "shifted" around a bit to fit right but I think it will work out.

Thanks for looking and for your comments guys. It's really helpful to discuss different ideas. +'s for both of you.

Nolan

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-29-2007).]

Nolan can you get a pic of these 2 pictures together? I think they look really good together.



The lines compliment each other and fit the curves in the dash almost perfectly. You really have a good eye for fitting the different pieces into one style. The Sourmug style!

[This message has been edited by Fiero1Fan (edited 08-12-2006).]

Here are some comparison pictures for the door panels:




The size is close but not close enough.

I've stripped the vinyl and the carpet off of the passenger door panel, and have cut in the recess for the door lever:

It is being bonded with contact cement and will be reinforced on the backside with fiberglass.

I then drilled the holes for the armrest screws and temporarily attached the panel and armrest for a test fit:

I did this to check the over all configuration and see what needs to move around, needs to be trimmed and also what needs to be cut off. There is a fair bit of interference where the dash and the door panel meet:
The door won't close all the way as they make contact.


So, I need to trim the plastic just in front of the circle at the leading edge of the armrest. I am also going to cut the lower left corner of the GA panel and move it toward the leading edge of the Fiero panel. Then the whole lot needs to be foam filled and contoured to match the dash and then panel will be fiberglassed. I like the little circle at the armrest, it echos the round guages and will be a great place for an emblem.

Nolan

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-29-2007).]

That looks soooooo good!

Holy Crap, Nolan. I'm gone for a week and you come up with this? It's awesome!!! While I'm spnding your money , might I suggest a DVD player/monitor for the dash, and one of Riceburner's HVAC controls mounted on the shift surround or console.

WOW....I've gotta get back to work...

Bob

something you may want to consider....just taking the armrest/door latch area(the general big circle) and merging it with the stock fiero panel...might be less work...and since you'll need to recover the entire thing anyway...

edit: now that I look at it closer I see thats almost what you are doing, wasted post, my mistake

[This message has been edited by wicked93gs (edited 08-13-2006).]

Morning:

Bob, I'm not a real audiophile so I probably won't do the DVD/monitor thing but Riceburner's HVAC controls might be a great idea. I'll have to get some dimensions from him.

wicked93gs:

You are correct, that is basically what I think I'm going to do.

Nolan

Why not trim 1/2 inch off the speaker grille that matches the curve of the dash and create a fiberglass fillet to make the transition?

You could use a 1/4 inch piece of masonite attached to the door panel, load it up with a bunch of modeling clay, close the door and sculpt the stuff that squeezes out. Let it harden and you've got a buck for your fiberglass mold.

Once the clay hardens, remove the masonite and that'll give you your 1/4 inch clearance.

Just my $0.02

Kendall

Icelander:

That's one heck of an idea, A + for you!

I purchased the wheel off of Ebay. Here is the link to the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=320013179272&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT
Nolan

I love spending other people's money. I hope the spousal unit likes the DVD. Something to watch while traveling to shows.

The wheel looks great (as usual). Did it come with an adapter?

Bob

No adaptor but it apparently uses standard adaptors. I want to see if I can fabricate one so that it doesn't add any depth.

I have decided to reconstruct the stock Fiero panel board before I get serious about modifying it. There were a number of problems that I noticed when doing the trial fitting. The upper half of the Fiero panel is stamped so that it is raised and sits out about 1/2" to 3/4" more than the lower half. This is pushing the GA armrest out more than I would like. Additionally the existing penetrations and the hand recess are making it difficult to attache the GA recess for the door latch lever. So I would like to have a uniform base to work on. Here's the stock panel:


Thinking along the lines that Icelander mentioned I went and picked up some 1/8" and 1/4" hardboard. I will use the 1/8" board to rebuild the panels. First I traced out the rough outline of the front (not the back outline) of the panel onto the hardboard, I marked it out slightly larger than the front of the panel. Then I drew a line around the top half that was strait with the lower half and using a jig saw i removed the entire raised portion and cut out the hard board. Heres the hardboard panel:

I then attached it to the front of the panel using PL 400 construction adhesive. This stuff is used for sub floors, will stick to just about anything and dries tough as nails. Once again I got creative for clamping the two pieces together:

Nothing like and engine block and a couple of front rotors for weight.

Here's the door panel after the adhesive dried but before the new front of the panel is shaved down to the right size:



And after the "shaving" with some more Pl 400 added to the seams:


This should give me a nice uniform surface to work with.

Incidental, the hardboard was attached to the front so that the "Christmas trees" on the back can be kept. I will need to reattach the two upper ones however.

Nolan

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 05-29-2007).]

Not to hijack the thread..

I was thinking that it might be kinda nice to make a mold of the door panel complete with the bosses for all the panel attachments to the door. I'd leave the exterior side blank to allow people to build their own panels from there.

Would there be any reason why this wouldn't be a good idea? I know that the door panels are made of what they are for sound insulation, but some dynomat stuck to the inside would be just as efficient and less likely to sustain water damage should a weatherstrip fail.

Should I make this a separate thread?

Kendall
'85 Fiero 2M4 - L4 - Isuzu 5spd.
'67 LeMans/GTO - 396 - TH400
The rest aren't Pontiacs, so who cares?

[This message has been edited by Icelander (edited 08-14-2006).]

You can discuss it here if you like. Personally I'm not really interested in making molds but yes it would be handy if someone decided to do this. I don't know what the interest would be though.

Nolan

You have PM.

I replied to your PM.

Nolan

Back at ya .. PM.

Tom:

E-mail sent

Bump

So what's the status of your door skins? Or are you still honeymooning?

[This message has been edited by Icelander (edited 08-21-2006).]