looking good. I love my sunroof as well. Gives more space inside the car and you can look up at all other cars that you pass and see the faces... Whats that!!!!
Regards SHARKMAN
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03:11 AM
Rickady88GT Member
Posts: 10649 From: Central CA Registered: Dec 2002
Does that mean you wont be at the Coast Run? Look forward to seeing your new car soon
Sorry Rick. Due to the snow storm, I got held-up 15 miles outside Armarrillo TX, Gallup NM, and Flagstaff, NV. I was partly ahead of it....the storm was chasing me.
Wingless? Yes! Beside, with a choptop you can't see out the rear view mirror. The wing is in the way unless you raise it by 3"
Thanks Exoticse for posting pics.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 11-16-2004).]
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01:25 PM
PFF
System Bot
Dowdian Member
Posts: 205 From: Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania Registered: Jul 2004
hmmmm. I had never though of that. I gotta think...I'll come up with something.
Yes, under the OEM seat location, as you know the wing isn't so annoying or 100% in you way but! With a chop the seat is dropped by 2" and the front window where the rear view mirror is located.....puts the wing straight in the way. Yes, you can see above the wing but the B-piller is dropped by 3" making your area of vision very tight. It's hard trying to see a Cop in your rear.
EDIT: Also I removed the stock third brake light. It too is or was in the way. I plan on using a after-market third brake lights.
Raised wing examples:
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 11-16-2004).]
Curly haave you put the rubber on the new rims yet ?
No. Rubbers are in the garage awaiting the chop. I was at a local Chevy dealership looking at a rear third window. I think it will work according to drawing? 36" long by 58" wide and 10" height. Chop is 9 1/2" high, 58" wide, but 26" long.
Example:
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 11-18-2004).]
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01:10 PM
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
New Fiero Store floor mats are beautiful! I highly recommend them over stock floor mats to match ACC blk carpet. Even the Fiero crest logo looks great! Got a K&N so that the N* can breath easier, hehehehe.
Since I regularly log-in I got a mouse pad too w/key ring.
Next: I'm call'n Mr. Mikes!
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 11-18-2004).]
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07:09 PM
Nov 19th, 2004
exoticse Member
Posts: 8654 From: Orlando, Fl Registered: Jun 2003
New Fiero Store floor mats are beautiful! I highly recommend them over stock floor mats to match ACC blk carpet. Even the Fiero crest logo looks great! Got a K&N so that the N* can breath easier, hehehehe.
Since I regularly log-in I got a mouse pad too w/key ring.
Next: I'm call'n Mr. Mikes!
Madcurl getting #15 uniformed
New Floor mats
Da mouse pad
K & N Filter, key ring, etc.
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12:06 AM
Nov 27th, 2004
exoticse Member
Posts: 8654 From: Orlando, Fl Registered: Jun 2003
Nope. I was too busy changing the oil and fuel filter on #15. However, it did look strange with both cars being about 42" high side-by-side. I stopped off at Trends to look at the Redux. Man that sucker is blotted and monsterous looking. IMO it doesn't even look like a Fiero anymore comparred to the others.
I was going to take a pic of it but the car was in the corner and behind another car.
Anyway, a comparrison shots:
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 11-27-2004).]
So let me get this straight. You have the silver chop-top, this red chop-top, and the Redux???? Damn, how much money do you have?
And the light goes on !! Hehehehe.
Sqoach i can almost see your face as you came to the realization ! Very funny. I know a lot of forum members have still not put it all together and realized he owns all three.
No way the madman wants to discuss his salary but it is pretty obvious that he does well for himself, best to just leave it at that.
[This message has been edited by exoticse (edited 11-28-2004).]
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02:48 AM
slickrick2000 Member
Posts: 1369 From: Temecula, California Registered: Oct 2004
I love the looks of the chop tops! All those cars look great. I am hoping I can get some money saved to get mine done in the future.
I have a couple questions though.
How many inches are usually chopped off?
Does the framework that runs up the side of the windshield stay at the same angle, or does it end up leaning back towards the rear? Is the same windshield able to be used?
And lastly, when you actually do the chop, does the frame need to be temporarly reinforced to keep it from twisting, or does this not happen when it's cut apart?
Inquiring MIND wants to know... Thanks
[This message has been edited by slickrick2000 (edited 11-28-2004).]
The vast majority of chopped Fiero's were/are performed by Archie’s shop. A couple of folks have done it themselves, but I’m not aware of anyone sharing or documenting their efforts. Archie performed mine and it’s three inches, the original windshield is used and layed back, which means the A-pillars are cut at some point, layed back, and rewelded. The B-pillar is cut at an angle, then rewelded back together. The rear window and side windows are replaced with a lexan type material. I have no idea if the car is reinforced during the chopping process. However a couple of members have made braces when they have installed t-tops into their cars, so bracing may be part of the procedure. It’s quite a bit of work, if you can afford it you should really think about having Archie do it for you. They’ve done enough by now that they have it down to a science. Good luck.
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09:12 AM
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
OK I am thinking I may try doing my own choptop mod. The way my family eats up money, I'll never have it if I don't do it myself.
Anyone have the answers for my questions two posts up?
Home brewed choptop? I only know of (1) person who has started and finished (100%) a choptop besides Archie........Orivlle. There is two other person(s) a yellow and a totally extreme chopped red notch back. I don't know the details as to: if the windows works or such?
The easy part is cutting it........finishing it is a totally different story. Part(s) have to be fab'd and are expensive.
Construction: The areas are reinforced to OEM according to Archie. He does this to prevent a law suits in the future. Interior pieces are 100% custom made. Rear window is OEM glass. Although the front glass can be used in the process, most choose to replace it with a new glass.
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12:25 PM
slickrick2000 Member
Posts: 1369 From: Temecula, California Registered: Oct 2004
Naw...I can't afford it at the moment, or forseeable future. 3 kids, stay at home wife, and house payments will be forcing me to do all my own work. A chop is a luxury not a neccesity, and 4 grand is way to much towards a luxury at the moment.
Besides, I have the skills and experience in the metal work, some with fiberglass, and lotsa time and patience. The one thing I lack is the knowledge and specifics (and a couple neccesary tools...hehe). But hopefully I can get that from you guys. The knowledge and specifics that is...hehe.
Before I get started with anything I need to get the parts car outta my garage. Hummm...I may cut that one up for practice when I get it all stripped down. The frame has no rust at all, but it's still in the guys name that gave me the car 3 yrs ago.
I'll be sure to let ya know if I undertake this project.
EDIT: thanks for the input...anything else you guys have to say, I'm open to listen to.
[This message has been edited by slickrick2000 (edited 11-30-2004).]
Mine are made by a guy in Sweden. He did not have a workshop but he did it. The interior is a modified original. Using a hot air gun to soft the panels and reform them. And you need too cut the panels a bit. I have the rear speakers at the same place as original. My car is choped about 2.5" and that works just fine. But here in Sweden there are no Archie to get the job done... I am thinking of doing one more choptop in about 2 years time. Have som documentation from the guy that did mine.
/ SHARKMAN
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06:37 AM
Dec 6th, 2004
exoticse Member
Posts: 8654 From: Orlando, Fl Registered: Jun 2003
I don't know Steve, at this point we haven't even seen a grainy mythical picture of yours...
YOU not seeing it is who's fault..?? Well, I guess it is both of ours that you did'nt get to see it.... I broke down and was late and you did'nt get back to the hotel for leaving for Houston early... I did get to see the F-bird interior though.... Can't wait until you get the chop finished!
I hope and plan and think I can actually finish by next rukus.... kevin has already been calling me to be ready for Austin 2005!!
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01:51 PM
Dec 9th, 2004
exoticse Member
Posts: 8654 From: Orlando, Fl Registered: Jun 2003