Wow. I'd be tempted. Really tempted. Nothing about the kit description is even slightly daunting. I'd just have to make my 3800 NA run *well* to live up to the looks. Plus I have some of the glass choptop windows that I was going to build around, so the car would look quite a bit like the original. I'd just have to count on buying one of those wide rear suspensions or else go with different wheels. The cost is fair. Not cheap, not expensive. I'd hate to tell you how much a new nosecone for my Lotus 7 replica would cost me to replace...
Yeah Archie, you'd be hearing from me if you did go through with this, I do believe.
Regarding the comentary about being 'outdated' to have wide fenders well... go watch the Barrett Jackson auctions. Whats going for the most rediculous money? Muscle cars with fat, sexy, muscular haunches. There's this lady in my horse club who's rich husband has a hemi-cuda with 40K original miles in his garage, mint. I saw a restored one go for $470,000 dollars the next day on TV. Haunches are back, baby! Hell they were never out. Check out the new Camaro. I'm starting to think of my GT as more of a retro muscle car than I ever used to. The widebody would be the perfect touch. God I need more spare time for this stuff!
My choice, especially when it comes to body stuff is to have a fairly cutting edge look. I'd be more likely to spend 5 grand on one of Archie's rebody kits than spend $400 for an integrated rocker panel kit, or that silly ZR2 stuff that Pisa sells. And by extension, in my eye, the look of wide bodies has a retro (or less diplomatically obsolete ) look to me. I would not choose a late 80's Nascar look for my car.
Honestly, I never knew the "exact" price of the Fino or the Finale...but I'm glad you pointed it out to me cause as for the Finale, Fino or the IMSA kit all of them are in need of "cutting edge" tweeking. Tell me, when was the last time those kit where made or for that matter...updated? Has it been 10-20 yrs or what? Would it "kill" somemone to install better headlamps for the Fino? How about the IMSA kit, would it "kill" someone to install newer style headlamps and open up the rear fender flare for larger rims? Ya know, 15" are too small for the Ford Escort, duh? As for the IMSA or Archie's wide-body being retro....nobody is complaining about the baby G Lamborghini being retro.
But back to Archie's original question was:
quote
Originally posted by Archie:
So that's why I am looking for those that would actually have a REAL interest in purchasing a set. I expect that a set of the 7 parts would have to sell for $2200.00 to $2500.00 to pay for the tooling & manufacturing time & materials.
Is there enough interest? Archie
Archie isn't interested in the pro/cons of making them and the destruction of mankind as we know it....he's [only] interested in those who want them "as-is." I'm only interested in those who want their Fiero tweeked.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 02-19-2007).]
well I am going to working on a a home made wide body using madcurls rear fender and order the front wide fenders and tie it all together with smoother body lines. I know that if I had to make everything for a wide body it shouldn't cost me over 500$ and in the case of learning something new ( I try to everyday) it will be alot of fun and I have several people in my area to help me with the project. But if some one made a wide body kit and had some molds made and if the style was worth it to the fiero community that will not have to go through the pain in the A$$ of sanding/new coat/sanding till perfect and just bolt it on then I don't see it costing a whole hell of alot of money. I personally like making stuff my own but some parts are better than others and more worth buy than the hassle of making it my self. But if you offer it in a complete kit but on the side sold it like front/rear I think that would be cool so people can do a little here and a little there. Though if I had the money I would order a wide body kit now because it is to cold to do body work and I don't have a garage, so you pay for convienence.
My reasons for asking V8Archie in producing this product:
1. I have two other cars I'd like to tweek using a wide-body. Project: MOON RAKER and (Project: X)
2. I work, play, and with the help of Trendzs...I sometimes tweek items on my cars. However, I don't have all day working on tweeking when I can enjoy my weekends off...rolln' in the chopper. Tweeking #015 has been instrumentel in the production of these wide-body kit. For without #015 I doubt anybody would believe me that it could work...even Archie.
3. The Ausie door rockers: Limited supply at best. Down side to using these items...you need to tweek them to get the end result you want. The Ausie rockers had a major role with #015. However, producing a piece thats exactly made for the area is better and saves time, energy, and headaches.
4. Vendors: I choose V8Archie cause, he's a business man and he can get the job done without me having to question his integrity. Period. At times I have to go Frank Sinatra (the song, "I did it my way) on him cause he's old and gumpy (like me).
5. One-offs: Please, stop trying to be a attention whore. That isn't cool being the only person with a one-off cause, if you should ever crash yo stuff...that's it baby, partys over! You're back to the drawing board. However, by Archie producing the parts...you can just order the items needed.
6. Raising the Bar: Geezs, should I have to explain it? But let me just say, "by producing the parts, a [person] can easily "tweek" them further to their own unquie style and flavor.
quote
Originally posted by troyboy: Put me down for one Archie, but you will have to install it with major mods.... the usual.
7. Money: These parts are not for the faint of heart. You'll need some rims to go along with the wide-body and not some freakin spacers in the back dud!
8. GM design: This is perhaps one of my greastest issue with our beloved Fiero....wheres the darn rear lip? How is it that the front lip is bigger than the rear lip and the car being a mid-engine design? Which rear engine car can you think of that has a bigger lip in the front vs the rear? This issue is greatly exgarrated in the 88 suspension....the front wheels stick out like some type of dog with it's ear fixed!
9. Moving onto wider things: Geezs, the 1990 has bigger rears and fronts...so why can't we? After-all, isn't Pontiac known for the saying, "Wide track"? Wide isn't a 7" wide rim. Get with the program. Yes, you can put some 9.5" dubs in the rear to trick the public into thinking our car is wider (#011) but you ain't fouling anybody .
10. I already know a [few] who want the wide-body. So nobody is trying to change the world of mankind as we know it....
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 02-19-2007).]
What about the "cost" all of those "engine" swaps?
I personally find it "strange" or backwards thinking that, [we] as a Fiero community will go all-out and down right justify everything known to MAN, when it comes to "engine" mods. LT1, LS1, 3800SC, stroked, chromed, & cyro'd but, some of us, "are asleep" when it comes to the outside of OUR FIEROS while the "world of auto makers" passes us bye. When a Ford Escort has a better front end or a few side body lines----I think it time to rethink old ideas.
World has already passed us by, its a 20 year old car. You dont see body kits going on cars from the 70s or 60s do you?? I used that example because the Fiero looks good stock, just like those cars.
Ford Escort has a better front end than the fiero? You gotta be sh!ttng me Pile. The Fiero looks as good if not better than most crap out there. The new cars are all the same shape, ROUND with those ugly a$$ headlights. Im not counting the REAL cars like Vettes, ferraris, etc. The Fiero is no where near that leaugue. Im talking the Nissans, Toyotas, GM, Ford.
Performance should be more important than apperance Madcurl, so we can "keep up with the world of automakers". Not everyone wants tha Bling Bling I got 20s yo, with my HUGE speakers Bull Sh!T. Not everyone is into the hiphopofication of America. I see that everyday. I love going to the beach and I see 10 of the SAME FRIGGIN CAR. With the same RIMS and bodykits.
To question why someone would spend $$$ on a swap or performance mods just shows me where youre at in your hobby. I understand not everyone wants to run 11 sec daily driver, but in the same token not everyone wants to spend 2500.00 on added weight to their car just to look trendy. Not a bash, your enthusiasm is unbelievable. Just a reply.
quote
Originally posted by madcurl:
I agree. Or [they] need to sell the 10,000 Fieros that are stock piling in their back yards.... hoarding them like they're some type of golden cow. Clean house and keep two (one regular and one modded).
After some of the ugly a$$ fieros Ive seen on and off this board, they are golden cows because everyones ruining them.
[This message has been edited by 88GT5.0KILLER (edited 02-19-2007).]
As far as the kits go I would definitely be interested in one of these kits! I also agree that if someone likes this look than the price you are asking is very reasonable and if they don't like it they wouldn't take it for half the cost. Keep up the good work and your build threads are always welcome and appreciated.
MadCurl you seem very enthusiastic about this product, but it borders on being odnoxious. I joined the forum the other day, been reading it and have owned Fiero's for years and your tone is in a word ridiculous. I think Archie did a fine job describing his product so you can put down the pom poms pleeeeezzz!!!!. Yes I do like the product. Would be interested in buying it but I would prefer a complete door skin so I guess "as is" is not what I want. Maybe Archie could re-think the door issue. Also what's so wrong with a "one off". I see some great original stuff on this forum particularly FIE RO in Germany. Absolutely stunning. Please don't criticise the attempts of other to be creative. Also in case you didn't know, a lot of folks drive Fiero's because they want a cool sports car and they can't afford a ,vette, porsce or to turn a fastback Fiero into a dodge neon.
Madcurl, let me get this straight? You have two cars at Archies plus the silver you have?? Man When I grow up I wanna be just like you! LOL, LOL, what mods will blach death get?
RUNDLC
Black Death is currently getting suicide doors and and 6-speed trans.
MadCurl you seem very enthusiastic about this product, but it borders on being obnoxious. I joined the forum the other day, been reading it and have owned Fieros for years and your tone is in a word ridiculous. I think Archie did a fine job describing his product so you can put down the pomp pomes pleeeeezzz!!!!. Yes I do like the product. Would be interested in buying it but I would prefer a complete door skin so I guess "as is" is not what I want. Maybe Archie could re-think the door issue. Also what's so wrong with a "one off". I see some great original stuff on this forum particularly FIE RO in Germany. Absolutely stunning. Please don't criticise the attempts of other to be creative. Also in case you didn't know, a lot of folks drive Fiero's because they want a cool sports car and they can't afford a ,vette, porsce or to turn a fastback Fiero into a dodge neon.
Yes. My enthusiasm and tone is a bit...obnoxious. However, my pomp, pomps stays hehe. One-offs? Look around, Fie Ro's unique one-off items are inside Troy boy’s ride...but tweaked. I too asked FieRo for this unique set. It's one of the best interior creations I've seen in yrs and is 10x's better than anything I own or for that matter...ever make. I have never criticized anyone's creative sides and why should I? I’ve borrowed ideas from the creative minds on this forum. Actually I invite others ideas during the build-up. That's why I have pomp, pomes for, hehe.
Granted, I have offered some constructive comments. However, if I have offended you....I ask for your understanding for I too am new to this "Fiero World" on PFF for I'm suffering from a sickness. So, please do not let my infectious disease cause you to dislike me. We'll break bread some day and laugh about all of the funny ways of how the thought of turning a Fiero into a Dodge Neon hatchback.
quote
Originally posted by 88GT5.0KILLER:
World has already passed us by, its a 20 year old car. You dont see body kits going on cars from the 70s or 60s do you?? I used that example because the Fiero looks good stock, just like those cars.
Ford Escort has a better front end than the fiero? You gotta be sh!ttng me Pile. The Fiero looks as good if not better than most crap out there. The new cars are all the same shape, ROUND with those ugly a$$ headlights. Im not counting the REAL cars like Vettes, ferraris, etc. The Fiero is no where near that leaugue. Im talking the Nissans, Toyotas, GM, Ford.
Performance should be more important than apperance Madcurl, so we can "keep up with the world of automakers". Not everyone wants tha Bling Bling I got 20s yo, with my HUGE speakers Bull Sh!T. Not everyone is into the hiphopofication of America. I see that everyday. I love going to the beach and I see 10 of the SAME FRIGGIN CAR. With the same RIMS and bodykits.
To question why someone would spend $$$ on a swap or performance mods just shows me where youre at in your hobby. I understand not everyone wants to run 11 sec daily driver, but in the same token not everyone wants to spend 2500.00 on added weight to their car just to look trendy. Not a bash, your enthusiasm is unbelievable. Just a reply.
Apparently you’ve never watched Overhaul in? They’ve turned some 70’s cars into soup’d up, Tub’d up, & Dub’d out creative machines. My reference to the Ford Escort was joke. I’m not to out-beat, out-perform, or out-price the Vettes, Ferrari’s, or even a 350Z Nissan.
All I’m saying is: If you want to spice up your 20+ Fiero….then lets change the exterior a bit. As for the “Blingn’ 20’s: That’s up to the owner of the Fiero. No need for 20’s, 17/18. 18/19, or 17’s can do. For some, 15 have fit the bill. As for every Joe-blow having the same car….we’re in a different category. “Status” or glorifications… I neither seek nor shall I every want it. If you’ve ever read any of my threads, “it’s all about helping others tweak their Fieros even if it’s not the “popular” among the ranks. I travel 3200 miles just so that others can share in having VDC. I bend over backwards to help someone receive the rims that he/she dreamt of. End the end, it’s better to be wide-body dagger pom. poms carrying whore.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 02-19-2007).]
MadCurl you seem very enthusiastic about this product, but it borders on being odnoxious. I joined the forum the other day, been reading it and have owned Fiero's for years and your tone is in a word ridiculous. I think Archie did a fine job describing his product so you can put down the pom poms pleeeeezzz!!!!. Yes I do like the product. Would be interested in buying it but I would prefer a complete door skin so I guess "as is" is not what I want. Maybe Archie could re-think the door issue. Also what's so wrong with a "one off". I see some great original stuff on this forum particularly FIE RO in Germany. Absolutely stunning. Please don't criticise the attempts of other to be creative. Also in case you didn't know, a lot of folks drive Fiero's because they want a cool sports car and they can't afford a ,vette, porsce or to turn a fastback Fiero into a dodge neon.
Your post is just the opposite. One one side we have Madcurl with pom poms, but should the forum be thanking you for bringing balance back by criticizing it? I rather enjoy his passion, and how he shares his interest with the forum. That's what gives this place personality. If you're soo lacking that it perturbs you, then it's nothing he should have to apologize for. No need to trade pom poms in for blandness.
Keep up the great work Curly! :: pom poms waving :: heh
Greg
[This message has been edited by FieroGTguy (edited 02-19-2007).]
Madcurl it's all good. I just got a little hot when you sounded like you were rippin folks. Like I said I have been watchin you guys for a long time and thought I would finally add my voice to the chorus. I like Archie's stuff. I like your stuff, but some ouf our friends are young and don't have the funds to afford it but they like to dream too. If you look at the number of views versus actual post , alot of folks are just watching like an automotive soap opera. After year as a porsche pilot, I was forced back to Fiero land when my jet black on black baby got introduced to a guard rail by a Grand Am . I have two and 87 GT and an 84 SE with an 85 GT cradle v6 and fastback body clip. I am always blown away by the stuff you guys come up with but I must get this off my chest. IMO the Arch Rival has an ugly nose (dodge neon), I know you are not finished. The rear is absolutely wicked. But take solace in the fact that the original GT nose is ugly also. It is too plain with no character and that is one reason why everyone tries to change it. After thinking it over I would rather do side scoops and lowering for a similar effect with a bowtie wing like "wade the duck "
Like I said, we can break bread some day while I'm in TX (one of these days). From viewing the "Cooking channel," there's some darn good rib houses' in Texas. YUM, YUM.
Sorry to have led things astray. Archie I think it is great thing you are doing. I know the investment you are making to do this might not show a great ROI but you seem to be the kind of guy who just lkes to tweak stuff "just because" and it's good of you to offer it to the rest of us. Madcurl "Rudy's BBQ is calling
Sorry to have led things astray. Archie I think it is great thing you are doing. I know the investment you are making to do this might not show a great ROI but you seem to be the kind of guy who just lkes to tweak stuff "just because" and it's good of you to offer it to the rest of us. Madcurl "Rudy's BBQ is calling
Rudy's is pretty good....but I prefer Smokey Mo's myself....Dang I'm getting hungry! Sorry I got back off topic.
[This message has been edited by Fierotaz (edited 02-19-2007).]
I think Madcurl has more invested in #20 than most Porsches, or Vettes... The Northstar installation cost alone would get you into a used Vette. Add in the chop, the wheels, and the custom body work and we are in Z06 territory.
Z06 money and the nose still looks like a neon. Dont get me wrong I know you are spending big bucks, but that don't make it pretty. FierotheCat posted some great stuff that would make the Arch Rival look killer. In fact I think that is the look they were aiming for and IMO missed the target. It's not too late widen the scoop, lower the power bulge.
Z06 money and the nose still looks like a neon. Dont get me wrong I know you are spending big bucks, but that don't make it pretty. FierotheCat posted some great stuff that would make the Arch Rival look killer. In fact I think that is the look they were aiming for and IMO missed the target. It's not too late widen the scoop, lower the power bulge.
Curly has had design plans for the scoop, way beyond what you see, since before this project began .
Going back to the original question, I think the price is good. I'd love to see the black moulding eliminated on the car completely so mabye a '90 style front fender and nose would be in order. Ofcourse the nose would drive the price up further, but worth it.
I just love the Fino rear w/ Finale front too much to invest in any other body mods until I can afford that/those.
Wide bodies done right rock. I have wanted one since the 80s when I first saw one. Regarding the kit I think the price is fine but not everyone has the skills to slap them in (myself included). I would prefer a bolt on even if it was more expensive. But then even those you have to trim and mod a lot most of the time. I honestly think if you make the kit it will sell but it will be you doing the install most of the time
What about a wide body back end similar in styling to the Porsche Carrera back end for your chop tops?
The next major thing I might want to look at is just a wide back end - no jokes please - with a slanted nose front end - like the PPG cars. Having a sexy sweep just over the wheel wwell area in the rear would be awesome. If I could figure out what offset would work best with say a 19" - 11" wide rim, you'd have another winter project to do for me!
I'm a fan of the wider back and thinner front. I'd also opt for 19" rims at the front - but much thineer - say 6" wide - no more.
I know he started with the flipper which I have always though is way too big ! What do you think of the stuff FierotheCat posted ?
The pics of the wide-body car is a real nice kit car. All of the parts flow together but....it ain't no Fiero. Granted, if somebody gave the car to me for free, I'd take w/o exception...I ain't no fool. However, I would change out the rims for HRE's to match the rest of the car and better headlamps like the C6's.
I'd personally rather have a Fiero with a chop'd up, Dub'd up, chromed-out, Super Charger N* in the back with the original Fastback tailamps saying, "PONTIAC." Keeping the car "PONTIAC" humbles a person so that one's head doesn't get too big. Besides, my roots are with #011 chopper. The chopper and I go way back, I mean waaay back.
As for the C6 flipper being "too big" well....I'm not the first person you know who has it. Norm and I was brain storming the C6 idea since D5. I purchased the C6 flipper due to the C6 healamps and the C6 foglamps. Norm and I broke bread and the deal was done. As for it being too big, I've never saw or read negetive comments towards it on other(s) cars until it was placed upon #020.
Now I ask: Why wasn't it a issue with [other] Norm flipper applications? Was it "too big" for their applications? The last application I saw and read was R.Venhalen's (sp?) black formula. If you've viewed that thread, you'll see nothing but compliments. Read here: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/050959.html
Was R. Vanhalen's-Norm's too big for the rest of the car? After-all isn't R.Vanhelen's car a formula w/o ground FX's? Would that not make [his] car ackward inthat the front doesn't match the back end? Nobody complained or had major issues with that. IMO I thought the front end was agressive, granted bigger tires and rockers could have aided in rounding out the front and rear but...it was okay with "as-is." That being said, by widening out the sides, rears, and using bigger rims should make a huge differrence, right? Well, #020 has fulfilled those areas of possible(?) concerns.
Or does having 2.5" cut-away from the top roof play a big importance by having the Norm flipper? 2.5" [extra] is important in bedroom but I'd doubt it plays a major role with a cars' roof. As for the "cowl" being over-the-top. The same principle applys here. The Cowl is mounted on several Fieros on PFF yet nobody is complaining, right? And get this: #020 is a; Build-up car. I'm not even finished with the "Cowl" and some are condemning the part before it's finished.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 02-20-2007).]
Price? What is the cost? What's the turn-key price?
Question(s): If anyone thinks $2599 is out of the reach for most, then how on earth can a person pay for this wide-body red car? Most importantly...why did the maker create the car knowing that [most] can't buy it? Was he/she marketing to the Fiero crowd?
The answers is: Cause their is a market for it and somebody will pay for it. Period. Yes, the numbers will be few but for the creator of the car, he/she thought it was a done-deal.....and he built it. The car is/was featured at Carlise kit-show show I believe?
I believe the Factory 5 kit is based on a Corvette chassis. The wheels on the yellow one are C5.
Archie, I've got a question. I noticed that the door slopes up toward the back, and flows into the rear section. It seems that the factory quarter window won't fit, or am I wrong? Also, this is just my opinion, making a whole new door panel instead of just the upper piece would be easier. I realize it would cost a little more, but would be worth it to not have to bond it two dis-similar materials together. I think making the whole rear bumper is a great idea, for that reason.
I love the look that this kit offers. I am interested myself, but would have to purchase a piece or two at a time, if that is possible. Laying down that much money at once, for me, would be tough. But I could handle it spread out over a few months.
That isn't cool being the only person with a one-off cause, if you should ever crash yo stuff...that's it baby, partys over! You're back to the drawing board. However, by Archie producing the parts...you can just order the items needed.
These parts are not for the faint of heart. 
You'll need some rims to go along with the wide-body and not some freakin spacers in the back dud!
How is it that the front lip is bigger than the rear lip and the car being a mid-engine design? Which rear engine car can you think of that has a bigger lip in the front vs the rear? This issue is greatly exgarrated in the 88 suspension....the front wheels stick out like some type of dog with it's ear fixed!
.
As for the "cowl" being over-the-top. The same principle applys here. The Cowl is mounted on several Fieros on PFF yet nobody is complaining, right? And get this: #020 is a; Build-up car. I'm not even finished with the "Cowl" and some are condemning the part before it's finished.
