Several years back a rear tail light panel was available for the Fiero GT that gave the rear a totally different look that I really liked. This panel didn't use the round Ferrari lights but the oval Corvette C4 tail lights. I always thought that this vette style panel looked good but could not find one until they came available recently from Fieromotive in St Petersburg, FL It is basically a stripped panel that needs some prep work but it is doable This is the panel as shipped Then you drill the hole and cut a part of a broken tail light housing and make a template for the tail light plug notches. The template is used to pencil in the tail light sockets cutting points. You will need another hole for the brake light. I used the T10 sockets that are used for the Pontiac running light. Next I painted the light housings chrome silver, sanded and primed the panel
Finals steps: Paint the panel the car color of black and make up two C brackets that will hold the panel in place. Glass resin or epoxy them in place Then do some trimming of the supports on the tail light cavity area as necessary. Finally fit the two Pilot Navigator Back up lights in the openings for the reflectors and complete the wiring. I will post pictures as we go along to completion.
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 03-08-2020).]
Thanks Dennis, I like progress and how-to-do pictures.
Always try to help Fiero folks out. This is not a very detailed thread so far but for those interested in converting over to the Corvette C4 tail lights I will post progress pictures as they go. Right now I pulled my back out so it may be another week or two before I can put up more pictures. The total cost of this panel install with Corvette style C4 lenses, gaskets, the Pilot Navigator BU lights and screws (less paint) will come in at about $300 but there is a bit of labor involved. Jim tells me that he is coming out with a few different style tail light panels that will include a 2 pc panel and one that will use the Corvette round style lights as well. What I like the most about Jim's panel is that the tail lights are designed to have a recessed three dimensional look.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
The next step in installing this panel will be to figure out a way to mount it. I know that some have used screws to hold it in place in odd locations but we decided to use the mounting location holes that were used to attach the GM/OEM panel. IMO this makes for a neat OEM type installation. We measured carefully bent up some aluminum L brackets from 1" x 1/8" aluminum strips, (Home Depot) then used epoxy to fasten them in place. The next day we used fiberglass mat and resin to hold them firmly to the panel. Notice that 1/4-20 aluminum thread inserts were used in the brackets. 1/4 -20 by 1 1/4" Phillips head screws w small washers will be used to hold the panel firmly in place. Some spacers may be required but we haven't painted the panel for mounting as yet. Here is how the panel with brackets as it now looks as of today.
.
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 05-28-2020).]
The pilot navigator back up lights are installed, the Corvette C4 light panel has been painted with 4 coats of Dupont Centrari pitch black enamel, , brackets glassed in place, then mounted (using the OEM taillight mounting holes), the lens' installed and LED lights added. I am pleased with the installation and the look. Perhaps we will add a Pontiac logo or emblem in the center but here is the panel as it looks today.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 06-17-2020).]
and the final touch that I believe enhances the center section to be seen several posts down
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 06-24-2020).]
and the final touch that I believe enhances the center section
Hey Dennis, that's a terrific job you did with that panel & the backup lights. Is that the reflection of a Chrysler 300 in those 4 tail lights?
Spoon
------------------ "Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut
[This message has been edited by Spoon (edited 06-17-2020).]
Charlie first off thank you for the compliment. You've got a good eye. Yup thats my 4000lb 2015 Chrysler 300. Hope to see you at Carlisle. We are already registered and waiting for the governor's permission to go. It's a troubling situation. If you have interest I can take you through the steps for that custom panel. The guy that makes these Corvette panels is Jim Cleary /Fiero Motive and he's in the Tampa FL area. PM.for his contact info. ------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 07-17-2020).]
Wow!! I really love the look of that panel. Nicely done! Gives the car an updated look without "trying too hard" .... too many cars have excessive bling like too many scoops, too many wings, too many stickers and badges and it just ruins the look. This panel looks basically stock and elegant- nicely done
Did you say they are now available? I could not find it online. I may buy one. I assume it is no big deal to revert back to the original tail lights if a person wishes to do that in the future? BTW, thanks Dennis for referring me to your friend with the Metric speedo- works great!
[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 06-24-2020).]
Wow!! I really love the look of that panel. Nicely done! Gives the car an updated look without "trying too hard" .... too many cars have excessive bling like too many scoops, too many wings, too many stickers and badges and it just ruins the look. This panel looks basically stock and elegant- nicely done
Did you say they are now available? I could not find it online. I may buy one. I assume it is no big deal to revert back to the original tail lights if a person wishes to do that in the future? BTW, thanks Dennis for referring me to your friend with the Metric speedo- works great!
BTW, thanks to Adam IMSA GT for pointing me to the source. The pictures do not do the installation justice. I'll post better pictures today or tomorrow. IMO, The panel makes the look of the car much more modern and less 80's looking. If you ask me a BIG improvement. People now comment "nice Corvette". The install wasn't too difficult and the new mold Jim is making will have the mounting brackets. Installation basically is just priming painting and panel prep. Since the panel fits without body mods reverting back to stock would be very easy. No problem on the leads; sharing the hobby is what makes it fun As for Sourmash's comment on the emblem; it is a Pontiac emblem, I believe its found on the sail panels of Fieros and on larger Pontiac models. It certainly does soften the look of the large area between the lights without adding too much. To my eyes it fits perfect. As for the panel source; it is certainly available. Jim Cleary of Fiero Motive in Fl. is the source . He runs a legitimate full time Fiero business and has been doing Fiero work for many years. Here is the contact info: Jim Cleary Fiero Motive 5551 65 Way North Saint Petersburg, FL 33709 1-727-417-7559
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 06-24-2020).]
Thanks. Here is a better photo: ------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 06-24-2020).]
Wow! That panel looks really nice! the Pontiac arrowhead is a nice touch as well. Well done
Coming from a long time knowledgeable forum member, I'll take that compliment any day. After looking at a number of custom changes that would modernize the Fiero taillight area a bit, (it looked too solidly 80's to me) I settled on the panel with the square and rounded sides C4 lights. To my eyes it blends in perfectly with the look of the car. I also added LED lights that really set the look off at night. After looking at many different decals and logos that would break up the dominance of the center section, I decided that the arrowhead Pontiac plate looked the best. When I see it now, I said yup that is exactly what I was looking for. While some forum members believe that this panel is for Corvette wannabes; I say that if we can improve the look by taking nice elements from other GM cars, why not? Its still a Fiero.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Hi, Dennis. Looks great. I'm getting ready to do something similar with my notchie, but with the DrivenVisions taillight panel. It has two recessed lenses per side, just like yours. It's prepped and ready for paint.
Question - how did you do your wiring? My notchie has four bulbs per side (two tail/turn/stop; one tail; and one reverse) in the OEM lightbar. I assume yours is the same. For each side, did you simply reuse the wiring for the two tail/turn/stop bulbs and the reverse bulb and NOT reuse the wiring for the tail light bub?
That's what I'm planning to do, because there is no room for a fourth bulb.
Hi, Dennis. Looks great. I'm getting ready to do something similar with my notchie, but with the DrivenVisions taillight panel. It has two recessed lenses per side, just like yours. It's prepped and ready for paint.
Question - how did you do your wiring? My notchie has four bulbs per side (two tail/turn/stop; one tail; and one reverse) in the OEM lightbar. I assume yours is the same. For each side, did you simply reuse the wiring for the two tail/turn/stop bulbs and the reverse bulb and NOT reuse the wiring for the tail light bub?
That's what I'm planning to do, because there is no room for a fourth bulb.
Thanks.
Ernie
Not the same . The GT fastbacks have totally different wiring schemes than the notchbacks do. On the fast back GT there is a circuit for the taillight/stoplight and a separate circuit for the signal lights. On my Corvette panel I had to install two bulbs in each lamp housing; one for the tail/brake and the other for the turn signal. This was the only way to accommodate the 3 circuits You should not have this problem on your Fiero as on the notchbacks all functions run off 2 circuits and are assigned to a single 2057/1157 bulb. The turn signal switch on the notchback determines whether the tailight or turn signal functions will be energized depending on what you switch on. Brake light is not affected. In short you will use the two dual circuit bulbs on each side for your install. As for the back up lights, just run the two leads to the Pilot Navigator lights (P/N NV803) that you will install where the reflectors now sit. This requires removing the rear fascia and doing some fitting but that is pretty easy to do. As for the Driven Dreams custom light panel, they look very nice, but the lights that go with it, may be hard to locate.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 07-09-2020).]
Thanks, Dennis. Yeah, you've confirmed what I figured I had to do do with the notchie wiring. Many thanks. As for the bulbs for the DrivenVisions panel, the panel will accept the OEM notchie bulbs. As for the lenses, the DrivenVision panel uses commonly available SAE-IPRST--79-DOT lenses.
BTW I think I might have another option for the reverse lights. (which will leave the OEM reflectors intact). I will start a new thread for that.
Ernie
[This message has been edited by Warlordsix (edited 07-09-2020).]
Not the same . The GT fastbacks have totally different wiring schemes than the notchbacks do. On the fast back GT there is a circuit for the taillight/stoplight and a separate circuit for the signal lights. On my Corvette panel I had to install two bulbs in each lamp housing; one for the tail/brake and the other for the turn signal. This was the only way to accommodate the 3 circuits You should not have this problem on your Fiero as on the notchbacks all functions run off 2 circuits and are assigned to a single 2057/1157 bulb. The turn signal switch on the notchback determines whether the tailight or turn signal functions will be energized depending on what you switch on. Brake light is not affected. In short you will use the two dual circuit bulbs on each side for your install. As for the back up lights, just run the two leads to the Pilot Navigator lights (P/N NV803) that you will install where the reflectors now sit. This requires removing the rear fascia and doing some fitting but that is pretty easy to do. As for the Driven Dreams custom light panel, they look very nice, but the lights that go with it, may be hard to locate.
The GT uses the same turn signal switch as the notchback, but the wire from the brake switch goes directly to the brake lights instead of through the switch. When I wired my Corvette tail light panel I just added the wire that was missing on the GT and swapped the brake light wire at the bulb socket for the turn signal wire. Then the lights function just like the notchback.
The GT uses the same turn signal switch as the notchback, but the wire from the brake switch goes directly to the brake lights instead of through the switch. When I wired my Corvette tail light panel I just added the wire that was missing on the GT and swapped the brake light wire at the bulb socket for the turn signal wire. Then the lights function just like the notchback.
That's a valid and easy way to rewire and its used on many cars; you share two bulb filaments with three functions. The way I did it kept all three lighting functions separate. Figure GM must have done it on the 86-88 GT's this way for a reason so I did not change it.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Here's another pic from a post some time ago with the tail light panel. The red GT was Skitimes. Don't know owner of the other.
Spoon
------------------ "Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut
That looks like the PISA Ferrari style panel with the round lights. Those were the most popular panels. I chose the FIeroMotive panel with the C4 squarish lenses with the rounded sides. Looked like a better fit to me. . Now working on getting the notchback taillight panel upgraded. Its sold by Pisa and its called the Euro Panel. If you are interested, I started a build post on this Euro Notchback panel and it will be updated when the panel arrives in a few weeks. ------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 07-16-2020).]
If anyone will offer this as "idiot proof, plug and play" kit, I will sign up. I don't have the time/patience/skill to mess around with wiring, cutting fiberglass, painting, etc. Would gladly pay more and get a finished tail light panel.
Just for reference Jim Cleary of Fieromotive past away last year and his girlfriend reportedly threw his whole shop contents including all molds in a dumpster. There is another guy that was well along to making a new mold for the C4 panel but he is now semi-retired. I believe Jim sold 5 panels before he past away so these panels are quite rare. The install was not hard and the only rewiring was for the backup lights.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Just for reference Jim Cleary of Fieromotive past away last year and his girlfriend reportedly threw his whole shop contents including all molds in a dumpster. There is another guy that was well along to making a new mold for the C4 panel but he is now semi-retired. I believe Jim sold 5 panels before he past away so these panels are quite rare. The install was not hard and the only rewiring was for the backup lights.
Believe it or not, Trent ended up with the molds.
quote
Originally posted by Villain:
Picked up FieroMotive’s Jw Cleary’s personal car and all of the molds him and I had acquired or he had made over the years, looking forward to bringing alot of old stuff back to the market 😀
quote
Originally posted by Villain:
I plan on alot of things, i’m hoping formula repops yes, but i’m building the new “fiberglass” space as I can between the bigger builds and as i can afford to.
More practice runs and photos
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 07-22-2024).]
oh heck yeah. I was looking for those custom gt scoops not too long ago (and needed some new tail lights since all the Keith stuff is gone now) so this is awesome news. hopefully my research into reproducing the notchback lense plastic pays off (getting the mixture to not yellow is the hardest part currently since I'm using resins for ease of home manufacturing) lemme know if anyone finds a good lead on not garbage plexi resin
You always seem to have better info than myself and its good to know that a Fiero guy has these molds in his possession. Trent (Villain)may be running a one man shop so its probably going to be a while before we see some nice fiberglass parts for Fieros again. Before Jim passed he told me that he was having the Corvette taillight panel redone by an outside fiberglass shop that specialized in boat parts. That new mold may be in the collection. I believe that there is still a select market for Fiero aftermarket parts. All of the vendors are now gone so if Trent steps up he may be a sole source.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Yes, Trent is on his way to becoming the "One stop Fiero shop".....in the country, if everything goes according to plan. He may be doing an engine upgrade/swap on my Stinger if things go right in the near future, but yet to be determined for certain.
Fiero's appear to be his #1 passion, and he is very good at modifying, upgrading, maintaining and improving them, from what I know.
He is expanding his operation and adding "specialists" in many fields to be able to address any interests of any owners, again...provided everything comes together as his vision predicts.
Keep an eye on his activities, as it may not be too long before he is able to offer all the IRM fiberglass inventory that Fierowarehouse used to have available.
Not many places better to do fiberglass than sunny Florida!
.jpeg)
