Hi everyone, I recently got my first Fiero: (White '88 Fiero GT) I've loved doing work on the car so far, and was looking into replacing the sail panel windows because mine are starting to de-laminate and fade. I plan on keeping the car original, and in my searching, I saw both Fiero Store options, and liked the curvature of the "Premium" option, but was worried about color. The website says they're a slightly darker green than factory, and I've seen some side by side comparison pictures, and I'm unsure what to go with. Has anyone gotten them in a clear color, or know of any other windows that look factory correct? Mine are closer to clear than green, and I'm interested in what people think are the best ones. I don't mind paying fairly for a good factory looking set (even if they are clear), but wanted to see if there is anything people would recommend. Original sets would be even better, but with how rare and expensive they are, I don't know if I'd be able to find a set in my price range. If you have pictures of any suggested options feel free to post them, it'll be helpful! Thanks, and have a great afternoon!
Chris Cook has been producing the windows for a long time. They didn't have the dual curves, but were the best reproductions until The Fiero Store introduced the premium version. If you want to look at Chris Cook's, his Ebay name is gtfiero I've installed his windows in the past and they were pretty good quality, fit well, and had the correct dot matrix border. They were clear. My brother sold the car, so I don't know how they are holding up, but they were on the car for 3 or 4 years before he sold.
Chris Cook has been producing the windows for a long time. They didn't have the dual curves, but were the best reproductions until The Fiero Store introduced the premium version. If you want to look at Chris Cook's, his Ebay name is gtfiero I've installed his windows in the past and they were pretty good quality, fit well, and had the correct dot matrix border. They were clear. My brother sold the car, so I don't know how they are holding up, but they were on the car for 3 or 4 years before he sold.
I think saw his online too, I heard he makes The Fiero Store's "Economy" windows, but I've also heard that they changed their supplier. So I don't know what's correct at this point. Thanks for the help! I'll look at his some more.
The Fiero Store premium windows were developed by a Fiero engineer and a Fiero historian. The color may be slightly off, but you won't find a better replacement for OEM.
Hi everyone, I recently got my first Fiero: (White '88 Fiero GT) I've loved doing work on the car so far
Welcome!
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Originally posted by olejoedad:
The Fiero Store premium windows were developed by a Fiero engineer and a Fiero historian. The color may be slightly off, but you won't find a better replacement for OEM.
Good to know!
[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 04-04-2022).]
I have removed several OEM sets of windows and have installed both OEM and Cook's windows as well as another set that was made sold by another vendor. The ink on that partiacular set could be scratched with your thumb nail and peeled off with your fingers.
Reading the link to V8Steve's thread, there is mention of the black silicone at the leading edge. None of the OEM windows I removed had the black adhesive at the front. There was a strip of double-side tape in that area. Both the OEM windows I removed and the OEM windows I installed had the monofilament thread attached.
Something I saw that had never been mentioned, nor is mentioned in this thread is that the bottom strip of adhesive tape was not continuous on the OEM windows. There were several gaps. I theorize that this is to allow water to drain rather than puddling behind the window. Standing water could be an issue in freezing weather, causing the window to crack or separate from the vehicle.
Another thing that's mentioned is to be careful not to scratch the black ink. The ink should not be easy to scratch if the proper ink was used. The proper ink should etch itself into the plastic and essentially become an integral part of the window. I screen printed acrylic and polycarbonate substrates for close to 30 years, so I speak from experience. If the ink isn't fully bonded, it can delaminate from the window, leaving the tape and ink on the vehicle and the window on the road. Pay attenton to the OEM window as you pull it away from the vehicle and likely you will find that the ink doesn't separate from the window.
Something I saw that had never been mentioned, nor is mentioned in this thread is that the bottom strip of adhesive tape was not continuous on the OEM windows. There were several gaps. I theorize that this is to allow water to drain rather than puddling behind the window. Standing water could be an issue in freezing weather, causing the window to crack or separate from the vehicle.
My experience with Chris Cooks quarter windows left much top be desired. When they fit right they look excellent but having used two pairs one pair fit great while the other fit was lousy, a good 1/4" short at the top. Chris would not make good on the defective product so he gets a low rating as a vendor.
------------------ " 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 "
I wish the Fiero store premium windows would just lighten them up a bit "JUST LIKE THE ORIGINALS" and everyone would be happy, can't understand why they are darker, it makes no sense but I don't know why and/or the manufacturing process used. It is not easy to see the GT logo which is important to me. One would think the original design engineers would get this correct. I have used the Chris Cook clear and dark ones on my two Fiero GT's and they fit just fine.
I wish the Fiero store premium windows would just lighten them up a bit "JUST LIKE THE ORIGINALS" and everyone would be happy, can't understand why they are darker, it makes no sense but I don't know why and/or the manufacturing process used. It is not easy to see the GT logo which is important to me. One would think the original design engineers would get this correct. I have used the Chris Cook clear and dark ones on my two Fiero GT's and they fit just fine.
Totally agree, No disrespect at all to The Fiero Store though, they're great people who help the Fiero community and make great parts lots of us couldn't. From what I've heard, the original color was a lot more expensive to produce than the darker shade of green. It would be neat to see them in a clear color though, and then people could tint the backside with some sort of tinting film etc if they wanted. I'd buy a clear set if they decided to make 'em!
Keep in mind that many of us have had excellent results with Chris Cook windows.
1) I think they are just as good as FS and speak from experience 2) They are less expensive 3) You can buy replacements, one at a time, driver or passenger side from Chris. Try that with the FS. 4) The two-sided adhesive from Chris is known for grip that is superior to FS. I installed my FS with the greatest attention to their instructions. A month later, one of them blew off at 50 MPH. One might argue I didn't install them correctly, etc. Maybe so but I have the CC windows on for over a year with zero issues and they actually fit better than FS.
Keep in mind that many of us have had excellent results with Chris Cook windows.
1) I think they are just as good as FS and speak from experience 2) They are less expensive 3) You can buy replacements, one at a time, driver or passenger side from Chris. Try that with the FS. 4) The two-sided adhesive from Chris is known for grip that is superior to FS. I installed my FS with the greatest attention to their instructions. A month later, one of them blew off at 50 MPH. One might argue I didn't install them correctly, etc. Maybe so but I have the CC windows on for over a year with zero issues and they actually fit better than FS.
For sure! They look great on eBay, but was curious as to what people thought of them who have had them, his set that has the slight green tint looks really close to original too. How's the curvature on them? I've heard they're right and also heard they don't have the right curve, most concerned about the front edge, but also the rest of the window as well. Overall they're a great price too, so I'd have to get a set of them if they're correct!
My experience with Chris Cooks quarter windows left much top be desired. When they fit right they look excellent but having used two pairs one pair fit great while the other fit was lousy, a good 1/4" short at the top. Chris would not make good on the defective product so he gets a low rating as a vendor.
Well now I need to replace my GTs quarter windows again and am in a quandry. I'd like grey tinted ones, but the better fitting Fiero Store Premium windows are only available in green. And after all these years, it seems Chris Cook's windows haven't gotten much better.
I installed a set of Chris Cook's quarter windows in 2014. Here's my post from back then...
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Date 4-15-2014 It seems to be quite a variance in quality. Some have sets that fit perfectly, others have problems.
I had a set where the driver's set was too long to fit the car properly. Here's a picture when set back-to-back (front edges sitting even). Chris had me return them and sent me a second set with no arguments.
Anyway, the second set fit reasonably well, but I installed the driver's side crooked. When I took it off to reposition it, I took the backing off. Arghhh!!! So I'm going to have to replace them again at some time.
You must install these with 3M tape - just like the factory windows were installed. The back of the panels is silk-screened on with Nazdar silk-screen INK. It is Nazdar all purpose #9724 ink (info from Chris). That's why it is fragile, easily scratched, rubs off with a chemical cleaner (eg: acetone) and reacts to tube type adhesives.
Plus the costs...
$220 + $40 shipping (presumably USPS PARCEL) for Chris Cook's windows on eBay (not so bad)
Then this for the same windows from Fiero Store (using the "fancy" USPS shipping terms/rates) . I think USPS is not offering Fiero Store the best rates available to it's customers.
RockAuto somehow manages to ship Cheap and FAST even on large heavy items (eg: A/C compressor or condenser)
I wish the Fiero store premium windows would just lighten them up a bit "JUST LIKE THE ORIGINALS" and everyone would be happy, can't understand why they are darker, it makes no sense but I don't know why and/or the manufacturing process used. It is not easy to see the GT logo which is important to me. One would think the original design engineers would get this correct. I have used the Chris Cook clear and dark ones on my two Fiero GT's and they fit just fine.
This was discussed when they first released the windows - the green that they used was a standard color vs the Fiero original green would have meant that they would to have had custom panels made up and they would to have had to order a substantial quantity of the panels (far more than was feasible) .
I do wish that the Fiero Store also sold the premium windows in clear as well.
BITD I did buy some Fiero Warehouse windows and was over all pretty happy with the quality (would have been nice if the edges were flame polished), but they did fit well. Too bad they no longer exist.
...you want to talk about being hosed on shipping?
While technically this is shipping from Canada to the US, but here it is:
There are times at work I have to ship items (bubblers) that have to be classified as dangerous goods to the US to be cleaned and refilled. Now here is the kicker, due to internal policies I have to use a shipping company that does this. The most recent quote as of 2 days ago is over $3000 for a small 150ml bubbler (stainless steel cylinder) - yet once the company that does the refilling sends it back, they only charge me (USD mind you) $150-500 for the return shipping.
It is almost like this company here in Canada knows we have to use them and they pad the charges.
Yes, I have complained about it several times, but the people that seem to make these decisions don't care if your costs increase 5 fold from how it use to be.
[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 07-06-2023).]
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