Archie

Can I make a suggestion.....

Buy your guys some luch because they are doing a great job

Keep it up !

Next, the 1st set of parts came back from the upholstery shop.



We started working on fitting them into the car. We had left certain gaps at the edges of the panels to allow for the material to be wrapped around the edges, so fitting them into the car was necessary to make sure they fit right. We also had certain other parts to make & needed these parts in the car so we could make more parts.

















Due to the thickness of the wrapped material the center console section wouldn't fit down in there all the way, so we had to modify & move the center dash part forward about 1/4"







Archie

Wow! Incredible stitch work. You should've had Troyboy's interior stitched like that before it leaves the shop. Did you find the shop or did the customer? Locally?

quote Originally posted by madcurl: Wow! Incredible stitch work. You should've had Troyboy's interior stitched like that before it leaves the shop. Did you find the shop or did the customer? Locally?

This is a place in the customers hometown that he has worked with before.

Archie

Archie,
that car is looking fantastic!
it is good to see it moving along.
D.

Contunuing with Phase II of the interior panel panel making.

We needed to make interior headliner panels.

We decided to make a Left & a Right headliner panel & they'll be seperated by the overhead console.

If you've been following this thread, you'll remember that there is 1" x 2" retangular tubing making up the roof framework.



To maximize headroom, the headliner will have a recess between the tubes above the passengers.

Here Kris is making the Right side headliner out of sheets of flat fiberglass....









To save some time & to make both sides symetrical, Kris then used the completed Right side headliner to make a mold for the Left side headliner. This is the result....



With the Flocking equipment I bought a few years ago, we will be Flocking these parts to match the color of the material we've been using on the other panels.

Once the headliner panels were fabricated, we could start making the "A" pillar covers.

We found one of our Fiberglass molds that could give us a right angle pc. that was long enough to cover the "A" pillar. Then we sectioned it & fiberglassed the backside of it to get & hold the curve we needed. It was a lot more work & planning than you might think.











The top of the "A" pillar cover is ending at the headliner, that's why we needed to finish the headliners 1st.





The bottom end of the "A" pillar covers had to be designed to go up under the ends of the dash.





We really had to plan these covers early on because they had to be removable (there will be wires routed down the "A" pillars from the overhead console). Also they had to be able to be installed AFTER the dash, windshield & headliner. So the fastener type, locations & the direction of attachment had to be figured out ahead of time.

These are some old style interior clips but are still used on some restorations & rods.





Archie

This has to be the most labor intense build Archies shop has ever done. Great job guys this car is going to be awsome!!!!!!!!!

Amazing.

Nice solutions and fabricating...keep it up

I like the dash very nice and inspirational.

Archie,
Just in case another Fiero member wants the same Muira, do you have the templates to do it again? Wonderful work. You 'da man!

Cordially,
Kevin

quote Originally posted by kevin: Archie, Just in case another Fiero member wants the same Muira, do you have the templates to do it again? Wonderful work. You 'da man! Cordially, Kevin

Nope, this is a one of.

Making molds & templates of everything would be a lot more expensive.

Any kit made from all that tooling would be more expensive than 99.5% of the Fiero owners would spend.

Archie

[This message has been edited by Archie (edited 10-24-2009).]

Wow, I was going to say that with the labour alone you would be able to buy a real version! Til I looked it up... This car will be better then the origional! and less then half the price.. Amazing work Archie and Team!

Once the interior parts had been sent out for upholstery, we went back to body stuff.

We still hadn't made inner wheel liners for the front so that was next.

Kris made a big sheet of flat fiberglass sheet a couple of layers thick. This pic was taken after we had cut some parts out of it.



This was curved & shaped to form a wheel well where we wanted it.



While it's still flexable we're using tape hot glue & paint sticks to hold it where we want it. Opening & closing it to make sure it clears the metalwork it will be protecting.



Once we get it to where we wanted it, we removed the clip & sat it on the workbench (business side up). Putting in some small pcs. of fiberglass to blend the wheel well into the underside of the wheel lip.









We also added a little inside wall to the wheel well.



Then we can fiberglass it permanently in place building up the thickness a bit & making it a structural part of the front clip.









.....

Good work pics it's interesting to see the process.

I feel bad for the guys lungs in some of these pics inhaling fiber glass dust isn't very healthy.

quote Originally posted by InTheLead: Good work pics it's interesting to see the process. I feel bad for the guys lungs in some of these pics inhaling fiber glass dust isn't very healthy.

Not to worry, 99% of the time the sanding or grinding pics are recreations (without the mask & goggles) because the flash on the camera will light up & show the dust in the air if I take pics when it's actually being done.

Archie

quote Originally posted by madcurl: Wow! Incredible stitch work. You should've had Troyboy's interior stitched like that before it leaves the shop. Did you find the shop or did the customer? Locally?

Are we looking at the same pictures? Because half those seams aren't even straight.

quote Originally posted by Fastback 86: Are we looking at the same pictures? Because half those seams aren't even straight.

The owner of the car had the parts farmed out by a shop he personally approved of; thus if the owner is okay with the items in question.... why are you so overly concerned?

If he didn't want comments, he wouldn't be posting on a forum.

Yes, the seams go all over the place, from a distance that interior looks awesome, but the seams are bad and the edges around the HVAC and Radio need finished. Also the Fiero HVAC controller and mid 90s headunit ruin the look. With that interior its obvious he is trying really hard to look the part, I think they ought to look harder for a better HVAC controller and a vintage headunit.

If it were my car I'd put a mercedes becker mexico radio in it, cheap, easy to find, single DIN, they look the part, and work well. Hell I even have a couple spares from my w123 I might be willing to sell if it were something he'd want.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot...fPartsQ5fAccessories

Vintage Air also makes some really nice HVAC controllers that I've seen in a lot of ferrari replicas.
http://www.vintageair.com/catalog.asp

But it isn't my car.

quote Originally posted by madcurl: The owner of the car had the parts farmed out by a shop he personally approved of; thus if the owner is okay with the items in question.... why are you so overly concerned?

"Overly" is a poor choice of words. A single, one-sentence comment is hardly what I'd qualify as "overly concerned." I'd say I'm more concerned about your definition of "incredible."

quote Originally posted by Fastback 86: "Overly" is a poor choice of words. A single, one-sentence comment is hardly what I'd qualify as "overly concerned." I'd say I'm more concerned about your definition of "incredible."

A voyage beyond this point might become overly dangerous for you here.

quote Originally posted by madcurl: A voyage beyond this point might become overly dangerous for you here.

It's not your car, why are you so overly concerned with defending it.

quote Originally posted by madcurl: A voyage beyond this point might become overly dangerous for you here.

Ooooooo, is that a threat? Am I going to get voted off the island if I dare to disagree about the quality of the stitching on a kit car? I would hope the people here are better than that, but just in case, I've got plenty of green in my bar.

quote Originally posted by Mr.PBody: It's not your car, why are you so overly concerned with defending it.

quote Originally posted by Fastback 86: Ooooooo, is that a threat? Am I going to get voted off the island if I dare to disagree about the quality of the stitching on a kit car? I would hope the people here are better than that, but just in case, I've got plenty of green in my bar.

You know, you've both said what your opinion is of the interior parts. So be it, you're not the owner of this car & you're on the record as having given your opinion.

This thread has been going on for almost 2 years. The guy who owns this car is also a member on PFF, so the message has gotten thru to him. Why do you want to turn it into the kind of trash you see on RFT?

Both of you do a lot of hating on RFT about PFF & myself. It appears that it entertains you & keeps you off the street. So take it over there.

You've stated your opinion...... I know for a fact that you'll never be within 10 miles of this car & so you'll never have to worry about having your senses insulted by seeing the interior from any closer than that. You see this guy doesn't hang in the same crowds as you do, he's way out of your league.

From the start of this project, he's wanted to share this build with PFF members. Once you've given your opinion, why is it necessary for you guys to ruin the thread with your petty High School bickering?

Thanks

Archie

love the car Archie you have done a bam fine job on this build and wish you the best and cant wait to see more progress

best wishes bubbajoexxx

quote Originally posted by Archie: Not to worry, 99% of the time the sanding or grinding pics are recreations (without the mask & goggles) because the flash on the camera will light up & show the dust in the air if I take pics when it's actually being done. Archie

Ahh okay that makes sense. Kinda able to give us potential customers a view of whats happening behind the scenes that way.

I enjoy the pics thanks for posting as you progress~

I've said it once I'll say it again... I love this build. I think the interior work is outstanding. I've been inspired to tackle my own interior build as I am sure others have, and that's all that should matter (and the happy customer who will be driving the car). We shouldn't let a few opinions poison an incredible build.

Keep up the great work Archie and keep the pics coming!

I would rather agree about the comment in regards to the stitch-work. It looks to be a little jagged and not perfectly straight. It looks as thought it were something I did myself with a sewing machine. Of course, my opinion is only that, but it doesn't look at as good as I think it should? A a real Lamborghini would have near 100% perfection. I've seen a couple Miura's and their interiors don't have that non-linear stitching.

quote Originally posted by Archie: You know, you've both said what your opinion is of the interior parts. So be it, you're not the owner of this car & you're on the record as having given your opinion. This thread has been going on for almost 2 years. The guy who owns this car is also a member on PFF, so the message has gotten thru to him. Why do you want to turn it into the kind of trash you see on RFT? Both of you do a lot of hating on RFT about PFF & myself. It appears that it entertains you & keeps you off the street. So take it over there. You've stated your opinion...... I know for a fact that you'll never be within 10 miles of this car & so you'll never have to worry about having your senses insulted by seeing the interior from any closer than that. You see this guy doesn't hang in the same crowds as you do, he's way out of your league. From the start of this project, he's wanted to share this build with PFF members. Once you've given your opinion, why is it necessary for you guys to ruin the thread with your petty High School bickering? Thanks Archie

I stated my OPINION, and how my OPINION as to ways to make it look better, just an OPINION, when someone makes suggestions it is constructive criticism. If people never hear constructive criticism, you'll only make what looks right in a narrow scope, and it won't be the best it can be.

He saw my posts? Okay? I also see that this is an open forum, if you and him weren't looking for comments and people seeing the work, and the quality of it, you wouldn't have been posting pics for two years.

I don't hate on you on RFT, I critique some of your work and your poor people skills, which I suppose is what this post is about too. I don't run RFT, I didn't start it, I am not a mod, I am not friends with the people who do, don't make RFT my problem.

Maybe the car will be at a show I am at, you don't know that. I am actually very active the classic car community and go to concours events and high end and classic auctions and shows around the country. I show vintage Porsche and Mercedes. In my circle an 80s GM HVAC controller would stand out like a sore thumb. But thats just my poor white trash circle.

High school bickering? I made a suggestion, then you and madcurl came in here trying to swing the banstick and make threats, I am not bickering. My original post was full of suggestions and links. Congratulations on once again missing the point of constructive criticism, getting defensive, and just being rude.

Your Welcome

Paul


Insert Last Words Below.

quote Originally posted by Archie: You know, you've both said what your opinion is of the interior parts. So be it, you're not the owner of this car & you're on the record as having given your opinion. This thread has been going on for almost 2 years. The guy who owns this car is also a member on PFF, so the message has gotten thru to him. Why do you want to turn it into the kind of trash you see on RFT? Both of you do a lot of hating on RFT about PFF & myself. It appears that it entertains you & keeps you off the street. So take it over there. You've stated your opinion...... I know for a fact that you'll never be within 10 miles of this car & so you'll never have to worry about having your senses insulted by seeing the interior from any closer than that. You see this guy doesn't hang in the same crowds as you do, he's way out of your league. From the start of this project, he's wanted to share this build with PFF members. Once you've given your opinion, why is it necessary for you guys to ruin the thread with your petty High School bickering? Thanks Archie

Amusing. Could you try to make it a little more obvious that you don't know me at all? Find all my "hate" on you on RFT. Go ahead, I'll wait. Anything you find will be a stretch. As for where I'll be, what crowds I hang in and what "league" I may be in, you don't know any of that for a fact, so I wouldn't go around making declarations you can't substantiate. I offered a one sentence opinion on the stitch work, which you didn't do and therefore has almost nothing to do with you. Madcurl came out swinging with the ban threats and all that nonsense. If you want to know why there's bickering in this thread, ask him.

Back on topic.... Archie when will this outstanding ride be completed.

Less bickering, more pictures.

If I may make suggestions:
* Put an overlay on the Autometer gauges, they stick out like a sore thumb and scream "Autozone". (I'm guessing that's planned down the road anyhow)

* Replace the Fiero HVAC with another unit. (there are a few Kit car units available for Fieros)

* Either go completely modern with the Stereo and install a double DIN 7" LCD deck, or go retro with a Becker, or other retro deck. (which ever suits the owners preference) I'm assuming the current deck is a placeholder anyhow. (no need to let a nice deck get dirty from installation)
Add a second color to the interior (preferably darker - see Miura registry). Possibly on the top of the dash. (in case the creme makes reflections/glare on the windshield) Might not be needed. (it's fairly easy to check at this stage of the installation)

I understand that building kit cars is expensive and corners have to be cut somewhere not to let costs spiral out of control. Some of my suggestions may not be financially feasible. (or could be done at a later time)

I agree with others on the stitching. It is crooked.
That said. The stitching on ACTUAL Lambirghini's is crooked as well. (especially older ones, before Audi took over the company) - An inside joke by Lambo owners actually relates to the "Italian" stitching.

I understand the desire of the owner to go to a shop of a trusted quality and price, especially a local (to him) shop. In case the owner looks for alternatives: If I may suggest another upholsterer - AMIDA - . He has excellent stitch work and his quality is better than Ferrari OEM. Many people on this forum trust him. I would have him make an interior as well, but that's not feasible for me right now.

All that said: Keep the pictures coming!!

quote Originally posted by troyboy: Back on topic.... Archie when will this outstanding ride be completed.

We're hoping to have most all of the bodywork done by the end of the month & shoot a coat of primer on it. Then we can see what it would look like all one color (any color ).

I'm also hoping to begin the final installation of the engine in the next couple of weeks. There will be a lot of wiring (& interior assembly) going along with that. It would be nice to fire the engine up by mid-December & maybe be able to move the car under it's own power soon after that.

Still lots to do, but I'm looking forward to 2 things, getting the body all in one color & firing up the engine.

We've got a lot done since the last update, I'll get to work posting some of that up here.

Archie

[This message has been edited by Archie (edited 11-17-2009).]