As many know we now manufacture the Fino & Finale body kits for the Fiero. This weekend was supposed to be a very special weekend for us. It would have been the 1st time ever that a completed Fino and completed Finale were displayed together at ANY Show in the World. Previously no one has ever had a Fino & a Finale at the same time at the same show.
Well that was not to be, at least for now.
As many have heard neither of the cars made it to the Dells show this weekend.
When being preped for the drive to the show, your's truely, forgot to install the 2 tiny "E" clips that would retain the hinge pins that hold the large back window into the Finale.
So here is what happened, at about 80mph on I-90 while we were driving the cars to the show. I was driving the lead car (Finale) in the passing lane going around a Semi. When the hinge pins viberated out of place and large rear window (& frame) took a little trip of it's own. Lifted by the wind, it rolled end over end appox. 30+ foot in the air. My Fino was about 100 yards behind & As luck would have it, the airborne item landed squarely on the windshield of the Fino.
Other than the rear window and frame being gone, the Red Finale suffered no other damage. The Fino however, didn't do so well with it's windshield caved in, gouges to the "T" top and extensive paint/fiberglass damage.
We did manage to make it to the show with my "3rd. back-up car".
Several people asked me to put up some pics., so here they are.
Thank You
Archie
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09:09 PM
PFF
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Galen No longer registered
Report this Post06-03-2001 09:15 PM
Galen
posts Member since
that sucks, but that had to look funny flying through the air.. and who said fiero rebodies couldn't fly?
------------------ Galen - 1988 Hawaiian Orchid Coupe Auto 4Banger - My Fiero Website AIM: WookieeNC
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09:15 PM
CoolBlue87GT Member
Posts: 8509 From: Punta Gorda, Florida, USA Registered: Apr 2001
I had the hatchback off of an old Corolla fly off on the freeway like that one time. Really bizarre to see in your rear view the back of your car sucked into space...
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10:25 AM
Tina Member
Posts: 2858 From: At an elevation of 8564 feet. Registered: Nov 2000
I rode in a Monte Carlo a few years back that had the front left wheel come off at about 65mph. That was a hell of a ride. Tires had been replaced and the tire shop didnt tighten down the lugs on my sisters car. Nobody was hurt. Good thing we werent on the interstate.
I feel for you, man. It's bad enough when crap occurs, but when it's something as minor as a clip, it's like the fates poking fun at you. I have no doubt both cars will be in top shape in no time.
Nice cars, BTW, even with the damage.
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10:54 PM
Jun 5th, 2001
Fierowrecker Member
Posts: 1858 From: Lowell, MI. USA Registered: Mar 2001
I do have one piece of advice, With the odds of the hatch coming off and hitting the Fino while both cars were 100 yards apart and traveling at 80mph. I think you should invest in some lottery tickets! You have a really good chance of winning!
[This message has been edited by Oreif (edited 06-05-2001).]
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02:39 AM
Jun 18th, 2001
Archie Member
Posts: 9436 From: Las Vegas, NV Registered: Dec 1999
We have the Finale back on the road. In the process of making repairs to it we decided to replace the missing rear hatch window with a Fino style decklid. Check it out....
We also have the Fino dis-assembled and ready for a new paint job tomorrow. This is what it looks like today....
Archie, I like the look of the Finale with the Fino decklid! I was never a fan of the hatchback look. Like Haze asks, What color did you decide for the Fino? Are you bringing the Finale to the "Trip to the Village" car show this coming Sunday?
sorry to hear about your two bueatiful cars but thewy will be great again I am sure! I hope to see you at some shows by me!! I send all my love to the cars and you and thank god no one was hurt just the cars
------------------ 1984 Sweet Candy Apple red Fiero sport coupe :-D
WOW!! I always liked the Finale kit Archie! I was gonna buy one before you aquired that line.... I love it with the deck lid, could we purchase a kit that way?
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06:30 PM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
According to Archie's website, you can get either the Fino or the Finale with your choice of decklid and rear spoiler. You can mix and match them, all for the same price. If I'm mistaken, I'm sure Archie will point that out. http://www.V8Archie.com
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08:27 PM
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5558 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
what rear setup are you puttin on the fino. are you going to leave it like it was, or are you going to put a finale glass hatch on there? dont forget the pins if you put a glass hatch!!! =Þ
Originally posted by Oreif: Archie, I like the look of the Finale with the Fino decklid! I was never a fan of the hatchback look. Like Haze asks, What color did you decide for the Fino? Are you bringing the Finale to the "Trip to the Village" car show this coming Sunday?
You know what, I can't decide if I like the Fino or Finale rear end and I can't decide on the Fino or Finale front end either.
I hope you all will like Silver.
I just heard about that show, I'll bring The Finale to that show, see you then. I may be a little late getting there, I hear there is a swap meet at Grayslake too.
Archie
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11:04 PM
PFF
System Bot
Jun 21st, 2001
Archie Member
Posts: 9436 From: Las Vegas, NV Registered: Dec 1999
LOOK'S GREAT Archie..... I like the silver too... Make's the *Smoooth GT* look like I need to burn it and start over... lol Steve...
------------------ Future add's.. 2" drop, 17" wheel's, finish the turbo T-3watercooled project, ViperYellow :D:D with a 100-125HP shot of NOS w/ the T-3...
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03:16 AM
87FieroGTx Member
Posts: 2630 From: Bath, New York, USA Registered: Jun 2001
