so some may have seen when i purchased this non running convertible fiero. //www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/096323.html help me identify this convertible.. HELPP there's the link and title just in case you want to check it out. I started a couple of threads trying to work things out and after a fuel pump , fuel tank cleaning , replace clogged injectors, repair wiring shorts finally it started up only to find out i had a bad rod knock. Paid someone to swap a used 2.8L in, then still had to replace a worn harmonic balancer , repair more shorts in wiring , and that dreaded whining noise from the oil pump ( yup oil pump ) . So i got the car registered and today i passed California smog on the first attempt with no issues AT ALL. I cant believe it.
The car now needs body work and paint to be complete. But i wanted to know what you guys think of her thus far. Any comments are welcome..
Good luck with your new ragtop Fiero. That kit was first made by Brisa then California Convertible company . It is not that common. I have one in the near stages of completion and I really like it. The good is that its the only kit that uses a one piece fold down top. They work great but you end up with a high stack when the top is down . Some owners have said that the rear view mirror view is sometimes limited because of it. The other thing that worries me is that you lose both engine vent grills and end up with a smaller one. You should also have a subframe underneath to aid in keeping the chassis rigid. The improvements that I made include a mirror with the interior lights on it and an grill that I made from a shortened A/C air vent grill made of aluminum . I did not use the air vents that came with the kit but still have them for a possible later use. Due to the small engine vent grills, I would recommend adding a small radiator blower fan in the engine compartment.
So this is the car that had the kazoo in the crankcase, eh? Cool!
lmao yes patrick this is the crazy kazoo car... i should nickname it kazoo. but since replacing the pump its never done it again. i appreciate your input on those threads... My fav. top is the automoda but hey beggars cant be ..........
Yes you have basically no rear view when the top is done but man its so cool to have a convertible fiero.
Holland Pontiac convertibles had full top and targas. The full top in mine would fold up behind the seats and drop vertically. It did not cover rear comapartment. Targas were similar in storage when down but center section was removed first.
quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
Good luck with your new ragtop Fiero. That kit was first made by Brisa then California Convertible company . It is not that common. I have one in the near stages of completion and I really like it. The good is that its the only kit that uses a one piece fold down top. They work great but you end up with a high stack when the top is down . Some owners have said that the rear view mirror view is sometimes limited because of it. The other thing that worries me is that you lose both engine vent grills and end up with a smaller one. You should also have a subframe underneath to aid in keeping the chassis rigid. The improvements that I made include a mirror with the interior lights on it and an grill that I made from a shortened A/C air vent grill made of aluminum . I did not use the air vents that came with the kit but still have them for a possible later use. Due to the small engine vent grills, I would recommend adding a small radiator blower fan in the engine compartment.
Do you have a pic of your convertible without the cover that is over the fold down mechanism ... also a pic with the top closed
regards Danyel
I will take some tomorrow and post it here so you can see the top.. the plastic portion for the rear view is ripped but I don't mind since its always in the down position anyway.
Here are picd of the top in the closed position. All the top shops around her e want to charge me for replacing the entire top. I cant get a quote on just the plastic portion. The top is perfect with no rips or cuts.
Originally posted by freedom0226:.........All the top shops around her e want to charge me for replacing the entire top. I cant get a quote on just the plastic portion. The top is perfect with no rips or cuts.
Considering that the rear window is SOWN to the top they need to remove it .... removing it will cause damage ... that is why they prefer swapping in a new one .... mine will be going in soon for a new top and geting the seals redone too ... She is lookin good !!!
Considering that the rear window is SOWN to the top they need to remove it .... removing it will cause damage ... that is why they prefer swapping in a new one .... mine will be going in soon for a new top and geting the seals redone too ... She is lookin good !!!
regards Danyel
What are you doing for seals?
------------------ 86 SE Convertible 3800sc 4t65e HD(2002), Gen V, 3.3 pulley, SD headers
[This message has been edited by Tweeder (edited 07-01-2016).]
Here is what they look like as a work in progress. Lots of fitting and a bit bulky when down but it uses a one piece top that's easy to put up in a hurry. We have the top ready to go, just looking for a good installer. IMO, with the two and three piece tops your interior could be ruined by the time that you assemble everything and get it in place,.
Engine will be a 4.9L for smooth quiet cruising. Low tech but better than the 2.8L and good hwy mileage.
------------------ " 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, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, 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 09-24-2016).]
Never had a problem with putting up the top on my Holland Pontiac conversion. Really, not much different than t-tops. Personally, not a fan of a bulky top, but it is still a conv. Fiero. Btw, I had a complete leather interior.
quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
Here is what they look like as a work in progress. Lots of fitting and a bit bulky when down but it uses a one piece top that's easy to put up in a hurry. We have the top ready to go, just looking for a good installer. IMO, with the two and three piece tops your interior could be ruined by the time that you assemble everything and get it in place,.
Engine will be a 4.9L for smooth quiet cruising. Low tech but better than the 2.8L and good hwy mileage.
[This message has been edited by jaskispyder (edited 09-24-2016).]
Never had a problem with putting up the top on my Holland Pontiac conversion. Really, not much different than t-tops. Personally, not a fan of a bulky top, but it is still a conv. Fiero. Btw, I had a complete leather interior.
Not that the three piece tops are a problem, it just takes a bit longer to put them up and you lose trunk space. In a sudden downpour that might be a test of time. I will agree that the two and three piece tops look better when they are down . IMO the one piece retractable top looks far better when its up and goes up and down in seconds. The L.A. Machine Convertible Fiero looks like a standard convertible without the "wings" on each end where they go around the air grill. I guess the stacked look when its down is the trade off, but some Mustangs that I have seen have a similar look. Can't wait to get this finished and I will be watching the weather report when going out.
------------------ " 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, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, 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 "
Hey Dennis How far along are you on the top? Got any updated pics you can post? I have the same kit and all that you said about the mirrors and the loss of sight when the top is down is all true. Ive got some issues with the top's frame work its self, I don't think it ever installed correctly from the get go. And true to form...all the local top makers around here want nothing to do with it. Ive taken it to them all
Ohhh, get rid of that vent. That does not look like something which belongs on any car, that looks Home Depot.
You need to vent the heat in the engine compartment. That vent is a vital necessity. This one was built from an A/C vent. How would you vent the engine comprartment a that top that goes over the OEM engine vents?
------------------ " 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, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, 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 "
duplicate post deleted ------------------ " 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, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, 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 02-20-2017).]
here is the latest on the 85 fiero. i still need to paint the rear end of the car ( doing it in sections ) . can i get some input on the wheels ive been questioning the rims.
here is the latest on the 85 fiero. i still need to paint the rear end of the car ( doing it in sections ) . can i get some input on the wheels ive been questioning the rims.
The design of the wheels looks very nice. Good news is that wheels can be painted. I would just paint them a bright argent silver, gold or any color that you wish. I don't think that black wheels look great on this color car, but to each his own. .
------------------ " 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, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, 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 tires appear to be very low profile- It would be better to have a somewhat taller profile tire on there...Fill the wheel wells better and have more sidewall for impact absorption...What size are wheels/tires?
The design of the wheels looks very nice. Good news is that wheels can be painted. I would just paint them a bright argent silver, gold or any color that you wish. I don't think that black wheels look great on this color car, but to each his own. .
Are those black or are they more an antique brass or a bronze color? I don't care for black either but those don't look quite black. I think the color looks nice and if you can find some way to carry it through to other parts of the car, I think it would be even better. Piping on the seats, carpet, vinyl coated interior parts, just something to carry it through.
[This message has been edited by Khw (edited 05-28-2017).]
