While looking at Fieros on eBay. I stumbled across an '86 "GT" that appear to be in really good shape. When I read the ad, I saw that the "GT" was a notchie that had been converted with a rear GT clip and bumpers. The VIN clearly indicates it's a notchback coupe. The Seller says it's a true GT because he's converted it. I disagree and say it's a GT conversion. My question are would you consider this a true Fiero GT and, all things being equal, would you consider a GT conversion the same as a GT?
Let me say this, the conversion is beautifully done. Paint and interior is really nice.
Nothing wrong with a conversion though... the factory trim level is mostly irrelevant, what matters is if you like how the car is now. No need for the seller to get hung up on the trim level.
I agree that the VIN makes the "GT"....I have an 85 SE V6 that I swapped 86-88 GT quarters on, but kept the base bumper-pad rear and also swapped a late base nose onto...I just wanted mine to look the way I thought it would look good- would never try to pass it off as a GT tho....
I can't post a pic here, but do a search for "cvxjet custom B pillars" and you should find a pic......
Like the Ferrari body swap it is still Fiero even if it looks like a 308.
Well, not quite the same....Under the Ferrari body is not a Ferrari frame and drivetrain. Under the converted GT is exactly what you would expect...a GT frame and drivetrain.
[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 11-20-2019).]
Well, not quite the same....Under the Ferrari body is not a Ferrari frame and drivetrain. Under the converted GT is exactly what you would expect...a GT frame and drivetrain.
You know what I mean. Yes the Fiero is still mechanically the same but it is still not the GT on paper.
I have a 2M6 so I have no agenda here.
As for value does it really matter? Miles and condition matter more anymore outside the 88 models.
Very attractive Fiero cvxjet, with most all my favorite body panels together with a nice custom touch. Mike in Sydney: Of course, the '86 is worth somewhere between what the seller and buyer imagine, but FWIW, my opinion is his car is not a GT.
That's my thoughts, too. So the saying, "clothes maketh the man" doesn't apply in this case. It should be the "VIN maketh the car" (at least on vehicle titles and for insurance purposes).
If it didn't leave the factory as a GT, then it is a GT Clone. Been done lots of times, overall quality of the car and the conversion will determine ultimate value.
If you want the car to just drive and have fun, call it whatever you will. It probably doesn't matter.
If you're concerned about insurance and replacement cost, the insurance companies are going to (most likely) go by the VIN. After all, their job is to get out from under a claim as cheaply as possible. If you're really concerned about insurance and replacement cost, you should probably talk with a purveyor of collector insurance, and buy an "agreed value" policy.
anything here will be 100% opinion, but i don't think i'd consider a conversion and a factory gt the same.
any time something is 'converted' i consider it a little bit less desirable than the factory version. or at least less valuable.
it's like the difference between a numbers matching car and one that's been rebuilt with newer parts.
in this case, i would consider the car worth less than a 'true' gt, but if the work is done well, the fiero really was designed to allow this kind of thing. i wouldn't stress about it personally, but i'm guessing the issue here is the owner thinks it's worth more than you do, which really is outside of your control. Offer a price you think is fair and be prepared to walk away if he doesn't accept it.
It is a Clone or tribute car just like you can take a 69 Lemans and make it look like a GTO but it never will be one due to it did not come from the factory as one
[This message has been edited by engine man (edited 11-21-2019).]
Originally posted by Mike in Sydney: While looking at Fieros on eBay. I stumbled across an '86 "GT" that appear to be in really good shape. When I read the ad, I saw that the "GT" was a notchie that had been converted with a rear GT clip and bumpers. The VIN clearly indicates it's a notchback coupe. The Seller says it's a true GT because he's converted it. I disagree and say it's a GT conversion. My question are would you consider this a true Fiero GT and, all things being equal, would you consider a GT conversion the same as a GT?
Let me say this, the conversion is beautifully done. Paint and interior is really nice.
The current owner is full of BS. VIN number is what a car is regardless of whatever bolted on them after. VIN is the Only thing that matters to most Gov's Motor Vehicle people and Insurance Co.
Is also why many fools w/ Truck w/ aftermarket heavy springs etc still get tickets for overweight. Only thing that matters is the Factory Weight Rating... The GVWR in the US that's tied to VIN, Other countries have same but slightly a different name for it. Most Cops have this data just by running your tag before they want you license etc when stop you.
Claiming is a GT but VIN says Not a GT is Fraud in many places and most auctions houses/sites.
GT has charges to Fiero base model beside body parts. GT steering rack and others are different. VIN also shows what engine it has/had from factory too. RPO label shows many others.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
while I agree that a Coupe is born a Coupe and a GT is born a GT. I had this issue when I took a 88 Coupe and replaced the engine with a DOHC 3.4 motor. Then upgraded the suspension w/ a GT sway bar in the rear, coilovers, 12" brakes (front/rear), poly bushings and added 16" Beretta GT rims. I upgraded the interior w/ a GT wheel, and added aux gauges and Mr Mikes seat covers. THEN i made a mistake.... I put "FORMULA" stickers on the doors. Even though I had a car with all the Formula upgrades and even better motor, suspension and brakes.... It was not "BORN" a Formula. Took a lot of crap about it and finally took off the stickers.
Years later I showed up at Carlisle with the same car, now wearing a GT "fastback" clip, and when they classed me they put me in the Coupe class b/c the car's VIN was 88 Coupe.
I guess for selling purpose, you have to use the VIN not what it looks like. Kind of like the early GTO guys or the GTO Judge sellers. It should be sold as what it left the factory as.
