It did have right before I sold it. About a week before selling it a pin hole started leaking so had to swap in another one..Buy not complaning as the El Paso crew was a life saver.....have to throw in another thank you for all the help that night....
No thanks required Stephen. Mi Casa Su Casa!
IOP2
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 06-18-2011).]
Wait...... you can chop a T-TOP????? I thought that it was impossible to chop a T-TOP.
MORE PICS, MORE PICS.
Rob
I have to say with Mike doing the work nothing is impossible....Every project I have seen Mike do has been done extremly fast, the right way and turned out looking better than what I have seen any others do it....He was the first to do an all glass chop and will be the first to do an all glass chop top T-Top...."He" that said it couldnt be done was just to lazy to try and others just followed....Just like glass side windows for chops.....All it took was someone really wanting them to make it happen...Then it went from it can't be done cause if cost to much to everyone getting glass side windows for there chops.......
OK, ,so what am I missing. If you lay the window back, the T-TOP panel has to go back into the rear clip if it stays the same size. If you don't change the size of the top, then did you cut the top like the old school chops and lower the whole thing? I guess im having an issue with how its done, because I have looked at my top, and I can't see how you would do this and have the top line up with the windows.
Rob
The difference is that in a "normal" fiero chop top the stock windshield is used only laid back 9 degrees and therefore the roof gets shorter.
In a chop top t-top the roof stays the same size so the windshield has to get shorter...hence Mike is using a custom windshield, (from a Sebring) I believe and he is also moving the cowl forward giving the car a more modern look. It is more work than simply making the roof shorter and that's one reason one hasn't been completed to my knowledge.
The difference is that in a "normal" fiero chop top the stock windshield is used only laid back 9 degrees and therefore the roof gets shorter.
In a chop top t-top the roof stays the same size so the windshield has to get shorter...hence Mike is using a custom windshield, (from a Sebring) I believe and he is also moving the cowl forward giving the car a more modern look. It is more work than simply making the roof shorter and that's one reason one hasn't been completed to my knowledge.
I might have leaded some to believe the windshield is cut down. It is not, I laid it back the same as I always do. I can take more detail pictures but if you look the windshield panel has not been cut or the a pillars. I did have to chop this car different than the others but all of the ones I have done are different in some way. Gianina and I discussed it (I had to get her approval) and I like the way the Ferrari kits use the extended windshields and the way it transforms the look so I went with the Sebring windshield. She has two styles planned for this car. With either one the windshield will add to it. I can say it will have Celica blacked out angle eye headlights because they have already been ordered. I also want to test fit the production car windows that I think might work in a chop. This is only the beginning. jscott if she uses the Fbody interior I will need your help. I also want to thank everyone for your interest and compliments.
I might have leaded some to believe the windshield is cut down. It is not, I laid it back the same as I always do. I can take more detail pictures but if you look the windshield panel has not been cut or the a pillars. I did have to chop this car different than the others but all of the ones I have done are different in some way. .
If you need my help no problem...
I'm not trying to steal your thunder, I'm sure this car will be unique in the way it's chopped. I'm just explaining the additional challenge of chopping a T-top. After the roof is lowered pure geometry would tell you that you have to lay back the windshield even if you were to cut down a stock one. I don't know if a Sebring windshield is taller or shorter than stock but it's probably different. I would love to see more detailed pictures how you did it.
I'm not trying to steal your thunder, I'm sure this car will be unique in the way it's chopped. I'm just explaining the additional challenge of chopping a T-top. After the roof is lowered pure geometry would tell you that you have to lay back the windshield even if you were to cut down a stock one. I don't know if a Sebring windshield is taller or shorter than stock but it's probably different. I would love to see more detailed pictures how you did it.
No problem, The Sebring windshield fits the stock frame of the Fiero. It is a little longer and more bubbled that is why I have to move the wipers out. Picked it up from the kit car forum and it has been done there. I could put the Fiero windshield I took out in the opening but it is broken. I am telling you I did not cut down the windshield opening just laid it back like on the other chops. There is no thunder to steal my wife wanted a Chopped T-Top Fiero and she has one. As you can see the windshield frame is uncut. I hope that helps
So from the pics its hard to tell, but did you have to push the back end of the T-Top panel into the roofline further than stock. It looks like the black plastic "filler" panel is missing. If so, then I can see how this may work, but when the glass is off, don't you have a small portion 3"- 4" of the sail panel extending into the removed area. If so then I finally get it. It works, and may look good when the glass is on, but how does it look with the glass off.
I'd love to see more pics, and some with the glass off.
Thanks agian for this thread. I've always wanted to chop my T-top.
So from the pics its hard to tell, but did you have to push the back end of the T-Top panel into the roofline further than stock. It looks like the black plastic "filler" panel is missing...
Thanks agian for this thread. I've always wanted to chop my T-top.
Rob
From this picture it appears the t-top is sitting in the same location with respect to the B pillars. If it wasn't that would mess up the sealing surface.
This is a bad drawing but I think it helps what im saying.
If you change the angle at "B", it moves "A" back. If you move it back more than an inch, it will hang over into the sail panel, and I think, look goofey when the glass is off. I just want to see how the heck he did it. I have been looking at my top for years and I can't figure out how he did it.
This is a bad drawing but I think it helps what im saying.
Rob
I totally get what you are saying, but from the posted pic the t-top looks like the example on top, which is the same as a stock T-top.
I can't speak for Mike, but on my chop top t-top the windshield frames were cut down such that the "A" pillars were shorter. This required a cut down windshield.
I'm not sure exactly how Mike did it.
[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 06-20-2011).]
My $$$ is that he moved the lower attachment points for the A-pillars forward. With his window selection he was going to have to build a new lower windshield base anyway, so why not move the bottoms of the A-pillars. This would allow the t-top section to remain essentially stock and the needed length change happens at the front. Here is a comparison pic between his lowered t-top and an old stock height parts chassis.
I totally get what you are saying, but from the posted pic the t-top looks like the example on top, which is the same as a stock T-top.
I can't speak for Mike, but on my chop top t-top the windshield frames were cut down such that the "A" pillars were shorter. This required a cut down windshield.
I'm not sure exactly how Mike did it.
I agree. Pic's do show that!!!!
Thats what I was thinking too, If the top was chopped old school, it would make sence.
Ok while you guys try to make sense of it. I will give you a hint; I never try to do that. I just look at it and then do it. It is a lot simpler to just do it to me. All the pictures and angles and cad drawings are just not how I do it. I am moving on to the windshield. The new headlights should be in any day so I will be able to start making a new hood and windshield tray. I just hope I get away from work a little this weekend.
If you have to come up with a new tray, what kind of solution are you planning for the anti-decapitation pins?
I put the window in last night for a test fit with my wife. The chop was easier than what this will be. The guys on the kit car forum said it fit the opening. Not the case for me. I can stick my fingers through the gap at the top center and at the bottom of the A pillars. I was trying to talk my wife into just putting a stock windshield in the car. She looked at me and said If not this you would be doing something else so just fix it. This was something she and I always talked about when we had the silver chop and said the next one would have it. My plan is to move all the hardware forward cut the hood and shorten it and build the curve around the windshield in it then cut out for the headlights. The windshield hits right were the center latch is at. At this point I am not sure I like it. I know when done on the Ferrari kit cars it looks great. I'm not sure about the Fiero it makes the top look short from front to back. It might also be having it at the laid back angle. Time will tell. That was a very good question.
So am I to believe it can't be done like the regular chops as Archie had said ?.
It can be done (clearly)... but there's not so much room for error. The issue F355 is facing now is the windscreen being from a different car. There's always issues with pioneering - maybe the t-chop plus the alternate windshield would've been best done separately. Either way, he'll figure it out.
It can be done (clearly)... but there's not so much room for error. The issue F355 is facing now is the windscreen being from a different car. There's always issues with pioneering - maybe the t-chop plus the alternate windshield would've been best done separately. Either way, he'll figure it out.
Mike is so talented he doesn't even have to think about what he's doing, so he just does it...
but for the rest of us, I find it almost impossible to believe that the t-top chop top can be done with the stock windshield. The windshield frame on my t-top chop top was about 3 to 4 inches shorter than stock. I just don't see how you could fit a stock windshield and a stock t-top frame on a lowered roof. Something has to give somewhere.
Mike is so talented he doesn't even have to think about what he's doing, so he just does it...
but for the rest of us, I find it almost impossible to believe that the t-top chop top can be done with the stock windshield. The windshield frame on my t-top chop top was about 3 to 4 inches shorter than stock. I just don't see how you could fit a stock windshield and a stock t-top frame on a lowered roof. Something has to give somewhere.
I still have the broken fiero one if you want I will set it in if that will satisfy you. Why do you think I would lie to you? I showed you the pictures the frame is not cut. Back on track, the headlights are in. Will be at the office this weekend also so not much will get done sad to say.
I still have the broken fiero one if you want I will set it in if that will satisfy you. Why do you think I would lie to you? I showed you the pictures the frame is not cut.
Don't misunderstand me, you did it and I believe you, I just can't put the pieces together in my head. If a stock Fiero windshield would have fit on my t-top chop top I probably would still have it, but there is just no way it would fit.
I just can't figure out how you did it without shortening the windshield frame?
Don't misunderstand me, you did it and I believe you, I just can't put the pieces together in my head. If a stock Fiero windshield would have fit on my t-top chop top I probably would still have it, but there is just no way it would fit.
I just can't figure out how you did it without shortening the windshield frame?
I understand. Your car was chopped a different way than the other chops is all. This one was done the way of the "Normal Chop top Fieros" so it retains the Fiero windshield. We just want to make some extra mods to make it stand out from the others.
quote
Originally posted by rcp builders:
Great looking start, I love the t-top cars and would love to own one. I hope you don't
let all the drama some feel the need to start, stop you from updating the thread. Ray
P.S (edit) Never mind to late to be thinking that hard.
I think fieroguru figured out how you pulled off the chop without cutting down the windshield frame, the base of the windshield looks to be positioned further forward. If that's the case, I'm looking forward to see how you pull off the hood mods that will be required wether you use a stock windshield or the Sebring windshield in your chop. It would be interesting to see a stock windshield layed in there before you mod it for the Sebring glass to see how much of the hood would need to be removed/shortened. I do think the lines will look better with the curved Sebring glass rather than the flatter stock glass, especially if you're going to be changing the nose of the car signifigantly. Watching with interest.
Ok looking at it I now see how it can be done,if you take out a 3" section all you would have to do is move the A pillar bottom more forward and then use the extended windshield and a new tray like in the 355 rebodies so the windshield can fit.
The hood will have to be shortened to match the tray of the new windshield ...............cool.
hey i think them wheels used to be mine heres a pic on my car years ago, i dont remember who i sold them to, but i tink they went to OK or TX, 5ish years back[
------------------ AIM:Onefast2M8 00 VW GTi VR6 -- Not stock 06 VW GTi 2.0t 99 Explorer Eddie Bauer 5.0 AWD
[This message has been edited by $Rich$ (edited 06-23-2011).]
I think fieroguru figured out how you pulled off the chop without cutting down the windshield frame, the base of the windshield looks to be positioned further forward. If that's the case, I'm looking forward to see how you pull off the hood mods that will be required wether you use a stock windshield or the Sebring windshield in your chop. It would be interesting to see a stock windshield layed in there before you mod it for the Sebring glass to see how much of the hood would need to be removed/shortened. I do think the lines will look better with the curved Sebring glass rather than the flatter stock glass, especially if you're going to be changing the nose of the car signifigantly. Watching with interest.
hey i think them wheels used to be mine heres a pic on my car years ago, i dont remember who i sold them to, but i tink they went to OK or TX, 5ish years back[
May be, they were on it when I bought the car. They are coming off. It will have 10" wide rims in back when done. They look good I hope they will fit my Chopped Ranger I will use them on it.
[This message has been edited by F355spider (edited 06-24-2011).]
more info on the headlights? can you show us what you have planned for them? thanks and awesome work!
They are Celica aftermarket lights. Very nice and look great. The front of the car will change its appearance as I go. To be honest I have no clue. I do not make drawings or think about it too much I just go with what I have that day and make it work.
They are Celica aftermarket lights. Very nice and look great. The front of the car will change its appearance as I go. To be honest I have no clue. I do not make drawings or think about it too much I just go with what I have that day and make it work.
That seems to be the way I work too, it just doesn't come out as nice lol
hey i think them wheels used to be mine heres a pic on my car years ago, i dont remember who i sold them to, but i tink they went to OK or TX, 5ish years back[
Probally not them...This car came from Cali with the wheels...Unsure where the PO got them from....
hey i think them wheels used to be mine heres a pic on my car years ago, i dont remember who i sold them to, but i tink they went to OK or TX, 5ish years back[
Ok, if you didn't move the windshield forward something else had to move in order to retain the original t-tops. Looking at your pictures I think I figured out what you did. It appears you have changed the angle of the front edge of the b-pillar, angling it more towards the rear, with the top corner further towards the back.
If this is how you did it I'm thinking you're going to need different side glass than what you have previously used as the angles will not be correct on the rear edge of the window. Maybe this is where the mystery factory side glass window you have alluded to in this and other chop threads you were looking to try out in a chop come in.
I'm also curious as to just how much of a chop this car is. Is it the common 3 inch variety, or is it something else?
Originally posted by MstangsBware: It would have done no good....That car was doomed from the first cut to the last "GORILLA" weld that was put on it....I saw the car when it first made it up this way and the way it looked at that point it was a parts car....I give Will a thumbs up for trying but not pretty.......
If you look at the welds on the car I did, only 1/2 of them were finished welds. The other "GORILLA" welds were to just hold the top in place to prevent warping so I could move it from my shop in Louisiana, back to Texas. Those were to be cut out, the top aligned, and frame rewelded once I got set back up.
I did not abandon the project because I could not finish it, I sold it to JScott because I was having Archie chop a cherry Formula for me and I figured I would have a pimp Chop-Top much quicker that way. Guess it didn't work out but hey, bad things happen to good people huh?
I just started with a substandard T-Top car with bad seals and bad interior. Trying to source the interior pieces and the seals were going to cost more than I paid for the car to begin with. I sold it because of that, not because I could not fab it.
Mike's car will definately be a show stopper though, everything he touches is greatness - I can't wait to see it.
No, I am having to take him to court because it is always "another 3 months" and he will have my car done. I have a lawyer, he has a lawyer, we will let a judge decide - although I am pretty sure I know what the outcome will be.
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