Chop Top question (Page 1/2)
john-t-b SEP 24, 04:27 PM
Been wanting to do this for a while and thinking maybe this winter. Just really want to get my ducks in a row. Checking out a bunch of posts here.

It is an 86GT.

MAIN QUESTION
What is used for Windows? Sides? Back? Windshield?
What will happen with the sunroof? (Will it need to be modified?)

Sure there will be more questions but these are the deciding factors.

Thanks in advance.
John
jmbishop SEP 24, 08:29 PM
There are 2 ways I know of doing it. The first thing you have to decide is if you want glass or plastic side windows. If you want glass, you'll need to find a set of mikes or archies windows.

I recommend installing the side windows first so you can match the roof line to them for the best fitment.

The windshield frame is notched at the bottom and cut at the top so the windshield can be leaned back and it uses a stock windshield.


Then 3" is cut from the b pillar to let the roof come down and back. I like to drill the spotwelds from the inner rear hoop and remove it first. The b pillars will have to be bent in to match the roof. The roof is now to long, if you removed the inner skin of the hoop, you can weld the shifted upper roof skin down to the b pillar then weld the inner hoop back in(a little trimming and drilling in the sunroof area and the sunroof fits back in, or you can take some material out of the upper and lower skin in front of the B pillar. Then you have glass, you match your roof to your side windows, protect our remove the side windows and weld it all up. If you're going plastic, you can cut your windows to match.

Then you just need a plastic or glass rear window.

Then you refit and fiberglass the smc panels to fit your new roof line.

[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 09-25-2017).]

Jim88GT SEP 24, 08:36 PM
Side windows on all Archie's choptops were originally plexiglass, but a bunch got together and did a group buy to get a batch of glass side windows. Windshield is stock, just laid back. I think the back glass is just cut down.
jmbishop SEP 24, 08:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by Jim88GT:
I think the back glass is just cut down.



The back glass can't be cut because it's tempered.

Archie used a template to help keep the rear windows symmetrical and consistent.

The back glass is flat so getting a tempered replacement made isn't super expensive.
john-t-b SEP 24, 08:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by jmbishop:

The windshield frame is notched at the bottom and cut at the top so the windshield can be leaned back and it uses a stock windshield.

Then you just need a plastic or glass rear window.




Thank you.
So I can use plastic/plexiglass for the sides and back. Good to know.

I can reuse my windshield. Good.
When you notch the bottom and cut the top and lean it back won't that stretch it so the windshield would be a little short? Or am I over thinking this.
jmbishop SEP 24, 09:15 PM
Right, over thinking it.
john-t-b SEP 24, 09:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by jmbishop:

Right, over thinking it.



Hahaha!!

Thanks.
jetsnvettes2000 SEP 24, 10:52 PM
Um... close but I think you better look at the threads from those of us who have done it. The roof cuts are a lot more in depth.
There is way more than just cutting the roof, the door insides get modified as well as a ton of other areas to make it work like seal channels and so on. It is not for the amature for sure.


http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum3/HTML/000125.html

[This message has been edited by jetsnvettes2000 (edited 09-25-2017).]

jmbishop SEP 24, 11:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by jetsnvettes2000:

Um... close but I think you better look at the threads from those of us who have done it. The roof cuts are a lot more in depth.
There is way more than just cutting the roof, the door insides get modified as well as a ton of other areas to make it work like seal channels and so on. It is not for the armature for sure.


http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum3/HTML/000125.html



That's right, neither Archies or Mikes windows are drop-in, Archies have more of a curve, Mikes are flatter and take more modification but both will need the tracks adjusted/modified. And the method I gave is simpler than Archies and not 100% detailed, I have done it and I prefer it. It's not the only way nor am I claiming it's the best. Better than reading the threads is having help from someone who's done it.

[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 09-24-2017).]

Orig88GT-NC SEP 25, 07:19 AM

quote
Originally posted by jetsnvettes2000:

Um... close but I think you better look at the threads from those of us who have done it. The roof cuts are a lot more in depth.
There is way more than just cutting the roof, the door insides get modified as well as a ton of other areas to make it work like seal channels and so on. It is not for the amature for sure.