Fast back to notchback conversion (Page 1/1)
KungFiero JUL 05, 12:17 AM
I am wondering if it is possible to take a fastback, and change out the rear quarter panels to make it a notchback, i have an 86 gt and i love the way the front end looks on the gt but i really like the notchback look.
Zentaury JUL 05, 12:24 AM
Is possible to do it.

But you need the sail/rear panel, decklid and vents, the notchback lights and rear bumper. Maybe something else.

I didn’t do it, I just read it in another post.

[This message has been edited by Zentaury (edited 07-05-2020).]

olejoedad JUL 05, 09:38 AM
Some wiring differences with the tail lights too.

Or you could find an 85 GT, or and 86-87 SE....they are all three aero notchies....
Dennis LaGrua JUL 05, 09:49 AM
A guy in my club did this but went the other way from notchback to fastback. It is a big job and I might add; interior panels and the headliner must also be removed in order to access the rear clip bolts. The conversion also requires rewiring the turn signal lights ,wiring in the PONTIAC logo lights and adding the light sockets.

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blazin' JUL 05, 10:07 AM
I went from a notch-back to a fastback years ago, it's not too hard aside from handling the size of the notchie/fastback clips when removing and installing.

Adding to what's been posted, you'll need to remove the trunk weatherstrip, "d plates" from the fastback trunk and use the notch-back trunk weatherstrip. The tail light mounting screws are also different between the two body styles.

As far as wiring, I can't recall if the tail light harness was plug and play or if I spliced it in. Regardless, it would be easiest to have the harness from the donor car.
theogre JUL 05, 02:45 PM
Taillight 400 Zone wiring is PnP to a point... Other years have minor to major changes to C500 to repin or other work done.

This Zone also has Cruise Servo and Trunk Light wiring and need to "rewire" the harness if one has the option(s) but donor car doesn't.

86-88 Bulb Harness has a white jumper between C500 C7 - H8 or Not to "program" the turn lights to work w/ red notch or yellow GT but 86-87 vs 88 is a bit different just how is connected. So Red/Yellow Turn Should PnP 88 --> 86-87 but not other way until you change a C500 pin for GT. All 3 should PnP for Notchies.

85 only has notch wiring and need more changes to use later GT.
84 is same as 85 but C500 is made way different and on firewall not near right strut tower.
Both does Not have the white jumper to "reprogram" later notchies. Worse, 85 may have change some to all pins in C500 for 400 zone.

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[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 07-05-2020).]

fierosound JUL 05, 05:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by KungFiero:

I am wondering if it is possible to take a fastback, and change out the rear quarter panels to make it a notchback,
i have an 86 gt and i love the way the front end looks on the gt but i really like the notchback look.



By the time you find all the parts/panels you need (+shipping?), do the actual work and may need to repaint the car...
you may be better off finding an Aero-nose GT/SE in comparable or better shape than the GT you have now.

A GT Fastback usually fetches a higher price when selling too than a Coupe.
'86 SE V6 4-speed https://www.shoppok.com/red...--3000--Redding-.htm

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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 07-05-2020).]

qwikgta JUL 06, 07:23 AM
Bla.. bla... bla... you all make it sound like is so freaking difficult. Its not, just do it and don't listen to all this crap. Best bet is to find someone who wants to go from a coupe to a GT fastback rear clip. Put the two cars next to each other and start swaping stuff. Lots of folks want to put the fastback clip on their coupe, not many want to go the other way. Put the word out and you may get lucky. May even find someone with the same color car as yours. pulling/replacing body panels is a snap. hell, i've known a few guys that have changed the color of their car by just swapping the body panels w/ another color. Super easy.

I put a fastback clip on my coupe and as long as you have all the parts its a weekend job. The tail lights was one pin, one pin had to be moved from one spot to another. I don't remember which one but google it and you'll get your answer. Its a 3 minute job.

pic of mine in the process of the swap.