questions about 328 body panels (Page 1/1)
remoob FEB 21, 09:50 PM
H i all, been away for a while, I go back to the Aires fourm days, back when I was building my John Watson, Air Dynamits 355 conv. so I have judt aquired a 328 GTB kit installed on a 1985 iron duke, automatic. Has not run since 2006.
put a new battery in and everything is dead. I would prefer to find a decent operating v6/manual car and swap out the body panels. the body appears it may have been professionaly installed and is in good conditiom, Any one have any experience installing 328 or 328 body panels, how difficult with out causing damage to the panels. The other option, engine swap, I would rather not do. All opinons welcome
Spadesluck FEB 22, 11:14 AM
Removing that body is not going to be a simple swap. I am almost certain stuff will get broke in the process. Swapping motors in my mind would be easier to accomplish with less work in the long run.

You have any pictures of the car to show?
remoob FEB 22, 03:31 PM



this is as it sat when i bought it.
olejoedad FEB 22, 03:41 PM
It the space frame is in good shape, a drivetrain swap would be a much better option.
cartercarbaficionado FEB 22, 05:24 PM

quote
Originally posted by remoob:




this is as it sat when i bought it.


drivetrain swap. that fiberglass is starting to have issues i can see from the photo. if you take it off its likely to crack badly
IMSA GT FEB 22, 09:32 PM
I believe every panel should simply unbolt. The rear clip will require 2 people as it is one large piece. The roof panel stays as it uses the factory roofline.
Green Magic Man FEB 23, 10:34 AM
I like your wheels on your car! What are those?
I think also the door panels are bonded on. As is the hood I believe.

I've read all kinds of things. "easy weekend job" "2 weekend job" etc... and also a a bunch of work to line up panels.
The common theme appears to make sure your doors are lined up perfectly first, then arrange everything else around it to comply to doors.

I have a car like yours.

My build quality is superb. I didn't build it, I believe it was put together in Barrie, ON Canada by George Fejer waaaaay back in the day.

If it were me, and I've never done an engine swap - that's EXACTLY what I'd do.
You know people here say you can drop the entire engine out in one hour? I've personally videotaped a VW pro mechanic drop a Porsche 356 engine / trans / transaxle in well under an hour, He showed me the tiny amount of things to be done. So I can believe the Fiero motor could be dumped out fast. And speaking of fast... that gives you the perfect opportunity to make your Fiero quite quick / fast.
Lurking around, I believe I'd grab a 3800 SC V6 Buick and pop it in and avoid the V8 complexity, weight, and custom engine mounts (pricey IMHO).

Best of luck with your project! Post more pics please! Nice to see one of these in the modern day !
Green Magic Man FEB 23, 10:38 AM
I also just noticed you have that NACA style air duct (or fake duct depending on what it's doing) in the lower panel there.
Makes me wonder who built your kit. Any idea where it came from?
remoob FEB 23, 12:29 PM
thanks all for your input, looks like i will be droping the engine, do a swap or a light rebuild on the Duke just to get it on the road. Actually the fiberglass panels are in really good shape, the white spots you see are sanding spots.
the guy i got the car from had no info on the car, again it was well built.
not sure about the wheels, they are 15 inch, i need a 2 inch or 1 1/2 inch spacer.
Raydar FEB 24, 11:33 AM
Good luck with your project!
The wheels look like stock GT 15" wheels. The fronts appear to have the 88 (front) offset/width.

I had the same wheels, different color, on my GT.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 02-24-2025).]