Got a little bit of work done on the roof framing. The quarter glass frames are now tacked in place and I've begun the long task of finish-welding everything. I'm going a little slow and respecting the duty cycle on my welder this time. I don't need to melt any more switches.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]

I managed to finish the roof frame welding today. Before putting it into the final location I had to continue to remove some more parts of the Fiero that will effect visibility. I need to get the front part of the windshield as low as possible. As you can see in the first pic, I've removed the metal that forms the windshield wiper support area. Probably not a view that most people ever get. I still need to remove some metal above each wheel well. The limiting factor will be the brake booster/master cylinder.



I tried to be careful, but I ended up with a slightly twisted frame. I'll have to make a few cuts and make sure that everything is straightened properly. I'll then need to locate the frame structure correctly along the length of the spaceframe and make sure it's aligned vertically. This is critical since it needs to be as low as possible, but also mustn't impede visibility.






The rear roll bar will be tied to vertical supports that in turn will be welded to two structural beams along the rocker panels. These will also be welded to a new lateral support brace that will make up for the metal removed above the dash. Basically everything gets tied together.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

quote Originally posted by Neils88:

Something I forgot to mention that you can see in this picture. That opening in the middle is the fresh air intake. Normally that would be located externally, just forward of the windshield. However, the new configuration moves the base of the windshield forward well past the intake. Somehow I'm going to have to relocate the fresh air duct forward of the new windshield while maintaining a very low profile. Since that'll likely extend under the new dash, I'll have to also consider the noise generated by the low profile ducting.

Another thought is that I move the entire HVAC system forward about 12 inches. I'm thinking about going to the local Pick-n-pull and stripping the complete system from a newer vehicle so that I can get full electronic control. I'll have to investigate that a bit. Obviously it would be easier to get it all set up now while I don't have anything in the way.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]

More work on the front end. Stripping it down to the basics. I'll put a stiffening brace (1"x3"x1/8") between the two lower spaceframe supports. Not seen in the picture below, I ended up removing the top supports over the wheel wells; even though I'll be lowering the suspension, I still need that area as low as possible for the fenders and the lower windshield support. The A-frames need to be tied into a structural support, in this case I'll add a longitudinal brace to replace the wheel well support that has been removed.

[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 11-30-2024).]