I did a search but I’m not having any luck finding info on this. Will 86 GT body panels bolt right up to an 88 Formula? If they do would this not make it an 88 GT?
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05:27 PM
PFF
System Bot
Old Lar Member
Posts: 13798 From: Palm Bay, Florida Registered: Nov 1999
The body panels for almost any Fiero will bolt up to any other Fiero. However the 88 GT is more than just the panels. The suspension for the 88 is different than any other year. The vin # of the space age frame will determine the year and model of the car. The Formula will have an E as the 5th digit, while the GT will have a G as the 5th digit.
There are some wiring differences between a coupe and GT also.
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05:36 PM
triksterut Member
Posts: 114 From: Layton, Utah, USA Registered: May 2000
I just did almost exactly what you are thinking of doing. I took my 88 coupe and transformed it into a formula basically, then put 86 GT panels and aftermarket stuff on. So I pretty much have a custom 88 GT however it is still in fact a modified 88 coupe.
Only thing different about my car and a true 88 GT is, I need a rear sway bar (BTW if you have one PM me), and I chose to keep the notchback rear taillight wiring harness cause I am using the corvette lights, and I am missing some electrical realy or something for my AC that 2.8 models came with and 2.5's didn't.
Other than that I have painted interior with soon to be Mr Mikes leather, so the interior is irrelevant anyhow.
Don't get me wrong I know I don't have an 88 GT but nobody else would know that (without looking at the VIN) without some careful observations and even those things I can change if I wanted to.
Oh and by the way, changing panels and trim is a HUGE job, and don't let anyone tell you any different. Think, scraped knuckles, broken ground effects, broken hard to get clips, scraped paint, rusty tin nuts, and anything else that could go wrong. Its definitely a major pain in the @ss to do the roof and rear clip.
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06:36 PM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Yes, 86 GT body panels will fit. Adding all the GT body panels to an 88 Formula will mechanically give you the equivalent to an 88 GT since the Formula has the same suspension and drivetrain as a GT.
No, it will not make it a GT. The VIN will still be for a Formula. But it will look like one.
The reason I asked is I just finished my engine rebuild on the 88 Formula and was getting ready to start my power accessories upgrade (windows, mirrors, locks, trunk and alarm). When a friend told me of a white Fiero for sale that had a wing. I needed a wing because the Formula is missing it. Come to find out it was an 86 GT with a bad engine and I got the whole car for $300.00! I bought the whole car because I wanted to use the doors for the power conversion (it has power windows). Now after having the GT sitting in my yard for a few days I think I like the GT look better then the Formula. Still not sure what I’m going to do but it’s nice to know I can do it if I want to.
there is NO DIFFERENCE in a 88GT and a formula under the skin other than options, tail lights ect the only major difference in 88's is the 4 cyl doesnot have a rear anti-roll bar that all v6's do
------------------ Question wonder and be wierd are you kind?
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08:52 PM
Aug 20th, 2003
jscott1 Member
Posts: 21676 From: Houston, TX , USA Registered: Dec 2001
If you have the GT sitting in your yard as the donor vehicle then you are one step ahead of anyone trying to do a GT conversion from a kit. All the parts you need are on that GT.
It is a huge job and a pain but I think it will be worth it in the end because I prefer the look of the fastback. I suggest you go for it. No it won't make your car a "real GT" but who cares?
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01:31 AM
Alex4mula Member
Posts: 7410 From: Canton, MI US Registered: Dec 1999
Oh and by the way, changing panels and trim is a HUGE job, and don't let anyone tell you any different. Think, scraped knuckles, broken ground effects, broken hard to get clips, scraped paint, rusty tin nuts, and anything else that could go wrong. Its definitely a major pain in the @ss to do the roof and rear clip.
Well. On this I have to disagree a little. My yellow car below is an 88 Formula. I changed all the lower panels (bumpers, doors, 1/4s) and it was not a huge job at all. It is not done in an hour but it is not complicated. The rivets are the only tricky part that you just need to be patient and work them out. Now for the roof to rear I don't know. I didn't do that because it seemed more involving. And also I like the SE look
[This message has been edited by Alex4mula (edited 08-20-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Alex4mula (edited 08-20-2003).]
