I have the install manual and have removed the unit from the donor car (don't have it anymore).

Anyone with suggestions for drawing the line for cutting the header above the windshield? The manual says use the template...

J.

dig up skitimes build thread that should help

quote Originally posted by jaskispyder: I have the install manual and have removed the unit from the donor car (don't have it anymore). Anyone with suggestions for drawing the line for cutting the header above the windshield? The manual says use the template... J.

Let me tell you that template is very nice, I wish I had it around all the times I installed t-tops.

I figured I would just connect the dots with consistent measurements across the front. I will put the top frame up there to make sure...

J.

i can take measurements of my stock t-top if it will help

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86 and 87 fiero database www.geocities.com/cwandall/fiero.html

The template is the one thing missing from the install manual, and for whatever reason those with access to it will not share the information with the rest of us. I don't have one either...

But, I can take measurement from mine later and post them here. The measurement is not as critical as you might think. I cut on the inside of the line that I drew and then used the grinder to tweak it forward as needed. The tops then have about 1/4" of play fore and aft to make up for any discrepancy in the cut. Good luck.

- Jonathan

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1988 GT (Firebird Interior),1988 Fastback (4.9 Chop-top #1 of 1), 1984 Indy...Firebird Interior Installation Website

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 02-25-2005).]

Thanks! I had the old measurements from the donor car, but lost them in a move to a new home. sigh... I also had pictures... bummer. If you could get the header measurement from the window trim, that would be helpful...

Thanks!

When I installed my T-tops I made a cutting template out of poster board, using the the curvature of front of the T-top frame as a guide.

Pat

I installed a new t-top kit last year. I think I went 2 7/8" - 3" along the radius of the center of the windshield molding. That was just a guess, so you might want to see where you are after you connect all the dots. Maybe leave an extra 1/4" of material... you can always remove more.

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The front cut is 21 & 29/32" from the front edge of the rear roof panel ( rear clip ) according to the C&C install manual.

That would be the front edge of the part of the panel that is exposed on the top, not the lip that sits under the front roof panel.

EDIT. Page 6 of the install manual, you can download it here, just extract the file and there ya have it.

http://www.fieronews.com/Downloads/d_op=viewdownload/cid=1.html

[This message has been edited by jelly2m8 (edited 02-25-2005).]

I just checked mine and 2 7/8" from the front edge of the windshield moulding to the cut will work. Remember to leave a little extra because you can always grind it off if you need more. If you take off too much it's not as easy to recover. The cut should follow the curvature of the windshield, equi-distant from the moulding.

Jelly, I think your measurement might be misleading because the front edge of the panel that is exposed on the top is not the same spot as the cut. If it were then the frame would drop right through into the car. According to my measurement the distance between the front edge of the rear clip to the cut, (along the center line) is more like 22" 7/8". Maybe we have an American/metric conversion error?

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 02-25-2005).]

Made that first cut yet??

Oh yeah...bump

No problems Jonathan, I just quoted what's in the C&C install manual.

quote Originally posted by jelly2m8: No problems Jonathan, I just quoted what's in the C&C install manual.

No problems here, I just don't want anyone to be confused and mess up their car. As far as I, (and anyone else) knows the dimensions of the actual cut are not in the installation manual. It only refer to the template. A template does exist in the Fiero community, but the owner of it would rather sell it at great profit rather than share it freely.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: A template does exist in the Fiero community, but the owner of it would rather sell it at great profit rather than share it freely.

YA share it... (a one of a kind item) so it can get cracked, busted in two and never see it again? We all know since I have the only one known in existence that you are talking about me. At one time I would lend things to Fiero owners and have a heII of a time getting them back or never see them or the item(s) ever again.
This template is the size of the roof, big bucks to ship. I don't appreciate your stab at me it is unfair and uncalled for.

Jason,

My T-top is stripped to chassis/frame right now for restoration. I'm in Michigan if you wanted to take a measurement or make a cardboard templete or something.

quote Originally posted by fieroparts.com: YA share it... (a one of a kind item) so it can get cracked, busted in two and never see it again? We all know since I have the only one known in existence that you are talking about me. At one time I would lend things to Fiero owners and have a heII of a time getting them back or never see them or the item(s) ever again. This template is the size of the roof, big bucks to ship. I don't appreciate your stab at me it is unfair and uncalled for.

Is it something you could trace out in vellum then sell those so people could transfer it to cardboard or something for their own use?

Just a thought... I've got no idea what the template actually looks like or if it's 3d vs a flat sheet.