I've decided to install t-tops on my 88 coupe. I'm still in the what have I gotten myself into phase of the conversion. I purchased the complete t-top roof kit from boysatt here on the forum. I got new glass seals and p seals from fieroparts.com. I got new lock sets from boomtastic. I also got a set of reproduction end caps. Some pictures of the parts: http://img.photobucket.com/...5B78_zpsumv6c9fa.jpg
------------------ 88 Coupe: 2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder, W2A, T25 Turbo, water/meth injection 84 Indy #64: Restoration Project 01 BMW 525i: The other summer car 03 BMW X5: bad weather car
[This message has been edited by FieroMaster88 (edited 07-30-2017).]
Ive been cleaning, sand blasting and painting parts. Have all the steel parts and frame finished. The aluminum trim pieces are going to get walnut blasted as soon as I switch over the media in my blasting cabinet. I also reconditioned the seals with some rubber seal conditioner from BMW.
Got another package of new parts today. Has a new center bar, front molding and both rear moldings. I think I finally have everything ready to go. Now to get the time to install it.
Just keeping this up near the top and waiting to see if this happens or not.
If I had the skill set, I have been thinking about putting mine back to a solid roof as it was built that way to begin with. LOL, not going to happen, but thinking about it..... has anyone ever put a T-top back to a solid roof car?
(read signature lol)
------------------ There's one in every crowd, and usually it's me. 1988 GT non CJB T-top (I still think the non CJB ones are rarer! lol) Soon, another '88 GT to have fun with!
Just keeping this up near the top and waiting to see if this happens or not.
If I had the skill set, I have been thinking about putting mine back to a solid roof as it was built that way to begin with. LOL, not going to happen, but thinking about it..... has anyone ever put a T-top back to a solid roof car?
(read signature lol)
I don't think I could ever convince myself it was worth it. I'd just buy another fiero that was a solid roof.
When I did my t-top install years ago I pulled the seats out and used several old bedsheets to cover the entire interior, dashboard and all to catch the metal shavings from drilling a crap ton of holes (about 50 if I am correct) to rivet the t-top bracket in place. Made clean up a breeze.
If using a recip saw make sure you buy good blades which will make faster, cleaner cuts. I started with cheap blades which wasted time as I had to go chase more blades. Also I bought a harbor freight big ass rivet tool which made it a lot easier with those large rivets. Even having a big tool your arms will be sore when your done.
And lastly but should be the first thing, I used floor jacks under each door sill to support the car as I cut the top off. Was way easier than some other ways people supported the car to keep it from pinching the doors closed. Also before installing the t-top bracket rivets double check the door gaps so you end up with the doors aligned properly. Floor jacks make it simple to make any adjustments on the door gaps and are not in the way while you are working.
I did my install by myself in one day maybe 8 hours total. The next morning I washed it checking for water leaks and was done.
I would like it Dave. My e-mail is correct in the profile/e-mail/PM/edit/quote toolbar.
Thanks.
Sorry cliffw, just saw this and emailed you a copy of it. Glad I am being of some service to someone on here instead of just an old fart posting about his trials and tribulations. heheheh
Still waiting to see this happen, and to be honest, I just could not do it myself.... capable of it, but..... gulp!!!!!
Also I bought a harbor freight big ass rivet tool which made it a lot easier with those large rivets. Even having a big tool your arms will be sore when your done.
The pneumatic ones make it even easier... and your arms don't get sore at all
Tomorrow is the day. I finally have a day with everyone out of the house so I'm going to install my t-tops. I'll take pictures of the process and post them. Going to go pick up a saw and grinder today at lowes. One question, what is everyone using for adhesive when installing the frame?
No advice on the adhesive, but a plug for a relevant product: I spent $15.00 on a Diablo brand carbide tipped metal cutting recip saw blade, and was miffed at the price, never spent that much on one saw blade in my life...but this one blade has now zipped through about 5 jobs that would have killed any normal blade...and it still looks and works like new. Highly recommended.
------------------ 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula, Yellow, original. (CJB #118) 1977 Pontiac Le Mans Can-Am W72, original, unrestored. 1977 Pontiac Grand LeMans 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP L67/MN7 (Parts Car) 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP L67/MN7 (DD)
Lots of work today. Everything fits good. Have to take it back out, install the front stiffening bar then install the t-top frame with sealant and rivets.
Finally got some time to work on the car again tonight. Got the reinforcement bar and t-top frame sealed and riveted in place. It's now part of the car.
Pretty much done now. Have to glue the new seals to the glass, they leak slightly because they aren't glued. Headliner and trim is all installed. Pretty strange to sit in the car, look up and see sky after it being a hardtop for the last 17 years. I really like it!
Nice, very nice. The next time I get up to Kalamazoo, I will have to take a look at it.
quote
Originally posted by FieroMaster88:
Pretty much done now. Have to glue the new seals to the glass, they leak slightly because they aren't glued. Headliner and trim is all installed. Pretty strange to sit in the car, look up and see sky after it being a hardtop for the last 17 years. I really like it!
[This message has been edited by hcforde (edited 12-29-2017).]