I've got an '85 notchback, and I'm looking for a customs shop that has done Fiero ragtop conversions before or is known to do high quality ragtop conversion. I'm located in Southwest VA so preferably within a days drive from this area.

Thanks,
Charles Bishop

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'87 GT Fastback
'85 SE Notchback

[This message has been edited by bishop144 (edited 04-14-2015).]

I don't know of any custom shops in the area, there used to be a couple of manufacturers that produced a rag top conversion but I believe their no longer in business. For what it may cost to have a custom unit fabricated, you might consider this
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/070673.html
Not mine, but I've seen it...really nice.... He is about a 3hr drive from you.

You would be better off finding a converted car, or one of few kits out there. LA Machines and Automoda are two kits from days past. There are also the converted cars sold by Holland Pontiac dealership (I had one of these).

There are home made conversions out there also, but many are really just fair weather cars and don't have the proper weather sealing.

If you get a kit, you will need to add reinforcement under the car.

It would likely be much less expensive and result in a better outcome if you just buy this convertible roller...
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/071445.html

I should have specified that im not interested in buying another car, i got a great deal on this one and would rather have it made into a convertible.

"If" you can find a shop to do the work, and "If" you can find existing top mechanicals, you are still looking at this being a $10K project or more.

MadMechanics.com is probably where you should ask this question as there is probably a much higher concentration of people working through convertible top installs in the replica world.

quote Originally posted by bishop144: I should have specified that im not interested in buying another car, i got a great deal on this one and would rather have it made into a convertible.

You will need to find a kit. Keep an eye out in the Mall. The kit may or may not be complete. You may have to have the fabric created (a custom boat/car fabric place may be able to help). You are then looking for installation.... if you pay someone... probably $2-$5K. They have to properly brace the car (you will need to supply x-frame or other structural braces, or rely on them to do so). The top will then need to be cut, new pieces installed, fitted, weatherstripping and such. Not many shops will tackle this, as it is customizing your car and the safety features. Truly expect this to cost $5K or more. I looked long and hard for a convertible kit for my fiero and I bought a completed car and upgraded it from there. It usually is a better deal to find one that has been converted an just put the engine in it you want.

There is no "drop in" convertible kit. T-tops are pretty much as weekend install, but a convertible is not. Sorry, I know you don't want to hear this, but having been into convertible fieros for a long time, this is basically how it is. The car is not easy to convert to a convertible.

[This message has been edited by jaskispyder (edited 04-17-2015).]

You won't find a kit - it took me 14 years to acquire the original Automoda kit that was installed on the Formula for sale in my signature. There were only about 35 of them made. There were lots more LA Machines and other types of kits made, but I haven't seen one that was uninstalled in a really long time.

Read through my For Sale thread to pick up what it's going to cost you to start from scratch. Custom work adds up quickly.

Good luck in your search - contact me if you change your mind... we're not that far away from each other, and I think we could work out a good deal.
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Patrick W. Heinske -- LZeitgeist@aol.com

1988 Fiero Formula - Automoda convertible
repainted PPG Ferrari 'Giallo Modena' yellow - FOR SALE! https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/070673.html
1988 Fiero 4-cyl Coupe - Dad's car, the Indy 'clone'
BACK ON THE ROAD! (after a 6 year rest)

[This message has been edited by LZeitgeist (edited 04-17-2015).]