Hey all... I have an '88 Trans Am GTA convertible sitting at home, and it needs a passenger-side quarter panel after someone at the store decided to back up into it and take off. The body shops all say they would rather try filling it than replacing it. Which brought up a question:

I believe there were '88 Firebird convertibles, right? Or did they come out in '89? Either way, would it be safe to assume that the convertible quarters may match up? What about t-top quarters? Do they match up on the two types of cars as well?

Also, since we're on the subject, are the fenders from the GTA's and the Firebirds the same? Thanks for you time. - John '89 L98

 

Firebird convertibles didn't arrive until 1991. There were a very few custom conversions done in the late 80s. I've seen several late 80s GTA convertibles, and an 84 T/A convertible as well. None were factory. T-top and hardtop quarter panels are the same, but obviously convertible panels are different, because there is no B pillar. The GTA, Formula, and Firebird fenders are the same. The T/A had fenders with vents from 85 to 90 I believe, then after 90 all Firebird fenders were the same, none had the vents.

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91 Trans Am WS6
5.0 TPI auto
Flowmaster 3" 2 chamber catback
Trans Go shiftkit
2000 stall converter

supposed 'peanut cammed' car (yeah, right)

MoreMoodThatMod

 

So are the quarters from a '91/'92 Firebird convertible the same as a late '80's convertible? - John '89 L98

 

Yes the quarters from a 91-92 convert will work. The fenders are the same for the base model and the GTA's but the GTA fenders have holes drilled in them to attach the ground effects. As for your convertable if it is an ASC one it may or may not be factory. There was a convertable offered in 88 IIRC but it was still on an order basis. There is an unconfirmed number of FACTORY ASC convertables. Go to Frank Riders web page for a few more details about the cnvertable GTA's.

James

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If the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy

 

All of the convertable cars started out as coupes, so a regular coupe quarterpanel is what you should be buying. If there are specific quarters available for the 91-2 converts (I doubt it) they may not be the same as what you need because you haven't said anything about where your convert came from. It is some sort of aftermarket conversion, and if it was cut up differently than the 91-2s, the quarter won't do you much good. You need a coupe quarter and the body shop has to cut it down the same as the cut quarter on your car. Once he removes the convertable cover pieces he should be able to duplicate it.

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Thanks guys, for the replies. Scooter, what is Frank Rider's web address? - John '89 L98

 

www.gtasourcepage.com. It wont really matter which quarter you get. If you get a standard quarter you are going to spend a lot more than if you can get one for a convertable specific. Regardless the body shop will know where to cut the old one off and put the new one on. I am guessing you dont really need the whole quarter anyway.

James

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If the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy