fastback conversion questions

[wscott00]

I will be doing a fastback conversion in the coming months. The B pillars on the fastback are pretty rusted. Can anyone tell me how they filled in the slot on the B pillar that is used for the coupe quarter window.

Id rather not replace the B pillar with reproduction parts.

For those who have done a conversion, is it better to cut the windshield post or use the entire windshield post including the top door hinge plate?

I saw a conversion on the Mustangs to Fear site, where they used the entire windshield post.

Mustangs to Fear

thanks

[cobrajetter]

Check out YouTube under Hillyer's Mustangs. Greg Hillyer posted a series of videos on how to do the conversion. You question might be answered there.

[wscott00]

When doing a fastback conversion, what measurements do i need for the B pillar? Once the windshield has been tacked in place with the correct opening, do I use a measurement from the rocker to the top of the door frame? Or will it fall into place when the fastback webbing sits on the rear wheel well.

I had planned on measuring from the top of the B pillar to he top of the door frame, recreating that measurement. Then making sure the windows line up correctly when closed.

Any help would be appreciated

thanks

[67t5ponycoupe]

I have done three and I always measure the windshield opening and then measure and cut the A pillar. The back will sit on top of the wheel wells and should fall into place. It is a good idea to leave the doors on so you can line things up prior to welding.

[wscott00]

So the main thing is to get the windshield perfect and between the windshield and the back bracing sitting on the wheel well, the door opening should fall in to place?

Would you suggest measuring from the top on the rocker to the door and replicating that measurement with the new top.

[67t5ponycoupe]

You can measure anything you would like but it will just complicate things. If the windshield opening is correct then the rest should be fine.

[wscott00]

I will be replacing the trunk divider. Im trying to figure out if I should replace it while the roof is still on the fastback or should I wait until Ive put the roof on the coupe body.

I was thinking of doing it before I cut the roof off to keep anything from shifting and stand a better chance of putting it exactly where it was.

Any suggest would be appreciated

thanks

[67t5ponycoupe]

The coupe truck divider will not work on the fastback. All the fastback inner structure should stay with the fastback roof while you move it over.

[wscott00]

Thanks

[Another Fastback]

I just cut the coupe roof off and going to follow the Hillyers did it, nothing like having the video to watch instead of guess work, hopefully will get the fastback roof prepped this weekend

[66 Fastcoupe]

Make sure you post pictures. Check out my build thread.

[higher power racing]

I never have thought of this... Please post pic's!

[wscott00]

So, what happens if Im 1/32 -1/6 off when I put the windshield back together?

Im used a piece of tape at the top of the windhshield frame just like the hillyerstang video and will be making my cut 8" from the taped line. I also measure 12" from the line and made a small groove for my tape measure to sit in. From that point to my tape line is exactly 12".

Im concerned that my tape line on the fastback windshield may be off by 1/32" but less than 1/16".
So when I measure 12" from my groove it will measure 12' but actually be off slightly.

What is the tolerance for error?
How can I know im measuring from exactly the same point on both roofs?

Im considering running a string from left to right on the lower part of the coupe pillars then taking a 3 measurement from the string to the inside of where the windshield sits.

Thanks

[bartl]

Originally Posted by wscott00

So, what happens if Im 1/32 -1/6 off when I put the windshield back together?

Im used a piece of tape at the top of the windhshield frame just like the hillyerstang video and will be making my cut 8" from the taped line. I also measure 12" from the line and made a small groove for my tape measure to sit in. From that point to my tape line is exactly 12".

Im concerned that my tape line on the fastback windshield may be off by 1/32" but less than 1/16".
So when I measure 12" from my groove it will measure 12' but actually be off slightly.

What is the tolerance for error?
How can I know im measuring from exactly the same point on both roofs?

Im considering running a string from left to right on the lower part of the coupe pillars then taking a 3 measurement from the string to the inside of where the windshield sits.

Thanks

A tad loose would probably not be an issue. A tad tight might be. A "dry" fit might not be a bad idea. If you had to you could make adjustments before getting too far along.

[wscott00]

thanks for all the input. I will be using new full rear panels, would you suggest aligning the doors to the existing original coupe body lines

coupe roof cut.jpg