I need help finding what build # my new 1987 red/black Fiero MERA is. all i have is the vin#.I would like to compare it to a documented one and try to dechiper with others vin#s. all help will be apprecatied. thanks in advanced. Daniel
edit because I learned how post pictures: BAM!
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 10-18-2009).]
IP: Logged
11:39 AM
PFF
System Bot
Mike Gonzalez Member
Posts: 5093 From: Colorado Springs, CO. USA Registered: Jul 2001
thanks,yeah I have already been there. seems to tell fiero info only not the Mera option.per sae. what I need is the Mera build/proudction # from Coroprate concepts. Anybody have any info on the history after the lawsuit,and or employees afterwards, things of this nature. Would be great to make build # into a license plate or eng. cover plate, defiently adds to braggin power.but not all about that as much as the eternal battle of STOCK -VS- UPGRADE. if this indeed is a Mera, I would lean more toward stock with beef, BUT IF IT IS NOT, then by all means I will not hesitate to drop in the minimun: L67 3800 II s.c.Also I have a car with an LT1 in it also for the consideration for swap already in me hand! so all the info I can collect will have massive rammifications for this car. In a 22 yr old car stock is the way to go. what could there be like, 30 of the 88 MERAS built in '87 left? How could I get that kind of info. this is why i posted it as MI owners, to get their attention for more area (southwest Michigan) Fiero event info and stuff also. the MI fiero club is too far for me to feel a part of. their in the Detriot area. Grand Rapids now thats closer. would be cool if another Mera owner was within 100 miles of me. anyway this is gettin long so back to the hunt thanks to all for any help. much obliged, later- Daniel (the HITTOKIRI BATTOUSAI)
IP: Logged
02:08 PM
TopNotch Member
Posts: 3537 From: Lawrenceville, GA USA Registered: Feb 2009
i do its like in the part that is inside of the trunk space left side and it is not there. thanks for the info. can not even see a witness mark. the lid looks like it has been re-painted black. also from what I read it is more like a sticker than anything. thanks again. Daniel
Meras were created using 1987 and 1988 Fieros for their underpinnings. The 10th digit of the Fiero's 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), visible on the driver's side of the dashboard, designates the year of a Fiero:
E = 1984
F = 1985
G = 1986
H = 1987
J = 1988
Accordingly, if on your car, that 10th digit is not "H" or "J," then you don't have a Mera. Unfortunately, the VIN itself does not distinguish between between regular 1987 and 1988 Fieros versus 1987 and 1988 Meras.
However, fellow PFF member, Fiero-in-Paradise, was kind enough elsewhere to point out several other distinguishing features of Meras. More specifically, and for your convenience, I've reproduced below the following input from him in his now-archived thread which originally appeared in The Mall section of this forum ( https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/043050.html ):
quote
Originally posted by Fiero-in-Paradise: Several ways to confirm a real Mera. Many Mera owners have completely re-badged their cars with Ferrari markings, but there are still ways to tell.
All Meras will have this tag on the left, inside decklid. It specifies the VIN, build code (#8044), and color. The number 8 indicates the year, 1988, and 044 is the number of the car. Those built in 1987 will have numbers like 70xx.
The most obvious tell-tale will be the block letters on the decklid. Mine still has the "MERA" chrome letters, although many Mera owners have taken these off and replaced it with the chromed Ferrari badge. If I were to keep the car, I would never remove these letters. Just adds to the mystique of the car!
Another way to tell a real Mera are the funky Ford reverse lights placed on each side of the license plate.
The Meras were originally equipped with electric power side mirrors and a unique control, as seen here. However, many Meras are missing the power mirrors and have been replaced with manual mirrors, leaving only the control. Sadly, this is the case with my car, one of the previous owners mounted manual mirrors. I can only suspect that they sold the power mirrors for money.
...Finally, the round turn signal and brake lights were cast/molded specifically for the Mera, and are stamped with "MERA 1". In the two pics below, you can just barely make out the lettering near the bottom of the lens.
Turn Signal
Brake Light
I just pointed out some of the highlights. If you further check out that thread I mentioned, or do a search for "Mera" on this forum, I'm sure you'll find others.
By the way, batousai666, welcome to Pennock's Fiero Forum!
[This message has been edited by project34 (edited 06-23-2009).]
hay thanks for the welcome and reply Project. I have already been to the one post from Paradise, alot of help that one was. plus I have already done a search for most imagienable combos 308,308 re-body, Mera. pretty much out of options in this forum's archives. my Mera has no sticker and no witness mark left from any sticker. my vin has the 7 so I positive 'bout the year. OK, heres the beef the guy I bought this from posts here, well did anyway. while searching, found a post on this fourm that he says that this "MERA"originally did not have the white ford back ups, also drivers vitaloni mirror has no motor for movement. take off said mirror bam, no wires.hope they fell in door. not gonna tear into that mess. the passengers side black louver is I SWARE TO GOD, made of wood. not kidding. burns like wood,smells like burning wood.INSANE.also the red brake light is a Carello or something of the such.not Mera. although my car does look just like the pictures of FIERO IN PARADISES. with the wood betcha mine floats. wonder if he'd trade.haha. anyway been chattin with Rodney D about this and he seem to think that this is the real deal. so thats that. now if I could get the build # all will be whole in my Universe. again thanks to all for your continued assistance in this, my new quest. till the 3800 L67!! later Daniel
say one question. if this a Mera body panel salavge/swap to a new chassis, does that still qualify it as a Mera?? thats a new angle for investigation. Dog will hunt!!
I have three Meras (one 87 and two 88s) and all initially came with Vitaloni mirrors with joystick type controllers. Both of the initial Vitaloni mirrors were powered and the louvers were not made out of wood. They are either a metal or hard plastic/fiberglass composition. All Meras that I have ever seen had the Ford backup lights. Post a picture of the rear quarter panel junction with the main body and you may be able to distinguish a Mera from a kit car due to the construction. My F308 kit was cast in one piece and the Meras are two separate pieces. BTW, the Mera sticker is normally located on the upper left corner of the rear deck lid. BTW, I know where a pair of used Vitaloni power mirrors is available if youiwant to cough up about $1000 plus shipping.
Nelson
[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 06-23-2009).]
I feel like a ratt! go do a search on this fourm in the archives. type excatly Mera-NSX. please tell me I am reading this wrong. partically the part about the 308 light configuring. does he not say that his/my 1987 mera did NOT have ford back ups. please tell me I cannot read and to get some glasses. my whole family wears them but me. 'sbout time if I need them. any way its beddie bye time later
say hnthomps, would you mind giving up your last 5 vin#'s from your 1987 mera. actually can you post some pics of your car too so i can reference them and compare. I will also try to do the same.sending pics to Rodney taught me how to sent pics through pratice. have over 100 O' dem. why dont you all feel free to post any pics that may further this endevour. and now SLEEP..... out daniel
IP: Logged
11:53 PM
Jun 24th, 2009
Fiero-in-Paradise Member
Posts: 540 From: Honolulu, Hawaii USA Registered: May 2006
Make sure you're looking in the right place for the label. Its in the same place as all Mera's (see pic below for exact location). If the inside decklid was re-painted, you MAY luck out if the PO just painted right over the label and clear tape. You'd just have to feel around for it and carefully scrap away the paint on the clear tape. Like I said...IF you're lucky!
What does it say on your registration? Since yours is an 87, I'm pretty sure that your registration (VIN #) should say Fiero GT. From what I understand, in 1988, most Mera's were built on the V-6 Formula chassis (to save CC money). My VIN equates to a Fiero Formula.
Unfortunately, unless Rodney has your Mera previously registered, you may be hard pressed to find out the build code. I read somewhere that CC's office went up in a cloud of smoke a while back.
I know what you mean about the importance of knowing the CC build code. Without it, you cannot do this:
Or this (yeah, I know...color is wrong, I'm having it re-done)
Good luck in your quest, LMK if you have any questions. I'll be starting a post soon, since I've been busy retrofitting my car (mostly labels) from a psedo 308 back into a true Pontiac Mera. I've searched high and low, and don't think anyone has yet done it on PFF.
Tom
IP: Logged
04:28 AM
PFF
System Bot
Fiero-in-Paradise Member
Posts: 540 From: Honolulu, Hawaii USA Registered: May 2006
To me, it looks like there are no Ford Escort reverse lights, and the reverse lights are built into the turn signal lights, like a real 308.
This is the lone 86 Mera. It was used for pictures etc and shown at some car shows etc. Once this 86 Mera was finsihed several things were changed for the production 87/88 Mera's. It was several months after this 86 Mera was made before production started on the 87 Meras.
I'm beginning to have my doubts that what you were sold was actually a Mera. Unless I've misinterpreted earlier comments about the car in this thread, it apparently has:
No "MERA Serial No." Tag on the Underside of the Decklid
No "M" "E" "R" "A" Chrome Letters on the Top Side of the Decklid
No Controller on the Console for the Power Mirrors
No Wiring for the Power Mirrors
No "MERA 1" Lettering on the Circular Red Taillights
No "Ford" Lettering on the Rectangular White Backup Lights
If the car is indeed a Mera, it seems odd to me that somebody would have gone through the trouble to eliminate all these telltale signs of that, including even eliminating the controller on the console and the wiring for the Mera's power mirrors.
hey y'all sorry for delay. started on a new construction job. work good. 3800 II sc reality. cannot wait. Paradise, YOU ARE THE MAN. custom spare cover. custom engine cap. so TOTALY AWESOME. thats what im talking about. hats,shirts, MERA racing jackets, coffee mugs, kids toys,dolies. Endless possibilites, the whole 9. GOLF BALLS!!!HAHAHA as far as my vin. this is a early prod. 1987 Feiro se. vin code H. last 5 digits=09384. too me this is early! door sticker says 10/86 built date. does anybody know if you could buy a 1987 fiero se in 1988 and have it converted? that fact will narrow the search down to 12 months. see, the numbers/odds are in my favor to have MERA 7070-7077. 88 -1987 meras built in 1987 right.say maybe 7-8 cars a week X 10 months. feel me? any ideas on how long it takes for conversion process? how big was corporate concepts inc? 20- 30 prodction employees? thats why i was lookin for the last 5 vin digits. trying to see if a pattern between GM and CC production scheduals. some link. please, if you feel confortable post yours everyone . Rodney may want to update the registry.?? what ya say, Rodney? the more in the data base the better the formula. This is starting to get fun. as far as the back up lights, reference to clarify, go to the archives. type Mera-NSX change serch to username, all forum. then go to the craigslist post. this is a interesting chat. stsrted all my doubt. actually Rodney and Fiero in Paradise are on it too. anyway enough for now. must sleep. later Daniel
say that last post of mine was interrupted by life. so it took 3 hrs. to compose. my Mera has the controll knob just missing maybe say a cap ring or somthing. also, the back up lights DO say ford 81. think the 81 is the year produced. if i remember right from the old car shopping days with ole dad. there is wiring and adjustible mirror to the passenger side. drivers side NO wires NO moveable glass panel. With work now and all, no time to tear in to this till weekend. still need to check car 'bout 1 piece rear quater panel. Weekend will try to get pictures posted here. also rear deck lid looks like paradise's. brings up point. would the layering of auto paint cover the MERA sticker. really? have not scrapped yet. almost scared. And when I got car, fully badged as F*rr**i. cuff link door covers i believe. horse and all I dont think seller did this or did he.I dont think i ever asked.did not care. the day after I got it took them all off cept pinniferria sliver one. looks cool and dont see how yet. ordered sweet sliver Pontiac emblem(looks like the org. MERA badge lettering). WANT THE MERA BADGE soo baddd!! did not know that was even on there till after i got the car and researched alot more. And saw a picture. also got black fiero sticker on back. Tried some neoprene/foam letters from the hobby lobby to spell MERA. if Rodney comes back here maybe he can post all the pictures I sent him quicker than I can learn how to. Rod if you want to do this, go ahead. I mean check my spelling/grammer/ composition /sentance structure, I have no idea what I am doing. could take awile. they sure get long though. thought i was going to bed. oh well. dog will hunt!! keep it commin lads the end is near. REMEMBER the Fiero we are trying to save from engine swap may be one of the first Meras , being an '87. lets save history for our fallen brother PONTIAC. keep the legacy alive. beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep this concludes our broadcastion day, thank you for all your help on this thread Y'ALL rock. later
you know the pic of the mera in the brochure(one came with car) looked more like artist concept drawing/painting more so than a real one. but makes me want those rims. droooooooooooooooooooool. lookin into some sliver ones. least thats orginal stock. every else thing is. hey Fiero in paradise.if I find a Mera emblem, may give you a challange in restore race to O.G DAWG. oh,wait and mirrors. and build tag. no wood rear sail,ok you win. man that was fast. your good. delrium settin in. go to sleep dan, ok nighty,night.
Daniel
IP: Logged
10:43 PM
Tony Kania Member
Posts: 20794 From: The Inland Northwest Registered: Dec 2008
As requested, the last 5 numbers in the VIN for my 1987 Mera are 69784. I will try to e-mail you some high resolution photos sometime tomorrow. Pictures were sent via e-mail a few minutes ago.
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by batousai666:
say hnthomps, would you mind giving up your last 5 vin#'s from your 1987 mera. actually can you post some pics of your car too so i can reference them and compare. I will also try to do the same.sending pics to Rodney taught me how to sent pics through pratice. have over 100 O' dem. why dont you all feel free to post any pics that may further this endevour. and now SLEEP..... out daniel
[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 06-26-2009).]
IP: Logged
11:59 PM
PFF
System Bot
Jun 26th, 2009
Doc John Member
Posts: 749 From: Fayetteville, Arkansas Registered: Feb 2007
I have found a 308 kit for 2500 $ out of the boxs but complete never fitted to a car with lights and bumpers. What kind of price is this ???????
Re the $2500 price - if the fiberglass is decent, that's a good price if it includes the lights, engine/rear deck lid louvres, and a few other odds and ends. If you buy it, let me know, I have a set of instructions that I could send you. These instructions are not super detailed but give you an excellent place to start.
PM me if interested.
IP: Logged
10:30 AM
Scoobysruvenge Member
Posts: 550 From: Richmond Virginia Registered: Apr 2009
Here is the advertisement, He is going to call today and give me the manufacturer information.
I have up for sale a 1988 Fiero with a Ferrari 308 kit. $2500cash only no trades. . The car runs great. It is a manual v6. We have already taken the parts off the car and was ready to put the kit car on the car, but things came up. It has a clear North Carolina title. There is nothing wrong with the car as it starts right up and drives. As for the kit, it is a Ferrari 308 gts is like the one in magnum pi. It is a bolt on kit it comes with the front and rear bumpers, and the Ferrari tail lights louvers and mounting hardware. If you have any questions, please email me. You can call my cell and leave me your number and I will get back to you. The number is XXX-XXX-XXXX
IP: Logged
11:06 AM
Doc John Member
Posts: 749 From: Fayetteville, Arkansas Registered: Feb 2007
Here is the advertisement, He is going to call today and give me the manufacturer information.
I have up for sale a 1988 Fiero with a Ferrari 308 kit. $2500cash only no trades. . The car runs great. It is a manual v6. We have already taken the parts off the car and was ready to put the kit car on the car, but things came up. It has a clear North Carolina title. There is nothing wrong with the car as it starts right up and drives. As for the kit, it is a Ferrari 308 gts is like the one in magnum pi. It is a bolt on kit it comes with the front and rear bumpers, and the Ferrari tail lights louvers and mounting hardware. If you have any questions, please email me. You can call my cell and leave me your number and I will get back to you. The number is XXX-XXX-XXXX
Looks like most of the 308/328 kits. Most of these kits were molded off of a Mera. Check to see if it comes with taillights (which are now getting very hard to find) and the rear deck louvre. The lack of any of these ISN'T a showstopper, however, you should get the seller to knock $500 off his price.
I don't know if this will help you at all but so far I have two other Meras in the 87 Registry beside yours.
Both were SE models = 209643 was built after yours (so Oct 86 or Nov 86) and the other 237125 was built in the Apl/May 87 time period. The last one was reported as being Mera #24. If that is correct then your would be number 22 or less??? I wouldn't think that there would be that long of a period between cars however. At one car a month that would make yours around number 17 ???
I thought Rodney had the complete list of Mera Vins but maybe not, I have yet to get with him for information to add to the 87 Registry.
thanks for the info 87 registery. I see you are in Lansing, MI. I am in Kalamazoo, MI. say, if this is true, you set priecidence with the fact that a older FIERO can be build eariler than a newer one as far as the VIN # is concerned. to me this fact in very important because I was thinking linier path proudction. not a pool of FIEROs, to pick from type mentallity. I still do not understand how a VIN # like 37125 can be MERA built before a 09634 or mine 09384 in the year ending 12/31/1987. unless farting brain syndrome is contigiaous. as a side note 22 is my lucky number. as far as pictures. I am illiterate when I get on this thing, but now that I am at work, I know one of my coworkers knows how, maybe by the end of the week.I HOPE. I got a boost from hnt100 over the weekend. so I feel better about this and its realness. HUGE thanks to the HNT100, THANK YOU!
OH, hey 87 REGISTERY, did you already have my 1987 in your registery or did you get it from this post?? If you had it already i can stop the verification process and focus on the MERA build number. I hope it is 22!!! Michigan historical license plate, gold/yellow on dark blue ---MERA 22. looks awesome. again thanks for the help all. being hyperactive and having a potential $9000 lemon from FL was too much to handle. now sooooo mellow. hope to spark new interest in a MERA REGERISTY so we can verify total number of MERAS left. I know of maybe 2 in the central FL area. plus me makes 3. yes had to rhyme that one. surry. I read somewhere that there may only be like 100 or so left. Being a comic book collector I like it old and rare. any way lets light a fire. and see what happends. dinners a callin' check ya later, Daniel
IP: Logged
06:02 PM
87 REGISTRY Member
Posts: 200 From: Lansing Michigan Registered: Mar 2009
say, if this is true, you set priecidence with the fact that a older FIERO can be build eariler than a newer one as far as the VIN # is concerned. to me this fact in very important because I was thinking linier path proudction. not a pool of FIEROs, to pick from type mentallity. I still do not understand how a VIN # like 37125 can be MERA built before a 09634 or mine 09384 in the year ending 12/31/1987. unless farting brain syndrome is contigiaous.
OH, hey 87 REGISTERY, did you already have my 1987 in your registery or did you get it from this post?? If you had it already i can stop the verification process and focus on the MERA build number. Daniel
1 - not sure I understand your statement. All VINs are sequential within the model year. For the 87 model year they ran from 200001 to 246581. Production ran from about Sept 1986 to about Sept 1987. For 1988 the VIN numbers start over again. You need to read the year digit to know if say VIN 212001 is a 87 or 88. For the 87 model year there were only 88 MERAs made. I would guess that MERA numbers would be in sequence to the VIN number but it might be possible that they had a pool of cars to pull from and did not build them in VIN order.
2 - the information I had on your car came from a E-bay ad. I took the information that it was a MERA on face value. As I said before I had hopes of one day getting with Rodney to get his list of the 88 1987 MERAs but now I am being lead to believe that he doesn't have such a list.
great, now I know that 1987 Fieros were built in "1987" not all in 1986. sept. to sept. explains alot, exp. about my early GM production #. in comparision to the others. I was thinking 1/01/1986 to 12/31/86. My question to you is, were any 1987 Fieros made into MERAS in 1988? I do not know any thing about the mera part of this car. just the GM VIN info. it is a 1987 se automatic. its exciting to think I may have one of the first 20 of so of these history making icons. PONTIAC gone. one of ferraris first lawsuits for kit cars?? not sure. one of 88 total- awesome. always wanted a 308! close but better, cheaper and looks cool jacked up. still hoping on pics, sorry.
as far as Rodney. not sure. was talkin to him, sent pictures,confirmed "it looks like a mera". no number. last I heard. i dunna know. I like the prusit of/for knowledge so its cool.dog will hunt. got killed at work today so gotta sleep. until tommarow- let this be 1987 Fiero Mera # 22. thanks for all the help again guys/gals . later
I have an 87 Mera that was constructed utilizing a GT vehicle. Let me know if you want the VIN and/or the Mera serial number for your records.
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by 87 REGISTRY:
I don't know if this will help you at all but so far I have two other Meras in the 87 Registry beside yours.
Both were SE models = 209643 was built after yours (so Oct 86 or Nov 86) and the other 237125 was built in the Apl/May 87 time period. The last one was reported as being Mera #24. If that is correct then your would be number 22 or less??? I wouldn't think that there would be that long of a period between cars however. At one car a month that would make yours around number 17 ???
I thought Rodney had the complete list of Mera Vins but maybe not, I have yet to get with him for information to add to the 87 Registry.
Rick
IP: Logged
11:49 PM
Jun 30th, 2009
87 REGISTRY Member
Posts: 200 From: Lansing Michigan Registered: Mar 2009
It would be nice to have the VIN etc to add to the 87 Registry. The most important piece of information beside the VIN is the date on the door sticker. This helps in determining production counts per month.
I do not think that the door sticker is still there but will look today and confirm this and the VIN.
quote
Originally posted by 87 REGISTRY:
It would be nice to have the VIN etc to add to the 87 Registry. The most important piece of information beside the VIN is the date on the door sticker. This helps in determining production counts per month.
1. VIN: 1G2P61197HP244555 2. Exterior color: Original Dupont White (88469) Currently is gunmetal gray with pearl 3. Interior color: Black and silver 4. Transmission type (Auto or Manual): Manual (5 speed Getrag) 5. Power options (PW PL PM): PW, PM, PL, Rear Window Defroster 6. Cruise (Y/N): Yes 7. Spoiler, Luggage Rack or Bareback: Bareback 8. Sunroof (Y/N): Yes 9. AC or AC Delete: A/C 10. Date on the door tag: 06/87 11. Date on the ALDL: NA 12. Date on the overhead light: NA 13. What State the car is in (Michigan - Ohio whatever): South Carolina 14. Any special notes (rebody - engine swap - non-stock color etc): Engine swap (3.4 Liter pushrod with turbo). Planned engine changes include bored 57 mm TB, Truelo intake and valve covers powder coated with smoke chrome, Mera serial number 7057
Nelson
quote
Originally posted by 87 REGISTRY:
It would be nice to have the VIN etc to add to the 87 Registry. The most important piece of information beside the VIN is the date on the door sticker. This helps in determining production counts per month.
Rick
[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 07-04-2009).]
check out ebay. there is a "mera" with no back up lights. the pain starts again ARRRRGGGHHHHH! sometimes i wish we still rode horses. just look at their teeth. time for more questions. be back . going back to ebay. later
Take a good look at the back end picture. There appears to be either a plate covering the entire license plate and backup light locations or the picture has been obscured in this area. This looks like a Mera and I can see a while blob where the Mera sticker is normally located. The mirrors are Vitaloini in design and it has a joystick controller. Although some of the interior is non stock, the rims are also right for an 87 Mera. I do not doubt that this really is a Mera.
quote
Originally posted by batousai666:
check out ebay. there is a "mera" with no back up lights. the pain starts again ARRRRGGGHHHHH! sometimes i wish we still rode horses. just look at their teeth. time for more questions. be back . going back to ebay. later
Daniel
[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 07-03-2009).]
I do not see the plate you mentioned. I can see the 2 rivits and the 4 license plate screw holes though. and no back up lights. is that at all possible on a real mera?
Instead of a separate plate, it may be an indentation in the rear bumper cover. If it does not have the Ford backup lights, this may be a very early production Mera. I have looked at the pictures and am convinced it is a Mera.
quote
Originally posted by batousai666:
I do not see the plate you mentioned. I can see the 2 rivits and the 4 license plate screw holes though. and no back up lights. is that at all possible on a real mera?
Early production Mera? what's that? Were there Meras made without back up lights? I was told not at all. this is one main difference between a Mera and a 308. lights straight from corporate concepts. no exceptions!! no lights, no Mera. alot of conflicting posts in this fourms archives also. to me a MERA is more than a mirror controller and wheels. These cars are mostly frame,engine and body panels. but the MERA build number is the only thing true to a Meras existance. all the bolt on extras that most people use to identify a Mera can easily be bought. Its frustrating to not have a cut and dry answer. guess its back to the boards. for some fact finding. later
