I've needed a new clutch since last November, and I've finally gotten around to doing it. Took me about a week to get everything disconnected and all of the fasteners removed, but then again...I could only work 3 hours a day, and this is my first cradle-dropping.

Here's the entire car in the air...it's supported by 4 jack-stands, two underneath the front cross-member, one underneath each rocker, and the crane is lightly tensioned, just in case.



Here's the rear end in the air...that's about a foot or so lower than the height it was at when I wheeled the engine out from underneath it



Here's a picture of the empty wheel-well...it's wierd looking at your Fiero and it not having axles, brakes, wheels or even an engine.



After I finally got that out, I scrubbed the crap out of it, then pressure-washed it. After that, I began dis-assembly. Here's where I stopped for the night yesterday evening. As you can see, I got everything disconnected from the transmission, and I've gotten every bolt out of the transmission. I plan on pulling that tomorrow.



Here's the detail of how clean I got the transmission...too bad I don't have a "before" picture, but I'm sure you all know the 1/4" of "sludge" all too well...




Any other tips you guys've got to make my clutch replacement / re-installation of the engine easier? I'd be much obliged.

Oh, and FYI, my interior and front compartment are nicely stripped and cleaned as well...see?



Almsot done up here...all I've gotta do is pour some foam, sand it, fiberglass it, then carpet. After that, I can lay wire and install my two other amps, and my capacitor.

[This message has been edited by 1986 Fiero GT (edited 07-18-2006).]

looking good.
seems like you have a pretty busy weekend planned for the garage? at least you keep your BBQ near by!

How did you remove the cradle bolts without the engine falling on you (see red boxes below).I will be pulling an engine in a few months.

quote Originally posted by James Bond 007: How did you remove the cradle bolts without the engine falling on you (see red boxes below).I will be pulling an engine in a few months.

James, generally the easiest way to do that is after you disconnect everything in the engine compartment, to take the wheels/tires off the car. You slide a box/something to roll under the cradle. You remove the rear bolts, then the pivot bolts (the ones you've boxed) you raise the car a tiny bit (to unload the suspension) dsconnect the suspension at the strut towers, then raise the rear of the car until you can get the cradle/engine out.

'86 Fiero GT - For future reference, it may be a smart idea to take your rear taillights off when doing this. It doesn't take but a slip of something before your cursing about cracking your expensive tail lenses. Other than that, looks good!

Joe

quote Originally posted by RandomTask: '86 Fiero GT - For future reference, it may be a smart idea to take your rear taillights off when doing this. It doesn't take but a slip of something before your cursing about cracking your expensive tail lenses. Other than that, looks good!

Yea, I figured...the lenses that are on there now are junk though, so I'm not too worried about them.

Oh, and I have to replace the front bushings by burning them out, cause the bolts rusted to the sleeves. Any tips on doing that?

quote Originally posted by 1986 Fiero GT:

I see you have a box of Dynamate. How much did it cost per box?

Could you take a picture of the places you attached that chain to lift the rear of the car? I'm planning on using a chain as well and just wanted to triple check the hook points. And good job!

------------------
Christian Thomas
87 Pontiac Fiero GT Burgandy/Silver 5.7L ZZ4 5spd
301rwhp/345rwtq

Next Mod: 88 suspension
06 Cobalt SS/SC w/ LSD

quote Originally posted by CTFieroGT87: Could you take a picture of the places you attached that chain to lift the rear of the car? I'm planning on using a chain as well and just wanted to triple check the hook points. And good job!

From his pic it looks like a chain between the strut towers.

I've seen this done with a piece of chain with a hook on each end and with the struts out you hook the hole with the chain hook.

I did mine by hooking the hoist chain to the trunk latch.

quote Originally posted by fierohoho: I did mine by hooking the hoist chain to the trunk latch.

Lol, as did I...then I realized that my latch was being ripped off, lol. Indeed, I bolted a chain to the inside of each side of the strut tower, and lifted from that.

quote Originally posted by 1986 Fiero GT: Oh, and FYI, my interior and front compartment are nicely stripped and cleaned as well...see?

Don't tell me you also had ¼" of sludge in there. j/k
Are you putting an OEM clutch in or something else?
What are your plans for the interior?
Nice job. Looks like you have a really good start there. Looking forward to seeing the progress pix.

[This message has been edited by Fiero1Fan (edited 07-19-2006).]

Good Job! I actually bought the same clutch and have been using it for almost 4,000 K with no problems yet. And I like to beat it verry hard.

quote Originally posted by Fiero1Fan: Don't tell me you also had ¼" of sludge in there. j/k Are you putting an OEM clutch in or something else? What are your plans for the interior? Nice job. Looks like you have a really good start there. Looking forward to seeing the progress pix.

Lol, naah...I just needed to clean that area out so I could carpet it, and install my three amps up front. The interior's just gonna go back stock for now, though I'm planning on fiberglassing a new center console to house my capacitor. I don't want it to get stolen every day. As for the clutch? Eh, it's just an AutoZone stock replacement equivalent. For $50, you can't beat it!

quote Originally posted by olaf_fiero27: Good Job! I actually bought the same clutch and have been using it for almost 4,000 K with no problems yet. And I like to beat it verry hard.

Yea, I was hoping somebody would say that, lol. Even if it only lasts for 20,000-30,000 miles, that's long enough for me to save up for a Northstar swap, lol.