Is this too much rust ? (Page 1/3)
Alexthetrex JUL 08, 09:08 PM
Hey guys, I really want to get a fiero as a fun weekend/summer car.

I think I found a pretty good deal a 1984, 2n owner, 4 cyl, manual with 150k KM (93k miles) for $3500 CAD (2500 USD). It obviously needs some stuff but it looks ok and I want a car I can work on and fix over the summer. However, I'm concerned about the rust. I asked the seller to send me pictures of the trunk below the carpet and this is what he send. Is that too much rust, is she a gonner ? Unfortunately being in canard idk if can avoid rust but man I hate rust.

Anyways, whats your opinion on this rust, should I run away? I'm going to check the car out tomorrow.
IMSA GT JUL 08, 09:24 PM
The biggest concern for any Fiero is not the trunk, but the frame rotting away. You can't see it unless you pull the plastic wheel well liner.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 07-08-2024).]

Alexthetrex JUL 08, 09:39 PM
Yeah ok i see, I thought the trunk was a good indicator of the rest of the car. How do you check for frame rust when checking a car out. I guess pulling the liner as you said, any other spots which are relatively easy to check. Another fiero I looked at had holes in the frame under the engine craddle I could see when looking under the car.
IMSA GT JUL 08, 10:51 PM
Sometimes leaks in the wingstand seals (or luggage rack) or a bad trunk seal will allow water into the trunk which starts the rust process. Others will have to chime in about easier ways to check for rust.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 07-08-2024).]

Mike in Sydney JUL 08, 11:50 PM

quote
Originally posted by Alexthetrex:

Yeah ok i see, I thought the trunk was a good indicator of the rest of the car. How do you check for frame rust when checking a car out. I guess pulling the liner as you said, any other spots which are relatively easy to check. Another fiero I looked at had holes in the frame under the engine craddle I could see when looking under the car.



IMHO, Jacking the car up and pulling the wheel and liner (both sides) is the best way. Looking in the trunk is a good indicator of possible problems but it shouldn't be relied on as the only indicator. You need to "eyeball" it and tap with a hammer and sharp instrument if you feel uneasy about the appearance. If it makes a hole, you should probably stay away.

You can repair rusted frame rails and trunk pans (check out THE ARCHIVES by searching for frame rails) but the question you have to ask is, "Do I want to?" If you get the car for a song and you have plenty of time, the skills to cut, fabricate, weld, and paint new frame members, then go for it.

[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 07-08-2024).]

Patrick JUL 09, 02:07 AM

This trunk has already been patched on both sides. This is a tighter shot of the right side. It's absolutely rotten. Run away from this rust-bucket as quick as you can. And don't say you weren't warned!
Vintage-Nut JUL 09, 09:41 AM
I’ve Owned Three Fiero Models:

’84 ‘Iron Duke’ 2M4 SE
Then an early ‘86 V6 / 4-Speed GT
And finally purchased a Brand-New ‘88 GT

My 2 Cents: Don't buy a '84 - IMHO, the 1984 is the worst of the Fiero family.

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

theogre JUL 09, 10:52 AM
If Fiero has rack on the lid on any trim level or wing for GT then rust in the trunk can happen w/o other areas rotting out.
Because the mounting holes etc have various seals that fail over time.

Other times, can be a sign other areas have rotted too.
Example: From Top post 3rd img rotated 90° left then reduce size to add notes...


Bottom "rot" above is easy to fix.
Rotten frame rails etc Are Not easy to fix & even most shops won't fix this type of damage or if "minor rot" to one area often cost way more then the car is worth.

Most shops won't touch a rotted frame because Almost every metal sections in back are part of Fiero Crush Zone in a crash.

Isn't just big rust buckets that you see "just rolled in" etc channels on YT that many shops refuse to work on or customers "refusing work."
In places w/ road salt or near the ocean many frame look "ok" when take quick look but frame often rot from inside out then fail big time. Many "tech's" in places like that keep a small hammer to tap areas before jacking/lifting because weak area may look good but sound different & jacks/lifts can punch holes in floors etc. even when on lift zone in OM FSM & other doc's.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Alexthetrex JUL 09, 11:40 AM
Thanks everyone for the in depth response. I think I'll have to pass on this one, I already had a car that was really rusty and it was too much of a pain to work. Also I don't have any of the skills to deal with rust. The only rust free fiero in my area has a blown head gasket can't get anything nice in quebec.
1985 Fiero GT JUL 09, 03:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by Alexthetrex:

Thanks everyone for the in depth response. I think I'll have to pass on this one, I already had a car that was really rusty and it was too much of a pain to work. Also I don't have any of the skills to deal with rust. The only rust free fiero in my area has a blown head gasket can't get anything nice in quebec.



Yeah up here in Canada you must search far and wide for the right Fiero, I live in NB, and my Fiero popped up for sale in Riviere de Loup, Quebec, in the middle of December, I went over, handshake deal and $500 deposit, and he drove it to me the following April, $5500 for an 85 gt, absolutely no rust, just a little dusty/neglected at the time, not great paint. Keep an eye on marketplace specifically, that's where all the good deals are, and check every few days-a week, throughout the winter if it goes that long haha!