88 Formula parts (Page 1/2)
dizzie JUL 21, 04:05 PM
I'm getting interested in this deal on a Formula. Two questions:
  1. Is it really as hard as I hear to get parts for an '88 when something inevitably needs replaced?
  2. How hard would it be to convert the back end to look like a GT if I found a parts/ donor vehicle with the panels, decklid, and tail lights?
Patrick JUL 21, 04:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by dizzie:

How hard would it be to convert the back end to look like a GT if I found a parts/ donor vehicle with the panels, decklid, and tail lights?



My advice to you is to learn to love the look of the notchie. Unless you got super lucky, it's the acquisition of fastback taillights that'll cause you your wallet the most grief.
dizzie JUL 21, 10:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

My advice to you is to learn to love the look of the notchie. Unless you got super lucky, it's the acquisition of fastback taillights that'll cause you your wallet the most grief.



😭😭😭

I've seen some GTs that were toast mechanically for $2K or less with decent tail lights and body panels.
Patrick JUL 21, 10:33 PM

quote
Originally posted by dizzie:

I've seen some GTs that were toast mechanically for $2K or less with decent tail lights and body panels.



Anyone who sells an '86-'88 Fiero GT for "$2K or less with decent tail lights" has not been keeping up on demand for those taillights.
cvxjet JUL 21, 11:20 PM
I converted my '85 SE V6 to 86-88 GT rear bodywork- and also installed a 87-88 base nose...i left off the ground-effects because I like the way the body wraps under.




As far as the taillights....I have two ideas for solving the problem;

A) Take a (Blank) taillight fiberglass panel and SLOT it for two slot taillights per side- copying the 60-70 Pontiac taillights

B) I was going to cover the taillight area with Hex-grillwork and then paint the inside of the cavity black and mount those slot taillights inside- you would only see the grillwork until the taillights lit up.



[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 07-21-2024).]

Vintage-Nut JUL 22, 08:30 AM
Another taillight panel idea:

The Corvette C4 Light Panel by Dennis LaGrua
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/143539.html

BTW - a member posted "Corvette style replacement tail lights/panels" in 'The Mall':

GT tail lights by FierOmar
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/080685.html

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

Jason88Notchie JUL 22, 10:38 AM
Sounds like you want a GT. Just buy a GT. In the end it will be much easier.
dizzie JUL 22, 11:01 AM

quote
Originally posted by cvxjet:

I converted my '85 SE V6 to 86-88 GT rear bodywork- and also installed a 87-88 base nose...i left off the ground-effects because I like the way the body wraps under.




Wow, very cool! I'd never thought about leaving any existing bumper pads below, but I really like that! I do kind of miss the ground effects personally.


quote
Originally posted by Vintage-Nut:

Another taillight panel idea:




So many great trail light ideas in this thread. Ultimately, I think I'm just too smitten with the originals.


quote
Originally posted by Jason88Notchie:

Sounds like you want a GT. Just buy a GT. In the end it will be much easier.



You may be right about that!

My lingering question is whether purchasing an '88 is worth the hassle of finding rare parts. But I'll do some further looking in the forum to see what people are saying about it. I guess that's ultimately a very personal choice, too. Thanks everyone!!
Jason88Notchie JUL 22, 11:30 AM
I have a Formula. I did alot of my suspension work some years ago and I had little issue. Can't say it won't come up time to time where you may really have to look around or do some rebuilding like calipers.

88 is the best year of the Fiero. I wouldn't limit yourself.
Jason88Notchie JUL 22, 11:48 AM
As far as that Formula you are looking at, use caution. To me it looks a little whipped. If you start seeing manual switches to power fans and other accessories, you better bet they cut into other wiring for other shortcuts. Run like hell from those type of cars. Look over it well.

Just find the best car for you. Something that you don't have to rip apart right out of the gate. Get some enjoyment out of it.