I love challenges like this so this evening I decided to come up with a solution. I read about AusFiero dilemma and decided to give it a shot. AusFiero had both cables break and Forum suggestions were going to cause harm to his rare Australian Fiero. Here are the links to the first threads with some solutions. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/008653.html
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/008916.html

I designed this tool and successfully opened two of my cars, so it should work for everyone. Here is my solution. This may get long so bear with me.

1. Cut a 10" piece of 3/16" steel rod and flatten the end to look like a screwdriver. (My prototype was coat hanger which was successful but too flimsy to be dependable.)


2. Bend flattened end 90 degrees 1" from end.

3. After first bend, measure down the rod another 6" and bend 90 degrees like photo.

4. Adjust the bend so it is 30 degrees from perpendicular to the first bend.

5. File the flattened end so it is only as wide as the shaft and the very end is square like a screwdriver.
6. Measure down the shaft 4 1/2" and mark with tape. This mark will guide you during insertion.

[This message has been edited by skitime (edited 03-14-2001).]

7. Go to the car and make a line 2 1/2" from the base of the passenger wiper shaft.

8. There is a hole on the left side of the latch that the tool must be inserted. If you line up the tape on the tool with the edge of the hood you will be in the correct depth. If you stay square with you line beside the wiper you should be in the right location. Practice on a car that you can see what you are doing first. On the left lower edge of the latch mechanism is a keeper that holds the latch shut. With a twist of the tool the mechanism is released. You can try it with a screwdriver just to see how it works.



9. You will insert the tool under the foam seal that is attached to the hood and the tool will be straight up. Insert tool to the depth of the tape on the tool. You will have to feel around with the tool to be sure you are in the hole.


10. Twist the tool clockwise while holding pressure against the tip. You want to press the tip downward while keeping pressure toward the passenger side. You will soon hear a pop hopefully.

Good Luck!

[This message has been edited by skitime (edited 03-14-2001).]

All I can say is nice work!!!!!!!!!!

Nice work skitime!

Maybe ogre could post this in his cave (with your permission of course)?

Wow - instructions so clear, even an engineer could follow them! Excellent description, skitime, and nice work!

Don't 'spose you've given any thought to figuring out a way to open the rear (engine+ trunk) compartment, eh? -to save us from the drill treatment?

Great. Its really amazing what one can do with lots of time and patience. You ought to make some to sell to Fiero shops, lol.

Thanks for the excellent R&D work. I've often thought of doing the same but never seemed to find time to do it.

Keep up the good work,

Carroll

Excellent work and a great solution.

Your a legend Skitime.
It works great.
Maybe I don't need cables at all now...kidding (c:

I know this Taiwanese factory that could manufacture them for you for about 1c each.
You could sell em to GM outlets and Fiero shops for modest profit at say $19.95 each. (c:

Then again GM probably already has a similar tool that they charge 50 bucks for one of their mechanics to use, while hidden from the customer of course.

Thanks for your enginuity
Cheers
Jim Davis

Thanks, AusFiero for your kind comments that made the effort worthwhile. I am very glad it worked for you. You are the first I heard from that tried it successfully. It is cool to help someone halfway around the world. BTW I have a red GT t-top too. I guess someone could profit from the tool but that was never my intent. I hope you can figure out a way to keep your GT.

Dave