Ordered a new Wolf Noah car cover as we moved and my new parking spot for the Fiero is in front of a window that opens right on Biscayne Bay with all its salty air...
I made solid mounts for the front of my cradle for about 5 bucks in steel! hopefully I'll get the engine and tranny mated together and on the cradle by the end of today.
Today, the RottinIndy got a work over. We pulled the oil pan to sort out a small oil leak from where the timing cover was misaligned with the pan. Oil change since we were there. After the 4 hours that took she also got new visors from Russ88ttop. Then she got a bath. We drove her a bit and checked for leaks...none in sight. Scraped an old window sticker off. Lastly we pulled the headlight motors so they can get sent to Charles Sewell for rebuilding....he is the rebuild guru!
Saturday's project; Out with the old 85GT struts/springs and in with the "new" old salvaged lowered struts/springs that I had in my 84. I'm trying to recall where these springs came from as they must be 15yrs old by now, my 84 has not been on the road in 10yrs
I wanted to install them to see how much drop I would get before investing in new shocks/struts incase I also needed other springs. Ended up with about 1-5/8" drop with this install and is exactly what I was looking for! Plan on running them this season and come Winter going over "everything suspension" cleaning, painting, renewing, cutting bump stops etc.
The 84 had poly bushings, I did not change out the bushing on the 85 yet but felt the ride on the stock rubber was nice so I just might change out the rubber for rubber again. I only drove it a few times Saturday while adjusting my alignment by "feel" till I get a chance to find/build/setup everything for a DIY alignment. Not a daliy driver just a fun car to take out when I want . . . to put a smile on my face!
------------------ "There is no more formidable adversary than one who perceives he has nothing to lose." - Gen. George S. Patton http://www.flowbenchtech.com
Finished taking tape off the plug wires and installing wire separators. Snugged front wheel bearings. Taped up some hanging wires, tie wrapped the loose fuel lines, and some other wires and lines on my recent purchase. Then the misquotes attacked.
Next on the list; install a rebuilt rack Alignment new plug wires new plugs Front wheel bearings new rear wheel seal removing old brake cable that was stuffed up in the wheel well lube 88 brake sliders & work on front brakes get power door locks to work get cruise to work find source to make parts so that air cond system can be finished attack rust issues... and list continues LOL
Today, the RottinIndy got a work over. We pulled the oil pan to sort out a small oil leak from where the timing cover was misaligned with the pan. Oil change since we were there. After the 4 hours that took she also got new visors from Russ88ttop. Then she got a bath. We drove her a bit and checked for leaks...none in sight. Scraped an old window sticker off. Lastly we pulled the headlight motors so they can get sent to Charles Sewell for rebuilding....he is the rebuild guru!
Drove the Indy to work for the first time in a month....loved it! Back to daily driver status!!! A few things left I want to do to her...new PONTIAC window sticker, new wiper blades, new window washer pump and a good cleaning being at the top of the list.
[This message has been edited by johnyrottin (edited 05-20-2013).]
"Checking the spark plugs" today turned into a disastrous chain of events that ended up requiring 3 trips into town and 6 different auto parts stores. By the time it was done, I had replaced the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and ignition module (which ended up requiring the distributor to be pulled to get to). I believe that only the ignition module was actually bad when the day started...but it all needed to be replaced by the time I was done..
Although it was an ugly chain of events....at least my high RPM miss is a thing of the past. My original description was that she "runs like a raped ape"...but I don't think the duke has quite that much power. Then I thought about "like a scalded cat"....but that would lack directional control. Regardless of how you would describe it....she is running exceptionally well. I hope the weather is good tomorrow so I can take her up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I also managed to resolve my valve cover gasket leak. Funny how those leak when the bolts are only finger tight.
I drove it, Only May 20 and I already have 66 miles on it this year. Took wife for a ride and tried to talk her into new tires. Then discussed if we would have enough money togo to Indy.
Today I replaced the stereo in my 87. Looks like someone beat me to it before and trashed the wiring. I ordered a set of used factory plugs for it today from ebay. Radio works now but I'll get it back to where it needs to be when the parts come in. Plus my driver's side mirror showed up today. That looks like a project for tomorrow.
After the driver side threw a fit last night I removed both headlamp assemblies for a rebuild. The DS motor housing is missing hardware and the gasket has a piece hanging out. I wonder if the PS motor is an aftermarket unit as they don't match.
ETA: Began dissecting the LH headlight motor and found new bushings in there, but the side cover is totally hacked up and one of the bolts was snapped at the head, so the side cover wasn't even fully secured (hence the gasket hanging out). The gear is stripping, too. I briefly plugged the RH motor into the LH plug to make sure the module wasn't bad and the problem did not transfer to the RH motor; so I'll just throw the RH assembly back in as I'm assuming it too has new bushings, and I have a new-to-me motor coming from ebay for the LH side.
[This message has been edited by ShockWave (edited 05-22-2013).]
88 4 cyl. Replaced the pain in the tail oil pressure gauge with out the correct socket. Even if so, the replacement was a different size. GM putting a cast screw boss directly under the oil pressure switch hole didn't help either. 5-10 min job that took 30-40. Never fails.
Tuesday, replaced the battery (again) and switched back to my winter rims since the rear mis-alignment has eaten my summer tires. Wednesday, drove it to work. while i was at work my wife bought me new summer tires:-). I didnt want drive on them until i got it aligned so today, took it to get that done. turns out my inner tie rods are shot :-( so i ordered them and am waiting eagerly.:-)
After more than 6 years of the car sitting because of a VERY badly cracked exhaust manifold, I finally fixed it and drove my '87 GT!
I had to pull the motor out, because I broke a bolt while trying to replace the manifold while it was still in the car. It's fixed and back up and running.
Hoping to give the car a much needed cleaning tomorrow.
I ordered a heater core from the fiero store. It started to leak this week. Lasted 27 yrs. not too bad. Thanks for the how to area of the forum for helping men fix my car.
Adjusted the rubber hood stops so hood is just about level with fenders and cowl. Adjusted the rear compartment lock cylinder. Installed rear defroster switch, now have to find wiring and plug it in. Moved the transmission "performance mode" switch, just need to finish up the relocated hole and attach wiring. Vacuumed out the car and trunk.
Action: Check to see why I was losing voltage. Result: Broken alternator belt. (only 50 miles on it)
Action: Check to see why back brakes don't work. Result: 30 year old rotors and calipers and no star/torx bit to remove them.
Action: Check to see why blower motor doesn't work. Result: Still have no clue.
Action: Remove trunk carpet to get the mouse pee smell out by power washing. Result: Power washed until all the nastyness washed away. Hung carpet on clothesline to dry. It started to rain.
Action: Change all lug nuts from original chrome capped steelie lug nuts to plastic capped GT lug nuts. Result: Looks much better.
Action: Check to see why temperature gauge does not work. Result: Still unknown, but will probably buy new sensor.
Action: It's raining. Result: Remove pants and watch television.
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