I haven't done any new build work lately but I've been busy collecting parts. I've solved the engine and trans controller problem. Cadillac Hot Rod Fabricators put me in touch with a guy selling a Holley Commander and trans controller he had in an 88 Fiero. It should work fine for my application, and solve a lot of brain damage problems. I've also been working on the rear spring/shock. I found an airbag coilover system I like from Universal Air - the bag goes over the shock and works in conjunction with the steel spring, so I get the best of both worlds - air lift and steel spring dependability. They're machining the bracket at Universal now; I should have it back in a week.
[This message has been edited by artworks (edited 03-22-2012).]
The coilover is a 9" bilstein (24" max extended length, 15" collapsed, 9" of travel) with a Universal Air coilover airbag and 300# per inch spring below the bag. I'll have adjustable ride height and quality - fully deflated and I'm on a stiff steel spring, fully inflated and I'm up to 5" higher and a stifff air and coil spring - normal ride height will be somewhere in the middle. I sure hope it works 'cause the bags are $400 each (plus the shocks and steel springs).
You mean the horizontal line in the middle of the door? I'm planning to spray everything below that line with Line-X (the truck bed protectant). The stuff is bullet-proof and comes in my favorite color - black. The whole underside will be sprayed with Line-X. Above the waistline will be gloss black. The whole hood, roof and decklid are gloss. I'm not sure how to finish it at the back, but I'm sure something will come to me.
The photos above show the rear suspension in place - note the subtle difference between these and the earlier photos - we had to re-fab the shock mounts so they would clear the spring perches. The top mount uses the original strut bolt holes, but there's a 1/4" plate instead of the old spring perch. The airbags clear just fine, and will give me 5" of forced articulation. The steel springs are 300 lb/inch coilovers for a stiff ride when the bags are full or empty. In between, the air will give a nice cushion. Man this stuff takes a long time!
[This message has been edited by artworks (edited 03-22-2012).]
This is the fabricated upper motor mount - its the original Fiero mount cut apart with a new bar in between and a fabricated plate on the back of the motor.
a couple of views of the radiator support and front bulkhead fabricated onto the original Fiero sheet metal. It doesn't look much like the original does it?
Front shocks mounted! Notice the S10 brake calipers on the custom brackets, connected to the early Pinto spindles. The lower A arms started out as a part from HT motorsports and got tweaked from there. The upper A-arm is hot rod stock for chevy.
[This message has been edited by artworks (edited 03-22-2012).]
I was able to get some work done on the car this weekend. These are the coolant lines that run under the car between the engine and radiator. They're fin tubes from a home boiler heating system with AN-20 fittings on each end. The radiator already has AN-20 bungs welded to it, and the northstar now has bungs welded on the coolant log and thermostat. Now I just need to order the braided lines to connect everything. This should provide enough cooling. I'll still need to install an aluminum skid plate to the bottom of the frame rails.
[This message has been edited by artworks (edited 03-19-2012).]
I hate to cause an echo, but you really should start a build thread. Not only would you most likely get your own spot in "The Construction Zone", which I always take as a spot of honor, but more people would know about this amazing build.
The only reason I haven't seen this thread in 3 years is because of the title and author. No offense, but PK in 2009 was almost painful to read. He's grown up a LOT since then. I don't think he's a bad guy, never did.
I'm sure I'm not the only one that missed this amazing, really amazing build because it doesn't have it's own thread.
Sorry PK, I hope you don't take this the wrong way bro.
Well thank you sir, I appreciate the compliment. I sent a note about a year ago, asking that my project be considered for the build zone but haven't had a response. You've motivated me to send a follow up.
I would suggest purchasing insulated clamps from a refrigeration supply house. Otherwise, this build is FANTASTIC!. I have an 87 that I would like to do something similar with in the future.
Thanks for the feedback guys. A great mind - hmmmm. I've been told sick before, but not great You're right about the pipe clamps - I was worried about that from the beginning. We had these clamps laying around. For final assembly they'll need to be insulated. Now if I can just get Lefthander Chassis to call me back with a price on the AN-20 hoses, I can tell my banker how much to make out the second mortgage for. That stuff is like $15/inch!
I was close though. I bet it has four found lights in the back and not 6.
This is the fabricated upper motor mount - its the original Fiero mount cut apart with a new bar in between and a fabricated plate on the back of the motor.
a couple of views of the radiator support and front bulkhead fabricated onto the original Fiero sheet metal. It doesn't look much like the original does it?
Front shocks mounted! Notice the S10 brake calipers on the custom brackets, connected to the early Pinto spindles. The lower A arms started out as a part from HT motorsports and got tweaked from there. The upper A-arm is hot rod stock for chevy.
I was able to get some work done on the car this weekend. These are the coolant lines that run under the car between the engine and radiator. They're fin tubes from a home boiler heating system with AN-20 fittings on each end. The radiator already has AN-20 bungs welded to it, and the northstar now has bungs welded on the coolant log and thermostat. Now I just need to order the braided lines to connect everything. This should provide enough cooling. I'll still need to install an aluminum skid plate to the bottom of the frame rails.
I don't think he's a bad guy, never did. 
You're right about the pipe clamps - I was worried about that from the beginning. We had these clamps laying around. For final assembly they'll need to be insulated. Now if I can just get Lefthander Chassis to call me back with a price on the AN-20 hoses, I can tell my banker how much to make out the second mortgage for. That stuff is like $15/inch!
