Dick Mera #8046 (Miss January, Mile High Fieros 2014 calendar) 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
There is a Mera brochure on Ebay, first time I have seen one available. I got one of the folded ones, it's nice. I'm not sure if it is an original but anything's better than nothing.
Hey folks. Some of you may have seen this MERA for sale: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/067694.html . I purchased it and had it sent to California. Just got all of the work needed to smog it completed (oy vey...), and got the plates today. Mileage appears to have been as reported at just under 16,000, but whoever parked it for 25 years appears to have done so immediately following a drive through some salt spray. Superficial rust on undercarriage, luckily upon pulling the rear fender well covers, the frame is in good condition. No rust beneath trunk liner either. Just wanted to say hey, and thank everyone on the forum. As I am not car savvy, I had all work performed by my mechanic, and although good, he did admit it had been a long time since he had seen a Fiero. The info on here proved quite handy for both of us, and allowed troubleshooting to be fairly quick and painless. Thanks everyone! Wound up needing O2 sensor, new fuel tank (stagnant gas does NEAT stuff to a fuel tank over 25 years), fuel sending unit, fuel pump, and a new catalytic converter. Really enjoying the car.
Hey folks. Some of you may have seen this MERA for sale: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/067694.html . I purchased it and had it sent to California. Just got all of the work needed to smog it completed (oy vey...), and got the plates today. Mileage appears to have been as reported at just under 16,000, but whoever parked it for 25 years appears to have done so immediately following a drive through some salt spray. Superficial rust on undercarriage, luckily upon pulling the rear fender well covers, the frame is in good condition. No rust beneath trunk liner either. Just wanted to say hey, and thank everyone on the forum. As I am not car savvy, I had all work performed by my mechanic, and although good, he did admit it had been a long time since he had seen a Fiero. The info on here proved quite handy for both of us, and allowed troubleshooting to be fairly quick and painless. Thanks everyone! Wound up needing O2 sensor, new fuel tank (stagnant gas does NEAT stuff to a fuel tank over 25 years), fuel sending unit, fuel pump, and a new catalytic converter. Really enjoying the car.
What did you use to replace the missing/broken sail panel portions?
Hey folks. Some of you may have seen this MERA for sale: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/067694.html . I purchased it and had it sent to California. Just got all of the work needed to smog it completed (oy vey...), and got the plates today. Mileage appears to have been as reported at just under 16,000, but whoever parked it for 25 years appears to have done so immediately following a drive through some salt spray. Superficial rust on undercarriage, luckily upon pulling the rear fender well covers, the frame is in good condition. No rust beneath trunk liner either. Just wanted to say hey, and thank everyone on the forum. As I am not car savvy, I had all work performed by my mechanic, and although good, he did admit it had been a long time since he had seen a Fiero. The info on here proved quite handy for both of us, and allowed troubleshooting to be fairly quick and painless. Thanks everyone! Wound up needing O2 sensor, new fuel tank (stagnant gas does NEAT stuff to a fuel tank over 25 years), fuel sending unit, fuel pump, and a new catalytic converter. Really enjoying the car.
Welcome to our small band of misfits! Could not see pics of your car but it sounds very nice.
Nothing yet. I am trying to order a set of the quarters from a place out of Canada. They claim they use the same 3 bolts to attach to the car. Not sure how to remove/replace. The ones they sell will need painted (no big deal), but the only thing I'm not too keen on is that they are solid. There are no "cuts" in them like the current ones have. It's kind of funny, the louver that is missing is right where my line of sight is when driving, so for now, I'm just considering it a "blind spot" window (undocumented feature). Cosmetically, the louver and the scratches on the decklid are about all that's wrong with it. The scratches on the rear deck lid are fairly significant. Just on the edge of what I would tolerate without feeling like they need to be addressed. I'm not ready to paint the car. California doesn't seem to have the same urgency to remove debris from the highway as where I grew up, so I'd hate to drop a few thousand only to have it hit by a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a week, and other than the scratches, the paint looks really nice.
If anyone has any thoughts on how to repair the current louver, I'd be all ears. I do have some mold making experience, but not with cars/fiberglass parts.
Nothing yet. I am trying to order a set of the quarters from a place out of Canada. They claim they use the same 3 bolts to attach to the car. Not sure how to remove/replace. The ones they sell will need painted (no big deal), but the only thing I'm not too keen on is that they are solid. There are no "cuts" in them like the current ones have. It's kind of funny, the louver that is missing is right where my line of sight is when driving, so for now, I'm just considering it a "blind spot" window (undocumented feature). Cosmetically, the louver and the scratches on the decklid are about all that's wrong with it. The scratches on the rear deck lid are fairly significant. Just on the edge of what I would tolerate without feeling like they need to be addressed. I'm not ready to paint the car. California doesn't seem to have the same urgency to remove debris from the highway as where I grew up, so I'd hate to drop a few thousand only to have it hit by a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a week, and other than the scratches, the paint looks really nice.
If anyone has any thoughts on how to repair the current louver, I'd be all ears. I do have some mold making experience, but not with cars/fiberglass parts.
I can give you an idea as to how the louvers are attached and what you need to do to replace them. There are three bolts holding them on and you need to remove part of the interior near the B pillar to get to the attachment point. I think that there are two bolts at this location and one that is accessed from the engine compartment. It has been a while and I may have the two/one bolt locations reversed. If you need to replace th sail panels you can cut the slots yourself with a Dremel or similar device and a cutting wheel.
If you really need to replace the sails, I have two new ones that would have to be painted and slots cut. The bolts are not currently attached to the sail but the instructions are to JB Weld/epoxy the bolts to the sail panel after they have been fit to the specific vehicle to make certain that the bolts are correctly aligned.
hnthomps, thank you so much for the offer! Could you PM me what you're looking to get out of them? By the way, I saw your interior build. Jaw-droppingly awesome. I couldn't believe it. Nicest one I've seen. Period.
I am trying to order a set of the quarters from a place out of Canada.
If you find the panels from Canada work, let us know.
I would think a good glass man could fix the panel. Also, a good paint match and a toothpick then clean up after dry with 3000 grit, can do wonders for scratches. If they are deep, squeegee off with a plastic body filler scraper and clean up, after dry, with some 3000 grit wet or dry. You'd be surprised at what an artist you really are.
OBTW, I payed a top price for my Mera and I've never regretted it--can't take it with you.
Welcome.
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Dick Mera #8046 (Miss January, Mile High Fieros 2014 calendar) 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
I was wandering, what is a good price for a '88 Mera T-top good shape V6 5-speed? My formual has a 4.9 conversion (fiero factory) that went Boom. Tired of playing with it, and I love the Mera look. Thanks
Alas I will not be getting the ones from Canada. The shop wanted a money order (I only use credit card or paypal with unknown sources).
Thanks for the comments about not taking it with you. When I first told my wife I wanted to buy this car, her reaction was "you want to pay HOW MUCH for a FIERO!?!?!?!". I guess being a child of the 80s and having posters, models, die-casts, etc of the 288 and 308, the car was worth much more to me than what I paid. By chance, I saw a 328 yesterday in Temecula and got to park by it and really see all of the differences. It was even the same color. The 328 was nicer, but not THAT much nicer! (Looking at least)
I was wandering, what is a good price for a '88 Mera T-top good shape V6 5-speed? My formual has a 4.9 conversion (fiero factory) that went Boom. Tired of playing with it, and I love the Mera look. Thanks
funny you should ask.....a Mera with a Northstar just went off E-bay for 0ver $23,000 which did not meet the reserve. a good low mile spotless '88 T-top Mera could fetch $12,000-$14,000 I would guess.
I'm guessing you're a little low--saw one that meets that description about a year ago in Kansas City for $16k. OTOH, Wasn't that yellow one in San Diego a T-top, I think he was asking about $10k. Your memory is probably better than mine.
When I described my objective Fiero similarly, Erik (from the other forum) asked, what do you want a T-top for? Well, now I have a T-top--I've had the panels off once! OBTW, they do look very cool, and on a Mera would look a lot like the Targa-top 308 GTS.
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Dick Mera #8046 (Miss January, Mile High Fieros 2014 calendar) 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
I always go to Paul,s guide first, but sometimes I think he's a little low. He lives in a Fiero hot bed area, and maybe availability affects his pricing.
OBTW, I bought my Mera from Paul--a straight up guy.
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Dick Mera #8046 (Miss January, Mile High Fieros 2014 calendar) 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
Yes, the Yellow Mera in San Diego was sold in early October. I bought it, and had it shipped. It's very original, but as it only added an extra 2k miles since 1990 it needed quite a lot of mostly minor repairs. 7029 drives well now and I'm looking forward to the upcoming Summer driving seasons. Mera, such a wonderful alternative to the 308. How chuffed am I?
Yes, the Yellow Mera in San Diego was sold in early October. I bought it, and had it shipped. It's very original, but as it only added an extra 2k miles since 1990 it needed quite a lot of mostly minor repairs. 7029 drives well now and I'm looking forward to the upcoming Summer driving seasons. Mera, such a wonderful alternative to the 308. How chuffed am I?
Please consider rebadging this vehicle as a MERA. They are nicer than the F308 and a lot more rare.
Please consider rebadging this vehicle as a MERA. They are nicer than the F308 and a lot more rare.
Nelson
hi Nelson,
7029 is currently badged as a Mera, only missing the MERA lettering on the rear deck. There is only one small Cavallino horse near the left taillight, and I may keep that as I find horses the most wonderful companions. I am trying to keep my Mera as it was delivered, though I'm tempted to change to the 308 style wheels, retaining the yellow lace wheels should I sell it.. My yellow car is not the red one offered for sale, BTW. Sorry if my original post wasn't clear.
I'm glad mine is badged as a MERA. I get asked at least once a day "what is THAT" by someone in a parking lot. It makes for a nice conversation explaining what the MERA is. I'm sure it would be a less fun conversation if I had to say "it's a fake F******". Mine also has the prancing horse by the left tail light. Were these original? I'd like to remove it if they are not.
I am also shocked by how many people think it's a De Lorean. And I'm not talking young people who were not born or very young when that car was around. Grown men in their 40s and 50s. I guess I just assumed everyone was as into exotic cars as I was, especially when I was a child, and should be instantly able to tell that this is no De Lorean!
On a sad note, the car has brand new tires and I have to replace all of them. The PO put p245/60s on the front, and they rub (badly) when turning. He put p255/60s on the back, and they rub at all times on a portion of the shock. It's actually chewing a groove in the tires. Explains why I don't have to hold the brake when in neutral at a stop light. I can't find the original stock MERA size tires, so I'm hoping there's something very close out there that's still available.
7029 is currently badged as a Mera, only missing the MERA lettering on the rear deck. There is only one small Cavallino horse near the left taillight, and I may keep that as I find horses the most wonderful companions. I am trying to keep my Mera as it was delivered, though I'm tempted to change to the 308 style wheels, retaining the yellow lace wheels should I sell it.. My yellow car is not the red one offered for sale, BTW. Sorry if my original post wasn't clear.
The horse is not OEM but it is your car and you should decide what you want displayed on it. The letter sets used to make the Mera letters for the rear deck lid are still available but scarce. It requires cutting some letters out of old GM sets and then a bit of paint to hide the cut marks. I have done it several times so it is possible.
WRT the wheels, both of my 87s have non stock wheels installed and I did have to use some spacers to get everything looking fairly correct. If you had an 88 the Chromadoras are an option. One of my 87s had these wheels installed when I bought it but it did not look right to me so I changed them.
Have fun with your new toy and drive it as much as possible.
On a sad note, the car has brand new tires and I have to replace all of them. The PO put p245/60s on the front, and they rub (badly) when turning. He put p255/60s on the back, and they rub at all times on a portion of the shock. It's actually chewing a groove in the tires. Explains why I don't have to hold the brake when in neutral at a stop light. I can't find the original stock MERA size tires, so I'm hoping there's something very close out there that's still available.
There is at least one manufacturer (Hankook) that still produces 265 x 50 x 15 tires. I have not managed to locate any 245 x 50 x 15 tires for the front set but have managed to use the larger ones on the front with decent results on both 87 and 88 Meras. I also installed coil overs on the rear of all my Meras but successfully ran the large tries for several years prior to this upgrade.
Yes, the Yellow Mera in San Diego was sold in early October. I bought it, and had it shipped. It's very original, but as it only added an extra 2k miles since 1990 it needed quite a lot of mostly minor repairs. 7029 drives well now and I'm looking forward to the upcoming Summer driving seasons. Mera, such a wonderful alternative to the 308. How chuffed am I?
Right on great score!! I would have popped on that if it was closer. I love the yellow and the T-Tops. hope its good to you
4 of the Hankooks are going on as I type this. The front have minor rub at full throw, but much less pronounced than the 245/60s did. I am fortunate that the MERA letters/badges are still there. It looks like only the horse was added. On the interior, there was an engraved plate on the steering wheel that said MERA. God must have known I wanted to remove it as the 3M tape failed and it fell off exposing the Pegasus logo underneath. The drivers door has a similar plate with M engraved on it covering the small Pegasus insert on the latch release plate. It will also be coming off. I've seen in this thread where someone was offering the Corporate Concepts double M logo for this spot. Anyone know if they are available/where?
The only aftermarket exterior logo I've seen that I would love to get my hands on is the 286 GTS emblem. Those are sweet!
these are what came OEM on the Mera from the factory. Passenger side between the reverse and tail lights. nothing on drivers side the GTS is off the Chrysler Lebaron and I cant remember where the 2.8 V6 comes from. I just got these off Mera #7071 and have witness marks from the orignials the PO took off in lew of Ferrari bagdes. yeeehaw....its good to be back talkin Mera!!!!!!!!
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 02-13-2014).]
I'm glad mine is badged as a MERA. I get asked at least once a day "what is THAT" by someone in a parking lot. It makes for a nice conversation explaining what the MERA is. I'm sure it would be a less fun conversation if I had to say "it's a fake F******"
heres what I did to squash any doubt made from a GRAND AM SE badge I found in the junkyard
even had this guy in a Lambo say "nice 308" and I told him to check the rear its not a Ferrari. he comes up at the next light asking the same question, "What the hell is a Mera?" he was like "wow" when I told him of the Pontiac dealership ties. cool dude cooler car! that's Mera X in the pic......
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 02-13-2014).]
I saw this question and sage's response while reviewing the last few pages of this thread. Thanks for the kudos sage. I have been enjoying myself with the build.
I have been rebuilding a clone for the past few years and I redid the front end completely and made solid fender tops and also replaced the square Fiero headlight buckets with custom buckets I built. The progress has been a long one but I am back on the headlight buckets again and thought I would share a few pics. I don't use PIP so I will link to photobucket to show a few pics.
The buckets are wider than the oem 308 buckets since the Mera/clone fender tops are wider than oem so I used the same small round headlights but widened the buckets to fill out the fender a bit better.
This builder has done an amazing job of turning a so-so 308 replica into a work of art. He is 355Fiero here on PFF.
You'll have to spend some time sifting through his build thread over on MM, but if you appreciate attention to detail and true craftsmanship and patience, it's worth it. I've linked to one of the pages where he talks about the headlight mod he's done, but there is much more info on the subject contained in the thread, it's just not all on one page.
I plan on doing some of the same mods to my kit as I'm building it, but haven't made allot of progress so far.....hopefully all in good time. Don didn't build his in a month either!
Anyway, you asked about doing the round sealed beam headlight mod, he has.
HAGO!
[This message has been edited by 355Fiero (edited 02-13-2014).]
4 of the Hankooks are going on as I type this. The front have minor rub at full throw, but much less pronounced than the 245/60s did. I am fortunate that the MERA letters/badges are still there. It looks like only the horse was added. On the interior, there was an engraved plate on the steering wheel that said MERA. God must have known I wanted to remove it as the 3M tape failed and it fell off exposing the Pegasus logo underneath. The drivers door has a similar plate with M engraved on it covering the small Pegasus insert on the latch release plate. It will also be coming off. I've seen in this thread where someone was offering the Corporate Concepts double M logo for this spot. Anyone know if they are available/where?
I only have a minor rub from the front tires with 265 x 50 x 15 tires on the front. This only happens at very low speeds when turning in a parking lot type environment and has not been an issue when road driving. WRT the double M logo for the power lock plate, Rodney Dickman used to sell these but was out of stock the last time I asked him. Due to volume issues he may not want to make more but I do not know that for certain. I may have a set that could be used for reproductions but do not know what the cost would be for these non OEM items.
Can ask for some advice? It's been raining a LOT here. When I look down into the driver's side air scoop I see a small lake(!) in the box that feeds the air intake water separator .. Is there a drain hole somewhere that might be plugged and if so, where would that be? Thanks!
WOW!!! that looks great!! kind of Jealous that I am as to your Question about the water issue. I am not sure if there is a "weep" hole per se but it would not be hard to make one
That does look sharp. It's funny what the difference between a good/bad picture can do. I saw the ad for the car in San Diego, and I thought "that paint is shot". You've either done some cleaning, or the lighting was just really bad in the older pictures. Got the oil changed and new belts today, and we drove up into the mountains. These are fun cars on curvy roads!
Dan, thank you. I think Mera X is hot in that red paint, Have you been able to drop a new engine in it yet?
Dean, Actually, there has been almost a month of polishing done on 7029's paint (love makes me do funny things :-), and it's certainly better now than when delivered. As you pointed out, the paint was pretty flat in the Autotrader picture, wasn't it?
One of the repairs needed was to replace one wheel. As you can see, someone decided there really IS a way to remove a wheel that is held on with a Pontiac wheel lock kit. All that is needed is a drill (wonder if the special socket was in the center storage bin, like it was when I got it?).
Thankfully, a Pennocks member near me had a nearly perfect lace wheel to sell and poof(!), it's all good!
Why does that car have to be even further than Will's??? 
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what gives??
great score!! I would have popped on that if it was closer. 
