Ronald Finger's Fiero series is the best on Youtube. I have watched the entire series and weekend projects on several occasions and have referred to the videos many times to help me with my 85 Fiero complete rebuild that I'm doing.
He posted his final 15-part series today. WOW! What an emotional episode and you can really feel his happiness and appreciation.
If Ronald is new to you, and you are a lover of Fieros, I highly encourage you to watch his series.
Ronald Finger!!! THANK YOU for sharing your journey!
[This message has been edited by Wichita (edited 05-15-2021).]
Ron describes himself as a novice but it appears that he is a talented craftsman. It certainly seems an unusual choice restoring a 2M4 but it was a satisfying project for him and that's what counts. Great job Ron. Enjoy cruising in your Fiero.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
It certainly seems an unusual choice restoring a 2M4 but it was a satisfying project for him and that's what counts. Great job Ron. Enjoy cruising in your Fiero.
I believe its all about what you are looking to do. I have put a lot of time into my 87 2m4 its a good relatable car. Its also a bit easier to maintain. Im working With my wife to restore an 85 2m4 SE she really fell in love with. That car has over 215k on the odometer and im fairly certain it was the factory duke. The iron duke is a solid engine, its whats in the USPS trucks (Grumman LLV)
That being said it also has a lot to do with timing. I never thought 10 years ago id ever end up with an 88 GT and here it is.
I believe its all about what you are looking to do. I have put a lot of time into my 87 2m4 its a good relatable car. Its also a bit easier to maintain. Im working With my wife to restore an 85 2m4 SE she really fell in love with. That car has over 215k on the odometer and im fairly certain it was the factory duke. The iron duke is a solid engine, its whats in the USPS trucks (Grumman LLV)
That being said it also has a lot to do with timing. I never thought 10 years ago id ever end up with an 88 GT and here it is.
The 2M4 certainly has its place. While under-powered (95HP) it was brought out during the gas crisis of the 1980's . It is an excellent commuter car, reliable and with a good engine and the 5 speed Isuzu trans owners have reported at or near 50 mpg. That is comparable to even today's hybrid car standards. Of course an owner restores what he likes but we can't deny that many here are after performance fitting the sports car look as the goal
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I just want to point out that though a lot of us like performance that is higher than what the Duke can do (Stock), if you go back to the early 60s and all of the 50s...Most Sports cars were MUCH slower than the 2M4 Fieros. My Father had several British sports cars and his best one was the Jowett Jupiter...It won (In 1.5L class) at Le Mans 3 years in a row. 0-60 for the street version was 18-20 seconds depending on who tested it.
Most of the new cars now you have to be doing at least 100 MPH to have any "Fun" with them....My 2M6 can be a lot of fun at 40-50 MPH on back roads.
"the best on Youtube" ? The "series" has several to many things What Not To Do and shows a compete nube. Is just luck so far didn't hurt anyone like some other threads here by others "restoring" a car.
quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: The 2M4 certainly has its place. While under-powered (95HP) it was brought out during the gas crisis of the 1980's . It is an excellent commuter car, reliable and with a good engine and the 5 speed Isuzu trans owners have reported at or near 50 mpg. That is comparable to even today's hybrid car standards. Of course an owner restores what he likes but we can't deny that many here are after performance fitting the sports car look as the goal
"gas crisis of the 1980's" Wrong. Iron Duke is a large result of failed Vega/Opel Aluminum L4 that burn oil, blown head gaskets, and other major problems. That Al engine was built Before the OPEC Oil Embargo in 1973–1974 and also Why the Vega is still hated by many. Only a few had Cosworth Vegas that was a way different L4.
Carburetor Iron Duke was used in Monza and others in the 70's after the Al engine disaster.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
"the best on Youtube" ? The "series" has several to many things What Not To Do and shows a compete nube. Is just luck so far didn't hurt anyone like some other threads here by others "restoring" a car.
The kid tells a good story. He's up front about this being his first major project. He makes a lot of mistakes, but he shows them rather than editing them out. The series was obviously never meant as a how-to, but there are certainly a lot of learning moments in it.
If you want to bag on the videos, cool I guess. He's welcome to come drink beers in my shop.
Originally posted by theogre: "the best on Youtube" ? The "series" has several to many things What Not To Do and shows a compete nube. Is just luck so far didn't hurt anyone like some other threads here by others "restoring" a car.
Originally posted by fishsticks: The kid tells a good story. He's up front about this being his first major project. He makes a lot of mistakes, but he shows them rather than editing them out. The series was obviously never meant as a how-to, but there are certainly a lot of learning moments in it.
If you want to bag on the videos, cool I guess. He's welcome to come drink beers in my shop.
quote
Originally posted by Blacktree: Well, aren't you a little ray of sunshine?
Be a fan all you want. Meanwhile others watch some of that and do the same and have more problems or worse hurt, maybe kill, someone during a project or after on the highway. And He's getting YT Ad Money, Merch Money and Patreon for making these videos...
Brake "rebuild" has major problems. Yes he got the tag but how does Texas inspect the car or even require inspection of old car? States w/ Brake Dyno Test likely would fail. While NY and others look for dead pads etc would pass (edit to add> ) but mean little when have hydro problems or "dead" rear piston(s). As you should know "Dead" rear pistons may work now then have brake failure or a fire.(end edit)
At lest he didn't drop the cradle by lifting the car by the trunk latch hardware. I did get a laugh at rust out repair for battery that very bad for frame parts but still use same "battery tray" and Didn't replace AC hoses that leak now or soon is same vid. Didn't use bushing press right so crush the CA's but blame the tool. Did like how he fix the seat belt latch. Ghost wipe and SS screws was funny.
Something is still wrong w/ springs... Mix of lower and OE is a "band aid" at best. Likely have other problems causing this but didn't bother trying to fix. Examples: If has non gas struts and gas shocks then will cause problems like this. Or all gas but different brands etc. having different specs. If strut are made or assemble wrong then could sit lower/higher then spec.
Now the lower springs can cause other problems for the front.
[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 05-20-2021).]
Be a fan all you want. Meanwhile others watch some of that and do the same and have more problems or worse hurt, maybe kill, someone during a project or after on the highway. And He's getting YT Ad Money, Merch Money and Patreon for making these videos...
Brake "rebuild" has major problems. Yes he got the tag but how does Texas inspect the car or even require inspection of old car? States w/ Brake Dyno Test likely would fail. While NY and others look for dead pads etc would pass (edit to add> ) but mean little when have hydro problems or "dead" rear piston(s). As you should know "Dead" rear pistons may work now then have brake failure or a fire.(end edit)
At lest he didn't drop the cradle by lifting the car by the trunk latch hardware. I did get a laugh at rust out repair for battery that very bad for frame parts but still use same "battery tray" and Didn't replace AC hoses that leak now or soon is same vid. Didn't use bushing press right so crush the CA's but blame the tool. Did like how he fix the seat belt latch. Ghost wipe and SS screws was funny.
Something is still wrong w/ springs... Mix of lower and OE is a "band aid" at best. Likely have other problems causing this but didn't bother trying to fix. Examples: If has non gas struts and gas shocks then will cause problems like this. Or all gas but different brands etc. having different specs. If strut are made or assemble wrong then could sit lower/higher then spec.
Now the lower springs can cause other problems for the front.
I look forward to watching YOUR monetized YT videos, which you spend weeks filming and editing for others' entertainment.
Tell us all about the brake rebuild problems. All I see is there was no mention of checking the bores for roundness/scoring. I've seal swapped dozens of calipers and never had an issue.
I have a crisp $20 bill that says the o-rings in the AC system dried out from lack of use and he'll be just fine with those lines.
It's pretty obvious his rear springs just sagged from age. Get the car on the road and put it on the list for round 2.
People wonder why these cars end up crushed and at the same time we've got gatekeepers like you over here. It's a wonder how any hot rodding ever got done through the decades.
I know it comes with the territory that there is always someone who is going to point out the minor flaws or personal issues they may have. But, in my humble opinion, Ronald did probably 90% or better by spec and then some. His videos have been more informative, how-to, reference source than anything on YouTube about restoring a Fiero and I would even challenge here on PFF or Orge's Cave.
Point out the minor things or the monetizing all you want, but his rebuild series is the best on YouTube hands down as is a treasure resource for those of us who love Fieros.
I know it comes with the territory that there is always someone who is going to point out the minor flaws or personal issues they may have. But, in my humble opinion, Ronald did probably 90% or better by spec and then some. His videos have been more informative, how-to, reference source than anything on YouTube about restoring a Fiero and I would even challenge here on PFF or Orge's Cave.
Point out the minor things or the monetizing all you want, but his rebuild series is the best on YouTube hands down as is a treasure resource for those of us who love Fieros.
Given his goals, he did a good job, especially as an admitted first timer.
Would I have done a few things differently? Yes. Do I think the car is going to come apart on the highway? Nope. In fact I think it's probably in much better shape than a lot of cars out there right now. Does he have a nice car to cruise around in now? Sure does.
I've actually been a member on this forum for the past 12ish years. Mostly a lurker, but I posted some drawings waaay back when I was very young, back in 2014 when I got my 88 GT, and also back in late 2018 when I first started releasing videos in the series. After the series blew up, I basically just assumed that everyone already was going to see it pop up in their feed so I stopped posting here advertising it haha.
Again, thank you so very much for following along and enjoying what I do. Like I said in the video, it really does mean the world to me.
Ogre, I just wanted to say thank you for building out your cave over all these years. You have amassed and shared a wealth of information to so many people, including myself. So much so that you are one of the many reasons that contributed to me having the confidence needed in order to tackle a task as large as restoring a car for the first time. Mistakes are absolutely part of the process, but you helped me make a lot less than I otherwise would have. Thanks for all that you do.
Ogre, I just wanted to say thank you for building out your cave over all these years. You have amassed and shared a wealth of information to so many people, including myself. So much so that you are one of the many reasons that contributed to me having the confidence needed in order to tackle a task as large as restoring a car for the first time. Mistakes are absolutely part of the process, but you helped me make a lot less than I otherwise would have. Thanks for all that you do.
I've actually been a member on this forum for the past 12ish years. Mostly a lurker, but I posted some drawings waaay back when I was very young, back in 2014 when I got my 88 GT, and also back in late 2018 when I first started releasing videos in the series. After the series blew up, I basically just assumed that everyone already was going to see it pop up in their feed so I stopped posting here advertising it haha.
Again, thank you so very much for following along and enjoying what I do. Like I said in the video, it really does mean the world to me.
Ogre, I just wanted to say thank you for building out your cave over all these years. You have amassed and shared a wealth of information to so many people, including myself. So much so that you are one of the many reasons that contributed to me having the confidence needed in order to tackle a task as large as restoring a car for the first time. Mistakes are absolutely part of the process, but you helped me make a lot less than I otherwise would have. Thanks for all that you do.
