Been over a year since my last relapse. But today I succumbed to my addiction and went on a bender. Had some motivation from forum member Kit( You da man man!), who sent me to the guy that had the fix. Didnt need it, didnt want it, but I was jonesin hard. The guy was practically begging me to make an offer, shops closing, lands being sold. Everything must go. I hit him at 50%, he came back at 60%. I said no lol. He said ok, and I picked up a u haul this mornin and brought it home. This is a turd for the ages but must be saved.
Has a salvaged title, doesnt run, needs everything, but is an 88, has c+c music factory t-tops, and lumbar seats I dunno if that hood scoop was custom made or a kit, but either way it hits the frunk opening and the hood cant close lol Interior is ratty but complete, most of the gauges working mostly OD says 200k but didnt the later v6s come w the sticker on the intake instead of this engraved one? Maybe a swapped motor Its got headers, red ignition coil, ss brake lines, and some other stuff I already forgot Tons of leaves, first order was some landscaping, took the leafblower to the whole car. Gave it a quick wersh and put in a battrey. Everything works, window motors are crazy slow. Its ok I am too. Went to check the oil before cranking it, no oil. Added oil and it cranked over and almost started on the old gas. Fires right up and runs good on starting fluid, good oil pressure, alts charging, tachs all over the place. Then the fuel pump crapped out. Try to get to that tomorrow. Gonna get it running and driving then either paint it black w grey lowers, or cut it up and make it into a red 89 gt since it needs so much body love. I dunno
Good save! BTW, those are FOCOA headers. Widely regarded as some of the best headers you can find for a Fiero V6. And the 87 and 88 got the engraved plenum. The earlier cars got the sticker.
If you decide it's not worth your trouble to fix/restore, you'll have endless hours taking it apart. Why the salvage title? Any ideas?
Your the man! But it is hard to find the time to get them back where they belong. We can't save them all. I kinda like it just like it is. With new paint of course. If the installer of the vents forgets to look at where that frunk bulkhead is, the no close hood can be the option. I have seen where guys have cut the bulkhead to clear, but I question what that does to body/frame rigidity. After I bought that 88 Formula, I then bought a Chrysler Crossfire that is in need of help. Not sure I needed either one. But Shem, you'll have that thing spit shined in no time. Oh, after looking at the pictures again, you now have those 88 black lace wheels i need!
[This message has been edited by bjc 350 (edited 09-03-2024).]
I dunno if that hood scoop was custom made or a kit, but either way it hits the frunk opening and the hood cant close lol
As long as the sealing edge hasn't been bent down during the fabrication of the vents, cleaning up that sealing edge should allow the hood to close properly (unless the lower part of the vent is possibly hitting the rad fan shroud).
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE
Just for location/size comparison purposes, here's the vents I had installed (on a hood I've used on three different Fieros so far).
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-04-2024).]
Been over a year since my last relapse. But today I succumbed to my addiction and went on a bender. Had some motivation from forum member Kit( You da man man!), who sent me to the guy that had the fix. Didnt need it, didnt want it, but I was jonesin hard. The guy was practically begging me to make an offer, shops closing, lands being sold. Everything must go. I hit him at 50%, he came back at 60%. I said no lol. He said ok, and I picked up a u haul this mornin and brought it home. This is a turd for the ages but must be saved.
Has a salvaged title, doesnt run, needs everything, but is an 88, has c+c music factory t-tops, and lumbar seats Tons of leaves, first order was some landscaping, took the leafblower to the whole car. Gave it a quick wersh and put in a battrey. Everything works, window motors are crazy slow. Its ok I am too. Went to check the oil before cranking it, no oil. Added oil and it cranked over and almost started on the old gas. Fires right up and runs good on starting fluid, good oil pressure, alts charging, tachs all over the place. Then the fuel pump crapped out. Try to get to that tomorrow. Gonna get it running and driving then either paint it black w grey lowers, or cut it up and make it into a red 89 gt since it needs so much body love. I dunno
shem
more to come
Man! What a score! That is a fantastic car. Other than a couple of missing trim pieces, and shotty paint, the car itself looks really solid and very complete. It even has the late 1990s Fiero Store wood dash kit that they offered back then! Haha...
Honestly though, that's quite a collection of options. C+C T-Tops, 5-Speed, Lumbar seats... it probably also has performance sound too. I really do hope you can restore it. I would hate to see this car parted out.
I was able to get a salvage / untitled car (legally) titled... so if you don't already have a means to do it... there's a couple of services that offer this. You need a bill of sale, and the car has to be free of liens and no theft report, and they can issue you a new title in the state of Ohio. You can do it all online, you just send the paperwork in and a check... along with a very specific type of power of attorney that you give the Tags & Title place to act on your behalf. After two months, I got back a clean title from Ohio, in my name. I could then take that to my local DMV in the state of Florida and have the title transferred. I did that for my 1984 Porsche 944.
Originally posted by shemdogg: Been over a year since my last relapse. But today I succumbed to my addiction and went on a bender. Had some motivation from forum member Kit( You da man man!), who sent me to the guy that had the fix. Didnt need it, didnt want it, but I was jonesin hard. The guy was practically begging me to make an offer, shops closing, lands being sold. Everything must go. I hit him at 50%, he came back at 60%. I said no lol. He said ok, and I picked up a u haul this mornin and brought it home.
My Wife thanks you. She would not be happy if I told her I needed another 88 GT T Top.
Pray do tell. You hit him at 50% of what amount ? Wait, I am not sure I want to know .
WOW!!! Nice score! Definitely lots of work ahead but it is a worthy subject. What was 50 percent anyway? If you got the time that is a nice project. Good Luck!
Thanks for the support and kudos fellas!!! This things gonna turn out nice for sure and definitely worthy of being brought back to life salvaged title or no. Theres a fair amount of body damage everywhere on this thing, and I dont know much about the bodies of these. The door jamb area on the drivers side is a bit tweaked and the door was out a bit. I gave the area some motivation w a block of wood and a small sledge, but between this and the back bumper im guessing is why it was salvaged.
Theres a good 3/8" gap between the bottom of the taillights and the top of the bumper, pulled the lights today and the bumpers bolted down solid so im guessing the bumper support got pushed down Prolly all from an accident and was given the salvaged title and the thumbs down by julius seizure
Pulled the tank today to change the fuel pump and get a good look underneef. No rust but looks like the last owner wen well outta his to hit every large dense piece of road debris lol wtf how in the hell did this happen?! AC line scuffed Even the tank was spared no quarter. Front coolant tubes loose and dinged up Only the nose knows
But hey no rust lol Tank was bone dry except for the wee bit o fuel I put in yesterday and was pretty clean inside. Tank gave me hella chit getting it in and out, easily one of the biggest jobs I hate doing. And, of course, the new fuel pump works great! Yes! It just doesnt pump any fuel and refuses to build pressure! &^$*&$*%##&*^# And the hose were pretty fubared so the tank will come out yet again in the future! Woo**&*&^$Hoo! So thats where im at tonight. Had to call it quits early, back to school night.
BJC these wheels are clean, just need the lips polished. Tires are shot. Seller tried telling me the tires were good lol, I just gave him the look. Patrick for the hood scoop im going to grind it away until is doesnt hit the nice unmolested frunk lip, then glass it from the top and finish it. Hope the latch still works but its rusted and doesnt catch. I do like the vents tho. TA thanks for bringing that up please pm me that info. If thats possible than engine swaps in ca are no prob, bringing a car in from out of state automatically has to go to the smog ref. I talked w a guy and he said its easy just no one at dmv knows the law or how to do it so its a monster pain in the ass. Thats whats holding up the kit car right now. Cliff my wife thanked me too, I gave her the red one after she begged me for it. I didnt know how much she loved fieros till I got the last one, im keepin the wheels tho! lmao I have to be the voice of reason w my addiction because she always says just go buy it. Got a light day tomorrow, should have time to play w this smore.
I would say that Fiero is worth saving and being restored. The 88 is the best year and T tops are rare. As for the scoops they may need just a little bit of trimming and/or the bulkhead lowered just a tiny bit. The body panels can be fixed with two part 3M flexible plastic filler thats easy to sand and work with. Just make sure that you use it on everything except the hood , deck lid and roof panel. Those can be fixed with bondo fiberglass filler. Good luck on the project. Sounds like you may be able to gas up and drive it.
------------------ " 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 "
John, can you tell me the last 5 digits of the vin# just want to update who owns this t-top now and do you know what C&C number yours is if not I can give you that information and more
Hope to here back from you, John Podziemski
[This message has been edited by FIERO JOHN-WI (edited 09-06-2024).]
Originally posted by shemdogg: Gonna get it running and driving then either paint it black w grey lowers, or cut it up and make it into a red 89 gt since it needs so much body love. I dunno
That was interesting to see being done. However, it kind of surprises me that someone would go through all that trouble to shine up the panels before trying to make that awful looking nose more presentable.
That was interesting to see being done. However, it kind of surprises me that someone would go through all that trouble to shine up the panels before trying to make that awful looking nose more presentable.
Yeah, that kind of irked me too... I think he could have touched it up and painted it a bit before he did the rest. But either way, wish I had thought to do this back when I was younger. My car has faded paint in several areas... I may consider doing this since most of the paint is good, just faded on the top.
quote
Originally posted by Patrick: I've also never seen this before!
Parts?! lol TA thanks for the vid but its getting a full respray in gloss black to see how bad my body and paint skills are lol. Either way its gonna be epic! John ill pm u the vin, dunno about the c+c numbers, the tops are faded, barely see the logo.
Anywho................
Could not get that new pump to prime, backfilled it and got it to prime. I had my pressure tester hooked up, so i got a water bottle, poked a hole for the drain tube, put gas in the bottle, turned it upside down, stabbed a hole in it, and pushed the release in the tester. That got the pump primed, but it only made 15lbs no matter what. coulda pinched the return line, if there was any way to access it from the engine compartment lol. I just ordered a new pump yesterday from another vendor. Had a small job and some errands, and when I got home the ups guy was there w my new pump. Hot as it was I got it done before having to get the kid from school. Propped the tank up on some 4x6 chunks and hooked it up and hit the key to test. 15lbs! Jumped it and it got up to 45lbs so I put the tank back in. Had to get some new hoses down there too. This thing fires right up instantly, runs friggin good, just has a high idle. let it warm up a few seconds longer each run. So many leaves and tree stuff everywhere, the startups were very aromatic- not just burning oil and other stuff that collected over the last 15+ years. Runs solid, everything works, all the gauges worked except the temp gauge. Checked the motor and the temp gauge plug has disintegrated and one wire was off. Put it back on w some needle nose, temp gauge working. VM reads in the red but shows 13.9 on the meter. It got better and better w each run, still having to search for smoking foliage and embers. Got it all cleaned out and ran it good, it warmed up and the fan even came on and blew out all the crap I couldnt. Windows work, everything works, even the friggin radio!. Feeling good I pulled the bricks from under the front tires, put it in gear and tried the clutch. Butter. Brakes feel great too. Feelin ballsy I took it out a bit forward towards the street and then, no reverse. Fock! Couldnt get it to go in reverse for the life of me. Went to verify where reverse was in the other fiero, and oh, its where 6th would be lmao. Im thinkin of the muncie in the kit car, top left lol. Put it in reverse and backed it in, thing feels so damn good no joke.
Started sanding some of the panels and popping dents, gonna need new door skins. Gonna meet up w a local guy next week and see what hes got. Should have it in primer by next weekend. Drilled out the Ttop rivets for the back panels and cleaned all that out. Started diggin into the front scoop, heavy bondo is all I gotta say. And air holes in the fb, lotsa air holes. Took a good 3/8 of bondo outta the top and ground deeper around the cracks. Had to just keep going. When in doubt, hog that chit out! Ground so deep big holes started appearing -I think this a fiberglass hood, or one bonded to a factory bottom. While grinding the bottom, which did help, I see fb bonded to a black material of the hood. But everywhere I ground on the top was pretty much all bondo all the way from the front to far back past the scoop. Either way I filled it and glassed the chit out of it w more to come tomorrow. So as of now the car is running and driving w almost everything working and just needing a paint job. And I got it for $500 bucks lol thanks Kit!
Pulled the taillights and tried to see why the top of the back bumper sat so low. Found shims in one of mounting tabs, so I made a shim for the whole thing. Poifect!
This pic came out bad but doesnt so justice to the monstrosity that was made when that scoop was bonded on, cracks and loose chunks and air holes. shem
shem
[This message has been edited by shemdogg (edited 09-06-2024).]
So many leaves and tree stuff everywhere, the startups were very aromatic- not just burning oil and other stuff that collected over the last 15+ years.
Please tell us you've cleaned out the HVAC air box! If not... DON'T TURN ON THE FAN/BLOWER !!!!
shemdogg: The door jamb area on the drivers side is a bit tweaked and the door was out a bit. I gave the area some motivation w a block of wood and a small sledge, but between this and the back bumper im guessing is why it was salvaged
Straighten the frame isn't 'cheap' and maybe not worth it to straighten a bent frame.....
I believe member sdgdf had the 'same' door/frame damage when he posted his thread titled:
Patrick u da man man! Wowsers, I owe you a 6 pack or something- may have saved the whole damn car w that one. I had to volunteer at my kids school all day so I did a lil work this morning and heeded your advice. Couldnt find a thread on how to clean the hvac box, so I just looked around till I saw something that coulda been the hot springy thingies that set cars on fire, and it was. Pulled it out and said more chinese names- ho lee phuc! Wow the ac/ heater was the only thing I havent tried on the car. So yeah thats getting left out for awhile while I do udder stuff lol. Cleaned out the gauge cluster wiring and took the indicator bulbs out and cleaned the contacts, everything working but the tackometer. And then I drove it up and down my street a buncha times, cars feels friggin perfect. Clutch is butter, brakes grab, steerings nice and straight. Feels like it never left the road. Of course I had the windows down n ttops off. Headlights even go up and down, got the trunk popper working too.
As far as being salvaged, theres nothing that indicates a major accident. The door damage is minimal but the powers that be dont want old cars on the road here in commiefornia so its easy for a car to get salvaged. Night and day difference between the damage on mine and the t-boned one, that was folded in and crushed. I really didnt think theyd fix that. That would never happen here itd just get salvaged and scrapped. Body shops here only want the quick insurance work, they dont even do full paint jobs.
A gajillion good karma points and positive energies being sent your way!!!!!!!! Daily!!!!!!! lol
Contacted a local guy who has a stash, made an appt, and went to get some goodies! Its in oakland, and a really nasty part of oakland. Areas look like a pick n pull for the homeless, heres a minor sample
Hes a busy guy so only hit him up for bigger things, he had to crawl all over the warehouse to look for stuff. Anywho, major score Even threw in a taillight! Fixed up the passenger side door skin but still needed the udder side. He said a door skins $100, a whole doors $100. All he had was whole doors and up on a shelf- damn them things r heavy. I said Ill take complete fiero doors for $100 alex. Even came w a mint door panel!
Then I kinda went on a lil bender w the cutting wheel, still patching things up. This is from a few days ago Glassing the front lip and making custom wing stands for the wing now,. Changed the driver door skin and door panel today from the new door. Found the drivers door main support was pushed in about 1/4". Thats what did the lil tweak where the door latches and most likely the reason for the salvaged title. Pulled it out w some pipe wrenches, door lines up perfect. After smore driving it threw a hard code 15, changed that, now I got jumpy idle lol. In bodywerk mode so ill get to it later.
I found the original owner! lol. The hoods wopped bad. I think it was removed, had the scoop hole cut(probably where it wopped), then was glassed back together that way. The hood latch was not latching either, but I swapped it out. Only to find the cable that came w it is waaaaay too long, but it does latch. After a few days in the sun, it came back to sitting right
Working on the way back wing stands and put some 4" sections of pipe over the exhaust tips to get a feel for a single tips
Shem, I saw some FlowMaster rectangular stainless exhaust tips on Marketplace tonight. They are fairly short , so should fit under there easily. They would look really good on your newest ride.
[This message has been edited by bjc 350 (edited 09-21-2024).]
Definitely thought about it but going w the single tips for sure. I think 3" is too small for the opening so itll prolly be 4" tips. Busy w family and going camping this weekend too so not a lotta time for the car but its coming along. Brushed on some grey primer w my kid, got a high build on there for sure. Knocked it all down today, all flat. Just some cracks to fill and finish finish up the areas I cut up. Hood and vents almost done, hood vents a biotch to sand, also made grilles for the vents. Pulled the wheel wells to reinforce the vents better, and virtually no rust anywhere. The wheels all had locks but easy to remove, now im short 4 lugs. Primer sealers coming wednesday, should be ready to shoot then. Then back to cleanup and mechanical work.
Still at it, wound up making more and more mods. Making a trans am-ish(not amish) front bumper, and widebodied it a bit. Got the back tire almost completely covered by the wheel well and it looks awesome. Got the front bumper widened quite a bit also at the wheel well. Been busy every weekend so havent had a buncha time to throw at it. Then we got a heat wave so not much has gotten done. Working in the fog light cutouts now, then onto finishing. Got boxes of parts waiting to be installed, more en route, still hunting for others, and some being made. Got the exhaust figured out too
Got primer sealer down today. Finished up the fog light pockets, pulled the wheels, and put the car on stands. Shot 3 heavy coats , put the wheel well liners and wheels back on. Some minor fixes and a going over w 320 and this things ready for color
Wheel "house" liners as fiero store likes to call them. Why you would build a house out of wheels, I dunno. A house of tires would insulate much better. But the house would smell like a burnout on hot days. Anywho, yes, yes I did. And no. No I didnt. Long story short, I used the passenger side one you gave me and used the original drivers side one that was in good shape. They are identical except for an extra tab, mostly. Knocked down the primer everywhere, had some bubbles on the hood and was still soft there so it all came off there. Got some ss black from eastwood for the jambs and the body line, very good stuff dries rock hard quick. Jamb on it
and shot the rest of the quart kit for chit n giggles Looks great in black but the voices request a color I would never paint a car lol. Spent all day today masking and giving the car a going over w 320. Weather was perfect and the wind stayed down, so I went for it.
Say hello to me leeetle fren, ees a keeeler bee! Ran outta paint lol. Tried my cuzs fancy devilbiss and yeah its nice. The spray patterns weird so I laid a ton of light coats, but it barely puts out paint. He kept telling me to turn it down lol. Ill use mine next time. Areas that got enough turned out great, diggin the yellow for sure
Had some leftover low sheen gunmetal, so I shot the lowers. Likin it! Paint showed yesterday, put it down today. Came out friggin good! Spent more time unmasking the dried out tape than I did shooting! Polished the tail lights, put in the new rear gt emblem, and put on the mirruhs n door panels. Def diggin the yellow, getting tons of positive comments too.
Started the reg yesterday, gotta get it smogged. Gonna let the paint set up for a few days then buff n install the new sail panels. Hopefully before friday as another surgical operation will start then. Think I have wheels picked out, maybe. Then to start the interior.
Lol I wont be done goofing off for a long time buddy, come by and ill goof off on yours! Started on the hunting idle, it threw a code 22 quick. Tps had mv at rest, swapped it out w another used one from the ever increasing parts stash, .08v. Cleared the ecm, runs perfect! Drove it around for a bit and got it up to 40ish to set the iac. Got it back into the driveway and it mustve just warmed up then because the idle dropped a few hunert rpm and the things just started purring. I think this motor runs smoother than my other 2.8. between that and the tips I put on, this things silent almost no exhaust tone at idle. Happy w that, I put the sail panels on, got the front vent grilles in, drilled a hole for the nose emblem, bolted the rockers up, a buncha lil things I cant remember, and installed the window logo that screams 80's lol Love it! Love it! Just needs to sit about 4-5" lower. Ups guy showed today oooosh ooooooooosh! stance-o-matic, comin right up! And down too! Yeah buddy! sleepytime..............
Lol I wont be done goofing off for a long time buddy, come by and ill goof off on yours! Started on the hunting idle, it threw a code 22 quick. Tps had mv at rest, swapped it out w another used one from the ever increasing parts stash, .08v. Cleared the ecm, runs perfect! Drove it around for a bit and got it up to 40ish to set the iac. Got it back into the driveway and it mustve just warmed up then because the idle dropped a few hunert rpm and the things just started purring. I think this motor runs smoother than my other 2.8. between that and the tips I put on, this things silent almost no exhaust tone at idle. Happy w that, I put the sail panels on, got the front vent grilles in, drilled a hole for the nose emblem, bolted the rockers up, a buncha lil things I cant remember, and installed the window logo that screams 80's lol Love it! Love it! Just needs to sit about 4-5" lower. Ups guy showed today oooosh ooooooooosh! stance-o-matic, comin right up! And down too! Yeah buddy! sleepytime..............
shem
Where did you get the PONTIAC decal. Love to get one for the Formula.
Patrick and Brian thank you, I thinks its taking waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long. All those vents ate up a lotta time, and it got hot so I didnt really do much on it for awhile. The vents were definitely worth it tho, I love em. Then I ran outta paint lol. The yellow gets an insane amount of comments just sitting in the driveway, I like it but not sold on it just yet. After wheels n stance but I hate wheel shopping. Everything I wants too wide or the wrong bolt pattern and wont fit w spacers. Same story for all my rides lol. May try thinner tires on the rear wheels of the red car and see if theyll tuck. I dunno lol Brian if you want the wheels send me a text, ive been thru 2 phones and lost your number lol.
Jason I got the 80's windshield decal offa ebay, got one for the red fiero too. Thought about putting one on the kit car to mess w people lol
Been on several trips now w the car and its gold, everything feels great. Last few trips the rad started dripping from somewhere in the front, leaves a trail of dribblage going back into the driveway. Looks ancient so may be the stock one. Just like undercover cops posing as drug buyers getting arrested by undercover cops posing as drug dealers, it was bound to happen. Its a numbers game. The shift cables are crunchy and clunky, I made some shims outta thin alum and got the select cable about 5/8 off the header. New rads coming wednesday, correct airbag parts kit coming this week. Temp gauge maxes out at 100, got a universal 2 prong sensor and pigtail and the gauge doesnt like it. Got a replacement original style one, still doesnt like it lol. Gauge pegs and warning light comes on when grounded, so im waiting on a 3 gauge set for the center cluster pod. Peeled off all the wood trim from the interior panels and its looks exponentially better wow. Didnt know how terrible that chit looked till I pulled it. Panels are all gummy as hell now, one more task. More to come..........
After following this thread for a while, I will say is that you are a motivated quality restorer in the true tradition of automotive Hot Rodding. Automotive enthusiasts like Fiero owners have been called a rogue faction of outsiders challenging the automotive establishment, the status quo and that describes it best.
------------------ " 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 "
.
