Cruising in #020 today (you know the one that is well on it's way). I got stopped for nearly 20-minutes outside a Walgreens when I saw two guys taking pictures while another couple was looking. I was getting pics of #020 to present at the DMV (Orville suggested that I bring a few and saves time if they're looking around for a camera).
I stopped by the Chevy dealership to purchase a set of bolts for the Camero hood scoops. I forgot the year in which I took from the junked Camero, so I called Troy to help for the dealer was taking too long. Anyway, it's from a 94-96 and each bolt was .79 cents, but they didn't have any in stock, but the dealer in Palmdale did. While I was there I was checking out the new Chevy Volt and the Camero transformer cars. The volt's styling didn't excite me nor did the Camero. I guess going to SEMA shows every year has left me with a bad taste in my mouth whenever I see something that is stock. As I was looking several of the shop mechanics came over to check out #020. I was standing at a distant and they walked to the front and around to the back. They starred or several minutes looking at the wheels, engine and the side of the car's profile. I took off a few minutes later and took some pics of the beautiful mountains and the chopper.
Got a call from a fellow CFF member and choptop owner yesterday.
He is not really computer savvy so i am relaying the story.
Pedro has been working a lot out of town and has not had a lot of time to drive his car, but recently he has been able to get behind the wheel and the response has been tremendous.
He can hardly go anywhere without someone commenting or asking about the car. Tons of thumbs up and all positive comments.
Most cannot believe the car is over 2 decades old, is american, and a pontiac. The most common assumption is the car is some kind of italian exotic.
I've been enjoying #020 for the last couple of days. Although, the car is covered in primer people are still getting out of thier seats trying to get a look at the engine bay.My next door neighbor was so pleased to see that the front is changed, but didn't get around to seeing the N*. He was pleased to see the detailed craftmenship in and around the engine. Getting a 350Z glass is perhaps one of the best modifications one can add to a choptop, especially if you have a tricked out LS engine, SC3800, or N* in the back.
While at the redlight I could see passengers in the car behind me rising out of their seat trying to see inside the engine compartment (pretty easy since #020 stands 42"). Some how the alignment isn't too bad, but still needs some tweaking. I do miss my cup holders and I'll need to get on that next week. I'll be calling the same company that Troyboy uses for his chopper since my cup holder is too big.
I stopped at my local eatery and one of the employees said, "Look at the people viewing your car." I turned around and saw two dudes in a Mini rubber necking and the person behind them blew his horn at them. A guy in a new black four door Lexus was following me until I parked the chopper. While at Auto Sound Lab a older guy in a SS truck asked me a few questions while we were waiting for the light to turn green (he was able to look down into the engine bay).
I had the alarm and stereo reset and they fixed one of the fog lamps. It was tweaked by them so I couldn't replace the bulb. It's been at least two years since I drove the car to the shop and they like the hood and what was done to the engine compartment. The cruise control is now working and so far-so good with no issues with the engine or wiring system. I'll re-check under the car to see if anything is melted or if the need to move wires around, but I pretty much installed everything in the back.
The power steering is nice, but since I need some adjustments to the alignment I can't tell if there's any difference between D1S and WCF. Either way, both systems are a improvement vs. stock the set-up. I saw a red F458 in town, but it was a women I think was driving it (sweet looking car). A few Corvette guys were caught looking as we passed.
Snip it: As a Fiero owner it is bound to happen-the only question is when? Since none of my choptops aren't "show cars" therefore they are driven on a regular basis racking up many miles. Anyway, to make a long story short (since it's late) #020 has a simple $0.29 problem. Hunting down the problem is the biggest factor, but after an hour on the hwy I called it quits and had a tow truck haul me to the nearest town-Los Banos, CA. I was only 4.7 miles from town, but the tow was $165 and it was the best tow one should ever need for they didn't scratch my ride!
Long story:
I called in to Quality towing and asked for a flatbed with wooden blocks (several). Estaban did his job and arrived 20-minutes later. At first I thought it was a fuse issue so I replaced the needed ones that supplied power to the fuel pump in the back. Later I checked the stock fuses under the dash from the passenger side since opening the door nearest the hwy isn't the smartest idea especially with legs out into the road. I checked the battery cable and just about everything one could check, but as you can see-I called the tow company.
I had them drop my car off at Auto Zone in town and on the side of the building. I knew it was something electrical, but in the back of my mind I was thinking it's the fuel pump. I walked in and got additional fuses that I didn't have and replaced each and every one of them-still I got nothing. I checked everything under the car that was moved-still nothing was amiss. Removed all of the various beautification-still nothing was amiss. Last, I checked the steering and switches and still-nothing was amiss.
A nice little stroll through the town since the towing company credit transaction machine wasn't working, so they dropped me off to the nearby ATM in town.
The problem:
These two wires feed the computer and fuel pump relay. This is why I couldn'tget anything on the instrument cluster. If you're a DS1 customer beaware of these wires which are mounted on the transmission just behind the passenger side rear wheel.
The $0.29 headache:
The Fix: nearly 12 hrs later. LOL.
A lot more to the story here, but the wire here was located behind the passenger's rear wheel (a place I have never gone before). It was after a prayer that I found it. I decided to remove the wheel and pull away the wheel liner and presto! There was the missing link. Little did I know that the wire wasn't cut, but was mounted on the transmission as a ground. Using a flash light (it's now nearing 17:00hrs) I found the screw with the ring. Apparently, the wire must have been pulled or wore it's self out and broke loose. Originally the car was a friend of mine who had the install back in 2001 or so.
During this time I was on the phone with D1S trying to figure out what was wrong with my car. Kevin helped me during the entire process-never once giving up on me. After exhausting all possible issues I called my alarm company for it could be a "kill switch" issue. I called V8Archie initially and he too came to my aid. I forgot which one was the fuse that supplies power to the fuel pump. LOL. I also called West Coast Fiero and Chris also helped me work through some of the possibilities . So there you have it-three companies in the Fiero community I used to assist me. IF YOU HAVE A FIERO VENDER THAT ISN'T UP TO THESE STANDARDS-DON'T USE THEM!
SIDE NOTES: While the chopper was on the tow truck people were taking pictures. LOL. In the parking lot I had the hardest time trying to fix the problem and many people ( I mean many!) kept coming by asking many questions. I was nice and answered as many as I could, even telling one guy about options in getting a job. I told him he needs to pull his pants up and dress for the part and if that doesn't work leave town for it can't be that many jobs in a small town. Two people wanted to buy the car and I said no while others wanted to buy the kit.
The only thing I had was a Snicker's bar-LOL. I stopped in Gilroy and eat at Panda's.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 01-18-2012).]
I've been drivng #020 in and around CA and it's been wonderful-well the tow wasn't LOL. I got my 8" springs from WCF and this week I hope to have them installed and then test the morbidly 20x12, 345/25/20 in the rear. The rake will be a bit lower in the front since it's a 18/20 combo. The Lotus wiper blade is working like a champ and the steering is perfect (although I need to order a pair of cup holders) and with the recent rains the rear camera is a plus for the Camero bow tie wing hides most of the rear viewing. I had to make a pit stop in Madera, CA to get two rear blubs at O' Reilly's and they came in handy on Saturday night.
Late last night while getting off from work. I notice a car speeding up. I was going around 58-60 in a 55mph hwy so I slowed down to 55. I used the passing lane to allow for the car to pass me on the left, but he didn't want to pass. Using my camera I could barely make out the make of the car and it look like a crown vic and sure enough it was! Therefore the cop and I did this song and dance for the next 6-miles as was went through the twisties going 45, 25, 35, 25, 45, 35, 25, 45, 40, and finally 35mphs like grandma. Trust me on this. Nobody goes the currect speed unless there's a cop on your tail.
I down shifted to D3, D2, and back to D1 throughout the whole time. LOL. Never once using my brakes. The cop (sheriff) was cool and all with no tickets being issued, but not knowing the cop personally it was best to play it cool, so I turn on my GoPro video. We arrived in town and he was looking at the chopper as I made a right turn. #020 has a better sound system so my enjoyment has increased. The PZeros handles the wet roads okay, but not as good as the Toyo's. Down south I was making a left turn and briefly drove over a patch of black ice. The back end started to slide, but I turned the wheel in the opposite direction and the chopper straightened out and was okay.
Well today I got a little surprise. The weather was descent and the roads were clear so I took #24 out to a customers business for a meeting. I was in the back of the building with my customer and about 20 minutes went by and the employee came to the back where I was and said there is a police officer there to see me. A little paranoid and half freaking out because I was not parked in a handicap but the driver tires were in the yellow stripes that were about 6 feet from the actual space. I go up to the front and he is like is that your car out there? and I said yea, am I in the handicap spot. Hes like no but I would like to talk to you about your car. .......lol.. Suuure . We go outside and for 25 minutes or so I go everything that was done to it. I told him it was V-8 Archies handywork. He said he had 3 Fieros before and one of them he did a full Countach Kit to it. Stretching the frame and everything. He said he sold it. Said he new Archie but has not spoken with him since his shop was in Barrington. Big Guy! Said he definatley wants to go to this Dells Show I told him about. His name is Steve. Archie Chime in if you remember him.
Today, my girlfriend came by my work and picked me up for lunch. Afterward, as we were headed back to my office, I see a very familiar silver chop-top Fiero. I told her, "TURN AROUND! You need to drop me off at that shop over there!" She ended up dropping me off at Trends Auto Detailing to go investigate and, sure enough, standing there next to the car was MadCurl himself.
I've been lurking around on this forum for years. It was a great pleasure meeting you and a joy getting to see your beautiful car in person!
Apparently owning a chopped fiero can sometimes be a bit much. Fellow CFF member and choptop owner Pedro finding out that a choptop can cause a dizzying amount of attention.
Pedro saying that rare is a stoplight that he can make it thru without being bombarded with the same questions from eager eyed motorists.
Pedro laughedly admits he recently had to convince his wife a female gawker was drooling at the car,...... and not him !
[This message has been edited by exoticse (edited 02-03-2012).]
Finally 6 years & 36 days after you picked it up at my place.....
you have it home.....
Let's see the Curley pose.
Archie
Archie,
I can't tell you how much joy looking at the choptop and shaved doors you and the crew did on my car brings to me. Best money I have ever spent on any vehicle, period. I can't wait to get it driving and restored.
--Will
EDIT- Curley pose coming tomorrow for you.
[This message has been edited by Will-Martin (edited 02-03-2012).]
Thanks man, have you made any more progress on your car? I haven't seen it in a while.
quote
Originally posted by 85LAMB:
Will, I am glad that you finally got your car back after all that time I have to say that you are a much "bigger" man than I am....
I would love to find out what happen... I am sure others feel the same. What are your plans ?
Please keep us posted
Lets see, I bought the car in cherry condition, I took my car to Loyde, he did a 3800 install I was not happy with. I got it chopped by Archie. Loyde and I negotiated that he would pull my install, sell it, then install a V8. He sold my install to Buff and the V8 install never happened for whatever reason. My car sat outside his shop for 6 years with no install and some now shot interior & exterior pieces so I took him to court and that went no where but deeper into my pocketbook. Basically Loyde ran a business and it went under which happens everyday in a capitalistic society. Now everyone that had dealings with him has to deal with the fallout. Since Loyde literally has nothing, you can't get anything from him so I just got my car, an engine, a transmission, and swap parts. He still has some of my parts that I will go pick up sometime, but that is about it. It is up to me now to finish the car, which I will.
As far as my future with Loyde goes, he is in a bad spot so I am not going to kick him while he is down. If he feels he wants to pay me back in the future he can, but I am not going to hold my breath. I am moving on with my life and the car. This will probably be the last post I make on this subject because it will just turn into a flame war and Trash Can a great topic.
More updates on the car as they come, things are already happening.
--Will
[This message has been edited by Will-Martin (edited 02-03-2012).]
We all look forward to seeing your car progress. My car hasn't changed much in appearance so I don't have a lot to post about. I've been focused on trying to hit 12's with the v6 and am hoping to be there this spring. New exhaust, raised compression and tuning.
Lets see, I bought the car in cherry condition, I took my car to Loyde, he did a 3800 install I was not happy with. I got it chopped by Archie. Loyde and I negotiated that he would pull my install, sell it, then install a V8. He sold my install to Buff and the V8 install never happened for whatever reason. My car sat outside his shop for 6 years with no install and some now shot interior & exterior pieces so I took him to court and that went no where but deeper into my pocketbook. Basically Loyde ran a business and it went under which happens everyday in a capitalistic society. Now everyone that had dealings with him has to deal with the fallout. Since Loyde literally has nothing, you can't get anything from him so I just got my car, an engine, a transmission, and swap parts. He still has some of my parts that I will go pick up sometime, but that is about it. It is up to me now to finish the car, which I will.
As far as my future with Loyde goes, he is in a bad spot so I am not going to kick him while he is down. If he feels he wants to pay me back in the future he can, but I am not going to hold my breath. I am moving on with my life and the car. This will probably be the last post I make on this subject because it will just turn into a flame war and Trash Can a great topic.
More updates on the car as they come, things are already happening.
--Will
Would be cool to use the kit. I don’t think there is a Chop Top 308 kit car that I know off. If you want to just get the car on the road the wife's car has a nice 2.8 auto that will be coming out soon. I will donate it to you to help get the car on the road fast. Just let me know if you need it. I know you have been through a lot with this car. Glad to see you have it back.
I parked #020 and decided to drive #011 this week and I'm happy to report there was no issues regarding the CV boot repair. Although the stereo is dated and not as good as #020, but it does have cup holders so hands down #011 is "winning." I finally got around to cleaning my K&N filters and my goodness where they dirty! I gased up and noticed a it took 7.4 gallons verse my usual 7.8 to fill-up during the same driving distances.I'm not 100% sure if using a after market air intake system/K&N cone filter is a big difference over a stock K&N filter. I know I can hear more noise coming from the custom made air intake tube.
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 02-04-2012).]
#19 in the driveway next to it's project stablemate for the next few months. Everyone who has seen #19 has been really impressed it looks this good after setting for so long. Can't wait to start on paint and body, but first thing is first -
Driving 16 hours round trip to pick up #19's new heart today. Wish me luck.
#011 was in Grass Valley, CA. (a wooded area near Auburn CA on 49 hwy). The drive was great and area is beautiful! I stayed for one day and #011 was getting some attention from the locals. On the way back I got a few thumbs up and honks as drivers saw me going through (Sacramento/Oakland/Richmond, CA area).
All right! Is the car being painted? Cleaning up the engine compartment? Nice pose btw.
Unfortunately, the choptop is just getting some little things done to it because I am going to get the engine situation handled before I move on to its body, etc.. #19 was an 88 Formula originally.
The 86GT I mentioned is a 3800SC car that will be getting a Mera kit before I sell it so I can fund the rest of the Chop Top. It is at the body shop getting a frame rail pulled out about 1.5 inches so the front of the Mera kit will fit on.
Florida choptop owner Pedro having an exotic encounter earlier today when he ended up side by side with a ferrari modena. A youngster was behind the wheel of the ferrari when Pedro pulled alongside for a bit then hit the gas .
Obviously no racing involved, but the bright red sleek fiero definatly got the attention of the driver and what looked to possibly be his father.
[This message has been edited by exoticse (edited 02-25-2012).]
