Progress! Did I mention that I don't like doing fiberglass? Since I'm trying to make a "compliment" to the Solstice, I thought a similar grille was proper.
I still have some work to do on the backside, and need to build the grille insert (honeycomb aluminum from Grainger).
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Here's a picture of the Northstar in its cradle. This is the stock Cadillac cradle that's been modified to bolt into the Fiero frame. There are four connection points between the cradle and the frame - leaf spring bushings are used for the connections. My friend Gary is the genius behind the fabrication.
I'm going to keep that back window just like it is - this car has a history worth keeping.
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Slow but steady progress. I found headlight buckets and trim bezels on e-bay, and side marker lights. Also, building the steel reinforcements I am glassing into the hood - the plastic is just a little too floppy for my tastes. Pics to follow.
The steel reinforcement in place and getting glassed in. It's 1x1 square tube welded together. There's a 1/8" plate in either side of the grille to bolt on the nerf bar.
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I could use a little help. I'm looking for turn signals for those two smal circles on the nose - the holes are 3.5" diameter. I'm thinking something with a clear lens and amber bulb. I've been searching e-bay and there's a huge assortment to choose from. Ideally, I'd like a glass lens, something old school. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Okay, I have another option. http://www.ebay.com/itm/180...id=p3984.m1423.l2649 shows some 7" headlamp bulbs with integrated directional signals. I'm thinking that I could use these lamps for both headlights and directionals, then install running lights in the two 3.5" holes that were intended for directional signals.
Okay, I have another option. http://www.ebay.com/itm/180...id=p3984.m1423.l2649 shows some 7" headlamp bulbs with integrated directional signals. I'm thinking that I could use these lamps for both headlights and directionals, then install running lights in the two 3.5" holes that were intended for directional signals.
I could use a little help. I'm looking for turn signals for those two smal circles on the nose - the holes are 3.5" diameter. I'm thinking something with a clear lens and amber bulb. I've been searching e-bay and there's a huge assortment to choose from. Ideally, I'd like a glass lens, something old school. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Cool build...For the lights, you could look at the fog/driving lamps from a Pontiac Sunfire. Plastic lens, though.
I wanted to use the Pontiac "arrowhead" from a Solstice on the nose. To match the look of the Solstice and to compensate for the slightly different bend of the two hoods, I routed out the glass behind the emblem.
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Great build! I love the unique idea. I'm not even a Fiero guy anymore (I'm just too big to fit comfortably so I had to sell), but I love coming back to see the progress in threads like this one.
Why would you want a 4wd? Baja bugs beat the pants off of 4 wheel drive for everything except snow conditions. I did however have an idea how to create a 4wd system - an electric drive motor on the front axle and an ecotec (or some other small, fuel efficient system) on the rear axle. I don't know how to sync up the speed of the two systems but it can't be impossible. I just don't see why anyone would want to add all that weight.
My reason for it is I love the fiero, and honestly don't have the urge to drive or own anything else. There are very few trucks and cars I like. To have a all season fiero would be perfect.
Also: anyone else notice, we took the fiero farther than GM. Fiero is its own brand now in my eyes like Ferarri, we have hatchbacks, sporty coupes, commuters, trucks. Our own fleet of cars.
I thought the pushbar (the one on my Fiero, not Gokart Mozart's Aztek) was a little too big, so I took 2 3/4" out of it. 3 hours of welding to get rid of less than 3 inches. Good thing I'm not paying myself.
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Still working on the grille - I have the mesh frames built and am fitting them into the fiberglass. Next I need to weld the mesh to the frames. It will be powdercoated black
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The pics above show the temporary frame I built to force the hood to the right shape - the sides "bow" out a bit too much. With the frame in place I laid up 3 more layers of 'glass to (hopefully) retain the shape I want. The other shots show the threaded coupler glassed into the hood, to hold the rubber bump stop that connects to the fender quarter. You may recognize the bump stop - it was originally on the rear decklid. I drilled out and glued in 1/4" threaded rod. Yes, I am that cheap.
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Installed the hood latches today - they're from an International semi. Before I could mount them to the body I reinforced the glass and created flat spots to match the mounts.
Also finished the grilles today and fit them to the hood. They'll be painted black.
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I'm starting to figure out what I want the rear of the car to look like. I have three options (so far): http://www.speedwaymotors.c...t-Assembly,3079.html 1950 Pontiac tail lights - very simple, with glass lenses. It's my current favorite. I would use 2 per side and need to come up with a back up light.
I ordered the 50 Pontiac tail lights today. I think its time to start selling on ebay. Also started working on the rear quarters. What a pain in the shorts! Pics to follow.
Good progress this weekend. The body panels fit (sort of). I test fit the Chief Pontiac emblems where I think I want them. I still need to "french" them in.
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The rear panel is starting to come together. I sprayed a coat of primer so I can get a better look at the shape. Not quite done yet but it's getting there.
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Going with old-school Pontiac tail lights - 1950 vintage, I needed to work on the backup lights and found a used pair of the same year on eBay. To install them I needed to "french" them in like the tail lights. I used a plastic cup and bondo for the mold. The first photo shows the finished "ashtrays" next to the destroyed mold. After trimming the ashtrays for the right angle, they were temporarily held in place with duct tape while I glassed them to the backside. Kind of a nice look when all finished. I want to get rid of the chrome though - all black.
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I wanna to do a Jalepeno kit... 
