Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 05:53:23 pm
I went out one weekend to get the cradle placed back in the car (without the engine) in order to get the car good enough to drag up onto a trailer in order to get it into my garage. We were successful in the endeavor despite a few roadblock. And now, the Fiero sit happily in my garage with all of the spare parts, besides the rear bumper and original 2.8 engine block. The last few parts I will pickup once I get everything else organized and find a place for them.
The 3.4 block has been rebuilt already so its a matter of getting everything put back together and put it in (maybe)
The paint is shot, the suspense needs work and one of the stud studs is stripped. One cradle bolt capture nut came off making it impossible for me to get the cradle out, so I will be getting the Rodney Dickman kit to make the rear cradle bolts much better. Just need to figure out a solution for the stripped store mount bolt.
So, the plans for the car is to:
1. tear everything down and replace everything old with new and to restore any parts that cannot be replaced
2. upgrade and update everything I can. Suspens, breaks, interior items such as radios gauges so on and so forth.
3. Perform and engine swap to finish the 3.4 swap. I am debating on either 3800SC with an F40 or F23, or doing a Honda k24 swap. Still very undecided but I want 100% reliability, between 300-400 HP, and ease of finding replacement parts.
4. Get the body panels repaired and painted. Thinking about going with the Gold color the Fiero came with (since I used to own one in that exact color) with a twist to it (going to work with my paint guy to thing of something neat)
So that's where I stand right now. I am going to need some insight on breaks, suspension, wheels, interior, and engine upgrades. I am trying to keep the car overall stock looking (because I love the look of the Fiero completely stock. But wheels HAVE to be upgraded for better tire choices, looks, and overall better performance.
More will follow as I start doing some work on it! Any advice/info on the upgrades or restoration tip is greatly appreciated!
Post by: TopNotch on July 04, 2021, 06:14:53 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 06:16:37 pm
So are you going to finish the 3.4 first, and then go to a bigger engine, or start with bigger right away?
This is the exact question I am attempting to answer lol
I figure I have time because I was to at least get the interior form out and replaced and restored. Maybe the body as well but we will see how everything progresses.
I keep going back and forth about just finishing up the 3.4 since it will be relatively to get all that going but idk
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 06:19:08 pm
Post by: TopNotch on July 04, 2021, 06:28:47 pm
Or you can attach pictures. Click on "Attachments and other options" below the box where you are typing your message.
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 08:57:55 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 08:58:23 pm
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 04, 2021, 09:25:54 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 09:29:30 pm
Great project!
Thanks! im super excited to get started working on it. First thing is to get the Rodney Dickman rear cradle bolt repair kit. One of the captured nuts came loose when trying to take it out. Then i gatta figure out what to do with a stripped Strut stud :(
Post by: Raydar on July 04, 2021, 10:02:56 pm
I'm happy that you got it stored safely.
... Then i gatta figure out what to do with a stripped Strut stud :(
Are you talking about one of the three, at the top of the shock tower?
They're part of the plate that bolts to the top of the strut assembly.
Since every 84-87 Fiero ever made had one of those plates on each side, I have to believe they are not too difficult to source.
If you go with coilovers, I believe you can scrap that entire plate, as the coilover strut will have its own plate.
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 10:37:20 pm
Hah! It was you, who posted on FB.
I'm happy that you got it stored safely.... Then i gatta figure out what to do with a stripped Strut stud :(
Are you talking about one of the three, at the top of the shock tower?
They're part of the plate that bolts to the top of the strut assembly.
Since every 84-87 Fiero ever made had one of those plates on each side, I have to believe they are not too difficult to source.
If you go with coilovers, I believe you can scrap that entire plate, as the coilover strut will have its own plate.
I attached a pic of what im talking about. its the actual stud. Its stripped so i cant get the nut off of the stud....and i believe they are welded in.
I was thinking about going coilovers so that i can run a wider wheel and tire. But the real question is where can i source a set?
Post by: Raydar on July 04, 2021, 10:56:26 pm
https://fieroguruperformance.com/?page_id=267 (Scroll down just a bit.)
And yeah... that stud is pressed and staked into the plate, at the top of the strut. (At least it is on the 88s.)
Just use a long bar and break it off.
This is what mine looked like, out of the car. (Slightly modified and flipped over.)
.JPG)
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2021, 11:00:41 pm
Post by: Fierofool on July 05, 2021, 07:28:45 am
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 05, 2021, 08:43:33 am
If you go with coilovers, Fieroguru offers a set, in a bunch of different "levels" of assembly, and options.
https://fieroguruperformance.com/?page_id=267 (Scroll down just a bit.)
And yeah... that stud is pressed and staked into the plate, at the top of the strut. (At least it is on the 88s.)
Just use a long bar and break it off.
This is what mine looked like, out of the car. (Slightly modified and flipped over.)
Did you zip-tie the bolts in place?
Post by: Raydar on July 05, 2021, 11:10:56 am
Oh cool! yeah ill probably look into ordering a set of those from here....but how do I order something from him? don't see the way to do so.
Up at the top, there's a contact link. Just shoot him an email. At least that's how I usually do it.
He's quite easy to deal with. Takes Paypal.
Or shoot him a PM on Pennocks. "fieroguru"
Post by: Raydar on July 05, 2021, 11:15:05 am
Did you zip-tie the bolts in place?
Quite perceptive.
But I ended up holding them in with epoxy. Necessitated by me flipping the plate to allow for more strut travel, since the car is lowered.
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 05, 2021, 11:45:34 am
Post by: Spartanzz on July 05, 2021, 12:27:04 pm
Oh cool! yeah ill probably look into ordering a set of those from here....but how do I order something from him? don't see the way to do so.
Up at the top, there's a contact link. Just shoot him an email. At least that's how I usually do it.
He's quite easy to deal with. Takes Paypal.
Or shoot him a PM on Pennocks. "fieroguru"
Cool ill probably do that down the road. First focus is getting the brakes and suspension back up to snuff and the interior where I don't fear im gunna get bit by something when I get in it LOL
Post by: Spartanzz on July 05, 2021, 12:28:47 pm
Since it's stripped, you're going to have to replace it. Just take a grinder and grind it off. Scott may have one from the parts car we stripped. I know the struts are there. Maybe the rings, too.
Thanks Charlie! and yeah iv got an angle grinder to get it off. You will have to forgive me on names....but, do you have Scotts contact info or his user name? ill reach out to him and see what he would want for that one.
Post by: Raydar on July 05, 2021, 12:32:00 pm
Out of curiosity, why not spot-weld them in place?
Because I don't have a welder, and don't know how to weld. Epoxy worked just fine.
Post by: Spartanzz on July 05, 2021, 12:35:09 pm
I ordered a few things from Rodney Dickman yesterday. All new cradle bolts, his steel top strut mounting plate for the rear, the floating cradle bolt kit so I can get the broken capture nuts out and get a better setup in there for a more reliable way to remove the cradle.
Also, after going back and forth about swap options with a best friend, we both came to the conclusion to finish putting together the 3.4 engine and putting that in to get the car road worthy. That way, I can enjoy driving the car, make it easy to get to shops for things if needed, and piece together stuff needed for the full swap I want to do. Then get that swap done and sell off the 3.4 complete swap. so I also ordered Rodney deskman's starter relocation jig so I can get that done while I have the engine out.
Pics will start flowing in once I get the parts in and Strat replacing old with new!
Post by: Raydar on July 05, 2021, 12:35:59 pm
... do you have Scotts contact info or his user name? ill reach out to him and see what he would want for that one.
Scott's user name is "scottb"
Post by: Spartanzz on July 05, 2021, 12:39:34 pm
... do you have Scotts contact info or his user name? ill reach out to him and see what he would want for that one.
Scott's user name is "scottb"
Thanks Raydar! ill send him a message now and see.
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 05, 2021, 12:52:20 pm
Also, after going back and forth about swap options with a best friend, we both came to the conclusion to finish putting together the 3.4 engine and putting that in to get the car road worthy. That way, I can enjoy driving the car, make it easy to get to shops for things if needed, and piece together stuff needed for the full swap I want to do. Then get that swap done and sell off the 3.4 complete swap. so I also ordered Rodney deskman's starter relocation jig so I can get that done while I have the engine out.
I agree. This is usually the best route.
Post by: Spartanzz on July 05, 2021, 03:41:02 pm
Next I’m waiting on a steering wheel puller to arrive in the mail. This will let me replace the ignition cylinder so I can 1. Have a set of keys to start it and 2. Be able to actually turn the wheels. Then it’s on to the other locks and the cradle bolts once the stuff from Rodney dickman arrives.
Post by: Fierofool on July 05, 2021, 06:59:40 pm
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 05, 2021, 07:04:57 pm
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 05, 2021, 07:06:10 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 05, 2021, 08:25:28 pm
I believe The Fiero Store still has the full lock sets. Ignition, and then 2 door and 1 trunk cylinder. The door and trunk are keyed the same. I don't know if they make a distinction between the 88 sets and earlier years, but the 88's used a slightly different key. Could make a difference if you or next owner should ever need to have a replacement made.
I currently have a replacement ignition cylinder. So that's covered. and I think there way a replacement trunk lock in the pile of parts I got. So ill have to go through and see. But once I start ordering stuff I will probably get a lock set from TFS. Only thing is TFS I can't find a full set of all the exterior lock set that has all three matching :(
Post by: Spartanzz on July 07, 2021, 01:54:04 pm
Also, just ordered all new parking brake cables, new rubber brake lines for all four corners, Grand Am calipers, pads and rotors for the front upgrade. Also ordered a new Master cylinder. Next step would be figure out what rear calipers i want to go with and order a set of reproduction metal lines from TFS. That will cover the full brake system refresh other than fluid.
Pics to come once parts start arriving and HOPFULLY start cleaning and installing stuff
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 07, 2021, 06:29:42 pm
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 07, 2021, 06:30:17 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 07, 2021, 06:34:30 pm
How did the new ignition key compare to the old one?
The steering wheel puller was only $16 off amazon and lock ring was like $10 from my local auto store. So decided to just buy them. Good tools to keep around plus ill probably have the wheel off again at some point during the build.
the ignition cylinder was near identical and functioned the exact same. Although, i was able to fully test the old one due to the keys being lost. Only different I saw is the green tab (you see in the pictures) is the old one where the new replacement's tab was black.
Key looks right? wish i could say more on that but as i said before didnt have to original keys :(
I got the replacement from carparts.com for like $10 and it came with keys.
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 07, 2021, 06:43:31 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 07, 2021, 06:44:33 pm
If you try the new key in the old lock, I suspect it will not slide in. Of course, it won't turn.
Oh. I see, hang on and ill give it a shot
Post by: Spartanzz on July 07, 2021, 06:48:34 pm
If you try the new key in the old lock, I suspect it will not slide in. Of course, it won't turn.
New key does not fit in the old cylinder.
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 07, 2021, 06:53:40 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 09, 2021, 10:44:01 am
Received my order from Rodney Dickman. This included top strut mount plate, the 3.4 Starter relocation Jig, all new cradle bolts, and the floating cradle bolt kit to repair the old and broken capture nuts for those bolts.
Also placed orders for ebrake cable connector and equalizer, and full set of replacement metal brake lines from TFS and Master cylinder (because my other order for one got canceled), banjo bolt and brake line washers, and 2 more grand am brakes for the rear upgrade.
All that it left to order for the brake system is, S10 booster upgrade, Seville upgrade bracket (which he said he would have a set ready next week sometime), wheel bearings, and brake fluid. Once I have all of those in then the work begins!
Post by: Spartanzz on July 12, 2021, 11:01:21 am
Grand Am rotors and calipers. As well as all three e-brake cables.
Post by: TopNotch on July 12, 2021, 12:01:26 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 12, 2021, 12:31:55 pm
I see that the parts are getting a cat scan.
100% parts must be scanned and cleared for duty!
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 12, 2021, 06:10:53 pm
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 12, 2021, 06:11:43 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 12, 2021, 06:20:31 pm
Did you also get the equalizer?
yup! only parts left to order are 1. the rear Seville brake caliper, rear pads, Seville brackets, and an S10 booster upgrade. Then i should have all the brake system parts in.
But, also adding wheel bearings/hubs to the bakes list since ill 1. ill in the rears anyway and 2. gatta remove the hubs regardless. Ill probably also order new front hub replacements to either cut those down or keep them as backups.
Post by: GTRS Fiero on July 12, 2021, 06:22:25 pm
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on July 12, 2021, 09:29:19 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 12, 2021, 11:39:41 pm
Make sure you clean out the brake distribution block.
I was actually looking for new replacements of that but was having issues. So, I’ll probably try to deep clean or recondition it somehow.
Post by: Spartanzz on July 12, 2021, 11:40:18 pm
If you want to sponsor any builds let me know… that$ a lot of part$ 😂
😂😂 I’ll just ask my wife for a bigger allowance 🤣🤣
Post by: Spartanzz on July 15, 2021, 09:59:01 am
Got the ebrake equalizer and connecter along with new Stainless metal brake lines set from The Fiero store! Also, things will take a bit longer. I got ahold of a guy that makes "upgraded" front hubs. They are much lighter than cut factor rotors, better fitment, and has a better bearing setup. Should also be ordering the rear seville brackets this week.
So list to order as of right now is as follows:
Both rear wheel hubs/bearings
Booster upgrade
Seville brackets
Seville calipers
Seville pads/hardware kit
Front hubs upgrade
new set of lug nuts and lug nut caps
spindle nuts and washer
Since I cant find replacements for the distributions block/blocks, ill probably be do a super deep clean of them the best I can.
Also, won an auction from a local auction site yesterday for a set of 3 metal/wood shelves for my garage! This is gunna help keep everything organized and out my the way so the wife wont be as annoyed walking in there LOL
Post by: Spartanzz on July 23, 2021, 09:37:16 am
We got the car up on all for Jack stands and remove and washed all four wheels. many spiders were purged.
We were going to remove the rear wheel hubs/bearings but soon found out we did not have a 30mm socket to get the spindle nuts off...so that will be a trip to the store today.
Something looked interesting about the front brake setup. Turns out, previous owner did get and install the grand am setup! So, there is no longer a need to buy the machined hubs! So, this will be as easy as replace the current parts with all the new stuff i already got once we get to that stage.
We then decided to pull the trunk carpet to check out how it looks. Overall, there is some decent surface rust but we are thinking with some time and a good wire wheel, it should clean up. There was also some rust on the front crossmember but does look like it could be cleaned up with some good elbow grease as well.
We also took the time to go ahead and cut into the drivers frame rail in order to get to the rear cradle bolt capture nut. The angle grinder made quick work on this and and that nut and retaining plate were pretty rusted, so a hammer and flat head were able to get it removed. But, I will need to get a furniture dolly so that we can drop the cradle out when we remove the passenger side bolt. That way i will be able to drill the needed holes for the Rodney Dickman floating nut kits.
Now the bad news.......the front hood is stuck. Neither cable inside the car would pop the latch. We spent time smacking it, hitting it with other things/tools, rocking the hood side to side, trying to pull the hood forward. Nothing would get it to pop. So we will be trying a few more things today to see fi we can get it open without damaging the hood in the process.
Post by: Fierofool on July 23, 2021, 07:00:33 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 23, 2021, 07:50:50 pm
Rust in the bottom of the trunk is usually from a water leak. The area of concern is the trunk walls on either side. Be sure to inspect the rear frame rails from inside the rear wheel wells. Up behind the fenderwell liner is where major damage can occur. Sometimes it manifests itself through the side trunk walls.
So far i have checked the drivers rear frame rail (pictured above) since i cut into it to replace the floating nut. There is some minor rust but not enough to be concerned about. Nothing a good heavy cleaning with a wire wheel and dremel wont fix! Which is good news. I will be cutting into the other frame rail soon once me and my buddy decide to get the cradle out.
Post by: Spartanzz on July 23, 2021, 07:54:42 pm
We were able to get the hood off! For others who run into this problem, what we ended up doing was unbolt the hood from the front hinges. That gave us enough play to get our hands under it and rotate it back and fourth (carefully) on the hood latch. We measured where the hood latch is and pumped a hunch of PB blaster on it. Then after all that it still wouldn't come off. BUT, this did loosen the latch enough where the cable did move it slightly (from what we could hear). I then sat right on top of the latch while my buddy pulled at the release cable. At first it didn't seem like it did anything but i jumped off and pulled up and BAM! SOB came off!
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on July 23, 2021, 08:01:34 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 31, 2021, 07:57:50 pm
First, i have the summit racing brake boost set to arrive tomorrow. So, i took out the old factory booster and ground off the rivets holding it to the bracket. That way I am able to bolt in the new booster.
After that was done, i decided i would start tearing down the drivers front suspension to get it ready to replace things. First thing I did was take out the upper control arm and replace the old worn out factory rubber bushing with the new poly bushings from the set that came with the car (that were not installed before). I also ground off the rivet holding on the rubber brake line holder. The new lines come with a bracket attached already and will be getting a bolt and nut to make sure i would run into that issue in the future.
This is where i ran into a couple issues...
1. the knuckle will not separate from the tie rod....no matter how much persuasion was used...I dont really care able saving the tie rod since i intend to replace it with a brand new one anyway....so any suggestions would be appreciated!
2. The lower control are bolts are super stuck.....i would love to get them out so i can install the poly bushings for them as well....but these are being a super pita.....only thing I haven't tried is buy a huge breaker bar and hope.
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on July 31, 2021, 09:38:50 pm
You gonna be at caffeine and octane tomorrow morning? You don’t have to be in a fiero, I will not be in mine tomorrow.
Post by: Spartanzz on July 31, 2021, 09:54:24 pm
Dang. You ain’t playing around.
You gonna be at caffeine and octane tomorrow morning? You don’t have to be in a fiero, I will not be in mine tomorrow.
Maybe? im not exactly sure what the wifes plans are. what time you plan on getting there?
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on July 31, 2021, 10:40:04 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on August 01, 2021, 04:42:58 pm
Next is to start getting the new TFS stainless metal lines installed.....this I am not excited about doing LOL.
P.S. Wreck I woke up way too late and had a previous obligation with the in-laws :/
Post by: Spartanzz on August 08, 2021, 10:48:08 am
First off i was finally able to get the front drive tie rod off with some expert "percussive persuasion". Also picked up some PB blaster and got the front LCA bolt out and the nut for the rear LCS bolt off (that stuff is magic). But, the bolt itself looks to be rusted to the rear LCA bushing sleeve........RIP.
I have a large c-clamp on the way to assist with getting that bolt out....hopefully....
I wont be removing the rear LCA cuz it already has the poly bushings installed, YAY! I was also able to get the new Driver from metal brake line swap out with the new FS SS one.
So as it stands, the driver suspension is almost completely torn down and ready to accept new replacement/upgraded parts. May be ordering the rear calipers at the end of this week. We will see how everything goes!
Post by: scottb on August 08, 2021, 04:26:47 pm
Do you still want the struts? I had them with me last month
Post by: TopNotch on August 08, 2021, 05:00:05 pm
If you think PB Blaster works good, give Kroil a try. Expensive but worth itI replaced the O2 sensor on my 3800, and couldn't get the old one out until I put Kroil on it and let it sit a while. Good stuff.
Post by: Fierofool on August 08, 2021, 09:08:16 pm
Looking back at the pictures of your suspension work, I would do a super inspection in the area of that rust in the rear wheelwell.
Post by: Spartanzz on August 09, 2021, 07:51:30 am
If you think PB Blaster works good, give Kroil a try. Expensive but worth itHey bud! yeah I still want them. Mostly for the top mounting hats since I do have one striped stud :/. Sorry I missed the last get together, had some news pop up that has required alot of my attention recently. But, i wont be missing the meeting this Saturday for sure!
Do you still want the struts? I had them with me last month
Looking back at the pictures of your suspension work, I would do a super inspection in the area of that rust in the rear wheelwell.
I have been able to look a good bit around the frame, wheel wells, and such. So far, everything thats "important" looks to be pretty good. Only major portions that looks meh (but not bad) are the trunk and the front crossmember. But, once i get the cradle out and can get the car lifted a bit higher up is when ill be able to either see the front crossmember better or take it out all together to see if i need to replace it.
Post by: Spartanzz on August 27, 2021, 03:56:30 pm
Recon heads, new carpet, new quarter windows, new tail light lenses, rear swaybar upgrade, all new tie rods and balljoints from Rodney Dickman, replacement bolts for all control arms, New weather stips for front hood and rear trunk, new windshield molding (cuz i will be replacing windshield since its cracked), poly bump stops for front, new spring pads for all four corners, every wear item for rear shocks, new stainless clutch line.
There is probably some things I am missing, but thats what i can think of right now. Should be finding some time to start replacing suspension and brake parts soon. once those are buttoned up, im going to try and get the engine back together and running so i can actually get her back on the road!
Below are only a few of the pics i have taken of some of the new parts. More will come as I start installing stuff.
Post by: Spartanzz on September 12, 2021, 09:07:51 pm
With that off I replaced the bushings with the poly ones i had, pressed out the old ball joint, cleaned it up a bit and pressed in the new Rodney Dickman 1" drop balljoint. Also installed Rodney's Adjustable upper ball joint and upper ball joint paddle plates. New bolts all around ready for install once i get the front subframe swapped out.
Hopefully all this make getting an alignment alot easier. Im hoping to have more time next weekend to tear down and replace stuff in the Passenger front suspension and get the subframe swapped!
Post by: Wreck It Ralph on September 13, 2021, 11:07:59 am
Post by: Spartanzz on September 27, 2021, 10:06:22 am
Got the passenger front suspension almost fully torn down. (just the LCA left, didn't have a ton of extra time to be prepped for cutting this one out as well) Bushing and ball joint are replaced in the UCA. Pulled the tire well panel out and replaced the brake line going from the distro block to the passenger front side. Removed the steering wrack and damper to set aside for replacing all the tie rods on it. Getting close to where I can have it ready to roll!
Post by: AJ_87Fiero on September 28, 2021, 11:48:04 am
Post by: Spartanzz on October 07, 2021, 02:54:27 pm
So officially, all four control arms have been pulled, bushings swapped for poly, ball joints replaced with Rodney Dickman's, and all new nuts and bolts. They are ready to be installed finally!!!!
This coming Sunday ill be dropping and swapping the front subframe with the non-rusty one i got a bit back. Then, if i have enough time after that, I will finally be putting the front suspension back together!
Only things that are missing for my front suspension rebuild is the fiero store upgraded front swap bar (since i have the rear sway bar kit as well) and Rodney Dickman's longer zero lash end links since im running his 1" drop ball joints. (I have his shorter ones by mistake but he is working with me to get them swapped out for his longer ones!
Then i just have to figure out the best/easiest way to remove the old inner tie rods from the steering wrack :/
Post by: Spartanzz on November 06, 2021, 11:13:37 pm
Guess ill be making a trip to home depot tomorrow to pickup some carbide drill bits and some bolts and nuts.....that way i can drill out the holes and install the brackets with some new hardware.
Never a dull day when trying to restore a car that's older than i am LOL
Post by: AJ_87Fiero on November 09, 2021, 03:02:05 pm
Never a dull day when trying to restore a car that's older than i am LOLTrue that! :D ;D :D
A wee li'l broken bolt can't stop Mr.@Spartanzz! You got this :) 8)
Post by: scottb on November 16, 2021, 01:59:36 pm
Guess ill be making a trip to home depot tomorrow to pickup some carbide drill bits and some bolts and nuts.....that way i can drill out the holes and install the brackets with some new hardware.
I'm going to recommend a diamond bit for cutting tile.
Post by: scottb on November 16, 2021, 02:02:32 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on November 16, 2021, 04:32:44 pm
I use a Cresent wrench to remove tie rod ends from the rack. You have to break the clamp that holds the boot on and under the boot is a couple of wrench flats. Ain't nuttin to it
Yeah i have to give it another shot....i was able to get the boots off (and have replacment boots and clamps already) just fighting with the inner tie rods. It looks like they are staked on....maybe a dremmel will help with that?
Also, update for the thread. I was successful with getting the swap bar bolts drilled out! So the new swap bar and bushings are lightly installed int the car. Just gatta wrestle the lower control arms in and start putting it all back together!
Post by: Spartanzz on November 20, 2021, 10:01:02 pm
New swap bar has been installed! Also, Gabe, AJ, and Ralph all came by today and were able to help me these:
1. Replace tie rods on steering wrack
2. Replace the long brake line with the new replacement
3. helped get the drivers front suspension put back together
4. have a good time with Fiero peeps
Such a successful day and really paved the way for more work for me to do another day! Cant thank them enough! Ill post some pics later
Post by: AJ_87Fiero on November 22, 2021, 03:45:21 pm
Thank you :)
Post by: Spartanzz on November 22, 2021, 06:25:02 pm
Gabe came back over today and was a MASSIVE help with more work!
Today we got…..the entire front suspension back together, all the remain brake hard lines in, got the engine cradle dropped out, rear suspension torn down fully, and got the gas tank dropped.
We found the gas tank has a big hole in it and is basically fubar. But, Gabe was so generous to bring a gas tank over even before we knew mine needed to be replaced….he’s a rock star….
At this point, its a lot of one person jobs like install all the fron brake parts, built the rear suspense and brake stuff, install the new clutch hard line, get the replacement tank in, and start building the engine. There is also the task of tearing out old interior stuff, body panel repair and painting, so on and so fourth.
But I can’t thank everyone enough for all the help! I’m starting to get excited that i may have it running and driving WAY before i thought i would!
Post by: Spartanzz on January 13, 2022, 10:23:52 am
First of, huge thanks again to Gabe, who brought over his welder. We were able to fill in the start hole drilled my the previous owner and drill the holes in the correct location!
I have also swapped on the rusted out lower radiator support with a non rusty one. Bumper is off and going to be starting to fit the new champion radiator in. Also, my in laws and family all got together and bought me a bunch of parts for xmas.
So i have new radiator hoses, new radiator fan motor, new blower mortor, mostly installed. I have a new heater core which im working on getting swapped out.
Then i have the eiboch lowering spring install on the rear struts and have to tear down the fron suspension in order to install the new spring....probably going to be alot easier since i have already replaced everything in there lol
Then i have a all new fuel lines for the gas tank as well as new fuel filter and fule pump.
Next work day is gunna be a fun one lol
Post by: AJ_87Fiero on January 21, 2022, 11:19:06 am
...Also, my in laws and family all got together and bought me a bunch of parts for xmas.YAY!!
Nice progress and speed! The Fiero would be ready to go by the time the baby's home? ;) You may have to reprioritize after that! :D
"Next work day is gunna be a fun one lol" Sweet..count me in!