Greetings...and I need help.

[tiretread]

Howdy all. I recently got back into the Fiero World with the purchase of a 1988 Formula. Put some new tires on it and took it for a spin around the neighborhood and all seemed good though there was a burnt smell (ominous prelude).  Next morning (today) I decide to take the car into work for the 1st time. didn't make it. Clutch no workie. Clutch pedal still feels normal but no engagement with the clutch/disk. I haven't totally deep-dived into what the issue is but the smell of burnt clutch leads me to believe I might need a new one. I just don't have the time/patience/skill(?) for this right now. I have 3 other cars in various modes of repair and I sold the wife (wonderful and lovely woman) on the fact that this car would not be another issue. Well, I was wrong and I really just want this back on the road so I can drive it around from time to time. So, I really am hoping you could lead me to a fiero knowledgeable mechanic in GA or even SC (where I live).

More about the new guy: Originally from NJ and had a friend in who owned an 1984 Fiero that actually caught fire and burned into a small art piece of metal and plastic in 1988 or 89. Pontiac/GM/Insurance gave him a brand new 88 GT that he had until the day he died. I always kidded him about the car but secretly wanted one but I was of the mind-set that "real" cars had v-8s. I'm much more mature now and can finally come out of the closet regarding my Fiero fetish. I am a Pontiac guy at heart and own 3 others. I also like motorcycles. I served in the Army for 22 years and retired in Sumter, SC where I now work for the Air Force. I joined this club so I could meet more Fiero folks and discuss Fiero things. I am somewhat embarrassed that this is my first post asking for help. Thanks for having me and I look forward to seeing some of you on the road at some time.

[GTRS Fiero]

I strongly recommend breaking that post into 2 separate topics.

Welcome.

[Raydar]

We've played "message tag" a few times. Don't feel bad about asking for help. We DID invite you. Right?

With that said, I really don't know any Fiero mechanics at the moment. (This topic actually came up at our recent club meeting.)
I do nearly all of my own mechanical work, but I can do that on my own schedule, and if I "eff up" it's only my pizzed off self that I have to worry about.
Some of the other folks might know someone closer to you, that can help.

And yeah... clutches can go south in a matter of a few miles. Sorry to hear that yours did that.

[GTRS Fiero]

Not to throw him under the bus, but can Mike do this?

[Fierofool]

Welcome.  As I read along, I got to the part where you said you 'sold the wife' and I thought OH, LORDY!  Then I read the rest.  Whew!. 

Have someone operate the clutch and observe that the slave pushrod and clutch release arm are moving.  Does the car still move under it's own power.  Will it go into gear with the engine running? 

We don't have any active members in SC, though there are a number of forum members.  Only one that I know of might do a clutch replacement.  He's Todd Wiekel who has moved The Fiero Farm operation from Kansas to North Charleston, SC.  I know he has the ability to do the job, I'm just not sure if he does work for others, but he isn't very far from you. 

I'll send you an email with his contact info.

Charlie

[GTRS Fiero]

Welcome.  As I read along, I got to the part where you said you 'sold the wife' and I thought OH, LORDY!

I finally decided that that wording was for humor.

[tiretread]

Welcome.  As I read along, I got to the part where you said you 'sold the wife' and I thought OH, LORDY!  Then I read the rest.  Whew!. 

Have someone operate the clutch and observe that the slave pushrod and clutch release arm are moving.  Does the car still move under it's own power.  Will it go into gear with the engine running? 

We don't have any active members in SC, though there are a number of forum members.  Only one that I know of might do a clutch replacement.  He's Todd Wiekel who has moved The Fiero Farm operation from Kansas to North Charleston, SC.  I know he has the ability to do the job, I'm just not sure if he does work for others, but he isn't very far from you. 

I'll send you an email with his contact info.

Charlie

That would be much appreciated! I love going to Charleston and have a good friend in that area as well.

[tiretread]

Welcome.  As I read along, I got to the part where you said you 'sold the wife' and I thought OH, LORDY!  Then I read the rest.  Whew!. 

Have someone operate the clutch and observe that the slave pushrod and clutch release arm are moving.  Does the car still move under it's own power.  Will it go into gear with the engine running? 

We don't have any active members in SC, though there are a number of forum members.  Only one that I know of might do a clutch replacement.  He's Todd Wiekel who has moved The Fiero Farm operation from Kansas to North Charleston, SC.  I know he has the ability to do the job, I'm just not sure if he does work for others, but he isn't very far from you. 

I'll send you an email with his contact info.

Charlie

Charlie, it does not move under it's own power. Clutch still pushes in normally but no engagement whatsoever. I will coax the wife into helping me later but unfortunately, my sisters-in-law are visiting this week and I am stuck cleaning the everloving heck out of the house. I love my sister-in-laws. Good people! Just time is very minimal right now and the wife is still a bit peeved about the Fiero purchase. Plus, I'm rebuilding some tripower carbs for my wagon that has to be ready for the Run to the Sun in 10 days.  Ugh!  I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, but I just don't have enough hours in the day to be a proper car guy. lol

[tiretread]

I've been remiss by not posting a pic of the said Fiero. Here's a shot of it in Florida prior to it's northward movement.

[GTRS Fiero]

Very nice!

Well, rather than have a Fiero, you could spend your time at the bar, or at one of those clubs, or...  Fieros are great hobbies.  Just you and your wife, cruising along.  They keep you home a lot.

[Raydar]

It's really a good thing I didn't have enough room. This car was the most tempting offer I've seen in a long time.
Your wife may not think so, but you really did score a gem. Clutches can be replaced. It's just a process. (It's the same thing I keep telling myself about the valve job / timing belt I'm currently doing on my Honda Odyssey. It's not rocket science. You'll get it done.)

At some point, I'm going to build a big gol-durn shop. (It's already in the planning stages, but nothing is concrete.) Then I'm going to finish all my projects. At that point I may start taking on other peoples' projects. Just don't know when, yet. probably at least a year out.

[tiretread]

Yeah, the Fiero keeps me at home in the garage. lol. I always tell my wife it could be my cars and motorcycles or a 20 year old mistress.  She tells me that the mistress would be cheaper!

[tiretread]

It's really a good thing I didn't have enough room. This car was the most tempting offer I've seen in a long time.
Your wife may not think so, but you really did score a gem. Clutches can be replaced. It's just a process. (It's the same thing I keep telling myself about the valve job / timing belt I'm currently doing on my Honda Odyssey. It's not rocket science. You'll get it done.)

At some point, I'm going to build a big gol-durn shop. (It's already in the planning stages, but nothing is concrete.) Then I'm going to finish all my projects. At that point I may start taking on other peoples' projects. Just don't know when, yet. probably at least a year out.

It is just a clutch but I currently have a mustang and a GTO with bad clutches. actually, clutches are good, they just don't have reverse. I know I scored a great ride. The paint is in excellent shape and Dave was a very nit-picky owner. Looking forward to meeting you folks when I get the Fiero on the road!

[TopNotch]

Looking forward to meeting you folks when I get the Fiero on the road!

You're welcome to come to the next meeting whether you have the car running or not.

[pgackerman]

Does the base where you work have a garage you can use?  Fort Gordon's is loaded with experienced mechanics who enjoy seeing old cars.  For a price they'll usually do what you need or at least point you in the right direction.

I live near Augusta, GA.  Welcome to the club.