Georgia Fiero Club Forum

All Things Fiero => General Fiero Discussion => Topic started by: Jam Clich on August 21, 2009, 01:30:51 pm

Title: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 21, 2009, 01:30:51 pm: I danged near... well you know.

It was raining last night and some fool had his hi-beams on in the opposite lane... I was blinded, I missed a turn and hit a mailbox along with some cinderblocks doing about 25 mph.

I went to the Fiero Club meeting back in July, and I was pleased with the reception I got and I felt very encouraged to join. However, the car began acting up many a time between then and now (drive belt, tensioner, battery, cooling fan, headlights, muffler aaaand oil pan) and I spent my time working on it instead. And just went I got her into pristine running condition this last week, tragedy struck.

On the passenger side, the door panel and possibly some mechanics underneath operating the auto windows are damaged. The frame on the door may also be misaligned. The front end of the car is torn to bits. The radiator seems to have taken minor damage, but the condition of everything else under the hood is yet to be determined. The hood itself is also damaged, unable to be lifted, and the roof panel, windshield, and of course the front bumper and the passenger side panel that goes over the tire well are all pattywhacked. A lot of plastic to be replaced. However, the back of the car is completely unharmed, aside from the damage from a cinderblock wedged into the air scoop panel on the driver side (and the corresponding GT trim running along the panel and the door) that also ties in with the rest of the replacements I need.

Basically I took a lot of body damage, but if all looks well under the hood and the frame is unharmed, the car will live on.

February 28th is my birthday. As a present to myself I intend to work and pour my paychecks into my savings account and, depending on how much I have by then, either get the car completely repaired and add a few accessories here and there (scoops, custom hood, paint job, rims, speaker system) or go all out and get a body kit for it.

It's a gold '87 GT. I'll post up some pictures of it (both pre-crash and post-crash) when I can. I'd love to hear some recommendations on accessories of kits (A Ferrari kit would be great. 5 grand by February will be a tough mark, though. I got ~~600~~ $676 now. :P)

P.S. if anyone, by chance, has considered selling a cheap donor car, let me know.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Tha Driver on August 21, 2009, 01:43:49 pm: Post pics. I can tell you more of what you have to do with them. Or, if the car is driveable bring it by.
I just got a rust-free '88 ('88s have the good suspension) that you may want to swap your running gear/interior into, if you have a lot of suspension & spaceframe damage. Will need paint & some of the body panels, though - it's a PRIME candadite for a rebody.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Which do you most can't the least?
What I most can't the least, would be do not a bad job but always a good.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 21, 2009, 02:12:29 pm: The car is driveable. She was still running after I plowed into the ditch and cranked back up today like nothing had happened. The alignment on my wheels is, of course, screwy, though, and I am still a minor - thus under the authority of my folks. I may not be able to drive her anywhere. Where would I be going, might I ask?
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Rat Pee 86 on August 21, 2009, 04:50:06 pm: Glad to hear that you are unhurt. I was driving in that rain last night ,too, just imagining what could possibly happen. It kept me on my toes, boy howdy I tell 'ya. Sorry again about your car.

Tom
Rat Pee 86
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Tha Driver on August 21, 2009, 11:07:34 pm: [quote author=Jam Clich
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 22, 2009, 12:54:13 pm: I apologize, but I know for sure I cannot make that trip from Stockbridge, an hour and a half away. I'd have to get a better diagnosis of the problem here before attempting a trip like that. I don't even have access to my own garage right now. The car is in my yard, and I can't open the hood or get a good view underneath to see what's what.

For now, I have some exterior pictures. (http://flickcabin.com/public/viewset/11544) Took a little too much time checking out my sunroof, so each of the three tears got photographed.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Tha Driver on August 22, 2009, 02:37:16 pm: Did the top get cracked in the wreck? If so, not good. That means the spaceframe got twisted pretty badly - although it may have sprung back (but would be weakened). That's a lot of damage. I'd start pulling damaged parts off of it. You may be able to get to the hood bolts through the headlight openings. If it's broken, just rip it off. I have most of the body parts you'd need to repair it, if you decide to do so. I also have two '88s that you could transfer your parts to: the T-Top & the parts car I just got. I'll take $1500 for the T-Top - you could transfer your engine, trans, interior, & fastback clip to it. You'd still need to replace the GT front bumper & the broken ground effects (I have them) to complete the transformation. But in the end you'd have a T-Top & the good '88 suspension.
Email me at ImThaDriver at yahoo & I'll send you my phone # & directions.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

I checked today and... this is the oldest I've ever been.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: TopNotch on August 22, 2009, 02:45:02 pm: [quote author=Jam Clich
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 22, 2009, 03:45:08 pm: Quote from: TopNotch on August 22, 2009, 02:45:02 pm
[quote author=Jam Clich
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on August 22, 2009, 07:34:46 pm: What Pat's referring to is a keyhole type slot on the underneath of each rear corner of the hood. There's a big pin with a star shaped top on it, on the body. That pin fits up into the keyhole slot, and if the hood gets shoved back, it locks onto the pin. You should be able to see both on the right side to give you an idea of how they work. If the hood is broken, just pull it forward with whatever works. Hoods can be had easily. There's probably one on the Fieros at the pullapart.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on August 27, 2009, 01:35:08 pm: Don't know if you've decided to repair your car, or not, but if you are going to, the 85GT at the North Yard Pullapart has everything you need to rebuild it. All of the body panels are there and in good shape. The fender well liners and everything underneath the front end are there. Both the front and rear fascias are in great physical shape with no damage. Of course the moldings are ribbed, but that can be filled in to make them smooth. I think the lower rocker molding on the drivers side was already removed.

Upper intake and most of the pieces on the top of the motor are gone. Middle and lower intake are still there, instrument panel is gone, automatic shift surround isn't in very good shape. All 4 brake calipers are there and have good pads on them. Also looks like it has had the steering rack replaced.

This car had 103,000 miles on it and it had never had any of the recalls done. It has the original intake snorkle and the PCV valve still hooked onto the bottom of the snorkle. It also had the decklid weatherstrip.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 27, 2009, 03:39:56 pm: I've been talking with Tha Driver about going to see his 88, but I am for sure about repairing it. I will go look see if I can.

Thing is, I have no truck to move parts. And I don't know the extent of all that I'm gonna need to pull off.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on August 27, 2009, 03:56:23 pm: You may be better off transferring your engine and driveline over to the 88 that Paul has. I would be very concerned about the integrity of the framework of the 87 with the way it cracked the top around the sunroof. Pull the ECM and wiring harnesses and put it into the 88.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Tha Driver on August 27, 2009, 05:34:32 pm: Sold the T-Top yesterday. Sorry, no longer have any '88s for sale. My helper is going to sell/part out his '86, though. It came with a 4-speed & V6 (engine & trans don't go with it).
I too am worried that the spaceframe is toast on your car, Allen. No way it could break the roof panel without severely tweaking the spaceframe.
Humm... I just remered where another '88 is - if it's still there. I'll try to check into it for you when I get a chance.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

To resist the influence of others, knowledge of one's self is most important.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 27, 2009, 05:51:09 pm: Congratulations on the sale! ;D Like I said in my email, your assistance has been valuable to me, and it gave me some perspective on my options. Glad to hear you got some money out of it. Meanwhile, I wish I could know for sure the extent of the damage to the car, but I'm far too novice. Originally I attributed the cracks in the corners of my sunroof to the fact that it flew up in the collision and even broke off of the release handle.

If I have to buy a new model to transfer parts, it will cost me quite the penny. While I was joking about saving up for a body kit, I am still paying out of my own pocket, and that will take time to acquire. I am still checking the market for any sales. Once my father arrives home, I can push for a decision to be made on bigger spending, and any more sightings of replacements at the pullapart will be greatly appreciated, as I won't have to wait for him to go there and have a look.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on August 27, 2009, 08:37:39 pm: If you go to www.pullapart.com you can check their inventory at any of the yards, nationwide before you go there. You can also check the prices of parts before you go so you know how many pockets of cash you need.

There's a young lady near Vidalia that has a little 4-cylinder for sale. Nice looking car. It could use a V6 in it.

Go to The Market and see 86 SE For Sale by baile. Here's the link to her Craigslist ad.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1325810071.html
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 27, 2009, 10:17:23 pm: That one and this 86 SE (http://www.mautofied.com/1986-Pontiac-fiero-se_Stock-Vehicles/listing/100201771/) were the two I was considering. With the second, I'd really just need to swap the fastback clip from mine and get her repainted. If the mileage is lower than mine (111,000), I'm the better for it. If not, I can take the time to swap my engine and tranny. The title would be a grueling and bureaucratically distasteful process, but it'd be a simple change.

On the other hand, with the first, I'd be swapping more of my own parts, and while I know it would be longer, I'd also be sure I'm getting a reliable piece of machinery, judging from how well mine ran.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on August 28, 2009, 07:36:23 am: Installing the fastback clip wouldn't require any changes on the title. All Fieros are listed as 2 door coupes. Changing a 4 to a 6 isn't any problem, either. All that needs to be done when you register the vehicle is to tell them. I just changed the color on a title and they didn't question it at all. Raydar can probably tell you first hand. He changed his Formula to a fastback and a V8.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on August 28, 2009, 01:16:45 pm: Oh, I don't mean a title change because of the body work. It's a bonded title.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on September 11, 2009, 04:30:05 pm: Okay, I've waited long enough. This week is high school fall break, so I'm going to start stripping panels off my car. There's one thing about bolt-on cars I was always too embarrassed to ask: does it matter what screws were where? Should I be keeping screws for each part separate, or can I just bag them all?
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: RobsFieros on September 11, 2009, 04:44:06 pm: Bag and Tag... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on September 11, 2009, 04:50:30 pm: So I can get to pulling and not be worried about mixups?
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: RobsFieros on September 11, 2009, 04:54:12 pm: Pictures help also... ::)
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on September 11, 2009, 05:15:17 pm: Use a separate bag for each panel and put a tag inside indicating the part. Maybe also take a Sharpee and write on the bag, too. There are possibly some fasteners that are specific to the panel.

A word of warning, based on experience. If you're removing the fastback clip, when you open the decklid, you will see a small square tab at the back edge of the inner sail panel trim panel just above each side of the trunk seal. DO NOT be tempted to put a small screwdriver into the little slot and pry on it. It WILL break. On the top surface, there is a screw. Remove it and the tab can usually be pulled out with your fingers. These tabs are extremely rare.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on September 11, 2009, 07:18:49 pm: I, uh, didn't wait around very long to get an answer, but I went with instincts, and now there's several paper bags each marked with a Sharpie and full of bolts and screws. :D Haven't gotten around to the fastback clip quite yet. I'm going to be extra careful on every area of the back, as the fastback clip and driver door panel are the only panels that are intact. Every bit of the GT skirt, even, has been damaged somewhere except for the clip. The front fascia and both fenders are off, at least. This is all a learning experience for me, though. I really like getting my hands dirty on this car.

If things work out with my dad, and I can somehow get him to approve of me getting another Fiero, I'm scanning through my choices in the Market. Either I'll get one in good condition and part out mine (club members first!) to pay for part of the expense, or do what I really want and find something like the 88 T-Top Paul was selling back when I wrecked her to transfer parts into with my dad.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on September 27, 2009, 09:07:07 am: Did you get my email with the info about the 88GT?
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: oldone on September 27, 2009, 11:01:06 am: just curious, what 88gt would that be?
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on September 27, 2009, 03:42:09 pm: There's an 88 Gt out here that Allan could probably swap some stuff from his wrecked car and have a driveable automobile.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on October 10, 2009, 05:32:56 pm: My apologies on my lack of response. I went out of town. I showed my dad the email, and he said no... Pretty plainly, too. :(
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on October 10, 2009, 09:34:52 pm: So, what are your plans, Fierowise?
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on October 15, 2009, 05:13:18 pm: Still looking, I guess. I've taken a glance at other cars of that era, but frankly, you don't often get to drive a car and feel all of its power operating right behind your back. Your choices are a Fiero, an MR2, a Beetle, or an exotic European car. Even if it's a bit overpriced, my dad and I are now looking at finding a Fiero in only like-new condition and ~100k mileage. The time we were hoping to have to take a cheaper car and restore it is gone, but I'm still glad my dad is supporting me in finding a Fiero at all.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Fierofool on October 15, 2009, 05:53:20 pm: I get emails all the time from people wanting to sell their Fieros. Right now I have an email for a 27,000 mile bright red 88GTfor $8500 and another local car with about 110,000 miles that they're asking $4000. You could probably start at about $2500 and work your way up to a deal. It's a bright red 86GT on a car lot here in Auburn. It's been there for a while, so they will likely take less than the asking price.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on October 16, 2009, 04:31:44 pm: I'm scanning the market whenever I'm in my free time. I welcome emails if anyone finds anything. In return, I'm offering my parts to the club for cheaper than value (so long as I'm not taken advantage of) once I get a new one.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: RobsFieros on October 16, 2009, 11:44:02 pm: How much for the fastback clip? I need everything for the complete notchback to fastback conversion. If need be I'll come down and pull it.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: RobsFieros on October 16, 2009, 11:52:40 pm: I just looked at the pictures of your car. How much do you want for the car?
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on October 17, 2009, 02:03:45 pm: I really don't know. To a club member, I'd take a quarter less than the best value I could get for it now. I just don't know what that is.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: RobsFieros on October 17, 2009, 06:15:41 pm: This is my 86 GT. If you want to rebuild yours I have most of the parts.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: Jam Clich on October 17, 2009, 08:55:56 pm: As I mentioned, I can't do a rebuild, but I will be happy to sell my car or anything you need/want from it.
Title: Re: W'rectum?
Post by: GMguy1987 on November 10, 2009, 11:30:20 pm: Sorry about the wreck man. I had the same thing happen to me just a few months ago. Check out my thread "a lesson learned". I literally had to cut my car in half and am just now getting everything back together. RobsFieros had everything I needed as well as good advice. These guys on here are a great bunch to know. If you decide to either fix or build another car I have a few pieces laying around here you might can use. No major body panels, except maybe a hood. I live in Fayetteville, not too far from you I don't think. Be glad to help out any way I can. Hope you are back on the road soon!

Jeremy