My '88 Fiero - The Never-Ending Saga

[GTRS Fiero]

Is that for your boat?
Lol. Just kidding! 
I'd like to paint my whole dang car candy Apple red.....except for the windshield and some other glass.

Well, yeah.  They say that the 2.8 is a boat anchor.  It's raining here, so...

I'm not sure about a theme.  I'm not good with themes.

Any one of these reds (in no particular order) would have been my preference, but we'll see.

[f85gtron]

I'll take #1 and #3 (same car?).  Those get my vote!

[Fierofool]

Not the same car.  The last one is a bobtail.  I think it's just the different lighting, but both look to be the stock 87 and 88 Maroon (Medium Red Metallic).

[GTRS Fiero]

No, not the same car.  Notice the spoiler?

[GTRS Fiero]

Bobtail, huh?  Never heard that one before.

[Raydar]

Bobtail, huh?  Never heard that one before.

AKA "wing delete". Which is really a misnomer. Wings were optional on all GTs, even though most of them had them.
There was not a "delete" option. They just weren't ordered.
(A few fastback GTs were even ordered with luggage racks. Quite uncommon, but still an option.)

My favorite Fiero color is probably Medium Red Metallic. (Or burgundy or maroon, if you prefer.)
 

[f85gtron]

No, not the same car.  Notice the spoiler?

I couldn't see. I was blinded by the shiny paint!  I'm used to dull paint with fades in it.

[GTRS Fiero]

Silver does that.  Maybe Spohia Sophia will want your silver Fiero, and you can get a red Fiero. 

(Fixed for you)
(Charlie)

[GTRS Fiero]

Oops.  Thanks.

[GTRS Fiero]

I wish I could say that the cradle is back in the car, but it isn't.  For this to be ready in a month, I think that needs to be done by now.  I figure it will take at least 2 weeks to do the initial run with logging data, 2 reprograms, and get the shift points right.

Next weekend nothing will happen.

[GTRS Fiero]

Struts, axles, and tri-links are in.  I see lots of rust, so that will have to be addressed.  The knuckles I'll deal with later.  Rotors and dust shields, too.  The rust on plates above the struts, and on the cradle must be treated, though.

Valve covers are on.  Manifolds are back on.

I figure it could be running with 2 days' work.  Unfortunately, there is still a lot to do.  The upper intake, EGR, cruise, heater core, cradle mounting, brake calipers, wiring and hoses hook-up, fluids, getting everything running smoothly again, etc.

Now, it's filthy and needs a cleaning.

[GTRS Fiero]

Well, there it is.  Several disappointing things:
1. I wanted to do the coil pack like this:

but unfortunately, the wiring was done to wire on the trunk wall.  If I change it at this point, I'll have to change the pickup date (again).  I know this one (f85gtron's) wasn't the first (I've seen at least one other one), but his was my inspiration.  Yeah, I'm upset, can you tell?  I said I wanted it done this way, and was told we could discuss later.  I mentioned it twice since, and it still won't get done that way.
2. The cradle was supposed to have been cleaned up BEFORE the engine and transmission were mounted.
3. When the block was modified to take the transmission, metal filings were left all over, causing inevitable rust.

I'm also told that replacing the factory firewall insulation will make it look terrible, and must be done in pieces.

[GTRS Fiero]

My old struts were dead.  No response whatsoever.  I was completely on the springs.  I'm hoping the back end will be tight, now.  I probably should've installed Rodney's girdle kit, but that will have to wait for another time.  I'm trying not to do too many things at once.  As much as I hate to do a job halfway, and as much as it irks me to repeat effort, I have to draw the line somewhere.

So far, here's my redo list from this job:
1. Pull gas tank, treat for rust and paint.
2. Pull filler tube, treat for rust and paint.
3. Pull knuckles, sand blast and powdercoat.
4. Pull fuel filter, treat for rust and paint.
5. Drop cradle, strip and paint.
6. Replace brake dust shields.
7. Pull radiator mounts, treat, and paint.

[GTRS Fiero]

Notice anything missing?

[Fierofool]

Big vacuum port on the goose neck.