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Author Topic: The new life of the formula fastback  (Read 38163 times)

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NoMad

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The new life of the formula fastback
« on: January 14, 2019, 07:47:12 pm »
As if today I have actually taken possesion of the clubs formula fastback. Since I plan to do a good bit of work to the car I figured I would start a build thread so those interested in the car can keep up to date.



When I went to pick up the car a quick check over showed that Charlie was right and the front tires were badly dry rotted. The rears were in acceptable shape so it was a quick stop next door to Mikes so I could get new fronts. Hate to spend money on tires that will be replaced almost immediatly as I am moving to 17" rims in the very near future so it can clear the 12" C4 rotors that will be installed soon.

Once I made it home I went ahead and pulled the blower motor and resistor so I could clean the accumulated debris in hopes of preventing a dash fire. Since the light was fading fast I opted to just take care of some initial clean up. The windows took quite a bit of scrubbing to pull all the black residues and dirt off the, both inside amd out.  I also chose to break my usual rule and used some armorall wipes to clean the interior vinyl and plastics. I am not a fan but it was what I had on hand and it gave me a better idea of what needs what in the interior.

Tomorrow the car gets titled and plated so it can become my daily driver while sorting the small stuff. While I am out I plan to grab a new set of winder wipers so I can cope with all the rain we have been getting.

Also I have been cleaning and dielectric greasing every electrical connection I open while working on the car.

So far I have identified some need to fix items to start with before tackling any cosmetic work.

1 The horn is not currently functional. Not sure if this is a switch and column issue, wiring, or the horn itself. I will get on tracking that down as my first task. Never really needed the horn in Alaska but since moving here to Atlanta I find it a cheap insurance when people are texting or just plain not paying attention.

2  The trunk release is not currently working and I plan to remedy that sooner rather than later.

3.  Keys. The trunk and door keys are currently different so I will want to fix that with a locksmith at some point.

4. Interior. Lots of small stuff like replacing the window switches and replacing cracked or warped vinyl and trim pieces. Top of my list is the cracked and broken window switches, the shift boot and knob, the the missing driver's side seat recline lever cover, seat covers or upholstery, the pegged tac and inop temperature gauge.

The bigger stuff is:
The brake upgrade that I am preparing parts for now.
17" wheels to accommodate the larger brakes
Change ALL suspension and stearing bushings and go through everything there with a fine-tooth comb.

Up in the air for me is to decide on if I will keep the formula body intact or complete the conversion to a GT. I know I want to change the look with new side intakes along the lines of the old fierofiberglass.com stuff om the orange GT at Mike`s shop. For now the car will stay in primer till I am happy with all the body mods.

Thank you again to everyone who was involved in the building of the car and repairs done by the club, I a, excited to be back into the fiero owners fold.
« Last Edit: April 10, 2019, 10:57:01 pm by NoMad »

GTRS Fiero

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2019, 08:27:12 pm »
Congratulations!

It reads as if the car is in good hands.

Fierofool

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2019, 09:38:33 pm »
At one time the horn was working.  I don't know what happened to it.  The trunk release also worked.  It may just be that it isn't grounding to the latch hook.  You can attach a jumper to the latch hook and to the body of the solenoid and see if it will click to determine if it's just lack of ground.  It grounds through the latch hook on the body.

I have a couple of fuel/temp gauges that you can install.  I think the hand fell off your temp gauge. 

I'm with you on the ArmorAll.  A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser does a great job at cleaning the hard vinyl.  Afterward, see if you can find some UV2 Protectant.  It's a non-drying protectant.  Has no chemicals that will dry and crack the vinyl, like ArmorAll. 

On January 26, several of us are going up to ScottB's shop and cannibalize a parts car.  There may be some window switches and trunk opener stuff, along with other things that you could get from him.  This was a good car until a tree fell on it, so lots of stuff on it was still in operation. 

When you make the conversion to the 17"s, those Formula rims with good tires should have no problem selling. 
There are three kinds of men:

1.    The ones that learn by reading.
2.    The few who learn by observation.
3.    The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.    Will Rogers

GTRS Fiero

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2019, 09:56:14 pm »
Interesting.  The horn and trunk relays are the same part number.

Do you hear the relays click?

NoMad

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2019, 10:23:28 pm »
I haven't had time and daylight to check relays or the switches. But as of now I have a set of new switches in my cart on the fiero store. Sadly the 26th I will be flying to Seattle for a practice weekend in Vancouver BC.

Already a few hundred in on updated parts and really looking forward to making her sing soon.


Raydar

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2019, 10:26:21 pm »
Interesting.  The horn and trunk relays are the same part number.

Do you hear the relays click?

The horn and the trunk relays ARE interchangeable.
The horn relay is under the right side of the dash, between the heater box and the fenderwell.
The trunk popper relay is under the left side of the dash, to the right of the column.

Personally, I am quite a fan of the "Fastback Formula" look. Your car (years ago) was part of the inspiration for mine.
« Last Edit: January 14, 2019, 10:32:05 pm by Raydar »
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NoMad

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2019, 10:28:32 pm »
Thank you. That saves me some time looking.

Before I hit send on my Fierostore order how do I go about applying the discount for paid members?

GTRS Fiero

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2019, 10:31:36 pm »
Already a few hundred in on updated parts...

Yep, and only day 1.

Raydar

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2019, 10:34:07 pm »
Quote
author=NoMad link=topic=3449.msg34429#msg34429 date=1547522912

Before I hit send on my Fierostore order how do I go about applying the discount for paid members?

I don't think you can do it online.
Wait until they're open, and give them a call. Give them your name, associated with the Ga Fiero club.
« Last Edit: January 14, 2019, 10:40:33 pm by Raydar »
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GTRS Fiero

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2019, 10:40:14 pm »
It should show in your cart, after it's applied.  Mine shows in the discount column of the cart.  Be aware that the discount does not apply to all items.

I maintain several carts:
1. Items I need right away
2. Items I want while they're available
3. Items that I'll need, but am willing to wait for the higher discount

Raydar

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2019, 10:41:46 pm »
It should show in your cart, after it's applied.  Mine shows in the discount column of the cart.  Be aware that the discount does not apply to all items.


Cool. Didn't realize that. It's been a while since I've ordered...
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NoMad

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #11 on: January 14, 2019, 10:42:39 pm »
Raydar, your formula looks great. The only thing I don't care for is the nose. Never cared for the Formula nose.

Raydar

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #12 on: January 14, 2019, 10:44:50 pm »
Raydar, your formula looks great. The only thing I don't care for is the nose. Never cared for the Formula nose.

That's quite alright. There are two others to choose from... :D
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Fierofool

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #13 on: January 14, 2019, 10:45:20 pm »
NoMad, I just sent in the membership list yesterday after I got your new address.  Matt replied last night about 11:30 that he had received it.  I don't know how long it will be before they get the 2019 Membership List into their system. 
There are three kinds of men:

1.    The ones that learn by reading.
2.    The few who learn by observation.
3.    The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.    Will Rogers

Fierofool

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Re: The new life of the formula fastback
« Reply #14 on: January 14, 2019, 10:55:30 pm »
I found the short shifter in the Formula Fastback to be very stiff.  A little longer shifter would make things easier.  The stock Isuzu or Getrag shift lever is very tall, but the 84 shifter is about midway between the 5-speed shifter levers and the shorties.  You might be able to find someone who would swap out the lever with you.  All levers are interchangeable without changing the base. 
There are three kinds of men:

1.    The ones that learn by reading.
2.    The few who learn by observation.
3.    The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.    Will Rogers