Driving a Fiero in the winter has it's risks. but today I won't be talking about grip or handling, I would like to talk about the # 1 enemy of our Fieros... No big surprise here,
RUST and what's better to "enhance" this menace other then
SALT that's being spread all over our northern roads every year.
If you'll run a PFF search on "Rust proofing" not a lot of results come up, but for those of us living (or freezing) in the 'snow belt' there are 2 options:
1. Enjoy your Fiero in the summer and store it for the winter
2. Drive your Fiero in the winter and condemn it's chassis to a slow and painful death from rust.
Myself, being a loyal owner to my Fiero, and given this is my one and ONLY car decided to try (and I emphasis TRY) to protect it with
Rust Proofing. (This is no news to anyone, just shearing my experience)
We can open the discussion whether or not rust proofing works, and I'll be glad to hear any opinions on the subject.
However, if you do decide to get your Fiero "sprayed" I am here to tell you I've found the best "Fiero specific" rust proofing service.
I am very picky in general and when in comes to my Fiero you might even say I'm
UBER picky I owned and drove my Fiero year round in Toronto and Montreal, two of the biggest capitals of snow and salt in Canada and this would be the 4th rust proofing service I've tried.
2004-5:
www.krown.com - Price was around $100 (I removed and reinstalled the wheel wells at home)
2006: "home operated" service - Price was $60 "Cash" they were cooperative within the limits of the price. (wheels on)
2007:
http://duratech.ca/ - Price was $115 for the "special oil" and they did an O.K job (wheels on). I expect the same from Metropolitan
www.antirouille.com The main problem with all these services is that they usually run a chain operation, meaning your car is in and out in 20-25 min and they have 3 "dudes" at minimum wage (about $8) that spray the cars. Now, not to be offensive here but these guys breath a lot of oil fumes
and they haven't got a clue about the Fiero!!
Even if you $tip$ them (and I did) and try to explain how a Fiero is build and where are the important spots, you still get a service that is only 50% of what can be done.
* * *
For the winter of 2008 I've decided to go with a Fiero mechanic that offers rust proofing service (limited time before winter)
And I must say I am sure glad I did or as we say Vive la différence !
The Location:
http://www.azmecanique.com/
Location in the neighborhood :
As an experienced Fiero mechanic and a guy that restored several Fieros (including rear rails welding) he knows the Fiero frame like the back of his hand, and the difference in the spray method just shows.
The "Full service" he offered included:
1. Removal of all 4 wheels and wheel wells + General safety inspection
2. Detailed spray - a thin spray nozzle that gets into every hole and groove in the frame, cradle and suspension and soaks it with a decent amount of protection oil. And when I say detailed I mean EVERY spot you can think off gets sprayed.
3. General area spray - Larger spray pattern to cover the larger metal areas
Spray results:
All nice and shiny (Not the kind that wins shows but the kind that protects metal LOL)
4. Front compartment and engine bay gets taken care of as well.
5. Final inspection, breaks clean and Reinstall
Done and ready to go.
The entire process was over 2 hours and the Fiero got the treatment it deserves
Obviously a service like this costs a bit more then the other options, but you get your money's worth here!
* * *
If you want more details about Ben and this shop, PFF member
Fiero5 from New Hampshire have visited there in Aug 2005 and posted lots of pictures and impressions.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060206-1-053622.htmlhttps://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060206-1-053753.htmlhttps://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060206-1-053888.htmlAs for my conclusion, If you have to drive your Fiero in the winter, take care of her.
And the best way to get it done is have a Fiero expert do the job.
Thanks Benoit and his assistant Benoit
for the great job
I wish everybody a safe winter.
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[This message has been edited by Mister (edited 11-04-2007).]