Well the last few months have been very eventful, I just thought id chronicle a few of my adventures.




For those who do not know this is my car 8 months ago at my wedding. She's undergoing some pretty major changes but will be back with a vengeance!

It all started when I was hit in a particularly bad intersection...




I got hit in the rear wheel hub and although it incapacitated the car it saved me from extensive damage. The strut and control arm collapsed but the space frame was undamaged for the most part.









Not pretty, but could be much worse! I carry full coverage and made out pretty well, before long parts started rolling in! First on the agenda is the 88 cradle swap I've been collecting parts for for a while.



FieroGuru 88 geometry brackets. Great parts and I am very happy with them, I talked him out of his first set.


New rubber bushings in all links





New kony shocks and struts.


Rear suspension parts ready to go!




cleaning up the cradle and mounting the intercooler




More in the next post!

[This message has been edited by thedrue (edited 04-11-2012).]

With the 88 cradle parts coming together I got started on a few other updates.


CS alternator, very worthwhile!



New battery cables

Also new Fiero store big bore brake master cylinder
Rodney Dickman shift cables
Rodney Dickman Clutch slave cylinder
Fiero store stainless steel hard brake lines and braided stainless steel caliper hoses
remanufactured axles, new rear wheel bearings
Many more little things!


I cut a little out of the bottom of the trunk to make some space for some new exhaust work...




I managed to get the new cradle in without trouble even though I was a little worried about frame damage.







Rear suspension coming together!


First time moving under its own power, on all 4 wheels!




This was my temporary exhaust solution... Don't worry only temporary!

More to come!

Nice man way to bring it back....looking real good and some nice upgrades too. I am sure you are jonesin' to get it back on the road looking pretty again soon. Keep us posted. Peace

Pete

Congrats on the great rebuild!

------------------


Recent major upgrade at Whodeanie Customs with many cool TLG Automotive parts

www.yellowfiero.com Pictures Modifications

Hey there Damian! I was actually thinking of you and your new Bride last night. Glad to see that life is moving along nicely. Sorry about the accident, but it looks as if improvements are happening due to it. Very nice.

Hoping to see ya again this summer. Our best to you and yours...

Tony

Who cares about the car? All that really matters is your bride ok? If I remember correctly, she is a cutie patootie.

Jim

Saw that one coming! (not the car that hit you) congrats !

The bride is doing great! She was not in the car at the time, just me. It was a real bummer but I cant complain about how things are working out!

I look forward to seeing you as well Tony! I am very bummed we missed fiero fest last year but weddings are more important Im told...

Hoping to have the car all done before too long, I am driving it a little now and I have to say it feels GOOD. The exhaust is killer and the 88 cradle swap and konys and swaybars are doing the job nicely. I look forward to letting her rip at the next autocross.

Love the exhaust tips, the way you mounted the ic and the rims look really nice

Nice work, can't wait to see it all back together!

Damian-

Glad to see you're back! Had wondered what had happened after the wedding and Fieroseverywhere and I didn't hear from you about helping us with the 4.9 swap.

The swap is still on-going, but getting closer. If you ever want to take a break from turning wrenches on your car, and help us out, let me know.

Thanks!!!

Josh

I've been driving the car some and ironing out some kinks. Its a monster! The body work has been slow but I just talked with my painter and he will be finishing up a few mods this week and should be shooting red by the end of the week or early next week. I should have my parts next week and I plan on finally reassembling over memorial day weekend.

Its been a long road but its been worth it and the car is better than ever!

My wife and I can't wait for NW Fierofest, see you all there.

Holy Smokes... Damian, I had no idea you and your ride suffered this misfortune! Glad to see how well you have progressed in getting her back on the road. And, of course can't wait to see you again at the fest!

Jeff & Karla

------------------


Mine = 1986/2007 LS4 Fiero GXP
Brides= All stock 1988 Formula

Where did you get those battery cables?

[This message has been edited by Quad Raider (edited 05-15-2012).]

THe battery cables are from Summit Racing. They sell several battery relocation kits and thats what I bought. It was not cheap but I am very happy and it came with the professional looking rubber covers and stuff.

Good luck!

Why are you holding out on us...I found your exhaust clip on youtube!!

Awesome car, seems like a good balance of power and handling. Are those the HHP swaybars?

I really like what you're doing/have done with the car. In my humble opinion, the '87/'88 coupe is the best looking of all Fieros. And I'm not just saying that because I have one. ; )

Thanks everyone, my goal was not overall speed but a well balanced controlled car with handling and braking to match. I'm biased but Id say i hit the nail on the head!

They are indeed HHP swaybars. I have not driven with them much but I love them. Cant wait for autocross!

There are several clips of my car on youtube... In different states of build and tune. Teaser, in some videos there are flames and glowing exhaust...

I like the 87-88 coup as well, my favorite body style too. The car was supposed to be a sleeper... it has a mind of its own though and that did not last long.

There ya go!

Mmmm....turbo goodness! Thanks for the reminder I have to re-do my exhaust so I can get that whistle back...putting on the full exhaust after running an open downpipe was a sad day for me lol.

oh, haha! I didnt post that one! Neat. I have not even seen it yet, Ill check it out when I get home from work.

There has been some progress!


Brake bias valve. I had very bad rear wheel lockup so I turned it down and the car is back to normal.


Speed bleeders for the win.


Panels are coming together.








Just installed my sail windows.



I just gotta clean up and install my rocker covers then get the car back so the black top can be fixed and the wing painted. Then the exterior will be done, just gotta finish up some things inside and the car will be back together!

Awesome job!

------------------

THat car keeps getting better

------------------
Car Thread:
86 GT
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/F...ML/085541.html

Great work!

-MH

No doubt! You are inspiring pal! Can't wait to see you two again.. or make that three.. You, your bride and your car.... Oh..and Karla is showing her own car this year,,, you need to work on Katie!!

Mwwwaahhahahahh........

Jeff

Looks awesome, great work so far.

Everything looks so shiny, new and clean!

Congrats on everything ! Good things happen every now and then.

Your car is looking great! Can't wait to see it all finished. If you don't mind me asking, what size/offset are your wheels? I'm thinking about a set of TSWs in my future.

[This message has been edited by mikejhjr (edited 06-09-2012).]

I like this build for it is different. I like the turbo set-up, brakes, new sway bar, side vents.

------------------



"Friends don't let their friends drive stock."

Thanks for your support everyone! I have not been keeping up on the forum as much as I should... too busy with a house and work and stuff. Oh and the car has definitely been keeping me busy as well... more on that in a bit.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Fest!

The wheels are TSW trackstar 5's 17 inch diameter 8 inches wide. 35 mm offset I believe. I did have the fronts milled down another 3 mm to make the fronts 38 mm offset. I was having some rubbing issues at my desired ride height since the brake rotors spaced them out.

Thanks for the kind words Curly! Your cars are definitely ones to watch. I am definitely taking a different approach than you do, I wanted to set out and create a well balanced Fiero, improving on the car but not straying from it stylistically. I also am focusing on the drive, the suspension is rock solid and I have tried to engineer it for the ultimate in performance but still be very livable and balanced. i really like the Fiero shape/design and wanted to accentuate it and embrace it not change it too much. Its a driver but definitely has lots of personality.

On with the story!


I travelled down to Corvallis a couple months ago to pick up my new Projector retrofit headlights. I like the popups but wanted better performance and a little meaner look. The low profiles are just what I wanted.






These are great products and really update the looks and performance of the Fiero headlights.

The next day I went on a great drive with my friends Alan(PPE) and Justin.







Lets just say the day was stellar, great cars, great people, and great roads. Unfortunately on the way down a stray patch of gravel ruined everything...





It was my fault as I overdrove the road a bit, we had been enjoying ourselves all day at the top of the road, no gravel cause its snowed in during the winter. But as we ascended the traction sand appeared out of nowhere, I was not pushing very hard but was definitely feeling the car out. It is the first tim Ive really been able to try out all the new parts... Long story I landed in the ditch, but I was ok and to be honest the car faired very well!

Some nice people winched me out with a jeep and I used my roadside assistance to get a tow back into town. One of our friends lent us the use of his shop and after a quick trip to Portland to raid my spare parts stash we has the steering rack changed with new tie rods and a new knuckle installed, even threw on a spare fender. I drove the car home less than 24 hours after the accident. I inspected everything and other than the body panel damage and an alignment the car is good as new!


just before leaving corvallis


safe and sound back in my shop


After dealing with a mad wife and getting some money together I took the car back to my painters and he took care of the red at the same time as he painted my wing and fixed the black top.


Tonight I reinstalled the newly red fender and cleaned a couple things up. I am determined to not work on this car any longer! Just finish putting it together and cleaning it up for the Fest and then driving it and smiling the whole time.

Whew, the last few months have just gotten more and more crazy!

Time to sit on my couch and relax

You can see Team Pontiaxed car in my shop getting an engine transplant.

Also a quick teaser showing off what my wife will be adorned with at Fiero Fest this year...


Thanks for the comments guys, this truly is an adventure.

Wow, that poor car has been through the ringer lately.

I want to see the pics of the car freshly painted all up matching!!! I love what you have done with it.

Yes the car has been through a lot. But I built it to be driven and things happen once in a while. I definitely have learned a few good lessons along the way...

The car is coming together, I should have reassembly done this weekend and then just some cutting/buffing and cleanup before Fiero fest. I will have lots of great pictures for you guys around that time. Should signal the end to this leg of the journey.

The car is almost done!!!!!



Since one of my sail windows blew off I had to remake a new set. This time I took it to a pro to glue on, I was not going to screw it up again.


With all the panels painted I installed the spoiler and installed the sunroof seal and a few odds and ends.







The car will be ready for Fiero Fest, I am also in the process of building a very nice GT for someone that will be there as well. The paint work is happening now, then after the Fest the car is getting a fresh 3400 and 4 speed auto transmission.

I like the two tone with the black front roof section. I did the same with my coupe.

Awesome looking car, sounds great too!

Ive been watching your build Josef! Looks great, the car is turning out very well and I am a big fan of the place roof panel.

I reinstalled the headliner as well as A and B piller panels. It really makes a difference to have the interior installed. Just have a few odds and ends to do tomorrow and I am calling the car officially done and ready for Fiero Fest.

My lovely wife bought me a 2 hour detail session that I will redeem the week of the fest since Ill be very busy until then finishing up another car that will be at the fest as well as doing some vacationing.

I am hoping to have the front and rear fascia's painted and back on my car this weekend. AC work will be next.

Your car looks FINE !