And if I recall correctly (actually it was something I learned here on the forum), they differ between fastbacks and notchbacks due to where the vents need to attach.
I have a MERA. It is the solid ring with the little tabs sticking up to support a grill at one time. as pictured in original post. Thank you for adding your insight to this discussion. Much appreciated. Kent
And if I recall correctly (actually it was something I learned here on the forum), they differ between fastbacks and notchbacks due to where the vents need to attach.
Someone here posted photos of the difference.
The rings that bolt to the strut towers are the same between notchie and fastbacks on the 88's (as well as the same Left/Right). There is a small bracket that bolts to these rings and then bolted to the decklid vents... those are the parts that are different between the two body styles.
As an FYI, those rings are quite hard. I used to cut the vent mounting tabs off and convert the struts to accept bolts to clean up the tops of the strut towers.
Eventually I relocated the top of the struts and replaced the rings with 1/4" aluminum plate:
[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 05-10-2018).]
You mean the metal "ring" that's have 3 studs and nut. Is just reinforcement to help the strut tower.
Many Fiero just have 3 oval shape pieces per tower doing same job. Is bit better then just using heavy washers. (1 washer and nut is under the vent bracket w/ own nut.)
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both is so nuts can't pull out/thru the tower in most cases.
If missing either type then just use big heavy washers to spread the nut load to a wider area of tower. Can make/buy a ring if you want but not really needed to drive.
88 may not show/list this in 22P and other parts books but also miss the three nuts etc too so likely another error in GM data. Or 88 towers are thicker and doesn't need the ring/washers but no nuts? likely just didn't list them.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I have a MERA. It is the solid ring with the little tabs sticking up to support a grill at one time. as pictured in original post. Thank you for adding your insight to this discussion. Much appreciated. Kent
Meras come with two types of strut top stress distribution devices. One is the conventional ring that you described and another factory style device consists of three oblong pieces instead of the full ring. I have both types installed on Meras. A photo can be provided if you want to see the second design.
This is good to know. I’m looking forward to receiving the two rings and refinishing them. Cheers. Kent
The rings were originally electroplated with zinc from an alkaline bath, and then a yellow hexavalent chromate conversion coating was applied. Both processes have been replaced, for the most part, due to environmental regulations (chromate) or operating costs (alkaline zinc).
If you opt to have them plated, acid zinc with a yellow trivalent chromate comes close, but is a lot brighter than the original finish.
If you opt to paint them, and want to replicate the original finish, there is a two step process in spray cans that comes close. I don't remember who makes it off of the top of my head, but I can find out.
