The start of my Journey! (Page 2/5)
fieroguru JAN 31, 07:17 PM
Aside from the front trunk wall, that looks like a fairly clean/rust free 88 chassis.

I know you have already painted or primed the cradle, but you might want to consider adding a weld bead to the rear transmission mount pocket. This area is prone to crack on higher hp manual transmission swaps. The stock weld bead is on the bottom side and about 3/4" from the edge of the rail.

NewDustin JAN 31, 07:26 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:
I love this image! I only hope you daughter isn't entering high school by the time this project is roadworthy. You're off to a great start though!


Thank you! I'm planning on staying on top of it, so we'll see how it goes.


quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:
Aside from the front trunk wall, that looks like a fairly clean/rust free 88 chassis.
I know you have already painted or primed the cradle, but you might want to consider adding a weld bead to the rear transmission mount pocket. This area is prone to crack on higher hp manual transmission swaps. The stock weld bead is on the bottom side and about 3/4" from the edge of the rail.


I've got enough of this encapsulator stuff left to grind that section back down and add a weld. I've literally never welded anything before, so I that'll be a bigger hurdle than anything else ^.^
Side note: You have been a huge inspiration for me, and I very nearly went with an LS4 just because of how cool your work is. Thank you for commenting!

[This message has been edited by NewDustin (edited 01-31-2024).]

NewDustin FEB 01, 11:21 AM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:
I know you have already painted or primed the cradle, but you might want to consider adding a weld bead to the rear transmission mount pocket. This area is prone to crack on higher hp manual transmission swaps. The stock weld bead is on the bottom side and about 3/4" from the edge of the rail.


Found a friend who knows how to weld, and he's coming over today or tomorrow to get this done! Thanks Guru. My future uncracked-cradle-having self thanks you, too.
NewDustin FEB 01, 06:42 PM
Today's update:
Last night I removed all of the insulation from the engine bay. That rivals cleaning out the post-cat-birth carpets as the grossest part of the project so far; filthy doesn't even begin to describe those things. This morning I spent some time removing more of the peripherals from the engine bay. Pretty happy with my progress so far:



From this angle, the damage from the pushed-in trunk is much more obvious. Still have no idea how to fix this. Might try whacking it with a rubber mallet? Jumping on it (I kid...maybe)?:


You know what doesn't fit into that tight little corner that needs a weld? Any kind of powered grinding tool that I own. Note the sad marks from me trying,. I finally bought a teeny tiny drill bit brush, but even that didn't even come close. My hands are sore, but...


Thanks again to everyone giving me feedback!

[This message has been edited by NewDustin (edited 02-01-2024).]

NewDustin FEB 01, 10:49 PM
Weld done! I'll repaint later tonight and tomorrow
82-T/A [At Work] FEB 02, 06:44 AM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:

Aside from the front trunk wall, that looks like a fairly clean/rust free 88 chassis.

I know you have already painted or primed the cradle, but you might want to consider adding a weld bead to the rear transmission mount pocket. This area is prone to crack on higher hp manual transmission swaps. The stock weld bead is on the bottom side and about 3/4" from the edge of the rail.



Is this issue in all Fiero cradles, or just the 88s?
fieroguru FEB 02, 09:04 AM

quote
Originally posted by NewDustin:
You know what doesn't fit into that tight little corner that needs a weld? Any kind of powered grinding tool that I own. Note the sad marks from me trying,. I finally bought a teeny tiny drill bit brush, but even that didn't even come close. My hands are sore, but...




I use a wire brush for removing weld slag to clean that area for welding.



quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
Is this issue in all Fiero cradles, or just the 88s?



The earlier years have similar weld bead placement, but the metal in that area is thicker, so it is less of an issue. If I was building a 300+ hp manual transmission swap that used that area, I would do the same weld modification on the 84-87 cradles as well.
David Hambleton FEB 02, 09:06 AM
My '86 got whacked in the back resulting in this:










The pic resolution is horrible, but the trunk wall was easily straightened using a 4 foot 2 by 4 prying against a selection of appropriately located wood pieces.
NewDustin FEB 02, 11:36 AM

quote
Originally posted by David Hambleton:
The pic resolution is horrible, but the trunk wall was easily straightened using a 4 foot 2 by 4 prying against a selection of appropriately located wood pieces.


I have some pieces that just might work! I took the deck lid off yesterday, so I have plenty of space to find a good angle. I don't know if I'll have time to do this today, but I'm going to try to find some! Thank you so much!
NewDustin FEB 02, 11:44 AM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:
I use a wire brush for removing weld slag to clean that area for welding.


The rust coating paint stuff was unfazed by my wire brushing attempts. I ended up using a pick to scrape almost all of it away from the area, then the wire brushes to clean up after. I'm thinking I might need stiffer wire brushes.