1988 Formula Build for Jeri (Page 4/12)
Toddster SEP 29, 11:00 AM

quote
Originally posted by hnthomps:

All of the photos show up just fine for me.

Nelson



Yeah, we got it fixed. It was weird, I had to open my ipad and look at the thread while not signed in to see it the way others did. It was a URL issue, we're good to go now.
Toddster SEP 29, 11:20 PM
Whenever I get my hands on a Fiero that has sat for a while there are just some things you have to assume need work and with 113K miles I felt like the headlight motors would be one of them and I was right. The new pucks are on top and the original ones just below them.
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You need to check the gear teeth as well, if any are damaged you will need to replace the gear. I got lucky and both are fine. a little white grease and it can all go back together.


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Next is a little clean up of the headlight assembly and put it all back together.
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After doing the other side I was able to reinstall the repaired wiring harness and headlight assemblies.
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I am just waiting on delivery of a new 3-core aluminum radiator and the front 1/3 of the car will be done!

[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 11-15-2020).]

red GT OCT 02, 05:22 AM
I really enjoy reading these types of posts. The car is looking really nice and can't wait to see more. Thank you taking the the time to share your updates through your restoration / build.
Toddster OCT 02, 11:17 AM

quote
Originally posted by red GT:

I really enjoy reading these types of posts. The car is looking really nice and can't wait to see more. Thank you taking the the time to share your updates through your restoration / build.



Thanks for the appreciation. I do these threads for posterity so I am glad it is useful to others. That is the goal.

Since the original wiring harness was for a bare bones Fiero it lacked a lot of options. It was also for a Auto so to save time and effort, I am simply ripping it out and replacing the entire interior harness with the harness from the donor car. The one problem with the donor is that some one had cut off the stereo plugs. No problem, I can use the original harness plug and solder it in place with some heat shrink tubing and we are back to factory fresh.

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Aside from adding the harness from the donor and the subwoofer I also want to tackle one common problem with 80's cars...not enough POWER! I snipped the power block plug end off the donor harness and made myself a new power port for mounting under the dash. This will plug right into a spare port in the power panel and I will have permanent power.

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After installing the new wiring harness I can now install the donor steering column as well. The electro-mechanical portion of the job is almost done!
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Finally, the new 3-core radiator arrived. I just mocked it in place. Some modification to the rubber mounts needs to be done. I'll get to the next and get whole thing installed and re-assembled.
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[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 11-15-2020).]

Flying_Dan OCT 02, 02:40 PM
Inspiring!

I need to get to work on converting my AT to 5spd.

Looks good and another Fiero will be saved.
Toddster OCT 03, 08:03 PM
The original Master Cylinder from the donor car is not much to look at. Also, rebuilding it is not much cheaper than just replacing it so out with the old



and in with the new. I prefer cast iron to the original thin steel. If you want to, you can paint it for a clean look but the cast iron is stronger and thicker than stock.



That goes for the Slave Cylinder as well

[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 11-15-2020).]

Toddster OCT 03, 08:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by Flying_Dan:

Inspiring!

I need to get to work on converting my AT to 5spd.

Looks good and another Fiero will be saved.



It is not a simple task but if you have the time and patience, it will add loads of value and fun.
blackrams OCT 05, 08:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by Toddster:


Let's see a picture of the Formula!



Toddster,
First, let me say this: Cool Thread!

Reference Pictures, sorry, I've never figured out how. Doesn't really matter, my 88 CJB is just another Formula and looks just like yours.
My 3800SC Formula has some rear side scoops air inserts (made by someone I don't remember) that look cool and provide for air to flow over the rear brakes but other than that, both my Formulas are pretty "stock" looking. Both are five speed gear boxes.

Some day, some one will want my T Top Formula. Maybe not today but, some day. Doesn't really matter, all it costs is a little bit of fuel that I put in it once in a while. I don't drive it much, just enough to make sure it's still good to go. Some day I may let the 3800SC Formula go, just not ready to do that yet. It's still fun to drive. My real problem is, storage. Recently moved south and still haven't got that shop built. The T Top is sheltered and so is my Valkyrie motorcycle but, everything else is out in the elements. Told the spousal unit, this has got to change. Just a matter of time and money. Just discovered that Mississippi doesn't allow Lottery sales. Bummer, who knew...……….

Rams

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 10-05-2019).]

Toddster OCT 07, 07:27 PM
So I am walking through a wrecking yard that specializes in Fords with my son who is fixing up a 1964 Mustang. The guy had everything, galaxies, mercury coupes, falcons, an original 427 side oiler, 428 Cobra Jet, etc. Anyway, As I turn the corner, there is this 1988 Fiero Coupe! While working on the 5-speed conversion I was head scratching over where I am going to get an original 1988 5-speed pallex pattern shifter surround and BOOM! Ther it was.....in the last place on Earth I would expect to find it! Undamaged, just needs a cleaning.



blackrams OCT 08, 01:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by Toddster:

So I am walking through a wrecking yard that specializes in Fords

SNIP

Anyway, As I turn the corner, there is this 1988 Fiero Coupe! While working on the 5-speed conversion I was head scratching over where I am going to get an original 1988 5-speed pallex pattern shifter surround and BOOM! Ther it was.....in the last place on Earth I would expect to find it! Undamaged, just needs a cleaning.



One never knows where the next needed part will show up. Persistence is the key. Excellent find!

Rams