1988 Formula Build for Jeri (Page 6/12)
Toddster OCT 22, 11:28 PM
Nothing is more frustrating than swapping what you THINK is a compatible part and it turns out not to be. The passenger door I took from my donor Fiero was replaced at some point. The door was from a 1984 Fiero and the door is NOT compatible with later models due to the way the door panels are attached. as such I had to grab a donor door from a different parts car and tear it apart and rebuild it all over again.

This is something you have to expect from time to time when working on older cars. But with some intrepidity I managed to get it done! Check it out, NO MORE RIVETS! Everything is held in with rivenuts and welded-in nuts with 6mm screws and bolts.



With the Door skins finally on you can see some of the subtle changes with new wiper blades (arms repainted of course), leather seats from a GT in very nice shape!, nose badge re-glued, etc.



Now is the time to TEST it ALL! hook up a battery to the fusable link and a neg to any ground and check all the interior gadgets before moving onto the engine. IT ALL WORKS!



One tip, I always use a new project folder to toss receipts in to be reconciled later. Office depot has them.

[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 10-22-2019).]

fierobear OCT 23, 11:14 AM
Todd, I would highly recommend Rodney’s slave and master cylinders. Brian and I replaced mine on my 88GT with parts from a local store, then tore our hair out trying to figure out why the clutch system wasn’t working right. We replaced both with Rodney parts and they have been working perfectly for well over 100,000 miles.
Toddster OCT 23, 11:24 AM

quote
Originally posted by fierobear:

Todd, I would highly recommend Rodney’s slave and master cylinders. Brian and I replaced mine on my 88GT with parts from a local store, then tore our hair out trying to figure out why the clutch system wasn’t working right. We replaced both with Rodney parts and they have been working perfectly for well over 100,000 miles.



I already have the parts but for the future I will definitely look into that. One thing I always try to do with a master and slave swap is go with cast iron, it just lasts longer and performs more reliably than rolled steel in my experience. I know that sounds counter-intuitive but I had the same issues as you with the original parts.
fierobear OCT 23, 12:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by Toddster:


I already have the parts but for the future I will definitely look into that. One thing I always try to do with a master and slave swap is go with cast iron, it just lasts longer and performs more reliably than rolled steel in my experience. I know that sounds counter-intuitive but I had the same issues as you with the original parts.



The problem we had wasn't the metal parts, it was the seals/plunger. We figured out that the rubber plunger was so poor, fluid was just sloshing past it, and the clutch wasn't able to completely engage/disengauge. And this was right after installation, not later on.

I know you already have the parts, but it might be worth biting the bullet and getting the Rodney parts. You might avoid future headaches.
Toddster OCT 23, 10:33 PM
Today I started on the door panels to get the interior finished. The original door panels won't work, not because of the crank holes but because of the manual mirror hole. So I grabbed a set off my 1987 GT donor. But they needed some cleaning big time! First I removed the 1987 map pockets (BTW, that is a pain in the nuts! Literally. The nuts they used at the factory are on backwards as far as I am concerned and anyone who has tried ot remove them knows what I mean). I turn them over and use a standard 8mm socket and they go on easy and spread the load better.



I used a stiff bristle brush with some degreaser and then hosed them off after a good scrubbing. After an hour in the sun, they are clean and dry and ready for a new set of '88 map pockets from the Mall thanks to Chief!



BOOM! BTW, use new plastic press fittings. I use the spin in type, they are much better than stock.



Next step is to re-assemble the panels. I DO plan to repaint the car eventually, but we have to move next month and I just don't have the time for sanding and prep before then so the great thing is I can just pop the panels off since they are now just bolted in instead of riveted in. On the valance I use button cap screws to allow the plastic trim pieces to fit back in but underneath I use hex heads. And for God's sake, use stainless!



There is just something about a door with new dew wipes:





OK, the front 1/3 of the car is 99% done



The middle 1/3rd of the car is 99% done



The last 1/3rd.........ugh. Fortunately, this is the EASIEST part. Yes, you heard that right, it is just unbolt and bolt on parts. No drama or weird stuff, no customizing, or mysteries.



The old girl looks pretty good with her new shoes on up front.

[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 10-25-2019).]

blackrams OCT 25, 08:32 AM

quote
Originally posted by Toddster:


I know, fate tends to be bizarre at times. I will be moving south myself so I empathize. I have to concern myself with some storage as well.



South? Since you already have your current location in your profile, may I ask where the new location is going to be?
One never knows where we're going to end up. I never expected to be buying/living in Southern Mississippi but, here I am.
BTW, moving sucks, the older you are, the more it sucks.
Take my advice on this, all that stuff you and your lovely wife have had stored in the attic and never used for years, give it away.
If you haven't used or needed it in the last few years, the chances are, you won't ever need it again.
I've moved the same "Junk" from one storage place to another for the last three moves because someone in this family thinks we should keep it. No names mentioned.

Rams

Toddster OCT 25, 10:00 AM

quote
Originally posted by blackrams:


South? Since you already have your current location in your profile, may I ask where the new location is going to be?
One never knows where we're going to end up. I never expected to be buying/living in Southern Mississippi but, here I am.
BTW, moving sucks, the older you are, the more it sucks.
Take my advice on this, all that stuff you and your lovely wife have had stored in the attic and never used for years, give it away.
If you haven't used or needed it in the last few years, the chances are, you won't ever need it again.
I've moved the same "Junk" from one storage place to another for the last three moves because someone in this family thinks we should keep it. No names mentioned.

Rams



We are leaving California and heading to Atlanta, Roswell to be exact. My job transfer is Dec 1 so we put an offer on a house and we are packing up! And yes, we already put tons of stuff on craig's list!
blackrams OCT 25, 10:33 AM

quote
Originally posted by Toddster:


We are leaving California and heading to Atlanta, Roswell to be exact. My job transfer is Dec 1 so we put an offer on a house and we are packing up! And yes, we already put tons of stuff on craig's list!



Excellent, pretty sure there's an active Fiero group in that area. I pass through or near that city quite often. One never knows but, if you see another white 88 Formula CJB on the street, it's most likely me (lost).

Rams
Toddster OCT 25, 11:24 PM
Today I started to dis-assemble the donor engine. I need the wiring harness, transmission, mounts, and axles. The exhaust was a pain, lots of rust but I got it with some effort. Let WD-40 soak in over night and then a bit of heat.



The wiring harness is in surprisingly good condition. A bit dirty but I'll run a continuity test on it and replace only two plug ends!

[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 10-25-2019).]

Toddster OCT 25, 11:41 PM
Seems fitting.

[This message has been edited by Toddster (edited 10-26-2019).]