A Real Mera in Paradise (Page 711/713)
Vernonmera NOV 14, 09:04 PM
those pictures are very helpful...I noticed the same issue with the spacers on the bumper...mine are all on the passenger side. I will try to get some pictures but things are a bit of a mess at the moment as my shop is filled will body panels along with a bunch of other junk. I really should have cleaned it up first, but I couldn't resist starting the project as soon as I had a couple free days. I have a body guy coming Friday morning to have a look...he painted a fiero gt that we had a while ago and did a nice job, so I am hoping he has time to take on this project. He just has a shop on his property and takes on a few jobs. I will attempt to get some pictures next time I am working on it. I was thinking of the foam more for the sake of the shape since in my front bumper the foam is actually broken inside the bumper. I was thinking of great stuff too, but I was worried it might expand and warp the bumper...still not sure what to do with that. I might make a frame to hold the bumper to the size I want and then try to refill it.
Vernonmera NOV 22, 11:23 AM
Good morning...well after working on some clean up on Monday I have yet another question. On the hood, there appears to be an adhesive type tape that was under the vent grills. It would seem like it would have held the vent grills in place originally. I have been removing it to get ready for paint, but am wondering if anyone has found a suitable replacement. I will try to attach some pictures that might help you know what I am trying to describe. It's about 1/2 inch wide and goes around the opening of the vent.
riverbug86 NOV 22, 08:12 PM
Mine were pop riveted in. I removed the rivets and filled the holes but haven't figured out how I will re attach them.
Vernonmera NOV 22, 11:46 PM
I had a few rivets as well, but this almost looked like butyl tape or something similar. I think it is original. Are you also doing body work on your mera?
Rexgirl NOV 23, 12:43 AM
My early 1987 Mera had four angle brackets like yours but in all four corners, and another in the center at the rear. These five are what attached the grill, not the trim you are asking about. It appears your two front brackets are missing, leaving only their pop rivets.
Vernonmera NOV 23, 09:42 AM
sorry Rexgirl, I wasn't very clear on my description...I have removed the front 2 brackets that hold the aluminum grill...but under that grill there are 2 wire grill/covers that go over the engine opening. I think there were a couple rivets holding them in addition to this 'tape' plus there was another skinny piece of this same mesh/grill material over the center opening (its maybe 1 1/2 inches by 20 inches). Sorry I don't have pictures that show it well...I have already taken it apart and the pieces are stored away. Part of my challenge is that I moved between when I started some work on the car and now, so some parts are still packed. By the way, our mera's look identical...ttops...color...I am 1987 #7040

[This message has been edited by Vernonmera (edited 11-23-2023).]

riverbug86 NOV 23, 03:20 PM
I am doing a complete repaint on my 88 Mera. (8095).
Vernonmera NOV 23, 11:56 PM
I am having to deal with a fair bit of cracking in the gel coat...have you run into any of that? If so, do you have a process and products you are using? I am doing a fair bit of the work myself, but then I have a body/paint guy who will prime and paint. I used a grinder to take out the cracking and then he has suggested everglass short strand filler for the cracks before we use just a straight evercoat filler for the smooth finish coat. I might also do fiberglass resin with some strands of fiberglass mixed in to fill any deeper spots.
johnyrottin NOV 24, 12:04 PM
V, unfortunately you are dealing with normal 80s paint issues. Take it to a plant correction guy and he may be able to help. Other than that, get a great bodyman and have it all sorted out. Tough spot. What you have done so far looks awesome! Keep up the great work!

[This message has been edited by johnyrottin (edited 11-24-2023).]

Rexgirl NOV 24, 07:47 PM
V'Mera, Okay, now I understand that you are referring to the mesh grills under the top louver. I ~think~ those were secured with two strips (1/4 x1"?) of black wood running fore to aft on both sides of each screen? Maybe those were held on with rivets? Hopefully another Mera owner here can check to be sure?