Took Dave Tracy of Jalopnik for a short ride... (Page 1/2)
California Kid JUN 24, 12:06 AM
So it would seem the hard work is past. There's a very small oil leak to investigate and I need to replace the serpentine belt soon, but it's driveable and I think I'm getting the hang of the clutch. Still will probably opt for something less aggressive but it'll do until I wear it out.

Dave was impressed and posted a story update and short video of the drive. I hope Dad would be impressed.

https://jalopnik.com/i-help...ighly-mod-1835784846

Also I wanted to thank everyone who chimed in on any of the questions I posted. When Dave initially asked about writing the article, I told him the car was well known and there was a still active and supportive community; he should not be surprised if it gets a good response. He told me he was blown away at the response and and the number of people that reached out to him and myself to offer assistance.

The car will be out and about in Metro Detroit. Not sure about the Dream Cruise yet. Don't be a stranger if you see it. I'd love to hear any stories about the old man.

D
Patrick JUN 24, 01:04 AM

Great story... on a lot of levels.
trivet JUN 24, 08:04 AM
Great story, I've been following it on Jalopnik. Fellow Michigander here- hope to see you at a Fiero meet sometime.

I love the fact that you are keeping your dad's car up and running - what a wonderful tribute to him. (and freakin' awesome Fiero)

Tim
87 GT
Bay City, MI
Tony Kania JUN 24, 10:12 AM
So happy to read this as I drank coffee.
jmbishop JUN 24, 11:02 AM

quote
Originally posted by California Kid:

...I think I'm getting the hang of the clutch. Still will probably opt for something less aggressive but it'll do until I wear it out.



From what I understand, your dad was having trouble with clutches lasting long until he switched to a solid hub clutch.
MinnGreenGT JUN 24, 11:20 AM
This SO great - I'm thrilled to hear that you've got the car running and on the road again!

------------------

Looking for Fiero posters?

cvxjet JUN 24, 11:41 AM
That is a great story/Article.....I wonder if David would like to publish my "The Truth about the Fiero" article......I have tried to send it to Larry Webster at Hagerty but never heard back from him.....
California Kid JUN 24, 03:16 PM

quote
Originally posted by jmbishop:


From what I understand, your dad was having trouble with clutches lasting long until he switched to a solid hub clutch.



You are quite correct. There are two important factors guiding me in my search on what clutch to get next.

1. Dad treated the gas pedal as an on/off switch, all day, every day he drove it. Every stop light was an opportunity for a hole shot and he did not miss one. (except if a cop was nearby, I'm pretty sure it was the only exception) He did this because it's what he built the car to do, it was his way to have fun. Although he wasn't fond of parting with money, to him frequently replacing worn out parts because he drove the car like he stole it was the price of admission to the club. So he went with the most aggressive setup possible to maximize time between changes.

2. He could do this because my brother and I were grown up and he was living the single life. What else was he going to spend the money on?

I need to keep the car alive on a budget because I have a young family. I really don't want it sitting in the garage because I can't afford to put parts into it. So I'm going to be driving it much easier than Dad. This is not to say I'm not going to ever put my foot down, because how could you not when it makes that wonderful sound? But I'm not taking on challenges on the street, anyone who pulls up and wants a run is going to be disappointed.

So going forward it's going to be more of a badass cruiser as opposed to stoplight hero. In order to maximize fun, I think I'd like something that when being gentle doesn't lerch from a stop. So I'm looking into options.

Who knows, maybe in three weeks the clutch fits me like a glove and it's a match made in heaven, or maybe I'm slipping the clutch even when I don't think I am and it's worn out in three weeks, it's all on the table.
WKDFIRO JUN 24, 04:19 PM
I remember that Fiero before it was yellow and when it was driven out to Michigan.

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.

This is what it looked like in California. [/url]

[url=http://u.cubeupload.com/RedSpartan/20190624211828.jpg]

[This message has been edited by WKDFIRO (edited 06-25-2019).]

California Kid JUN 25, 01:16 AM

quote
Originally posted by WKDFIRO:

I remember that Fiero before it was yellow and when it was driven out to Michigan.

I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.

This is what it looked like in California. [/url]

[url=http://u.cubeupload.com/RedSpartan/20190624211828.jpg]




I love seeing that pic! Luckily most of the documentation on the car survived the fire. I found the kit car magazine that did the write up on the conversion and the car looks just like that. While we were cleaning out the garage I found the California plate that was on it when Dad bought the car. I still have those wheels in the garage too. Will need to decide what to do with them soon...

Thanks for the kind words.

D

[This message has been edited by California Kid (edited 06-25-2019).]