Buying an 86 SE 2M6 (Page 1/1)
The_Q42 JUL 30, 01:22 PM
So, it looks pretty likely that I'll be buying an '86 SE with the V6 this weekend. I've always been a massive fan of Fieros, and am really looking forward to getting one as a project car that I can build up with my son and daughter. In other words, this is a long term investment!

The car I'm looking to buy is in drivable condition, but does need some work (headlight motor rebuild and and a broken gas gauge, at least), but that's OK because I'm not looking for a showroom perfect car. :-)

Anyway, I'm new to both Fieros AND project cars, and I have some questions that I'm hoping you guys could help with. Basically, I'm not sure where to start, and there are a TON of forum posts on here to comb through. The point of this post is to hopefully use the kindness of the group to point me at some solid resources I can use to get started . . .

Here's my list:
1. Anything weird I should know, specifically, about the '86 SE?
2. I was originally looking for a fastback GT, since I prefer it over the notchback (though, I don't hate the notch)--I'm interested to know if there are good sources for rear body kits (especially the taillights).
3. One of the first major overhauls I want to do is to upgrade the suspension--is there a good place to go for advice about that?
4. Some time in the future, my dream is to do an engine swap (not sure what yet) combined with a dual-clutch transmission (this will probably be fairly far in the future because $$$). I know about the Northstar, LS4, and 3800 GPT swaps . . . are there any other popular ones?
5. The SE I'm buying doesn't actually come with a radio installed . . . anyone ever try to stick a double-din in a Fiero? Does it fit?
6. I know about the Fiero Store . . . any other go-to sources for parts?
7. I'm probably going to have to replace the seats . . . I was originally thinking some Recaro seats (or similar), but I also want them to be comfortable. What are some good seat options?

OK, I'll end there, and sorry for the lengthy post! I realize most of this stuff has probably been discussed SOMEWHERE, so I also apologize if this is somewhat repetative. I'm brand-new to the community, and just trying to get my bearings!
Patrick JUL 30, 01:47 PM
Before making big plans with any Fiero purchase, make sure to check for hidden rust. No point investing time and money into a vehicle that is potentially worthless. The Fiero's rear upper frame rails are its Achilles Heel rust-wise. You need to loosen or remove the rear plastic wheel well liners to have a look up at the rail area. This video is pretty good in regards to where to look.




If your Fiero is sound, then one resource that I've made use of over the years and can recommend is Rodney Dickman.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-30-2020).]

The_Q42 JUL 30, 04:16 PM
Thanks for the info--I'll be sure to examine it pretty carefully. If there IS rust up there, do you have to rip the whole frame apart to repair it? Also, how are those wheel well covers put in there? I'll bring the necessary tools to pop off the covers with me.
theogre JUL 30, 05:21 PM

quote
Originally posted by The_Q42:
Thanks for the info--I'll be sure to examine it pretty carefully. If there IS rust up there, do you have to rip the whole frame apart to repair it? Also, how are those wheel well covers put in there? I'll bring the necessary tools to pop off the covers with me.

Major frame rust/damage often = Junk Car. You can't fix easy or cheap regardless of whatever you hear/read because affect of crush zones etc and most body shops won't touch it for legal reasons along. If they work, expect a huge bill.

Rust or damage on parts bolted to frame may be fixed or replace but often cost a lot of $. Depending on area, many junk yards no longer keep 15+ year old cars making more problems to get big/heavy used parts.

Example a recent thread... Can you tell she's from da nort'? How pooched am I? http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/144134.html

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

The_Q42 JUL 30, 05:39 PM
Got it! Thanks!

Can you tell I'm something of a n00b when it comes to project cars? :-) 🤞
Patrick JUL 30, 07:56 PM

quote
Originally posted by The_Q42:

If there IS rust up there, do you have to rip the whole frame apart to repair it?



No, you just scrap it... or don't buy the car in the first place.


quote
Originally posted by The_Q42:

Also, how are those wheel well covers put in there? I'll bring the necessary tools to pop off the covers with me.



A 7mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet should do the trick. (The plastic "rivet" things will completely pull out after the center core is first removed.)

Some members suggest to simply look in the corners of the trunk under the carpeting (which is basically the topside of the rear upper frame rails), but in my experience you can see any rot a whole lot better once the wheel well liners are removed or at least loosened up enough to pull/bend out of the way.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-30-2020).]

theogre JUL 30, 08:14 PM
Above is a big reason why "Pimp my ride" type shows often Replace the car was trying to fix/upgraded.
I forgot which show... one of worse was car made of 2 Totals cut across the cabin then very poorly splice together. And that show drove the car many miles to their shop to get on the lift and nearly barfed when they saw just how bad and dangerous they drove w/o wrecking.

That and worse happens a lot more then most think. Plus many Flood cars are still "restored" very poorly too.
Anyone selling spliced and flood cars should have their own little Hell...

To fix many Fiero problems... See my Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 07-30-2020).]