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| Welding on new rear end? (Page 1/3) |
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87FieroEnthusiast
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NOV 20, 05:55 PM
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Hello everyone. This post is going along with my post in The Mall. As I have mentioned in the post in The Mall, I have the opportunity to pick up 3 parts fieros for a good price. 2 of them are from 84 and the gt is from 85. The gt has 400 miles on it, but has rear end damage. Other than that, everything on the car is pretty much perfect (in terms of no rust). Is it possible/safe to cut the back-end off and weld on a new back-end? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
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Vintage-Nut
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NOV 20, 07:10 PM
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Stingray92
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NOV 20, 07:59 PM
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I would say this is something not just anyone should attempt.
There are several panels that tie the upper & lower frame sections together.
If you're willing and got the skills and/or want to learn then go for it. Getting a shop to do this would cost a $$$$ and if you're like me then we'll where do do you start.
Good luck on which path forward you choose.
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82-T/A [At Work]
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NOV 21, 07:38 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by 87FieroEnthusiast:
Hello everyone. This post is going along with my post in The Mall. As I have mentioned in the post in The Mall, I have the opportunity to pick up 3 parts fieros for a good price. 2 of them are from 84 and the gt is from 85. The gt has 400 miles on it, but has rear end damage. Other than that, everything on the car is pretty much perfect (in terms of no rust). Is it possible/safe to cut the back-end off and weld on a new back-end? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks. |
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Can you send pictures? The most important part of the Fiero's frame is the lower frame rails. If these are damaged, then you're best bet is to swap everything over to one of the 84s.
But yeah, post some pictures, otherwise everything we say is just guessing and theoretical.
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Vintage-Nut
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NOV 21, 08:12 AM
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| quote | | The gt has 400 miles on it, but has rear end damage. |
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Apparently, the insurance company totaled the car...
Insurance companies “total” a car when the cost to repair the damage exceeds the vehicle’s book value at the time of the incident.
Without any facts or photos of the damage, as 82-T/A said, we are "just guessing" and I believe it isn't an 'easy' fix.
I also believe it isn't about 'saving' the '85 as 87FieroEnthusiast thinks it is an "opportunity" to make money.
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87FieroEnthusiast
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NOV 21, 12:32 PM
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Unfortunately, I do not have any good pictures of the damage because I do not own the cars yet. From what I remember seeing when I looked at it, the damage is mainly in the trunk area. The engine bay seems to still be in good shape. As for swapping the engine to one of the other frames, I would not be able to do so because the two 84's are rusted beyond repair. The reason I wanted to see if the rear end could be repaired/replaced is because the frame itself has zero rust on it. Once I get the cars, I will post pictures to see if anyone thinks it is worth saving. If it can be saved, I want to repair it and keep it. If not, I'll probably swap the engine and everything else to my 87 SE. [This message has been edited by 87FieroEnthusiast (edited 11-21-2025).]
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Raydar
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NOV 21, 02:02 PM
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If it's just the trunk, I believe the entire trunk compartment can be removed, and a new one welded between the frame rails - provided that the frame rails are not damaged beyond repair. All the body pieces are simply "bolt off / bolt on".
The fact that it was "totaled" with 400 miles could be for a couple of reasons...
Either it would have cost more than the car was worth to repair (which doesn't sound that likely) or someone refused to accept the idea of their brand new (400 miles) car being repaired, and living with it for the duration. Very possible scenario.
But yeah... please post up some pics when you can. Lots of people here with lots of rebuilding experience.[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 11-21-2025).]
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fieroguru
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NOV 21, 07:03 PM
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Unless this 400 mile fiero was stored inside, then it likely has the weather wear of being a 40 year old car.
Probably not worth the effort.
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87FieroEnthusiast
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NOV 26, 04:09 PM
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I was able to get some pictures. Turns out it is an 86, not an 85. Anyway, here's the extent of the damage. From what I see (could be wrong), it seems to mainly be the trunk/rear bumper area that is damaged. Where the engine cradle bolts onto the bottom rail is still intact and the exhaust is still ok (not crushed).
 [This message has been edited by 87FieroEnthusiast (edited 11-26-2025).]
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87FieroEnthusiast
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NOV 26, 04:11 PM
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Also, yes, the car was stored indoors.
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