Ecotec, Fastback, T-Top Build. (Page 9/22)
Lunatic DEC 19, 05:29 PM
Here's the area that the fuel filler tube goes through. As you can clearly see, we have some missing metal. Lets take care of that.

Open area that needs to be filled.


Here's the piece after a hammer and dolly session and a trip through the sand blaster. I'll weld in a patch over the small hole next time.


Looking better and getting there.


Battery tray was damaged and here's what I could salvage. I'll add more metal after I make a nice template.




While I was in the back of the car, I removed all traces of the original dog bone mount bracket.


I also added 1/4" rivets to pin the shock towers to the frame rail.


Sealed the holes in the firewall from the removal of the deck lid hinges.




I made a template to contour the left side of the firewall where the filler tube meets.


Transfer the line to the checker plate panel.


Cut on the transferred line.


If your measurements and template were good, then adhere the checker plate in place. Voila.






My friend is a member in a local car club in the area. I decided to fire up Solidworks and make some custom vanity plates for the guy's there. I made them out of 16 gauge steel and everyone loved them.

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 12-19-2014).]

TXOPIE DEC 19, 05:43 PM
Thanks for sharing the build...enjoying it.
jmbishop DEC 19, 07:39 PM

I really dislike diamond plate. Not saying you shouldn't use it if you like it, I just never found it appealing.
ericjon262 DEC 19, 09:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by jmbishop:
I really dislike diamond plate. Not saying you shouldn't use it if you like it, I just never found it appealing.



I have to agree here, it's just too flashy, but it is your car.
fieroguru DEC 20, 12:14 AM
I didn't mind the look when I did the same thing with my SBC/Getrag Fiero, but I found that over time the aluminum caught fibers from my wash sponge/drying towels, would scuff easily, and lose its mirror finish. So since that first time, I haven't used it again, but instead use smooth sheet metal now.
Lunatic DEC 20, 08:02 AM

quote
Originally posted by TXOPIE:

Thanks for sharing the build...enjoying it.


Thank you for viewing along. It's my pleasure to share with such an awesome community.



quote
Originally posted by jmbishop:
I really dislike diamond plate. Not saying you shouldn't use it if you like it, I just never found it appealing.



quote
Originally posted by ericjon262:
I have to agree here, it's just too flashy, but it is your car.


I'm in agreement with you guys. This is not a high-end build nor am I building a show car with "bling". Like many of you, I simply want a nice, clean engine bay and I thought the checker plate would easily cover up the ugly underneath. It will get coated/painted as to not stand out quite as much.



quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:
I didn't mind the look when I did the same thing with my SBC/Getrag Fiero, but I found that over time the aluminum caught fibers from my wash sponge/drying towels, would scuff easily, and lose its mirror finish. So since that first time, I haven't used it again, but instead use smooth sheet metal now.


I too liked the look of your blue car. You are correct in saying the mirror finish does scuff quite easily and loses shine over time. I once had a checker plate tool box that was coated with an anti-slip, flat black texture finish. I really liked that and that's what I'd like to do to the engine bay. It looks great and hides small imperfections. In the end, I'd like the Ecotec to look it's best and be surrounded by a clean engine bay.
Lunatic DEC 21, 06:06 PM
While scouring the local classifieds, I found two Ecotec engines close to me. Both are the same L61 family. One being 03, the other 05. I was looking for a good core engine for future mods but now I have two. One had internal mechanical damage, from what the previous owner said. It sure looks like it as the valve cover is off and the cam followers are damaged. Probably a timing chain let go. I'll investigate later on. The other engine ran in the fall apparently. Again, I'll dissect them both and see what I've got. As I said, I only want a good core. Besides, getting these saved me the hassle of going to the salvage yard and pulling my own. Don't mind the snow, they were laid on their side for the ride home.





[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 12-21-2014).]

cam-a-lot DEC 21, 06:15 PM
I spy with my little eye a hopeless pack rat
Lunatic DEC 21, 06:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by cam-a-lot:

I spy with my little eye a hopeless pack rat



I beg to differ. I see it as being a preservationist.
Luke DEC 21, 08:46 PM
Preservationist....I like that.

Pete should no longer be surprised at the amount of cr@p Fiero owners amass he's getting there himself....lol