Ecotec, Fastback, T-Top Build. (Page 4/22)
Lunatic JUL 20, 06:56 AM
It was a busy weekend with assembly and some disassembly. With having the engine and trans exactly where I want it, I yanked the driveline out. Now I can tear down and inspect the engine and trans adding new components, gaskets and seals where needed. I removed the fuel tank and filler neck. I also removed all the offending areas on the firewall too! I've decided to shave the firewall and add checker plate to cover it. In addition, I'll relocate the hinges to the underside of the rear window ledge and relocate the C500 as well. Since my car was a no option, plane Jane, it was just easier to install both doors that had all the power windows, mirrors, locks and the GT skirting. I cleaned the nice dash from the parts car and installed it. And, I pulled anything related to the automatic transmission and installed the clutch pedal, wiring and short throw shifter.






[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 07-20-2014).]

Lunatic JUL 20, 07:02 AM

quote
Originally posted by ericjon262:

do you have plans or a cut guide for your cradle you built? I've been thinking about doing the same thing with my car.




I'll draw up a sketch for you with dimensions on it. For now, you can check out the following pictures.
Lunatic JUL 20, 07:05 AM
Here's a few pictures of the cradle with nothing in the way.
























[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 07-20-2014).]

ericjon262 JUL 20, 11:38 AM
I would recommend capping the end tubes on your cradle to prevent dirt, bugs, road debris, water ect. from getting in there, and possibly causing a corrosion issue from the inside out.
Lunatic JUL 20, 12:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by ericjon262:

I would recommend capping the end tubes on your cradle to prevent dirt, bugs, road debris, water ect. from getting in there, and possibly causing a corrosion issue from the inside out.



Indeed I will. The next time I fire up the welder I'll cap the ends as well as add the mounting point for the trailing arms. Then it's off for powdercoat.

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 07-21-2014).]

lateFormula JUL 25, 07:54 PM
I finally took the time to read through this post and check out all the pictures. I gotta say Shayne that you have got some seriously good welding skills. I've seen a lot of posts in this forum with people showing off things they have fabricated for their cars, and very very few demonstrate the welding abilities that you have shown here.
fieroguru JUL 25, 09:00 PM
Looking good!

Just make sure you install sleeves where the cradle bolts pass through. That is the only way they will stay tight and not collapse the tube.
Lunatic JUL 27, 07:54 AM

quote
Originally posted by lateFormula:

I finally took the time to read through this post and check out all the pictures. I gotta say Shayne that you have got some seriously good welding skills. I've seen a lot of posts in this forum with people showing off things they have fabricated for their cars, and very very few demonstrate the welding abilities that you have shown here.



Thank you the nice words and for taking the time to read this thread. I enjoy my hobby and welding goes hand-in-hand with this hobby. Good welds are a must for strength. I too have seen a few pictures of poor looking weldments. With just looking at those pictures, one can quickly see the possible failure. All I can say is, "set up your welder properly and practice". There are many tutorials online for this. If one cannot weld, at least tack it and have a friend come over that can weld.
Lunatic JUL 27, 07:59 AM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:

Looking good!

Just make sure you install sleeves where the cradle bolts pass through. That is the only way they will stay tight and not collapse the tube.



Nothing gets past you, does it Paul? Lol. I agree with this statement and I'm one step ahead of you. I've already done this. For those following this reply, here's what fieroguru is talking about.

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 07-27-2014).]

Lunatic JUL 27, 08:22 AM
This weekend I met a fellow member, cam-a-lot. Very nice guy. He gave me some 88 specific parts that I'm sure I'll make use of. It was nice meeting you, your family and your Fiero. I hope we meet again my friend.

Not too much happened with my build as I spent some time cleaning the carb's and installing a jet kit on my ageing GSXR-1100. But I did find time to share with you some small things. Since I'm going to relocate the trunk hinges to the underside of the window, I wanted a little extra support in that area. The thinner metal that GM used under the window may (or may not) be strong enough to support the deck lid. So, here's a 14 gauge metal strip that I'll attach either by 1/4" rivets or small plug-type welds. The damn camera makes the rust look real bad on my car. It's not as bad as it looks and I'll take care of that before I install this reinforcement.









I also want a little bling in the engine compartment. So what better way than with some aluminum checker plate. (Loosely installed for the pictures).












Oh, I was at a salvage yard not to far from me and I found a Fiero in the yard. I ended up with a few little parts and here's one piece I installed.

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 08-03-2014).]