Well Friday was took the day off to work on the car because I just needed a day to myself. I got the car jacked up and the backend up on ramps so I could change the oil. When I climbed under there, I saw what I didn't want to see. The entire cradle rusted. Once spot was just about all the way through and the rest was feeling pretty soft. So this will turn out to be a bit more work then I originally expected. Oh well, now have to add pulling the engine to the list of things. Maybe I will replace it while I have it out.

So my question is, where can I get a new or used cradel? as long as it isn't rusted out. Or is there a place that can tell me how to make one.

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Restoring an 85 GT auto
Parts car 85 SE 5spd

I dont think anyone makes new cradles. Your best bet is somebody on the forum, or a junkyard. All cradles were the same except for 88 of course.

thanks! i just checked car-parts.com i have found some near me. i will start calling.

another question. what is the piece called that is attached to the cradle that looks like an "A" and hold the wheel on? It has the shock mounted to it and what not? I need that as well so I want to make sure I am asking for the right parts.

You may want to consider removing the rear bumper and examine the frame rails. They may be rusted too. It may mean more work than just replacing the cradle. Brace yourself.

ah good idea. i need to remove the bumper to get it fixed anyways. thanks.

If I'm not mistaken, there are some differences on "84 cradles as well.

Nolan

You may try Bob Parker at http://www.kickhill.com/ since he is in relatively close by Labanon CT. He isn't the fastest with e-mail, but he does answer the phone periodically. He has a three story barn full of Fiero parts.

I believe 84 cradles don't have the provisions for V6 mounts.

If your putting a cradle in I would have it sandplasted then powdercoated so it wont rust..and you can have it powder coated a diffrent color also

quote Originally posted by 85_Fiero_2M4: If your putting a cradle in I would have it sandplasted then powdercoated so it wont rust..and you can have it powder coated a diffrent color also

I was thinking of doing something like that. I had thought of the sray in truck bedliners. that should keep it sealed really well.

ur talking about the control arms ..the A looking thing attached to the stut and to the cradle ..one end of it has two rubber bushings and the top of the A has the balljoint on it .....enjoy ..and good luck ..i fould it easier to put the engine in from under..haven't taken one out that way..only from above...my buddies fiero he took the engine out from top and i had no engine ..so i put mine in from under..but when i do my swap i'm gonna take the engine out from under...too much to deal with when taking out from the top

my 2 cents..hope they help

matt

quote Originally posted by CTFieroGT87: I believe 84 cradles don't have the provisions for V6 mounts.

Close. All of the engine & transaxle mount holes are there, but the holes for the 2.8's "driveline absorber" are missing.

Also, the anchors for the toe link rods are slightly closer to the outside of the cradle than they are on the 85-7 versions.

[This message has been edited by dguy (edited 11-15-2005).]

Carswell...Wellscar - thanks for that tip. i will probably pull it from below then. It could be the control arms. i am hoping this project will get my terminoligy up to speed.

If i am going with a 3800SC or a 4.9L does it matter what I find for a cradle?