I very well might trade my 88 GT, automatic, for an 85GT. The 85 is for now a pile of junk, but will get a well running engine, new paint, redone interior, etc. It hopefully will be NICE. (I can also get it in any color I want ). BTW, it's a 4spd, so it will be a bit more fun to drive than my 88, which is the main reason I want to trade. Is this a good deal? I like the notchbacks, and really want a standard trans, so to me it's a good trade. My car isn't perfect, but is still pretty slick. Just want some opinions. BUT, that's not the point of the topic. What will be different, (drastically), between the two? I know the 88 handles better, but will there be any other issues, such as steering, braking, etc? I don't race it and wouldn't try without an upgraded suspension, so I'm not worried about track times. Just overall 'feel'. Feel free to include non suspension related info too, I am not an 85GT expert... yet .

Since I can get this car in any color I want, what do you think? I like white, but the more I see white cars the more boring they get. I really like the new corvette blue (the dark, dark, blue). It's a really sexy color. Other ideas = yellow, red, black. Pics are appreciated, preferably of any aeronotchback with a wing. I just don't know...

I know all this is a matter of preference, I'm just curious as to what you think about it all. I used to hate notchys, but they grew on me like a wicked fungus. Now fastbacks are 'plain'... go figure .

I envy you in your situation. Double check the frame and trunk of the 85 to make sure you don't end up with a pile of rust like I did.
I prefer the notch backs also and am quite partial to Yellow ones, but only in GTs. A guy near me has a good looking white GT, Reds and blacks are way to common place though there are a couple on the Forum that really look good. I know of an 86 SE in "Mercedes Blue" that is a real eye catcher.
As you said, it's a personal prefence and the gallery above is full of some fine examples. May be some day I'll get done reassembling mine onto a good frame, get a paint job that doesn't look like an Earl Schiebe reject, and then post some pictures of it.

Have fun

Dave

bump for ya

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if i was just gonna have one in any color it would be either black hole black or screaming-fresh bleeding open wound-fire engine red

i know. kind of common, but other colors i might like are deep blue or a deep burgundy with some gold pearl (love to have my convertible that color). maybe silver. got a gt that color and it's kind of grew on me.

what ever you pick i'd say get it in monochrome like '88 cars are. that would be my only real suggestion.

Some of the differences, are. 85s only came with 14 inch wheels, 85 MPH speedo and no aux guage pod (oil and volt over radio) oil is in the tach and there is no volt. The 85 will have a two tone interior, very light grey (or tan) and dark gray (or brown) vs the 88s less contrasting colors. Some parts will be much easier and cheeper to buy for the 85 than the 88. Especially suspention and brake parts. Headlight mechanicals are said to be less reliable on the 85s vs the 88, but I have never had any problems with them on either my 85 GT or my 88 Formula. Be sure to drive a pre 88 Fiero before you comit. The handling of the early cars can be drasticly different then the 88s, and the steering is a lot heavier feeling. If after all this you still want to traide. Please come to me, I'd gladly trade my 85 GT 4 spd for an 88 (even if it is an auto and I loath automatics)