Hey guys,

I'll be leaving for another round of training on Saturday, with a little luck I'll be in Afghanistan by the end of the year. I have some questions about my Fiero that need some answering before I go though.

I really don't want to get rid of her. I love my Fiero and they are hard to come by around here. How do I prepare her for a rather long sit in my garage (probably over 1 year). My dad has offered to come by and start her up once a week if need be but are there any other precautions I should take to ensure that she is ready to rock when I get back?

Something that I don't like to think about but that is a possibility:
If I need to sell her, for whatever reason, I want some input as too exactly what would be a fair price. I paid $2500 for her. I know now that I paid too much but I've put a lot into her and I am hoping to get a little more then that back:

1985 SE 2.8 4spd Silver. 200 000km (122 000miles)

The good (all done within the last 500KM):
Ignition coil (new)
4 rebuilt calipers
New brakes
Entire steering system (new)
All the front end ball joints
Basic engine tune up
Door bushings (new)
Front end suspension (new)
Master/slave clutch cylinder (new)
Mikes leather seats
Leather steering wheel
Trunk is rust free
18' low profile tires with aluminum rims + tires have lots of tread.

The bad:
Underbody is beginning to rust
AC does not work
I think the sunroof is leaking (I've never seen it wet, but there is evidence that it once was)
On starting her up she blows a little blue smoke
There is a scratch behind the gas door (very small)
Someone ripped the luggage rack off and the repairs are beginning to pop.
The exhaust will need to be done shortly.
Tape deck does not work (radio does)

It will pass the safety test 100%

I think that is about it, so what do you guys think would be a fair price?

Thanks,
Greg

A price of $2500 Candian is probably fair. The blue puff at start up may be just a sign of its age. The problem of sitting is the progression of the corrosion (rust) on the underside. If ignored it may get worse unless some effort is made to stop it. AC not working can be a very pricey fix. I spent $1300 US, for a new system in my 87, a year or so ago. A new radio/CD player can be had for under $200

You should change the oil and filter prior to storage and insure the cooling system is up to par, I'd store it up on jack stands to keep flat spots from forming on the tires. Good luck in the land of Allah.

change your oil and do not have him start it at all. put a battery minder on the battery and I suggest running the tank almost dry and then adding some fuel stabilizer to the tank then run it for another 5 minutes. get it on jack stands and let some air out of the tires. coolant check is also important.

finally if you cant store it inside, put a nice soft car cover on it and then cover it with a waterproof tarp. tied down well so wind cant get to it. also try as hard as you can to have it in a shaded spot if outside. direct summer sun will cook your car hard.


after sitting for a long time DO NOT star the car, strongly suggest changing the oil and then see how you can manually prime the oil system, worst case disconnect the coil and crank it for a little bit to get up oil pressure and then let it sit for a little bit to let oil seep back in crevices.

Be ready for more smoking, your valve seals will dry out even more sitting.

Good luck, keep your helmet and armor on and head down.

To quell rust - you can get a couple of spay cans of rust inhibitor....i used it on my red notchback and it creates a protective coating
by reacting with the rust. Just be sure to clean any scale before spraying....i got a couple of cans from autozone....


http://www.fierocountry.us

I would disagree with the other guy that says leave it with an empty gas tank. If you leave it empty, you'll have problems with condensation in the tank, which leads to rust. Use the appropriate amount of Stabil, fuel additive, and fill it up to the brim. Take the battery out and store it in a cool dry place on a piece of plywood--it will lose charge over the year or so you're gone, but will survive nicely and can be recharged. I wouldn't have the car periodically started. And rather than store it outside in the weather, I'd look into renting a large enough storage locker to get it inside--that way when you get home, it will be like the car's been in stasis for the time you've been gone. Be sure that where ever you store it, that the building is rodent proof. The little baxtards like to get in the heating system and build nests with cab insulation--a stinky mess that's really (!) difficult to clean up.

Change the oil and filters, and go in peace. Stay safe!

If you do put it up on jack stands, put them under the A frames at each wheel. Don't leave the suspension fully distended for a long period of time.

Might want to think about keeping 'Wee Beasties' out of the interior. Some have recomended Fabric softener sheets, mice don't like the smell.

------------------
Ol' Paint, 88 Base coupe auto.
Turning white on top, like owner.
Leaks a little, like owner.
Doesn't smoke, unlike owner

if jack stands arent available you can park on top of 4 peices of sm blue insulating foam it will also prevent flat spots on the tires and also for the rodents .rubber snakes work well on my boat so i cant see any reason they wont work in your car

take care and be safe