There's a market for the console skeletons? I may be able to help with that one haha, I had a feeling someone might say it, and I might have someone who could produce the molds for it if there is enough interested.
There's a market for the console skeletons? I may be able to help with that one haha, I had a feeling someone might say it, and I might have someone who could produce the molds for it if there is enough interested.
For those of us who've been around the Fiero scene a while, this question is pretty easy to answer.
Now that our "lowly" Fiero has become a classic by definition, values are steadily going up... as is the need for quality, unmolested OEM and reproduction parts. People are starting to restore these cars and treating them with some MUCH overdue respect. The Fiero is beginning it's transition into the next phase of being a true classic, just like the Fox-Body Mustang resto-mod craze that's about to happen (like it or not).
The Fiero parts that need to be reproduced can be very profitable if the quality level is high and the price is acceptable... GT tail lights, sail panels, body and interior panels/trim, dash, center console skeleton, etc... anything really... there are some good aftermarket options already out there, but as far as hardcore OEM quality reproduction parts, very few. We've got a ways to go before we have a somewhat saturated/sustainable Fiero restoration market to play with.
...but we're getting there. As the value of our cars slowly goes up, so will the demand for the parts we can't find.
[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 11-21-2014).]
Now that our "lowly" Fiero has become a classic by definition, values are steadily going up... as is the need for quality, unmolested OEM and reproduction parts. People are starting to restore these cars and treating them with some MUCH overdue respect. The Fiero is beginning it's transition into the next phase of being a true classic, just like the Fox-Body Mustang resto-mod craze that's about to happen (like it or not). I agree with the above as stated by ITALGT.
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
Though not OEM quality reproductions, most things on the Fiero can be replaced. Soft items can be glued and/or re-covered. Seat covers are available from a number of vendors. Dash replacement kits and steering wheels can be replaced or re-covered. There are aftermarket tail light panels available that will serve the purpose. All these things will keep the Fiero neat and streetable.
The major things I see that need to be duplicated are the console skeleton and the limiter switch and the Isolator relay for the Generation 1 headlights. There is just no substitute out there for either of these items. I know! They should be replaced with Generation 2 motors. Well, there's just not enough Generation 2 systems out there to convert every 84-86 Fiero over when the Generation 1 brushes detach from the spring arms.
Sure, there are flushmount systems, too, but not everyone can afford a $400-$600 set of headlights, nor even a $200 set just because 1 limiter switch bit the dust. The Isolation Relay function has been duplicated by one or two PFF'ers but nothing has been produced for the community. It would be really sinful for someone to have to scrap their Fiero for lack of a relay that originally sold for less than $50 or a limiter switch that was probably less than $100 at most.
There are aftermarket consoles available, but I don't know if they require the original skeleton for installation, but probably a console could be produced that would incorporate fastener points and retain the original style or even modernize the interior a bit.
Though not OEM quality reproductions, most things on the Fiero can be replaced. Soft items can be glued and/or re-covered. Seat covers are available from a number of vendors. Dash replacement kits and steering wheels can be replaced or re-covered. There are aftermarket tail light panels available that will serve the purpose. All these things will keep the Fiero neat and streetable.
That pretty much sums it up, really. One trip to the FieroStore.com website will confirm that there are some really good reproduction parts readily available. A lot of them may not be 100% OEM correct, but look/fit/function almost exactly the same and are more than satisfactory for the average Fiero owner/enthusiast.
There are definitely a few holes to fill though... I think that's why this thread was started in the first place.
Recently there was a thread started about the value of fastback GT tail lights... I'm still stunned to find out that really nice factory original units are being sold for so much money (up to $1K? REALLY???). I just bought a decent '86 Fiero GT for a daily driver, and it has factory tail lights in unbelievably awesome condition. What are they really worth? According to some, they are worth up to half the money I paid for the entire car! But that's not the point... the point is, high quality reproductions will sell fast so long as they are priced realistically and are readily available.
Although discussed a few billion times, I think this is a subject that is slowly gaining in importance as our cars age and shift into the classic car department.
May the discussion continue.
[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 11-22-2014).]
According to some, they are worth up to half the money I paid for the entire car! But that's not the point... the point is, high quality reproductions will sell fast so long as they are priced realistically and are readily available.
