Hey guys, I really want to get a fiero as a fun weekend/summer car.
I think I found a pretty good deal a 1984, 2n owner, 4 cyl, manual with 150k KM (93k miles) for $3500 CAD (2500 USD). It obviously needs some stuff but it looks ok and I want a car I can work on and fix over the summer. However, I'm concerned about the rust. I asked the seller to send me pictures of the trunk below the carpet and this is what he send. Is that too much rust, is she a gonner ? Unfortunately being in canard idk if can avoid rust but man I hate rust.
Anyways, whats your opinion on this rust, should I run away? I'm going to check the car out tomorrow.
Yeah ok i see, I thought the trunk was a good indicator of the rest of the car. How do you check for frame rust when checking a car out. I guess pulling the liner as you said, any other spots which are relatively easy to check. Another fiero I looked at had holes in the frame under the engine craddle I could see when looking under the car.
Sometimes leaks in the wingstand seals (or luggage rack) or a bad trunk seal will allow water into the trunk which starts the rust process. Others will have to chime in about easier ways to check for rust.
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 07-08-2024).]
Yeah ok i see, I thought the trunk was a good indicator of the rest of the car. How do you check for frame rust when checking a car out. I guess pulling the liner as you said, any other spots which are relatively easy to check. Another fiero I looked at had holes in the frame under the engine craddle I could see when looking under the car.
IMHO, Jacking the car up and pulling the wheel and liner (both sides) is the best way. Looking in the trunk is a good indicator of possible problems but it shouldn't be relied on as the only indicator. You need to "eyeball" it and tap with a hammer and sharp instrument if you feel uneasy about the appearance. If it makes a hole, you should probably stay away.
You can repair rusted frame rails and trunk pans (check out THE ARCHIVES by searching for frame rails) but the question you have to ask is, "Do I want to?" If you get the car for a song and you have plenty of time, the skills to cut, fabricate, weld, and paint new frame members, then go for it.
[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 07-08-2024).]
This trunk has already been patched on both sides. This is a tighter shot of the right side. It's absolutely rotten. Run away from this rust-bucket as quick as you can. And don't say you weren't warned!
If Fiero has rack on the lid on any trim level or wing for GT then rust in the trunk can happen w/o other areas rotting out. Because the mounting holes etc have various seals that fail over time.
Other times, can be a sign other areas have rotted too. Example: From Top post 3rd img rotated 90° left then reduce size to add notes...
Bottom "rot" above is easy to fix. Rotten frame rails etc Are Not easy to fix & even most shops won't fix this type of damage or if "minor rot" to one area often cost way more then the car is worth.
Most shops won't touch a rotted frame because Almost every metal sections in back are part of Fiero Crush Zone in a crash.
Isn't just big rust buckets that you see "just rolled in" etc channels on YT that many shops refuse to work on or customers "refusing work." In places w/ road salt or near the ocean many frame look "ok" when take quick look but frame often rot from inside out then fail big time. Many "tech's" in places like that keep a small hammer to tap areas before jacking/lifting because weak area may look good but sound different & jacks/lifts can punch holes in floors etc. even when on lift zone in OM FSM & other doc's.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Thanks everyone for the in depth response. I think I'll have to pass on this one, I already had a car that was really rusty and it was too much of a pain to work. Also I don't have any of the skills to deal with rust. The only rust free fiero in my area has a blown head gasket can't get anything nice in quebec.
Thanks everyone for the in depth response. I think I'll have to pass on this one, I already had a car that was really rusty and it was too much of a pain to work. Also I don't have any of the skills to deal with rust. The only rust free fiero in my area has a blown head gasket can't get anything nice in quebec.
Yeah up here in Canada you must search far and wide for the right Fiero, I live in NB, and my Fiero popped up for sale in Riviere de Loup, Quebec, in the middle of December, I went over, handshake deal and $500 deposit, and he drove it to me the following April, $5500 for an 85 gt, absolutely no rust, just a little dusty/neglected at the time, not great paint. Keep an eye on marketplace specifically, that's where all the good deals are, and check every few days-a week, throughout the winter if it goes that long haha!
I had a look on Craigslist to see what might be available locally... and this winner showed up just south of the border. Me thinks the owner is delusional.
I mean Facebook marketplace, around here, and my side of quebec as far as I know, not many people use craiglist, Auto Trader, Kijiji, etc. I have found the best deals, and in fact all of the cars I've bought, on Facebook Marketplace.
The dictionary definition of "specifically" is : in a specific manner : in a definite and exact way : with precision. Meaning to check marketplace in a specific manner, weekly, to not miss out on potential deals.
I'm not entirely sure if I answered your question, as I'm not sure what wasn't clear in my previous post, hopefully I did.
You seem to think that the word "marketplace" automatically translates in everyone's head to... "Facebook Marketplace". I assure you that this isn't the case. Many people have nothing to do with Facebook, and will have no idea what you might've been referring to.
You seem to think that the word "marketplace" automatically translates in everyone's head to... "Facebook Marketplace". I assure you that this isn't the case. Many people have nothing to do with Facebook, and will have no idea what you might've been referring to.
Oh, ok, now I understand the confusion, although a simple google search of "marketplace" turns up Facebook Marketplace. And for the record, I do not even have an account, my dad messages to go see it, and we go and do the rest in person.
Keep an eye on marketplace specifically, that's where all the good deals are, and check every few days-a week, throughout the winter if it goes that long haha!
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-09-2024).]
Facebook killed the internet as we knew it. Everything is behind a membership wall. Can't search, no archives just locked behind a subscription and the price is too high.
If you don't want to work on a rusty car then have patience. Especially with a 40 year old car you may have to wait a bit longer and be vigilant. You will know the right car when you see it. Aside from the rust look at the general condition on how it was treated by it's previous owner(s).
Facebook killed the internet as we knew it. Everything is behind a membership wall. Can't search, no archives just locked behind a subscription and the price is too high.
If you don't want to work on a rusty car then have patience. Especially with a 40 year old car you may have to wait a bit longer and be vigilant. You will know the right car when you see it. Aside from the rust look at the general condition on how it was treated by it's previous owner(s).
Got to say, I'm seriously thinking about the red one but my bride will make me get rid of one or two of my other three Fieros. Decisions, decisions, decisions...
As mentioned earlier, since the trunk has already been patched, it's probably in a lot worse shape than what can be seen. I know a simple way to test for heavy rust if you cannot remove the wheel liners is to reach under the the spring perch and press in slightly on the metal going to the outside of where the spring is. This is inner side of the upper frame rail and if you feel crunchy or can go all the way through that from rail is probably already shot. I've turned down cars in the past from that simple task.
Many Fiero are missing the "rubber" skirt/flap under the rear inner fender have big problems besides rust on car frame, cradle, etc. Often the road crap now on everything was protecting also affect the alternator, AC, brake lines & more.
Thanks everyone for the in depth response. I think I'll have to pass on this one, I already had a car that was really rusty and it was too much of a pain to work. Also I don't have any of the skills to deal with rust. The only rust free fiero in my area has a blown head gasket can't get anything nice in quebec.
Assuming you have some time and the space to work on it, and if you have some tools and experience, the Forum can guide you through a head gasket replacement and a modest refresh on the engine. You might want to look at that deal more closely because the 'rust free' is hard to find.
can't get anything nice in quebec.
I assure you that this isn't the case. Many people have nothing to do with Facebook, and will have no idea what you might've been referring to.
