I just saw that it has shut down as of June 1 and probably come back after a while as an on-line store. Mike will have to work it part time. https://thefierofactory.com/
see i thought that too but i messaged before and after the move and got no response so i was assuming the worst and looks like exactly that had occurred
Thank you Mike. That was a big endeavor you took on with the purchase of the Fiero Factory, living in Colorado and it being in Alabama.
I have not been following the Fiero Factory saga, though I did know about it. Is the inventory still in Alabama ? Gosh, it will also be hard to have a good website.
The parts business did move to Colorado and I think he moved the inventory there. The service business stayed in Alabama as TFF Auto. I'm not sure if TFF Auto still does Fiero engine swaps.
Mike claims that he is losing money but how do you make money without moving parts? He could try selling at a big discount and the orders may roll in,
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I don't hold any special favor with Mike Valentine, but he was gracious enough to let my family stop by the old Fiero Factory, primarily for my daughter's benefit... getting permission from the current property owner. For the record, they do not do drop-ins as it's an automotive business now unrelated to the old Fiero Factory. But I'm hoping that with all the years of service, etc., that the Fiero Factory has given us, and that Mike has effectively saved for the whole community, that we might be able to get together and do something to support and help him... whatever that decision is.
Some thoughts...
- A group of people he trusts go up there and help him itemize, organize, and catalog everything in the warehouse. - Help him pick through the Fieros that are left in the yard, segment out the ones worth keeping, and identify the ones that likely need to just be scrapped. - Take pictures of all the specific items of interest, including engines and other rare parts, and help with the website.
I don't live close... it's a 7-hour drive for me, but I'd be willing to do it simply because this hobby is very much part of who I am, and the Fiero Factory and by extension Mike... is part of that. We need him to coordinate and whether or not he even wants our help. It might even be that maybe he rents a big truck and loads it up with the most valuable parts, and then scraps everything else... and I'm happy to support either way.
There is no judgement, and we all understand the challenges that small businesses faced during COVID... I think if I'm not mistaken, nearly 60% of small businesses closed down after COVID. The fact that he managed to keep it alive this long with a declining consumer base and in a downed economy is amazing and shows the dedication that he's had for this little car.
Where to begin? I feel I need to (briefly) go through the history of The Fiero Factory again.
Ed Parks created it back in the 1990's and sold it to Jeremy Biggs around 2010 when he wanted to retire. Most people have a picture in their mind that The Fiero Factory is the 5 acre plot of land in Toney, Alabama where Fieros were both worked on (general repairs, engine swaps, etc) and parted out (over 350 Fieros in the yard at one point!), but that place no longer exists. It is a shell of its former self. Some of that is a natural progression, some may be mismanagement over the years too. I'm certainly not trying to say I did everything right.
I briefly worked for Ed back in late1998/early 1999....the same time Jeremy was working for him, so I had some history with The Fiero Factory prior to 2019, when I bought it from Jeremy. Here's the confusing part....I only bought the Fiero part business. We essentially cut the business in half.....I got the Fiero junkyard and Jeremy continued with general repairs, engine swaps, etc. (now working on all makes & models). I live in Colorado and have since 1984, so I never planned on moving to Alabama. Ever. My plan was to answer phone calls and emails from my house in Colorado and have employees pull and ship parts from Alabama. We had one employee at that time and I planned on hiring one more. I never got that chance because less than 8 months later COVID shut everything down and we let that one employee go. So for the past 5 years I have been doing everything and quite frankly it wore me out. Sales have been slipping the entire 6 years I've owned it, which makes hiring help impossible.
I have essentially been subsidizing the business by putting everything on credit cards and mortgaging my house, etc. I'm out of money and energy. I closed things down on June 1st so I could try to get a handle on my personal finances and clear out my house of Fieros and Fiero parts in case I needed to sell my house. Believe it or not, my financial position hasn't changed over the past 2 months. It hasn't gotten any better, but it also hasn't gotten any worse...even with no income!
The truth is, I moved *some* parts and *some* cars from Alabama to Colorado, but the bulk of things are still in Alabama. I was essentially based in Colorado, but not everything is in Colorado. The cost to move everything would be staggering.
Yes, I am claiming I'm losing money. That's because I am. I estimate I spend $1.50 for every $1 in sales. Whether anyone believes me or not is irrelevant, but I did lower prices in an attempt to make it up in volume. The problem is the volume never materialized. Also, there are a lot of people in the parts game now and with shipping costs so high now, it makes more sense to buy from someone local. I only get calls for obscure parts or random $5 stuff. I can't blame people for not wanting to spend more on shipping a fender than what the fender costs, but I can't pay bills by selling 3 or 4 $5 parts a day.
This isn't a "woe is me" statement, I just want people to understand where I am coming from. It is my contention that a full scale Fiero-only used parts business is no longer viable. I have come to terms with this and I am (mostly) at peace with it. I spent a lot of time and a lot of money trying to convince myself that I was wrong but finally realized that the sunk cost fallacy is a real thing. Like a degenerate gambler, I kept doubling down trying to make back my losses. I now know that this is impossible. That money is gone and spending any more at this point is not only reckless, it's stupid.
I doubt that I will ever re-open. I even doubt that I will get a website up and running anytime soon. I just don't have the skills or time or money for that. I'll probably just post stuff on eBay and Facebook Marketplace until it's gone or I die (whichever comes first!).
There are other forces in play that I can't get into right now, but time is running out for me at the Alabama location, so cars will be crushed and parts will be scrapped in the very near future. No choice in that. I've already crushed 8 shells/rust buckets and I'll be back down there in a couple of weeks to purge even more. I'll save the better cars for last, but quite a few have to go in the very near future.
This is more of a rambling diatribe than I planned....sorry. Bottom line is, I appreciate anyone's willingness to help, but it might be time to quit doing CPR because the patient is dead.
It's not all doom and gloom. I still love the Fiero and will continue tinkering with them and going to as many shows and gatherings as I can. As some therapy, I took a $500 parts car (88 Formula with 230K miles) and just got it up and running after a 10+ year slumber. That sort of thing still brings me joy.....the parts business hasn't completely taken that away. It still looks like a $500 parts car, but it runs and drives like a $1000 car.
[This message has been edited by mrfiero (edited 08-09-2025).]
Sorry to hear this, sad part about business though is you need a market/customer base that covers all your cost as well as what buyers are willing to pay.
Maybe before things go to the crusher you could post a last chance option? Hopefully with some pictures?
For what its worth I had bought and paid a fair amount for shipping of some large parts years back. I don't regret it, they came as described, fit perfectly and are in great condition plus it saved me a 2+ day trip.
Every business must have a plan but one fundamental aspect is that the business must be where the merchandise is located. There are exceptions like Rock Auto that partner with automotive warehouses that drop ship but even that scheme is getting old. Amazon usually sells for less.. No knock on Mike as he's a good guy; I hate to say it but the Fiero Factory parts business plan was flawed from day one. Fiero owners are among the most "close- fisted" buyers in the hobby. Regardless we wish Mike the very best moving forward.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 08-09-2025).]
Let's just call a spade a spade and say the failure of this entire thing is Jeremy Biggs who apparently only wanted the business so he could buy a fully stocked shop and start his own non-Fiero repair business. All Fiero events at the shop stopped, any family oriented Fiero gatherings stopped. Basically he wanted zero to do with the Fiero crowd. A complete clown bought Ed Parks business and unfortunately you got caught in the middle.
No apology will ever be necessary from you, Mike. You put your entire life on hold to attempt to save the Fiero end of the business. We all appreciate and respect your efforts.
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 08-09-2025).]
Let's just call a spade a spade and say the failure of this entire thing is Jeremy Biggs who apparently only wanted the business so he could buy a fully stocked shop and start his own non-Fiero repair business. All Fiero events at the shop stopped, any family oriented Fiero gatherings stopped. Basically he wanted zero to do with the Fiero crowd. A complete clown bought Ed Parks business and unfortunately you got caught in the middle.
No apology will ever be necessary from you, Mike. You put your entire life on hold to attempt to save the Fiero end of the business. We all appreciate and respect your efforts.
I guess what you are saying is Jeremy Biggs sold Mike Valentine an albatross. Could be.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
1986gt Just out of the Paint Shop and I had waited until the car was done to get the new tires on it. Well after a very long time had passed at the tire shop and my car was not out of the shop area, and the owner was then called to the shop floor. It was then I went to look out onto the shop area to see the owner and 3 techs standing by my car shaking their heads with a very concerned look. The owner called me to the counter and said: I have a real problem; They tried jacking your car under the rocker panel. Needless to say the panel exploded. The owner said take it back to the body shop that just painted the car and have it fixed and he would take care of the bill.
Now the body shop looked at it and had a real problem. We will not be able to get these parts for a car this old. I told them no problem I will get the parts and collect when the job is finished. Lucky for me The Fiero Store still had the lower rocker new. But the small trim at the bottom of the front fender which also went south with the rocker no one had.
This is where The Fiero Factory came to the rescue found them online and called for the part. Well problem was he did not want to separate that part from a fender as he did not have just that part alone. He also stated the cost to ship the fender would be more than the fender. So I gave him an option I asked how much is the fender. He quoted a price of $35 I said fine go pull the part I need and I will pay you $35 and through the fender in the trash. Well took a little time to convince him I was not crazy and that I did not care as I was not paying for the part. After that he said No Problem for that much I will find you the best one I have… Great Guy!!!
I have known Mike for a very long time, we met at a F.O.C.O.A. National event, we hit it off with our passion for Fiero T-top cars. So I understand his passion, as I am hooked as well. I have been selling Fiero parts since 1986 (yes this is not a typo 1986) and I have watched fiero owners sell parts over the years with the same passion for the Fiero and come to the same fate of closing: Fiero Warehouse, Fiero Farm, Bob Stieger Fiero Shop, Rodney Dickman and now Fiero Factory. It is not a business that can truly be a full time job, without having another form of income. Now there are a few that are still out here but they have forms of income coming in Fiero Jon out east has DeLorean's Larry Hubbert down in Florida and myself Fiero John of Wisconsin in the Midwest (as Mike is correct shipping continues to keep going up and it prices a part unjustifiable, that shipping is more then the part. I have a full time job so I am able to sell parts way less or take parts in trade and cash. But I don't ship, pick up only at my place or I go to 2 shows per year Midwest Dells Run in June in Wisconsin and Fiero-Rama in September in IL. and I bring the parts with me. It sucks that Fiero outlets are going away (sorry if I missed anyone that still sells parts) I have watched the demographic change as far as age and what they are looking for which plays a big part in this as well. I have noticed that there are 3 types of groups and ages as follows:
1st Group-Age 16 to 27 (big group of young adults want everything for their Fiero BUT don't have the funds) that is why I offer fiero trades and cash (they may not have the money, but they have the networking to get others to pick up parts or find parts more easily
2nd Group-Age 28 to 44 ( this is more of the silent group for fiero stuff) they are in that family stage so they don't have much time with family sports, vacations and school) not that they don't buy but way less then the other 2 groups and that is understandable
3rd Group-Age 45 on up ( the other big group but they want mint part even NOS Fiero parts to restore their cars back to stock) this is a hard group to sell parts to since unless the Fiero Store has it new they want mint 40 year old parts and (I am guilty of wanting the same since Im in this group) ( but I realize a mint 40 year old part is either scuffed, faded or brittle) so there isn't much to sell to them or do they want to buy it.
So in a nutshell Group 3 barely buys, Group 2 doesn't have time to buy and Group 1 doesn't have a lot of funds to buy, that is why I can see this being a hard full time business only. Mike sorry to you and this forum I just wanted to explain what I seen from selling parts over the many years, ( I know I talk to much) and who know maybe it will change with technology somethings are starting to be produced more since 3D printing but thats another story in it's self.
Good luck Mike, hopefully someone might step up and buy some of your stuff and sell parts or maybe you only do it as a part time thing...
[This message has been edited by FIERO JOHN-WI (edited 08-13-2025).]
Bottom line is, I appreciate anyone's willingness to help, but it might be time to quit doing CPR because the patient is dead.
It's not all doom and gloom. I still love the Fiero and will continue tinkering with them and going to as many shows and gatherings as I can. As some therapy, I took a $500 parts car (88 Formula with 230K miles) and just got it up and running after a 10+ year slumber. That sort of thing still brings me joy.....the parts business hasn't completely taken that away. It still looks like a $500 parts car, but it runs and drives like a $1000 car.
Hi Mike, I'd still like to help if I can. If you decide you want to rent a truck and load it up, please call me and I'll come up there and spend a week helping you load it up... free of charge. I'll even buy us a pizza and beer. Let me know...
Also, my daughter wants me to buy one of those cars there too... and has buy-in from the wife. So if you haven't crushed the one she wants yet... I'm interested. Haha...
Thanks... also... have you thought of maybe reaching out to The Fiero Farm, or Villain here in Florida? They might be interested in buying a ton of stuff from you.
