I rebuilt the headlight motors on my '86 GT. I was getting a clicking on the drivers side when closed. After opening them up it was obvious they needed a rebuild. Rebuilt, cleaned up and cleaned up brushes and electrical parts. They worked great, for about 1 1/2 years. Then I came out and the drivers side, same one that gave me problems before, wouldn't open. The knob on top was melted. The right side still worked and wasn't hot. I disconnected the power to both. This is where I need help. Should I do the $500. after shipping, Ebay Gen 2 upgrade, buy a rebuilt one from Ebay for $225., or...... I can't even find a Fiero at the 5 local pick-a-part places and you can't buy a new motor. Are there any other option or sources, how to's, to do a conversion cheaper? I've searched here and elsewhere and can't find an answer. Thanks.
I rebuilt the headlight motors on my '86 GT. I was getting a clicking on the drivers side when closed. After opening them up it was obvious they needed a rebuild. Rebuilt, cleaned up and cleaned up brushes and electrical parts. They worked great, for about 1 1/2 years. Then I came out and the drivers side, same one that gave me problems before, wouldn't open. The knob on top was melted. The right side still worked and wasn't hot. I disconnected the power to both. This is where I need help. Should I do the $500. after shipping, Ebay Gen 2 upgrade, buy a rebuilt one from Ebay for $225., or...... I can't even find a Fiero at the 5 local pick-a-part places and you can't buy a new motor. Are there any other option or sources, how to's, to do a conversion cheaper? I've searched here and elsewhere and can't find an answer. Thanks.
3rd Gen Firebirds are more common, you can just those headlight motors. Hell, you can probably even use the 4th Gen Fbody motors too.
I rebuilt the headlight motors on my '86 GT. I was getting a clicking on the drivers side when closed. After opening them up it was obvious they needed a rebuild. Rebuilt, cleaned up and cleaned up brushes and electrical parts. They worked great, for about 1 1/2 years. Then I came out and the drivers side, same one that gave me problems before, wouldn't open. The knob on top was melted. The right side still worked and wasn't hot. I disconnected the power to both. This is where I need help. Should I do the $500. after shipping, Ebay Gen 2 upgrade, buy a rebuilt one from Ebay for $225., or...... I can't even find a Fiero at the 5 local pick-a-part places and you can't buy a new motor. Are there any other option or sources, how to's, to do a conversion cheaper? I've searched here and elsewhere and can't find an answer. Thanks.
You can't use the Gen 2 motors without doing the Gen 1 to Gen 2 headlight system upgrade. I've done it on all 3 of my '86 Fieros and it's well worth the effort and cost. They are quicker and quieter.
Look around or contact Larry Hubert on the forum and see if you can get the front headlight harness from an '87 or '88 car, including the control module. Larry may even have used '87 or '88 headlight motors but you can get replacements from Rock Auto, Summit Racing, or online thru eBay. There are kits that include wiring and modules to allow you to use the existing harness but I would recommend a complete harness swap. (BTW, if you go with the complete swap, take off the hood. It makes the job so much simpler.)
The module is the weak point in the Gen 2 system but you can find replacements. I used one from a C4 Corvette when mine failed. You can open them up and replace the failed component on the circuit board but I found it cheaper and quicker to just replace the module. Now that I've retired, I may open the old module up and repair it.
The FAQs & How To section has good instructions with pictures. (https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum9/HTML/000002.html).
Obviously the Gen2 headlight system is more reliable and if needed easier to fix. I own Fieros with both systems. They are not daily drivers and since I only use my Fieros for shows, cruise nights and occasional Sunday drives I didn't see the need to upgrade everything . Founds a new Gen 1 motor years back and did one headlight motor repair on my 85 . It may be a long time before I have to mess with those again, maybe never. The point is that its probably best, before undertaking on a repair or replacement job on a Gen 1 system, to decide how your Fiero is used. On the other hand if your Gen 1 system is original its a good idea to repair or upgrade. If stuck the Gen 1 motors can overheat and cause a fire.
------------------ " 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 guess that has happened but the rating of the fuse may have something to do with it. GM incorporated a momentary circuit breaker in those GEN 1 motors but a sizable jam might cause those breakers to repeatedly cycle and still allow enough current to allow the motors to overheat. The issue is that there is always power to the motors waiting to be switched on. IMO, the best preventative solution may be to put a safety switch on the white power lead. There is a ton of 84-86 Fieros out there and the headlight motor fires are uncommon.
------------------ " 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 "
