my 86 fiero

If you don't already know what "Copper Coat" anti size compound is, go to your parts store NOW and buy some.  I have a 6 or 8oz jar of it, and have been using that same jar for nearly 3 years.   I put it on EVERYTHING that goes together. 

   My cradle bolts once you release the initial torque load on them, can be removed with your fingers.  Same goes for control arm bushings, brake caliper bolts and other related parts.  I even put the stuff on the long screws that hold the tail lights in place.

   Its a paste like stuff, kinda goes on like nail polish, comes with a brush.  Remember the old rubber cement jars from school.  (don't know if they still have them)  But there is a brush attached to the inside of the cap, you brush it on and it simply stays put, never dries out, and works wonders.

  Never having another rusty bolt makes it all worth it for me when I have to take it apart in 6 months because of one to many clutch dumps, high speed pot holes or other related abusive causes.

garrym wrote: does anyone know where i can buy some new cradle nuts? the ones for the 18mm hinge ones?

You didn't soak 'em down overnight with PB Blaster before removing them, did you?

 

i soked them down with liquid wrench for about a week and tried using air guns, pry bars and wrenches hammers and wrenches. so i used the air chisel and although there in ok shape i put some cuts in them with it so i want new bolts, maybe a diff size than 18mm since its hard to find sockets for them 

so an update, yesterday i managed to get the old engine off the cradle me and my friend took all the bolts and heat sheilds and what nots off in order to get to the engine bolts, without a hoist but a lot of balls we used a 2x6 and a tie down strap and wrapped it around the 2x6. picked the engine up my friend on one side me on the other, man that thing is heavy! most important thing to know always keep your work space clear because i tripped on my tool box and luckly i was able to catch myself although the engine started swinging and i lost my balance because of the mass weight and i completly was pulled over. good thing i let it down as gently as possible. for sure im renting a hoist for the day when i put it back together it was so funny. good news my clutch is pretty new! but i noticed im missing some of the bolts on the engine im pulling out. the more i discover the more i think i was sold a dud. although this new engine will be a saviour.

the exaust manifold on both sides the heads of the bolts were broken off some just sheared off and nuts were put on the ones left. im so surprised i got the thing even running, not even grounded properly and what not. but all is good. im going to vegas in 2 weeks but next weekend i hope to have it at least on the cradle and in the car. 

does anyone know anything about the rear breaks i know i talked to you capt about it, i think you said trans am calipers and roters were cheeper or something ? but then no ebrake?  or anyone know where to get cheep brake pads my calipers are in good shape still, and the disks are alright but wouldnt mind new ones, maybe use trans am ones with fiero calipers? or something similer?