2010 - Year of the Fiero?
Printed From: West Coast Fieros
Category: General Fiero Chat
Forum Name: General Talk about Fieros
Forum Description: Just want to chat about fieros? here's the place to make that happen.
URL: http://www.westcoastfieros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1634
Printed Date: 23 November 2024 at 9:39am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 2010 - Year of the Fiero?
Posted By: wayneh70
Subject: 2010 - Year of the Fiero?
Date Posted: 06 December 2009 at 2:43am
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Hello all I'm a long time lurker on the forum, I've wanted a Fiero since I was 14 and saw a red 2M4 on Joe Webber's lot in Nanaimo. It looks like I get to celebrate my mid life crisis in 2010 by FINALLY getting a Fiero and living the dream lol I've been doing quite a bit of research on prices in different places ie purchasing here off Craigslist/Auto Trader, putting a WTB ad on the forum here (at least I'd know it was taken care of) vs buying from the states and bringing it back either from Washington /Oregon or Arizona. I'd really like to get the opinion of the membership about which option or combination of options is the best way to go - also any experiences people have had about bringing a Fiero up from south of the border. Also anyone's thoughts on which year/model (yes I'm aware of the 88 parts issue) would make a good semi-daily driver/fun summer car would be most welcome Thanks for listening Wayne * Edit * Oh yeah, I'm thinking my hypothetical budget would be in the range of $2000, timeline Feb-Apr 2010 |
Replies:
Posted By: Dr.Fiero
Date Posted: 06 December 2009 at 9:59am
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Don't take this the wrong way, but... with a budget of only 2G, you better hope you can find something local, that needs NOTHING - or your 2g's will disappear in transport and/or repair costs. You'll find an auto for less than a standard (you don't specify requirements). Forget an '88 if you're on a budget. Get a V6 straight off unless fuel is a concern (but you say it's just a summer toy). What *are* your other requirements or hated parts? |
Posted By: fiero052
Date Posted: 06 December 2009 at 10:50am
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The 4 cyls are shunned by most of the fiero comunity because they are mostly performance minded, but i have two in my family and i find that they are fantastic "run around town" cars. if you plan to spend much time on the open road though, i definately recomend a six, asa the 4's are short on power for the freeway. g ------------- Glenn |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 06 December 2009 at 12:37pm
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I thought 2K might be limiting but I'm looking at that as the starting point, I'm thinking something I can get home & enjoy, repair costs come later (don't tell my wife! lol) - I don't really have requirements as such (right now my requirement is "a Fiero" lol and this was why I thought I'd ask for input) but here are some "scenarios" Ive come up with - "The father/son project" My oldest is 14 and I thought of one we could work on together and have fun with until he turns 16 and I turn it over to him and get another  , not sure if that's being TOO nice a dad. In this case I'd be looking at a 4cyl auto so he doesn't decide he's Speedracer but still gets a cool first car (there's one on Craigslist locally that would suit this well, I'm wondering why its been on there so long tho)- The "me" car: Find a fastback (doesn't matter if its auto or std) that needs some love but will run and do what needs to be done to bring it back (this is where I start laughing at myself because I have very little experience with things mechanical but I do have a couple friends who do and a willingness to learn). I've seen some that would fit this category in Washington/Oregon which was why I was asking about importing. - The Import: I've seen some apparently very nice Fieros in the 2K range (T-tops???) in Arizona/California and start thinking of bringing one back here but again I wake up and see myself stranded on the I-5 in the middle of nowhere and think that may be biting off more than I can chew In my crazier moments I start thinking about engine swaps & such but then I wake up and realize I'm not there skill-wise and remember this is a learning experience lol. Thanks very much for listening to my ramble, I'm hoping this doesn't come off like some weirdo who showed up on the forum, oddly enough Fiero 2K10 is fairly important to me :) |
Posted By: Dr.Fiero
Date Posted: 06 December 2009 at 5:01pm
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From the gazillions (+/- a whack) of cars I've owned over the last 30+ years, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that no matter what it is, you'll end up putting 500-1000 into it to make it what you want within a few months of buying it. Of course, that's not set in stone - and there are always exceptions to the rule. But.... ummmm.... I'd really consider buying something local unless you nail a MONDO good deal on something. For one thing, you're supporting the local community (  ), but you're also saving the headaches of importing tax/fees/whatever, transportation costs and time, inspections, etc etc.If you're looking for a semi-project car, I've got my ~180k KM, all original '88 formula here (V6 auto) that you can have for $2k - engine is all dismantled, as I was just about to rebuild it when the buyer had to back out. But everything is there (of course!), and I'd be willing to help you out if you need it doing the rebuild. Or I can just do it myself (of course!!). Give me a call if it's something you're interested in, and I'll give you some options. 604-318-8742 |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 07 December 2009 at 1:12pm
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So, an update to my story... Apparently the Fiero gods are smiling on me to some extent because through a complicated chain of circumstances I have $1000 cash in hand for the "Fiero 2K10 Fund". (Maybe I should throw a "Fierothon" lol) Thank you Dr. Fiero for your kind offer, I probably won't be in the 2K range until March-ish but if you happen to have something not as nice as an 88 Formula (drool) lying around... I think I'm going to avoid the hassle of cross-border shopping this go round (apparently Fieros ARE like potato chips - you can't have just one!) and will support any local community members who wish to offload their cheap Fiero on me lol. On a separate but related topic, with my "promotion" to Fiero owner coming on, how does one join West Coast Fieros? Wayne |
Posted By: beken
Date Posted: 08 December 2009 at 2:41pm
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I was at Hon's Wonton house in New Westminster last week. There is a small car repair shop next door and I saw a red Fiero GT (fastback) for sale there. In the dark, it looks to be in pretty good condition.
-------------  Beken (aka Ken) - bekentech@westcoastfieros.com Original and still the owner of an 85SE 2M6 4spd |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 08 December 2009 at 4:06pm
| Cool, thank you! I'll try to pass by there sometime in the next couple days |
Posted By: Patrick
Date Posted: 08 December 2009 at 5:08pm
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Wayne, are you located on the Island or on the mainland?
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wayneh70 wrote:Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 08 December 2009 at 5:39pm
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I'm right here in beautiful Fleetwood, I suppose I should update (or make) a signature :) I grew up on the Island but moved over here in 2003 |
Posted By: Patrick
Date Posted: 08 December 2009 at 5:51pm
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... Like anyone who doesn't live in or near "Fleetwood" has a clue where the heck that is!
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Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 08 December 2009 at 7:33pm
Fleetwood means never having to say you're from Surrey lol
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Posted By: Patrick
Date Posted: 08 December 2009 at 7:55pm
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Ah, now I understand!
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Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 14 December 2009 at 6:30pm
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The story continues... After tracking down several promising leads (shout out to Patrick for one of them  ) the winner of Project Fiero 2K10 is a wayy cool bright red 1 owner 1986 2M4 5 speed from in town!I tried to look as closely as i could for rust etc based on what I've learned from here and didn't see anything, it runs well and looks to really have been taken care of. The owner was looking for a good home for his baby more than anything else and I ended up with a VERY good price for it. There are some things here and there that will need attention so my plan is to work on it over the winter and (excluding the odd day pass) insure it in the spring. The deal is done on Thursday and I will post a mess of pix, can anyone tell me who I need to give my $24 to? Thanks to all, reading the forums here really helped me to make a more educated decision than otherwise Wayne |
Posted By: Dr.Fiero
Date Posted: 14 December 2009 at 6:47pm
Show up at a meeting, and Lisa at "the desk" will take your cash in trade for a receipt. |
Posted By: Romeo
Date Posted: 15 December 2009 at 2:20pm
I saw that before I left, it's been there a LONG time. lol ------------- Never shift into reverse without a back-up plan. |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 15 December 2009 at 2:24pm
| I went down and had a look and it was in nice enough shape overall but the paint's a bit faded, one of the sail panels is shattered and there's a pretty thick coat of dust. I called and they said it wasn't for sale no way no how. |
Posted By: beken
Date Posted: 16 December 2009 at 1:18pm
I thought I saw a for sale sign on it when I saw it. I must have been seeing things in the dark. Sorry for the dead end lead. If that guy isn't selling his car, maybe we should encourage him to join the club. ------------- Beken (aka Ken) - bekentech@westcoastfieros.com Original and still the owner of an 85SE 2M6 4spd |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 16 December 2009 at 3:14pm
No apology necessary, can't get it if you don't try right? Really excited as tomorrow's "The Day" 23 years in the making lol. I wasn't going to but here's a sneak peek - it's a lot redder in real life, I think the sun was setting on it or something Dig the way cool steelies  |
Posted By: Dr.Fiero
Date Posted: 16 December 2009 at 3:19pm
Ummm... Nice rubber? What are those... 165/85/14's??  |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 16 December 2009 at 4:31pm
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Easy now! lol Rims are on the to-do list but I kind of like the stock look for the moment |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 17 December 2009 at 11:27pm
Well, after 23 years the culte lil Fiero on the previous page has its second owner and I have my first Fiero!  It may not be perfect and it may have tires that look thin on a Goldwing but it's mine and that's good 'nuff (for now, hey anyone have a set of those cool 94 Sunbird rims lying around? lol) As soon as I get some daylight and a camera in my hand at the same time I will post some pix for your viewing pleasure. Again I want to thank all and sundry in this forum for letting me read the threads detailing your own Fiero adventures, picking up a lot of good info and in the end making (I think) a good decision Hello, my name is Wayne and I'm a Fiero owner =) |
Posted By: Patrick
Date Posted: 18 December 2009 at 10:53am
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Soon you'll be on the lookout for #2. That's just the way it works.
Don't know what year these are from, but I just bought set of 16" Sunfire rims a couple of weeks ago to use on one of my Fieros. No, they're not for sale.
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Posted By: Dawg
Date Posted: 18 December 2009 at 11:22am
Go see your doctor right away.....I think there's a cream you can get for that. DG ------------- You dream it up....I'll make it |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 19 December 2009 at 12:14am
Those are 95-99 sunfire rims and they are NICE, think I like them better then my faves so far  |
Posted By: Capt Fiero
Date Posted: 02 January 2010 at 11:20pm
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Just be warned any stock sunfire wheels have a horrible offset to use on the Fiero. They stick way too far inside the wheel wells. You can come and look at Lisa's V8 with the Sunbird wheels on it. Looks horrid. ------------- Capt Fiero 88 Fiero GT 5spd V6 Eight Fifty Seven GT V8 5spd. |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 12:29am
That's not cool! Ah well, stock Fiero rims (or steelies lol) for me, I'm thinking (for this year at least) of pursuing a "bone stock" restore
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Posted By: Patrick
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 10:04am
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So which is it Dave... Sunfire or Sunbird... or both? Are you suggesting that the Sunfire rims on this Fiero look "horrid"?
(I had referred to these as Sunbird rims in my earlier post, since corrected.)
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Posted By: Dr.Fiero
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 10:33am
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Could be a year thing. Both the sunbird and sunfire have been around for decades, so it's quite possible the offset changed over time. edit: oh yeah - the rims on Lisas car are REALLY inset. But most of you have seen the rims on my 86/7/8 car (the 7 spoke silver ones) -- those came off of an unknown year cavalier (aka sunfire) and they fit great! |
Posted By: Patrick
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 10:57am
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I'm confused. Pictures of Lisa's V8 Fiero in the Members Rides section show that it doesn't appear to have Sunbird rims on it.
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Posted By: Capt Fiero
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 12:42pm
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Sorry, you are looking at the early V8 pics, those wheels are now on her V6. Her original V6 wheels are now on her V8, but here they are on her V6. From this angle they don't look too bad, however if you look on a side profile you can see how tucked in they are.
------------- Capt Fiero 88 Fiero GT 5spd V6 Eight Fifty Seven GT V8 5spd. |
Posted By: Capt Fiero
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 12:44pm
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Oh and they are Cavilier wheels which as far as I know are the same as Sunfire. ------------- Capt Fiero 88 Fiero GT 5spd V6 Eight Fifty Seven GT V8 5spd. |
Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 6:29pm
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K total n00b question but would wheel spacers help with the offset? Really like Patrick's and the Capt's (there was a set of those on Craigslist BTW) Relating to a different thread, would the Cavalier (or Sunfire) wheels be a problem going for collector status? |
Posted By: Dr.Fiero
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 6:35pm
In a word.... Yes. On some of the much older cars you see running around with Cragars (etc) - there is an exemption at a certain year (1940?) where you can do things to the car that make it "period correct", but it still has a collectible value to it. |
Posted By: Dr.Fiero
Date Posted: 04 January 2010 at 6:37pm
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Oh - and on the wheel spacers... They would in theory work to make things look normal - but they are VERY hard on your wheel bearings. I just replaced a pair of rears on a guys Lambo replica due to them. And that car only got driven about 500 miles a year. |
Posted By: Patrick
Date Posted: 25 April 2010 at 11:16am
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Kind of an unfortunate end to this story... http://www.westcoastfieros.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?FID=5&TID=1829&PN=1&get=last - Here .
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Posted By: wayneh70
Date Posted: 25 April 2010 at 1:22pm
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Guess I should have read a little further lol. I got a bad feeling when I went
to replace a headlight and the bracket looked like it had been on a fish boat for 10 years, I pulled back the trunk carpet and there it was, an advanced case of a** cancer .
I tried my best on due diligence but I admit I had stars in my eyes a bit due to the cars' history and the price, I learned a lesson with this experience but at least is wasn't an expensive one - plus I had a BLAST while it lasted and learned a good bit along the way. I put about 5K on the car in the time I had it |
Posted By: emazingli
Date Posted: 27 March 2011 at 7:31pm
Yeah right. I agree with you. With that 2 gs. I think it is not sufficient to handle different cost. :( |