My drivers side door is sagging badly so I wanted to rebuild the hinges before installing the interior door panels. The interior door panels align with the dash so I need to make any adjustments with door alignment now. Yesterday I made a feeble attempt at it, but couldn’t even get the !@#$&^% spring off the lower hinge. And yes, I have a spring compressor. I’ve come to the conclusion that it is impossible and all the people who have done it before me are liars!
Someday this week I will probably remove the doors and try it that way. I’ve had the doors off so many times I can do that in my sleep now.
I installed the lower dash and gauge pod today. Also set the center console in place. It’s starting to look like a real interior again. Only better.
I got a little bit of work done on it last night. I had previously removed all of the old dash and the center console skeleton. This marks the start of me documenting the installation.
So far just the upper dash is installed. It’s a good idea to remove one of A pillar trim pieces first. I didn’t think I had to until I was awkwardly sitting in the car with the dash in my lap. I think I broke a tab or two trying to remove it that way.
I purchased this car in November 2003. Bought it in California, near San Francisco and drove it back to Phoenix. It’s an 88 Fiero Formula w/5-speed manual trans. If you aren’t familiar with Fieros, in 88 (the last year of the Fiero) the suspension and brakes were upgraded. It was a huge improvement over the previous setup. The 88 GT is the most desired year and model Fiero with the formula a close 2nd. Personally I prefer the fastback style of the GT. Before buying this car I already had an 86 GT Automatic. I later fixed up the GT and made it look real nice. Had it painted metallic blue. I really preferred the formula though due to it having the better suspension, brakes and manual trans. So I decided to swap all the body panels between the two cars. That part is done.
Here’s a list of what has been done so far
- Install GT body
- Install Carbon Fiber Decklid
- Intall Gallardo nose
- Reupholster seats in leather.
Here’s a list of what still needs to be done
- swap the wheel wells
- swap the wheels
- Install F355 interior kit
- Install Carbon Fiber Headliner and Third Brake Light Cover
- Make brackets for deck lid vents
- Install hood vents (undecided on style)
- Have paint touched up
- Install all the trim
I’d like to eventually do an engine swap. I had a small block Chevy and conversion kit for it, but didn’t have the time or money to do it so I sold them. I’m thinking that maybe in a year or so I might start looking for a Northstar motor to swap in.
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Before
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I’ve decided to start a Blog to document the progress of of my Fiero affectionately referred to as Franken Formula.
