Author Topic: Asking for help finding my dream car (Read 3625 times)

Cvillechopper · « **on:** June 30, 2010, 06:04:41 PM »

Here's a random request. If anyone sees an '88 Fiero GT 5 speed for sale (hopefully cheap) please let me know. I'm not able to buy a collector quality one so am looking for a real project. Why a Fiero you ask?

Growing up I started working with my dad steam cleaning carpets around 13 (no pay, that's just what you did). Since I worked for years without pay he bought me a '79 sunbird just before I turned 16. That thing had the good old GM iron duke 2.5L I4 and was pretty trashed (we got it for $250 so couldn't expect much). I started working summers as maintenance crew at the local crappy golf course and saving my money up. Once I had saved enough I started looking around for something a little nicer than the rusted out Nova I had migrated to after the Sunbird bit the dust and found myself test driving an '85 Fiero 2M4, 5 speed, sunroof, red, beautiful... Added bonus is that it had the same ol iron duke I was familiar with other than the throttle body (super sporty compared to the Sunbird).

That car was amazing. It could do things that most other cars could not without flipping, got great gas mileage, and fit me like a glove. Eventually, my last year of college, it died without warning. I tried for months to get her running again but couldn't afford to shell out the money to have a dealer fix her so ended up getting another hand-me-down from an aunt and donated my prize car to a local charity. Since then I have done research and figured out that it was most likely just an ignition module...

Since I would love to have another Fiero and my dear wife misses her Infinity G35 so much (we traded it in for the Accord when we started working on having the little one) I figure a Fiero GT would satisfy us both. She'll get her fast little sports car and I'll get a taste of the first thing of beauty I saved up for and bought with my hard earned money. It's not a G35 but I'm betting the wife will enjoy it even so.

If you've read this far I am amazed and thank you for putting up with my rambling. Any leads on a good deal, hopefully within several hours drive of Charlottesville, VA, would be appreciated.

Thanks
James

Here's a pic of my 2M4

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2010, 06:16:23 PM »

I hope you find one. I had an '84, fun car. I'm 6'4" and felt like I was climbing in and out of a skateboard. Doubt the old body could handle it now.

333 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2010, 06:52:16 PM »

Oh James. Do know that I have been, and will always be a GM man. Since my first Chevy (72 El Camino in 76). And that I tried unsuccessfully to become a car salesman at a Pontiac dealer In late 84, when the Fiero came out. I truly liked the car, even though it would be a year before the V6 came out. It was cool. That Iron Duke was for sure tough.

The rest of the car was a POS. Although, the body panel idea was neat. Pontiac had a video showing a babe with a screwdriver change the color of one in three hours by switching out the plastic. But the transaxle was actually a front wheel drive transaxle out of the Chevette/T1000 cars. It was never designed to take the punishment that one usually gives a sporty car. The CV joints ALWAYS fail approaching 100K, and fixin' that ain't easy. And if you get a V6, swapping the plugs on the front bank is a #$%*. I heard that a guy cut out the panel behind the seat and modified it so he could change the plugs easier.

Other than that, it's a great car! I wish you the best of luck. I suggest CraigsList.

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2010, 07:09:23 PM »

Go for the V6, the 4's tend to catch a fire mon.

Thane · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2010, 07:11:51 PM »

Nice 88 Fiero on Columbus Ohio Craigslist for 1500.00

Nikkisixx · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2010, 05:51:40 AM »

There are a few on Craigslist these day, if you're willing to travel a bit:

http://www.google.com/search?q=88+Fiero+GT+site%3Acraigslist.org&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

mgbgt89 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2010, 06:12:42 AM »

Quote from: 333 on June 30, 2010, 06:52:16 PM

Oh James. Do know that I have been, and will always be a GM man. Since my first Chevy (72 El Camino in 76). And that I tried unsuccessfully to become a car salesman at a Pontiac dealer In late 84, when the Fiero came out. I truly liked the car, even though it would be a year before the V6 came out. It was cool. That Iron Duke was for sure tough.

The rest of the car was a POS. Although, the body panel idea was neat. Pontiac had a video showing a babe with a screwdriver change the color of one in three hours by switching out the plastic. But the transaxle was actually a front wheel drive transaxle out of the Chevette/T1000 cars. It was never designed to take the punishment that one usually gives a sporty car. The CV joints ALWAYS fail approaching 100K, and fixin' that ain't easy. And if you get a V6, swapping the plugs on the front bank is a #$%*. I heard that a guy cut out the panel behind the seat and modified it so he could change the plugs easier.

Other than that, it's a great car! I wish you the best of luck. I suggest CraigsList.

Chevettes were RWD..

tortelvis · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2010, 06:37:30 AM »

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/1770609309.html

There are a few here starting at $800 for a project.

DammitDan · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2010, 09:37:21 AM »

I'll let you in on a little secret....

http://www.searchtempest.com/

Searches Craigslist and Ebay postings in cities far away as you want

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2010, 09:47:23 AM »

Quote from: DammitDan on July 01, 2010, 09:37:21 AM

I'll let you in on a little secret....

http://www.searchtempest.com/

Searches Craigslist and Ebay postings in cities far away as you want

I love that site and use it quite a bit. What I've found is that most people who are posting to Craig's list are asking more than I can afford (except for one of the ones Nikki posted). I'm kinda hoping someone might see one sitting in a neighbor's back yard that needs some work and ask them if they were interested in selling it or something like that. With the new baby I will have to find one hell of a deal to sell it to the wife...

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2010, 08:02:22 PM »

Actually found the EXACT one I'm looking for on e-bay and the wife said I could bid on it (I don't know how serious she was). Of course she gave me a limit that probably doesn't reach the reserve but here's hoping...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120594053288&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT#v4-40

KeithTurk · « **Reply #11 on:** July 10, 2010, 10:44:28 PM »

Great car.... lots of fun on the cheap...

gmonkey · « **Reply #12 on:** July 11, 2010, 07:26:30 PM »

Quote from: Dukiedook on June 30, 2010, 07:09:23 PM

Go for the V6, the 4's tend to catch a fire mon.

I always thought it was the V6's that caught fire because there wasn't enough room for the air to circulate properly with the bigger engine in place but I could be mistaken, I'm not into them myself. Friend of mine had an older one with the iron duke that a family member let him have. Very little in the way of fire but it did keep blowing head gaskets. Once I was driving behind him when his belt blew: puff of smoke and bits went flying, felt like I just shot him down in a dog-fight.

74cb750 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2010, 01:27:37 PM »

I always thought it was the V6's that caught fire because there wasn't enough room for the air to circulate properly with the bigger engine in place but I could be mistaken, I'm not into them myself. Friend of mine had an older one with the iron duke that a family member let him have. Very little in the way of fire but it did keep blowing head gaskets. Once I was driving behind him when his belt blew: puff of smoke and bits went flying, felt like I just shot him down in a dog-fight. Smiley

I could be wrong, but I think it is illegal to shoot running cars.

cb650 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2010, 04:44:35 PM »

One of the guys I work with has one with a 4 banger that has been sitting for years. He says only 6k on a engine rebuild. He hasnt said anything about selling it. But I could ask.

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2010, 06:48:22 PM »

Quote from: cb650 on July 12, 2010, 04:44:35 PM

One of the guys I work with has one with a 4 banger that has been sitting for years. He says only 6k on a engine rebuild. He hasnt said anything about selling it. But I could ask.

Since the wife is getting increasingly certain that we shouldn't spend the money I that a GT will cost me I might be interested if he was looking to unload it cheap. If you don't mind asking that would be cool.

I heard back from the guy selling the "perfect" version in the e-bay ad I posted above. His reserve is 60% higher than what the wife sorta said I could spend but it'll go for much more than that I'm sure.

cb650 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 12, 2010, 06:55:11 PM »

Ok I'll ask but dont get your hopes up. I've never seen it and I'm sure it burried in the weeds.

xfactor · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2010, 07:01:44 PM »

Heres an 87 when I did a local search, dont know if its what you want but figured I would try and help.

http://racine.craigslist.org/cto/1832082600.html

oh and this one

http://racine.craigslist.org/cto/1777249207.html

Stev-o · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2010, 08:51:19 PM »

Did someone make a Ferrari body kit for this car?

bill440cars · « **Reply #19 on:** July 13, 2010, 04:57:21 AM »

Quote from: meriggi on July 12, 2010, 08:51:19 PM

Did someone make a Ferrari body kit for this car?

Don't know if there was an actual kit, but I have seen pictures of what I think you are talking about AND it looked pretty cool. Also seen one that looked like a Lambo Contach (spelling?) as well.

cville, I'll keep an eye out in Arkansas & Oklahoma as well and IF there is one that you might can get, I'll do what I can to help ya!

Lots of Luck buddy!

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #20 on:** July 13, 2010, 05:09:08 AM »

Quote from: meriggi on July 12, 2010, 08:51:19 PM

Did someone make a Ferrari body kit for this car?

There are Ferrari and Lambo kits as well as others. Also, Pontiac had a company called Mera make a "factory" kit and sold them at the dealers. They are the most rare of the Fieros and look pretty bad ass.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fiero.net/mera/88mera1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fiero.net/&h=480&w=640&sz=87&tbnid=HOG_jNX5UVUmwM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmera&hl=en&usg=__WQ5rycI3SQP5ebI_00wR7BwFZs4=&sa=X&ei=L1c8TK-tOcSAlAfOgt3lAg&ved=0CCUQ9QEwAw

Stev-o · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2010, 06:40:24 AM »

Quote from: Cvillechopper on July 13, 2010, 05:09:08 AM

Quote from: meriggi on July 12, 2010, 08:51:19 PM
Did someone make a Ferrari body kit for this car?

There are Ferrari and Lambo kits as well as others. Also, Pontiac had a company called Mera make a "factory" kit and sold them at the dealers. They are the most rare of the Fieros and look pretty bad ass.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fiero.net/mera/88mera1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fiero.net/&h=480&w=640&sz=87&tbnid=HOG_jNX5UVUmwM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmera&hl=en&usg=__WQ5rycI3SQP5ebI_00wR7BwFZs4=&sa=X&ei=L1c8TK-tOcSAlAfOgt3lAg&ved=0CCUQ9QEwAw

Yeah, that's it. The only downside would be the exhaust note. It would no way sound as sweet as that Italian V-8 or 12!!

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2010, 09:23:56 AM »

Quote from: bill440cars on July 13, 2010, 04:57:21 AM

Quote from: meriggi on July 12, 2010, 08:51:19 PM
Did someone make a Ferrari body kit for this car?

Don't know if there was an actual kit, but I have seen pictures of what I think you are talking about AND it looked pretty cool. Also seen one that looked like a Lambo Contach (spelling?) as well.

cville, I'll keep an eye out in Arkansas & Oklahoma as well and IF there is one that you might can get, I'll do what I can to help ya! Lots of Luck buddy!

Thanks Bill. I really appreciate it (and good to see you're still checking the forum with all of your projects right now).

Stev-o · « **Reply #23 on:** July 14, 2010, 04:39:03 PM »

Saw a mint black one on the highway today...not for sale though.

77cafe750 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 14, 2010, 07:27:35 PM »

ok so while out looking for bike parts i came acros three in central il today but none of the owners were home can try again if you would like

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #25 on:** July 15, 2010, 03:51:38 AM »

Quote from: 77cafe750 on July 14, 2010, 07:27:35 PM

ok so while out looking for bike parts i came acros three in central il today but none of the owners were home can try again if you would like

Thanks. If they're close to you, sure. If not, probably not worth it. I found a CL post pretty close to me for an '87 GT for $500. It's not a manual but I can fix that and I might be able to get the wife on board for that little. Waiting to hear back from the guy selling. I'll keep you guys posted...

bill440cars · « **Reply #26 on:** July 15, 2010, 04:30:18 AM »

Quote from: Cvillechopper on July 13, 2010, 09:23:56 AM

Quote from: bill440cars on July 13, 2010, 04:57:21 AM
Quote from: meriggi on July 12, 2010, 08:51:19 PM
Did someone make a Ferrari body kit for this car?

Don't know if there was an actual kit, but I have seen pictures of what I think you are talking about AND it looked pretty cool. Also seen one that looked like a Lambo Contach (spelling?) as well.

cville, I'll keep an eye out in Arkansas & Oklahoma as well and IF there is one that you might can get, I'll do what I can to help ya! Lots of Luck buddy!

Thanks Bill. I really appreciate it (and good to see you're still checking the forum with all of your projects right now).

Hey, Anything to try and help a friend, ya know?

Haven't seen anything yet though. Good luck with YOUR quest.

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #27 on:** July 15, 2010, 09:17:50 AM »

The one I saw got sold before I got to it. Still looking...

77cafe750 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 15, 2010, 05:38:50 PM »

talked to some people other then the owners 2 are for sale one is not one auto one stick all the info i have till owners return my call

bill440cars · « **Reply #29 on:** July 15, 2010, 08:53:59 PM »

Well, All I found in my area are Firebirds, Sunbirds and Grand Ams, Sorry.

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #30 on:** July 19, 2010, 06:14:09 PM »

I CAN"T FREAKIN BELIEVE IT!!! The wife said yes (after many, many concession on my part) and I just sent the deposit to the seller of the EXACT one I've been pining after for so many years. He's ending the auction early and I'm driving up to NY on Sunday to trailer it back to VA.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120596912686&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Just plain beside myself. It's terrible timing for us to be buying something that isn't necessary but I don't think I'd be able to find this one again. In case you aren't as studied on Fieros as I am (which makes you normal), only 1,252 were made with the "factory" T-top option. Of those, only 614 were GTs, Red being slightly more popular than the rest so maybe 100 to 150 were this particular set-up.

Here's to my wife. Not only does she put up with me, even in my most strange ocd moments like pining after a Fiero but she is truly an amazing mom already and has the patience to teach me how to be a dad. I feel lucky every day.

Thanks for the assistance guys. I'll be posting pics when I get her home Sunday or maybe Monday if it's too late.

cb650 · « **Reply #31 on:** July 19, 2010, 06:57:01 PM »

Sorry I seem to have bailed on you. I did try to Email my co worker your Email addy but it kept coming back undelivered. Was out of state at the time so diddnt investigate why.
Again sorry but good luck.

333 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 19, 2010, 07:14:43 PM »

Not too shabby.

Stev-o · « **Reply #33 on:** July 20, 2010, 08:21:21 PM »

Mind if we ask how much?

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #34 on:** July 27, 2010, 03:54:50 AM »

Quote from: meriggi on July 20, 2010, 08:21:21 PM

Mind if we ask how much?

$6,800

I left out at 2am on Sunday, drove to Staten Island and loaded her up on a trailer, then headed back home through the storms that smacked the east coast this weekend. Ended up trying to find gas in northern DC / Maryland with the power out to the entire area. Almost ran out of gas since the streets and interstates were a parking lot. Ended up getting home are 9pm to unload then drive for another hour and 1/2 round trip to drop off the trailer. I'm getting too old for that type of trip but she is now how in my garage with the temp tags on.

Yesterday the wife and I ran a few errands including DMV and I spent a few hours in the late afternoon / evening working on a few thing like flushing the motor and basic tune-up stuff (timing was off and oil was totally beat). She's a pretty strong runner but has an exhaust leak that's causing a slight lope. I'll be putting that fix off for quite a while since you have to drop the engine to get to the rear bank.

I just love this car but had forgotten just how low they sit. Man it's a cool feeling going 55mph with your butt less than 6 inches off the road. Thanks for trying to help me find my dream car on a budget guys. Now I get to go through the process of making her a show-quality ride that gets to see regular road time. That'll be another thread taking place over many years...

bill440cars · « **Reply #35 on:** July 27, 2010, 10:08:49 AM »

FANTASTIC! I an=m SO Proud for You to be able to get that car! You must be in ~~HOG~~, uh, I mean Fiero Heaven there!

Congratulations, Bill

Stev-o · « **Reply #36 on:** July 29, 2010, 06:36:19 PM »

Congrats! Pics.pics..pics!!

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Author Topic: Asking for help finding my dream car (Read 3625 times)