New Fiero Owner

[MacPhail]

Newbie here from Kingston.  Bought an '84 Fiero (see attached) last month and I'm waiting for the mechanic to get a chance to start doing some work.

Question:  What is the difference between the '84 coup and the SE?  I'm assuming mine is a play ole coupe as there is nothing on my ownership or on the car (from what I can see) saying "SE".

The reason I ask is that I am looking at upgrading the tires (currently 13" steel rims...hate the idea of putting plastic caps on them) and want to ensure that the tires/rim combination doesn't affect the spedometer.

I'll be asking for help along the way as I'm not a mechanic and I am not sure the mechinic where the car is sitting has worked on one recently.

Cheers, Derek

[2ML67]

With the 84's SE doesn't really mean a whole lot just more options. I am Just south of Belleville about an hour from you if you need any thing, I have lots of spare parts and according to most just a little knowledge of Fiero's. Oh yea welcome to the club. Dan

[MacPhail]

Thank you, Dan.

When searching to find what tires were standard on the '84, the SE seems to have 14" compared to 13" on the "coup".

What rim size and matching tires should I opt for?

My mechanic is up in Parham.  It seems as though I am in charge of sourcing parts.     Hopefully, he'll fax me a list soon so that I can get right on that.  I have tried contacting a parts guy out near Prescott (east of Brockville) but seem to have little luck in getting the guy to return my calls and e-mails.  If I had the skill and ability, I'd load the car onto a trailer and bring it into town (or to some other mechanic).  I think the current mechanic has too much on his plate as he is self-employed and not able to get any help.

Oh well. 

I'm sure I'll be asking you and others for advice.

In the meantime, suggestions on rims/tires?

Cheers, Derek

[GoFast88]

In my fiero "shed" I have 14's, 15's and 17's. It all depends on what kind of driving that you want to do. Cornering? - 17's. Meat on the ground? - 15's. Economy? - 14's.  Or have sets of each 

[dguy]

I have tried contacting a parts guy out near Prescott (east of Brockville) but seem to have little luck in getting the guy to return my calls and e-mails.

In Kingston, but dealing with a parts vendor near Prescott?   

I'm guessing that which you need is not available over-the-counter from somewhere local?

[2ML67]

Usual 14" tire size is 215-60/14 for stock Fiero's larger tires can be mounted but handling will suffer. Other FWD Pontiac cars had the same 14" aluminum rims but they are usually pitted badly or the clear coat is off. Have your mechanic or your self take a real good look in the rear wheel wells and trunk as well as below battery these are common areas for rust to hide. If it is Salmon Fiero's you are trying to contact get ready to be flat out robbed as his prices are insulting. I visit wreckers quite often if you need some thing let me know and I will look. Dan

[MacPhail]

In Kingston, but dealing with a parts vendor near Prescott?   

I'm guessing that which you need is not available over-the-counter from somewhere local?

Ball joints.  Callipers.  Not sure what else as I have yet to receive "the list".   

The guy in Prescott has a bunch of Fiero's to part out (http://www.ripnet.com/fieroparts/index.htm).

I'm giving serious consideration to having the Fiero loaded onto the back of a trailer and brought to a local mechanic.

Cheers, Derek

[MacPhail]

If it is Salmon Fiero's you are trying to contact get ready to be flat out robbed as his prices are insulting.

 

Thanks, Dan.  It is Salmon Fiero's I have been trying to contact.  I told his dad that I wanted to buy some rims and I wanted to know when I could come by.  After a couple of phone calls and e-mails, all without a response, I've given up on dealing with them.

As soon as I get a parts list, I'll be in touch.

I'm feeling a bit bad about the idea of taking my Fiero elsewhere.  I just with the guy would be serious and start working on it.  Does anybody have recommendations on shops in my area?  I'm not looking forward to the tow bill either.   

Cheers, Derek

[2ML67]

If you like I completely rebuild Fiero's as well as do engine swaps on them. I am not a liscenced mechanic but I have a garage near by that I take the cars to when ready and he does the safety.
 Ball joints and such parts are still available new would reccomend installing only new parts when its suspension or brake related. Dan

[Slammed Fiero]

Vanzyulen has Worked on my Northstar Fiero (alignment)  and before the northstar did all the other work on it . (maintenance BS I didn't want to do) They even did the clutch @ one point. We take all our cars there and they do good work .


Hope this helps.

J.McCreery
86 GT , 32V northstar V8 , Nitrous , 5spd , KOni's , Coilovers..you name it , I have it.

[MacPhail]

I may take you up on your offer, 2ML67.

Ok...here is the list:

Tires (I may as well get nice rims while I'm at it)
Horn
2 lower ball joints (1" lowering ball joints from Rodney Dickman...not much more for the upgrade??)
2 front calipers
2 rear calipers
2 front rotors
2 rear rotors
Muffler and pipes (I was thinking about the shop in Kingston that carries FlowMaster's...but I'm open to other suggestions)
Front Pads
Rear Pads

Is The Fiero Store my only/best option for new/rebuilt parts?  HELP!

Cheers, Derek

[dguy]

(1" lowering ball joints from Rodney Dickman...not much more for the upgrade??)

FYI since you're also thinking about different rims:  IIRC you need a 15" or larger diameter rim with Rodney's lowering ball joints.  A few people who have tried to use these with 14" rims have reported the LCA binding against the rim when the suspension is loaded.

[MacPhail]

FYI since you're also thinking about different rims:  IIRC you need a 15" or larger diameter rim with Rodney's lowering ball joints.  A few people who have tried to use these with 14" rims have reported the LCA binding against the rim when the suspension is loaded.

Thanks for that info!

Giving it some sober second thought (not to mention advice from my wife) I think I'll just put new rubber on the 13" rims and throw on some hubcaps for next season.  Unless, of course, someone comes across some well priced 15" rims.

Cheers, Derek

[2ML67]

Would also reccomend replacing the old brake metal and flex lines while you are at it as they are known for rusting. As for 15" rims I am running rims off a newer Suinfire. If you look at www.photosled.com/showgallery.php/cat/631
you will see some pictures of my red 86 SE with the Sunfire rims on it as well as some of the other cars I have worked on. Dan

[aaron88]

Did Brian not already say he had 15's in his shed?

Aaron

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