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Welcome to My Fiero’s @ OceanMoon.com

Posted by ChuckRock on October 17, 2008

I have been collecting information about Fiero’s for some time and thought I should place what I found and my projects online for others to see. You will find articles I have found or wrote on all different areas about the Pontiac Fiero. Most of the information you will find here have something to do with one of my Fiero project I have done or am looking at doing. As I start and work on a project you will find it under “My Project”.

You will notice that I have articles from other sites. I don’t mean to steel anything, but what I have been finding is that sites with good information are going away, along with the information. So when I find a good article on a site that I may want to use in the future I will copy it, so I can get to it when I need to. I have been running a very small hosting service for almost 10 years now and I don’t see that changing any time in the next 10 years. So as long as I have the resources available I will be archiving it for all to use.

Anyway have a look around and let me know what you think.

Chuck

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Posted under Site

1985-1988 Delay Wiper Board Rebuild Kit

Posted by ChuckRock on May 14, 2009

Repairs many common Fiero wiper problems. Erratic or non existent delay action, phantom wipes, 3 wipes per wash cycle irregularities.

Phantom wipes are caused by wear in the switch assembly in the steering column. If the wear is too great this kit may not stop all the phantom wipes. The only cure will be to replace the wiper switch which not an easy job. Considering the cost and effort required to replace the wiper switch in the column it is best to first replace the capacitors on the delay board to see if that eliminates the phantom wipe problem. In most cases it will certainly eliminate a large percentage of the phantom wipes.

There are generally only 2 delay wiper boards used on the 1985-1988 Pontiac Fiero. Board number: 22048550 and board number: 22062692/22062693. If you have a delay wiper board that is not one of these listed it may not have the required parts included. Please email me for more info if you find a board with a different number other than the two listed above. This kit contains enough parts to rebuild one or the other. Some parts will not be used. Includes a length of .032″ 60/40 solder which is preferred for circuit board repairs. A pencil soldering iron is required. A soldering gun is too hot and large for this type of soldering.


There are two major problems that affect tthe Fiero wiper / washer systems. One is the dried-up capacitors on the pulse board and your rebuild kit deals with that very effectively.

The other problem is that there was a run of bad windshield wiper switches. They were installed in 85 and 86 Fiero’s with tilt wheels and delay wipers; these switches are very failure prone – symptoms are phantom wipes, wipers turning themselves on, can’t turn the wipers off, etc.

The cure for these bad wiper switches is to replace them with the wiper switch for ‘87 or ‘88 Fiero’s. That switch is mechanically and electrically compatible – it’s a drop-in replacement. They’re also less expensive than the early version switch (go figure). This will solve the problem and prevent it from returning. This is the switch this is in the steering column under the steering wheel, not the cruise/turn signal stalk.

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Posted under Wipers

Fiero Custom CV Axles OD Auto Transmissions

Posted by ChuckRock on April 28, 2009

HOW-TO Build Custom CV Axles for Automatic OD Transmission Swaps

1984-88 Pontiac Fiero

Disclaimer and Notes:

The information provided here is for reference purposes only. The parts discussed here may or may not work for you depending on the placement of your engine/transmission package in the car. Engine/transmission placement is CRITICAL to axle lengths and differs from car to car depending on what mounts are used. Furthermore, axles that can be purchased at most auto parts stores MAY NOT WORK with these instructions because of aftermarket manufacturer’s design changes. I only use factory axles and axle parts in my swaps and these instructions were written for use with factory parts only. I suggest you get your donor axles off of a parts car from a junkyard or other source so you can verify their origin.


440-T4 or 4T60 (non-electronic) Automatic Overdrive Transmissions

Driver’s Side:

You will need one LEFT SIDE CV axle shaft from a 1994 Chevy Beretta, Chevy Corsica, Pontiac Grand Am, or Olds Achieva with the 3100 V6 engine and 4T60-E 4spd auto OD trans. These vehicles also came with the 125-C 3spd auto trans and axles from this car won’t work!. To make sure you have the correct axle, measure the distance of the shaft between the two CV boots; it should measure about 1.5″. Remove ABS reluctor ring using drift and hammer or press.

Passenger’s Side:

Use OE Stock or Replacement complete CV axle assembly from Passenger’s side of a 1984-88 Fiero 125-C automatic.

4T60-E and 4T65-E (non-HD) Electronic Automatic Overdrive Transmissions

Driver’s Side:

Use OE Stock or Replacement complete CV axle assembly from Driver’s side of a 1994 Chevy Beretta, Chevy Corsica, Pontiac Grand Am, or Olds Achieva with the 3100 V6 engine and 4T60-E 4spd auto OD trans. These vehicles also came with the 125-C 3spd auto trans and axles from this car won’t work! The inner axle you need to use should measure about 1.5″ between the CV boots. Remove ABS reluctor ring using drift and hammer or press.

Passenger’s Side:

For the outer CV joint (part that couples with the wheel bearing hub) both parts below (“1″ and “2″) are going trans Fiero components will not work here.

Concerning the INNER CV joint portion and CV inner shaft itself, use the following picture and notations:

Inner CV tripod (1) is going to be from any side of a 84-88 Fiero manual trans CV joint.
Inner CV tripod joint (2) is going to be from any 84-88 Fiero manual trans CV joint.
Inner CV shaft (3) is going to be from a 2001 Chevy Impala 3400V6 4T45-E auto trans. Concerning this shaft, the overall inner shaft length should be about 14.5″ (as disassembled from the CV tripod ends), or the measurement between the CV boots should be about 3.5″.

SPECIAL NOTES:

  • The Fiero OEM inner CV shafts will not work with the electronic OD transmissions because they are of incorrect length.
  • The 2001 Impala CV inner shaft’s snap ring gooves are spaced differently than what you will find on the Fiero parts. Although they are spaced differently, they will still work with the Fiero CV joint components.

1996 4T60E-HD and 1997-up 4T65E-HD Electronic Automatic Overdrive Transmissions
For this job, you should have a pair of OEM Fiero manual trans axles on-hand for parts. Fiero auto axles are made with smaller diameter shafts, and some aftermarket replacement manual trans axles for the Fiero are also made with smaller parts so they MAY NOT WORK. Furthermore, aftermarket axles may be made using differently designed parts and may not work in this application.

You will need one LEFT SIDE inner axle shaft from a 1994 Chevy Beretta, Chevy Corsica, Pontiac Grand Am, or Olds Achieva with the 3100 V6 engine and 4T60-E 4spd auto OD trans. These vehicles also came with the 125-C 3spd auto trans and axles from this car won’t work!. The inner axle you need to use should measure about 1.5″ between the CV boots.

You will also need an inner axle shaft from a 2001 Chevy Impala 3400V6 4T45-E auto trans. Concerning this shaft, the overall inner shaft length should be about 14.5″ (as disassembled from the CV tripod ends), or the measurement between the CV boots should be about 3.5″. For the outer CV joint (part that couples with the wheel bearing hub) on BOTH sides, both parts below (“1″ and “2″) are going to be stock 84-88 Fiero manual trans items. Auto trans Fiero components will not work here.

Concerning the INNER CV joint portion and CV inner shaft itself, use the following picture and notations:

Both Driver’s and Passenger’s side inner CV tripod (1) are going to be from the HD trans you are using in your swap.
Both Driver’s and Passenger’s side inner CV tripod joint (2) are going to be from any OEM 84-88 Fiero manual trans CV joint.
Driver’s side inner CV shaft (3) is going to be from a 1994 Chevy Beretta 4T60-E.
Passenger side inner CV shaft (3) is going to be from a 2001 Chevy Impala 4T45-E .

SPECIAL NOTES:

  • The HD inner CV shafts and outer CV joints will not work with the Fiero components because they are of incorrect length and are too large of diameter.
  • The Fiero manual trans inner CV shafts are the correct diameter but are not the correct length for use with the HD transmissions when mounted in a Fiero.
  • The 2001 Impala CV shaft’s snap ring gooves are spaced differently than what you may find on the Fiero CV shafts. Although they are spaced differently, they will still work with these CV joint components.
  • When the CV shaft / joint assembly is inserted into the HD CV tripod; there should be virtually NO PLAY (twisting) although the joint should smoothly slide in and out of the tripod (plunging action).

Custom Axle Building Suggestions

When building your own axles, you can use whatever CV boots you feel fit and seal the best. The larger boot clamp must be CV shaft-specific part (to clear the knuckle) but the smaller dia clamp can be a regular hose clamp if you don’t have access to the small CV boot clamps. I suggest cleaning all used components with mineral spirits and then drying with compressed air. Use NEW CV joint grease when assembling. New CV components can re- use grease as long as no foreign material contaminates the grease or components. When you build your axles and install them into the car the boots should look normal; that is they don’t look extended or compressed excessively. The CV shaft need to be able to extend and compress into/out of (plunging action) the inner CV tripod to compensate for suspension geometry during normal driving. The CV shaft assy’s should also not bind with the car moving on the ground nor when the car is jacked up and the wheels are free-wheeling. Also, make sure you don’t have any CV boot leaks and that there is not any CV joint play when you turn the wheel back and forth.

Need information on basic CV axle disassembly and assembly? Download it here.

Breaking your axles? Need stronger inner shafts? Check out: http://www.moserengineering.com/. Provide them with your existing inner shaft and/or specs and they will build a new one using stronger material of your choice. They can also build custom-length axles.


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Posted under Axles

1985-1988 Delay wiper board rebuild kit

Posted by ChuckRock on March 30, 2009

1985-1988 Delay wiper board rebuild kit

Repairs many common Fiero wiper problems. Erratic or non existent delay action, phantom wipes, 3 wipes per wash cycle irregularities.

Phantom wipes are caused by wear in the switch assembly in the steering column. If the wear is too great this kit may not stop all the phantom wipes. The only cure will be to replace the wiper switch which not an easy job. Considering the cost and effort required to replace the wiper switch in the column it is best to first replace the capacitors on the delay board to see if that eliminates the phantom wipe problem. In most cases it will certainly eliminate a large percentage of the phantom wipes.

There are generally only 2 delay wiper boards used on the 1985-1988 Pontiac Fiero. Board number: 22048550 and board number: 22062692/22062693. If you have a delay wiper board that is not one of these listed it may not have the required parts included. Please email me for more info if you find a board with a different number other than the two listed above. This kit contains enough parts to rebuild one or the other. Some parts will not be used. Includes a length of .032″ 60/40 solder which is preferred for circuit board repairs. A pencil soldering iron is required. A soldering gun is too hot and large for this type of soldering.

There are two major problems that affect tthe Fiero wiper / washer systems. One is the dried-up capacitors on the pulse board and your rebuild kit deals with that very effectively.

The other problem is that there was a run of bad windshield wiper switches. They were installed in 85 and 86 Fiero’s with tilt wheels and delay wipers; these switches are very failure prone – symptoms are phantom wipes, wipers turning themselves on, can’t turn the wipers off, etc.

The cure for these bad wiper switches is to replace them with the wiper switch for ‘87 or ‘88 Fiero’s. That switch is mechanically and electrically compatible – it’s a drop-in replacement. They’re also less expensive than the early version switch (go figure). This will solve the problem and prevent it from returning. This is the switch this is in the steering column under the steering wheel, not the cruise/turn signal stalk.



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Posted under Wipers

Here’s to the dreamers

Posted by ChuckRock on February 26, 2009

wheelie.jpg



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Posted under LS1 Powered 1987 Fiero GT

Golden Gate Fieros

Posted by ChuckRock on January 8, 2009

Golden Gate Fieros

Golden Gate Fieros is a California car club dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of America’s mid-engine sports car – the Pontiac Fiero.

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Posted under California

San Diego

Posted by ChuckRock on January 8, 2009

San Diego

Welcome to the FOSD Web Page

The Fiero Club in San Diego, Ca. Since 1998 dedicated to the enjoyment, preservation and promotion of the Pontiac Fiero and Fiero based Kit cars.

Club Meetings are held on the Second Saturday of the month at 2:30 PM. Some meeting Saturdays we may be out on the road – please check the calendar for updates. Location is the Boll Weevil restaurant at 9330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, Ca 92123.

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Posted under California

FierosWest

Posted by ChuckRock on January 8, 2009

FierosWest

Originally formed back in 1986, Fieros West is one of the oldest Fiero clubs in Southern California and perhaps the country.  Made up of members from all over the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and the Inland Empire, we gather to enjoy friendship and a common interest in the Pontiac Fiero.  Please come and join us at any of our functions.

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Posted under California

NIFE Fiero Focus Online

Posted by ChuckRock on January 7, 2009

NIFE Fiero Focus Online

About NIFE…

Established in 1991 and incorporated in the state of Illinois in 1994, the Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts have grown to about 400 members in 25 states, and 3 countries. We meet monthly either in activities or meetings to exchange information and ideas to preserve the excitement of the Pontiac Fiero. Club activities include car cruises, car shows, parades, regional and national Fiero events, picnics and fall color tours throughout Illinois and the Midwest.

Our Goal: To provide an exchange forum dedicated to the care, preservation, and positive publication of the Pontiac Fiero.

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Posted under Illinois

Heartland Fieros Home Page

Posted by ChuckRock on January 7, 2009

Heartland Fieros Home Page

The Heartland Fiero Club , established on April 21st, 2000 was created to meet an ever growing need to accommodate Fiero owners ith information and comradery pertaining to the Fiero’s unique sports car heritage. The Heartland Fiero Club is dedicated to the enhancement and preservation of the Pontiac Fiero. Any year, model, and condition of Fiero is eligible to enjoy the benefits of membership. The Heartland Fiero Club currently has membership representatives located through out Eastern Iowa while meeting regularly, and particpates in local and national shows and events to promote the Pontiac Fiero among the public.

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Posted under Iowa