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My main project for my Fiero at this time, is its bodywork. I had an accident with a deer, almost a year ago. I hit the deer with all four wheels locked up on wet pavement. The deer broke the passenger side parking light assembly, all of the bumper rivets, the hood, and bent the front fascia mounts. See above picture.
I purchased a used hood, and parking light assembly from the junkyard for $75. I removed the fascia, bolted the bumper back in place, and replaced the light assembly. I put my new (gold) hood on and reinstalled the fascia. I drove the car this way until recently.
I have just started doing my repair work. I have stripped the new hood completely by hand. I used 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper with a sanding block and water to get through the paint. I followed up with 320 wet/dry paper to smooth it out. I removed the headlight doors, and did them in the sink. (My wife loved that idea!) I am currently ready for primer on the hood.
The fascia is a different story. I began stripping that chemically. I removed several layers of paint. I found eight identifiable layers from two different paint jobs. Currently, the fascia is only partially stripped. I am sanding the rest of the paint off. Most of my time is going into the stripping right now, so that I can get ready for priming of both pieces soon.
I have also recently discovere a large amount of rust on the frame by the battery. I am in the progress of removing all of the body panels to check for and repair rusted areas.
I have removed all of the body panels except for the ones keeping the rain out. (Hood, sunroof panel, deckild) I am happy that most of the rust is confined to the engine compartment. It seems to have been caused by the moisture retention properties of the insulation. I WILL NOT, put stock insulation back in. I am considering a foil-bubble type of heat barrier. It will not retain any water. For sound, I am thinking of dynamat under the carpet on the inside. The cradle is coming out next, so that I can fully take care of the rust.
I have fixed all of the rust, and resprayed all of the space frame flat black. A friend took these images for me. I have a new front fascia, and have also purchased a used GT rear end assembly. Currently, everything is installed but the front fascia. I am in the process of wet sanding everything smooth. I will not install the fascia until it is ready for the paint shop. Here are the pics. Thanks Harry.
The car went to the body shop today. I got my first estimate for the new paint job. I have two other estimates to get. There are only three (out of a bunch) of shops in town that I trust with my car. Won't be long now!!
Car is painted. Still have some minor things to do. Car still needs new quarter windows.
