Well, after thinking and dreaming about it for years, I am finally going for it. I have been reading the forums (this one, MadMechanics, & Pennocks) for months now, getting ready. I started the build with the idea of giving it to my now 13 yr old (who LOVES cars, especially Italians) when he got his license, thereby giving myself a fixed DUE DATE. I figured building it together would be a great way to teach him about cars and hoped that when he saw all that went into it, he might take good car of it. After discussing this with the wife (but not before the boy told all his friends at school, LMAO), she...I mean "I" quickly realized what an absolutely HORRIBLE idea this was. Too much temptation for a teenage boy, plus the overall cost involved for a "First-car", PLUS plus the lack of safety features for a crash-prone age-group of driver. Now, for helping me build it, he might get to use it for his Senior Prom. Plus the experience working on cars. And if he's lucky, he'll get a $1500 used civic to learn on.
So, who am I?
My name is Ed. I work for the Federal Gov
as a low-level-lacky. I'm a disabled vet
, a volunteer fireman, and a part-time stand-up comic. I've been around cars my whole life. My dad worked at Dana and my parents owned a Auto & 4-wheel drive repair & parts business when I was growing up. I spent more summers in junkyards with my dad then most kids spent in a pool or playground. I am very good at building stuff with my hands, and my kids think I can fix anything. However, I have never attempted anything on this scale. I would say my skill level is above average, but not "mechanic" or "body man" range. I do have resources though. My dad has tons of mechanical experience working on cars, mostly muscle & drag cars. I have friends who weld and do body work (probably even for a 6-pack)
. One other draw back, I'm not rich. So my build will DEFINITELY be on a budget. But I'm not shooting for OEM, just nice. I don't need to fool any experts or dealer/owners, just something that people like and gets noticed. Definitely don't want it to look cheap though. I have an empty garage, a tolerant wife, and a dream, DAMNIT!
So what am I building....a Lambo Merc. So far, I got the complete teardown/rebuild manual for the Fiero (by Haynes I think). I also picked up a total Prothane Bushing Kit for complete car for a really good deal on Craigslist. If all goes as planned, in the next few weeks, I will be picking up my donor 86 Fiero. With it, I'll be getting a 3800 SC series 2, ready to be installed. I plan to upgrade the brakes and suspension and stretch the frame, polishing and paint and generally rehabing/replacing everything else along the way. Then, at a much later date, I will be getting my body kit from CarKitsInc. I'll probably use some aftermarket seats, do so custom interior work, etc. Pick up some nice aftermarket rims off Tire Rack or ebay or craigslist, etc. I plan to use junkyard and parts store as needed along the way. Finally, I am thinking about "wrapping" it. They say it looks as good as paint, hides poor body work, and is cheaper than paint. Right now, I'm think Matte Black with Yellow accents.
Sorry this was sooooo long, but that's it in a nutshell. Would love to know your thoughts, advice, tips, etc. But only if its positive and useful. That other poopie you can keep to yourself.
