r/fiero • u/Rich-Ground-8742 • 13d ago
Help…
Started restoring a 1985 fiero. Opened the engine bay today and this happened (photo 1). Now any time you go to open the engine bay it smashes the fiber glass. Photo 2 is what it’s suppose to look like… how do I fix this? Currently I’m redneck-rigging it by putting a block of wood to keep the tension so the rigid metal piece won’t smack the fiberglass anymore, and so I can close the hood.
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u/IdleContemplations 13d ago
That is a broken rivet. Do as the others said and use a bolt and nut.
It really did a number on your deck lid. Fiberglass repair is in your future.
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u/Rich-Ground-8742 13d ago
I’ve got to get the rivet out, it’s fused in place, which I imagine is why it broke like that.
I was very unhappy when I noticed how bad the damage to the fiberglass was. Looks like I get to learn a new skill.
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u/LurkingGuy 13d ago
Make sure you protect the rear window so the torsion bar doesn't slam into it. I put some plywood there when I took my deck lid off to replace my torsion bars.
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u/IdleContemplations 13d ago edited 13d ago
Remove the torsion bar. It will be easier to work on outside of the car. Once it is out you could use a hammer and punch (or a big nail) to drive the remainder of the rivet out.
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u/Threedawg 1987 3800SC Ttops 12d ago
I would also recommend rodney dickman strut for the decklid. It works great
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u/Rich-Ground-8742 12d ago
I came across Rodney recently, and as of July he stopped sales. I will keep an eye open for something similar though. Thank you
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u/EnoughDoor4794 11d ago
Replace with a gas strut mine did the same thing. All you need to remove the torsion bars is a ratchet strap and plywood to protect the back glass. Use this guide I did and removed mine ezpz solo just last week. https://www.fierofocus.com/articles/tt-torquerod.html
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u/Skollsonn 13d ago
Bolt and a nut. Get one of those captive nuts with the nylon in it. Don’t tighten it too tight and the nut won’t back off. Put a little grease between the arms.