100% agreed, way to much news, only to be irritated!!! This is good clean fun, the bonus is Derek is a great American family man, with the cutest little family!!! It's "GREAT"
I was telling my wife about the hail damage on this car and she said "That sounds like a South Dakota storm." I assumed you were in Minnesota and told her so. Then you said you were in Piedmont, SD. and I told her she was right. That's when she made the connection that she might know you and your wife. Little bit of work on the Google box and turns out she went to school with both of you and has known your wife since kindergarten. What a trip. Small town SD strikes again!
@@hankhill3417 I've had a 99 Ford Taurus, make it to 403k miles, same engine and transmission. Sold it for 1500. Also know a guy owned a 97 Expedition 375k same motor and transmission.
Most people: “This car is rough, let me spend years trying to make it better” Derek: “This car is way too nice, let me leave it in a hail storm for 17 years to make it more like something I would drive. Oops, that’s waayyy too much. Perfect!”
My sister's in the hospital with cancer and just had her leg amputated. Showed this channel to my dad and we've both been watching to keep our spirits up... Mission accomplished! 👍
I was thinking the same thing. Ronald Finger has done an amazing job so far with his Fiero restoration. This car could be just as nice once again. At least it runs & drives.
been married 25yrs we dated in high school and I used to drive her around in you guessed it, a pontiac fiero. I miss the memories in that car. I really enjoyed this episode, thank you
This is literally the best of Derrick all in one episode! Comedic genius, engineering mastermind, buddhist philosopher, cool dude and husband. Officially writing him in on my ballot for 2020. Thank you Vice Grip Garage Fam!
Derek, here are the reasons why you should give me that Fiero: 1. I have a bizarre craving for an old Pontiac 2. The wife would flay me 3. I have zero space for it 4. I would make at least 1, maybe 2 people jealous 5. 80s GMs are such pleasures to drive 6. Who really needs windshields 7. I collect broken glass 8. Me and TBIs, we're tight 9. Two words: pop ups 10. We must save the manuals, it's a moral imperative 11. Pontiac is America's Alfa Romeo 12. I don't have a garage 13. The hail damage is like dents on a golf ball, better fuel efficiency 14. The tires are obviously fine. So let me know.
^This guy right here. I mean, he sounds like he actually wants it, which should be reason enough. I really hope he wins. He deserves to, lord knows, but heck, life ain't fair, so here's a chance to even things up a bit.
After watching about twenty of your repair videos, I finally got the confidence to restore my old 1980 Jeep CJ5. I hadn't driven it since 1998. It sat out in a field with no top on it for a couple of decades. It was pretty run down, but we got it back to going again after about a month or two of Saturdays and I drove it again yesterday, for the first time in about twenty-four years. It's got the same Pontiac I -4 , 2.5 Liter, 151 cu, inch engine in it as your Firero. Thanks, Vise-Grip!
I put a Clifford intake , 2300 holley 350cfm 2barrel, Davis hei 7k limiter , and a few other goodies on the 2.5. cost like 1000 bucks back in the 00s. I found out them vents were magnesium when it burned. Looked like a million sparklers.
Derek, A couple things: I've seen you work on a few 2.5 engines now and just wanted to mention that sensor attached to the air cleaner is a MAP (manifold air pressure) sensor and will drastically alter the way it runs, and also allow it to go into closed loop. It's better to just unclip it from the air cleaner and leave it connected. The next thing is, if you run into a trunk that houses the battery as this one does that you don't have keys to, hook a battery or charger up to the cigarette lighter and you should be able to use the trunk release instead of drilling it out. Great vids, buddy.
@@TimBowermeisterWhy not just hook to the battery terminals? You start sending electricity through things that aren’t supposed to be connected to electricity you could end up burning up the entire car. 😂
My father in Law was on the design team for the Fiero. They tried to tell GM uppity ups that the vehicle was not production ready but they bypassed their top designers and pushed it through. It was a disaster on wheels. The last year they made it, they finally fixed all the problems. By then no one was purchasing them so they killed it. My father in law was pretty upset over GM being like that and went back to Ford. He helped design the Mustang back in the 60's.
GM really did a disservice to the Fiero. They gave Pontiac absolutely NO budget to design the car with. I heard the suspension still used old Corvair parts because they weren't given a budget to design anything new. Last year '88's are totally redesigned suspensions by Lotus, and like you said, the other problems were fixed too. Too bad.
This is one of those cars you think "I'll fix it later" and then something happens to it, and you've already made up your mind and she just dies where you left it. Its sad, but at least you're honest about it. Keep up the revivals. Makes me happy to see someone checking on these old rides. the way those tires aired up, she just wanted to be loved
I worked at the Fiero plant in Pontiac Michigan from 1984-1986, in the chassis dept. stuffed rear ends into them girls, routed wire harnesses through fire wall, hooked up trans cables, and then some. Retired from GM in 2020 45 yrs of service. would love to have that ride in my garage in N.E. Tennessee. Great show you put on Derek keep up the good work.
This was fun to watch Derek. My college roommate had a Fiero GT in black and grey. At night the interior looked like a spaceship with all the lights inside. He killed it, and nearly us, rolling her at 80 mph. A ambulance ride to the ER and a few stitches is what we got. She held together just enough to protect us. Thanks for making this video and thanks for the memories.
I LOVED it!!! I SO would have loved to watch this with my girl. I lost her December 14, 2020 in a house fire. I am currently looking for her Fiero. Oh it would have been so much fun to watch this with her. She SO TOTALLY would have been cheering on your little Fiero....and giving you tips of what to try next. She wrenched on her own Fiero in my garage. It was where she got her start...doing her own repairs. Thanks for the smiles. I really enjoyed this. Most I've smiled since I lost her.
I had the V6 one many moons past and was very dangerous in it. Hella fun and learned a lot about how to control skids in it (after some uncontrolled ones!) 🤣. Such a fun death machine!
49:00 onward.....that scene in the Blues Brothers when they're driving through the mall and the car is gradually disintegrating.... most entertaining Derek one of the best channels on TH-cam
I think a guy just single handed increased the value of Fieros. Believe me when I tell you fellers, go out and buy one right now, before they become the next Hemi Cudas.
@@anselpeneloperainblossom-s3489 it's also has the engine in the rear and are a nightmare to work on it's nothing like a mustang. Oh and also prone to burning to the ground
If that's true then tell me more about the car you know gas mileage how many miles does the engine has before you abandoned it and more details about the car
I bought a Fiero GT Cool car. At 120 mph the headlight covers flipped open..Speedo only went to 120. The limiter cut the spark at 120. Not a winter car. A little ice and the midengine acted like a center pivot. I spun down Fremont road at 50 mph when I hit the breaks before turning onto lot road. I ended up sitting on top of the snow bank. Amazingly enough it drove right off and back on the road. In the summer I was driving home from work and it bogged down like the choke was on. It only ran with my foot to the floor. I drove it 30 miles to Sturgis where I bought it. I drove a loaner home. Turns out that model had the oxygen sensor wire running parallel to the coil wire. Ot induced a current in the sensor and burned it out. No recall. Just if it fails, fix it under warranty. Yay for GM. 😁😎
I about fell out of my chair when I saw this one pop up! I just got my '85 SE back in good running condition this past month.. (intake manifold bolts worked themselves loose of all things 🤔) Initially watching this I thought you were crazy to bother messing with it, BUT, that Fiero would be perfect to strip all the body panels off and drive it as a kinda of summer dune buggy deal!!
You're amazing Derek. My Dad and I watch you all the time. He got me into watching because he loves your humor. We have matching Vice Grip Garage shirts 😄 We both love classic cars. I'm 36 now. I told him it's my goal me to own a classic car before I'm too old to really enjoy it. If I stayed in the Coast Guard a little longer, I would have gotten into troubleshooting engines, not just replacing parts and doing maintenance. We have learned a lot from you though.
You should do that! I bought my old Mustang in 1984 when I was 23. I'm 61 now and still have it and wouldn't sell it for any price. Well, maybe some price. I don't know. I suppose there's a number I can't come up with in my head.
I will never, ever - ever - get tired of this channel or it's content. I just got back into woodworking/carpentry after taking years off and being in disability and I have this on in the background all the time. I love that it's raw, uncut and grounded. Makes a guy feel a lot less intimidated about starting to get his own hands dirty again and making some mistakes along the way 👍
New subscriber from Sweden here. Breaks my heart to see a Fiero in that condition. I've owned Fieros since 2001 and absolutely love them. Never had an iron duke though. Mine have always been 87 GT's with the 2.8 v6. Throw on a few modern suspension parts and they're like glued to the road.
My first new car was a 1984 Fiero 2M4. Just started my active duty Army stint...what a joy to drive. Although slow, it handled decent and was gorgeous. Sold it after a few years once I got married and started a family. Love the channel.
This guy legit reminds me of every guy I grew up with - super handy, laid back, a drawl with no urgency, and will give you the shirt off their back if you need it.
Hahaha. The comment about the tools being out in the sun and doing the right thing by just leaving them there, and suffering through it... 🤣 Yes, yes, continue.
I really enjoyed my 1984 Pontiac Fiero 2M4 SE (silver mini-metalflake) . That 2L Iron Duke was a real performer with it cast iron head. I drove this car across the country (from NJ to Texas and back three times over several years) because I really loved driving that car. Its power vs traction with new tires was awesome. The most controllable car I ever drove.
This is one of the best episodes I think you’ve done. Just shows when you’re a teenager you don’t know at all lol you have to come back a number of years later and fix it properly or well fix it anyway lol. Your videos are entertaining enjoy them very much.
Derek, I have fond memories of my first car, A 1967 VW Bug I bought for $150 in 1986. It came with the body of another beetle. This video had me smiling the whole time! I kept imagining myself finding my old car and getting it running again. I'd love to see you resurrect and old beetle that has set for years.
I just love this channel my Lil bro and I are working hard on starting our own "big iron garage" rescuing and restoration of old cars and beautiful pieces of history! Love the work u do brother God bless america!
The car I have in the back yard was sitting there about 12 years. All the tires were flat and had cracks from exposure. They filled right up 3 months ago and are still holding air. 👍
When Derek said that he and Jessica drove the car to high school while they were dating, my heart melted 🥺❤️❤️ I hope I can get a relationship like yours one day
Funny , your High School Car is sitting next to two of my H.S.Cars ! Bought a '46 Mercury Coupe for $ 75.00 in 1963 when I was 14 , rebuilt the flathead V8 with parts from Montgomery Wards Automotive Catalog , in '65 I was gifted a "Crew Cab" '57 Chev by my Wonderful Father who bought it new and drove the wheels off it , it all started an insane Gearhead obsession that's still going on today (almost 60 years later) with a modified C5 Corvette that I'm currently installing a roll bar in for Drag Week next year , good Lord willin' , hope to see you there , I can tell you in person how great I think your channel is !
Comment on the tires. Goodyear’s were Made in the U.S.A back then. We have just gotten so used to cheap Chinese crap, it’s shocking to see quality now.
That little Fiero is a fighter, even the tires refuses to fail. She wants to be driven as long as you know she has actual fuel pressure 😂. She seems too far gone to be restored. Not impossible but impractical given it’d probably cost a fare few dollar bills there. Most of the budget would be put toward glass lol. She seems like a good parts vehicle to donate toward a other Fiero, good engine and drivetrain. Other than that she’d be a good toy/yard car. 👍🏻
My second favourite car of all time. Great job getting her going again, I had no doubt. Love your channel Derek. My favourite TH-cam channel along with JYD and the gang.
I was glad to hear you give the Duke a little respect. It was designed from the outset to be thrifty, so it wasn't powerful but it made decent torque way down low. In my experience, the Duke is dogged and relentless, akin to the SBC in that it'll run poorly longer than some engines will run at all. It's not exciting unless you're excited by reliability, in which case it is stunning.
Pity there was no barn, if had been parked inside what a “barn find“ it would now be. Oh well, a reminder that we all make questionable decisions in youth - or decisions that seem to make sense at the time - that haunt us later in life. As for the tires, I think the Pontiac remembered you and was doing her best.
why did the driving part make me so happy. that was awsome. I just started restoring a 1993 camaro z28. got it started the other day. now it needs breaks. hasnt run in over 12 years so getting it to start was so satisfying. I was driving it too just like that in the grass but it has 0 breaks lol. I did get it to coast to stop up a hill. I am not a mechanic at all just learning as I am going to get this car going.
Had an old mechanic buddy of my dads tell me if those TBIs ever run dry, you gotta cycle the power, and have pump pressure 15 to 20 times on and off to prime them back up or there can be an air bubble that can mess with its pattern.
I really enjoy watching your videos, it reminds me of when I started driving, all I had was junk and it made you work for it. I will ask you to never attempt to air up a 3 piece wheel ever again. I lost a good friend that way.it is just to dangerous. I would like to see you take on the 1959 El Camino if there is enough left to make it drivable, I love the oldies. Keep the videos coming and please consider your personal safety now and then, you have a family to take care of. Faithful viewer
Those Iron Dukes really are something else. I had one in an ‘85 S-10 Blazer that my brother and I owned (we split the purchase price between us) in high school in the early-mid 90s. It was a vehicle that was very obviously abused by the previous owner, and my brother and I picked up right where he left off 😂 . Lots of things broke on that vehicle in the 3 years we had it, but one thing it never did was fail to start up and drive down the road.
Love this channel - it's reminds me of simpler days when I used to wrench on cars to flip them all though High School. My daily was a 1976 Capri which suffered from many disabilities that made her unique and also provided theft deterrent! You are skilled and confident - love it!
@violentjett She came out of nowhere on a horse Came riding up to me, of course For a minute there I felt like a hero Standing beside my old Fiero She put wind in my sails, I put wind in my tires Maybe she'd been among too many liers But could see me working there in the sun After 17 years of when it didn't run True and honest just like the car The pair of us have been far 117 thousand miles or more 'bout the same in parts running to the store *chorus* My Pontiac Fiero Pontiac Fiero Sitting there for all those years My crusty rusty Fiero So I got her started right up With a lightning shooting mashup Brought the thunder, different horses idled Time to get her fully bridled Off I dragged her out from pasture Spinning round the junkyard faster Fond memories were made that day So I decided I'm gonna give her away 17 years and it still fires true Perhaps it has been waiting for you Better than your broken Ford Ranchero Is my old but driving Pontiac Fiero
When I met my wife back in 1987 she was driving a Fiero with a 3sp automatic. We has a lot of fun in that car. She and her dad traded in this fun auto fo a dull and dreary Mercury Topaz, can you believe that! I wasn't happy about that trade. Her Fiero was an awesome car. I wish we still had it. That's why this one that you have would bring back so many great memories! Probably some she wouldn't want me talking about and I just couldn't believe that we were able to achieve. Anyway, that's my story and I am sticking to it. I also have access to another one that I can get the glass and many other parts from!
Doing electrical: Derek: make sure you always rewire with the same color wire.. Everyone else: Oh yea, thats a brilliant idea.. itll look so much better with a matching color on all the wires.. Me: Uh which 1 would the ground/positive??
@@NorthernThinker yeah....deep down he is from Wisconsin.....its all good you held my beer now lets get her 20.56 hours home n see why we cant go above 40 with out death veers But hey there dontchaknow it has those letters gm great moter in dem we made it home then the rear axle exploded amd the cover looks like a fifty cal came through it and a gear is embeded Ford got me.frost bite flat tire amd outta gas in a.wimpy ice rut parking on a slight upward slant ground a nastt groove into roqd
Love this guys videos, just a natural at it, will definitely follow his mechanical endeavors. Dude is genius to get that fiero running after it's sitting there since time began! I got to get my fiero running now with confidence ❤️
When I bought my Fiero new in 1985, the salesman told me, "best way to get in and out is like a lady". Sit first and then put feet in to enter, put feet out and lift yourself out to exit. I'm 6'4" and it worked for me.
Been watching episodes back to back to back. Love your show! I know where there is an old Chevette sitting in the woods in TN if you are looking for something extra stupid to wrench on. I've always wanted a Fiero, but I think my wife would be less than thrilled if I brought home another project like that!
I've been watching your videos for about a week now and I don't get sick of them. You have the best sense of humor pretty much identical to mine. I really liked this video the best because of the story of you and your wife dating in this car. I'm glad you gave it your all.
My father knew alot about motorcycle, boat, and cars. He was definitely way less jaw jacky. I like this channel alot. Derrick is funny as can be. its "way more gooder" . Approved!
My dad and i put a Chevy crate motor in the back of a fiero 33yrs ago when I was 16. It had alum intake, heads, roller rockers I think it was lt1 motor. There was a kit called V-8 archy that swapped the 6 or 4 banger out to a v8 of your choice. We had so much fun in that car dragging every car that wanted to run. Most fav was racing a 454 Chevelle with nos. He went to my school and that win propelled a feller to king status in my high school with all the gear heads 😁😁😁. Thank you Derek for this channel and your content. Its just good clean comedy thats helping me through a tough situation currently. Reminds me of wrenching on cars with dad when I was younger. Yall are just cool cats I wanna come hang out and laugh the day away with some fellers lol.
I love your channel!!! I enjoy watching you get these beaters running, but most of all, you never know what's going to come out of your mouth!!! Overall 10/10 channel
This dude can fix ANYTHING - Last week I watched him and was inspired to fix a cabinet drawer in my kitchen and to finally replace a part on my clothes dryer... He's amazing!
I love the absolute matter of fact nonchalantness in his voice when he said "Yeah there's no brakes"
*and then immediately picks up speed*
😅😅
@@ViceGripGarage my brother has the same problem what ever he is driving no brakes...... it MUST be a thing with people that work on cars lol 😆
@@nathancombs11 You (supposedly) only live once. A lack of brakes isn't a deal-breaker in most cases.
I was seriously expecting a fender bender with "something " at that very moment.
@@NotSoCrazyNinja my brother sead brakes are for quitters lol 😆😂 his wife was not too happy with that statement 😂🤣😆
The best thing ever about TH-cam, getting away from the main stream shit and watching interesting people building channels like this.
Same with me it's so nice to just watch normal people do what they like to do and cost you nothing .
Yahtzee.
100% agreed, way to much news, only to be irritated!!! This is good clean fun, the bonus is Derek is a great American family man, with the cutest little family!!! It's "GREAT"
Totally agree!!!!!!!!!!
oh my god, better said it never was. The people showing us stuff is what we all signed up for yeah xD
I was telling my wife about the hail damage on this car and she said "That sounds like a South Dakota storm." I assumed you were in Minnesota and told her so. Then you said you were in Piedmont, SD. and I told her she was right. That's when she made the connection that she might know you and your wife. Little bit of work on the Google box and turns out she went to school with both of you and has known your wife since kindergarten. What a trip. Small town SD strikes again!
And now I'm watching videos with him. Or will be. I always loved hearing him tell me about the videos and I had no idea it was people I knew. lol
Hah, I'll be dipped
@@ViceGripGarage
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
who'd have believed it! Small world!
That hail did a number on my house in Sturgis. They can get some crazy storms up there.
After watching these videos I started working on my 1994 Ranger with 307,000 miles on it ! Got running and driving! Thanks Derek!
Unusual for a Ford… common for a Toyota
@@hankhill3417 I've had a 99 Ford Taurus, make it to 403k miles, same engine and transmission. Sold it for 1500. Also know a guy owned a 97 Expedition 375k same motor and transmission.
@@hankhill3417no really but Toyotas rust before the engine fails
@@hankhill3417Not uncommon for a Ranger at all lol
Most people: “This car is rough, let me spend years trying to make it better”
Derek: “This car is way too nice, let me leave it in a hail storm for 17 years to make it more like something I would drive. Oops, that’s waayyy too much. Perfect!”
My sister's in the hospital with cancer and just had her leg amputated. Showed this channel to my dad and we've both been watching to keep our spirits up... Mission accomplished! 👍
hope you nice people are doing alright
best of luck to your sister!
Hope she kicks cancer's a#@.
🙏
Sending your sister well wishes.
So sorry man. That's brutal. Sending best wishes. She is going to have to be a fighter.
I will always identify these cars with Ronald Finger. He's done a great job restoring his.
Derek may find him useful, he did a great job of sourcing parts and remanufactured stuff.
Couldn’t agree more. That series has been a long time coming but every episode is great.
I instantly thought of him too. Waiting on the final video. Would love to see him and VGG do a collab.
I was thinking the same thing. Ronald Finger has done an amazing job so far with his Fiero restoration. This car could be just as nice once again. At least it runs & drives.
It seems the whole world knows of Ronald Finger and his Fiero. including me...
been married 25yrs we dated in high school and I used to drive her around in you guessed it, a pontiac fiero. I miss the memories in that car. I really enjoyed this episode, thank you
This is literally the best of Derrick all in one episode! Comedic genius, engineering mastermind, buddhist philosopher, cool dude and husband.
Officially writing him in on my ballot for 2020.
Thank you Vice Grip Garage Fam!
Derrick gets my vote too
So glad I clicked on this one!
Derek, here are the reasons why you should give me that Fiero:
1. I have a bizarre craving for an old Pontiac
2. The wife would flay me
3. I have zero space for it
4. I would make at least 1, maybe 2 people jealous
5. 80s GMs are such pleasures to drive
6. Who really needs windshields
7. I collect broken glass
8. Me and TBIs, we're tight
9. Two words: pop ups
10. We must save the manuals, it's a moral imperative
11. Pontiac is America's Alfa Romeo
12. I don't have a garage
13. The hail damage is like dents on a golf ball, better fuel efficiency
14. The tires are obviously fine.
So let me know.
I think you got it. That's gonna be tough to top. Hope you get it 😎
^This guy right here. I mean, he sounds like he actually wants it, which should be reason enough. I really hope he wins. He deserves to, lord knows, but heck, life ain't fair, so here's a chance to even things up a bit.
I'm pretty sure we're already friends, but let me add to your list... 15. See number 9
15. You will swap an L67 into it. 😉
and those wipers probably won't squeak on the windshield... or maybe they will...
Ive watched this several times and I can officially say "Fresh Lightning Cube" is basically something I will be saying from here on out
And “sparkerlater”!!😂😂
@@bobdufresne6294 Hey,don't forget "Lighting Hoses"! XD
I keep waiting to hear "starting at the feet"
I loved all the terminology, I started paying attention around when he mentioned the fuel electro digital shooter making happener.
Wasn't expecting to see you here Roanoke lol
After watching about twenty of your repair videos, I finally got the confidence to restore my old 1980 Jeep CJ5. I hadn't driven it since 1998. It sat out in a field with no top on it for a couple of decades. It was pretty run down, but we got it back to going again after about a month or two of Saturdays and I drove it again yesterday, for the first time in about twenty-four years. It's got the same Pontiac I -4 , 2.5 Liter, 151 cu, inch engine in it as your Firero. Thanks, Vise-Grip!
We all had to see a friend go to the salvage yard. Very few of us ever get the chance to bring it back. 🤘
That’s why I don’t want to let mine go there. It’s nothing special, but it’s mine.
Miss my 02' mustang GT, I managed to get get started on last time after the crash. I wish it was wrecked doing a bit faster then 45 however.
You could actually see how excited he was when it fired up.
A lot of memories in that car probably.
Hes Joking!!
@@jason9375 Not every single thing he says is a joke. He does actually sprinkle in a good bit of personal info too
Jessica is still around so he musta done something right
I put a Clifford intake , 2300 holley 350cfm 2barrel, Davis hei 7k limiter , and a few other goodies on the 2.5. cost like 1000 bucks back in the 00s. I found out them vents were magnesium when it burned. Looked like a million sparklers.
@@martysmith7803 or she did
Nothing makes me happier when TH-cam tells me there’s a new vgg out. Keep me coming.
Truth
Couldn't have said it better myself
^em....
Rick Kniffel thank you for fixing that 🤣
Thought S Sansig might be a little off 🧐
Derek, A couple things: I've seen you work on a few 2.5 engines now and just wanted to mention that sensor attached to the air cleaner is a MAP (manifold air pressure) sensor and will drastically alter the way it runs, and also allow it to go into closed loop. It's better to just unclip it from the air cleaner and leave it connected. The next thing is, if you run into a trunk that houses the battery as this one does that you don't have keys to, hook a battery or charger up to the cigarette lighter and you should be able to use the trunk release instead of drilling it out. Great vids, buddy.
Old 2.2 and 2.4 mopars are the same. When they fail they just dump gas into em like mad
That's a good tip, backfeeding the cigarette lighter.
Thank you
Good tip
@@TimBowermeisterWhy not just hook to the battery terminals? You start sending electricity through things that aren’t supposed to be connected to electricity you could end up burning up the entire car. 😂
My father in Law was on the design team for the Fiero. They tried to tell GM uppity ups that the vehicle was not production ready but they bypassed their top designers and pushed it through. It was a disaster on wheels. The last year they made it, they finally fixed all the problems. By then no one was purchasing them so they killed it. My father in law was pretty upset over GM being like that and went back to Ford. He helped design the Mustang back in the 60's.
GM really did a disservice to the Fiero. They gave Pontiac absolutely NO budget to design the car with. I heard the suspension still used old Corvair parts because they weren't given a budget to design anything new. Last year '88's are totally redesigned suspensions by Lotus, and like you said, the other problems were fixed too. Too bad.
This is one of those cars you think "I'll fix it later" and then something happens to it, and you've already made up your mind and she just dies where you left it. Its sad, but at least you're honest about it. Keep up the revivals. Makes me happy to see someone checking on these old rides.
the way those tires aired up, she just wanted to be loved
Thats exactly what happened to me.
This needs to be on regular TV! We don't need more unrealistic plastic surgery car restoration shows - we need more VICE GRIP GARAGE!
Right after Bob Ross reruns... I respect both of them equally. Just good souls...
Nooooooo! The TV suits will ruin everything!!! 😫
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
If it was on regular TV then I'd have to get cable. I don't want to pay for cable.
@@mikepraed4623 Yeah. Can't argue with that.
I worked at the Fiero plant in Pontiac Michigan from 1984-1986, in the chassis dept. stuffed rear ends into them girls, routed wire harnesses through fire wall, hooked up trans cables, and then some. Retired from GM in 2020 45 yrs of service. would love to have that ride in my garage in N.E. Tennessee. Great show you put on Derek keep up the good work.
You are literally the best mechanic I’ve ever seen on or off the screen. This channel has a lot of room to grow with you man. Best of luck to a guy.
When testing for fuel it is important to aim the fuel line at the lightning whirler.
Also at the bare wire connection when testing the new pump lol
To make sure you have good gas...
Had a Jeep Wrangler with a 4.2 crack a fuel line and dump 1/2 a tank on the exhaust manifold once. Never even lit on fire
That little bit of panic after "Yeah there's no brakes" while flying down the hill was super funny man. You're an animal!
This was fun to watch Derek. My college roommate had a Fiero GT in black and grey. At night the interior looked like a spaceship with all the lights inside. He killed it, and nearly us, rolling her at 80 mph. A ambulance ride to the ER and a few stitches is what we got. She held together just enough to protect us. Thanks for making this video and thanks for the memories.
I LOVED it!!! I SO would have loved to watch this with my girl. I lost her December 14, 2020 in a house fire. I am currently looking for her Fiero. Oh it would have been so much fun to watch this with her. She SO TOTALLY would have been cheering on your little Fiero....and giving you tips of what to try next. She wrenched on her own Fiero in my garage. It was where she got her start...doing her own repairs. Thanks for the smiles. I really enjoyed this. Most I've smiled since I lost her.
Condolences to you, and it's great that it brought those memories to you, and she's probably smiling at you now, enjoying the video! :).
Brings back fond memories of the Fiero I used to keep in the trunk of my '68 Caddy, in case I got a flat.
Ya. I see cars today that are smaller than my beer cooler.
If they want to save gas they could put their car in the bed of my truck.
"She came outta nowhere on a horse..."
This either needs to be a song lyric or on a shirt / hat.
Sounds like a line from "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues"
... and I don't know why.
I’ve always loved the Fieros. When I was 10, or 11 years old I remember seeing them at the dealer and thinking how neat they looked.
I had the V6 one many moons past and was very dangerous in it. Hella fun and learned a lot about how to control skids in it (after some uncontrolled ones!) 🤣. Such a fun death machine!
49:00 onward.....that scene in the Blues Brothers when they're driving through the mall and the car is gradually disintegrating.... most entertaining Derek one of the best channels on TH-cam
"New Oldsmobiles are in early this year".
twobyfour “this malls got everything “
just watch that movie couple days ago weird , Ultimate Classic movie
I think a guy just single handed increased the value of Fieros. Believe me when I tell you fellers, go out and buy one right now, before they become the next Hemi Cudas.
Can we get a guy to go rescue a fairmont? I’d like mine to be worth at least half what I invested...
dont do this those things are junk and will never be a hemi cuda
Ryan Rohauer is a Fox body mustang in a plain package! (And it weighs less than 2800lbs)
@@anselpeneloperainblossom-s3489 it's also has the engine in the rear and are a nightmare to work on it's nothing like a mustang. Oh and also prone to burning to the ground
"I know that because it's my car, and, I'm the one that abandoned it here"... Story of so many a Fiero's life.
If that's true then tell me more about the car you know gas mileage how many miles does the engine has before you abandoned it and more details about the car
@@aleax5670 He was quoting Derek. It’s Derek’s old Fiero.
Lol read my lenthy post above. I think you'll get a kick out of it
Fiero was a typical GM piece of junk
My mom had 2 of ehm we used as a playground in our back yard lol never moved a itch but lower to the ground every year lol
I bought a Fiero GT
Cool car. At 120 mph the headlight covers flipped open..Speedo only went to 120. The limiter cut the spark at 120.
Not a winter car. A little ice and the midengine acted like a center pivot. I spun down Fremont road at 50 mph when I hit the breaks before turning onto lot road. I ended up sitting on top of the snow bank.
Amazingly enough it drove right off and back on the road.
In the summer I was driving home from work and it bogged down like the choke was on. It only ran with my foot to the floor.
I drove it 30 miles to Sturgis where I bought it. I drove a loaner home.
Turns out that model had the oxygen sensor wire running parallel to the coil wire. Ot induced a current in the sensor and burned it out.
No recall. Just if it fails, fix it under warranty. Yay for GM. 😁😎
When I was a teenager my friend had a Fiero I spend many an evening after school working on it for him. good memories I miss those days
I watched the entire video...these can get addictive haha 🚗
Im on my 10th video in 3 days
I just discovered him today. He's my new guilty pleasure.
@@danbo4605 it’s an obsession. Guilty as charged.
I start watching em at night and I just keep on watching until I get tired, then I watch another video
Yeah, I felt the same thing. He is so funny.
I about fell out of my chair when I saw this one pop up! I just got my '85 SE back in good running condition this past month.. (intake manifold bolts worked themselves loose of all things 🤔)
Initially watching this I thought you were crazy to bother messing with it, BUT, that Fiero would be perfect to strip all the body panels off and drive it as a kinda of summer dune buggy deal!!
You're amazing Derek. My Dad and I watch you all the time. He got me into watching because he loves your humor. We have matching Vice Grip Garage shirts 😄 We both love classic cars. I'm 36 now. I told him it's my goal me to own a classic car before I'm too old to really enjoy it. If I stayed in the Coast Guard a little longer, I would have gotten into troubleshooting engines, not just replacing parts and doing maintenance. We have learned a lot from you though.
You should do that! I bought my old Mustang in 1984 when I was 23. I'm 61 now and still have it and wouldn't sell it for any price. Well, maybe some price. I don't know. I suppose there's a number I can't come up with in my head.
"It's been sittin' 17 years, I know that 'cause it's my car........and I'm the one who abandoned it here."
🤣😂🤣👌
The tires actually held up after the test drive.
"I'll be dipped."
I will never, ever - ever - get tired of this channel or it's content. I just got back into woodworking/carpentry after taking years off and being in disability and I have this on in the background all the time. I love that it's raw, uncut and grounded. Makes a guy feel a lot less intimidated about starting to get his own hands dirty again and making some mistakes along the way 👍
New subscriber from Sweden here. Breaks my heart to see a Fiero in that condition. I've owned Fieros since 2001 and absolutely love them. Never had an iron duke though. Mine have always been 87 GT's with the 2.8 v6.
Throw on a few modern suspension parts and they're like glued to the road.
I got a Fiero 10 months ago and used it as a daily driver through the summer months. It has the iron Duke, and it isn't a bad car
"level 14 black moldage" yep got to love the that. I left my fiat in a non-climate control garage for a month and had level 92 moldage everywhere.
Knowing your highschool car was also a Fiero is just the kinda thing that gives a guy complicated feelings...
As a qualified electrical engineer I can tell you that lightning cube is the officially recognised term, good job keeping the audience informed
How does a qualified electrical engineer not know how to spell RECOGNIZED?
LOL just bustin your balls
@@warrenmichael918 I speak proper English of course ;)
@@warrenmichael918 Lightning whirller.Huh?Digical fuel squirter.
My first new car was a 1984 Fiero 2M4. Just started my active duty Army stint...what a joy to drive. Although slow, it handled decent and was gorgeous. Sold it after a few years once I got married and started a family. Love the channel.
The look on your face when you go “yeah there’s no brakes...way too fast!” Made me giggle 😂😂 it was an intense moment.
Guy was deciding left or right
A guy typically sticks with the NASCAR method and keeps it left.
Jimb - I hear ya. the windscreen delete only helps with ejection, when ditching
I've popped out a windscreen with my head, and it hurts.
I thought you were gonna ball it up for sure
"Got my bat-tree tester." Pulls out his multi tool and shorts the terminals. Still laughing!!!! 😆😉😉
That ol fiero said "Cmon Derek,one last ride."
Had a fiero in 88, was too tall, the t-tops made it drivable
Uses that because he doesn't have a Gene Simmons tongue to cross both terminals
VGG so cool and funny at the same time lol hilariously sharp as a razor should be on snl natural...
This guy legit reminds me of every guy I grew up with - super handy, laid back, a drawl with no urgency, and will give you the shirt off their back if you need it.
Hahaha. The comment about the tools being out in the sun and doing the right thing by just leaving them there, and suffering through it... 🤣
Yes, yes, continue.
I really enjoyed my 1984 Pontiac Fiero 2M4 SE (silver mini-metalflake) . That 2L Iron Duke was a real performer with it cast iron head. I drove this car across the country (from NJ to Texas and back three times over several years) because I really loved driving that car. Its power vs traction with new tires was awesome. The most controllable car I ever drove.
“This plastic air intake thing is about to be thrown into the next county.”
Got me right in the feels 🤣🤣🤣
The Fiero looks a little out of place between all that nice vintage iron.
Never saw so much beautiful rust in my life !
thats because it has no "iron" lol.
Yeah I had a hard time just focusing on the car itself for all the others in the yard.
Brian Culliney it does! It’s an “iron” duke 2.5 🤣 other than that it’s a pop can
The fiero is a great car. I've got one with 205000 miles and still going.
Posted 6 minutes ago. I remember on an older video that you were there showing us around and talked about this car.
indeed! Just had to go back and get er after seeing it again
Vice Grip Garage it would be awesome if a guy could get a GTO on the show.
@@ViceGripGarage how much a fella want for that black chevy?
@@ViceGripGarage I introduced your channel to the fellers at my dealership. We can't get enough! Great character!!!
I don’t doubt it. I like those little cars.
This is one of the best episodes I think you’ve done. Just shows when you’re a teenager you don’t know at all lol you have to come back a number of years later and fix it properly or well fix it anyway lol.
Your videos are entertaining enjoy them very much.
"A contest? What are the prizes?"
"Second prize is my old Fiero."
"What's first prize?"
"You don't have to take the old Fiero."
haha
Fieros are great and are starting to be collectors car. The only mid engine American car ever built
@@fieroman88 The new Vette? Ford GT? Perhaps the only mid engine shit box built in America. (I say shit box with love)
lol died laughing
Well if you ain't first, you're last
I must say you make me laugh!! Your videos are by far the best car entertainment videos on TH-cam. I always look forward to your new videos.
Thanks !
Had that iron duke 2.5L in a '78 Monza. Ran great. The rest of the car dissolved around it though.
Derek, I have fond memories of my first car, A 1967 VW Bug I bought for $150 in 1986. It came with the body of another beetle. This video had me smiling the whole time! I kept imagining myself finding my old car and getting it running again. I'd love to see you resurrect and old beetle that has set for years.
Go watch Mustie1's videos he does lots of forgotten VWs.
A guy will never get her going without a serious mullet and some def leppard playing.
Def Leppard rules!!!
Andy Reid Don’t forget the Tonya Harding mallet.....😬😬😬
You make a strong point.
Nice
Ronald Finger has entered the chat room.
i knew it
Nice
very Nice
Still waiting for your next video Ronald!
In 85 I was dating a girl who bought one new. We drove it every where, and do remember speakers in the headrests.
My sister had one with the speakers in the headrests. It was an option. I had one the same year and I didn’t have them. Dammit
I just love this channel my Lil bro and I are working hard on starting our own "big iron garage" rescuing and restoration of old cars and beautiful pieces of history! Love the work u do brother God bless america!
The car I have in the back yard was sitting there about 12 years. All the tires were flat and had cracks from exposure. They filled right up 3 months ago and are still holding air. 👍
When Derek said that he and Jessica drove the car to high school while they were dating, my heart melted 🥺❤️❤️
I hope I can get a relationship like yours one day
“That tachometer, it’s at 9 thousand rpm” ... “I like that” .. 😂😭😂😭
Funny , your High School Car is sitting next to two of my H.S.Cars ! Bought a '46 Mercury Coupe for $ 75.00 in 1963 when I was 14 , rebuilt the flathead V8 with parts from Montgomery Wards Automotive Catalog , in '65 I was gifted a "Crew Cab" '57 Chev by my Wonderful Father who bought it new and drove the wheels off it , it all started an insane Gearhead obsession that's still going on today (almost 60 years later) with a modified C5 Corvette that I'm currently installing a roll bar in for Drag Week next year , good Lord willin' , hope to see you there , I can tell you in person how great I think your channel is !
No Automotive Channel makes me laugh so hard, like this here
His 64 Dodge Dart video “she’s the Gt flavor
Yeah Derek and his family seem like good people, I hope he gets to a million subs I think TH-cam gives them some kind of award
" I'll be dipped" 😂
Ditto!
Comment on the tires. Goodyear’s were Made in the U.S.A back then. We have just gotten so used to cheap Chinese crap, it’s shocking to see quality now.
That little Fiero is a fighter, even the tires refuses to fail. She wants to be driven as long as you know she has actual fuel pressure 😂.
She seems too far gone to be restored. Not impossible but impractical given it’d probably cost a fare few dollar bills there. Most of the budget would be put toward glass lol. She seems like a good parts vehicle to donate toward a other Fiero, good engine and drivetrain. Other than that she’d be a good toy/yard car. 👍🏻
My second favourite car of all time. Great job getting her going again, I had no doubt. Love your channel Derek. My favourite TH-cam channel along with JYD and the gang.
I was glad to hear you give the Duke a little respect. It was designed from the outset to be thrifty, so it wasn't powerful but it made decent torque way down low. In my experience, the Duke is dogged and relentless, akin to the SBC in that it'll run poorly longer than some engines will run at all. It's not exciting unless you're excited by reliability, in which case it is stunning.
I detailed Fiero's when they were brand new.
I'm old.
I did too! The 89 vintage. Car lot boy...haha.
i was driving a tow truck 1000 years ago , hooked 2 of them that caught fire
Did you vacuum up the errant apostrophes?
I ripped a pair of stonewashed jeans getting out of one we were detailing in 1987.
They were the best girl GET-HER-IN car ever invented. Lol.
My God, I needed a VGG video after this week!
Don't forget your wobble pops
You and me both bro
No shit you ain't kiddin I thought the exact same thing. VGG+Cold snacks= start to great weekend!!
And a cold snack
Reminds me of my old one in high school
This channel has quickly grown to be my favorite on the youtubes :)
Reminds me of Red Green. Fits since he lives up North but not that north.
Same
Pity there was no barn, if had been parked inside what a “barn find“ it would now be. Oh well, a reminder that we all make questionable decisions in youth - or decisions that seem to make sense at the time - that haunt us later in life. As for the tires, I think the Pontiac remembered you and was doing her best.
why did the driving part make me so happy. that was awsome. I just started restoring a 1993 camaro z28. got it started the other day. now it needs breaks. hasnt run in over 12 years so getting it to start was so satisfying. I was driving it too just like that in the grass but it has 0 breaks lol. I did get it to coast to stop up a hill. I am not a mechanic at all just learning as I am going to get this car going.
If you run it hard, it may need breaks, but if you need to stop, it need brakes. Stop it!.
Had an old mechanic buddy of my dads tell me if those TBIs ever run dry, you gotta cycle the power, and have pump pressure 15 to 20 times on and off to prime them back up or there can be an air bubble that can mess with its pattern.
I really enjoy watching your videos, it reminds me of when I started driving, all I had was junk and it made you work for it. I will ask you to never attempt to air up a 3 piece wheel ever again. I lost a good friend that way.it is just to dangerous. I would like to see you take on the 1959 El Camino if there is enough left to make it drivable, I love the oldies. Keep the videos coming and please consider your personal safety now and then, you have a family to take care of.
Faithful viewer
Those Iron Dukes really are something else. I had one in an ‘85 S-10 Blazer that my brother and I owned (we split the purchase price between us) in high school in the early-mid 90s. It was a vehicle that was very obviously abused by the previous owner, and my brother and I picked up right where he left off 😂 . Lots of things broke on that vehicle in the 3 years we had it, but one thing it never did was fail to start up and drive down the road.
Benny Hill's theme song would have been appropriate for the driving portion of the vid. Really enjoyed this one.
I love fieros and always wanted one
Had that very same thought.
Actually, I was thinkin' Mr Bean...
Gary, I know the words to that, it’s called Yaketty Ax by Chet Atkins 🙈
Hey I'm delow I love your shows and like what you do I enjored watching u I hope to see more of ur car that's sitting up and run
" Great things happen when you cut corners." Absolutely.
I just can’t get enough of will it starts makes me wanna try and find a complete abandoned car and see what a guy could do 🤔
You can do it 🙌
Love this channel - it's reminds me of simpler days when I used to wrench on cars to flip them all though High School. My daily was a 1976 Capri which suffered from many disabilities that made her unique and also provided theft deterrent! You are skilled and confident - love it!
Thank you for posting. That test drive was the best!!! “yeah there’s no brakes...way too fast!” your narration is hilarious!!!
Ah Derek's first car remember him talking about this guy awhile back.
I feel like I've soaked up 74.367% too much (useless?) knowledge from this channel since I knew this was going to be Derek's old car from the title.
@@MattExzy I feel that to lmao
17 years and it still fires true. Perhaps it has been waiting for you.
@violentjett She came out of nowhere on a horse
Came riding up to me, of course
For a minute there I felt like a hero
Standing beside my old Fiero
She put wind in my sails, I put wind in my tires
Maybe she'd been among too many liers
But could see me working there in the sun
After 17 years of when it didn't run
True and honest just like the car
The pair of us have been far
117 thousand miles or more
'bout the same in parts running to the store
*chorus*
My Pontiac Fiero
Pontiac Fiero
Sitting there for all those years
My crusty rusty Fiero
So I got her started right up
With a lightning shooting mashup
Brought the thunder, different horses idled
Time to get her fully bridled
Off I dragged her out from pasture
Spinning round the junkyard faster
Fond memories were made that day
So I decided I'm gonna give her away
17 years and it still fires true
Perhaps it has been waiting for you
Better than your broken Ford Ranchero
Is my old but driving Pontiac Fiero
When I met my wife back in 1987 she was driving a Fiero with a 3sp automatic. We has a lot of fun in that car. She and her dad traded in this fun auto fo a dull and dreary Mercury Topaz, can you believe that! I wasn't happy about that trade. Her Fiero was an awesome car. I wish we still had it. That's why this one that you have would bring back so many great memories! Probably some she wouldn't want me talking about and I just couldn't believe that we were able to achieve. Anyway, that's my story and I am sticking to it. I also have access to another one that I can get the glass and many other parts from!
"That woman came out of nowhere on a horse" I spit my egg out for breakfast I was not ready for that
Those tyres popping up like that, good show for Goodyear, surely a sponsor deal should be on the cards just about now.
"Let's crank on her and see if we get some juice." Me: Uh Derek? The fuel line is directed right at your sparkalator box and lightning wirller.
Its says gm somewhere itll start go n stop for.most part
Doing electrical:
Derek: make sure you always rewire with the same color wire..
Everyone else: Oh yea, thats a brilliant idea.. itll look so much better with a matching color on all the wires..
Me: Uh which 1 would the ground/positive??
AND GIVE YOU PERCENTAGE OF LICIIN WRECK
It's fine
@@NorthernThinker yeah....deep down he is from Wisconsin.....its all good you held my beer now lets get her 20.56 hours home n see why we cant go above 40 with out death veers
But hey there dontchaknow it has those letters gm great moter in dem we made it home then the rear axle exploded amd the cover looks like a fifty cal came through it and a gear is embeded
Ford got me.frost bite flat tire amd outta gas in a.wimpy ice rut parking on a slight upward slant ground a nastt groove into roqd
Love this guys videos, just a natural at it, will definitely follow his mechanical endeavors. Dude is genius to get that fiero running after it's sitting there since time began! I got to get my fiero running now with confidence ❤️
Trying to get in her, A fella knows he has increased in size a tad bit in 17 years.
I owned a Triumph when I was 20 and it seemed like an amphitheater in there, but I sat in one at 40 and a fella fit like an impacted wisdom tooth.
When I bought my Fiero new in 1985, the salesman told me, "best way to get in and out is like a lady". Sit first and then put feet in to enter, put feet out and lift yourself out to exit. I'm 6'4" and it worked for me.
I lost it when he said “yeah there’s no brakes” 😂😂😂
K Stew first time witnessing him actually shit his pants
Been watching episodes back to back to back. Love your show! I know where there is an old Chevette sitting in the woods in TN if you are looking for something extra stupid to wrench on. I've always wanted a Fiero, but I think my wife would be less than thrilled if I brought home another project like that!
Can't beat those Iron Dukes, had one in my 82 Camaro
I've been watching your videos for about a week now and I don't get sick of them. You have the best sense of humor pretty much identical to mine. I really liked this video the best because of the story of you and your wife dating in this car. I'm glad you gave it your all.
This is like a watching a car version of The Red Green Show. Awesome
This man has taught me more about cars than anyone including my dad
My father knew alot about motorcycle, boat, and cars. He was definitely way less jaw jacky. I like this channel alot. Derrick is funny as can be. its "way more gooder" . Approved!
My dad and i put a Chevy crate motor in the back of a fiero 33yrs ago when I was 16. It had alum intake, heads, roller rockers I think it was lt1 motor. There was a kit called V-8 archy that swapped the 6 or 4 banger out to a v8 of your choice. We had so much fun in that car dragging every car that wanted to run. Most fav was racing a 454 Chevelle with nos. He went to my school and that win propelled a feller to king status in my high school with all the gear heads 😁😁😁. Thank you Derek for this channel and your content. Its just good clean comedy thats helping me through a tough situation currently. Reminds me of wrenching on cars with dad when I was younger. Yall are just cool cats I wanna come hang out and laugh the day away with some fellers lol.
"great things happen when you cut corners" . Words to live by, I'm dying over here.
Quote of the Year right thar.
The way she came back around means she's meant to be back driving. I see a really fun rally cross car in the making.
I love your channel!!! I enjoy watching you get these beaters running, but most of all, you never know what's going to come out of your mouth!!! Overall 10/10 channel
This dude can fix ANYTHING - Last week I watched him and was inspired to fix a cabinet drawer in my kitchen and to finally replace a part on my clothes dryer... He's amazing!