1985 Pontiac Fiero Shift Mechanism Rebuild | Saturday Projects

For those that are looking to do this on your own Fiero, I want to firstly apologize for not including the complete steps needed for removal. Basically, the entire center console has to be removed (center piece, back piece, and front piece) in order to get access to the center console "skeleton", which has to be removed next. To do that, it's just a few bolts here and there, but the radio does have to be completely removed and the climate controls unbolted and slid back through the skeleton. It's honestly very easy, but can definitely be overwhelming going into it.
Instagram: / fingerprintsworkshop
Patreon: / ronaldfinger
Merch:ronald-finger.creator-spring....
Here's that Gasket video I mentioned: • Replicate Any Gasket! ...
Music: www.epidemicsound.com/

[@reimundkrohn8938]

I have tried to watch a good number of other “Restoration” videos; not one of them is put together with as much detail balanced with clever narration. Ronald, you have serious skills as a story teller. Thank you for putting this all together; I have really enjoyed this series - all of it - in a year when there is little joy to be found in anything. It isn’t about the car, it’s you and your passion for your work. Well done.

[@billyring9803]

Idk how to like say this properly but I feel like you might like "soup classic motoring" he does his restos in a similar style but with stop motion bits

[@tyrelirwin]

Hand Tool Rescue is pretty solid

[@billyring9803]

@@tyrelirwin will check out :)

[@hoganhogan952]

@@tyrelirwin and totally worth an extra dollar for the narrated patreon versions if you havent seen them.

[@marcryvon]

"It isn’t about the car". I might add AND the car. All Fieros in good condition are getting rare and quite desirable by many people. Ronald chose the right car to exrcise his talents with great results.

[@RonaldFinger]

Hope you guys like this little project! Part 13 shouldn’t take anywhere near as long to produce as the last two videos have, so expect it well before Christmas Day :) *Also* - The grease I used around the ball, to reduce the slop in the system, is in fact lithium based, so no worries on whether or not it'll degrade the plastic.

[@TheUberdude14]

Hi Ronald love your videos but a little safety tip even tho you were wearing rubber gloves try to not wear any when using a drill press, I've seen nasty injuries in the shop when the chuck or the parts get ahold of the glove

[@jeremilcruz1117]

Saludos desde Puerto Rico Ronald. Este episodio me alegró el día, éxito y muchas bendiciones.

[@StevenBuchanan]

Don't tease me Ronald like McDonald's does with the McRib.

[@aaronprice1497]

@@TheUberdude14 I've had drill swarf grab my glo e before, it can be pretty scary.

[@aaronprice1497]

I'm gonna miss this series, the attention to detail and the love for the car is just the greatest thing. Idk if anything will ever be able to replace it.

[@TravisFabel]

I love how the guy that was not even going to clean off the bolt heads or paint them or anything, is now disassembling his shifter for no particular reason other than he could make it nicer...

[@RonaldFinger]

Character development!

[@grahamlawton6250]

Let it be known I have entirely appreciated the 80’s style music throughout...

[@roberthoffhines5419]

How were we so optimistic with nuclear annihilation a certainty? (lol) Sunny buzzy synths and wet snare on 2 and 4.

[@shredct3118]

Period correct tunes.🤘

[@HUHBAT]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@4GuitarTrance]

That's because the 80's ruled... for music, things to do, almost everything! People are so boring and uptight now. Can't even listen to fun, light-hearted rock any longer for all of the whiners and the "World sucks and I'm going to kill myself, Dude" snowflakes and Hostess Twinkie PC creeps. The 80's had heart, soul, technological progression (without a bunch of enviro-weenies whining about it), and the 80's had HUGE atmosphere!

[@Razzy316]

This whole journey has been amazing but the music has been top notch I agree

[@bizmarq]

I found both my dad and I watching this video at the same time, in different rooms this morning. We both have been following this restoration since the start and are amazed by the progress you’ve made. keep up the good work!

[@SpaceMissile]

that's wholesome. my dad and i (who both worked on an '84 fiero as my first car) both e-mail links to these back and forth sometimes.

[@MisterHughes]

Ronald struggling more and more to conceal the fact he's a time traveler.

[@Ki113r210]

if the reaction of every non-car person who has seen my fiero is anything to go by, the fiero IS basically a Delorean, so...

[@davidsevyan]

Who’s Roland?

[@MisterHughes]

@@davidsevyan Roland McDoland, the famous fast food clown. 🤡

[@carsongwin1816]

@@davidsevyan he meant Ronald not Roland

[@soulextracter]

@@carsongwin1816 maybe he's talking about the synth in the background ;)

[@G0ZERIAN]

Scope Creep: The Motion Picture "A goddamn heartfelt story about the true love between man and machine....and lots of sanding, priming, painting, and correcting."

[@stevenplaskett7728]

Dam I thought you were gonna 3d print a new bell crank to fix the slop in it

[@muskokamike127]

ha, I just said the same thing! He could also shrink wrap or plasti dip it and lube it up.

[@trueadrn]

i thought he was going to make a new one out of metal.

[@rhekman]

@@trueadrn You need to go over to This Old Tony for that.

[@janlawrence5123]

That's a good idea. I would have went to hardware store and embedded some brass from plumbing parts.

[@muskokamike127]

@@janlawrence5123 There's a number of ways you could do that. I used to have a forge to melt aluminum and make castings. You could due something similar and then dip the ball into the molten aluminum. The trick is you want it to form to the shape of the ball. Another thing you could do is mix up a batch of polyester resin and dip the ball into that forming a film over it. Then sand it to the right diameter and polish it.

[@carolriley9392]

Nothing makes you feel better than a guy who really cares about his Fiero.

[@beaudanner]

"the liquid secreted from rock monsters as their souls pass to the other side..." You gotta pay attention to this one. No telling what he'll sneak in. 😅

[@SpaceMissile]

"There's a little discoloration on the shaft, which should probably be looked at by a doctor..." 9:18

[@SonicBoone56]

I loved that lol

[@themike97_58]

ive always wondered what mineral spirits were... thanks ronnie!

[@RonaldFinger]

I'm glad I could help!

[@dennykruger5391]

It's crazy that you said that you hadn't had much mechanical experience in the first episode but yet I've seen nothing but hard work, dedication and skill used through this whole process. It's incredibly impressive and inspiring to see such attention to detail. This will will be immaculate when it's complete.

[@davidp2888]

You took what was a Fier-no and turned it into a Fier-OH! Yeah, I know my humor sucks. It sounded good in my head. lol

[@muskokamike127]

ha, that was a popular joke when these first came out.....

[@brandongreene3213]

Add some nitrous and it will be Fier-WOAH!

[@wonkothesane8691]

Nope, too easy, I'll pass on this one.

[@randomshyte9989]

I hope you continue working on the fierro for ever, i love this series.

[@RonaldFinger]

Why would you wish that evil upon me

[@randomshyte9989]

@@RonaldFinger because i am EVIL and i enjoy seeing you suffer, jk i just love your series and i would like to see you do other projects!

[@drewwilliams1337]

@@RonaldFinger It's fine, just have your clone do it.

[@emilioteran7867]

@@drewwilliams1337 we dont talk about him, he's locked in the barn for a reason ... lol

[@ivanarrache5154]

@@randomshyte9989 I've being working with Fiero since the 90s, and there's is always somebody working with a good car. Last day I see a video about a guy working with a 1978 Buick Skyhawk, a great small car.

[@trevorjones3755]

If Ronnie doesn't become a film director at some point, I'm gonna be mad.😂 I love your vids and this honestly is one of my favorite channels to watch, I love the story and I've fallen in love with Fieros, in depth build series, and the idea of fixing some cars on my own! Seriously, if you ever produce a movie, let us know!!

[@gelid1578]

Never thought I’d think to myself “I’m in the mood for some Ronald Finger” but here I am.

[@5speedz34]

Damn the re-assembly music really showed the beauty and the simplicity of such a simple rebuild. I really loved that sequence.

[@50jakecs]

A lot of people post rebuild videos on KZbin but I like Ronald's the best. He's seems like a genuinely nice guy with an easy-going sense of humor. The background music he chooses isn't overwhelming or annoying.

[@RCAvhstape]

I find the red grease to be aesthetically pleasing. Reminds me of cranberry sauce.

[@jamesbashaw5831]

This series truly is a love letter to the Pontiac Fiero. It's not my dream car, but it's something I can really respect.

[@angnoop2]

This is probably the most thorough car restoration ever done.

[@kyle5897]

this series is underrated. i think everyone should watch it, just for the cinematography and editing alone

[@chrisbaker121924]

This must be just about the best Fiero out there now.

[@GreatJoe]

I like this video because the soundtrack really captures the ennui of finishing a project. Because once it's done, it's out of your hands. There's no longer the anticipation of seeing it finished, no longer the fun of solving the problems with it, there's just...the finished article. Journey's over. There's catharsis, pride, but also a deep sadness to it. You can only do these so often before it becomes hokey, but I'm glad you did this one.

[@amoni1959]

make a vid on restoring the $1.50. :P

[@SonicBoone56]

Yes

[@campbelljosh04]

So Jealous of the sandblaster haha. Good work as always!

[@Stt222]

I just gave my 4 year old all my old micro machines from when I was little. Still going strong and brings back so many good memories.

[@adidasfan91]

3 videos in a ~1 month span!?!? Stop it, Ronald, you're spoiling us!

[@Johnathan_Waters]

You're doing a GREAT job restoring this car (and it truly is a restoration, not just brushing the dust off and calling it "restored"). You should be very proud!!

[@michelledarkling6690]

I remember the first video you made in this series.... The Fiero has come a long way! Hats off to you!

[@callumhern2387]

Absolutely loving this series, my favourite KZbin restoration ever. Amazing videos and attention to detail it’s a pleasure to watch. Please do another car restoration series!

[@jordanh.2998]

This is unbelievably therapeutic.

[@corybell4990]

What a lovely and peaceful video, especially after the stress and pain of the last episode.

[@glenn6229]

I found this video very relaxing. especially the music. I went to bed after watching.

[@Historynerd-gh3ge]

This is probably one of my favorite episodes in the whole series. It’s just a guy fixing one part that he cares about

[@NickAm01]

This guy was a watchmaker in a past life.

[@cdjhyoung]

Ronald: I want to compliment you on the positive growth of your presentation skills since the first couple videos. I'm really enjoying this resto.

[@Kuldeep_Giri]

Man seriously the way he edits and narrates the videos it like watching cinema i loved every bit of the video specially when media got offline 😝😝

[@CB71SS]

The fact that this part will not be seen and is already working okay shows your seriousness to detail. Just because it works and no one sees it doesn't mean it wont hurt to put a little extra attention in it. Have watched and enjoyed all your videos on the Fiero.

[@creatorTWin]

OMG - right away when I saw that micro machine - nostalgia - and the fact that you found it in the car makes it like a time capsule from our childhoods.

[@josher887]

If an ASMR restoration video had a heart…. A soul…. 👌🏻

[@toddeveretts5595]

I honestly thought I'd see you 3D print a new plastic piece for the bell crank. As simple as this shifter rehab was, just plain enjoyable to watch. Well done.

[@gorgebush6604]

There is so much attention to detail into every aspect of these videos. Like more attention to detail than any other KZbin channel I watch. But my favorite part of these videos is there’s none of that “hey guys” vlogger shit at the beginning and end.

[@shredct3118]

It's truly awesome to see that it doesn't matter who we voted for or how old or young we are or anything else for that matter. It's something we can all agree on is that this series is just great to each and everyone of us. Ronald Finger for president 🇺🇸

[@johnmurray9746]

Lol I love the Balloonshop "WPI Records" reference

[@RonaldFinger]

I was hoping someone would get it!

[@aznpkmn]

@@RonaldFingerjust discovered your channel the other day and now I’m binging the fiero series. That balloonshop reference totally caught me off guard and put a big smile on my face! Probably one of my favorite videos by them

[@caliado]

Love that you’re wearing a Casio F91W

[@CaptainKielbasa]

Imagine being that kid who lost that micro machine. Thinking the impossible and his toy went into the black hole and nobody could understand where it went. That is amazing.

[@stevecrosby3678]

That was beautiful and joyous. To see something old and marred restored and redeemed is uplifting. The beauty of mechanics and design. Truly, I had a spiritual experience.

[@shmaxo]

"If it ain't broke, fix it!"

[@isaakwelch3451]

Me with all of my cars

[@victorjason2558]

this is a very nice surprise. having a new Fiero vid right away

[@holyshititzjman4373]

Please make sure you keep the projects going after the fiero😭😭I enjoy this series so much

[@georgefahrman5826]

Thanks Eastwood for supporting Ronald Finger

[@josephdgleason]

I like the side project videos in between the full length Fiero build videos. This was great and comical as always.

[@cp88p43]

Mr finger please do another car. This is the best series ever. Never mine just youtube

[@jimmyadams1903]

I loved the music during the assembly!

[@spectra_3005]

When this series started I had my heart set on getting a Fiero. I absolutely loved them. Over time my inter3st has died down and its more of a maybe than a must. These videos coming out remind me of the fiero passion, albeit brief, I had. I still want an 88 Formula myself

[@houseofno]

Am I the only one who's impressed by the overall design of the Fiero? Aside from the then-revolutionary space frame technique for attaching the body panels, and the fact that the Fiero is essentially a GM parts bin special mechanically, this was a truly remarkable car. The Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky could be considered a new-age revival of the basic Fiero concept (along with reuse of several existing GM parts), I've always considered GM's short-sighted cancellation of this platform to be one of their most unfortunate decisions. Great job on the shifter mechanism, Ronnie! The fact that sadly your hard work will be concealed under the shifter mechanism doesn't change the end result that you will at least feel the improvement everytime you change gears.

[@Kardall]

Knowing that you put that much effort into the shifter, and that the plastic (even though it's not visible) is so discolored... That would drive me absolutely bonkers.

[@MrCromocrunch]

Thought you were going to 3D print a replacement for that plastic part.

[@vikingman4614]

It would be too weak

[@firefly2472]

@@vikingman4614 then you have not seen my 3dprints. But yes probably to weak indeed.

[@ellioteason5155]

I love how inspiring yet nostalgic this music is. Makes me feel like I'm at the end of a great journey and I am getting flashbacks of all the great memories leading up to it.

[@jefferysmith3930]

It was so soothing to watch. Especially the loving and careful reassembly. The Grease application was especially therapeutic. I admire your determination to make this little car as good as it can be. Great video series.

[@nathanwitt6217]

You putting it back together gave me woody getting restored vibes

[@MingWLee]

For one second, I thought you cannot stand that discolored plastic and made/order a new one 😆😆 Have I told you how much I love this Fiero rebuild? As a previous 88 Fiero owner, watching all this not only brings back memory but also like my Fiero is being rebuild just like yours. I wish my Fiero was still around *sighs*

[@jessecuster5877]

I like the way you explain things to make it easier for everyone to understand.

[@MelonTL_YH2]

Ronald Finger with that Restoration Channel vibe in this video.

[@Code_Monkey]

Ronald - dude - nice touch with the timepiece.

[@wombocombo9804]

No but foreal so many other you tubers don’t have your level of attention to detail I love this series

[@kanjarr]

Man's got great work ethic on the blaster

[@jwvandegronden]

had a few involuntary snorts, chuckles and coffee spilling moments thanks to the dad jokes you wove into the fabric of your narration. You are a great story teller my man! Probably also thanks to your growth in that skill throughout your series, but already episode one was a pleasure to watch. Always looking forward to the next episode!

[@jacobfleming565]

I've been watching your videos since you first started the fiero project and you inspired me to a buy an 80 volvo 242 to restore that sat in a guys backyard for 18 years. It was insanely dusty and you could feel it in your lungs when you're inside your car. I gave the paint a wash and it looked a hundred times better. I guess it was in a very minor accident before it was parked the bumper was crunched and grille gone but other than a lil rust its fine

[@jacobfleming565]

Aw the heart from ronald went away cause I edited it :(

[@qwertyuiop32935]

Very wholesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@seanseanseanseansean]

Hi, Ronald. When you get the car rolling, I want to invite you to come to a certain all-Pontiac car show. We will see you at the yearly Pontiac Automobile Museum in Pontiac, Illinois. On a Saturday we have a cruise-in at the town square near Route 66. On a Sunday, we have judged classes, all Pontiacs. There is always a large and interesting assortment of Fieros there.

[@DjDestinyChicago]

I never thought I’d be this interested in a Pontiac Fiero. Im gonna be a little sad when it’s finished. This has been very enjoyable to watch all of the progress. You’re doing a great job on it 👍

[@alexbrown1995]

If you haven't discovered Bad Obsession Motorsports and Project Binky, may I suggest you have a look? It's kept me busy for a few years now....

[@randytheapplianceguy8838]

Outstanding Ronald. You have a gift for sure and for certain.

[@jessecuster5877]

There's my favorite fiero getting the love it deserves!

[@enriquerrs]

Wow the assembly was so satisfying

[@johnathekid1040]

Excellent content. Look forward to your next project

[@bluebirdpowers8069]

This felt like a dream builds mountain bike video

[@RCAvhstape]

Ronald, this is important: I hope you placed the Micro-Machines Chevy back in the Fiero. When ships are built they hide a coin under the base of the mast for good luck. Obviously, this car has been lucky, since it got adopted by you, and that little toy car may be the charm.

[@forrestgraves4022]

Came here to post something similar. 👍👍

[@BaseSRKI]

Halfway through, already soooo satisfying!

[@thatdirtymichiganmusician1038]

If you ever decide to drive it regularly you’ll be under that hood every day. I have an 87 and man is it one hell of a project. I love it to pieces but it’s constant work.

[@bennetfox]

It has been an absolute pleasure to watch you restore this car. Keep up the good work!

[@MD_Builds]

Nice relaxing music in this one when you were taking the shifter apart.

[@largra]

It always fascinates me how large and comlex objects like this gearshifter, an engine, or even spacecrafts are kept secure and functioning by tiny, simple clips and O-rings

[@17969296]

The vibe of Saturday projects is just great

[@dougfromsoanierana]

Forget the restoration and rebuilds here - I’m impressed you know the names of all of these obscure parts.

[@hairymcsnatch1340]

"a little discoloration on the shaft, that should probaly be checked out by a doctor" that had me dieing 😂

[@martynh5410]

Me too!

[@nickturner2813]

"Probaly", "dieing"? You dumb cluck.

[@masonlovesroblox]

Dieing??????

[@martynh5410]

@@masonlovesroblox probaly

[@hairymcsnatch1340]

@@nickturner2813 ok so I misspelled a couple of words and you gonna call me "a dumb cluck" whatever the hell that means,, makes you look kinda rude

[@Chilicharger665]

The music was very relaxing. Great mechanical restoration work, too.

[@bertaboosted8839]

I enjoy watching things be done right.

[@zmarko]

You do such great work man. Kudos.

[@davidsolloway9349]

Really enjoy your Fiero adventures !

[@hondaman6918]

These videos are always so satisfying. Awesome!

[@murraydodd]

Episode 1 4.2 million viewers episode 13 215,000 this is what happens when it takes forever for you to produce your videos I was enthralled with this series and now I just want to see the damn car finished

[@ReverseProof]

All I can say is magnificent, Ronald!

[@azharsyarawi]

I absolutely love what you’ve done with the ride. Whilst I understand that you do this in your spare time, I do wish you had another classic rebuild in the future. Hopefully with the same effort taken!! Well done young man!

[@karenmurray3098]

excellent results , keep up the great work

[@cuddlebloops5217]

I think this is among the few episodes where nothing actually goes wrong.

[@RonaldFinger]

Oh dang, I didn’t even realize that! Hopefully this continues as a trend

[@forrestgraves4022]

I kept expecting an e-clip to fly away, followed by some choice words.

[@Tubig4]

Great work man, very satisfying. keep up the great work

[@diogodias2855]

Man this videos was great af, the all series as been. Your choice of music for this videos is just great, its so relaxing listening and watching them. Just perfect, the shots, the editing, the music, the work, EVERYTHING! Love from Portugal

[@GeminiWoods]

Best believe I'm sticking around for future projects! Thank you for the great content.