Hey everyone, I just joined the site. I'm 16, and in under two months I'll have my license. My uncle recently gave me his 88 Firebird Formula (5.0L V8), and though my dad previously owned it (and gave it back after buying a 2000 celica gt-s because he couldnt commute well in the snow) and did some work on it, he never really got around to any body work.

My main concern is that I have no idea how to begin painting the rubber wraparound spoiler on the car. The car itself is white and the spoiler is a nice mix of black rubber and white paint chips. If anyone could tell me how to best get the chips off and then a way to paint it to protect against rain, I would be very appreciative.

Also, I know it doesn't belong in this section, but the driver side headlight doesn't move up or down, but the other is fine. I was wondering how I would go about pin-pointing the problem. My uncle said it wasn't receiving power, but I want to make sure for myself.

Thanks everyone!

 

[B]Hey everyone, I just joined the site. I'm 16, and in under two months I'll have my license. My uncle recently gave me his 88 Firebird Formula (5.0L V8), and though my dad previously owned it (and gave it back after buying a 2000 celica gt-s because he couldnt commute well in the snow) and did some work on it, he never really got around to any body work.


welcome to the boards, this place is great.

My main concern is that I have no idea how to begin painting the rubber wraparound spoiler on the car. The car itself is white and the spoiler is a nice mix of black rubber and white paint chips. If anyone could tell me how to best get the chips off and then a way to paint it to protect against rain, I would be very appreciative.

don't bother with it right now, save your money for a fiberglass one, these rubber spoilers crack and bubble all the time. don't waste money on it


Also, I know it doesn't belong in this section, but the driver side headlight doesn't move up or down, but the other is fine. I was wondering how I would go about pin-pointing the problem. My uncle said it wasn't receiving power, but I want to make sure for myself.

either the relay is shot or the motor is fried




my first advice for your is to get a haynes manual for 82-92 firebirds.

it'll help you with tons of stuff

 

Hmm I have a rubber spoiler too. But I dont htink yours should be rubber if it's an 88. And since I dont think you can paint the rubber ones, unless you have a flex agent or something, you might just look into getting a hard one, that way you can paint it normally.

 

They were all rubber (i believe) until the newer style in 1991, unless it was the smaller pedestal spoiler, which it wasnt if its on a Formula.

These guys are right though. Dont waste your time painting it at all. Even the most pristine off garage babied Firebirds have spoilers going to ****. They are garbage.

Get a Fiberglass repro, or look in to other spoiler options...

 

Thanks for the advice guys, I think what I'll do is start saving for a fiberglass one but paint it with a flex paint for now until I have enough cash for it.

Kretos, I have a huge manual for it, I think it's the haynes one. Also, I was told the motor was fine, it just wasnt receiving power (the motor). How would I go about changing a relay? (and where to get one?)

Thanks everyone.

edit :: Also, would anyone happen to know of a good rust remover/sealer? I have a bit of rust on my drivers side door above where it says formula.