Hey everyone. I own three Fieros and two Sunfires. My Fieros (two '84s and an '86, all notchbacks) are my favorite cars, but I'll keep discussion of them over at www.fiero.nl as much as possible! These three cars are in the planning stages of engine swaps and various modifications and restoration. They are all partially dismantled, and therefore non-drivable.

Which is why I bought a '98 Sunfire to drive instead, which is the reason I'm here. I also have a '96 Sunfire, just for parts. A lucky coincidence got me the parts car for $40. It's got the three-speed auto with only 8000 miles on it. It replaced an old one that apparently went out on the previous owner. The engine's condition is claimed to be seized, but I think the moron who sold it to me mistook a bad starter for a more serious problem . . . in any case, it's just a parts car and doesn't matter much. Both cars have the 2.2L engine. The '98 is a five-speed.

I have been using the '98 for escorting oversize loads for a few months now, but am getting out of the business. So at the moment, it's decked out with lights, signs, a CB radio, antennae, etc. Don't worry, none of it is permanent mount stuff! Lol. I'll be getting rid of it and from here on out will mostly be interested in keeping my 160k car running reliably, as well as getting tips on general maintenance and hopefully hearing some innovative ideas and suggestions for useful modifications, mostly in the departments of increasing fuel efficiency, performance, and in the audio area.

Right now I'm stuck on a broken driver's side (both Sunfires are two-door models) door latch assembly in the '98. I'd like to transplant the latch from the '96 into it, but having removed the interior door skin/panel/whatever the hell you call it, I'm stumped. I removed the three screws securing it to the door, but even after screwing around with it, flashlight set in the door cavity, and both hands trying to manipulate it into the right positions, I can't seem to maneuver the damn thing in the correct way to disengage the various rods attaching it to the handles and locks. Can anyone fill me in on the correct way to get this latch assembly disconnected from the rods and out of the car? The Haynes manual isn't real helpful beyond having informed me to remove the screws and the door skin. Lol.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to hanging out here on the forum and learning and contributing what and where I can. Thanks!