November 20th, 2021
NIFE Winter Meeting KICK-OFF - Zoom Meeting:

Join us for another online Zoom NIFE Club Meeting on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 9:00am (CST). We are scheduling this event to last one hour to allow time for our guest speakers to take questions from the audience. We will place a link to this online meeting under the Events tab on fierofocus.com and via an E-blast sent out a few days prior.

Our meeting discussion topic will focus on electric cars, which will be rapidly introduced in the coming years. Get a leg up on this new technology with NIFE Board Members Bill Klicker and Art Hall, who will discuss some of the fundamentals of hybrid and electric vehicles. Topics will include details of operation, drivetrain components, and general owner experience. This focus of this meeting will lead into our January NIFE Club Meeting when we will discuss NIFE Member Kimberly Reck's electric Fiero that she recently rebuilt. Perhaps a project you might consider undertaking to add more power to your Fiero?
October 9th, 2021
NIFE Fall Color Tour - Three Oaks, MI:

Join us Saturday, October 9, 2021 for NIFE's 2021 Fall Color Tour as we explore a historic lighthouse and museum along the shores of Lake Michigan, and enjoys a lunchtime cook-out at a Michigan resort.
We'll meet at the south end of the Tri-State Tollway at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis. The oasis is located over I-80/294 at mile marker 1.0 near South Holland, IL. Begin arriving around 10:00am for a 10:30am departure. We'll start with a 45-mile trip, working our way north to Route 12, driving through Ogden Dunes and the Indiana Dunes National Park, on to the historic lighthouse in Michigan City, IN. After a tour of the lighthouse (a small fee is required), our journey continues 24 miles eastward to Lakeside Cabins Resort (lakesidecabinsresort.com) in Three Oaks, MI. NIFE Member Tim Panfil has generously agreed to host a cook-out with all the fixings near his vacation home on the resort.

After lunch, you will be on your own to explore Michiana. There are so many attractions in the area that you might event consider booking a hotel room in the area. A list of activities will be provided, which include hiking at the nearby Warren Woods State Park, a botanical garden, hanging out at the beach or climbing a sand dune, visiting local microbreweries and wineries, or seeking your fortune at one of the many casinos.

It promises to be a full and memorable day at one of the region's most popular vacation areas. You don't want to miss this one!

We will need to know if you are participating in this event no later than Wednesday, October 6, 2021 so meal preparations can be made.

Please contact me (call/text) at 630-346-1721 or art319@ameritech.net to reserve your spot for the 2021 NIFE Fall Color Tour.
September 19th, 2021
NIFE Car Show Event Pontiac Museum Regional Car Show - Pontiac, IL:

Join us as we head to Pontiac, IL for the 10th annual Regional All Pontiac Cruise And Show. This is one of the largest all Pontiac shows in the area with over 200 cars last year. Let's make sure Fieros are again well represented this year. The show benefits the Pontiac/Oakland Museum located in Pontiac, IL, an organization that is preserving Pontiac history, including the Fiero. The show is on Sunday, September 19, 2021 in downtown Pontiac, IL.  Besides the show, this event is also a great opportunity to check out the Pontiac/Oakland Museum, the Route 66 Museum, and the Livingston County War Museum. We will meet in the parking lot of the Cheddar's Restaurant in Bolingbrook, IL located at the Northwest corner of the intersection of I-55 and Route 53. We will be leaving from the parking lot at 8:00am sharp, so please begin arriving anytime after 7:30am. We will then travel South on I-55 to Pontiac, IL with an expected arrival time around 9:30am. The show hours are from 10:00am until 2:00pm with the awards ceremony at 3:30pm.

             
Meeting Location          Show Location
September 10-12th, 2021
Fierorama 25 - St. Charles, IL:

The 25th Annual Fierorama. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 10th through Sunday, September 12th.
Find more information on this years historical show on the Fierorama page or the Fierorama Facebook page
August 21, 2021
NIFE's 30 miles for 30 years events for June, July and August:

Join us Saturday, August 21, 2021 as we continue to celebrate NIFE's 30th anniversary with our final installment of the "30 miles for 30 years" event. Please begin meeting after 3:30pm for a 4:00pm departure from the McDonald's Restaurant located at 1190 East State Street in Geneva, IL (aka Route 38/
Roosevelt Road). After crossing the mighty Fox River, we'll head north for about a half hour before turning east and making a circuitous route to Augustino's Rock and Roll Deli and Grill located at 246 Schmale Road (at St. Charles Road) in Carol Stream, IL. We should be arriving around 5:30pm if you prefer to meet us at the restaurant. This will be a great opportunity to try Augustino's excellent deli sandwiches, wraps, and burgers amongst their unique decor of rock and roll memorabilia. If you have them, please be sure to bring your two-way radios so we can socialize during our drive.

             
Meeting Location          Augustino's
August 6-8, 2021
Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend - Crystal Lake, IL (NEW LOCATION):

August 6-8, 2021, the Cruisin' Tigers Pontiac Club will be hosting their 30th Indian Uprising weekend at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn located at 800 South Illinois Route 31 in Crystal Lake, IL.

There will be a very informal 30th anniversary dinner on Friday night with the movie "Grease" shown on the big screen! It's sure to be a packed night full of laughs, stories, and fun. Saturday's events include the Feature Car show, which includes the Pontiac Grand Prix and all convertible Pontiacs. The show begins at 12 noon. Saturday evening is when the all makes and all models 8th annual Mega Cruise-In begins with over 1,000 cars expected. There will be live music and loads of food! On Sunday morning, the Legends of Pontiac Speaker Panel begins at 10:00am. Sunday is the big day for the popular vote car show with over 600 Pontiacs expected. There will also be a huge swap meet taking place all weekend long. Registration is $31.50 per car. You may register your car on-site at the show all day Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning. This event draws all models of Pontiacs from across the Midwest. NIFE out-of-towners, this is a huge event. Why not make a weekend of it and visit your NIFE friends? Come on out and help us show off our Fiero spirit! For all of the event and lodging information, visit cruisintigers.com.

       
Holiday Inn - Show Location
July 24, 2021
NIFE's 30 miles for 30 years events for June, July and August:

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, we will take the southern approach to celebrate NIFE's 30 miles for 30 years
by participating in a cruise night held at the Eastwood store, 12100 South Cicero Ave in Alsip, IL. We'll
depart at 4:00pm from the McDonald's at 778 South Weber Road in Romeoville, IL, where you may
begin gathering after 3:30pm. Our route will include seeing famous facilities like Stateville Correctional
Center and several golf courses in the area before reaching the cruise night around 5:00pm.
Once there, we'll look over the cars, socialize, grab a bite to eat, and browse the cool automotive tools in
the Eastwood store. If you can't join in for the drive over, you can meet us at the Eastwood store, which
will be open until 8:00pm. The cruise night will be an all makes/models event. If you have them, please be
sure to bring your two-way radios so we can socialize during our drive.

             
Meeting Location          Eastwood
June 11-13, 2021
NIFE On The Road:

We are planning to head to Minnesota to support our fellow Fiero club, Minnesota Fieros Forever (MFF), by
attending their "Back To The 80s" show where they invite all modes of transportation produced between 1980-1989. The show takes place in the southern suburbs of Minneapolis (Burnsville area) on June 12, 2021.

We will meet on Friday, June 11, 2021at the McDonald's on I-90 in Newville, WI exit 163 at 9:00am to begin the four and-a-half-hour drive. You will have time once we arrive in Minnesota to rest up from the drive or explore the area, including the Mall of America, where there is a group dinner planned possibly including some members from the MFF club.

We will then attend the show on Saturday, have dinner after the show locally to the hotel and show, and head
home Sunday morning. Hotel info and exact location of the show will be released by the MFF club shortly. Keep your eyes on the next Fiero Focus issue, the NIFE Facebook page and fierofocus.com for updates.

Or contact me, Scott Campbell, for any information you may need. My cell number is 630-816-5291 and my email is LTLgt88@gmail.com.
June 3-6, 2021
Dells Run 2021:

It is time again for our annual Fiero community pilgrimage to the Wisconsin Dells. The Fiero Fanatics of Wisconsin will be hosting Fiero owners from across the Midwest starting Thursday, June 3, 2021, and running through Sunday, June 6, 2021 for the 28th annual Dells Run event. This event is four days of Fiero fun with countless opportunities to meet new Fiero friends and experience everything Fiero - from mild to wild!
The Dells Run will be the first stop on this year's Midwest Fiero Clubs' (MWFC) show circuit.
The host hotel and show site will again be the Chula Vista Resort. Call 1-888-601-7053 to make your reservations. Please call early to guarantee a room and ask for the "Fiero Fanatics Club" discount. It is a beautiful location and the staff has been very accommodating to all of the Fiero people in the past. Please consider pre-registering for this event. A registration form is available to download on our website at Fierofocus.com or visit fierofanatics.com for more information.
On Sunday, June 6, 2021, we will caravan back to Illinois after the awards ceremony and traditional NIFE club photo. We plan to be on the road headed back home by 11:30am-12:00pm. Join us for great times and good fun in the scenic Wisconsin Dells.

Click the PRINT icon to download and print out the 2021 Dells Run registration form
May 15, 2021
Spring Driving Tour:

Hello Fiero fans! Are you ready for our 2021 Spring Driving Tour? This year's event will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2021. It's time to take the covers off of your Fieros and get ready to drive.
This year's event is about our Fieros and friends, so wash your Fiero up and get ready to give it the exercise it deserves.

We will start off at the Fierorama host hotel, the Quality Inn, located at 1600 East Main Street (Route 64/North Avenue) in St. Charles, IL. You may begin arriving at 9:30am and we will depart at 9:45am to begin our 50-mile journey. We will be heading North for this year's trip. There are a lot of sites we plan to see so
bring a co-pilot to take photos for you. At the conclusion of this year's Tour, if you feel comfortable doing so, please join us for hot dogs and hamburgers at a Round Lake, IL staple restaurant called Lily's. Lily's is owned by the head cook whose name is Sam, a personal friend of mine. I thought it would be nice to help him out knowing that so many restaurants are struggling during the pandemic. The prices are second to none. This is a cash only eatery so be sure to grab a twenty to cover your cost of food. Social distancing and masks will be required; there are plenty of places to eat outside, though, so let's hope for good weather! We will park behind the building so we can all be together.

After you are done eating, there are other places you can visit within 20 minutes of Lily's, such as Gurnee Mills shopping mall and the Volo Auto Museum (opening dependent upon COVID restrictions). I look forward to seeing many Fieros participate this year. How many do you think we can get together? It will be nice to get out for a day away from COVID. If you have any questions, please ask away; my contact information is in the board members box on the Membership Update page. See you on May 15th!

             

Host Hotel           Lily's Restaurant
April 17, 2021
NIFE VIRTUAL Meeting:

ZOOM MEETING REGISTRATION LINK >>>https://zoom.us/.../tJAkfuuhqzwpGNf8O9zdzyImX31OleSMl1US

Join us for another Zoom online NIFE Club Meeting on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 9:00am (CST). We are
scheduling this event to last one hour to allow time for our guest speaker to take questions from the audience. We will place a link to this online meeting under the Events tab on fierofocus.com and via an
E-blast sent out a few days prior. At this meeting, Ray Dyreson of Tech From Ray's Desk fame, will
discuss how to obtain and use part numbers. Topics will include using the 22P GM parts manual, GM and AC Delco part numbers, GM line codes, GM group numbers, number interchanges and buyer's guides. We will also touch on current sources for GM, AC Delco and aftermarket parts. Since Ray has been around
automobiles for quite some time, he will explain why we need to be careful about parting out too many Fieros and not keeping enough of them on the road as it relates to future parts availability.
March 20, 2021
NIFE VIRTUAL Meeting (Get to know NIFE club member Kevin Holm):

ZOOM MEETING REGISTRATION LINK >>>https://zoom.us/.../tJIqf-Chrj4uH9JMVsGY28MAFjp54t3qe8Bh

Join us for another Zoom online NIFE Club Meeting on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 9:00am (CST). We are scheduling this event to last one hour to allow time for our guest speakers to take questions from the audience. We will place a link to this online meeting under the Events tab on fierofocus.com and via an E-blast sent out a few days prior. At this meeting, we will have the opportunity to get to know NIFE club member Kevin Holm from Illinois and his newly restored '86 Fiero GT. For Kevin, the Fiero wasn't even a thought until a video popped up in his YouTube recommendations. After months of searching locally for the perfect, no issues Fiero for a good price, there were none to be found. Then, after randomly driving around, he saw a neglected fastback GT parked in a driveway.

A few months later, he purchased this well-worn '86 Fiero GT. Kevin's goal was to bring this Fiero back to life as close to factory original as he could. Since buying it in late December 2019, it was all ready to be shown at Fiero Day 2020 this past September, only ten months after purchase! Please join us to learn much more about the entire restoration process Kevin completed on his Fiero and his plans for it in the future! We hope you can join us online.
February 20, 2021
NIFE VIRTUAL Meeting (Micro Projects For Your Fiero Part II):


ZOOM MEETING REGISTRATION LINK >>>

Join us on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 9:00am (CST), join us for a Zoom online NIFE Club Meeting. We are scheduling this event to last one hour to allow time for our guest speakers to take questions from the audience. We will place a link to this online meeting under the Events
tab on Fierofocus.com and via an E-blast sent out a few days prior. The theme of this club meeting will again be "Micro Projects": small projects that can make big improvements in your Fiero, and which do not take much time to complete.

We have four presentations scheduled for the meeting agenda, which are:

1. Nick DiMonte will discuss how to install a simple, low cost manual switch to turn on your cooling fan to ease your fears as your coolant temperature gauge begins to rise!

Paul Vargyas, NIFE Member At Large

2. Many Fieros have caught on fire within the HVAC system inside the front cowl area, due to leaves and rodent debris that has found its way inside. Learn how to prevent this catastrophe by
getting access inside the system by removing and checking the HVAC fan and resistor.

Art Hall, NIFE Activity Director


3. Have you ever wanted better spark plug wires for your Fiero and could never find pre-made wires that you liked? For my micro project I will show you how to make a set of Accel 8mm spark plug wires for your Fiero. It is a great project that only takes a few minutes to do, and the results are great!

Tom Griffiths, NIFE Activity Director

4. I will discuss some low-cost, easy to install headlight modifications for the Fiero.

Ken Nagel, NIFE Club Secretary
January 16, 2021
NIFE VIRTUAL Meeting (Micro Projects For Your Fiero Part I):


ZOOM MEETING LINK >>>

Join us on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 9:00am (CST), join us for a Zoom online NIFE Club Meeting. We are scheduling this event to last one hour to allow time for our guest speakers to take questions from the audience. We will place a link to this online meeting under the Events tab on Fierofocus.com and via an E-blast sent out a few days prior.  The theme of this club meeting is "Micro Projects": small projects that can make big improvements in your Fiero, and which do not take much time to complete. We have four presentations scheduled for the meeting agenda, which are:

1. Black Top Racing Stealth Wing Stands - this segment will discuss the installation of these wing stands. I was lucky enough to purchase one of only ten sets produced of these wing stands at the 35th Anniversary event back in 2018 from the now defunct Black Top Racing. These wing stands may come up for sale at some point if you are interested in purchasing a set in the future. During this meeting, I will walk through the process of installation and point out some of the issues I encountered in the preparation phase. I will also discuss some dress up ideas that help compliment the Stealth Wing upgrade. Overall, it is a very simple installation with no additional hardware or drilling of new holes in the rear decklid required. After the meeting I will be happy to send more detailed instructions if you would like to tackle a project such as this.  
Mike Kroyer, NIFE Art/Web Director


2. Fiero GT Taillight Restoration - Does the thought of taking sandpaper to your rare and expensive GT taillights make you cringe? It did for me too, but I had a few spare taillights with some significant scratches in the lens, but fortunately no delamination. In this Micro Projects meeting segment, I'll discuss the disassembly, cleaning and refinishing of the '86-'88 OEM Fiero GT taillights.

Bill Klicker, NIFE Technical Director

3. LED Interior Lighting - Having problems seeing your dashboard at nighttime due to the 1980s style light bulbs that were used in your 30+ year old Fiero? In my segment, I will explain and show (through pictures) how to brighten your dashboard lights by replacing them with LED bulbs. It is not as difficult as it may seem. I will also include information on other interior lighting replacements, as well as the sources I used for my project.

Mark Soeldner, NIFE Membership Director

4. Gauge Needle Restoration - Quick question! What is the original color of the needles for the dashboard gauge clusters? Yellow? Orange? Most Fieros you see these days have yellow colored needles due to fading by the sun and age. The true original color of the needles is reflective orange. During my segment, you will learn how easy it is to restore the gauge needles on your dashboard to give it a fresh, new look.

Jim Hallman NIFE President
 

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