Oldsmobile Aurora

matrixfrog

I also took some pictures of my car yesterday. I have to go get the disk and find a place to put them.

Hammen2 - I get that problem too. What I did is went to the car wash tried and spraying it off with the power sprayer. It worked but when it dried I could still see it. I used STP with a small brush to get it out of the grooves. STP works good and makes it look great but watch out for dusty area cause dust likes to stick to STP.

Watch for my pics soon....

matrixfrog

Got some pics.

I planned on taking of the plastic piece that holds on the front lisence plate but I seen a car like mine with it off and the paint was faded and there were some ugly holes in the bumper. I decided that when the County Fair comes around I'll buy a custom liscence plate and have them paint it the same color of my car with a gold aurora symbol on it.

These picture really dont show the magnificant paint job on my car. If you were up close to my car you would see the paint has a sparkle flake in it and it's really a lighter green. I think all of our cars have this sparkle in them but you really cant tell from pictures.

Anyway, thats my baby.

matrixfrog

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1548204&a=11739935&p=47790566&f=0

matrixfrog

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1548204&a=11739935&p=47790554

matrixfrog

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1548204&a=11739935&p=47790550&f=0

matrixfrog

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1548204&a=11739935&p=47790548

For some reason they wouldnt let me have the links all in my message.

zinc1

Wow, Matrixfrog, those are excellent! You guys are really raising the bar on the classic pics. The door protectors don't look bad either. I almost fell for the racing stripes on the 'other' car as well

You guys know I'm gonna ask if I can make pages for these beauties on the Classic site. Hammen2?

matrixfrog

Feel free to use my pics anywhere. The silver car in the back ground is my 89 Chevy Corsica. That is my beater car. It has black electrical tape racing stripes and green shag interior w/ a snake skin fabric cieling. It is a piece but it gets excellent gas millage.

Henry

I think it would be a nice idea if you guys posted pictures with you in them. You guys already know my "baby face". Let's see that pride of ownership smile.

tpken

Frog - you have a great looking Aurora there. Ain't it great to look outside and see that beauty sitting there just waiting for you to jump in and turn that key.

Enjoy your sweet Aurora ride!

Ken

matrixfrog

The 2nd link I posted is my favorite pic. I requested some info on the new aurora from www.oldsmobile.com and they sent me a video and a hefty booklet. Nice to see oldsmobile do this for people. Havn't watched the video yet. In the 2nd pic you can see how the front fenders are flared. I always thought the aurora would look a little more "roadster" like if the fends were flared even more. just a thought anyways. Look here tomorrow. Im gonna try and get out and put together some small video clips of the aurora in motion. We'll see if I actually do or not. Does any one know what the biggest rim the aurora can fit on it is? Im starting to save some money for a very large rim/very small tire package.

zinc1

Matrix - I put the high-res pics on the classic site as Richard's '98 in the gallery.
Also got inspired and waxed mine up for some pics this afternoon. Posted them as Rex's (my) '96. But just noticed I forgot to put the moonroof up, oh well.

hammen2

Hey Zinc, feel free to use my pics wherever you like.

Thanks for the STP/brush recommendation, matrixfrog. I'll give it a shot and see if it helps get the excess wax off the underside plastic.

A few quick questions for the group:

a) I've got a couple of lights (passenger side front, license plate right) that have condensation/water in them. Is this something that'd be covered under warranty? Obviously a small leak somewhere...

b) I get condensation, but no apparent leakage, in all 4 windows around the edge of the glass. Since these windows are frameless, is this normal?

c) On both my '98 Aurora, and my mother-in-law's, the "right mirror points down when in Reverse" feature is goofy - when you shift back into Park or Drive, the mirror points itself up to the sky. Does this sound like it needs to be recalibrated or something?

These are the only minor nits I can find in my vehicle. I'm still amazed I got the car that I did (Bose/changer/Acoustimass/Autobahn/etc.), in the shape it was in (very clean, 27k miles) for $17k.

I wish I could find a place where I could test out my Autobahn package :-)

--Robert

matrixfrog

I have the same problem with my windows. Mine only does it when I wash my car. I dont think it is leaking in. I think it is from the hot car wash water. Doesn't leak but some how condensates on the rubber. When ever I wash my car I always have to give the windows and rubber stripping a wipe down.

My Aurora also has that buggy feature with the parralel parking assist mirror. If I leave it on and put it in reverse the 3rd or 4th time it will do that. I just leave the power mirror switch on the right side to disable it. Personally I dont like this feature (I never parralel park anyway) but I think it is nice to have that as an option.

Your a lucky guy, I wish I could of found a used Aurora I liked w/ Autobahn.

Henry

For those Aurorians that do not have the Autobahn package, it can be added. You need to upgrade the tires and change a few prongs and something else. I know someone that did it. The upgrade to the tires is needed becuase there will no longer be a governor at 109mph and you need the better tires for the increased speed. Personally, unless you plan on driving over 109 mph (known as the "Zinc Zone"), I don't know if its worth the effort.

matrixfrog

I thought about doing this. I didnt know if it was possible without a TON of work. I know I'll keep it under 100mph anyway so I dont really need Z rated tires. Please give me some more info......

Henry

Comment was made on the Bonne board and thought I would share it here.

Supermarkets and the local Home Depot/Loews present the greatest parking challenge.

We need to park away from other paint damaging cars, everybody knows this (Parking 101). The special tricks are (Advanced Parking 301):

1) Park on the up grade so that shopping carts will not roll into the car.

2) Park in the most popular direction, so that if some num nut does decide to park next to you (I have had this happen) at least the car is facing in the right direction to have the door guards offer some protection.

3) Park so that there are no cars behind or in front of you. I learned this after a woman backed into my aROARa when pulling out of her parking space. No cars on either side of me, but she got me from the rear. Why is it always a Lincoln??

4) Avoid parallel parking at all costs. No matter how much room the person in front or behind you has to park, rest assured that the person parking in front/behind you will have to "tap your bumper just to make sure."

5) When parking at the job's parking lot, be sure to park in the shade, or at least facing the sun. The aftermarket sunshades do not protect the sides or back of the car. At least this way, you can help to save your dashboard.

6) When taking up two spaces (on a good day I have taken up four spaces) be sure to be far enough out so that someone does not feel the need to key your car for taking up 2 or more spaces.

7) Realize that having the car at a mall during the holiday shopping season is almost certain ding. Better to get a rental, or a beater car if you must go.

8) No matter what you do, realize that the inconsiderate will eventually get you.

DID I LEAVE ANYTHING OUT?????

Henry

Well I would have to agree with you guys. I know I have the best looking car in the state. Everywhere I go I know people are thinking that they wish they had my 95 Classic. She's a clean machine.

I thought I was the only one that walked up to my car thinking -- Damm the car looks good!

I don't know how many of you have experienced this but, I have gone to dealerships and seen Auroras for sale that are newer than mine, such as a 97 or 98, and they do not look as good as the Princess. In fact, I once parked my car next to a 98 and some people that were visiting the dealership thought that my car was the newer model. They wanted to know if I had any updated features over the older model being sold by the dealership.

Maybe its the color, but I have found that the 'Roara looks best on an overcast day or in the early evening. I think it is because the shadows let you see the lines on the car better. Then again, it may just be becuse of the color.

MATRIXFROG - Hey NEO! - I would have to ask my friend what was involved. He did the upgrade well over a year ago.

matrixfrog

Thanks Henry I'd appreciate it. I've never driven an Aurora w/ Autobahn package. In fact the only Aurora I've ever driven has been my own. So my question is to the people that have driven both how much of a difference is there between the two.

etharmon

Great pictures and I love that color combination(black on black). BTW, how are things in the Badger State:) That sounds like an excellent deal you go on yours. If I can find a deal like that on a low mileage 98 or 99 which is in excellent shape and has the features I want(sunroof, heated seats, Bose) I'll seriously consider it. My color choices would either be black, dark red, midnight blue, or bronzemist.

pat

Sorry if this message is a rerun, but....

Would you be interested in having your own space in our Owners Club section?

For those who might not know, the Owners Club is a dedicated folder where you can have as many discussions as you would like. Take a look at some of them here to get an idea of the possibilities. You are not able to create your own discussions, but Karen makes them for you - all you have to do is ask. This discussion will remain here on the Sedans board, but will be linked to the Owners Club folder as well, making it accessible from either place.

You can "subscribe" to the entire owners folder, which makes reading all the posts in the various discussions very easy to do. You will also eventually have the opportunity to have regularly scheduled owners' chats if you are interested in doing so.

Let me know if you have any questions - just give me a couple of positive posts on the idea, and I'll get the ball rolling.

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards

arcoates

What does this "power" button on the classic aurora shifter do? I hear that it increases the power of something? Is it just a sport shift button, like in the Catera? Or does it actually do something that gives the car more power? I don't think it worked that well, from what I have read on here, and because GM did not include it on my 2K1.~ A.R.

P.S. Great pictures of the classics- you guys really love your cars. Even though the classics aren't my favourite cars, I can't fault you for loving yours so much.

matrixfrog

The Power button engaged downshifts faster and holds higher RPM. I think thats what I read.

Henry

POWER BUTTON

Woo Good god yall

WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

Say it again now . . . . .

((Am I dating myself again??))

redskin024

i like your car but i think the chrome strips stand out too much. like your corsica, my beater is an 84 Pontiac 1000(chevette). i tinted the windows, put on 5 star chrome hubcaps, a chrome exhaust tip and had "Pontiac" lettered across my windshield. I bought one of those smiley face antenna balls too. I get a lot of stares in this car and a few think im No. 1. but its great for the winter.

when my dad had his black aurora, we definitely had the best car in our 'hood, especially when it was washed and waxed and had the tires shined. Then he traded it in for the tan one... not as nice looking. I think my friends parents red Grand Prix GTP topped the tan Aurora. But not the black one!

zinc1

Arcoates - The Power Button is called the Selectable Shift in my manual. It says: "For general driving conditions, use the normal mode... In the normal position, the transaxle shifts at lower engine speeds. For increased performance, you may choose the POWER mode." That's all it says

Henry - That was Edwin Starr. Eric Burdon and War did 'Spill the Wine' (cool song).

FYI - Curious if anyone knew that they can customize the automatic door locks? You can disable the auto locking when shifting into, or out of, park. Or you can make just the driver's door unlock when shifting into park.

tpken

Do any of you notice wind noise or leaks around the pillarless doors? I really like those 'hardtop' like frameless doors but wonder how the gaskets are standing up over time. They're very unique today whereas 30 years ago four door hardtops were everywhere - I loved mine. (had a 65 Impala and a 72 DeVille)

Ken

zinc1

Tpken - Wind noise is pretty common from what I've read and experienced. Mine starts around 70mph at the driver's side back seat window. I can reach back and press the seal against the window and stop it.

Hammen2 - I put your pictures on the classic site as Robert's 98. Thanks. They're huge files, though, so I may take the liberty of lowering the compression about 20% (not noticeable) for faster load times.

arcoates

Thanks for the power button info.

Answer me this- what is the wattage of the stereo on the classics. The stock one and the BOSE one. GM never publishes stereo specs, and I was wondering what the wattage on these things is like~ A.R.

gisom

Henry - I went to Olds to check on updating cupholders and they told me I had to buy the whole piece ($160). Is there any other way?

Matrix - I took my 95 on I-57 in Illinois and hit 120 with my autobahn but had to brake it down because some trucks were blocking my way.

dishwish

Hi, I'm new to the "Aurora Fan Club". I just bought a 98 Aurora in March. It is the nicest car that I have ever owned. I know the feeling about spending hours cleaning and re-cleaning. You can't walk away from this car. The biggest problem I have is, that I don't get to drive it. The significant other has it all the time, except when she wants it washed.

I do have one problem that I would like to ask you "Aurorians". I have a buzzing noise shortly after the car shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. You can feel this (one second) buzz or vibration in the gas pedal. This only happens one time, after the car is started. I can drive it all day and it doesn't buzz again. You shut off the car, and restart it, then the noise happens again the first time it shifts. I'm thinking it is in the transmission. It is still under warranty. I took it to the dealer, and they said all Auroras do this. I find that hard to believe. Has anyone experienced this?

Would appreciate some input on this problem. Dave

hardesty

If you normally start the car with your foot on the brake, I would say this might the ABS self diagnostic. There are different times that the diag happens in different cars. In my 2001 Aurora, the diagnostic happens on startup unless the brake is on, otherwise it happens on the first stop from at least 10mph. On my 1999 Silhouette it happens on startup or when the brake is released (and then you can feel it). Something that happens once per ignition cycle is most likely some kind of system self test. On the 2001 Auroras there are many such tests that occur. There are even pressure tests of the gas tank that can detect slow leaks in the evaporative recovery system.

zinc1

Arcoates - I don't know what the wattage is on the stereo. Mine's stock and I've wondered about that too. Maybe Jerry (Henry's bud)can find out:)

Dishwish - Welcome! Hardesty might be right, but mine used to make that noise every morning, first drive of the day. After that I could restart it any time and no noise. I haven't noticed it since replacing the transmission a few months ago. I'll listen for it and try the brake thing Hardesty mentioned as well.

Henry

Something is wrong with your dealer's pricing. The cupholder for a 95 is about $64.00. I brought one myself. The price he gave you sounds like more than just the cupholder. I would check another dealership. In New Jersey, the dealers will give prices over the phone.

Henri

Henry

I got gum on my carpet from gum on the sidewalk that I stepped into.

HOW DO I GET IT OUT!!!???!!!

hammen2

>I got gum on my carpet from gum on the
>sidewalk that I stepped into.
>
>HOW DO I GET IT OUT!!!???!!!

Henry,

Get some ice, put it in a plastic bag, and apply it to the gum for a few minutes to "freeze" it. That should make it easier to lift off of the carpet using a putty knife (if you have one), or a butter knife There are commercial spray solutions which do effectively the same thing, but cost $$.

This should get most, if not all, of it off. Try to vacuum the rest out. Don't rub or push on it, because that will only get it further embedded into the carpet fibers. If the ice trick/vacuuming doesn't remove all of it, you may need to get a stain remover from a janitorial supply store.

--"Heloise" Hammen

matrixfrog

The chrome strips are coming off. I thought they would look good but when I got them on I decided that a door frame is hidous enough without chome highlighting it. They'll be off soon.

Zinc, I knew about the programmable door locks, did you know about the programmable keyless entry? You can set it to turn on different lights and honk depending on what button you hit.

I had gum in my carpet of my Dodge Avenger. It took a lil while but I used Goo-Gone. Its a product used to remove sticky substances. Works great with stickers. Took a while with gum.

Any more info in making the conversion to Autobahn package?

I can actually notice a difference with the power button. The engine/transmission is so smooth it is hard to tell. If you look at your RPM gauge you will notice it will shift at different RPMs.

wingnut396

I would also be very interested in converted to an autobahn package. I would likely not be travelling at Zinc Factor 9, but I would like improved handling.

I have luck with my Jeeps finding parts in junk yards. Of course Grand Cherokees are a dime a dozen, so much easier to find. I have put in an overhead console in both GCs ive owned buy pulling them out of the junk yard. Much better than pricing than a dealer, you just have to do a little more work.

I seen many aROARa classics around here, but I have only noticed women drivers. I am in some unknown minority. Is that why there are so few posters in this forum? Just as an example, my wife LOVES her Jeep, but would never spend time posting or reading about it.

matrixfrog

I guess all I have to say is their are some who love their car and their are some who are infatuated with it.

Henry

matrixfrog

LOL! It's kinda earily to tell but I think it might be love. Every time I see her she catches my eye. Sometimes she appears in my dreams. I cant stand to see her with other people. It's gotta be love. heheheheheh

tpken

You know the old adage - look at her mother and that's what she'll look like! Holds true for my love - not sure how to apply to yours though!

Ken

matrixfrog

Quite a slow forum in the last couple days.

tpken

must have hit - it's pretty slow over in Bonneville land too. Hopefully everyone is outside enjoying the great weather (at least we have it here in New England hope elsewhere too).

Good opportunity to go shine up those Auroras!

Ken

zinc1

I think I heard it yesterday morning. If it's still making noise it's a lot quieter now.

mordecai24

Greetings Fellow Aurorians...

Sorry bout the title I just wanted to see if anybody really reads those things...

***** Engaging Mufti-post Mode*****

I found the most wonderful product for putting an even brighter shine on my Aurora!!!

Rain-X Fast Wax!!! Comes in a black spray bottle... Great thing about it is you can wax the car while it is still wet!!! I know everyone out there wipes the car down after washing so as to not have those disgusting water spots... Now you can wax the car at the same time... I was just hoping that it would do for my paint what regular Rain- does for my windows... Well low and behold it does and leaves a shine you can see your self in... "Mordecai you are a handsome one aren't you" Ooops sorry I went away for a second there I am back now...

The new and improved rear light up project...

This one has turned into quite a project... I have had 3 people in auto parts stores tell me I am crazy... One gentleman even went so far as to come out on the parking lot to see what I had in mind... He looked at the trunk lid like he actually knew what he was looking at and told me he can't help... So far I have one more plan in mind where this is concerned and if that doesn't work I will throw in the towel until I come up with something better... Lincoln has lights on the trunk lid of at least 2 models... The assembly seems at first glance to be small enough to fit in the work area without to much major modifications to the trunk space... I just need to get my hands on one out of the box... If it will work I will let you know... Then I have to save my pocket change until I can afford to buy the part... I also am thinking of getting the regular tail light assembly and making the turn signal thing work... I really want that turn signal thing to work!!!

Pictures of my Aurora... Set up the tripod... Waited til the sun was at the proper angle... Already had my baby washed and waxed... Damn batteries in the camera were dead... Geez... Whats next...

Henry... If you can get ahold of a can of R-22 Freon, it works wonders getting gum out of carpet... Colder than ice... Gum gets real brittle... You can comb it out with a hair brush!!!

This has been another episode in the continuing saga of Mordecai and his Aurora...

Mordecai

dslay2

Can anyone tell how to get to the turn signals, so I can replace the bulbs on the side turning lights.

redskin024

pop the hood and you should be able to change them. My fathers 95 used to have a foglamp go out every 3 months and were a pin to get to from under the hood. if this is so with the turn signals try going in from underneath , just slide out the protective plastic underneath the front. If you still have that platic spoiler trpe thing underneath you may have to remove that too.

i havent been here often either... 80 degrees all last week is perfect cruising weather with the t-tops off!

gisom

You will have to go underneath and pull the plastic cover down from the side you are working with to get your arm in there and take out the bulb. It seems once they go out you will be changing them every couple months, fog lights too.

matrixfrog

Ever since I've had my Aurora I've been noticing the gas pedal sticking. I push on it and it wouldnt move and I would have to push harder to get it to break free. Not a big problem, just wondering if it happens to you guys.

This has only happend twice and both times were about a month aprart; I will go to hit the brake and it doesn't feel like it normal does. When I push on it, it feels harder than normal and it makes the car stop more abruptly. Everytimes it happens it scares me and I get out and check the brake fluid resivoir and its fine. Any ideas on what this is? I notice the master cylender(thats what you call it right) is made of plastic. Mine has some spots in it that are more white than some other spots like it was under some stress one time or another. Are your guys like this too?