Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

that looks a whole heck of a lot better. I remember the last time I did it, I just used blue painters tape to mask off the surrounding painted areas. Don't think I got quite the improvement you did, but it really does make a huge difference if done right.

stickguy

I should really sit down and redo my short (medium? Long?) list. I don't have any clue what is even on it at this point!

tjc78

Anything with 4 tires and an engine with a make ranging from Acura to Volvo? 

corvette

stickguy said:

that looks a whole heck of a lot better. I remember the last time I did it, I just used blue painters tape to mask off the surrounding painted areas. Don't think I got quite the improvement you did, but it really does make a huge difference if done right.

I have sanded through the tape before, so thought better safe than sorry! Highly recommend the 3M headlight restoration kit, I've used that on both the Yukon and the Tahoe. 

stickguy

tjc78 said:

Anything with 4 tires and an engine with a make ranging from Acura to Volvo? 

what, and elimnate duelies and those military 6 wheel drive trucks? The rest sounds right.

stickguy

I should really stay off of CL (I actually went on to look for the BMW I saw parked on a lawn today. I really need to go look at that tomorrow).

This one, hey, cheap drop top. Miles aren't bad. A few bottles of touch up paint, and good to go. Price is right.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6192765701.html

This is the exact model I looked at back in probably about 1990. In much better condition at the time though. IIRC, about the same price too! You would have to be truly brave, and very handy, to take this on. But, gotta give props to anyone that posts pictures of the car hooked to a tow truck. Wonder if an interesting engine swap is feasible? Maybe a nice period 302 Ford? A Buick V6 like in a GNX?

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6200959552.html

On the mainstream side, miles are steep (but I don't drive much), but price is not bad, I like the colors, and seems clean. Plus, Bradd is hustling more Infiniti buyers lately.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6190975703.html

And don't hate me, but I absolutely love this one. Just wish he posted some pictures of the interior that he writes so much about. I wanted one of these back in my HS days. Yes I had (have?) weird taste. At least this one must have some serious scoot if it really is putting out 331 HP.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6195891279.html

Mr_Shiftright

xwesx said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

Have the mosquitoes arrived?

LOL! Have the mosquitoes arrived yet.... YES!

Alaska Joke: if it has numbers, it's a plane...if not, it's a mosquito.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

I should really stay off of CL (I actually went on to look for the BMW I saw parked on a lawn today. I really need to go look at that tomorrow).

This one, hey, cheap drop top. Miles aren't bad. A few bottles of touch up paint, and good to go. Price is right.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6192765701.html

This is the exact model I looked at back in probably about 1990. In much better condition at the time though. IIRC, about the same price too! You would have to be truly brave, and very handy, to take this on. But, gotta give props to anyone that posts pictures of the car hooked to a tow truck. Wonder if an interesting engine swap is feasible? Maybe a nice period 302 Ford? A Buick V6 like in a GNX?

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6200959552.html

On the mainstream side, miles are steep (but I don't drive much), but price is not bad, I like the colors, and seems clean. Plus, Bradd is hustling more Infiniti buyers lately.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6190975703.html

And don't hate me, but I absolutely love this one. Just wish he posted some pictures of the interior that he writes so much about. I wanted one of these back in my HS days. Yes I had (have?) weird taste. At least this one must have some serious scoot if it really is putting out 331 HP.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6195891279.html

A Sebring and a TR 7? Now don't go gettin' crazy on us.

xwesx

Today wasn't as productive on the vehicle maintenance front as I would have liked. I worked on them all day, but now I just have two vehicles (out of three dailies) that are inoperable. LOL

2008 Forester: My filter wrench broke (can't remove the oil filter on these without it due to exhaust location), so I am stuck with the old filter on the car - rest of the oil change, along with all the other work (I found some extra stuff) is done. I figured I could tap it out with a well placed driver, but it seems to be on there ridiculously tight. I just ended up puncturing the filter and couldn't get it to budge. So, I'll have to look for a new tool tomorrow.

The Q7 probably could be used if I wanted to put it back on the ground. But, I need to get the circulating block heater installed on it yet. The plumbing on this one is different from the instructions on the part, so I had to do a little mapping and planning there to decide the best way forward. I think I have a solid plan in place and will tackle it tomorrow.

I made a point not to touch the '13 Forester yet, since I did need an operational vehicle for the morning! I figured that with all the projects planned for that one, it is sure to spend at least one night in "partly done" status.

tbirdmarco

@xwesx glad things are slolly getting done! nice nice.

tbirdmarco

@stickguy yes if you can go and look at that car you saw yesterday would be interested to hear all about it! and wow what an list of cars. that mustang from 1978 is interesting!

tbirdmarco

now can finally put the thunderbird on the road really getting on that now with the inshorance and with Rejastering the car! have to have the inshorince under an nother name with my name since it is my car but wonte be driving it on the road sumone elce will alwas be driving for me. I will alwas be there next to them! tho!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

I should really stay off of CL (I actually went on to look for the BMW I saw parked on a lawn today. I really need to go look at that tomorrow).

This one, hey, cheap drop top. Miles aren't bad. A few bottles of touch up paint, and good to go. Price is right.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6192765701.html

This is the exact model I looked at back in probably about 1990. In much better condition at the time though. IIRC, about the same price too! You would have to be truly brave, and very handy, to take this on. But, gotta give props to anyone that posts pictures of the car hooked to a tow truck. Wonder if an interesting engine swap is feasible? Maybe a nice period 302 Ford? A Buick V6 like in a GNX?

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6200959552.html

On the mainstream side, miles are steep (but I don't drive much), but price is not bad, I like the colors, and seems clean. Plus, Bradd is hustling more Infiniti buyers lately.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6190975703.html

And don't hate me, but I absolutely love this one. Just wish he posted some pictures of the interior that he writes so much about. I wanted one of these back in my HS days. Yes I had (have?) weird taste. At least this one must have some serious scoot if it really is putting out 331 HP.

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6195891279.html

I gotta say, I think that '78 Stang seems to be a fantastic deal. A crate motor and fresh paint would cost you WAY more than he's asking. The rest of the car and interior are essentially free.

graphicguy

Stick...that CL TR7 is interesting from a historical perspective. But, like most British cars, that one may be "all there" but has money pit written all over it.

Funny about the dealer I visited yesterday, the owner asked if I was selling the Cobra. As I told him, everything has a price. He said he'd give me $12.5 cash as it sat, and that he believed that was a strong offer (from a dealer, it is). That's about a fifteen hundred more than I bought it for. I told him to drive it and then come back with $15K and I'd consider it. He said that's the number he'd try to sell it for.

He said he loves Mustang Cobras and usually all he sees are the ones that have been poorly modded or rode hard-put away wet. He said he'd drive it for awhile and put it on the lot after about a month or so.

Doubt he'll come back at $15K, though.

Mr_Shiftright

xwesx said:

Today wasn't as productive on the vehicle maintenance front as I would have liked. I worked on them all day, but now I just have two vehicles (out of three dailies) that are inoperable. LOL

2008 Forester: My filter wrench broke (can't remove the oil filter on these without it due to exhaust location), so I am stuck with the old filter on the car - rest of the oil change, along with all the other work (I found some extra stuff) is done. I figured I could tap it out with a well placed driver, but it seems to be on there ridiculously tight. I just ended up puncturing the filter and couldn't get it to budge. So, I'll have to look for a new tool tomorrow.

The Q7 probably could be used if I wanted to put it back on the ground. But, I need to get the circulating block heater installed on it yet. The plumbing on this one is different from the instructions on the part, so I had to do a little mapping and planning there to decide the best way forward. I think I have a solid plan in place and will tackle it tomorrow.

I made a point not to touch the '13 Forester yet, since I did need an operational vehicle for the morning! I figured that with all the projects planned for that one, it is sure to spend at least one night in "partly done" status.

Just drive a long screwdriver right through it and crank it off.

corvette

Marcothecarguy1986 said:

now can finally put the thunderbird on the road really getting on that now with the inshorance and with Rejastering the car! have to have the inshorince under an nother name with my name since it is my car but wonte be driving it on the road sumone elce will alwas be driving for me. I will alwas be there next to them! tho!

Congratulations, that's great news!

sda

xwesx said:

Today wasn't as productive on the vehicle maintenance front as I would have liked. I worked on them all day, but now I just have two vehicles (out of three dailies) that are inoperable. LOL

2008 Forester: My filter wrench broke (can't remove the oil filter on these without it due to exhaust location), so I am stuck with the old filter on the car - rest of the oil change, along with all the other work (I found some extra stuff) is done. I figured I could tap it out with a well placed driver, but it seems to be on there ridiculously tight. I just ended up puncturing the filter and couldn't get it to budge. So, I'll have to look for a new tool tomorrow.

The Q7 probably could be used if I wanted to put it back on the ground. But, I need to get the circulating block heater installed on it yet. The plumbing on this one is different from the instructions on the part, so I had to do a little mapping and planning there to decide the best way forward. I think I have a solid plan in place and will tackle it tomorrow.

I made a point not to touch the '13 Forester yet, since I did need an operational vehicle for the morning! I figured that with all the projects planned for that one, it is sure to spend at least one night in "partly done" status.

Its great that you can do that work yourself rather than relying on a garage. And you know it is done right! However nothing comes easy..

tbirdmarco

@corvette Thank you man. had asking my older brother for almost 2 years for the bill of sail and old reg since he picked it up for me near whair he lives in Upstate new York. he had told me about the car so munth later was still for sail around holoween 2015 so was was up there with the family for the weekand and he took me to look at it. was only able to cheek out the outside no one was around with the keeys. next day he whent to thurolly look it over for me did cheek out so baught it. had to keep it up state for an few munths so braught it home the end of last aprial 2016. was getting set to make an fake bill of sail so happy did not have to do all of that. so that is the story behind my car don't think ever told hear.

fintail

The TR7 was a money pit when new. I have a 1981 Consumer Guide, which tested the TR8 (same car with a small V8). Their verdict was more or less "There may always be an England, but if our test car is any indication, there might not always be a British motor industry". Interesting how that worked out.

I really liked the look of those wedges when I was a little kid, but even then, they were worth little, I think.

cdnpinhead

Back in '73 I was shopping the TR6 against the 240Z, after having driven an MGB over 100K miles in a little under four years. Went with the 240Z, which I drove 224K miles. Something tells me I wouldn't have been nearly so successful with the TR6.

kyfdx

Found this on Craigslist...

https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/6195757557.html

fintail

"No ABS, no airbags, no VSC"

Just like my fintail.

stickguy

I like it. Not the seats. And lots of miles on it. Probably punishing to drive, but fun!

Mr_Shiftright

fintail said:

The TR7 was a money pit when new. I have a 1981 Consumer Guide, which tested the TR8 (same car with a small V8). Their verdict was more or less "There may always be an England, but if our test car is any indication, there might not always be a British motor industry". Interesting how that worked out.

I really liked the look of those wedges when I was a little kid, but even then, they were worth little, I think.

We had a term for it----Kar-Kaboom.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

I like it. Not the seats. And lots of miles on it. Probably punishing to drive, but fun!

Price seems fair enough, though, even if the miles are a bit unsettling, if Hans and Dieter give it a thumbs up and the cooling system is intact, sure why not?

Not much of an investment though. Everybody loves the early M3s and they are considerably more valuable.

tbirdmarco

@kyfdx cool M3 coop!

stickguy

Today is my Jetta 2nd birthday (anniversary?). 2 years ago exactly we brought him home. To celebrate, I put him in garage and did a wax job. Kinda sweaty in there! But needed it bad. Looks like new now.

Side note, I hate waxing white cars. Hard to see where you have been!

thebean

stickguy said:

Today is my Jetta 2nd birthday (anniversary?). 2 years ago exactly we brought him home. To celebrate, I put him in garage and did a wax job. Kinda sweaty in there! But needed it bad. Looks like new now.

Side note, I hate waxing white cars. Hard to see where you have been!

Don't try that in Texas in the summer unless you want a heat stroke. Agree about waxing a white car.

Mr_Shiftright

stickguy said:

Today is my Jetta 2nd birthday (anniversary?). 2 years ago exactly we brought him home. To celebrate, I put him in garage and did a wax job. Kinda sweaty in there! But needed it bad. Looks like new now.

Side note, I hate waxing white cars. Hard to see where you have been!

How do you know it's a "he"?

kyfdx

Mr_Shiftright said:

stickguy said:

Today is my Jetta 2nd birthday (anniversary?). 2 years ago exactly we brought him home. To celebrate, I put him in garage and did a wax job. Kinda sweaty in there! But needed it bad. Looks like new now.

Side note, I hate waxing white cars. Hard to see where you have been!

How do you know it's a "he"?

It's like a dog... you just look underneath it's tail.

stickguy

His name is Jimmy. I just assumed. Plus it's my daughter's car, so makes sense.

tbirdmarco

@stickguy nice nice one mor year to go! than nother new toy!

tbirdmarco

got an fule injection system for the thunderbird today. called sumet racing! edelbrock way to much money Holy and the one I got wher the cheapest bye a lot.

tbirdmarco

also last year got the altonater conversion kit have to put it on electronick distributer converzian already done! have to set the timing now!

Mr_Shiftright

kyfdx said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

stickguy said:

Today is my Jetta 2nd birthday (anniversary?). 2 years ago exactly we brought him home. To celebrate, I put him in garage and did a wax job. Kinda sweaty in there! But needed it bad. Looks like new now.

Side note, I hate waxing white cars. Hard to see where you have been!

How do you know it's a "he"?

It's like a dog... you just look underneath it's tail.

Ohhhhhhh

corvette

I did something stupid on the Tahoe the other day. The button to release the hatch glass was busted, and I had bought a replacement. According to a Youtube video, you can pop it out from the outside with trim pulling tools. Dumb me, I didn't have those tools, so tried to pry it out with pliers. I chewed it up pretty good, then it fell back into the hatch. I tried to remove the interior trim of the hatch, but apparently you also have to take off a piece of exterior fascia, and when I tried to unbolt that, one of the bolts broke off in the brittle plastic fascia. I'm not going to do any more damage, so I just put everything back together and put a piece of duct tape over the hole where the button was. I can pop the hatch glass using the remote if I need to. The release for the tailgate still works.

Mr_Shiftright

That's too bad. Some days things just go wrong. It's almost as if it's being done malevolently by remote control.

I find that I mess up a job for two main reasons (your results may vary)

1. I'm in a rush
2. I don't have the proper tools

stickguy

#2 is the biggie for me usually.

kyfdx

Interior trim is the worst. Once you bust one of those plastic tabs/clips, you are screwed. Plus, if it's your first time, you don't know what's holding it together, and where.

fordfool

corvette said:

I did something stupid on the Tahoe the other day. The button to release the hatch
glass was busted, and I had bought a replacement. According to a Youtube video,
you can pop it out from the outside with trim pulling tools. Dumb me, I didn't have
those tools, so tried to pry it out with pliers.

The Chevy in my avatar required a square-head screw driver to remove the grill
in front of the windshield. Only dealers had them at the time, so I ground down
a flathead to fit. Another time I required a steering wheel puller. Fortunately the
junkyard that I was searching had one. A flange tool was required when replacing
a brake line.

Any other strange tools any of you have had a need for?

Or tools that you no longer need (points gap gauge, brake adjustment tool)?

stickguy

I still have a spark plug wrench in my toolbox. There is no chance in the world I am ever removing a spark plug again. I'm lucky I can find them these days, and would probably break an expensive coil pack trying to get to them.

roadburner

I have a Peake scanner/reset tool that only fits my 318ti. I also have a '70s vintage Craftsman Engine Analyzer that reads RPM, point dwell, voltage, current draw, resistance, etc. I brought it out of retirement when I bought the '02.

xwesx

I've been getting rained out here . We had a couple of inches yesterday. Things started drying out today before it began to pour again at about 5pm. But, I did manage to finish up the '08 Forester. So, one down. And, after much ado, I also got that circulating heater installed on the Q7. I would never, ever recommend that job on anyone. Just. Not. Worth. It.

Oh, yes. And, my lower back spasmed yesterday morning, so that's been a real joy, too! Hahhaa.

@corvette, if you need any help with that job on your Tahoe, I'm probably just the guy! LOL

qbrozen

fordfool said:

I did something stupid on the Tahoe the other day. The button to release the hatch
glass was busted, and I had bought a replacement. According to a Youtube video,
you can pop it out from the outside with trim pulling tools. Dumb me, I didn't have
those tools, so tried to pry it out with pliers.

The Chevy in my avatar required a square-head screw driver to remove the grill
in front of the windshield. Only dealers had them at the time, so I ground down
a flathead to fit. Another time I required a steering wheel puller. Fortunately the
junkyard that I was searching had one. A flange tool was required when replacing
a brake line.

Any other strange tools any of you have had a need for?

Or tools that you no longer need (points gap gauge, brake adjustment tool)?

I'd have to hang out at my toolbox for a while to list them all. I still have a cable to connect a Palm Pilot to an OBDII port. A 21mm socket that I believe I bought for my first 190E. A collection of oil filter wrenches that I don't believe have been used on an actual oil filter in half a dozen years (I still change my oil but always manage the filters by hand). On the bigger end of things, I have dump bucket and snowblower attachments for my John Deere that I have never utilized. The list goes on.

kyfdx

My niece's husband was here this weekend, and wanted to fix my front door (which rubs at the top right corner). Asked me if I had a phillips head screwdriver. "uh.. maybe".

xwesx

On the list of somewhat obscure tools, I asked about a hose clamp removal tool yesterday while I was at NAPA. The gal pulls out a catalog for all things obscure, and while we were going through the list of part numbers to see if they had any of the likely candidates, I noticed one called, "Ford Aerostar heater hose tool." I commented about that likely being a popular one!

They ended up having a cable-operated hose clamp tool, which I somewhat reluctantly bought for $52 (it was on sale! LOL). But, after using for this job yesterday, I feel like it paid for itself. Those clamps, as hard as they were to reach, may have just been the straws that (re) broke the camel's back otherwise!

tbirdmarco

@xwesx glad things are getting done! want to come over and help me out with the Thunderbird!

tbirdmarco

@xwesx glad they had your hoze clamp removal tool. me no crazy tools hear just set of all different scrue drivers craftsman tool boxes to sokets and renches. for now o also one oial felter rench for my car whall it is ajustabal! got at autozone. think it have to think about it and look. car parts have to instole think did rite in an pryer posting yesterday or the day before lol lol.

tbirdmarco

Happy 4th everyone! injoy the day nice weather hear! hope all is same for everyone elce to!

breld

I'm, I'd say, very average when it comes to being handy and other things tool-related (especially amongst this group) - though in my new neighborhood of younger folks, I feel very knowledgable when it comes to overall home maintenance. There seem to be a lot of first-time homeowners here who moved away from condo-living in the city. So I get to dazzle them with my knowledge of sprinkler system settings and how to wire electronics behind the wall!

So, no incredibly unique tools in my garage, though I do have most everything anyone would need. I'm often pleasantly surprised when I find that there exists a tool specifically for a task at hand that makes the job so much simpler. Like...I was having trouble a few weeks ago tightening up the kitchen faucet due to the tight area under the counter. So off to Home Depot and lo and behold, there's a special wrench for something like that!