I'm with you daexpert....the Alero is a nice car(especially with the new warranty), but I doubt my next car will be american. There is really no way I could justify buying another domestic car. Especially since this is my 2nd american car that has been in the shop for about 1/4 of its existance.
Say, didn't GM discontinue the Oldsmobile brand?!? The Alero seems like an OK car. I'm not sure I'd want to buy a car from a defunct brand, but that's just my $.02.
Fish8, I've been there before with all those car problems that make life so stressful, but I've been very fortunate with my 2nd Cougar because no major problems so far. Hopefully it'll remain that way till the warranty runs out which is when I'll get rid of it and start thinking about getting something else.
Dasaint1, I think Oldsmobile will be gone in about 4 or 5 years, I'm not too sure. The Alero does seem like a nice car, and my coworker has an Aurora which is really nice too, but I think it's overpriced. I believe the steering in the Alero is very light compared to our Cougars, probably a bit too light for my taste.
I'm surprised that everyone has fallen for that old trick again... Of course they announced that they will be discontinuing the name, but law states that they must keep parts for all of the cars they have sold in recent years, whether they are in business or not. Let's also remember that Olds is owned by a parent company which isn't going to going anywhere quick. As it was explained to me, a few years ago Pontiac also announced they were going out of business, so they were able to offer manufacture rebates and make a few changes that they might have been tenative to make before the announcement... Now the Ponitac sunfire is one of the top selling american cars, according to the source at that time.. 2-3 years ago.
Now that Olds has announced the ending of the brand name, they have been able to offer the great warranty 6yr/60k, and that will be good at any GM location. They are also offering a 2000 rebate I believe right now... things that they were not offering/ did not want to offer before the announcement. I believe the Olds will start to sell like hotcakes and possibly some Auroras too and that will bring the brand around. If not, I'll eat my words... really I'll print the post and eat it.
1. Oldsmobile IS DEFINITELY going out of business. Sure, GM isn't, but anyone buying an Oldsmobile will be buying a lame duck with a poor resale value.
2. There is no "law" that covers anything that you have described about parts. Rather, it's GM that has "promised" to keep parts in stock for a few years. This is to protect the remaining Olds dealers and owners from immediate inability to sell what they have in stock or own.
3. Pontiac has NEVER announced that they were "going out of business". Your "source" is totally incorrect.
4. Yes, GM's offering of longer warranties and rebates will help move slow moving inventory. Hotcakes? I think not. The deals should be attractive to potential Olds buyers intending to keep their cars for seven to ten years. Anyone thinking shorter-term ownership will take a financial bath when they try to sell or trade.
5. DeSoto, Plymouth and Edsel owners learned these lessons years ago. After all, their manufacturers, Chrysler (Daimler-Benz) and Ford are still around. However, car owners were seriously short-changed when the rug was pulled out from under the brands by the bean counters.
Perhaps you're right.. I'll print out that post now... but for now I'll just stick it in the crisper.. till I hear something more factual... I know this.. I live in the Philly area and I can't spit without hitting a brand new or very new Olds Alero... that has to be good for a company.
But alas I freely admit I do not know much of the car biz...
My darn ODB II light (the check engine light) came on about 20 minutes after a trip to an Amoco station for gas. Checked the gas cap, and it seems to be on tight. Mercury dealership said that it may take several starts to cycle back out.
Any other ideas? I put in regular gas as indicated. Can't think of any other reason for the light to be on.
Well...it may just be the car being a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] as usual. I never rule that out. ;-)
Dude -- DO NOT try and get an Atlanta area Mercury service appointment between now and the Fourth of July. No one is taking in cars for anything. I was lucky to get Pugmire to let me come in tomorrow morning.
As for bad gas...well...that's more common than you would think (WINK-WINK). Ask my pickle-peddling girlfriend (WINK-WINK, NUDGE-NUDGE).
Seriously, I hope it's not bad gasOLINE. If it were, how would I get that out? Would the dealership siphon it out? Would it hurt the car? There were no performance problems over the weekend that I noticed while the light was on.
Pugmire? Thats where I take my car. Good Luck!!! If it is bad gas, they will probaby tell you to drive your car until the gas is used up. then put in a fresh tank full.
By the way, DO NOT mention my name at Pugmire or they may kick you out of the place. Seriously though, they know me by name up there and probably cringe everytime I pull into the service area. Let me know what happens!!
Thanks for the warning, Fish8. I will see them tomorrow, I guess. They'll probably hate me by the time I leave too.
If you ever eat at the Texas Roadhouse near Pleasant Hill Road and the Bass Pro Shops, be careful turning in from the right.
I just got back from pulling into their parking lot and carving a nice hole from my front right wheel well to about a third of the way down the length of my passenger door.
The curb is heavily slanted, and if you cut too close to the drainage hole/culvert, you'll make it by with your tire. However, the metal strip on the edge of the curb (which looks like it's been uprooted before -- it's sticking out like a razor blade) will slice your car right down the side. I estimate $2000 minimum damage. No clue what I'm going to do about it. Not sure if I can hold the property owner liable.
Hey All!! Sorry I have not been around lately, but my new job has kept me very busy. 12 hour shifts are sometimes difficult.
Once I fall in to a permanent schedule I will be around much more, but for now things are kinda crazy. Unfortunately I have to work until 8pm tonight so I will not be able to make the chat session, but I will let Lefty know, so hopefully he will be there.
I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope all of you have a GREAT 4th of July!!
after a couple of years I came back to the forum, and I still see the same guys all excited about their purrin' cats, like badulah and stageleft....ehehe, it feels good!! I remember the endless hours I spent (instead of studying...)reading all the posts of the former csg parts while at school in Marietta, GA.... then I moved back to Italy, where sadly the cat went extinct after one year only of struggled life. too bad there is no market for ford coupes around here....imagine that the few hundreds sold are now on the used car market for less than 10 grands...in the european coupe arena, if you are not a bimmer or a merc chances of success are non-existent...:( keep up with the excitement guys!!!
All I wanted to do was go to Wi., visit some freinds, and see Old World Wisconsin.
On 294N, traffic stopped for a moment, I'm in the far left lane, I look in the mirror, and think, "Oh, s-----". Guy in a box truck is all locked up, skidding and trying to move right. Didn't make it!!!!
Preliminary estimate is $3,600. Hatch, bumper cover, right rear quarter, complete taillight assy, plus whatever hidden damage is present.
Nobody hurt, and still driveable, but, depending on repair time, we might not be able to make it to CF2.
Hope everybodies holiday was better than mine!!!!!
Sorry to hear about your "fender bender" (no pun intended!!!!! At least no one was hurt. I hope there is no frame damage. Good luck with your repairs!!!!
I don't think the frame got bent too badly as the suspension is still operating normally, and the car tracks & turns as usual at all speeds.
Hopefully, when they get her stripped down, they'll only have to do some straightening of the body & bumper cover support areas (maybe a little of the trunk, too).
Fish8: Sorry to hear about your accident, that really stinks! But happy to hear your okay. It seems like Cougars get rear-ended alot...hmmmm.
Has anyone had any problems with loud squeaking noises comming from the rearend of their car? I drove over a really bumpy road over the 4th, was going under 20mph the whole time and had loud squeaking noises. I looked on the NECO site, under "problems", found one post saying they replaced the sway bar, sway bar links and bushings. Called my service manager and told him it sounded like wild turkeys, he laughed and said to bring it in, we will go for a drive over a bumpy road and see if we can hear it. I printed off the NECO post to take with me. He also said he would go online and see if ford had any posts about this problem. I was just wondering if any of you have had a similiar problem. I take it in on the 18th after I get back from Lake Havasu. I will be listening very closely until then. Thanks.
Fish8 also got in an accident? I thought it was Gustafsc? Oh well, I hope they're both doing okay! Thank God, I"ve never been in a serious fender bender, but I did have a close encounter similar to Gustafsc in which I could see the truck through my rearview mirror just getting closer and closer and his tires were screeching. The only thing I could do was just hang on because there was a car in front of me at the light and I was trying to be prepared for the hit.......and he came about 1 inch from my bumper! I was still sweating bullits, anyways, I hope you and your kitty will be fine.
Skip was in the accident not me!!!!But thanks for the kind words anyway......
malibu: The only sqeaking(chirping) noise I have heard in my car is coming from the AC system. It sounds like a bird chirping. It only appears when my AC is on. I am not sure if we are referencing the same noise. Good luck with finding a fix.
Whoops! Sorry Fish8, I guess all that squeaking has me confused! The a/c was off so it wasn't comming from there, and you could tell it was comming from the rearend. I haven't heard it since though, of course it'll make a liar out of me. At least I have a service dept. that I trust and are very understanding of my being so picky.
Gustafsc: If you do have a rental maybe you could rent a Cougar for Cougarfest, I know it's not the same, but at least you could still go.
Skip: I'm really sorry to hear about your accident, but I'm glad no one was hurt. Hopefully she will be back on the road in no time. I have my fingers crossed about Cougar Fest. Hopefully we will see you there!!
RSTEF: Good to hear from you!!! Try and keep in touch more often. We love hearing from older members.
Mine wasn't really an accident so much as poor curb construction. Metal strip and concrete cover ADDED to an already damage prone curb at a local restaurant (the manager asked the county to install the metal strip and cover to keep his employees tires/wheels safe). If I'd not cleared the curb with my tire (and actually run straight into the curb rather than beside it), it would have torn the wheel and tire off, I'm sure.
Strip tore into the passenger front wheel well and separated the door from the bottom body panel (with the chip resistant rough paint treatment). $2500 from a dealership.
Fish8 -- would you take your body shop repair to Pugmire Lincoln-Mercury in Marietta or no? They seemed pretty nice and competent. Thinking about suing the county who installed the curb piece, as it's really a dangerous road hazard for anyone going to the restaurant.
Later, burnsmr4
P.S. -- I am now engaged to the pickle chick. In fact, I hit the curb going to lunch on my way to pick up the engagement ring. That friggin' car is just out to get me. I'm sure of it.
P.S.S. -- Wait. What if the car's mad at me still for spilling the Christmas pickles? I wonder...
I have taken my car to Pugmire 3 times for body work. 1) They replaced left front fender, drivers outside mirror and painted 2) replaced rear bumper and painted 3)repainted hood due to clearcoat peeling. All three times they did a GREAT job. I would totally recommend them. The body shop does a much better job than the service dept. Good Luck!!!
Thanks for the words of congratulations. We just got back from North Carolina where the deed was done. Totally surprised her. No pickles were involved. More like sapphires and diamonds, which weren't spilled in the floor board of my car.
Your comments about Pugmire's body shop are all that I needed to hear. I'm taking it there to get the full treatment. Wish me luck, though, on getting the county (who installed this freakish curb/metal strip) to pay. Would my insurance company go after the county for the damages?
Burnsmr4: CONGRATS on your engagement!! So when is the big date?
Although I have never had an accident in my cat (knock on wood), I almost got killed yesterday. I was riding on the highway in the left lane behind an SUV and next to a Dodge Caravan. I was coming up on my exit so I had to get over to the right lane, I glanced over my right shoulder out the passenger side window just for a second and then I turned my head forward. In that split second the SUV had slammed on his brakes. All I saw were tail lights and thats when instinct took over. I hit the brakes and turned to the left on to the shoulder. THANK GOD FOR ABS & GOOD DRIVING SKILLS!! I managed to miss the SUV and the center barrier and come to a safe stop. By the time I realized what happened it was all over and traffic was moving again.
I never found out why the driver of the SUV decided to slam on their brakes. When I got in to the right lane I saw around him and nothing appeared out of the ordinary.
Darned glad to hear that you're okay, and that your Cat will be okay after some repairs. I really hope to see you at CF2 this year, but obviously understand if you don't end up making it. It would be nice to see you though.
Burnsmr4:
[in best Vegas lounge singer voice] "Love ---- is a many splendored thing ..."
Congratulations on your engagement!
Let us know how the body shop handles a rip in the metal, I'd be interested to know whether they're going to patch it or replace the skin.
Good luck!
Malibu:
I get the squeaking on occassion, mostly if it's cold and dry outside. It seems to go away if A) it gets warmer or just warms up, or I turn the stereo up really loud! ;-)
Let us know what the dealer says though, so maybe I can have mine take a look at it too.
And lastly, a poem for Firestone:
[drum beat]
Please take your tires and burn them in the great tire-fire of the midwest.
I have replaced the 'Rocks you gave me, wear bars 'ablazin' skidding squealing pulling running out of air
Take your sloppy sidewall rollover your loose knit tread your too-narrow water channels and make your way to heaven (or whatever) for I need you not, no more.
[fingers snapping, drums stop]
I replaced them this week with the other OEM choice, the BFG Comp T/A VR4 in the factory original size. They are nice, and other than just being new, I honestly believe they are better than the Firestones already!
Thanks for the best wishes. My insurance has done thier thing, and the parts order went out yesterday afternoon. With a little luck, we might be able to be there, looking all shiny and new. I'll bring the pictures of the damage, and maybe some shop process views along for general entertainment.
Burns: Congratulations on being a prospective newlywed!!! Good luck (although attitude has a lot more to do with it than luck).
Rob: When are you going to make an honest woman out of Kate? ;-)
Thanks for all of the well wishes. The date is set for March 16, 2002. I just hope it's not cold in North Carolina that day. Speaking of which, what day is it? See? I'm already being the good future husband and forgetting things like anniversaries and wedding days ;-)
I suspect the reception menu will include a lot of pickled items ;-) Pickled pig's feet, dill pickles, wedding pickles, pickled prunes, etc. Sounds fun, huh?
On the accident front -- I actually may have money in my hand from the county which installed the "catch basin" which caused my car's damage. I contacted the public works department, and they take claims on this sort of thing to their risk management department. I have photos, a witness, and a repair estimate all ready for them.
Wish me luck, and (odd coming from me) Happy Cougaring!
Sincerely, burnsmr4
(See what a nice woman can do to boost your confidence in your car? Or is it just the pickles? Who knows?!)
Sorry I haven't been around too much. Still can't get into chat for whatever bizarre reason, but that doesn't excuse my absence on the boards here.
Adelaide is still running great. Just got back from NC myself. I was in the middle of the state, near Pinehurst area.
I've got to get one of my tires checked. Yes, they are Rocks. There's a little ridge of rubber on all the tires where the mold comes together that wasn't trimmed, and since the trip, one of those has puckered and there's some white cottony stuff sticking out. I'm not losing any air pressure and I can't detect it getting any larger, but I'll have it checked out anyway.
Sorry to hear about all the bad luck with road hazards and hazardous drivers, but glad the kitties kept everyone safe.
Congratulations!! I wish you a long and happy married life! re: squeak...I haven't heard it since I made the call to the dealer. Of course! But it has been pulling to the left, I think the rough road either messed up the allignment or knocked a weight off the wheel. I will still take it in next week and have them fix it. It was extremely hot the day I heard the squeaks, very dusty and I had both kids in the back seat, so all of the above factors may have caused it. But I'll let the service dept take a look anyhow.
Monday she goes in for new speakers, amp and a sub woofer, I'm forced to keep the deck and changer because of cash flow going into the new house. I'm still looking into exhaust and intake and don't want to spend my whole bonus on the stereo. I have spoken to two shops locally about Borla and they say the customer service stinks. One recommended just putting Magna flow muffler, the other suggested a Yo-Dude exhaust, it's supposedly cheaper and the customer service is great. So I'm still pondering that one over. Any suggestions are welcome!
All of the parts for my cat are in (except for the quarter panel which is being shipped from SanFrancisco?) so, I made an appointment for Tuesday so that they can get started tearing out everything and doing as much advance prep work as is possible.
With any luck, I'll have it back in time to launch to CF2.
For the money and performance difference I would suggest a high flow muffler and have the resonator removed.
Don't forget you'll need to update the intake for the high flow exhaust to be effective and vice versa. Kustomz.com has a good one according to the members of this site but I still spent the extra $40 for an Injen from ptuning.com
Sounds like you're looking in all the right directions.
All: Last Friday I went to get brake pads and I ran in to some trouble. I ordered Performance Friction pads for the front and rear. The rears went in just fine, but the front pads were different from the stock pads, so they would not fit. The owner of the shop called his supplier and even traced the outline of the stock pad and the after-market pad and faxed it to him. Neither one could figure out why they were different. The part number was the right one, but the pad was not the part that was needed. I have to call him back today. Hopefully he will have good news for me.
Over the weekend some son of a motherless goat stole my chrome valve caps. Although this is very minor, it still pissed me off that someone messed with my kitty. Some people are such jerks.
Anyway................ I'm really looking forward to Cougar Fest. I spoke to the guy who is running the event and he is expecting a total of 150-200 cars to attend on Saturday. Since this years event is open to the general public, he is expecting a TON of people to attend the event. It should be a BLAST!!
Coolchick: GREAT to hear from you!! I would suggest you get that tire checked out as soon as possible.
Skip: I'm glad to hear that all the parts are in for your Cat. Hopefully the work will be completed in time for you to attend Cougar Fest.
I sent in, via certified mail, a claim to the county office responsible for the "catch basin" which "caught" the passenger-side wheel well of my car back before July 4. They should be getting the package either sometime today or tomorrow. Wish me luck. I really want to get my car fixed. My fiancée cannot stand having me roll the window up and down to get in and out of the car.
On a funny side note, some guy pulled up next to me at a light and honked for my attention this morning. I rolled down the aforementioned window, and he proceeded to offer me some low cost body work for the damage on my car. I shook my head, rolled up the window, and drove away. As I did, I noticed he was driving an Oldmobile Toronado(?) missing the front bumper and lower portion of both front fenders.
Comments
Dasaint1, I think Oldsmobile will be gone in about 4 or 5 years, I'm not too sure. The Alero does seem like a nice car, and my coworker has an Aurora which is really nice too, but I think it's overpriced. I believe the steering in the Alero is very light compared to our Cougars, probably a bit too light for my taste.
Now that Olds has announced the ending of the brand name, they have been able to offer the great warranty 6yr/60k, and that will be good at any GM location. They are also offering a 2000 rebate I believe right now... things that they were not offering/ did not want to offer before the announcement. I believe the Olds will start to sell like hotcakes and possibly some Auroras too and that will bring the brand around. If not, I'll eat my words... really I'll print the post and eat it.
Happy Cougaring!
Sorry to burst any bubbles....but.
1. Oldsmobile IS DEFINITELY going out of business. Sure, GM isn't, but anyone buying an Oldsmobile will be buying a lame duck with a poor resale value.
2. There is no "law" that covers anything that you have described about parts. Rather, it's GM that has "promised" to keep parts in stock for a few years. This is to protect the remaining Olds dealers and owners from immediate inability to sell what they have in stock or own.
3. Pontiac has NEVER announced that they were "going out of business". Your "source" is totally incorrect.
4. Yes, GM's offering of longer warranties and rebates will help move slow moving inventory. Hotcakes? I think not. The deals should be attractive to potential Olds buyers intending to keep their cars for seven to ten years. Anyone thinking shorter-term ownership will take a financial bath when they try to sell or trade.
5. DeSoto, Plymouth and Edsel owners learned these lessons years ago. After all, their manufacturers, Chrysler (Daimler-Benz) and Ford are still around. However, car owners were seriously short-changed when the rug was pulled out from under the brands by the bean counters.
Whoops! I forgot to mention the Eagle brand, discontinued by Chrysler a few years ago.
But alas I freely admit I do not know much of the car biz...
By the way, I hate my A/C, by the time it cools off the car, I've already arrived to my destination.
Long time -- no gripe.
My darn ODB II light (the check engine light) came on about 20 minutes after a trip to an Amoco station for gas. Checked the gas cap, and it seems to be on tight. Mercury dealership said that it may take several starts to cycle back out.
Any other ideas? I put in regular gas as indicated. Can't think of any other reason for the light to be on.
Well...it may just be the car being a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] as usual. I never rule that out. ;-)
Later,
burnsmr4
Dude -- DO NOT try and get an Atlanta area Mercury service appointment between now and the Fourth of July. No one is taking in cars for anything. I was lucky to get Pugmire to let me come in tomorrow morning.
As for bad gas...well...that's more common than you would think (WINK-WINK). Ask my pickle-peddling girlfriend (WINK-WINK, NUDGE-NUDGE).
Seriously, I hope it's not bad gasOLINE. If it were, how would I get that out? Would the dealership siphon it out? Would it hurt the car? There were no performance problems over the weekend that I noticed while the light was on.
Later,
burnsmr4
By the way, DO NOT mention my name at Pugmire or they may kick you out of the place. Seriously though, they know me by name up there and probably cringe everytime I pull into the service area. Let me know what happens!!
If you ever eat at the Texas Roadhouse near Pleasant Hill Road and the Bass Pro Shops, be careful turning in from the right.
I just got back from pulling into their parking lot and carving a nice hole from my front right wheel well to about a third of the way down the length of my passenger door.
The curb is heavily slanted, and if you cut too close to the drainage hole/culvert, you'll make it by with your tire. However, the metal strip on the edge of the curb (which looks like it's been uprooted before -- it's sticking out like a razor blade) will slice your car right down the side. I estimate $2000 minimum damage. No clue what I'm going to do about it. Not sure if I can hold the property owner liable.
Later,
burnsmr4
Sorry I have not been around lately, but my new job has kept me very busy. 12 hour shifts are sometimes difficult.
Once I fall in to a permanent schedule I will be around much more, but for now things are kinda crazy. Unfortunately I have to work until 8pm tonight so I will not be able to make the chat session, but I will let Lefty know, so hopefully he will be there.
I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope all of you have a GREAT 4th of July!!
-Rob
See you all at the chat!
I remember the endless hours I spent (instead of studying...)reading all the posts of the former csg parts while at school in Marietta, GA....
then I moved back to Italy, where sadly the cat went extinct after one year only of struggled life. too bad there is no market for ford coupes around here....imagine that the few hundreds sold are now on the used car market for less than 10 grands...in the european coupe arena, if you are not a bimmer or a merc chances of success are non-existent...:(
keep up with the excitement guys!!!
On 294N, traffic stopped for a moment, I'm in the far left lane, I look in the mirror, and think, "Oh, s-----". Guy in a box truck is all locked up, skidding and trying to move right. Didn't make it!!!!
Preliminary estimate is $3,600. Hatch, bumper cover, right rear quarter, complete taillight assy, plus whatever hidden damage is present.
Nobody hurt, and still driveable, but, depending on repair time, we might not be able to make it to CF2.
Hope everybodies holiday was better than mine!!!!!
Regretfully yours,
Skip G.
Thanx for the good wishes.
I don't think the frame got bent too badly as the suspension is still operating normally, and the car tracks & turns as usual at all speeds.
Hopefully, when they get her stripped down, they'll only have to do some straightening of the body & bumper cover support areas (maybe a little of the trunk, too).
C.G.
Has anyone had any problems with loud squeaking noises comming from the rearend of their car? I drove over a really bumpy road over the 4th, was going under 20mph the whole time and had loud squeaking noises. I looked on the NECO site, under "problems", found one post saying they replaced the sway bar, sway bar links and bushings. Called my service manager and told him it sounded like wild turkeys, he laughed and said to bring it in, we will go for a drive over a bumpy road and see if we can hear it. I printed off the NECO post to take with me. He also said he would go online and see if ford had any posts about this problem. I was just wondering if any of you have had a similiar problem. I take it in on the 18th after I get back from Lake Havasu. I will be listening very closely until then. Thanks.
malibu: The only sqeaking(chirping) noise I have heard in my car is coming from the AC system. It sounds like a bird chirping. It only appears when my AC is on. I am not sure if we are referencing the same noise. Good luck with finding a fix.
We'll be back in good shape eventually, but it's gonna take time to get the insurance companies in gear, and then wait for the parts.
My big problem is the timing for CF2. No Cougar, no Fest :-(
Skip G.
Gustafsc: If you do have a rental maybe you could rent a Cougar for Cougarfest, I know it's not the same, but at least you could still go.
I'm really sorry to hear about your accident, but I'm glad no one was hurt. Hopefully she will be back on the road in no time. I have my fingers crossed about Cougar Fest. Hopefully we will see you there!!
RSTEF:
Good to hear from you!!! Try and keep in touch more often. We love hearing from older members.
See you next week!!
Skip G
Strip tore into the passenger front wheel well and separated the door from the bottom body panel (with the chip resistant rough paint treatment). $2500 from a dealership.
Fish8 -- would you take your body shop repair to Pugmire Lincoln-Mercury in Marietta or no? They seemed pretty nice and competent. Thinking about suing the county who installed the curb piece, as it's really a dangerous road hazard for anyone going to the restaurant.
Later,
burnsmr4
P.S. -- I am now engaged to the pickle chick. In fact, I hit the curb going to lunch on my way to pick up the engagement ring. That friggin' car is just out to get me. I'm sure of it.
P.S.S. -- Wait. What if the car's mad at me still for spilling the Christmas pickles? I wonder...
I have taken my car to Pugmire 3 times for body work. 1) They replaced left front fender, drivers outside mirror and painted 2) replaced rear bumper and painted 3)repainted hood due to clearcoat peeling. All three times they did a GREAT job. I would totally recommend them. The body shop does a much better job than the service dept. Good Luck!!!
How was your visit to the service dept?
Thanks for the words of congratulations. We just got back from North Carolina where the deed was done. Totally surprised her. No pickles were involved. More like sapphires and diamonds, which weren't spilled in the floor board of my car.
Your comments about Pugmire's body shop are all that I needed to hear. I'm taking it there to get the full treatment. Wish me luck, though, on getting the county (who installed this freakish curb/metal strip) to pay. Would my insurance company go after the county for the damages?
Later,
burnsmr4
Good luck at Pugmire!!! They are really good there!!
CONGRATS on your engagement!! So when is the big date?
Although I have never had an accident in my cat (knock on wood), I almost got killed yesterday. I was riding on the highway in the left lane behind an SUV and next to a Dodge Caravan. I was coming up on my exit so I had to get over to the right lane, I glanced over my right shoulder out the passenger side window just for a second and then I turned my head forward. In that split second the SUV had slammed on his brakes. All I saw were tail lights and thats when instinct took over. I hit the brakes and turned to the left on to the shoulder. THANK GOD FOR ABS & GOOD DRIVING SKILLS!! I managed to miss the SUV and the center barrier and come to a safe stop. By the time I realized what happened it was all over and traffic was moving again.
I never found out why the driver of the SUV decided to slam on their brakes. When I got in to the right lane I saw around him and nothing appeared out of the ordinary.
Darned glad to hear that you're okay, and that your Cat will be okay after some repairs. I really hope to see you at CF2 this year, but obviously understand if you don't end up making it. It would be nice to see you though.
Burnsmr4:
[in best Vegas lounge singer voice]
"Love ---- is a many splendored thing ..."
Congratulations on your engagement!
Let us know how the body shop handles a rip in the metal, I'd be interested to know whether they're going to patch it or replace the skin.
Good luck!
Malibu:
I get the squeaking on occassion, mostly if it's cold and dry outside. It seems to go away if A) it gets warmer or just warms up, or
Let us know what the dealer says though, so maybe I can have mine take a look at it too.
And lastly, a poem for Firestone:
[drum beat]
Please take your tires and burn them in the great tire-fire of the midwest.
I have replaced the 'Rocks you gave me, wear bars 'ablazin'
skidding
squealing
pulling
running out of air
Take your sloppy sidewall rollover
your loose knit tread
your too-narrow water channels
and make your way to heaven (or whatever)
for I need you not, no more.
[fingers snapping, drums stop]
I replaced them this week with the other OEM choice, the BFG Comp T/A VR4 in the factory original size. They are nice, and other than just being new, I honestly believe they are better than the Firestones already!
Later everyone, and Happy Cougaring!
Thanks for the best wishes. My insurance has done thier thing, and the parts order went out yesterday afternoon. With a little luck, we might be able to be there, looking all shiny and new. I'll bring the pictures of the damage, and maybe some shop process views along for general entertainment.
Burns: Congratulations on being a prospective newlywed!!! Good luck (although attitude has a lot more to do with it than luck).
Rob: When are you going to make an honest woman out of Kate? ;-)
Skip G.
Thanks for all of the well wishes. The date is set for March 16, 2002. I just hope it's not cold in North Carolina that day. Speaking of which, what day is it? See? I'm already being the good future husband and forgetting things like anniversaries and wedding days ;-)
I suspect the reception menu will include a lot of pickled items ;-) Pickled pig's feet, dill pickles, wedding pickles, pickled prunes, etc. Sounds fun, huh?
On the accident front -- I actually may have money in my hand from the county which installed the "catch basin" which caused my car's damage. I contacted the public works department, and they take claims on this sort of thing to their risk management department. I have photos, a witness, and a repair estimate all ready for them.
Wish me luck, and (odd coming from me) Happy Cougaring!
Sincerely,
burnsmr4
(See what a nice woman can do to boost your confidence in your car? Or is it just the pickles? Who knows?!)
We have talked about the big "M", but she says she is not ready yet. (shrugs his shoulders).
Sorry I haven't been around too much. Still can't get into chat for whatever bizarre reason, but that doesn't excuse my absence on the boards here.
Adelaide is still running great. Just got back from NC myself. I was in the middle of the state, near Pinehurst area.
I've got to get one of my tires checked. Yes, they are Rocks. There's a little ridge of rubber on all the tires where the mold comes together that wasn't trimmed, and since the trip, one of those has puckered and there's some white cottony stuff sticking out. I'm not losing any air pressure and I can't detect it getting any larger, but I'll have it checked out anyway.
Sorry to hear about all the bad luck with road hazards and hazardous drivers, but glad the kitties kept everyone safe.
Happy Cougaring!
Monday she goes in for new speakers, amp and a sub woofer, I'm forced to keep the deck and changer because of cash flow going into the new house. I'm still looking into exhaust and intake and don't want to spend my whole bonus on the stereo. I have spoken to two shops locally about Borla and they say the customer service stinks. One recommended just putting Magna flow muffler, the other suggested a Yo-Dude exhaust, it's supposedly cheaper and the customer service is great. So I'm still pondering that one over. Any suggestions are welcome!
With any luck, I'll have it back in time to launch to CF2.
Hope to see a lot of you there!!!
Skip G.
Don't forget you'll need to update the intake for the high flow exhaust to be effective and vice versa. Kustomz.com has a good one according to the members of this site but I still spent the extra $40 for an Injen from ptuning.com
Sounds like you're looking in all the right directions.
judge
Last Friday I went to get brake pads and I ran in to some trouble. I ordered Performance Friction pads for the front and rear. The rears went in just fine, but the front pads were different from the stock pads, so they would not fit. The owner of the shop called his supplier and even traced the outline of the stock pad and the after-market pad and faxed it to him. Neither one could figure out why they were different. The part number was the right one, but the pad was not the part that was needed. I have to call him back today. Hopefully he will have good news for me.
Over the weekend some son of a motherless goat stole my chrome valve caps. Although this is very minor, it still pissed me off that someone messed with my kitty. Some people are such jerks.
Anyway................ I'm really looking forward to Cougar Fest. I spoke to the guy who is running the event and he is expecting a total of 150-200 cars to attend on Saturday. Since this years event is open to the general public, he is expecting a TON of people to attend the event. It should be a BLAST!!
Coolchick:
GREAT to hear from you!! I would suggest you get that tire checked out as soon as possible.
Skip:
I'm glad to hear that all the parts are in for your Cat. Hopefully the work will be completed in time for you to attend Cougar Fest.
On a funny side note, some guy pulled up next to me at a light and honked for my attention this morning. I rolled down the aforementioned window, and he proceeded to offer me some low cost body work for the damage on my car. I shook my head, rolled up the window, and drove away. As I did, I noticed he was driving an Oldmobile Toronado(?) missing the front bumper and lower portion of both front fenders.
Body work my [non-permissible content removed].
Later,
burnsmr4