I have lots to update!
So I finally got around to detailing most of the
EXTERIOR. I started with a good bathing (Meguiar's Gold Class) I washed all the inner door sills and everything.
Next I clay bard the entire vehicle panel by panel. I used the Meguiar's clay kit
Proceeding this I used Meguiars paint cleaner (panel by panel). This is the first step in their three step "deep crystal clean" system
Next up came Meguiar's polish
Finally rounding it out I used Meguiars carnuaba wax. On the front end I've gone over it again and used Meguiar's NXT 2.0 - Gotta love those synthetic polymers
Proceeding the paint work I did all the rubber and trim treatment using Mothers Back to Black.
I got some Eagle One automotive window cleaner and then Rain-X'd all the windows.
I also treated the headlights to some Mother's mag & aluminum polish - What a difference! This stuff is awesome and really takes the yellow hazing out of the lights in no time.
Replaced lots of bulbs of course
New wiper blades (and winter fluid
Got some RalliTEK plate frames.
Mounted my ADVAN Touring Competions - 16"x7 et48 on Pirelli Pzero Nero 205/55/16. Wow, what a difference a set of lightweight wheels and sticky tires makes. Its unreal. I haven't had a chance to push it and see if they rub. I drive this car pretty gingerly in complete honesty.
Overall I'm pretty happy with how the exterior turned out.
-INTERIOR-
I purchased a cord from Radio Shack that allows me to use the auxiliary audio output on the stock head unit right to my iPod. I can't believe how nice the stereo sounds in this thing. I haven't looked to see if the speakers have been replaced.
I got all the door lights working and found a new cover for the dome light.
So far I've used Lexol cleaner + the conditioner on the rear seats and front passenger seat. It made some difference but not huge. I've also been removing the worst stains in the carpet with some Turtle product I had laying around. It works surprisingly well. I've done a deep vacuuming to the thing a couple times, and of course a premium air freshener from Auto Zone (lol)
- MAINTENANCE-
I started off with an oil change, a new OEM oil filter and crush ring gasket.
My friend & ASE certified mechanic who also owns a '91 SS & a '98 LGT Limited helped me diagnose why all my dash warning lights were on.
At some point, the alternator was replaced and the thing was spewing out 17-18 amps on everything - yikes. This was quickly remedied by replacing it with an alternator out of a '91 SS parts car He has laying around.
Next was addressing the check engine light. We counted the cycles (got to love OBD1) and so it was a 35 code. The solenoid. Luck would have it that He had one that works out of a EJ18 - another near free fix!
Proceeding all this it was definitely due for a tune up. New wires, spark plugs, PCV valve, air filter and fuel filter were installed. Cleaned out the intake manifold and carefully cleaned up the area around the MAF. It runs a lot smoother now. Unfortunately, it has a slight misfire at idle. I'm going to have a compression test done soon. It has an exhaust leak and I also think the heat shield needs to be crimped. I hope this helps with the minor misfire. Besides this it really needs to have the power steering pump resealed and the valve cover gaskets done ASAP. This will be done within the next week but I've been keeping a sharp eye on the oil level. I've already put about 1000 miles on this thing.
On Wednesday I am picking up studded snow tires in 195/60/15's for the wheels pictured above! Its all coming together really nicely. Its been a lot of work so far and it only has a little to go before this thing will be an absolutely exceptional car. Maybe in a year or two I'd like to get a early JDM MOMO or Nardi steering wheel. Also on the list is some Whiteline steering rack bushings and some bigger sway bars maybe off a second generation Outback. I also want the simplysubie fender braces but we will see. I will not lower this car though as I need the clearance for the mountain and daily driving.
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