Unreal.....

['STANGETR]

All within the past couple weeks, what poop'ola! My T/A turns 100K, leaky t-top, now another leak in the passanger window weatherstripping, moisture in the taillight, coolant sensor goes (makes my coolant light stay on), and find a long scratch on the hood yesterday right down to the bare metal. What else next??!! All in a matter of a couple weeks? I try sooo hard to keep my baby up, and this is what I get? Sorry, had to vent!

[Performin Norman]

All within the past couple weeks, what poop'ola! My T/A turns 100K, leaky t-top, now another leak in the passanger window weatherstripping, moisture in the taillight, coolant sensor goes (makes my coolant light stay on), and find a long scratch on the hood yesterday right down to the bare metal. What else next??!! All in a matter of a couple weeks? I try sooo hard to keep my baby up, and this is what I get? Sorry, had to vent!

On top of that, I'm going to have to ban you for saying Poop'ola.
Just kidding. Sorry you have had so much trouble. Aren't cars just wonderful?

[Christopherrr]

It's okay...believe me, I had my share. At 200K, she's still running like a champ. I always wondered about weather stripping leaks. Do you know where it's leaking and why? Everything you mentioned isn't a big issue. Take the time out to fix it. One at a time.

I took my car for emissions a couple of months ago and the guys couldn't believe she had 187K on the clock. It's all about how you take care of your car. I know you baby her, but when issues come up, just take care of them.

I look at it this way...our car isn't suppose to trouble free. Get a Toyota if you want that. The trouble that does come up, are usually fixable in the garage, so fix it. Just more time with you car. More time to bond...



My list of things that went out or had to fix/replace.

Taillamp that I busted
Scraped side skirt (I'll do the paint and prep myself)
Leaking water pump replaced
Two bad coils I replaced
Changed my plugs 4 times myself, did it again just this past weekend
Leaking header I have to always check and retighten
Replaced my fuel fiter after every 5 oil changes
Change my oil every 3.5K miles
Pulled all dents and fresh paint on the quater panels
Replaced fog lamps and signal assemblies due to over heat
A slew of blubs
Side marker replaced
New brass gears
Rebuilt rear end
Rebuilt brakes
Adjusted windows
Replaced steering wheel buttons
And installed all of mods myself...except the gears and exhuast.

It's the bonding...

['STANGETR]

"Sniff...sniff"....I know, more bonding time. I just hate it all at once! I won't even mention how it needs new speakers, floor mats, leather needs replacing, ect. I wish I had a garage, the sun does a number on the car down here in the hot Carolina sun. I am proud of one thing though, the car's paint has stayed awesome, and has not faded *yet* from the sun. Still like showroon new. Not bad for a '96. O.K., so I'll have some bonding time coming up! Thanks for encouragement!

[TraceZ]

My list of things that went out or had to fix/replace.

Taillamp that I busted
Scraped side skirt (I'll do the paint and prep myself)
Leaking water pump replaced
Two bad coils I replaced
Changed my plugs 4 times myself, did it again just this past weekend
Leaking header I have to always check and retighten
Replaced my fuel fiter after every 5 oil changes
Change my oil every 3.5K miles
Pulled all dents and fresh paint on the quater panels
Replaced fog lamps and signal assemblies due to over heat
A slew of blubs
Side marker replaced
New brass gears
Rebuilt rear end
Rebuilt brakes
Adjusted windows
Replaced steering wheel buttons
And installed all of mods myself...except the gears and exhuast.

It's the bonding...

Look at that puny little list!

here is mine, and i'm sure there are plenty of members of this forum that have a much longer list than this. I'm glad I dont have dollar figures attached to every item, I'd .:

1) Replace sunvisors, left and right (originals were sagging badly)
2) Install factory fog lamps (both lamps were missing)
3) Replace the driver’s side interior mirror trim piece (old one was cracked)
4) Install new cigarette lighter (it had been used once or twice)
5) Install bowtie emblem on the nose (it was missing)
6) Install a set of factory floor mats (they were missing)
7) Replace air dam under nose (the old one was really beat up)
8) Replace the (+) power distribution block (lid was separated and missing)
9) Repair hinge on center console lid (a little JB Weld)
10) Replace tonnau cover (old one had a tab broken off)
11) Replace the brake fluid cover (sticker was peeled off)
12) Replace both wiper blades (they were free, and brand new)
13) Replace the fuel filter (I’m sure it needed it)
14) Replace the PCV valve and its hose (It was totally dried out and brittle)
15) Replace the crank case vent tube (it was split and no longer sealing well)
16) Install new gaskets under the intake manifold (oil was leaking off the back)
17) Install new valve cover gaskets (oil was leaking from the drivers side)
18) Replace the accessory belt (the old one was showing wear)
19) Install SLP clutch: Pressure Plate, throwout bearing, pilot bearing & disk (OEM was chattering)
20) Change the transmission fluid to B&M Trick Shift synthetic
21) Repaint the stock exhaust tips black (they looked shabby)
22) Replace the low coolant sensor (even the new one was bad, I left it unplugged)
23) Install factory radio modified for use with a Soundstream amp (aftermarket radio sucked)
24) Install new ZR1 rims with Firestone tires (I prefer the ZR1s, and the old tires didn’t match)
25) Replace the drivers side interior door handle bezel (It was cracked and broken)
26) Install new speakers including 6 interior and a subwoofer (Delco speakers suck)
27) Replace the drivers side exhaust manifold gasket (it was leaking)
28) Replace the sparkplugs: AC Delco double Platinum (easier to do with the exhaust manifold off)
29) Replace the temperature sender (I broke it removing the stupid exhaust manifold)
30) Replace leather on driver seat (it was showing wear)
31) Replace leather on passenger seat (compared to the new driver seat, it looked different)
32) Install 150 MPH speedometer with customized white faced overlay. Retain the original odometer.
33) Tighten bolts in steering column (the tilt column had vertical play in it)
34) Install Hurst billet plus aluminum shifter with white knob
35) Replace outer tie rod ends due to cracked dust boots
36) Replace the power window motors in both doors. (they were both slow)
37) Replace the driver’s door. (the fiberglass was cracked in several places and never repaired properly)
38) Replace the window in the driver’s door (it was scratched in a couple spots)
39) Replace the spring in the driver’s exterior door handle. (it was missing and the handle rattled)
40) Clean the MAF ends and clean the MAF element
41) Thoroughly clean the throttle body
42) Thoroughly clean the alternator
43) Install new Delco “professional” battery with proper hold down block & bolt
44) Install Borla 3” stainless steel cat back adjustable exhaust system
45) Install QTP electric exhaust cutout valve with the switch hidden in the ashtray
46) Install SLP Ultra-Z hood with functional ramair box
47) Install K&N air filter for ramair box
48) Install Fernco 3” pipe adapter in place of the standard bellows
49) Install SLP strut tower brace
50) Install SLP logo chrome wheel centers
51) Install Hawk brake pads in front. (I was tired of having to clean the front tires every 3 blocks)
52) Remove and repaint the tail panel (it had a large scratch on it)
53) Remove “Z28” badges and install “Ultra-Z” badges
54) Replace the water pump (it had started to leak through the weep hole)
55) Install Hypertech 160f thermostat in polished housing
56) Replaced the spark Plug Wires with Taylor Spiro-Pro 8mm(they were damaged and poorly repaired)
57) Replaced the radiator (it had cracked and was leaking)
58) Repair the rattle in the exhaust (I had at some point dropped a piece of a spark plug down the pipe)
59) Sent the QTP cutout back for warranty repair. (it had stopped working)
60) Install SLP emblem on tail panel
61) Change the Rear Differential fluid, use Amsoil synthetic.
62) Completely change the Brake Fluid, use DOT4 synthetic.
63) Re-Flash PCM with updated programming from PCMForLess
64) Install 32mm 1LE front swaybar with ES Poly bushings and end links
65) Install 22mm 1LE rear swaybar with ES Poly bushings and end links
66) Install SLP bolt in Sub Frame Connectors for convertibles
67) Install Throttle Body Airfoil

[Christopherrr]

Look at that puny little list!

here is mine, and i'm sure there are plenty of members of this forum that have a much longer list than this. I'm glad I dont have dollar figures attached to every item, I'd .:

1) Replace sunvisors, left and right (originals were sagging badly)
2) Install factory fog lamps (both lamps were missing)
3) Replace the driver’s side interior mirror trim piece (old one was cracked)
4) Install new cigarette lighter (it had been used once or twice)
5) Install bowtie emblem on the nose (it was missing)
6) Install a set of factory floor mats (they were missing)
7) Replace air dam under nose (the old one was really beat up)
8) Replace the (+) power distribution block (lid was separated and missing)
9) Repair hinge on center console lid (a little JB Weld)
10) Replace tonnau cover (old one had a tab broken off)
11) Replace the brake fluid cover (sticker was peeled off)
12) Replace both wiper blades (they were free, and brand new)
13) Replace the fuel filter (I’m sure it needed it)
14) Replace the PCV valve and its hose (It was totally dried out and brittle)
15) Replace the crank case vent tube (it was split and no longer sealing well)
16) Install new gaskets under the intake manifold (oil was leaking off the back)
17) Install new valve cover gaskets (oil was leaking from the drivers side)
18) Replace the accessory belt (the old one was showing wear)
19) Install SLP clutch: Pressure Plate, throwout bearing, pilot bearing & disk (OEM was chattering)
20) Change the transmission fluid to B&M Trick Shift synthetic
21) Repaint the stock exhaust tips black (they looked shabby)
22) Replace the low coolant sensor (even the new one was bad, I left it unplugged)
23) Install factory radio modified for use with a Soundstream amp (aftermarket radio sucked)
24) Install new ZR1 rims with Firestone tires (I prefer the ZR1s, and the old tires didn’t match)
25) Replace the drivers side interior door handle bezel (It was cracked and broken)
26) Install new speakers including 6 interior and a subwoofer (Delco speakers suck)
27) Replace the drivers side exhaust manifold gasket (it was leaking)
28) Replace the sparkplugs: AC Delco double Platinum (easier to do with the exhaust manifold off)
29) Replace the temperature sender (I broke it removing the stupid exhaust manifold)
30) Replace leather on driver seat (it was showing wear)
31) Replace leather on passenger seat (compared to the new driver seat, it looked different)
32) Install 150 MPH speedometer with customized white faced overlay. Retain the original odometer.
33) Tighten bolts in steering column (the tilt column had vertical play in it)
34) Install Hurst billet plus aluminum shifter with white knob
35) Replace outer tie rod ends due to cracked dust boots
36) Replace the power window motors in both doors. (they were both slow)
37) Replace the driver’s door. (the fiberglass was cracked in several places and never repaired properly)
38) Replace the window in the driver’s door (it was scratched in a couple spots)
39) Replace the spring in the driver’s exterior door handle. (it was missing and the handle rattled)
40) Clean the MAF ends and clean the MAF element
41) Thoroughly clean the throttle body
42) Thoroughly clean the alternator
43) Install new Delco “professional” battery with proper hold down block & bolt
44) Install Borla 3” stainless steel cat back adjustable exhaust system
45) Install QTP electric exhaust cutout valve with the switch hidden in the ashtray
46) Install SLP Ultra-Z hood with functional ramair box
47) Install K&N air filter for ramair box
48) Install Fernco 3” pipe adapter in place of the standard bellows
49) Install SLP strut tower brace
50) Install SLP logo chrome wheel centers
51) Install Hawk brake pads in front. (I was tired of having to clean the front tires every 3 blocks)
52) Remove and repaint the tail panel (it had a large scratch on it)
53) Remove “Z28” badges and install “Ultra-Z” badges
54) Replace the water pump (it had started to leak through the weep hole)
55) Install Hypertech 160f thermostat in polished housing
56) Replaced the spark Plug Wires with Taylor Spiro-Pro 8mm(they were damaged and poorly repaired)
57) Replaced the radiator (it had cracked and was leaking)
58) Repair the rattle in the exhaust (I had at some point dropped a piece of a spark plug down the pipe)
59) Sent the QTP cutout back for warranty repair. (it had stopped working)
60) Install SLP emblem on tail panel
61) Change the Rear Differential fluid, use Amsoil synthetic.
62) Completely change the Brake Fluid, use DOT4 synthetic.
63) Re-Flash PCM with updated programming from PCMForLess
64) Install 32mm 1LE front swaybar with ES Poly bushings and end links
65) Install 22mm 1LE rear swaybar with ES Poly bushings and end links
66) Install SLP bolt in Sub Frame Connectors for convertibles
67) Install Throttle Body Airfoil

Oh yeah...

1. Taillamp that I busted
2. Scraped side skirt (I'll do the paint and prep myself)
3. Leaking water pump replaced
4. Two bad coils I replaced
5. Changed my plugs 4 times myself, did it again just this past weekend
6. Leaking header I have to always check and retighten
7. Replaced my fuel fiter after every 5 oil changes
8. Change my oil every 3.5K miles
9. Pulled all dents and fresh paint on the quater panels
10. Replaced fog lamps and signal assemblies due to over heat
11. A slew of blubs
12. Side marker replaced
13. New brass gears
14. Rebuilt rear end
15. Rebuilt brakes twice
16. Adjusted windows
17. Replaced steering wheel buttons
__________________________________________________ _______________

18. Installed Transmission cooler
19. Recharged A/C three times
20. Replaced cracked t-top
21. Removed sail panel speakers
22. Installed and wired subwoofer
23. replaced all bulbs in gauges
24. Retinted windows
25. Replaced tires twice
26. Polished rims with each wash
27. Descreened MAF
28. Installed CAI
29. Recharged K&N Filter 5 times
30. Pulled radiator and AC condensor for cleaning
31. Cleaned engine bay 7 times
32. Replaced floor mats with SLP ones
33. Cleaned suspension componets
34. Replaced all shocks with bilstiens
35. Replaced shift knob
36. Leather shift knob boot mod
37. Installed manual fan switch
38. Wired Valentine One with conceled display
39. Replaced Altenator
40. Installed BMR SFC and STB
41. Replaced stock 16 inchers with Speedlines
42. Repaired hatch release
43. Removed rear seats
44. Adjusted fenders
45. Zainoed 36 times!
46. Polished filler panel
47. Inserts in the PONTIAC recess in bumper
48. Removed door guards
49. Removed emblems
50. Replaced Corbeau TRS three times due to wear
51. Deep cleaned carpet 4 times
52. Replaced Springs
53. Adjusted headlamps with every replacement
54. Adjusted headlamp covers to match gaps
55. Adjusted hood to match fenders
56. Flush tranmission 3 times <- a feat on it's own
57. Removed motored Antenna with a stubby
58. Flush cooling system 5 times
59. Installed 160* thermostat
60. Repaired exhuast hangers
61. Replaced hood shocks
62. Installed full cat back
63. Installed headers
64. Repainted wheel wells
65. Replaced battery 3 times
66. Replaced battery mount
67. Tighten parking brake

There's more, but I think I beat ya Tracy.

[darkz711]

thats impressive to put 200000 miles on a 1999, thats almost 30,000 miles a year

['STANGETR]

thats impressive to put 200000 miles on a 1999, thats almost 30,000 miles a year

WOW!! (Please forgive me, I know I'm not supposed to post in caps!) That is a lot of mileage, but as long as it is taken care of, which I'm sure it is. That's why were here, we love our cars! You're alomst giving my dad's little '85 Mazda a run for the money-he's got 300k on the car.

[fastTa]

Chris and Tracy are going to start rolling up their sleeves and comparing scars!

[Blazer]

Hell I feel good get stopped by the cops friday an to nite an just got a warning how far can lady luck go.
Blazer

[Crazy Canuk]

I can totaly relate, I bought my car, after a couple of months found out it had a bad missfire, started replacing parts, finaly had it solved then my power lock went out (still not fixed ) driver side window motor failed, coolant light sensor went out (not fixed either), then the missfire came back (wires were installed wrong) and also needed to replace spark plugs again because of that.

At this time I was thinking ok this is it, gonna sell it, but I didn't fixed it and nothing major has happened since, well I did have rear brakes replaced after and the heat shield on my catalyitc converter is now loose (what a pain!).

All in all I still like my car but sometimes I think my car is one of those nagging wifes, no matter how nice you are to her, no mater how many times you tell her how good she looks, every so often she throws a fit out of no where to see if you still care enough to fix it.

[Christopherrr]

All in all I still like my car but sometimes I think my car is one of those nagging wifes, no matter how nice you are to her, no mater how many times you tell her how good she looks, every so often she throws a fit out of no where to see if you still care enough to fix it.

In sickness or in health, till death due us part...I knew I shouldn't have said those words when I got her.

Oh well, ain't much I can do now...just gotta deal with it. LOL!

['STANGETR]

I'm updating my "unreal" post today. Just got back from the grocery store, and well, nothing happened to the car, but I really got mad. This lady comes flying into the handicap spot right next to me, gets out, no handicapped sticker, nothing on the tag that says their handicapped, and she was surely not handicapped. Same thing happened 2 days earlier at the same store, same situation. What's up with people thinking they can do whatever they want, thinking they're all that and a bag of chips??!! Where's the respect? Oh, well.

[Joe 1320]

People buy stuff, it breaks. We fix it when it breaks for awhile, then when we ultimately get fed up with the repairs we get something else and the whole process starts over again.

[WhiteSmoke]

I have the same problem with the the coolant light sensor and many more as well =) we are all in the same boat, but its worth putting the time into fixing all that just for that sweet rumble and the thrill of that HP!