93 Z28, project: cheap thrills

[jessica2112]

Awesome project. Can I have a ride?

[Joe 1320]

Ironically, I bought the car in Boynton. A Friend's dad works at a dealership in Delray and tipped him off to this Z which was a trade in. I had done some work on his car so the favor was returned.

If you happen by Sebring, let me know..... we'll go for a spin.

[Joe 1320]

I've driven the car a couple of days in a row and it seems the higher than normal idle has settled back down and is running great. It pulls strong to redline in the first 3 gears. Soooo.... no, I didn't take it out on a top end blast. Don't intend to either. These 2.73 gears are great cruisers with a six speed.

It still needs lots of TLC... so that's next.

[Z Ya Later]

I miss my Z

[Joe 1320]

I'm sure the Jeep will give you some comfort.




Anyway, I think I'll put in a 170º thermostat this weekend. I have one left over from some experimenting on another Z project. That one probably cost around $15 at Advance Auto so that can be added to the $2053 for a total of $2068. Still technically a freebie as I didn't have to run out and buy one so that's still only $653 out of pocket. The throttle body heat bypass is a freebie as well.

[Joe 1320]

I decided to replace the tail lights. They had some seperation of the lens and housing allowing water to enter the lights when washing or raining. This is common over the years as heat from the sun and the bulbs illuminating breaks down the plastic bonds. I originally resealed the housing with silicone but there were some spider web type cracks as well. Overall the lights were OK, but definately not as fresh looking as they could be. A common swap is to replace the early style All red lens/white backup lights with the later style that contain the amber section. I didn't want to go that direction, mainly due to cost and keeping with the stock theme. Instead, I found someone that pulled their stock lights to do the upgrade and purchased the original take offs. Almost flawless and $50 for the pair. A huge improvement without breaking the bank. So now that's a grand total of $2103 or an out of pocket Expense of $703. Project Cheap thrills has been going great. The car runs hard, pulls smartly to redline though the gears and the looks are gradually catching up with the utility. I actually sold off a few non related parts to cover these expenses but I won't add them to the totals as it probably wouldn't be a fair application of funds.

Next up will be fixing the wipers. RainX alone doesn't make me feel cozy.

[ryan34]

Are u goin to sell the car when you're finished with it? I might be interested if you are.

[Z Ya Later]

And I can definitely have someone lined up for it. Keep us posted man. I get mine back tomorrow

[ryan34]

And I can definitely have someone lined up for it. Keep us posted man. I get mine back tomorrow

Whats wrong with yours?

[Z Ya Later]

Whats wrong with yours?

http://www.f-body.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13051

I won't be buying it, but I know some people that want one (esp. since they keep asking if I'm selling mine lol ).

[fastTa]

I've spent a few weeks pouring over the car, here are small items in need of repair:

High beam switch on column non functional.
Cruise control non functional.
Intake manifold oil leak. Fixed.... $5 and some labor.
Rear main seal oil leak. very minor occational drip.
Oil pressure switch leak. Fixed... $23 for new sensor.
Water pump gasket leak. fixed..tightened bolts.. $0.
Driver's window slightly loose.
A/C just quit blowing cold, Fixed... 1 can of r-134a.
Windshield wiper motor non functional.
Driver's door hinge worn and sags just a little bit.
Driver's seat has the typical wear on the side bolster.
Tail lights cracked and seperating. Fixed...... $50 for stock take offs.

Not sure how much of the cruise, wiper and high beams are due to the turn signal stalk and switch. I guess we'll find out.


So far, I've gone over the majority of the body with 10,000 grit aluminum oxide sanding gel. This is like an ultra-fine wetsanding. There are a couple of small areas on the passenger side that will require some bodywork, prep and paint but that will be one of the last items..... The rest of the car is looking stellar. A few coats of Z5 and it's beginning to look stellar.

I've yet to spend another dime, whatever supplies I've used were already on the shelf.

That reminds me, I was supposed to be looking over at the shop for that wiper motor for you. I'll go after work tomorrow. That cruise control unit is still yours if you want it. Fax me a Bud Light and we'll call it even.

[Joe 1320]

That reminds me, I was supposed to be looking over at the shop for that wiper motor for you. I'll go after work tomorrow. That cruise control unit is still yours if you want it. Fax me a Bud Light and we'll call it even.

I've been swamped too. It's been nuts. Let me take stuff apart first and test it out before you send anything. It could be something minor. Then again, with my luck it will all need replacing.

[Z Ya Later]

I've been swamped too. It's been nuts. Let me take stuff apart first and test it out before you send anything. It could be something minor. Then again, with my luck it will all need replacing.

Ya know, I had a problem with the cruise not working sometimes. Ever since I replaced the EGR, haven't had that problem much anymore, but I have noticed its quite sensitive to the pedals and causes it to kick off sometimes. Just a couple things to check .



P.S. Sheeeeee's baaaaaaaaaack

[Joe 1320]

I'll get around to dealing with the cruise issue once I fix the wipers first. They are a must have.

[Joe 1320]

Well, the project takes a bad turn. The A/C is crapped out again. Obviously a leak somewhere. I don't think I'm going to fix it immediatly, there are a few other pressing things to do first. Oh well, the project continues.