Thread: Sons First Car

I also see that the valve cover gaskets are leaking and will replace them

Drop by a GM dealer on this one. There is a recall out for this issue (engine fire) and if your car hasn't been done yet they will change them for free. One of mine has been done and the other two are going in some time in April. Recall number is 09047, Engine Compartment Fire.

Whats the deal with the coolant elbows?

They rot out as they age because they are made of rubber and there is no way to change them without pulling the intake. If they are original they will eventually leak. My 1998's went last summer so that was 12-13 years on them.

^ This. Do it yourself. Replace both and all 12 grommets and no more leakage.

This is going to sound funny. But I AM serious.

Roll the motor forward. lots of room then.

Unbolt the 2 top mounts from the radiator side support, just 1 nut/1 bolt per mount, and swing it up and over. Then use a ratchet strap across the alternator on the support bar and then hook to the radiator support and ratchet a couple times. Motor will roll forward (won't fall tho, lower mounts will hold it in place) and give you plenty of room.

Look underneath

Donor junkyard parts installed

As it sits now

That does suck, but at least all is well. Worst part is when you are heading to the hospital and get into a wreck and have to ... go to the hospital . Glad ya'll are ok and the car is getting fixed back up.

Not so glad on how long its taking tho. As it sits there it seems to have developed some ugly growth on the hood. Need to clean and buff it off before you get finished, that sort of nastiness tends to spread once it gets rooted in.

Originally Posted by falcongt

Looks good, most us just aren't fans of the stick on scoops, IMO they look tacky and cheap, but if you have your heart on them you should at least move them more center so they line up with the grills and follow the lines of the car. Way out like that looks like poop.

Update: I wrecked the car soon after we got it and have been fixing it ever since. Almost road worthy again. Just waiting on a radiator.

Care to explain the wreck?

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

Care to explain the wreck?

My son tore his meniscus and I was taking him to get a MRI and a Porsche pulled out in front of me and then a van pulled out in front of him and he slammed on the brakes and I couldnt stop in time so I rearended him.

Ah, kinda sucks.

Atleast its pretty much fixed from the looks of it, just take off those silly stick on hood scoops.

He wanted the SLP hood but it was 700 bucks so he settled for the scoops and I let him put them where he liked them because its his car. He liked lining them up with the lines of the hood which come in at an angle. Hate all you want but its his car and we got it like he likes.

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Nice car ! I have the exact same color , not a fan of the stick on scoops but like you said its what your son likes . Their is many parts for sale on the for sale section maybe one day an SLP hood will be available for cheap.

Well as said, just my opinion. As long as you are both happy, my thoughts are irrelevant.

Have you considered making a hood? Substantially cheaper if you have the know-how/want to do so. Several have ordered the "univeral scoops" and cut and fiberglassed them on and repainted. Looks tons better and would be a good bonding point and learning experience for you both. I think body-work is a classic trade every car guy should know, and it could save alot of money down the road.

Just a thought while the car is sitting.

Car wont be sitting after tomorrow. Last few months have been great for bonding. Time ot let him sprout his wings