tdm571's 97SE transformation

**tdm571** · 06-07-2011

I bought my GP in February of 2010 for $3500. It had 59,000 original miles. Technically it was a two owner car, but not really. An older couple bought it and their daughter inherited when they passed away. She traded it in for a new car. The only upgrade the car had was thankfully the 3800 engine. Since I finally got my hood and bumper painted, I thought I'd throw up some before pictures. Well, a little ways into the transformation. Since discovering the joy of the pull and pray junkyards, I've replaced the entire tan/neutral interior with the exception of the carpet with the medium oak leather interior. I replaced the I/P wiring harness so I could have all the upgrades without spliced wires all over the place. I hate that.

Current Mods

Medium Oak Leather Interior
03 Headliner and Console
Interior LED Lights
HUD
Digital DIC
Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
Stock CD Radio w/Equalizer
Non-Bose Amplifier
Kicker Speakers all around
Steering Wheel Controls
Automatic Temperature Control
Stock Security
Remote Keyless Entry
Shifter w/Performance Shift button
Rear Deck Spoiler
6000K HID Fog Lights

Mods Ready to Install

GTX RamAir Hood
GT Front Bumper Cover
Spyder Black LED Halo Projector Headlights
Black Window Trim

Now for the pics:
Light Sandrift Metallic (220C)

The car looks so much better with a spoiler

The door lights really make a difference.

Adding steering wheel controls really sucks when the old wheel breaks.

Original miles

Digital DIC, HUD, CD Stereo, Automatic Temp, Heated Seat, Performance Shift

Didn't even have the pass-through back seat.

I'll post more when I get the bumper, hood, and headlights on.

**RamairGTP2** · 06-07-2011

Nice!! Keep us updated. At least your car is rust free....

**tdm571** · 06-22-2011

I got the hood, front bumper, and projectors installed today. When the sun decides to come out for a while, I'll get some pics posted. I've had enough rain to last me a while.

**matt5112** · 06-23-2011

lookin' good!

**PurpleGuy** · 06-23-2011

CLEAN car..got any info on the auto dimming mirror and the digital climate control swap?

**tdm571** · 06-23-2011

Originally Posted by 4THGENCAMAROFAN

CLEAN car..got any info on the auto dimming mirror and the digital climate control swap?

Well, the auto-dimming mirror was a bust. I need to yank it. I got lucky the other day at the pull and pray and found one with a compass from an '02 Taurus. The window button it latches onto came off with the mirror and I'm having trouble getting it out. Once I do that and find a wiring schematic, I'll put it in.

The digital climate control swap came with the I/P wiring harness swap that I did. I had the wiring ready to go when I found a good deal on a complete '97 harness with it. Other than the wiring, I used compnine.com to make a list of the differences between the manual climate control(C60) and the automatic(CJ2). You need the auto HVAC control, the two temperature actuators, the dual zone temperature valves, the vacuum control solenoid, and the blower motor module. I'm not entirely sure if you need the blower motor, but I swapped it out too. Since I replaced the interior, I already had the dash out of it making it easier. It's definitely not an easy upgrade like the DIC or to a certain extent, HUD. The dual zone valves were the hardest part. If you're wanting to do it still, check out compnine for the exploded diagram. It's under the category "BODY MOUNTING-AIR CONDITIONING-INSTRUMENT CLUSTER".

The sun might be out today. Just wait till you see my mulberry fascia. Turned out better than I hoped.

**tdm571** · 06-28-2011

Finally got some sun to shoot some new pics of my front end.

Hard to see, but was able to find some Pontiac emblem center caps to replace the ABS ones.

Ahhh, the mulberry fascia!!!!!

**matt5112** · 06-28-2011

Wow, you did a real number there.

Looks great!

**PurpleGuy** · 06-28-2011

Mulberry fascia FTW!!!! And I like how there is no arrowhead too. Looks much better.

**tdm571** · 06-28-2011

The bumper I got didn't come with the indentation. I just ordered some reflective gold overlays for the license plate, the door and trunk emblems, and the door sills. They'll contrast enough to see. I also ordered some G2 gold caliper paint.

**RamairGTP2** · 06-29-2011

Awesome! I like the after market bumper covers because there is no arrow head. Thats how mine is

**PurpleGuy** · 06-29-2011

Mine too lol.

**cliffdawg** · 06-29-2011

very nice and can i just say i want your hoooooood

**16MustangVet** · 06-29-2011

Holy hell man this car looks incredible for the low miles and love the front end now!! Every thing looks so clean and fresh!! Got a Gt rear bumper and side skirts yet? If not let me know if your interested I can get both for you if your close to MN/ND I live right on the boarder of the 2.

**tdm571** · 06-30-2011

Originally Posted by 98GrandPrixIraqVet

Got a Gt rear bumper and side skirts yet? If not let me know if your interested I can get both for you if your close to MN/ND I live right on the boarder of the 2.

Can't seem to find a decent set in the junkyard. They're always beat to h*ll and rusted. I'm in KY near Cincinnati. It would cost more in gas than it would to ship them. LOL

**16MustangVet** · 06-30-2011

The rear bumper id jsut get one off ebay most are pretty cheap and some have free shipping. As for the sideskirts I could get those easily along with the metal piece that they slide into on each side shipping shouldnt be too bad on them Id just wrap them in cardboard tape the hell out of it and ship em. Looking forward to the rest of this your car looks great so far.

**PurpleGuy** · 06-30-2011

Ya I was thinkin the same thing about the GT rear bumper and skirts. It would look more complete with them. And the mulberry on the rear would really complete it.

**tdm571** · 07-01-2011

What I will like most is the uniqueness of my car. I think my color was strictly for the SE's. I can't imagine what the shipping would be on the side skirts. The weight wouldn't be bad, but the size would make them charge out the arse.