The Car Talk Thread

[Andy]

Old thread, here:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=26542

Let's have a new one, mkay? I apologize to Dragon and the forum, for the poor attitude of the previous thread's author.

So, last we looked, on matters of import (!), where were we?

[gus]

where were we?

:cry our brand new spanker Golf with every panel on the left banged in :cry

[dragon300zx]

:cry our brand new spanker Golf with every panel on the left banged in :cry

LOL gus well at least your taking it good and it's her first and not her 13th. But that still sucks. And I still need your email address cause you will like these photos I got.

[dragon300zx]

Old thread, here:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=26542

Let's have a new one, mkay? I apologize to Dragon and the forum, for the poor attitude of the previous thread's author.

So, last we looked, on matters of import (!), where were we?

LOL um why was the thread restarted though? Am I missing something why am I getting apologized to?

[ian408]

Hey, so I forgot to let you all in on the detail issue with the overspray. I decided to pay. $500 for 8 hours of labor to get it off. Chemical wouldn't take
it off nor would blue clay. It's undergoing the complete gig tomorrow and will
take red clay (more agressive). The small test patch came off and buffs out
rather nicely.

I should shoot some before and afters.

Ian

[DigiEyE]

Well here's a pic of my car with a little artistic twist.

http://DigiEyE.smugmug.com/photos/76383155-L.jpg
http://DigiEyE.smugmug.com/photos/76383306-L.jpg

[dragon300zx]

Hey, so I forgot to let you all in on the detail issue with the overspray. I decided to pay. $500 for 8 hours of labor to get it off. Chemical wouldn't take
it off nor would blue clay. It's undergoing the complete gig tomorrow and will
take red clay (more agressive). The small test patch came off and buffs out
rather nicely.

I should shoot some before and afters.

Ian

Good to hear your car is gonna be ok dude. Overspray sucks. :thumb

[dragon300zx]

Well here's a pic of my car with a little artistic twist

Dude it's not nice to tease me like that. There won't be any new eps of Initial D till the manga gets farther ahead of the anime so it will prolly be another year before I get fresh ID. Then you go and through an ID teasher photo.... Not nice.

[DoctorIt]

Dude it's not nice to tease me like that. There won't be any new eps of Initial D till the manga gets farther ahead of the anime so it will prolly be another year before I get fresh ID. Then you go and through an ID teasher photo.... Not nice.:huh :scratch

[dragon300zx]

:huh :scratch

So I like anime that involves cars so sue me.

[DigiEyE]

LoL, the funny thing is I have no idea about inital D, a few freinds told me my car looks like its from it and I just threw it up.

[dragon300zx]

LoL, the funny thing is I have no idea about inital D, a few freinds told me my car looks like its from it and I just threw it up.

Baka.

[DigiEyE]

LoL dont get angry, Im sure they will continue a show about anime cars :rofl

Till then you will have to tide youself over with the real stuff...

[dragon300zx]

LoL dont get angry, Im sure they will continue a show about anime cars :rofl

Till then you will have to tide youself over with the real stuff...

LOL I make due with plenty of the real stuff but I needs my cartoons to relax..... :)

Thanks for the comment in my gallery but let me tell ya dude. If you think that blue 350Z looks sick on the outside you gotta see whats under the hood. That car is in florida and I shot it last time I was down there. The owner had just gotten it back after having the twin turbo kit from stillen installed, fat aZZ intercooler, sweet exhaust, intakes, computer upgrade, upgraded clutch.. That car was just freakin nuts. He also has a Z32 TT in his garage. The cars down there it was just amazing....

[wxwax]

So I like anime that involves cars so sue me.
See you in court. :1drink

[dragon300zx]

See you in court. :1drink

LOL Problem is Initial D is good but there is another manga that is still only available in the US via scanlations, called Wangan Midnight that they keep talking about doing an Anime of but they haven't come out with it yet. It would prolly sell more than ID if it was made. And the main car in it is a Zcar.

[gus]

Dragon...are you drinking red cordial ?

Ok (day 5)..got the quote this morning...$3300 :cry

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/81166763-L.jpg

[ian408]

Dragon...are you drinking red cordial ?

Ok (day 5)..got the quote this morning...$3300 :cry



Man, I'd be drinking something else...

[marlinspike]

Man, I'd be drinking something else...

AUS $ no doubt...though that's still like what $2400 US?

[bwg]

Dragon...are you drinking red cordial ?

Ok (day 5)..got the quote this morning...$3300 :cry
ouch. that's a tough crease in the rocker. feel for you man.

[DigiEyE]

Thanks for the comment in my gallery but let me tell ya dude. If you think that blue 350Z looks sick on the outside you gotta see whats under the hood. That car is in florida and I shot it last time I was down there. The owner had just gotten it back after having the twin turbo kit from stillen installed, fat aZZ intercooler, sweet exhaust, intakes, computer upgrade, upgraded clutch.. That car was just freakin nuts. He also has a Z32 TT in his garage. The cars down there it was just amazing....

Thats just disterbingly sick.... Did you get any other pics of it?

How fast are his 1/4 runs?

[marlinspike]

Thats just disterbingly sick.... Did you get any other pics of it?

How fast are his 1/4 runs?

I don't have any photos, but somehow none of this stuff impresses me after seeing a guy with a 655ci indy legend aluminum block in a plymout duster with 1500 hp.

[DoctorIt]

Ok (day 5)..got the quote this morning...$3300 :cry

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/81166763-S.jpgNew doors, new fenders - easy. but like Lee said - that rocker panel is f'ed up! That quote actually sounds pretty low to me.
:dunno

[dragon300zx]

Thats just disterbingly sick.... Did you get any other pics of it?

How fast are his 1/4 runs?

No idea on his quarters. He doesn't run it on the strip. That car is built for one thing and one thing alone. His pure pleasure. I would not wanna go up against him on the street. And not really all the pictures of that car I took that I liked are posted on the site.

[dragon300zx]

I don't have any photos, but somehow none of this stuff impresses me after seeing a guy with a 655ci indy legend aluminum block in a plymout duster with 1500 hp.

Thats what seperates the true car guy from the novice. To a true car guy any car that is loved, and well taken care of is a a joy. Be it a duster putting down 1500hp or a 240SX perfectly balanced for drifting. The duster may be faster but it is no more impressive than that blue 350Z. They are both built with care, pride, and purpose. I'm sorry but the straight line doesn't do a think for me. Give me high speed corners, striaghts, traffic, and built car and I'm happy. Anyone can run a straight line (even if they aren't the fastest at it). Kinda like new cars, anyone can drive a new, and that just doesn't appeal to me.

[claudermilk]

OK, so with the new thread, I'll jump in. For a good laugh (and proof that gearheads are nuts): http://mysite.verizon.net/project.frankenpinto

Going to pick up new body panels this weekend. It will be done...more-or-less...by October for GRM's Challenge.

BTW, Dragon, keeping this little monster IN a straight line is expected to be a handful. :uhoh

[marlinspike]

Thats what seperates the true car guy from the novice.

I don't think we should be laying down definitions of car guy, it'll just start a fight. For instance, I'd say no car guy drives a rice-burner (though a gearhead can, but it can't have more than 2 wheels). A car guy also definitley doesn't drive anything recent...I'd say 15 years or older is required (well there are still some cars that can be for car guys: Porsche except for the GT, Ferrari's can be but rarely are, and then some random little companies like Koenigsegg...the new Bugatti is definitley not for a car guy).

It's silly to say anybody can do a straight line by the way. Granted I enjoy the turns (in fact I agree with your statement "Give me high speed corners, striaghts, traffic, and built car and I'm happy," only I would remove the traffice and add hairpins), but try shifting as your lungs are being compressed. Anybody can drive a normal car in a straight line ok.

[gus]

New doors, new fenders - easy. but like Lee said - that rocker panel is f'ed up! That quote actually sounds pretty low to me.
:dunno
The assessor arrived last night. I told him i wanted it back as new & said the shop he sent us to for the quote is great & he said to expect it back 'as new'. They have already ordered 2 door skins from VW & That sill (you call it a rocker) is going to be cut out & replaced with new section. Said they will repaint almost the whole side of the car so nothing will be noticable.

Cheap ? Yeah well this is paradise you know.

[DavidTO]

We were talking about car washing/waxing, too.

I ordered the P21s and One Grand products, they should be arriving today.

Over on priuschat.com a lot of folks are raving about Zaino products. Any experience with them?

[marlinspike]

We were talking about car washing/waxing, too.

I ordered the P21s and One Grand products, they should be arriving today.

Over on priuschat.com a lot of folks are raving about Zaino products. Any experience with them?

The internet LOVES Zaino...me not so much. The internet loves all polymer based polished because they are easy to apply and last long. They don't give you any depth of shine though, and I'm not convinced of their protective abilities. The problem is there are no oils in a polymer polish (polish here not meant in the traditional sense, but meant as a subsitute for wax...there is no wax to speak of though so I call them polishes), and paint does need oils and it does dry if it doesn't get them. Polymer will make the water bead on your car for a LONG time, but I don't think it protects as well and it DEFINITLEY doesn't shine as well. If you hang around body shops enough you'll see they never use polymer anything. Same goes for clay bars, the internet loves them, but those are for removing overspray, not for cleaning the paint.

[DoctorIt]

...and paint does need oils and it does dry if it doesn't get them. Polymer will make the water bead on your car for a LONG time, but I don't think it protects as well and it DEFINITLEY doesn't shine as well.As you well know, I'm no detailing fanatic, but I do know a thing or two about polymers.

So as we discussed before, modern paints are no longer the deep shine organic-solvent (oil) base formulations of old. Instead we have much friendlier and cheaper aqueous (water) base paints. Now Richard says that paints need oils rather than polymers, and I'm wondering: why? I'm confused because it seems the same old materials that worked so well on organic paints are supposed to work as well on aqueous paints? Wouldn't it make more sense that aqueous polymer-based paints would prefer and respond better to suitably formulated polymer-based care products?

:dunno

So since part of my funding comes from nanotechnology work, this stuff is particularly intriguing - what do you think of the new EagleOne Nanowax? The concept there is simple - smaller particles are better to fill voids and create a smooth top surface to reflect light more evenly. This is a sound idea, although, it has to be polymer based.

[marlinspike]

So as we discussed before, modern paints are no longer the deep shine organic-solvent (oil) base formulations of old. Instead we have much friendlier and cheaper aqueous (water) base paints. Now Richard says that paints need oils rather than polymers, and I'm wondering: why?

So since part of my funding comes from nanotechnology work, this stuff is particularly intriguing - what do you think of the new EagleOne Nanowax?

Well...I guess because what I know best is older cars that still have oil based paint. Also, modern german paints sometimes cloud when you use a polymer wax on them (granted german paints are made using ingredients that are illegal in the US until they are dried on the car, so maybe they're different). As far as the nanowax, I don't like any wax that sprays on, plus Eagle is a pretty mediocre company. If this stuff were so great one of the top dogs would be using it.

[DoctorIt]

As far as the nanowax, I don't like any wax that sprays on, I was referring to the more traditional nanowax in a bottle. Not carnuba, obviously, but not spray. Just curious - the onegrand I have should last me at least until my next car anyway.
:lol3

[ian408]

Having just gone through this, I have to ask. Doesn't a traditional wax
work by removing oxidation/buildup on the paint compared to a nanowax
that works by filling gaps between things on or in the paint?

My take, based on my understanding, is that a traditional process
would best be used to restore the paint and a nanowax something
best used weekly/monthly to maintain the finish?

[DoctorIt]

Having just gone through this, I have to ask. Doesn't a traditional wax
work by removing oxidation/buildup on the paint compared to a nanowax
that works by filling gaps between things on or in the paint?

My take, based on my understanding, is that a traditional process
would best be used to restore the paint and a nanowax something
best used weekly/monthly to maintain the finish?Carnuba may remove some stuff in the buffing process, but I know for a fact that the idea is the same - good Carnuba will fill in little swirls and give your car a deep shiny and protective covering. Just like Richard has said in the past, if you do a good job maintaining a nice coat of wax on your car even scratches from an errant kitty can simply by fixed by washing/prepping/rewaxing.

The idea of nanowax is simply that smaller "particles" can arrange to a more even outer surface, thereby looking even smoother. I'm guessing the lack of deep shine that Richard points out is a drawback of this. It's all about light scattering, so obviously nanoparticles scatter differently than micro or macroparticles. If indeed there is such a thing as was "particles" - on that I'm unsure.

[marlinspike]

Having just gone through this, I have to ask. Doesn't a traditional wax
work by removing oxidation/buildup on the paint compared to a nanowax
that works by filling gaps between things on or in the paint?

No, though a cleaner wax does. Avoid cleaner waxes light the plague, they are absolute junk. No company makes a good cleaner wax (this includes the "Zymol" cleaner wax in a bottle sold in Walmarts and Pep Boys, which is actually rebranded Turtle Wax, note that it's made in Chicago), even if they did I don't think anybody could make a good cleaner wax. If you need to clean the paint, use a non abrasive cleaner like P21S gloss enhancing paintwork cleanser (only use the fine abrasive ones if you need to remove light scratches or swirls). Regular carnuba wax works by just putting a layer on top of things.

I know from a detail guy who sells his own brand (buys in bulk from some unnamed supplier) of polymer sealant (that's the word they use: sealant, i just remembered) says that polymer won't fill in minor swirls like a wax does, so that's another mark against polymer.

[dragon300zx]

argh crap I am still soooo fuming over last night. I can't beleive what happened on pinks. Why the team even ran is so beyond me. That was a car from one of the forums I frequent and they got hosed. Anyone watch it? Notice how the show failed to mention they were never suppose to race the monte. The car they were supposed to race crashed 2 days before the event. They shoulda backed out like they had the option too instead of taking on a car that was built way mor ethan their's was. That show sucked.

[wholenewlight]

http://www.wftv.com/2006/0303/7648294_320X240.jpg

MALIBU, Calif. -- A Los Angeles County sheriff inspects the wreckage of a rare Ferrari Enzo that crashed on the Pacific Coast Highway Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, in Malibu, Calif. The red Ferrari, estimated to be worth more than $1 million, was going at least 100 mph when the driver lost control and struck a power pole, investigators said. Sheriff's investigators identified the owner as Stefan Ericksson, 44, of Bel Air, who escaped the wreck with only a cut lip.

:huh

"Hello . . . Geico . . . yeah, I had a little accident"

[DoctorIt]

http://www.wftv.com/2006/0303/7648294_320X240.jpg

MALIBU, Calif. -- A Los Angeles County sheriff inspects the wreckage of a rare Ferrari Enzo that crashed on the Pacific Coast Highway Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, in Malibu, Calif. The red Ferrari, estimated to be worth more than $1 million, was going at least 100 mph when the driver lost control and struck a power pole, investigators said. Sheriff's investigators identified the owner as Stefan Ericksson, 44, of Bel Air, who escaped the wreck with only a cut lip.

:huh

"Hello . . . Geico . . . yeah, I had a little accident"please tell me this isn't still circulating as news? this has practically become an urban legend! :lol3

[Andy]

OK, so with the new thread, I'll jump in. For a good laugh (and proof that gearheads are nuts): http://mysite.verizon.net/project.frankenpinto

Going to pick up new body panels this weekend. It will be done...more-or-less...by October for GRM's Challenge.

BTW, Dragon, keeping this little monster IN a straight line is expected to be a handful. :uhoh

I had the Bobcat version - fun little car, though it weighed like 10,000 pounds!

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/325304-M-1.jpg

[dragon300zx]

please tell me this isn't still circulating as news? this has practically become an urban legend! :lol3

Not an urban legend seeing as the court record will show he was arrested and is awaiting trial since that was a stolen car.

[marlinspike]

Not an urban legend seeing as the court record will show he was arrested and is awaiting trial since that was a stolen car.

Note that Doc said "still" circulating. He's not saying it's not true, he's saying this is as old as Andy.

[DoctorIt]

Not an urban legend seeing as the court record will show he was arrested and is awaiting trial since that was a stolen car.so you know him?

[DoctorIt]

Note that Doc said "still" circulating. He's not saying it's not true, he's saying this is as old as Andy.:rofl

aw man, excellent!

zing!

[dragon300zx]

so you know him?

lol no I'm a news junky and been following the articles on it. Besides I don't associate with criminals (that are dumb enough to wreck an enzo).

[marlinspike]

lol no I'm a news junky and been following the articles on it. Besides I don't associate with criminals (that are dumb enough to wreck an enzo).

What? Don't you know, he didn't do it. It was the mysterious Dietrich. SOB ran off though, and the enzo owner never did get his last name, but Dietrich the mystery German is to blame...clearly.

[Andy]

Any poop on this one, the Jeep Compass?

[DoctorIt]

Any poop on this one, the Jeep Compass?Lee says it sucks and only a real loser would drive one.

[DoctorIt]

What? Don't you know, he didn't do it. It was the mysterious Dietrich. SOB ran off though, and the enzo owner never did get his last name, but Dietrich the mystery German is to blame...clearly.I thought it was David Hasselhof?

:hide

[Andy]

Lee says it sucks and only a real loser would drive one.
You're no help, and I thought he said that about the Liberty?

[Andy]

You're no help, and I thought he said that about the Liberty?
Lee told me to get this instead of the Compass:

[bwg]

what i said was that of the two i think the caliber looks better.

listening is hard eh?

[DavidTO]

FJ Cruiser.

[Andy]

what i said was that of the two i think the caliber looks better.

listening is hard eh?
Compass has more clearance, and you sit up a bit higher than the Caliber.

Hrm...

[Andy]

hawt - hawt - but it's probably VERY VERY jeepy ridey so I don't guess I'd like it.

[bwg]

hawt - hawt - but it's probably VERY VERY jeepy ridey so I don't guess I'd like it.wimp. i drove from VA to Moab, UT in mine.

[bwg]

FJ Cruiser.i liked these until i sat in one. the backseat is like a cave and the design creates ginormous blindspots.

[Andy]

wimp. i drove from VA to Moab, UT in mine.
Yes, I need a comfy ride. Ideally, I'd like a ride that's no less comfy than honey's 2004 Jeep Cherokee

[ian408]

i liked these until i sat in one. the backseat is like a cave and the design creates ginormous blindspots.

Apparently, they roll over too....

[bwg]

Apparently, they roll over too....they said that about jeeps too. believe me, you have to try reallly hard to roll a vehicle.

3 wheels is much easier.

[Andy]

This is nice, too

[Andy]

I configged a VW Toreg ... Tourag... Toraugh... Oh HELL if I can't spell it I AM NOT BUYING IT

[marlinspike]

Why an SUV Andy? Why not something that's less likely to roll over, has a lower center of gravity, doesn't block the view of other drivers, doesn't make use of less stringent emissions laws, and most likely is more comfortable too?

[Andy]

Why an SUV Andy? Why not something that's less likely to roll over, has a lower center of gravity, doesn't block the view of other drivers, doesn't make use of less stringent emissions laws, and most likely is more comfortable too?
I really like driving my wife's Jeep Cherokee.

Off to jeepland tomorrow.

[DavidTO]

Get a Maybach (http://www.maybach-manufaktur.com/index.htm).

[Andy]

Get a Maybach (http://www.maybach-manufaktur.com/index.htm).
No, because whatever it is, it forced me to a full-screen window. How rude.

[David_S85]

The new SUV (whatever your choice) should look good parked next to the Mini, and be photogenic. Coordination is important.

That, and perhaps getting 40MPG or more. :D

[DavidTO]

No, because whatever it is, it forced me to a full-screen window. How rude.


There is no finer car made anywhere. Only 1,000 per year. 4 leave the factory on a given day.

The rear ceiling goes from opaque to translucent at the push of a button.

[DavidTO]

From the wikipedia:

In 1997, Mercedes-Benz presented at the Tokyo Motorshow an ultra-luxury concept car under the name Mercedes-Benz Maybach (V12, 5987 cc, 394 hp). The concept was quite successful and it was decided to develop it. Mercedes however took the decision to market the car under the sole brand Maybach.
Maybach was therefore revived as a brand in the early 2000s, with the production of the new model in two sizes; — the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62, (the numbers are equal to the lengths of the automobiles in decimetres); the longer 62 allows rear occupants to recline fully in their seats. The prices range from US$305,000 to $357,000; they are priced to compete with the top-of-the-range Bentley and Rolls-Royce automobiles. In 2005, the new 57S has been added, sporting a more powerful engine (6.0L V12 bi-turbo, producing 604bhp and 737lb/ft of torque) and cosmetic touches that provides a sporty image. Also the 57s, (sport) in 2006. When a customer decides to order a Maybach they can go to Sindelfingen, the marque’s headquarters, (or meet over a video conference centre at a dealer in their own country) to specify every and any detail they desire. Many customers will personalise their cars with their initials or coats of arms. Maybach executives liken the experience to ordering a custom-built yacht or a personalized jet aircraft. Also, with a hand-crafted finish quality, and over two million equipment options, it is unlikely that two identical cars will ever leave the factory. The Maybach then, with its V12 engine and its reclining leather seats, combines utter speed and performance with complete luxury.

[ian408]

How's about an Audi Q7?

[Andy]

How's about an Audi Q7?
:nah

I'm not wasting $50K

I hate cars. All of them. I hate you all, too :lol3

[ian408]

:nah

I'm not wasting $50K

I hate cars. All of them. I hate you all, too :lol3

Is it that much? Damn :lol3

At least you'd be ridin' in style :D But I guess you'd be ridin' in style w/that
jeep too.

[DavidTO]

What do y'all know about tinting? Specifically http://huperoptik.com/ ?

[wxwax]

There is no uglier car made anywhere.

Fixed.

[gus]

:nah

I'm not wasting $50K

I hate cars. All of them. I hate you all, too :lol3
Wait for this one. (http://www.teslamotors.com/index.html)

[DoctorIt]

Wait for this one. (http://www.teslamotors.com/index.html):ear

[Andy]

Wait for this one. (http://www.teslamotors.com/index.html)
ho-kay :D

[marlinspike]

You guys do now that that's a very unusable car, right? I wonder why they don't even show a picture of it on their website when they've been showing their pre-production model all over TV.

[DoctorIt]

You guys do now that that's a very unusable car.duh. but its a very interesting and fresh idea - an attractive "fun" electric car. Why do you hate innovation?
:lol3

[Andy]

I hate hate hate with a passion going to the dealer. I'd rather have 5 root canals.

Anyhow, test drove the Compass by Jeep today. Nice, very nice. Muuuuch more smoootherer than the Liberty. The compass rides like the Cherokee, really really nice. I'm fairly sold. I would have bought, except when I produced my Chrysler Employee Discount Card given to me by a friend, they then wrote down the new price, cool! 10 mins later as I'm writing out the check, the manager comes over and says "nope - we won't honor that price."

Buh-bye dealership

[DavidTO]

Fixed.


Sid. Those rear seats fully recline. Think about it. FUL-LY RE-CLINE. Nice.

[dragon300zx]

I hate hate hate with a passion going to the dealer. I'd rather have 5 root canals.

Anyhow, test drove the Compass by Jeep today. Nice, very nice. Muuuuch more smoootherer than the Liberty. The compass rides like the Cherokee, really really nice. I'm fairly sold. I would have bought, except when I produced my Chrysler Employee Discount Card given to me by a friend, they then wrote down the new price, cool! 10 mins later as I'm writing out the check, the manager comes over and says "nope - we won't honor that price."

Buh-bye dealership

LOL and thats when you say, "Well damn that sucks, was gonna get one of the wife and daughter too. Oh well theres always the dealership over in ______. I'm sure they wouldn't mind three sales."

[DavidTO]

What do y'all know about tinting? Specifically http://huperoptik.com/ ?


Anyone?

[Andy]

Sid. Those rear seats fully recline. Think about it. FUL-LY RE-CLINE. Nice.
waaaaaaaat? you want to recline with sid in the way back of the maybach?

[DoctorIt]

Anyone?Sorry, I don't know the first thing about tint - I associate that with the boy-racer crowd and never really had much need for it.
:dunno

Nano-ceramic film sounds awfully cool and up my alley though... I doubt it'll be practical, but I'll dig through that site. My guess however, is that its all about the competency of the installer. Anyone can do it, but only good shops can do it right. I'd ask around locally, maybe see who your dealer uses for that kind of thing.

[DoctorIt]

...in the way back of the maybach?Move over Fitty Cent and Snoop Dogg, there's a new playah in town...

:lol3

[wxwax]

Sid. Those rear seats fully recline. Think about it. FUL-LY RE-CLINE. Nice.
I have a bed that looks better. And it's more comfortable. Not to mention more versatile.

[dragon300zx]

waaaaaaaat? you want to recline with sid in the way back of the maybach?

You still playing match maker here andy?

[DavidTO]

Sorry, I don't know the first thing about tint - I associate that with the boy-racer crowd and never really had much need for it.
:dunno

Nano-ceramic film sounds awfully cool and up my alley though... I doubt it'll be practical, but I'll dig through that site. My guess however, is that its all about the competency of the installer. Anyone can do it, but only good shops can do it right. I'd ask around locally, maybe see who your dealer uses for that kind of thing.


The reason I'm even thinking about it is to keep heat down in the car. I don't really care about the *look* of tinting, just the heat reduction. And what I've heard about the ceramic tint is that it offers more heat reduction than other tints, so you can even put a lighter tint on and still get the benefits of it. Also, not being metallic it won't interfere with the GPS.

[wxwax]

Is tinting legal in CA?

Wasn't, back in 1983.

[DavidTO]

Is tinting legal in CA?

Wasn't, back in 1983.


Yeah, there's restrictions on it, but it's legal.

[DoctorIt]

Is tinting legal in CA?

Wasn't, back in 1983.To my knowledge, some degree of tint is legal everywhere. Differs state to state on how dark you can go and still pass inspection.

David, good points. You actually taught me something - never thought about metallic in the tint. Like I said, never got that interested in it. If you do go with it, I'd be very curious to hear about heat reduction and the overall experience vs. added cost.
:thumb

[Jeffro]

I've had a Cherokee, and have a Liberty now, but probably won't much longer...guzzler....wouldn't touch the Compass, or Calibre with a ten foot pole. I think they are based on the PT platform..no thanks, but it would sure be nice to go on a photo shoot in this....

http://leiningerphotos.smugmug.com/photos/82360440-L.jpg

Only $35,000 and some change for a Roush Mustang....sweeeeeeet!!:lust

[ian408]

To my knowledge, some degree of tint is legal everywhere. Differs state to state on how dark you can go and still pass inspection.

David, good points. You actually taught me something - never thought about metallic in the tint. Like I said, never got that interested in it. If you do go with it, I'd be very curious to hear about heat reduction and the overall experience vs. added cost.
:thumb

In California, there's no inspection per se. The law says you can tint any
window with the front being most restrictive. Usually just the top few
inches. Supposedly, you can tint the passenger and driver side windows
such that 70% of visible light can pass through the tint but I defy you to
measure it in the field while 5-0 is writing you a ticket. If you tint the rear
window, you have to have both driver and passenger mirrors and lastly,
when the tint wears out, you've got to replace it.

In Nevada, I've seen some pretty dark tint on all but the windshield.

One of the places I looked at having do some tinting uses a computer
controlled cutter for the film. Pretty swank. Just like printing a page on
your printer except this is plotter sized and uses a knife :D I don't think
the door panels get removed to do the job. It looks straight forward to
do. Just wet the glass, center the panel, remove the bubbles and smooth
it all out. I'm sure that the guys who actually apply it will tell you differently
but they make it look straight forward.

Newer cars don't warrant the tint except for cosmetic reasons (at least
that's my opinion).

Ian

[marlinspike]

I can't help but wonder why people are so enamored by these Rousch and Saleen and Shelby Mustangs...look at the regular GT's test specs, then look at those of the Shelby and the aftermarkets...then look at the prices. The GT can be had for under 27k, and it performs almost indentically to the modifieds and Shelby.

[DoctorIt]

I can't help but wonder why people are so enamored by these Rousch and Saleen and Shelby Mustangs...look at the regular GT's test specs, then look at those of the Shelby and the aftermarkets...then look at the prices. The GT can be had for under 27k, and it performs almost indentically to the modifieds and Shelby.Have to agree. The Mustang GT is pretty darn good bang for the buck. And mods are dirt cheap if you do them yourself. Can you still just swap out some rear end bits in the new one to change the ratio and make it faster? A good exhaust also does wonders for the breathing on those cars. And still thousands less than the Saleen, which comes with a pretty hideous body kit.

[claudermilk]

I've had a Cherokee, and have a Liberty now, but probably won't much longer...guzzler....wouldn't touch the Compass, or Calibre with a ten foot pole. I think they are based on the PT platform..no thanks, but it would sure be nice to go on a photo shoot in this....

http://leiningerphotos.smugmug.com/photos/82360440-L.jpg

Only $35,000 and some change for a Roush Mustang....sweeeeeeet!!:lust

Drool. :agree

BTW, the Caliber is on a new platform that replaces the Neon (what the PT was based on). I wouldn't touch any of them with a ten foot pole either--but then I'm a sports car guy, not a truck guy. Hopefully the Daimler takeover has some positive effects on how they bolt things together.

[marlinspike]

Have to agree. The Mustang GT is pretty darn good bang for the buck. And mods are dirt cheap if you do them yourself. Can you still just swap out some rear end bits in the new one to change the ratio and make it faster? A good exhaust also does wonders for the breathing on those cars. And still thousands less than the Saleen, which comes with a pretty hideous body kit.

You can do that and more. www.fordraingparts.com is the official Ford Performance Racing site (i.e. official Ford mods).

[Jeffro]

You can do that and more. www.fordraingparts.com (http://www.fordraingparts.com) is the official Ford Performance Racing site (i.e. official Ford mods).

I'm contemplating a 2007 Mustang GT (Premium), which is "only" $27,000 and some change. I took it for quite the test drive, and loved it. Handles great, sounds great, rides great.....love it!:lust The salesman said it was the best test drive he has ever been on, and I even scared him a bit....:rofl :rofl :rofl

The wife is the last hurdle......I never have been very good at track and field...:huh

[marlinspike]

I'm contemplating a 2007 Mustang GT (Premium), which is "only" $27,000 and some change. I took it for quite the test drive, and loved it. Handles great, sounds great, rides great.....love it!:lust The salesman said it was the best test drive he has ever been on, and I even scared him a bit....:rofl :rofl :rofl

The wife is the last hurdle......I never have been very good at track and field...:huh

Unless I misunderstood Motor Trend (the sentence was poorly worded), you might want to make sure it's a MY2007 not MY2006. Apparently all Mustang GT's have extra stiffening starting in 2007 model year to accomodate the Shelby.

[ian408]

The wife is the last hurdle......I never have been very good at track and field...:huh

We were talking about the retro style "Great American Muscle" cars. I said
I thought the Mustang was the nicest since it retained styling queues from
years gone yet the new ones stand on their own. Very nice car that I
haven't had a chance to drive yet.

Ian

[Aaron Wilson]

Any one in the CA bay area have a corvette that could be used in a photo shoot?

[dragon300zx]

Any one in the CA bay area have a corvette that could be used in a photo shoot?

Hey Aaron you might wanna register and hit the people over at this site up.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/index.php (http://www.computerhelpmi.com:2095/horde/services/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.corvetteforum.com%2 Findex.php)

[ian408]

Any one in the CA bay area have a corvette that could be used in a photo shoot?

One of the guys at work has a pretty red one. I think he might be looking
for pictures too. Want me to ask?

[Jeffro]

I'm contemplating a 2007 Mustang GT (Premium), which is "only" $27,000 and some change. I took it for quite the test drive, and loved it. Handles great, sounds great, rides great.....love it!:lust The salesman said it was the best test drive he has ever been on, and I even scared him a bit....:rofl :rofl :rofl

The wife is the last hurdle......I never have been very good at track and field...:huh

I decided to go with a red convertible GT.......the wife said it was ok!!:clap http://leiningerphotos.smugmug.com/photos/82880467-M.jpg

:lol4

[Aaron Wilson]

sure would love to! Please ask when you get a chance, my e-mail is vlcbear2@comcast.net

[marlinspike]

Just FYI Andy, the September 2006 issue of Motor Trend tests the compass

I hate hate hate with a passion going to the dealer. I'd rather have 5 root canals.

Anyhow, test drove the Compass by Jeep today. Nice, very nice. Muuuuch more smoootherer than the Liberty. The compass rides like the Cherokee, really really nice. I'm fairly sold. I would have bought, except when I produced my Chrysler Employee Discount Card given to me by a friend, they then wrote down the new price, cool! 10 mins later as I'm writing out the check, the manager comes over and says "nope - we won't honor that price."

Buh-bye dealership

[Andy]

The truth comes out.

In the old thread, BWG sez:
at least you have good taste in wives...cuz you sure dont have it in cars.

seriously man, PT cruiser?

:rofl

BWG and his California Dream Car:

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/86952073-L-0.jpg

[dragon300zx]

Taste in women and taste in cars are really two totally opposite things.

For example I have great taste in cars.

Yet I have very horrible horrible taste in women. (Did I mention I have horrible taste in women, it's really something awful, and instead of my friends finding a decent woman for me, the find me even more awful women).

And andy has decent taste in women.

But Horrible Horrible Taste in cars.

PT Cruiser ICKY.

[gus]

The truth comes out.

In the old thread, BWG sez:


BWG and his California Dream Car:

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/86952073-L-0.jpg

Hang on...ive got my head in a bucket throwing up. God they are a patheticly ugly car.

[bwg]

The truth comes out.

In the old thread, BWG sez:


BWG and his California Dream Car:

look how drunk i am in that photo...i take no responsibility for my actions!

[claudermilk]

That explains it. :rofl
Just remember the PT is only a tarted-up Neon. Bleh.

[Andy]

Hang on...ive got my head in a bucket throwing up. God they are a patheticly ugly car.

Naw.. though ours was a little fat around the middle. Cornered funny, too :lol3

[DoctorIt]

Naw.. though ours was a little fat around the middle. Cornered funny, too :lol3you've made what is quite possibly the most disgusting car ever - a PT cruiser convertible that looks like a new Beetle!

[marlof]

that is not a car. that is a bathtub with seats in it.

[Andy]

that is not a car. that is a bathtub with seats in it.
:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

[ian408]

that is not a car. that is a bathtub with seats in it.

You left out "that does impressive burnouts" :clap

[NHBubba]

Me = happy.. the car thread lives on!

[marlinspike]

Oh, it lives on. I'll have a big post to make in a couple months (Nov 19th)...I'm not going to say anything to give it away though (now I have to go back and check and make sure I haven't given it away yet). Oh, and it's a lot more than that paint thing I was asking about...a LOT more.

[DoctorIt]

Me = happy.. the car thread lives on!do tell... the truck finally gone??? :ear

[marlinspike]

Oh, it lives on. I'll have a big post to make in a couple months (Nov 19th)...I'm not going to say anything to give it away though (now I have to go back and check and make sure I haven't given it away yet). Oh, and it's a lot more than that paint thing I was asking about...a LOT more.

Ok...well, I'm give a little hint, because I have a question and I figure some of the people here might be able to answer it. Has anyone here heard Flowmaster 40 Super or Flowmaster 70 Big Block II mufflers? I'm looking for something that has good flow characteristics (i.e. performance is my primary concern), but if possible I want to avoid being obnoxious to others.

[DoctorIt]

Ok...well, I'm give a little hint, because I have a question and I figure some of the people here might be able to answer it. Has anyone here heard Flowmaster 40 Super or Flowmaster 70 Big Block II mufflers? I'm looking for something that has good flow characteristics (i.e. performance is my primary concern), but if possible I want to avoid being obnoxious to others.mr sophisticated old benz is gonna shed the tweed jacket, eh? you practicing rolling the pack of camels into your v-neck?
:lol3

I know nothing about this kind of stuff, but I'm curious... very curious. :ear

[DoctorIt]

so another real question to revive this thread...

Anyone have any advice for cleaning a windshield, interior? I had a small rock chip repaired almost a month ago now, and ever since then, my windshield has been super greasy on the inside. Windex just kinda smears it around.

Any products out there designed specifically for auto glass? Any tricks? I've tried just water and a bit of alcohol to cut the "grease", newspaper, various other wiping materials too.

[DoctorIt]

this: http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=10233

or something I can pickup locally... Richard, I know you hate Eagle products, but how different can this be: http://www.eagleone.com/pages/products/product.asp?itemid=1087

[marlinspike]

Yeah, the ones I use are One Grand and Wurth, and they work really well. Honestly, I don't know about that Eagle glass cleaner, it's possible that it works well. I know there is one product Eagle makes (chrome and wire rim cleaner) that is great (well...great at cleaning exhaust tips, don't know about it's wheel cleaning, never had a chrome or wire wheel to use it on). I suppose it's worth a shot. I've got some Griot's Garage glass cleaner on it's way to me (Griot's standard shipping is slooooow...probably won't be here until end of the week). Just wanted to mix things up and see how it is.

BTW, a lot of glass cleaning is in the towel you use. Don't use regular paper towels. I like to use these 3M microfiber cloths for glass http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=10198 which are in fact carried by Pep Boys and places like that.


My only good experiences so far have been with Wurth and One Grand glass cleaner.
My bad experiences have been with everything you can buy in a grocery store, and Stoner Invisible Glass. I've never tried the Eagle One.

[marlinspike]

mr sophisticated old benz is gonna shed the tweed jacket, eh? you practicing rolling the pack of camels into your v-neck?
:lol3

I know nothing about this kind of stuff, but I'm curious... very curious. :ear

You'll find out more when it's all done by November 19th (that's the have to be done by date). Work will start Oct 14. I'll tell you this much now: it's not a new/different car.

[DoctorIt]

Yeah, the ones I use are One Grand and Wurth, and they work really well. Honestly, I don't know about that Eagle glass cleaner, it's possible that it works well. I know there is one product Eagle makes (chrome and wire rim cleaner) that is great (well...great at cleaning exhaust tips, don't know about it's wheel cleaning, never had a chrome or wire wheel to use it on). I suppose it's worth a shot. I've got some Griot's Garage glass cleaner on it's way to me (Griot's standard shipping is slooooow...probably won't be here until end of the week). Just wanted to mix things up and see how it is.

BTW, a lot of glass cleaning is in the towel you use. Don't use regular paper towels. I like to use these 3M microfiber cloths for glass http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=10198 which are in fact carried by Pep Boys and places like that.


My only good experiences so far have been with Wurth and One Grand glass cleaner.
My bad experiences have been with everything you can buy in a grocery store, and Stoner Invisible Glass. I've never tried the Eagle One.I figured you'd say that. I'm gonna stop at my typically very well-stocked Autozone on the way home. If they have the Eagle, I'll try it and let you know. Unlike paint, you can't hurt glass, so I'm willing to try.

Good call on the cloths, I have quite a few in my photo bag, maybe time to pick up a bigger one for windshields.

[marlinspike]

If you really want it clean, you could always get this
http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=11601

Hehe...yes, thats right, 10 bucks for one-tenth of a liter.

[dragon300zx]

OK guys I did something really stupid over the weekend.

You see I drive a MONSTER year round right now as my fun car is waiting for me to have time to restore it.. The monster is a 94 chevy astro that I despise. I bought it in 2001 and have had it for 5 years, and it's not in that bad of shape considering I have owned it for 5 years (I'm what they call an agressive driver). I have been trying to decide if I want to make the needed repairs to it or take my restoration money and buy a newer used vehicle that doesn't need as many repairs right this minute, and that I won't detest as much as I do this van (I have ADD for crying out loud 5 years is way to long to own a vehicle). Well here is the stupid part.

I had to move furniture from mackinaw down to detroit over the weekend so instead of cleaning the monster out and taking the seats out of it I rented a truck. A 2007 5.3l V8 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab. A brand new truck with less than 2500 miles on it (when they gave it to me, now it has well over 3k on it), that gets 20mpg compared to the 13-16mpg my van with a smaller engine gets. So not only am I hating the looks of the van, I hate the gas guzzling, and I hate working on it..... Plus now I have a taste of a new vehicle again. Now I wouldn't buy a truck (I feel dirty enough having enjoyed driving this one the past few days (I am not a redneck, I am not a redneck, I am not a redneck, .....)) and I won't buy a new new car cause I just consider that a waste of money. But I want a new used car. Not wanting to spend tons of money but figuring bout 3k cash. I've been thinking bout a 98 or 99 chevy malibu. The main draw back is I won't have something big for being able to move stuff around in....

Anyone have an opinion on the malibu? Would I be better off trying to find a crew cab ranger or s10? Argh I hate car shopping when its for my own car, but I hate this MONSTER.

[marlinspike]

Ford F150...you know you want/need a work truck, and their ain't no truck better at working than a Ford. Though it'd have to be like a 95 at 3k

[dragon300zx]

Ford F150...you know you want/need a work truck, and their ain't no truck better at working than a Ford. Though it'd have to be like a 95 at 3k

Icky, icky, icky.

[NHBubba]

do tell... the truck finally gone??? :earNegative. Truckzilla is still here.. now doing ~120 miles a day! :bash

I've almost gone full circle on the whole car front. After I relocated and got saddled w/ my new commute, I had my heart set on a nice new Mazda3 hatch. The idea was that the MZ3 would become my daily transport, w/ a slight flair for both utility (thanks hatch factor) and fun (thanks 'zoomzoom' factor). I'd decided I'd part w/ the truck, go for the 3 now and eventually find myself a broken down 2WD I4 powered truck for real utility use as a second vehicle. If I don't have to drive it in the snow, 2WD vs 4WD doesn't really matter.. nor does warranty support, creature comforts, etc etc.

Sadly nobody.. and I mean nobody seemed to want to give me a fair shake on my trade. I even tried to go it alone and listed it on autotrader. I got zero calls! It became pretty obvious that I was going to have to take a bath to the tune of $3-4k to part w/ it. Since $3-4k buys a lot of fuel, I decided to stick w/ it.

So here I am, a summer later still driving truckzilla.. and secretly kind of loving it!

My new obsession is obtaining a fairly used Mazda Miata. I looked up a guy I went to school w/ a while back when I was visiting Florida. He drives a Ranger, like myself.. but now has 3 early 90's Miatas as 'toys'. The first isn't actually his, but his GF's. She was looking for a daily driver and they finally settled on a '90 'iata for her. He ended up totally falling for the car and driving it more than she did. She finally put her foot down and said 'get your own!' ... so he did. Now he has 2 for himself. One is a '91 special edition weekend/auto-x car and the other is a project w/ a blown engine that he is midway through a rebuild on. All three were sub $5k investments..

Next thing I know I'm shooting the breeze w/ a friend's father one afternoon. He's a long time 'vert finatic and owns a very very mint 1980 MG-B. Turns out he got tired of driving a 25 year old british car. Between reliability issues and him having heart failure evertime someone would breath on it wrong, he went looking for something else. He ended up finding a '95 Miata locally w/ a couple "dings and dents" for $5500.

All this has me turned on to an early/mid 90's Miata in the worst way. I hope to land one in decent shape for something in the $4k-5k range. Needless to say I've been diverting all my play money from the 'camera fund' to the newly founded 'Miata fund'. About as impractical as can be and of questionable reliability.. but then who cares.. I've got truckzilla to fall back on.. or so goes the plan!

Ready for the kicker: one of the other motives behind the Miata drive is that I am looking to it to replace (yes, replace!) the bike! I am planning to sell it off next spring. Buh-bye B12!

[DoctorIt]

new f150's are leasing for next to nothing, and even the big V8 4x4's get better gas mileage than the Ranger I had just last year.

if you buy a $3k car this year, you'll want/need a new one in about 3 years anyway. for just a bit more, you can be driving around worry-free in a brand new truck w/full warranty. If you're on of those people that hate leases because you have that stodgy "I want to own something", consider that when you buy a $3k shitbox (and for $3k, any truck you buy will most certainly be a shitbox) you'll be left with nothing in the time a lease would be over anyway.

One of the smartest things I ever did while I was working at Ford was prepay a lease on a truck for myself before I went back to school. Sure I had to give it back, but I hadn't been making any payments at all for 3 years.

handing off the soapbox... :D

[DoctorIt]

Icky, icky, icky.this coming from a guy who drives an Astro van and is considering a Chevy Malibu... where's the vomit smiley?

[NHBubba]

F150.. V8.. Ranger.. I'm so your guy. I currently drive a 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II. It is a 4x4 (hence the FX4 name) has the 4.0L V6 w/ a manual trans. The 'Level II' bit is a special 'off-road' package that adds quite a bit of weight by way of a heavier axle, special skid plates and the sort. The package also means very inneficient oversized all-terrain (not all-season) tires and low 'off-road' 4.10 gearing. In short it is basically the least efficient Ranger config available from the factory!

I keep a very meticulous fuel log and have a lifetime average of about 17-19 MPG. In my last 5 fillups I have averaged 21 MPG. I have a handy little spreadsheet that figures all this crap out for me automatically. I actually posted a screenshot of it the other day for someone on a Ranger related website..

http://www.blckout.com/nhbubba/photo/Misc/Truckzilla%20Mileage%20Summary%20-%202006_08_24.gif

I am active on at least two Ranger forums and I know of nearly no one getting substantially better mileage than this.. in fact most owners report far worse.

I would be shocked if you will find a full-size that will get that kind of mileage w/ a V8.. especially if it is a 4WD. But the real kicker against the full-size trucks in my case is the price. In '03 when I was shopping a stripped 4WD F150 would have started at least $5k more than my fully-loaded Ranger sold for. The Ranger is a helluva buy in that respect. And w/ so many of them out there and the ancient styling they do not hold their values for crap. You can get a Ranger for next-to-nothing.. new or used.

The upside of the F150 compared to the Ranger is that the F150 is a big(er) money-maker for Ford. The truck gets a lot more attention than the Ranger does because it is so much more profitable. Case in point is the fact that the stamp tooling for the inner-molding of the bed of my Ranger dates back to the original design in '84. It still has indents for fuel filler necks for two tanks.. an option that has not been available for nearly 20 years! Almost everything about the F150 is better supported by the factory. The only reason the Ranger got any attention whatsoever is the fact that the money-making Explorer was a platform mate.. and that stopped being true somewhere around 2003. The Explorer (except 'SportTrac') design was all new and the Ranger design was left to die a slow, painful death.

[dragon300zx]

Ahh but see Erik my main consideration is a car (the malibu). The only reason I would even think of a truck is for the cargo area.

It's not so much the ownership thing and I don't expect the vehicle to have much resale value by the time I'm done with it (I know how I drive). I'm looking for fuel cost, and general reliability. I could easily fix the van up to be in good reliable shape again for less than 600 in parts (and that would be replacing alot of stuff at that cost) and a couple days of my time. Way cheaper than buying something else but then I still get bad gas and the same monster.

I figure for any of the vehicles I want I'm gonna be spending 200-300 a month for something new or even used if I finance, plus insurance. Leasing for me isn't a good option cause I like to drive alot and I put on ton's of miles avg 20-30k miles a year vs the 12k I see most leases coming with. So even if I do lease I won't be getting the rock bottom price cause that doesn't include enough miles for me.

Now you figure 225 month for 24 months works out to 5400.00. If I get a decent car that has a good body, high miles, and may need some mechanical work from time to time for say 3k, and I put in maybe 50 a month avg through the year in parts to fix things from time to time thats only 4200 total over a 24 month period. With a savings of 1200.

I know it's not a new car, and not the greatest car for only 3k, but its still better than alot of people drive, fairly reliable, and it works for me.

[NHBubba]

Anyone have an opinion on the malibu? Would I be better off trying to find a crew cab ranger or s10?After reading DrIt's replies, I think I might have answered the wrong question before. Mali-blew vs Ranger or S10?! Uh, no question, I'd rather drive the pickup.. But then again, I DO!!

Rangers go for pennies on the dollar right now between the gas prices and old design that nobody wants. S10's are probably similar. Everyone wants a flashy new 'Colorado' or redesigned, 250 HP Taco/Frontier.. Even if they do suck!

[DoctorIt]

yeah, dragon, i forgot to add the mileage disclaimer. leases work fantastic for people who can stay low on miles (very handy for us with motorcycles :evil)

but you can see by the math that you did, sure comes out close, doesn't it?



Bubba - you apparently don't have many friends with the new generation F150. They truly are unbelievable in terms of efficiency - worlds better than the previous gens. More than one friend of mine has an Xcab, 4x4 F150, consistently gets 20mpg. Your ranger must be amazing, or your commute suits it perfectly because mine (exactly the same as yours) only got 19 or 20 on a very rare trip. Norm was 17.

[ChrisJ]

All this has me turned on to an early/mid 90's Miata in the worst way. I hope to land one in decent shape for something in the $4k-5k range. Needless to say I've been diverting all my play money from the 'camera fund' to the newly founded 'Miata fund'. About as impractical as can be and of questionable reliability.. but then who cares.. I've got truckzilla to fall back on.. or so goes the plan!
One of the best purchases I've ever made... I knew almost nothing about Miatas at the time, I just needed a commute car in a hurry. I ended up lucky with the '95M.

http://chrisandjoy.smugmug.com/photos/15944405-S-1.jpg

I assume you've been looking at miata.net (http://miata.net). Impractical, sure, but reliable if treated right! And spare parts are plentiful.

[NHBubba]

Bubba - you apparently don't have many friends with the new generation F150. They truly are unbelievable in terms of efficiency - worlds better than the previous gens. More than one friend of mine has an Xcab, 4x4 F150, consistently gets 20mpg. Your ranger must be amazing, or your commute suits it perfectly because mine (exactly the same as yours) only got 19 or 20 on a very rare trip. Norm was 17.Nope.. I know of no one w/ a newer F150. So I'll have to take your word for it.

I am getting very good mileage by driving very slowly. I short-shift; every upshift is done before 2k RPM. I am in 5th before I even get to 40 MPH, regardless of the setting. And I never exceede 70 MPH, even on the super-slab. At 75 MPH my mileage starts to go to crap. If I could stomach 65 or slower, then I am sure I could improve things even more.

I'm not sure I could bring myself to buy a new F150 though.. they are slush-box only!

[DoctorIt]

I'm not sure I could bring myself to buy a new F150 though.. they are slush-box only!why would you want to shift a truck that big with that much power? it's not a sports car. :dunno

[NHBubba]

One of the best purchases I've ever made... I knew almost nothing about Miatas at the time, I just needed a commute car in a hurry. I ended up lucky with the '95M.

I assume you've been looking at miata.net (http://miata.net). Impractical, sure, but reliable if treated right! And spare parts are plentiful.Stop it! Seriously.. I'm getting enough of this 'best purchase I ever made' crap from my friends dad and the kid in Florida. Bastards! All of you! :D

I've practically taken up residence at miata.net. Trying to learn as much as I can before I go take the plunge. ... So far I've learned enough to know that I'll probably never be able to afford a '95 M! :D Nice car, and then some..

[NHBubba]

why would you want to shift a truck that big with that much power? it's not a sports car. :dunnoSame reasons the guys driving 18 wheels do: cheaper initial costs, cheaper repair, more efficient, less maintanence..

Not to mention the 'fun' factor.

[DoctorIt]

Same reasons the guys driving 18 wheels do: cheaper buy in, cheaper repair, more efficient, less maintanence..

Not to mention the 'fun' factor.you've never shifted an 18-wheeler, have you? :lol3

efficient: NO, how do you think the big new trucks do better on gas? they're smarter than than you!

cheaper: not really, the new automatics are bullet-proof

[NHBubba]

Again, I'll have to take your word for it on this one too. In my experience an automatic has NEVER been: more efficient, cheaper to buy, or cheaper to maintain. I can use a manual trans to control my shift points to improve my mileage. Afterall.. I'm doing it now and milking 20+ MPG out of my pickup right now! :dunno I'd love to see someone w/ a slush-box do the same.. There is nothing special or unique about my commute. It is the same super-slab driving that almost everyone else in America drives. About the only thing I've got going for me is that we are a little light on traffic up this way.

Bottom line: I'm not quite ready to sign everything over to these 'smarter than me' computers. (And this is coming from a Computer Engineer!)

And that 'bullet-proof' comment sounds curiously like famous last words!

[dragon300zx]

Bah Maybe I'll just get a civic.

[gus]

Bah Maybe I'll just get a civic.
Get a 2lt turbo diesel golf. I cant stop grinning every time i drive it. Goes like a cut snake. Just test drive it at the least...you will be very surprised with its torque/acceleration + its got a great set of picks on it.

[DoctorIt]

Just test drive it at the least... you will be very surprised...and if nothing else, you'll have had a great trip to Oz or Europe! :lol3

(gus, we don't get those here. "we" hate diesels)

[DoctorIt]

Again, I'll have to take your word for it on this one too. In my experience an automatic has NEVER been: more efficient, cheaper to buy, or cheaper to maintain. I can use a manual trans to control my shift points to improve my mileage. Afterall.. I'm doing it now and milking 20+ MPG out of my pickup right now! :dunno I'd love to see someone w/ a slush-box do the same.. There is nothing special or unique about my commute. It is the same super-slab driving that almost everyone else in America drives. About the only thing I've got going for me is that we are a little light on traffic up this way.

Bottom line: I'm not quite ready to sign everything over to these 'smarter than me' computers. (And this is coming from a Computer Engineer!)

And that 'bullet-proof' comment sounds curiously like famous last words!See, Bubba, auto's shine with the really big engines. Your experience is spot on, I wouldn't argue that having control over your engine is a good thing (you know what I drive). However, your experience is with cars and very light trucks. When you enter the realm of big trucks with big engines that typically are not working to their capacity, the new generation automatic transmissions really are more efficient. There is less rotating mass and moving parts - shifts are smoother and power is better conserved. Mind you, I said big engines that typically aren't pulling their max load, as in 99.9% of all full size pickups that are being driven with an empty bed. And thats why your 18 wheeler example you used earlier holds - those trucks are in fact hauling to capacity and need the direct contact of a manual tranny with 10-12 speeds to make it move (fun to drive btw, shifting 4 times before you've even made it through the intersection :lol3).

[gus]

and if nothing else, you'll have had a great trip to Oz or Europe! :lol3

(gus, we don't get those here. "we" hate diesels)

Serious :huh Man they are the ducks guts here atm !!

I drove it like a stolen turbo go-kart on its very first tank around town & it saw 700 klms (435 miles) on a 55 lt tank (14.5 US gallon)

Whats the story mate ?

[marlinspike]

Serious :huh Man they are the ducks guts here atm !!

I drove it like a stolen turbo go-kart on its very first tank around town & it saw 700 klms (435 miles) on a 60 lt tank (14.5 US gallon)

Whats the story mate ?

Supposedly, we should be getting more diesels in the future, from several companies. Part of the problem is that our diesel gas right now is basically garbage. By 2008, they are supposed to all have switched to a better grade of diesel, comparable to what people can get in Europe (I'm a it skeptical, I have a feeling the oil companies will get this delayed at least a year). Once this happens, car companies that offer diesels but didn't think it was worth their while to detune them to run on our junky diesel (i.e. BMW) will start bringing their diesels.

[NHBubba]

(gus, we don't get those here. "we" hate diesels)We don't? I guess the '2lt' designator means something I don't understand.. 'cause I swore I've seen 'TDI' Golfs 'round here. In fact I drove a buddy's prized new TDI Jetta just a few months ago.

And Doc, I'll still keep my manual trans thanks..

This AM's Autotrader shows ~12-14 decent Miatas within 100 miles.. Craigs list only shows 2 though..

[ian408]

so another real question to revive this thread...

Anyone have any advice for cleaning a windshield, interior? I had a small rock chip repaired almost a month ago now, and ever since then, my windshield has been super greasy on the inside. Windex just kinda smears it around.

Any products out there designed specifically for auto glass? Any tricks? I've tried just water and a bit of alcohol to cut the "grease", newspaper, various other wiping materials too.

There used be the best stuff called "Glass Wax". Wipe it on, wait till it hardens
and polish it off. It's in a pinkish colored can. I'd hesitate to call it wax because
it's more abrasive than that. It sure cleans the glass though.

I haven't been able to find it at the usual spots.

[marlinspike]

There used be the best stuff called "Glass Wax". Wipe it on, wait till it hardens
and polish it off. It's in a pinkish colored can. I'd hesitate to call it wax because
it's more abrasive than that. It sure cleans the glass though.

I haven't been able to find it at the usual spots.

Heh, I still have a can of that back home that my dad bought God knows when. I personally don't think it's that great on glass, though it polishes brass pretty well.
One Grand makes a MUCH more agressive glass cleaning paste to get that waterspot line on the outside (you know, the one that the windsheild wiper makes) of the glass, but it just comes back in a few months, so unless you're showing the car, there is no point.

[DoctorIt]

We don't? I guess the '2lt' designator means something I don't understand.. 'cause I swore I've seen 'TDI' Golfs 'round here. In fact I drove a buddy's prized new TDI Jetta just a few months ago.We do get some diesel cars. And by some, I mean very few. At the moment, I think that the TDI golfs/jettas are the only diesel cars actually sold in the US. Beyond that, Chrysler has the diesel Liberty SUV, and then the bigger work trucks, F350 and the like. However, only some states actually allow the cars to be sold. If you want a diesel VW in MA, you can register it here, but you have to go to a dealer in NH or CT, etc, to purchase it.

So yes, Bubba, you are again technically right (you're such a prat, know that? :D), however, the fact remains we have about as many diesels in this country as EU and OZ have fans of american football.

[NHBubba]

I didn't know that about MA. I should have known though. I bet the same is true for ME, VT, CA and the sort as well. Even the Mazda3 I was looking at was different in those states because of the extra smog rules. PZEV vs ULEV or some such thing.. Sales-people at NH dealers tried to push the 0.005% extra HP advantage the 50-state cars.. while ones at MA dealers tried to push the 0.005% lower emissions advantage of the CA cars. I couldn't tell the difference on a test-drive.

Still, where there's a will, there's a way, regardless of where you live. I have seriously given the TDI Golf a moment's thought. Probably the biggest strike against it was the fact that I can't get one very well equipped. If I have to drive it everyday I want niceties like a sun-roof, cruise control, and a half decent sound system. VW markets the TDI to the real rock-bottom, low-buck crowd.. so no dice there.

I tripped accross this C&D feature (http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10783/battle-of-the-diesel-beaters.html) about 'diesel beaters' the other day. I was kind of shocked at some of the diesels they were able to find.. and at what costs. The Olds 88 especially, I never knew GM released such a car.. in the states ore anywhere else for that matter. ... Given those are ancient battle-axes from the 80's. And the whole '07 fuel changeover thing does not apply.

Although I just checked.. According to mbusa.com, you can still get a E320 CDI (http://www.mbusa.com/models/main.do?modelCode=E320CDI) w/ a 3.2L I6 turbo-diesel from MB. Although the MSRP of ~$52k kinda ruins any savings you might find at the pump..

I'd still kill for a compact pickup w/ a ~2.5L turbo'ed I4 diesel. The rest of the world gets'em in spades.. but not us. ... Although I hear they pay quite dearly for them. Word has it the Mexico/South America Ranger in diesel trim sells for almost as much as a diesel F250 SuperDuty does up this way! If that's the case I am not so sure.

[marlinspike]

Although I just checked.. According to mbusa.com, you can still get a E320 CDI (http://www.mbusa.com/models/main.do?modelCode=E320CDI) w/ a 3.2L I6 turbo-diesel from MB. Although the MSRP of ~$52k kinda ruins any savings you might find at the pump..

Yep, Benz still brings a diesel starting about 1.5 years ago. Also, back in 1998 for one year they brought an E300 diesel, but that was an utter piece of junk which also didn't sell well. Given the number of pre-1990 diesel Mercedes on the road, I can't help put wonder when the diesel boom suddenly died.

[claudermilk]

I tripped accross this C&D feature (http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10783/battle-of-the-diesel-beaters.html) about 'diesel beaters' the other day. I was kind of shocked at some of the diesels they were able to find.. and at what costs. The Olds 88 especially, I never knew GM released such a car.. in the states ore anywhere else for that matter. ... Given those are ancient battle-axes from the 80's. And the whole '07 fuel changeover thing does not apply.

LOL. That article was a riot, those guys are seriously twisted...that's why I subscribe. I'll bet GM would like you to forget about that diesel, too. To call them a POS is being charitable (not that the gas version of that car was a winner either...).

[gus]

I think that the TDI golfs/jettas are the only diesel cars actually sold in the US.

So you don't get them but you do get them :dunno :scratch Didnt you say that you would have to go to 0z or europe to get a TDI ?

I will never own another petrol car after seeing the fuel economy & power of that little golf (err..petrol meaning a GAS car for you guys) We call this a gas car. (http://www.gasresearchpc.com.au/assets/images/db_images/db_ComTankBoot1.jpg)

[DoctorIt]

So you don't get them but you do get them :dunno :scratch Didnt you say that you would have to go to 0z or europe to get a TDI ?

I will never own another petrol car after seeing the fuel economy & power of that little golf (err..petrol meaning a GAS car for you guys) We call this a gas car. (http://www.gasresearchpc.com.au/assets/images/db_images/db_ComTankBoot1.jpg)Gus, maybe this website will make it clearer for you:

http://www.biodieselamerica.org/diesel_vehicles_us

That's it, those are your only options. I don't know about Oz, but in EU, just about every model of compact car has an available diesel engine as either standard or an option.

[gus]

Gus, maybe this website will make it clearer for you:

http://www.biodieselamerica.org/diesel_vehicles_us

That's it, those are your only options. I don't know about Oz, but in EU, just about every model of compact car has an available diesel engine as either standard or an option.
Ahhh so you only get the 1.9lt not the 2lt then. Massive difference in the 2 donks.

[DoctorIt]

Ahhh so you only get the 1.9lt not the 2lt then. Massive difference in the 2 donks.Yup, that last is a year old, but even the new Jetta (mkV style) TDI listed on VWusa is still the 1.9L. Like I said, pickin's are slim.

[gus]

Diesel is just taking off here (few big failures in the early 80's)

Holden (GM opel) (http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/modeloverview?modelid=26008) I think ford australia (http://www.ford.com.au/range/passenger.asp) are also bringing out in diesel in one of their smaller car soon...

[NHBubba]

Another problem w/ diesel in the US is that it is not universally available. Not every service station has it. There is a loss in convenience factor.

[gus]

Another problem w/ diesel in the US is that it is not universally available. Not every service station has it. There is a loss in convenience factor.

Wow.. i dont know of a servo around here that does not have it. We have just so many small truck/vans etc that are diesel its just a natural thing for cars to join the parade.

[ExposeTheMoment]

My ride

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2406574

Several pictures and info

[NHBubba]

Diesel isn't as hard to find as some other 'alternative' fuels, like E85 for example. It is funny, I think I see more E85 (private/consumer) vehicles on the road than I do diesels.. yet diesel is far easier to buy than E85 is. E85 is not available in New England at all. I think the closest E85 reseller is like 4-500 miles away.. and even they are a private or government only deal.

However E85 cars can burn regular gasoline too.. and I maintain the biggest reason E85 cars get produced is so that their makers can claim the tax breaks for doing so.

[claudermilk]

Yeah, how many of those E85 cars are burning anything other than straight gasoline? Like you sid, it's more for the manufacturers to get a tax break; I can get on a long rant about it, but I'll refrain (taking mom's advice about nothing nice to say...).

[gus]

Yeah, how many of those E85 cars are burning anything other than straight gasoline? Like you sid, it's more for the manufacturers to get a tax break; I can get on a long rant about it, but I'll refrain (taking mom's advice about nothing nice to say...).
I'd be interested how my GS bike would run on that...i always use an E10 & it loves it however my method of testing is a little non scientific. If it pings (detonates)...i stop using it..if it doesnt then the bike must like it.

[DoctorIt]

I'd be interested how my GS bike would run on that...If it loves E10, you must have the happiest GS ever! Mine pings a little even with E10. It'd probably throw a charcoal brick right up at me if I tried E85!

Ethanol burns hotter but has less energy... if that makes sense.

[gus]

If it loves E10, you must have the happiest GS ever! Mine pings a little even with E10. It'd probably throw a charcoal brick right up at me if I tried E85!

Ethanol burns hotter but has less energy... if that makes sense.
I ride like an old man so dont need the energy... im comfortable with that but i will jump any gutter or traffic island without thinking twice to avoid a traffic jam.

[claudermilk]

I'd be interested how my GS bike would run on that...i always use an E10 & it loves it however my method of testing is a little non scientific. If it pings (detonates)...i stop using it..if it doesnt then the bike must like it.

Like doodoo. Unless the fuel system & engine are set up for it, you'll end up with a large repair bill. E10 is a fairly low ethanol mix (10%), so not enough to cause the problems an 85% ethanol mix would.

[dragon300zx]

Well so much for getting something fuel efficient. I had found a fuel efficient saturn really cheap, and in decent condition, but the guy was taking to long to get back to me and I only have so much free time. Instead I ended up financing a couple grand over what I had and bought a 99 blazer 4 door 4x4 with brush gaurd and fully loaded every option that was available. I feel sick to my stomach now but I always do after buying something this big :rolleyes . Tiem to go burn gas.

[David_S85]

Andy's next Mini Cooper upgrade (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/the_hybrid_mini.php).

[DoctorIt]

Andy's next Mini Cooper upgrade (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/the_hybrid_mini.php).electric cars still kinda scare me. the idea of having to wear the same gloves that Gus wears when climbing on high-tension wires just to check the windsheild washer fluid just doesn't sit well.

for that reason, they're basically disposable. what's better: fill landfills with really scary battery materials or burn more dino juice? its a tough one.

[ian408]

Andy's next Mini Cooper upgrade (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/the_hybrid_mini.php).

Notice the bricks under the tires :rolleyes

[Andy]

Picking this up Saturday:

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/95177906-L.jpg (http://www.jeep.com/en/compass/index.html)

[gus]

Picking this up Saturday:

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/95177906-L.jpg

Wassat ? A jeep ?

I get mine tomorrow. (http://www.volkswagen.com.au/golf/model_comfortline.asp)

[Andy]

Wassat ? A jeep ?

I get mine tomorrow. (http://www.volkswagen.com.au/golf/model_comfortline.asp)
Yeah, Jeep Compass.
http://www.jeep.com/en/compass/index.html

Nice looking Golf!

[DoctorIt]

Picking this up Saturday:

So you bought a PT cruiser after all.

[marlinspike]

So you bought a PT cruiser after all.

Oh, that's not fair, just cause it's the same platform. That's like saying a Mustang Cobra R with the 5.4 is the same as a 1978 Ford Fairmont.

I for one like the Compass: it get's Andy in an SUV like he wanted, and out of some over-sized gas guzzler that looks bad and obstructs the view of others. The Compass is like the car-friendly SUV, I like it.
Richard

PS - Don't get me wrong, I'm not against high performance gas guzzlers, I'm against big slow moving blocks that move one person and 7 empty seats around. Heck, when my car is done (not that it's started, 1 more month until start date), it'll be a gas guzzler.

[DoctorIt]

Oh, that's not fair, just cause it's the same platform. That's like saying a Mustang Cobra R with the 5.4 is the same as a 1978 Ford Fairmont.

I for one like the Compass: it get's Andy in an SUV like he wanted, and out of some over-sized gas guzzler that looks bad and obstructs the view of others. The Compass is like the car-friendly SUV, I like it.
Richard

PS - Don't get me wrong, I'm not against high performance gas guzzlers, I'm against big slow moving blocks that move one person and 7 empty seats around. Heck, when my car is done (not that it's started, 1 more month until start date), it'll be a gas guzzler.I know, I was just trying to jib Andy a bit. :D

and its actually not exactly the same platform, what it really is, is this new one:

http://www.allpar.com/images/dodge/caliber/production.jpg

(which I have to admit is a pretty good idea for a vehicle, and a very world-friendly platform / set of powertrains)

[Andy]

I know, I was just trying to jib Andy a bit. :D

and its actually not exactly the same platform, what it really is, is this new one:

http://www.allpar.com/images/dodge/caliber/production.jpg

(which I have to admit is a pretty good idea for a vehicle, and a very world-friendly platform / set of powertrains)
:wave Hi Doc!

Oh and the other news: I found out that Travelers was actually totally hosing me on car insurance. I feel so violated and dumb. I've been paying $2000 per year with Travelers for two vehicles. I just got my insurance with Geico: $1010 for both cars for a year. That's a lot of $$ savings.

Bad Travelers, bad...

[DoctorIt]

:wave Hi Doc!

Oh and the other news: I found out that Travelers was actually totally hosing me on car insurance. I feel so violated and dumb. I've been paying $2000 per year with Travelers for two vehicles. I just got my insurance with Geico: $1010 for both cars for a year. That's a lot of $$ savings.

Bad Travelers, bad...talk about highway robbery. there's good and bad to having state regulated auto insurance rates. At least in MA we know we're getting hosed, but hosed equally. :lol3

[Jeffro]

Well the plans for a Mustang GT fell through, for now. My Jeep Liberty Renegade has been a real problem. Terrible gas mileage, a bad catalytic converter..more than once...and then a recall on the ball joints.

The wife wanted to get rid of her van, but I figured it was time for her to get what she wanted. So this is is what she got.....

http://leiningerphotos.smugmug.com/photos/95386215-L.jpg

This is a 2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6. It's loaded with all the goodies. It drives real nice, and the 210 hp is actually pretty responsive. The plan is to get through the winter with the van, then go get my Stang! Wish me luck.:D

And Andy...good luck with that Jeep. I hope you have better luck than I did, service wise. I was really let down.

[Andy]

And Andy...good luck with that Jeep. I hope you have better luck than I did, service wise. I was really let down.

Wife's had 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees, we've had zero trouble with them. Sorry you had a bad experience though!

[Jeffro]

Wife's had 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees, we've had zero trouble with them. Sorry you had a bad experience though!

I've had three Jeeps too, A CJ-7, and Cherokee, and the Liberty, this was the first one to give me problems. I finally decided to let it go. Propbably more for the $$$$ on gas, and the fact that the wife convinced me that a really nice family car would be a good thing.

She hooked me with, and you can get the Mustang of your choice next spring....:lust

[marlinspike]

:wave Hi Doc!

Oh and the other news: I found out that Travelers was actually totally hosing me on car insurance. I feel so violated and dumb. I've been paying $2000 per year with Travelers for two vehicles. I just got my insurance with Geico: $1010 for both cars for a year. That's a lot of $$ savings.

Bad Travelers, bad...

I hate to say it, but...
Travelers was hosing you, but with Geico I hope you never get in a wreck (well, I hope anyways, but you know what I mean). Notice I didn't say I hope you are never at fault in a wreck. Get in a wreck, your fault or not, and Geico will jack up your rates big time...that is if they don't drop you like a hot potato.

[gus]

Yeah, Jeep Compass.
http://www.jeep.com/en/compass/index.html

Nice looking Golf!
So i got to pick it up yesterday arvo & they have lost the number plates !! I am seriously starting to think if this is another omen.

[Andy]

So i got to pick it up yesterday arvo & they have lost the number plates !! I am seriously starting to think if this is another omen.

:humungus

[Andy]

2007 Jeep Compass :clap

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/95666376-L.jpg


My kind of car - if it's in yellow, I deal with it. Everything else, someone else can do it!

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/95666348-L.jpg

[antrieb]

Kool Jeep Dad, same 4-cylinder as the PT Cruiser?

The insurance company finally paid me out for my car. I got $4700, which was $1500 more than what I paid for it, and they let me keep it to part out or transfer parts to my next car.

I almost bought a 1986 saab 9000 turbo running 18psi (~239whp) but it was ugly and rusty so I didn't.

Now I'm looking at this 1995 525i sport wagon. (zip, flame suit on!)

If I get it, the suspension (springs, shocks, sway bars) will be transfered right away. I need to save a little for tires before I swap over the wheels.

http://zwilliams.smugmug.com/photos/94501619-L.jpg

http://zwilliams.smugmug.com/photos/94501621-L.jpg

[Andy]

Kool Jeep Dad, same 4-cylinder as the PT Cruiser?

The insurance company finally paid me out for my car. I got $4700, which was $1500 more than what I paid for it, and they let me keep it to part out or transfer parts to my next car.

I almost bought a 1986 saab 9000 turbo running 18psi (~239whp) but it was ugly and rusty so I didn't.

Now I'm looking at this 1995 525i sport wagon. (zip, flame suit on!)

If I get it, the suspension (springs, shocks, sway bars) will be transfered right away. I need to save a little for tires before I swap over the wheels.


You promise to play nice? :thumb

[gus]

2007 Jeep Compass :clap

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/95666376-L.jpg


My kind of car - if it's in yellow, I deal with it. Everything else, someone else can do it!



You mongrel...my plates are still lost so they now have to de-reg the new car & re-reg it :rolleyes & that wont happen til mon (tomorrow) I got a german bike but i cant seem to quite get a german car.

Cool spider shot btw mate :thumb

[Andy]

Why didn't I go for this?
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/lease-a-bugatti-veyron-for-24k-a-month/

:yikes

[marlinspike]

The insurance company finally paid me out for my car. I got $4700, which was $1500 more than what I paid for it, and they let me keep it to part out or transfer parts to my next car.

I almost bought a 1986 saab 9000 turbo running 18psi (~239whp) but it was ugly and rusty so I didn't.

Now I'm looking at this 1995 525i sport wagon. (zip, flame suit on!)

If I get it, the suspension (springs, shocks, sway bars) will be transfered right away. I need to save a little for tires before I swap over the wheels.

Forget the Saab. The old 5er wagons are awesome. Unless you want to go for a sedan again. Man, you mentioning swapping suspension reminded me of my car's project...now I'm not going to be able to sleep (even though the project doesn't start until Oct 14...though I do have a set of H&R sport springs sitting under my bed...ooops, I just gave one aspect of the project away).

[gus]

Why didn't I go for this?
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/lease-a-bugatti-veyron-for-24k-a-month/

:yikes

A long time fav of mine...particularly now that its a v-dubb.

To quote jeremy clarkson

You might point out at this juncture that the McLaren F1 could top 240mph, but at that speed it was pretty much out of control. And anyway it really isn’t in the same league as the Bugatti. In a drag race you could let the McLaren get to 120mph before setting off in the Veyron. And you’d still get to 200mph first. The Bugatti is way, way faster than anything else the roads have seen.

[marlinspike]

For the money, Veyron is a bunch of junk. Read it get torn apart http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=7&article_id=3075

[gus]

For the money, Veyron is a bunch of junk. Read it get torn apart http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=7&article_id=3075
Thats it !!! Im marching straight down there & demanding my deposit back. Sell me a bunch of junk !

[antrieb]

Yeah the wagon is definately the way I'm going to go. It's so inconspicuous, and it looks great.

A little off topic but I figure you guys can tell me. Is the FujiFilm FinePix S7000 Z 6.1mp Point and Shoot a good camera? My BMW friend is selling it used and I think I might pick it up. It'll sure be lightyears ahead of my fleabay camera. Remember, I'm not a pro and It will just be used to take pictures here and there, mostly of my car. I can get it from him for a couple hundred dollars. Comes with a 1 gig memory stick too. Good deal?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Fujifilm/fuji_finepixs7000.asp

[ian408]

There's another advantage to having a wagon. It will come to you later.









....Wait....





















...just a but more...












It's like owning a truck. All your "friends" will ask you to help them move.
Bet you thought I might write something else :lol3


Good luck with the car!

[antrieb]

:rofl I know what you mean Ian, lol

Just bought that camera :)

[Andy]

Thats it !!! Im marching straight down there & demanding my deposit back. Sell me a bunch of junk !:rofl :rofl :rofl

[gus]

:rofl :rofl :rofl
hey...i actually got the new dak dak this morning at last. Full tank of diesel as well..pity the damaged one had the fuel light on.

[Andy]

hey...i actually got the new dak dak this morning at last. Full tank of diesel as well..pity the damaged one had the fuel light on.
piccy?

[gus]

piccy?
Tonight..trouble & strife has taken it to work.

[gus]

Groundhog day

At least the bloody steering wheel is on the right side.

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/96130277-L.jpg


http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/96130421-L.jpg



http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/96130301-L.jpg



http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/96130310-L.jpg

[antrieb]

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/96130277-L.jpg

Wow they did a very good job with the interior on that. Very clean, keep it that way!

Nice whip gus :thumb

[marlinspike]

Wait, gus, I thought you already took delivery of that...and the wife had scratched it or something...I'm confused...:scratch

[antrieb]

Just noticed it's a 6-speed, nice.

[DoctorIt]

Wait, gus, I thought you already took delivery of that...and the wife had scratched it or something...I'm confused...:scratchYou missed a lot. Short summary: it got damaged, shop responsible for repairing it f'ed it up even more, gus gets a new car.


Gus: I think I like the blue better than the orange. :nod

[gus]

Wait, gus, I thought you already took delivery of that...and the wife had scratched it or something...I'm confused...:scratch
Yep...my wife dinged it with only 300 klm on the clock so in it went to a smash repairer & out it came. I looked at it the first night it got back & started to notice things were not quite right. I ended up with 80 defects before i gave up counting (photographing) & told them i need the car reinstated as it was which i knew damned well they couldnt do....got a quote to repair the damaged caused by the repairer & it was over $10k. Greasy prints on roof lining...scratched dash...paint with runs & holes in it...damaged airbags & seats etc etc etc. Easier for them to buy me a new one & keep the red one even though it still only has 2500 klms on it (1500 miles)

The boss was out of the country when it was in his shop & returned to met me with a car that was a bloody mess. No-one will tell me what went on but they didnt utter a word of resistance when i told them im getting a new car.

I dont really mind the blue but a red one was a 4 week wait & i wanted to strike whilst the iron was hot in case anyone got cold feet & it had to go to court.

[gus]

Wow they did a very good job with the interior on that. Very clean, keep it that way!

Nice whip gus :thumb
Thats a brand spanker mate...only 52 klms on the clock (:scratch thats about 35 miles in the old money) With my family it will look like downtown baghdad by the week-end.

[gus]

Just noticed it's a 6-speed, nice.
Yep...hard to remember to use 6th too. Its the new 2lt diesel turbo. Goes like a cut cat.

They had one of these down at the shop but a tad too expensive for me. $62k australian ($47 000 USD) 3.6 lt V6 with 220 HP all wheel drive.

http://www.volkswagen.com.au/golf/model_R32.asp

Might try for one as a loaner when mines getting serviced.

[jerryr]

Andy - love the picture of the 2007 Compass...
I will make sure a couple of my buddys in Sales and Marketing see it as well - very creative - enjoy your new wheels !!

:clap

jr

[antrieb]

:scratch
The guy that was going to sell me the wagon doesn't have a title, which is very strange. The whole deal was kinda strange so I backed out.

Now I'm waiting on this auction. The reserve is low and people are generally scared away by the need of engine maintance, but a rear engine seal is no big deal for me to fix. 530i 5-speed small black v8. It puts out about 210 hp stock..

http://i7.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/ff/ba/04_1.JPG

http://i19.ebayimg.com/03/i/07/fc/3e/d2_1.JPG

http://i17.ebayimg.com/06/i/07/fd/56/46_1.JPG

[marlinspike]

Pshhh, you don't even need to fix a leky rear main seal. Mine has been leaky for about 10 years now (on my car the engine and tranny have to come out to replace the rear main seal...so it's a not so easy fix), I just add a quart every 1000 miles and ignore the stain on the driveway.

Interior looks nice...but that color? Don't get me wrong, it's a nice color, but it's what I would classify as a luxury color, and considering the last one was smurf blue....well it's just a little unexpected.

BTW Zac, how much do you have available to spend on the car?

[ian408]

Gus, Nice job on the new ride.

Zach, sorry to hear about the wagon. That could have been a lot of fun :wink

[DavidTO]

I finally got the call, my 2006 Prius, magnetic gray, package 7 is waiting for me. I pick it up tomorrow night. :D

[Mike Lane]

I finally got the call, my 2006 Prius, magnetic gray, package 7 is waiting for me. I pick it up tomorrow night. :D:wink The Prius kicks bootay! I love mine...

[Andy]

I finally got the call, my 2006 Prius, magnetic gray, package 7 is waiting for me. I pick it up tomorrow night. :D
I and the environment thank you :thumb

[ChrisJ]

I finally got the call, my 2006 Prius, magnetic gray, package 7 is waiting for me. I pick it up tomorrow night. :D

Sweet, have you gotten your car pool stickers? (I know they were starting to get close to running out...)

[DavidTO]

Sweet, have you gotten your car pool stickers? (I know they were starting to get close to running out...)


I don't think you can get them until you've a) got the car and b) have your license plates.

Not too worried about it, I have little use for them.

[gus]

Gus, Nice job on the new ride.


Yeah..no-one believes it happened. Everyone said i had buckleys chance of getting a new car but i should have recorded my 3 min phone call to the people involved. I dont take prisoners :deal

[dragon300zx]

Yeah..no-one believes it happened. Everyone said i had buckleys chance of getting a new car but i should have recorded my 3 min phone call to the people involved. I dont take prisoners :deal

Gus I have a feeling you could walk into damn near any place of business and convince them to give you exactly what you want here in the states at least. Lord knows I wouldn't be eager to get in an argument with you.

[gus]

Gus I have a feeling you could walk into damn near any place of business and convince them to give you exactly what you want here in the states at least. Lord knows I wouldn't be eager to get in an argument with you.
Mate they took smash repair to a new level of incompetence. This sort of thing opens a pandoras box of boils & locusts where the cars manufactured safety devices are comprimised. You just have to explain (without swearing or yelling) the new personal (not company) liabilitys that now face those whom are about to make a decision ...sort of shining a light for them in the darkness so they make the right decision.

[dragon300zx]

Mate they took smash repair to a new level of incompetence. This sort of thing opens a pandoras box of boils & locusts where the cars manufactured safety devices are comprimised. You just have to explain (without swearing or yelling) the new personal (not company) liabilitys that now face those whom are about to make a decision ...sort of shining a light for them in the darkness so they make the right decision.

ROFL. I think your in the wrong line of business. You seem to be much better suited for oh, I don't know, a career in organized crime, rather than being an electrician.

[marlinspike]

Multipe Prius owners? Ooooo, you guys are going to hate me when my car project finishes.

[DavidTO]

Multipe Prius owners? Ooooo, you guys are going to hate me when my car project finishes.

Of course. You already freely admitted to spilling a quart of oil indiscriminately into my water table. No surprise. :D

[Bayer-Z28]

Of course. You already freely admitted to spilling a quart of oil indiscriminately into my water table. No surprise. :D

DAnG IT! How did I miss that last thread?!:scratch

Lookin into a head and cam package for the camaro for the spring....:wink

[marlinspike]

Of course. You already freely admitted to spilling a quart of oil indiscriminately into my water table. No surprise. :D
Well, not totally. I mean, I have this stuff that's designed to make it benign or something (I don't really know how it works, it's a sand type thing, but not sand, it does a chemical reaction) that I put under the car and repplace every now and then. But...at least my project will include fixing that...so I mean...I'll feel less guilty by consoling myself with that fact.

[marlinspike]

DAnG IT! How did I miss that last thread?!:scratch

Lookin into a head and cam package for the camaro for the spring....:wink

Sounds cool. I saw in the photo thread that you have 360hp and 400lb-ft. Dyno'd? What mods? Also, I always ask this since I think it's a decision everyone makes: why the camaro and not the firebird?

[Bayer-Z28]

Sounds cool. I saw in the photo thread that you have 360hp and 400lb-ft. Dyno'd? What mods? Also, I always ask this since I think it's a decision everyone makes: why the camaro and not the firebird?

I love both cars.. honestly... I used to have an 85 Firebird. I LOVE the external styling of the WS6 Trans Am, but i like the interior better on the Camaro.. Same cars, engine/trans/rear... just diifferent body.. I'm a HUGE F-Body Fanatic!

as far as mods.... here's an earfull... or an eyeful..All mods intalled by me

LS1 Edit W/ Dyno Tune..... (Those are Flywheel #'s too, I converted them)
SLP Long Tube Headers (1 3/4 primarys 3" collectors)
Random Tech Cats
SLP 3" Y pipe
3" Borla Adjustable Cat back Exhaust
SLP Air Lid
SLP Intake Air Sensor
SLP HF bellows
SLP Ported and Polished Throttle body

"free mods"
-EGR
-Ram air
-TB bypass

Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
Bilsiten Shocks
BMR ADj Panhard Bar
BMR LCA Relocation Brackets
BMR Shock TOwer BAr
BMR Adjustable Torque Arm
BMR Low Clearance Sub Frame Connectors
Hotchkis Lower Control Arms

Speed inc Short Throw shifter
T56 Rebuilt transmission (can handle 700hp now)
McLeod Single Disc Clutch, PP and Flywheel
McLeod Adjustable Master Cylnder
Enegy Suspension Trans Mount
Hawks brake pads
Earls Stainless brained brake lines
Taylor Spiro Pro 10.4 Plug wires
NGK T55r Plugs
SLP Traction Control Modual
Skip Shift Eliminator
160 degree thermostat
Fiberglass SS hood
American Racing 18" wheels
Good Year Eagle F1 GSD3 Tires.... 275/35 ZR18 front and 285/35 ZR18 rears.
Custom Sub box for dual 12 inch subs in rear w/ a t-top slot.


www.cardomain.com/id/35057 (http://www.cardomain.com/id/35057)
Had a hard time remembering half of them.... had to check my webpage...

[marlinspike]

Wow, that's a lot of stuff. The WS6 is the one I like, which is why I always ask.

Is the 160 T-stat just a straight line thing? I know for race courses you want to run hot (with a higher pressure radiator cap of course), but then on the forums I always hear about cold t-stats, what's the deal with that?

[ian408]

I don't think you can get them until you've a) got the car and b) have your license plates.

Not too worried about it, I have little use for them.

This is correct. Gotta have plates to get stickers. Personally, I hope they
run out. We don't need more single drivers in the carpool lane (sorry, I know
that's not popular but the lanes are for High Occupancy Vehicles).

[Seamus]

There are a few top gear fans here. Unfortunately Richard Hammond was hurt while filming for top gear. Story here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/5365676.stm)

best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

shay.

[gus]

There are a few top gear fans here. Unfortunately Richard Hammond was hurt while filming for top gear. Story here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/5365676.stm)

best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

shay.
Yeah i saw it about an hour ago..nice bloke hope all goes well.

[antrieb]

The rear seal on teh 530i isn't that hard to fix. Just have to drip the tranny, take out the flywheel and clutch, and its right there. I already bought the part :D

[DavidTO]

I picked up my Prius last night.

In between my daughter's birthday celebration this weekend, I'm gonna try to get some pictures of it. But really, it's a Prius. You've all seen 'em. Nothing new there. :D

[gus]

I picked up my Prius last night.

In between my daughter's birthday celebration this weekend, I'm gonna try to get some pictures of it. But really, it's a Prius. You've all seen 'em. Nothing new there. :D
I think they are a fantastic car...and a toyota to boot. Toyota are very well respected here for reliability. The same sex appeal as cardboard but after 40 we all know thats not what matters. I was looking at one before i bought the v-dub but it was a good bit dearer but by the end things didnt end up that much different.

[antrieb]

I picked up my Prius last night.

In between my daughter's birthday celebration this weekend, I'm gonna try to get some pictures of it. But really, it's a Prius. You've all seen 'em. Nothing new there. :D
You can make up for my gas sucking V8!

[Andy]

You can make up for my gas sucking V8!
Guess you'll be puttin in some extra hours working, eh?

[DavidTO]

I think they are a fantastic car...and a toyota to boot. Toyota are very well respected here for reliability. The same sex appeal as cardboard but after 40 we all know thats not what matters. I was looking at one before i bought the v-dub but it was a good bit dearer but by the end things didnt end up that much different.

If diesels were available here I could well have made a similar decision to yours. But they do have worse emissions, and in LA that's a concern, too.

I really love how this thing glides silently. And then the ICE kicks in, and it's still cool. I actually like it more than I thought I would. :D

[antrieb]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994-BMW-530I-V8-5-speed-e34-Repairable-Oil-Leak-129K_W0QQitemZ180029390982QQihZ008QQcategoryZ6008Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Snipped at $3,100. Auction ends at 3:15 EST and I'll be at Lime Rock park racing around the track at 100mph so I won't be there. Dad, can you call me when the auction is over?

[antrieb]

I am the proud new owner of a 1994 530i! Got a hell of a deal on it too.

http://i7.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/ff/ba/04_1.JPG

[marlinspike]

I am the proud new owner of a 1994 530i! Got a hell of a deal on it too.

Yes yes, we saw...quit rubbing our noses in it:bluduh

Seriously though, good find. So...when do you plan on putting in an ESSTuning supercharger?:deal

[DoctorIt]

Yes yes, we saw...quit rubbing our noses in it:bluduh

Seriously though, good find. So...when do you plan on putting in an ESSTuning supercharger?:dealEasy now, it's gotta make it to Z's place in one piece first.

BTW, I didn't know that the 530i was an 8 back in '94. I learn something new everyday. :nod

how's that thing on gas?

[antrieb]

Easy now, it's gotta make it to Z's place in one piece first.

BTW, I didn't know that the 530i was an 8 back in '94. I learn something new everyday. :nod

how's that thing on gas?
Yeah the later 530's were L6's.

On gas? My 6 cyl 525i gets about 20mpg combined. It's a very old engine and the last few they made were but in the early 5-series of that generatioon. This small V8 gets about 22 city 28 hghiway.

[dragon300zx]

WB Zack.

Well haven't been around much (other than when at work :barb) because all my spare time has been going to finding a new daily driver. I had bought a 99 blazer but after a few days I noticed some things I didn't like (putting it mildly) so I spoke (:rambo:boid:humungus:lynnsite:flip:gun2:thwak) with the dealer and he graciously (:cry:bow:(:) decided to refund my money in full.

So after considerably more searching I found (not quite what i was looking for size wise) a 99 malibu ls for bout $150 below private seller KBB on where I know the dealer so that is the new daily driver.

Not a super fast car, not a super sexy car, not a super fun car, not a super big car. But a good daily driver that handles ok, has a v6, has a good body, and blend's into the crowd. Just what I need for a every day vehicle.

[antrieb]

WB Zack.

Well haven't been around much (other than when at work :barb) because all my spare time has been going to finding a new daily driver. I had bought a 99 blazer but after a few days I noticed some things I didn't like (putting it mildly) so I spoke (:rambo:boid:humungus:lynnsite:flip:gun2:thwak) with the dealer and he graciously (:cry:bow:(:) decided to refund my money in full.

So after considerably more searching I found (not quite what i was looking for size wise) a 99 malibu ls for bout $150 below private seller KBB on where I know the dealer so that is the new daily driver.

Not a super fast car, not a super sexy car, not a super fun car, not a super big car. But a good daily driver that handles ok, has a v6, has a good body, and blend's into the crowd. Just what I need for a every day vehicle.
What other cars do you have Dragon?