Maintaining an Older(ish) Car

[mpire]

Figure out what you want to replace it with. Then make the payments for at least 6 months into a savings account and see which you like better. Making payments or driving a classic.

In the end, if you decide on a new car, then at least you have your down payment ready.

 

[Chloe Taylor]

As my name and avatar implies, I own a '94 Z-28. I've had it since high school and the car itself has over 264,000 miles on it (replaced engine and 2 ******'s so far in it's life). A bunch of stuff is wrong with it, and it's really starting to show it's age (17 years old ):

- The A/C hasn't worked in 6 years due to an electrical gremlin I've never tracked down. These cars love to fog the windshields since they are almost horizontal so driving it on a humid / rainy day is a no-go usually.
- The driver seat has electrical tape coving a hole in the upholstry so the foam doesn't crumble all over the place.
- There's a few exhaust holes that need to be welded
- Front brakes are toast
- Rear shocks are shot
- The tint job on the rear window is starting to bubble after being on there for 11 years
- It's got various scratches and dents - more from sitting in the garage / driveway and getting bumped into, stuff falling on it, etc.
- Just this morning, I noticed the dash pad is now cracked for some reason
- There is this annoying alternator feedback into the stereo and large bumps make a popping sound in the speakers
- The passenger window motor is shot (takes almost as minute to go up/down)
- The headliner is falling down
- Tires have flat spots from the car sitting so much, one has had a slow leak since 2004

(to name a few)

Thing is, I love the car and want it to be perfect. The last time it was "nice" was when I took my avatar pic 2 years ago when I drove it to my 10 year high school reunion. Now it just puts me in a bad mood when I drive it. Now I dwell on not having the time, money, or energy to address it's needs. I just bought a bunch of parts for it, but I feel like I'm falling further behind everytime I drive it and spot something new. It hasn't been "daily driver quality" for 3 years now.

So how do you guys do it? How do you guys who have had car for a long time keep up on the maintenance? Anyone else feel this way about one of their "toys"? Any suggestions besides changing my tampon and getting to work on the heap?

Seems to be a great car, would definately like to buy this if its on for a sale....

 

[z28snksknr]

z28snksknr,

I say KEEP IT, but I'm kind of biased here because I still have my first car, my beloved '70 Chevelle. My dad, brother and I restored it when I was 15, and I've had it since (30+ years). It survived my high school and college years (somehow) and then got a much needed break when it was parked for many years when I bought the Corvette as a graduation present to myself. There was several times when I considered selling it when Dad had buyers for it, but something inside told me to keep it. It was the right decision for me and there's no way I would part with it now.

After all these years, the Chevelle now needs EVERYTHING redone on it to be in the condition I picture in my mind. BUT, it still drives decent and puts a smile on my face when I get behind the wheel. I soon need to make a decision not whether to keep it or not, but whether to dump serious money into it to make it my future dream car or just minimal money into it and let it remain my past dream car. It brings back all those old high school memories when I jump into it, and I'm a bit afraid changing it too much may destroy that feeling.

Even though I had the Corvette nearly as long, I think I could part with it tomorrow if needed - it just doesn't bring back the memories like the Chevelle does. It's a great car, but there's plenty of cars that I wouldn't mind trading it for just to try something different. Plus it wasn't the "first" car.

Just start knocking off the items on that list. They will be behind you before you know it. If you don't need the money, and have other means of transportation while giving her a bit of TLC once and while, just keep it. Although not impossible, it may be very difficult to get it back once it is gone.

I think this post most accurately mirrors my mindset on my car, almost to a "T" in fact- I've waffled back and forth regarding trading it for something else, but if the time came and someone showed up with the money to buy it, I don't think I'd sell. There isn't a car out there that feels as "right" to me when I'm driving it. Too much familiarity I guess

It's going to get some new brakes, shocks, and a headliner this weekend, and maybe I'll patch up the exhaust while I'm under there.

 

[magnusk750]

Oil is a good thing for keeping an olderish car alive. Using lubricant on all occasions and places you can think of saves tons of trouble. There are lots of moving-turning objects in a car that is not lubricated by the oiling system as is not included in any service schedules. The first ten years or so it is not a problem but as times goes by oxides occur and starts to cause trouble. I have a few such spots that I try to lubricate at least every month on my 1995 Citroen, door hinges, parking brake wires and swiwels, linkage under the car a trouble prone idle speed device. If we have some ideas of the typical problems with at model it may bay off to see if they can be solved in advance by oiling the part or related part.

 

[BTC]

If you're buying your parts from a local dealer, I would suggest contacting Jason Cromer @ Sam Taylor Buick/Cadillac in Fort Walton Beach Florida. If your local dealer prices are in the same neighborhood as the dealer in my hometown, you could potentially save a king's ransom. I haven't bought anything from them in awhile, but even with shipping I used to save 30%-40% in comparison with typical dealer prices, and possibly more depending upon the part.

www.shbox.com is also a good resource if you're looking for how to's.

 

[Antique Engine]

I tend to drive vehicles from the 60s as daily drivers, generally about 25k miles per year.

It's simple, you need to adjust your attitude. Make a list of issues with the car and fix them one at a time until you run out of list.

The old saying goes "How do you eat an elephant ? One bite at a time".

 

[countryroad82]

I agree with the keep it crowd. I still have my first car (1966 Chevelle SS), and when it got too tired (almost 300,000 miles on the clock) I decided to give it a full rotisreree rebuild. Granted I have been a little longer than I wanted to, life tends to do that, but when I get it done I will have my old car back better than new. Basically start rebuilding it system at a time, but my suggestion would be to keep it driveable, that way you can be reminded as to why you like the car so much. I would get it safe, then address that crappy seat!! Maybe even redo the interior. Then you will start enjoying it much more. Sounds like your old Camaro is just getting tired and needs a new lease on life.

 

[Lotek]

I hung on to my 68 912 in pieces for 15 years before I got it running, my wife called it the Push. Back then it was worth 2500 running, now it's worth 15k, you never know. My 75 1ton dually last looked nice 5 years ago, I'm going to have to overhaul the Dana70 this year, as well as replace the A/C compressor, both doors, the dashpad, build a 4link...it just never ends, listen to your wife, mine won't let me get rid of Old Blue either.


Who knows, mullets may come back into style.

 

[mpire]

Speaking of first cars...

My father bought a 1970 cutlass new. My mother asked me to take it and its still safe and sound. My brother bought an NSX that he will never get rid of. I have my coupe. My cousin has a 67 mustang. My uncle drives his 1970 XKE that he bought new.

First cars are special.

 

[shopnut]

I think this post most accurately mirrors my mindset on my car, almost to a "T" in fact- I've waffled back and forth regarding trading it for something else, but if the time came and someone showed up with the money to buy it, I don't think I'd sell. There isn't a car out there that feels as "right" to me when I'm driving it. Too much familiarity I guess

It's going to get some new brakes, shocks, and a headliner this weekend, and maybe I'll patch up the exhaust while I'm under there.

I doubt you will ever regret keeping it. If I had a dime for everytime I heard "Boy, I really wish I would have kept that car", I would be a rich man. In contrast, I can count the number of times on one hand that someone has said "I wish I would have sold that car years ago" (assuming it wasn't a Chrysler K-car or something). Really only two instances come to mind.

Sometimes you don't have control over it, however. The neighbor owned the bike in the picture back before I was street legal, and I wanted it so bad. I finally took ownership of it not long before this picture was taken, circa 1984. I'm absolutely sure I would still have that bike yet if it didn't get stolen when I was a freshmen in college - darn thieves!

HAS ANYONE SEEN IT - I STILL WANT IT BACK!

 

[babzog]

I drove it home after work yesterday and was planning it's ressurection all the way home. i also had a blast driving it. Now, I come in this morning and everyone is telling me to get rid of it and I'm bummed out again.

I never said get rid of it. If you can't afford (or don't yet have the time/desire) to rebuild it, then store it away someplace for a few years till your finances (and mental state) are aligned. Then, tear into it. For now, pick up a cheap, reliable DD and drive the thing till the wheels fall off.

 

[tankboy_taylor]

If its paid for and you dont need it as a daily driver Id keep it. I have a 95 z28 that suffers from many of the same issues(the car screws!) and yea while its not the most desirable car what is from that era? Some of the older guys I work with said the gen 1 camaros were thought of as junk also and not worth saving years ago and look at what they are worth now.

While I prefer the ls1 engine the lti is pretty solid with plenty of power. check out ls1lt1.com there are some guys makng nice power with the early 4th gens

 

[Scout Driver]

There isn't a car out there that feels as "right" to me when I'm driving it. Too much familiarity I guess

It's going to get some new brakes, shocks, and a headliner this weekend, and maybe I'll patch up the exhaust while I'm under there.

This has been my favorite post of the entire thread.

If it helps, start a thread for the Z28. Post your projects as you complete them. Show what you did and how you did it. You will have the satisfaction of completing a project and we will be able to learn a little from your experience. We will do our part by tossing out some advice and motivation.

Scott

 

[holland_patrick]

- The A/C hasn't worked in 6 years due to an electrical gremlin I've never tracked down. These cars love to fog the windshields since they are almost horizontal so driving it on a humid / rainy day is a no-go usually.
- The driver seat has electrical tape coving a hole in the upholstry so the foam doesn't crumble all over the place.
- There's a few exhaust holes that need to be welded
- Front brakes are toast
- Rear shocks are shot
- The tint job on the rear window is starting to bubble after being on there for 11 years
- It's got various scratches and dents - more from sitting in the garage / driveway and getting bumped into, stuff falling on it, etc.
- Just this morning, I noticed the dash pad is now cracked for some reason
- There is this annoying alternator feedback into the stereo and large bumps make a popping sound in the speakers
- The passenger window motor is shot (takes almost as minute to go up/down)
- The headliner is falling down
- Tires have flat spots from the car sitting so much, one has had a slow leak since 2004

(to name a few)

The A/C hasn't worked in 6 years due to an electrical gremlin I've never tracked down. These cars love to fog the windshields since they are almost horizontal so driving it on a humid / rainy day is a no-go usually.

Not sure how to help with this one......just go in and get it

- The driver seat has electrical tape coving a hole in the upholstry so the foam doesn't crumble all over the place.

http://6litereaterdesigns.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_26_29

here is a good source for seats


- There's a few exhaust holes that need to be welded
JB WELD?
or

http://marylandspeed.com/magnaflow-...97-lt1-camaro-and-firebird-mg15620-p-395.html
with
http://www.pacesetterexhaust.com/clearance.php
96-97 Camaro / Firebird 5.7L LT1 w/air injection and EGR
ARMOR*Coat finish.
This is an "Blem" Item,
May contain minor cosmetic blemish.
MSRP is $732.95 (ARMOR*Coat)

- Front brakes are toast

Complete LS1 Conversion Kit - now standard with ceramic pads
http://www.bigbrakeupgrade.com/pricing.htm

- Rear shocks are shot
http://www.byunspeed.com/product_info.php?cPath=2902_359_205&products_id=3131

http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetails.php?PartID=130&CategoryID=12&ModelID=4

- The tint job on the rear window is starting to bubble after being on there for 11 years
retint

- It's got various scratches and dents - more from sitting in the garage / driveway and getting bumped into, stuff falling on it, etc.
Buff it out

- Just this morning, I noticed the dash pad is now cracked for some reason
Get used to it.... they crack very often

- There is this annoying alternator feedback into the stereo and large bumps make a popping sound in the speakers

re wire and
http://www.keeaudio.com/fbodyspeakers.html


- The passenger window motor is shot (takes almost as minute to go up/down)
http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor...=2055&osCsid=7fa3d2e6ba4a9248729ab29de1891dc0
it's a well know problem

- The headliner is falling down

- Tires have flat spots from the car sitting so much, one has had a slow leak since 2004

New tires....


good luck....

they are a labor of love...

 

[Munich77]

I would say keep the car but perhaps store it and find a different daily driver.

 

[dadsEH]

look at it realistically... its a basket case, Ill take it off your hands for $3K. just send it down to the port and Ill container it from there.
P.S. send me the appropriate papers needed for customs and its all good.

 

[ohmfab]

We have three vehicles which are all older. Two daily drivers and one project that seems to never end (93 Range Rover). The way I justify keeping my older cars is that they are costing me less in maintenance per year/month than a new(er) car's payment would be. Of course my time is involved because I do all the work myself. But hey that's why I have a garage full of tools right, to use them!

My daily driver is a '92 Nissan Sentra SE-R. Awesome car. I've had it since college and would probably never get rid of it. It is showing it's age now and I have way too much invested in it over the years to ever justify getting rid of it. I used to Autocross and do track days with it a lot back in the day but now it's just a daily driver. I just fix things as they come up. I bought it with 100k miles on it, rebuilt the engine shortly after and it now has around 270k and still gets close to 30mpg commuting in Atlanta traffic. The SE-R costs me on average 500 bucks a year on repairs, or about 41 bucks a month.

My wife's car is a 1999 Volvo S80. I bought it used with 100k and it now has around 230k. I rebuilt the engine at 200k, and the next project is to change the catalytic converters & axles and a few other minor things. The car in the last two years has cost a bit to maintain because of the engine rebuild but still I'm guessing about $1200/year in the last two years or $100/month.

The Volvo still looks new and we drive it over 30k a year (lots of long trips as my in-laws are in the DC area) and it is the best long distance vehicle I've driven. My wife is happy to keep it another couple of years till we find her something new.

 

[Graymills - Craig]

His "old" car is 17, mine is 44. Pipsqueak! I've been though the car - and I mean apart in small pieces - at least 4 times. Minor stuff like engine and trans rebuilds - I lost count. Because I like to do it and thats all. They don't take care of themselves and when you beat on one like I do, you have to stay on top of things.

MINOR stuff like engine and ****** rebuilds???

 

[Jazz]

- The A/C hasn't worked in 6 years due to an electrical gremlin I've never tracked down. These cars love to fog the windshields since they are almost horizontal so driving it on a humid / rainy day is a no-go usually.
*This could be a problem with the ECM. The engine computer controls the A/C. Also it could be the pressure sensor.

- There's a few exhaust holes that need to be welded
*You should probably replace the exhaust. Welding it won’t last long.

- Rear shocks are shot – *Probably the front shocks also. The factory stuff sucked even when it was new.

- There is this annoying alternator feedback into the stereo and large bumps make a popping sound in the speakers
*Sounds like a grounding issue. Make sure all your grounds are good.

- The passenger window motor is shot (takes almost as minute to go up/down)
*This is not unusual with these cars. The motor can be replaced pretty easily and you can do it yourself with basic hand tools and a drill.

- The headliner is falling down – *Replace it will a plastic one (not cheap, but effective).

I also own a ’94 Firebird. I has a killer drive train, but needs paint, a little body work, and to have the interior freshened. It does make 366hp and 344 lbs-tq though, so I’m definitely keeping it!

 

[BigE]

You've kept it all this time and thought enough of it to pattern your screen name after it. I'm fairly certain you love the car. Plus, they're not that hard to fix. Parts aren't that rare. You just have to look for them in different places.

www.gmpartsdirect.com - Just watch shipping as it can make the local dealer more appealing

www.hawksthirdgenparts.com - It says 3rd gen, but they have lots of 4th gen parts too. New and used.

We have a local guy here, Billy Graham, that runs a Camaro/Firebird salvage yard. It's mostly 4th gen, but his prices can be outrageous. He's a last resort, but if you need it, he may have it. And sometimes at a reasonable cost.

Keep the car! Fix it! Now! Get moving!

 

[smallbloc]

look at it realistically... its a basket case, Ill take it off your hands for $3K. just send it down to the port and Ill container it from there.
P.S. send me the appropriate papers needed for customs and its all good.

Myself, I would go with that offer.
I had a '93 Z28, nice car that I drove for 2 years sold it for $3,900 in 2003 before it started needing everything.If your stuck on camaros, get a 1998 or later with the LS motor. JMO