Aug. 26th, 2004

wolfwings: (Default)
Right now, it doesn't do much of anything at all else, but the engine (from poking under the hood and examining the major components) is in marvelous shape, and the transmission is (currently) in good condition as is the frame itself.

Unfortunately, that's about ALL that's in good shape. But damnit... this car Is Not Going To Die.

So, to make sure that doesn't happen... I have to do all the following, roughly in order unless someone out there thinks something is more or less important than I'm making it:

Buy a muffler and install it. (Priority issue, needed to pass smog.)
Double-change the engine oil and filter with a tank of detergent additive-added high-octane gas run through the engine between changes. (Priority issue to improve emissions to help pass smog.)
Adjust the idle higher. (Smog. Adjust down afterwards. Easy to do, pop distributor cap, adjustment is made inside.)
Replace the catalytic converter. (Possibly needed to pass smog, have to research lifetime for those on this model.)
Change the transmission/differential oil.
Replace the air filter, because the car was sitting for so damn long.
Replace the Main and Auxiliary fuel filters, because the fuel previously in the tank had sat so long it was decomposing badly.
Drain, flush, refill, and finally go over the radiator with a pair of tweezers and patience to clean out debris.
Check the clutch adjustments and wear.
Replace all brake-pads and refill the brake fluid levels.
Replace the center-mount rear-view mirror. (It doesn't stay centered, too easy to turn to the left, or tilt down. Should be cheap and easy to unbolt the existing one and bolt a new one onto the existing mast.)
Check and adjust the shocks.
Get a four-wheel alignment performed on the car.
Strip out all the panelling in the car, along with the back seats and back cargo matting and carpet, as it's ancient to the point of disaster, and needs to be reupholstered badly. This has the side-effect of allowing ready access to the air vents, so they can be disassembled and cleared, since the vents have a direct-flow path from the base of the hood throughout the front area of the car that I'm really damn sure is clogged beyond recognition.

The one 'ASAP when convenient' fix I need to do takes a bit of explaining, as I also want direct input from others on this aspect. )

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