Car Simplification Projects

[Jesse16]

Anyone know if a list exists of various "modern car" backdates to reduce future headache type old car issues ? (I'm not thinking heater backdate myself but maybe later) I still have barely performing A/C, different category project in my mind.
I'm thinking of projects that might include:
Removal of cable operated hood and trunk release cables in favor of manual catches.
Possible removal of electric door locks/switches. (I can't lock my drivers side with the key currently). Could be this isn't really practical or possible ?
Ignition switch replacement with a push-button start and manual on/off or other functions. I hear ignition switches are $$$ and PIA to replace. My keys are getting "smooth".
?? others ?? Kind of a step by step removal of security features if you're not particularly afraid of theft on the above items.
What else (besides simply starting and running) would make a nice project ?

[uncle_scott]

Power windows swapped for manual.
Power side view mirrors swapped for manual.
Fixed length antennae swapped for electric rising antennae.

The way I look at it...these cars are getting old. Unless yours has lived a fairly sheltered life, the electrics are probably getting brittle. I am trying to simplify my car as much as possible. Sure power windows are great, but I have yet to encounter a time in my life when a manual window regulator failed. I have had many power regulators fail. Everything else for me is about saving weight, and backdating to mechanical pieces instead of electric.

Good luck, maybe this thread can produce a good list of simplification modifications.

[Jesse16]

Power windows would definitely be on my list. Not for weight but to eliminate wires and those stupid failure prone switches.
My radio antenna (87 model) is in the windshield and I only listen to satellite radio so isn't used.
Power mirrors could definitely go if they failed. Lucky they don't leave you locked out or stranded no matter what.
Guess a consideration is whether it could "short and burn". That's bad.
Power seats are still kinda nice so I can get low enough for my helmet at DE's. Otherwise, I never use em.

[Josh D]

You really only have to look back at the earlier cars to see whats been "modernized' on the later cars. Euro model cars also could be spec'd more basic than what was shipped to the US.

Manually operated seats, door locks, windows, mirriors, etc. could all probably be adapted to later cars from parts of earlier cars.

My RoW '80 SC landed right in the middle, and has all the things I wanted, like A/C, auto heat, and power windows and nothing that I didn't want like electric seats, electric door locks, lambda CIS and sunroof.

[Josh D]

Originally Posted by Jesse16

Power windows would definitely be on my list. Not for weight but to eliminate wires and those stupid failure prone switches.

In my experience, the switches don't actually fail, it's the contacts within the switch that get dirty/burnt. They are easily removed, and easy to disassemble. The contacts can be cleaned with a jewlers file. It's a 15 minute job.

Personally, I like the ability to roll down the passenger side window without having to reach over to a window crank. Just something to think about.

[Jesse16]

You're lucky with the 80 model. That Auto Heat comment is good. I don't know and have never had it explained well what the heck that red knob is supposed to accomplish. Nothing has ever happened by moving it that I can detect with mine. Heat works great with the levers and my dash controls. As long as it can't hurt the car, I'll leave it.
Sunroof is a PIA if it were to fail. Still also leaks regardless but luckily my car sees an easy weather life (garage when home) so hoping for several years of sunroof function.

[Jesse16]

On the fence about windows, low on the list. At least again, they would not normally "strand" you.

[RWebb]

de-CISify anything that has it

[Wiese]

AC delete, heater delete (heat exchangers, hoses, blowers), radio/speaker/antenna delete, Cruise control delete, windshield washer delete, headlight washer delete, trunk carpet delete (so they don't trap moisture leading to rust), fog light delete, rear defroster delete, power window and power mirror delete as said previously.

The car will be simpler to maintain and be a lot lighter too.

[BlueWing]

Never thought of it that way in the scope of maintenance. You guys are describing my car. COA states - Passenger mirror, manual antenna and Dunlops. All else was never installed or the manual version.

I've driven 2 VWs close to 500k each equipped like the SC, preventative maintenance and repairs are easier in a non congested car.

Maybe as you need repairs/replacements go with the earlier less complicated versions.

Terry

[gtc]

I really appreciate having power windows and heated/power adjust mirrors in my daily driver 911. I use them all the time, and I've only had one window switch go bad in the last 150,000 miles.
That said, I removed the AC, backdated the heater, and removed the center console and heater control box, and I don't really miss any of those.

[Jesse16]

Until my car goes "track only", I'm keeping a great deal of items. Its just good having a list of items that I can work against to prevent being locked, shut, or burned out of using the car. Having the greatest heart burn deciding on A/C upgrades or deletion. Probably will upgrade as I'd like to drive my car in the summer for the next 10 years.

[midnight911]

at the time I went 3.6, I removed AC, cruise control, engine compartment insulation pad, windshield washer tank, fuel evaporator tank.
I also had rear seat back, rear bumperettes removed. I also do not carry spare tire.

since i was bored, last week, i got windshield washer back to function, by placing a small water bottle in the trunk as a reservoir. in fact, i never needed windshield washer and I could live without it but having that feature sort of got the car back to civilization.

I also reinstalled rear seat back. the flat space made by the seat back tacked forward i think is quite useful and for some reason, to me, it looks right with the seat back on where it's supposed to be.

I still have power antenna, powered mirror. If they break, I likely remove or replace with manually operated ones. I did such on my BMW.

this is a fun discussion and inspires ideas. thanks for initiating!

[rfloz]

Foglight delete, bumper delete, bumper shock delete, wing delete/trade for duck, threshhold rubber trim delete, rocker panel trim delete, clock delete, ashtray delete, glove box cover delete, cigar lighter delete, console delete, delete one of two horns, footwell blower delete, hood/deck shock delete, passenger sun-visor delete, air box delete . . .

[Jesse16]

"leave in" list might be shorter. tires, engine, seat, steering, etc.. I still want street legal drivable if it rains or gets dark or cold without ear plugs. A dedicated track car is very cool though, some day.........

[Ramathorn]

RS door panels, console delete, ac delete, radio (radio, speakers, antenna) delete, spoilerless or duck tail, euro cat/ cat delete, backdated heat, the list goes on while still having a civilized street car.

[rfloz]

Originally Posted by Jesse16

"leave in" list might be shorter. tires, engine, seat, steering, etc.. I still want street legal drivable if it rains or gets dark or cold without ear plugs. A dedicated track car is very cool though, some day.........

FWIW, my car is street legal and "drivable", at least to me. I have done every simplification/deletion on this thread, except that I have retained power windows, mirrors and trunk/engine cover cables. The power windows net little weight loss (my own goal) and, if they fail, are easily repaired, the power mirrors will be gone soon and the cables will stay as I have heard of those rubber hold down thingies failing and very inopportune times (search Plaven").

I just got back from the Targa California, a three day road rally where it rained one and a half days. Rain-X(fog) is your friend if there is no defroster. The car handled it all without a whimper (from it or me).

Drivable , of course, means different things to different people. Living in SoCal, a heater is seldom needed and while A/C would be nice on occasion, it weighs something like 70 pounds total.

Things like changing to a K&N cone filter and deleting the engine compartment heater motor and cruise control certainly make maintenance easier.

Anyway, pick and chose according to your own needs and most of all, drive the thing as often as possible.

[DG624]

I would like to delete the auto door locks also. I can't lock my doors with the broken switch on driver side. Do I have to remove the passenger side auto lock device also?

Is there any switch blanks for removed accessories like headlight washer or sunroof? Should the wiring be removed also?