First week of ownership: the good bad and really ugly
 

Well guys I am very proud to be in week two of owning a beautiful 1988 911. In the week before I picked it up and the week since I have learned a lot on this forum and have applied most of what I have learned.

So in the past week I have (for the good) installed new stereo system, alarm system, speakers, replace burnt out bulbs, installed interior trim pieces that were missing (brake / seat belt light, defrost light) removed seats and detailed interior, replaced headlights, fixed cruise control, changes oil (Penn), changed transmission gear oil (Royal Purple), installed new (ie proper) battery, and have ordered various other misc parts that need to be replaced.

The previous owner had no clue how to detail a car so I am still working here and there to make the interior look good. Right now it is excellent for a 25 year old car.

The bad? Not much, other than a door ding (****** soccer mom) and may have 901 transmission instead of G50. Oh! I do have a surge issue, orders a new voltage regulator and will replace it next week

The ugly .... Well I had a major environmental incident today when I changed the oil. The plug shot off and plugged the hole in the drain pan and 12 quarts of oil ended up on the garage floor and down my driveway. So next project is pressure washer and degreaser. My wife isn't too happy with her new house driveway streaked with oil. Doht!

All in all, a good week

interesting re. transmission, I'm betting you have G50, I don't remember when the switch from 915 to G50 was. Others here know all.

Oil spill is not serious here, breaking the ears off that hold the clutch fork is an example of something more noteworthy but we like the garage mishap type stories, one wonders ways that you could have recovered before all ? 6-7 quarts hit the deck, maybe the oil was hot, any way welcome and enjoy

It was a conscious choice ... 3rd degree burn or oil on driveway. I choose self preservation.

Also got a nasty cut above the eye from working under the car. Battle scar, LOL

Congratulations how about some photos.

Uh pictures....? I understand a mando 3 week ban w/out .... just sayin

yea .. I agree not major pain ... kinda funny in a way (glad you did not get burnt and also she hasn't kicked you out over it) .. most of the threads here make really clear .. LARGE drain pan ... and most recommend two .. one for the tank and the other for the engine ...

You can also look at the bright side .. you didn't get 12 quarts out .. the most you lost would be 7 or 8 as the engine ..

Now one request .. just so i can show the wife that my oil stains are not that bad ... Post a pic ....SmileWavy

that oil comes out fast!

and can be hot

my fist change was an over flow - followed by the realization that although hanging the azz off the curb allowed me to drop the oil without jacking the car...the heat exchangers killed the grass under them - nice and brown!!!

DOH

it will all work out - welcome to the madness

LOL alright guy I will post some pictures in the morning when it is daylight. Can I avoid a ban for not posting pictures until then?

I've had this disease before with Trans Am's, NA LS1 @ 625 crank HP, street and strip set up. Cage, racing seats, Ford 9", adjustable coil overs, etc, etc, etc. 10 second car for $80k invested on mods and rebuilding broke parts to find the next weak link .... finally sold for $40k, so I am over the "chasing" disease.

But the new bug is keep this 25 year old car in good shape for the next 25 and wrench myself as much as possible.

Don't overfill it when you're done -- another common newbie error. Check the level when the car is on a level surface, with the engine running, and the oil up to 180°. Don't rely on the dash level gauge. Shoot for the midway point between the two marks on the dipstick.

Roger that - got that off the forum also

Almost 11 quarts to 1/2 point on dip stick ... About 3-3/4 quarts gear oil to fill

BTW love your garage and videos

Would love to see pictures of the stereo install. Trying to figure that out myself. What did you do with the rear shelf speakers?

LOL alright guy I will post some pictures in the morning when it is daylight.http://www.gqrg.info/5b.jpg

It's a Cabriolet so no shelf speakers ... Hmmmmm, maybe for when top is up?

glad to see you see the humor in it ....

we try to be a good group and post on the good the bad and the ugly ....

IE search steering wheel and leather boots ...SmileWavy

also .. if you put your location under your name you will find others like you around .. drives .. cars and coffee etc ....

welcome aboard ....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369971125.jpg
Poor quality I know ... Will take better one to or row on road trip to Baton Rouge

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369971170.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369971196.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369971248.jpg
Kenwood KDX series with Alpine 5 way amp in boot and Focal components fron and rear


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369971296.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1369971313.jpg
Order new LEDs for dash

Thanks!

Wow! I like the combo, never seen before. That is a great looking car you have there. Why do you think a 901 is in there? They are significantly different in size.

If you go to coffee and cars Saturday morning, I will make the drive out and we can determine what tranny you have.
Houston Coffee and Cars | Where All Automotive Enthusiasts Meet to Share the Same PassionHouston Coffee and Cars

Thanks, Blue with Blue top and grey interior. The paint and body is flawless

I posted in another thread that my gear box had hex head plugs instead of bolts. This was confusing, but it is a G50 based on reverse gear (near first gear, up and to left). Some PO must have changed the plugs

Hey Mike I would love to but we are asking a road trip to BR tomorrow and coming back Saturday. Will have to try for June