Free Convertible!

[brucey]

Long story short, I just got myself a Chevy Cavalier with a quarter million miles on it. Just got to pay transfer tax and it's mine.

Mileage is kind of wacky right now, as I've learned very quickly that the stock gas gauge is useless. I usually fill up at a half tank, and it has been anywhere from 2.5 to 6.5 gallons. I did just complete a 1000 mile trek with a full sized stove in the back (no joke) and got acceptable mileage from it.

Will be putting the scan gauge on it soon, but it idles a bit rough so any spare car money will be going to restoring it. Plan to keep it factory, as it's been single owner and they have taken excellent care of it. No accidents, just a few parking lot dings.

Pictures to follow!

[Frank Lee]

It's twice as good when it's free!

[brucey]

Picture up now.

While taking it however, I realized there is a suspicious puddle underneath the car. :/

Beggars can't be choosers!

[MetroMPG]

How the heck... Nice score!

(Boo about being automatic, though.)

I snagged a summer ragtop too, though it needs much more work than yours. (And it's stacked up in the project queue like ... some kind of airport metaphor. At the rate I'm acquiring new projects lately, I probably won't have it on the road for a couple of years at least.)

[Frank Lee]

That'd be a nice one to chop the windshield off of and put a lil bubble and fastback...

[MetroMPG]

Frank and his chopping! There he goes again.

(I have to admit I stared at one of the Firefly convertible pics this evening daydreaming about how to do it...)

[brucey]

The water pump gasket is gone and it just drips out (more like, flows out. Like a faucet) anytime coolant goes in. Even with the car off. Even with the engine cold and the system not even pressurized.

And the water pump is behind the timing chain. So I might as well replace everything else while I'm in there....Chain, guides, tensioner..

And I noticed while draining the oil that it has milk shakes for oil, which leads me to believe it has a head gasket leak as well. Which is odd since I just drove it 1000 miles and the temp gauge never moved. But maybe that was it's swan song.

I might just buy a junkyard engine for 400$ and call it a day. I'll still be ahead once I start driving it.

Edit: I do have that E-motor sitting around though... Too bad 25HP wouldn't be enough in a town with many roads approaching 20% grade in certain areas.

[Frank Lee]

Little doubt they overheated it. Might have head cracks too.

[MetroMPG]

Doh.

Well, pick up a 5-speed, shifter & pedals while you're out pickin', and Bob's your uncle!

[brucey]

Damn it, I wanted to just have a nice little beater to run into the ground. Not run it into the ground getting it home!

I've got too many expensive hobbies and not enough time lately. Really wanted to start de-milling my AKS74U up and get it ready for assembly once my paperwork comes back.

This might end up getting taken to a pro shop (for once). As long as the estimate is less than 4 digits, I'll keep it on the road.