Schultzy's Geo (& other assorted stuff)
 

Well (long dramatic pause) Since I have made the decision to begin the resto (and mods) on my Geo, here's what I've been up to;
12/27- research for engine kit, aero headlights, and finding household items to use for aeromods. Be sure and ask if your wife really is never going to use her big cookie sheet again. :o
12/29 thru 01/01- repair wheel bearings, attempt repair on front spoiler/bumper cover. I am going to have to purchase a cover. Mine is now too far destroyed for reasonable repair. Also spent time in the local bone yard looking for the necessary cover. 3 there. 3 toast. :D However:D Holy cow, Eureka, they had a 1991 Suzuki Swift 5 speed. Trans still in place and feels smooth as I spin it over by hand. Leaks like a sieve. don't care. bought it anyways. I am sooo happy I could , well, lets not go there. ;)
I am waiting for the discount stores/pawn shops/second hand shops to reopen tomorrow so i can go out and look for a camera. Then i can begin posting pics and you can monitor my progress. I will be streamlining the Geo (I've gotta getta name for 'er) and myself as we work this out.
Any suggestions will be appreciated, if not always implemented.
Thanx, as always. Schultz

heeerrre we go
 

practicing my posting abilities:eek:
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...arstuff001.jpg
This is my daily driver.Note the off color door and fender. They were from a previous owners inability to drive. :( I will paint it as soon as the weather breaks.

its not really that shiny. Afternoon sun .

Ok admin types, what'd i do wrong? the back 10% of my post with pic and text is Missing.

Your picture is a bit too large and you need to scroll over to get to it?

that's when you buy a 19" wide screen monitor :D helps a ton! Good luck on the Re-Sto

try try again
 

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...arstuff004.jpg

Oh whatta mess, this is my garage, and storage unit for my three kids belongings and storage for things I should have alredy put in the attic, and my investment car. That still needs a crankshaft. Hey I got it for free.

so ive learned to re-size first ,post second. Ahh the wheels are turning.

Ooh I shouldn't be awake so early, Midnight is coming and They will still expect me to be lucid. I'll sleep well this eve when I return home at some ungodly hour tomorrow morning.

Looking forward to watching the proceedings.

BTW does anyone know what size the OEM speakers are? Previous owner removed [U]all[U]of the sound equipment. One more reason it was sooo inexpensive.Thanx.

I made it to the boneyard yesterday, was able to score a near perfect front bumper cover for the Geo $30. WooHoo. Guess what I'll be doing later today. Absolutely right . Kite flying with my Grandson. Maybe we put parts ona Geo mebe not.

Which bumper cover style did you get? There were 2 available for your version of the Metro, and Coyote X determined (via terminal velocity on a hill on his commute) that this style Metro bumper is better, aerodynamically:

http://www.evalbum.com/img/1146/1146e.jpg http://www.evalbum.com/imgm.php?n=701a.jpg&w=300&h=214


Vs. this style:

http://www.evalbum.com/imgm.php?n=541a.jpg&w=300&h=225

http://metrompg.com/posts/photos/rick-xfi-vert.jpg

Short answer, top style.
I did NOT (duh grampa) realize that the convertible front would work. I've been looking for the OEM style I had. Good thing I didn't see the crossover. I woulda got one from a rag top last week.

I see the differences, and it only makes sense. Thanx. S.

Kids what can ya do wit um
 

I had to change the name I gave my daughters car. She saw the site and got all mad. :mad: "My car has the only lame name" :p Welllll, says I, Thats what you say when you need work. :p
New name ,same car. :p
yes I know itsa Jetta notta Wabbit.(duh grampa). :o

Did someone say "Aero Headlights??"
 

The shape of my 96 Metro doesn't seem too bad; it's the classic aerospud design; looks just like my Neon from a galloping horse... But those flat little headlights, sticking out there in the breeze like little barn doors! I was thinking of light plexiglass covers for ther; but it seems like I've seen some Gen2 Metros with body-fitting headlights. Am I right, or is that an aftermarket / home-brewed deal? It seems like an easy way to do a little streamlining without metal shears, bondo and gas hatchets.

You're right. Some were OEM flush units.

The interesting thing to me is: in Canada, none of the post-96 models came with the recessed lights (at least none I've ever seen).

A bit of lexan, some small stainless screws (or caulk) and...

http://metrompg.com/posts/photos/coy...-headlight.jpg

This is Coyote X's XFi ('93 - but same deal).

I like-em!
 

Wow, those look great! I may have to give that a try.

But you say that the Canadian spec Geos came with facory aero headlights? I wonder how I could get my hands on a pair of them? Any ideas?

Beaver

headlight covers
 

Hey Beav, wonderful world of ebay. They have a listing on some that would cost ~ $160 delivered. OR. Rockauto.com has a listing for $98. each + s&h.

Personally I'm a CheapB@$t@rd,(ask my wife). sooo. I called around to the plastic forming shops in my area. This is where it pays to let your fingers do the walking. I found most of them are unwilling to even talk to you if you don't want to spend THOUSANDs of $$$. ---but--- I talked to one guy ( he calls himself "The Plastic King" his website is http://www.theplasticsking.com/ . great guy to talk to very knowledgeable in the field) AND he gave me(read free) several small pieces of Lexan to try out our ideas. Same as what you see above. Told me how to heat form it ( so it holds the bend) and what kind of adhesive to use. I hadn't though of screws until I read th post.

Going now to play with coroplast on my new bumper cover and get some paint (wouldn't do to look too hillbilly).S.

werkin werkin
 

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...rstuff2004.jpg
Look free stuff, and some extra headlight trim to R&D with.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...rstuff2002.jpg
Look, a (relatively) new bumper to play with.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...arstuff012.jpg
My sons car(check garage) maybe only time I see it for 5/6 weeks. He came over for dinner on new years.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...arstuff003.jpg
My wifes car.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...arstuff005.jpg
My new tranny. OH YEAH :thumbup::D;)lotta work here. be worth it in the long run

Sounds like your really going at it! Keep it up. :thumbup: I look forward to seeing what unveils. :)

I won't say with 100% certainty, but I've personally never seen a 96+ Metro clone with the recessed lights.

I think the lexan route is easiest/cheapest. Otherwise, I bet you can retrofit the aero light assemblies from any 96+ car.

Canadian vs. U.S.
 

Okay, that brings me back to this: I see lots of Gen2 Geos with recessed sealed beam headlights around here.

http://forum.ecomodder.com/attachmen...1&d=1199645577

Sorry about the snow, it wasn't my idea...

So I guess the Canadian spec headlights are H4 halogens in some kind of plastic aerobucket, right? So maybe I can get the plastic buckets from Canada and put them on my car? In a perfect world this would be the case...

Maybe there's a set of them up there in a junkyard or something. Or maybe if I know what their official name was I could find some on eBay. Do one of you know what these "buckets" are really called by those who know what they're talking about?

Otherwise I may go with the homebuilt Lexan covers. The ones on CoyoteX's Geo just looked way too cool!

Thanks again,
Beaver

Allllrighty then
 

Yesterday was a good day, I learned that I forgot when replacing the plugs on an Avalon you need a plenum gasket. It is necessary to r&r the upper intake to replace the back three plugs. (Duh Grampa). :o Next weekend will see new ones on the back three.

so having been thwarted by incompetence, :( I turned my attention to the Geo front bumper cover. I began cleaning it in prep. for paint, got bored and began playing with Lexan. I made a really neat lens for the turn signal opening. I did not take pics. I wasn't sure if ti would work. But the result was truly good. IMO. Soo next one will have pics for those of you interested in seeing what a fool I can be with free stuff. I spent so long on the lens I was almost late for work. Clocked in @ 2:42. Gotta be onna clock by 2:45. Whew.

today i will be removing articles from the garage and putting them in the attic (where they should have gone in the first place). My former future son-in-law is on his way here to help. He thinks we're gonna fix his van. O.K. I'll help him with the van first, then, hahaha we'll move stuff to the attic.

Turn signal cover
 

I'll be looking forward to seeing the signal covers you're building...

Just lurking today and catching up on my reading,

The first one took me about three hours from start( thats drag your but off the couch ) to finish ( thats OMFG I gotta goto work).
I suspect the next will take less time. I will take pics as I go.
See you soon.S.

Silly girl left her camera here again, (insert evil laugh here, MooHooHaHaHa)
Today we will begin by making a signal lens cover for the right side, pics included.
but first maybe get some shuteye.
ooh while I'm thinking about it.
If you are experiencing a CEL due to the opening up of your exhaust, you can purchase a small part to fool your after cat O2 sensors from a company called "third strike performance"http://3rdstrike.biz/cart/
http://3rdstrike.biz/cart/index.php?...88b7ed15471e8d
they call this part a mechanical o2 sensor simulator.
I now own one for my daughters Jetta.
theirs is only $10
you could make it yourself for about $6
I'll tell anyone who's interested how.
in fact I'll goto Napa tomorrow and take pics of the stuff you need. Maybe not, Grandpa stuff.
Basically it is 2 antifoulers for 18mm spark plugs. (We used these in the olden days to keep oil from burning on the ends of your spark plugs)( if you think 18mm is big for a plug you shoulda seen some of the one off styles that were out there)
cut the end of one off
screw it into the other one
screw the assembly into your o2 sensor bung
screw your o2 sensor in.
TaDa.
gotta get some sleep now, boy'll be here in 6 hours, i just got home from 11 hour shift, wouldn't do to have an 8 year old beatin me up in the am. S.

test fit test fit test fit, d@mmit boy when you gonna lerrn.
I just destroyed My Jetta after cat o2 sensor.
the adapter wasn't quite large enough inside for the Bosch o2 sensor business end.
my Dremel died a year ago.
now i gotta getta anotha
DamitDamitDamitDamitDamitDamitDamitDamitDamit
OK enough self pity.
back to work.
S,

there goes my ScanGauge II.
Oh well Christmas is coming.
only 349 days left.
S.

You can always try to pick one up used off of ebay or craigslist!

bin there dun that
 

already looked, all same price $159.99.
new in box,Blah Blah Blah.
best deal........Amazon. same price, free shipping.
one used in all of U.S.
@ Amazon, from ?????????( name left out for fear of lawsuit), I had trouble with him on ebay when i first entered the web, left such a sour taste in my mouth i almost never went back to web purchasing. I'll get one soon.
could be different guy but his name is very distinctive.
S.

today on this is your life
 

OK heres the scoop:
My daughter drives a 1999 Jetta we picked up for cheap
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...arstuff011.jpg

it had issues

we fixed most of it

not all. Still had CEL, "catalyst efficiency low", so 2 new o2 sensors later and reset the light
Everybody's happy.
not really, CEL again 10 days later, same code. Goto my Exhaust guy, we get car on rack, find cat already replaced with aftermarket unit. Turns out to be same one he sells. Krap. He explains to me that the aftermarket one is a really good one, however, sometimes the ECU is too sensitive and will pick up on the, now, fast moving exhaust as inefficiency. doublekrap.
a new one from VW is almost what we paid for the car
***** to some guys at work
found out about the o2 sensor mechanical simulator.(see previous post #26) Apparently you get the same code if you free up your exhaust flow with performance parts.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/ec9cfcf9.jpg
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/529bf844.jpg
begin install this am.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/6cc8d870.jpg
Safety First!
Did not follow intelligent procedure and broke relatively new o2 sensor.
Expletives Deleted for our mixed audience
bought new stuff
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/910cee38.jpg
Grind interior to fit, and test fit o2 sensor.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/26fc3cca.jpg
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/eb4a0893.jpg
Get proper tools.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/22a5a632.jpg
!!use antisieze!! I like the copper based, it gives you a good electrical contact as well as saving you from unnecessary cussing later on.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/02839459.jpg
put it all back together the way it came apart.
Reset CEL and TaDa. It only took 4 hours to accomplish what should have been a 30 minute job.
Moral
If you haven't put one of these in before, test fit, test fit, test fit.
Now she's gotta drive it and see what happens.

Oh Yeah, stopped by VW and got new inserts for the lower bumper cover, Filled them with expanding foam,(what a great idea).(psst don't tell my wife i was using the kitchen counters, it was freezing outside, barely over 50deg f)

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/6e86acca.jpg

Now just gotta wait 24 hours to smooth and shape and paint and reinstall them

Stay tuned, more to come (next week that is)
S.

oh krap i was sposed to put away stuf ina attic today{whoops}

wlecome back
 

OK I've been away for awhile. I have been able to get to a 'puter some times. but not as often as I'd like. :(
I have not had a camera so please forgive the lack of pics.
Since My last post;
I finished the install on my wifes plugs.
We took a trip to Charleston, SC. to visit with relatives. ooh what fun. :rolleyes:
We sped all the way so my eco numbers sssuuuccckkk. :o
However we had a good time and boosted the local economy greatly.
My In-Laws have now been married Fifty years. :eek:
I've been working on the block off inserts for the Jetta.
Not working as planned.
The foam is way too soft for any real stability.
So I have made a small indent in the front and filled the resulting hollow with a more permanent substance. Two part epoxy. (trade name - Corvette panel adhesive.)
It comes from a caulk gun tube with a spout that mixes it as you push it out. Very sticky stuff and dries hard as a brick.
That is curing now and I will work it later this week.
I have a lot of house maintenance I have to get to. Car stuff is gonna hafta wait.
I did clear off the Dodge so I can get it repaired then I can get to work on the Geo.
I priced out a re-man crank kit for the Dodge. > $200. Delivered.
SOOO off to the boneyard I go.
I found a 1994 with a reman engine in it and someone had already taken the tranny.
1 hour & 20 min. later I had the engine out and the crank with all necessities in my hot little hand. $25.:thumbup:
OOHH as I was leaving I took a little stroll through the Geo section and found a 1993 xfi. when i went to pull the motor i found it was locked up. that would explain the unbelievable amount of damage to the rear of this car. the rear bumper was pushed in to the spare tire area and all the panels were bent from the collision.
So I just took the cam. $10.:thumbup::D
The engine had not been maintained well and the cam has a little scoring on one bearing surface,but, i don't think it is going to cause a problem.
my alarm just went off so i gotta get ready for work.
S.

Quite a landry list!

Congrats on the bargain XFi cam, though.

werkin'
 

I acquired a camera, so now i can regale you with pics of my exploits.

[IMG]http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/DSCF2327.jpg[/IMG]
New(used) crank for the Dodge. Note the broken piece of oil seal housing remaining on front end.
This is how you remove it in less than 1.5hrs in the boneyard when you forget your puller.

[IMG]http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/DSCF2326.jpg[/IMG]

This is the engine it will be going into.
Oh whatta mess. I'll be cleaning that up right away
It was free. I drove it home. The A/C works. Fuggeddaboutit

[IMG]http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/DSCF2328.jpg[/IMG]

This is my newest prized possession(insert trumpet sound here), A genu-wine xfi camshaft.
From a genu-wine xfi Metro.
Genu-winely crashed to death.
As soon as I have the Dodge runnin' I will be tearing into My Metro.
I now have a;
transmission,
camshaft,
bumper-cover,
all I need is time.& gaskets & rings & bearings & fluids & timing belt & seals & water pump & thermostat &

Oh heck there is still time left before I go to sleep. I'll use that. NOT.
See you in the funny pages.
S.

?High Fashion?
 

Here is a wonderful pic of my front grill block.
Lovingly laid out in fashionable black duct tape.
Amazingly functional.
If you look closely you can see some of the ripped front cover. The tape is also holding some of the center portion up, the end is pulled from the fender but that is hard to tell. That's why I went and acquired the non torn unit from my favorite boneyard.


http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/h...z/DSCF2331.jpg
The tape is layered on in vertical strips.
Starting from the outside and working toward the center.
I thought this through and decided -- if i need to remove for air i can remove one strip at a time. Building my flow from the center back to the edges.
Some of my seams are pulling apart. Good thing this is the soon to be discarded bumper.



Now I need to get back to work on the Dodge.
I already have a buyer and he wants me to mod it as much as possible before selling it.
But he also wants it to look close to stock.
Hmm, how much of the grill can I cover from the inside before I start loosing cooling?
I already know how to advance the cam without spending any great volume of cash.
That you will want to see.

More pics to follow.
S.

!!!!!!!!!scangauge!!!!!!!! Woo Hoo !!!!!!!!
 

I ordered a ScanGauge today!
I am so happy!
Maybe now I can show my Beautiful Bride how to do better with real time feedback info.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thank You all.
S.

Due to arrive in my hot little hands on Feb 29. Thanx Again everyone. S.

ooh so bad
 

I just checked my log on the Geo. I haven't even made it to EPA yet.
MeHopes it will get better after the reman.
S.

Fasinating! seems like a good project.
One tip that I found makes things go faster is when you have things like an engine or tranny that you want to install, take them to a self service car wash, there is a presure washer at work I could use but for $4 I don't have to clean up after my self and I can spend as much time as i want getting every little bit of oily gunk off my tranny and engine befor installing them in the car, that way they aren't droping crud in my eyes and are less slipery to hold on to.