I Bought the Geo Metro!!!
 

I bought that Geo Metro I've been talking about. I know, I know. I said I'd get a Civic, but the Civic is out of my budget range. Anyway, I don't feel so bad about doing work on this car, because if I make a mistake it's not going to break the bank. Why? Because the car only cost me $800!

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/o...g?t=1236143277

Her specs are:
1994 Geo Metro
Base Trim Model
Automatic
2 Door Hatchback
Air Conditioning


She's got really poor acceleration, no working turn signals, no reverse lights, the headlights have been rewired to a crappy switch dangling at my feet, the windows are a mother to roll up or down, the hood doesn't close all the way, and the hatch takes at least two slams to close. But, she's all mine and she gets me places.

I plan to use her for city driving mostly. Get out to the beach. Take the occasional road trip through the desert southwest.

I took her to the mechanic to get some work done and one of the customers there asked what kind of mileage she gets. The truth is she gets 24 mpg right now, but when she came off the factory line she got 34 mpg. With all the mods I plan to do, she should get over 70 mpg (I hope).

Well, there she is and I'm quickly fallin in love with her.

Congrats on the Metro. Sounds like you got your work cut out for you though! Good luck. :)

Good luck on that Geo, they are fun to zip around in! I actually had the 1994 automatic and it was real zippy and got 38mpg without trying, so you probably just need a good tune-up.

Make sure to check the compression on the valves (it should be over 120 on each) to make sure you're not losing power there.

Nice car! I second the compression test!

Jealous!!!

;)

My automatic metro helped me shop for one with a standard. I was only shopping for a tranny, initially, but it came with a better body, and I can probably make a profit on the automatic. All the advice was that I'd need lots of parts to change over; I don't think anybody said they had to do it. The engine re-build is considered very easy, and there are forums full of help available. The EGR passage tends to clog. Running the ignition at full advance is good for mileage. Welcome to the world of cars that weigh under a ton. They are the only ones that impress me.

Thanks for the tips. I'm definitely going to look into the compression test.

Here are a bunch of mods I plan to do:
FREE MODS:
-Place the front license plate in front windshield. Improves aerodynamics.
-Relocate antenna to the inside of the car. Improves aerodynamics.
-Remove all speakers. Reduces car weight. Replace those speakers with one flat computer speaker near the dome light. Sound quality isn't that big of an issue for me.
-Remove the center brake light (and all its associated hardware) from the center of the rear windshield. Reduces car weight.
-Remove side trim. Reduces car weight. Improves aerodynamics slightly.
-Remove splash guards. Reduces car weight. Improves aerodynamics.
-Tighten front body panels so they have smaller gaps between them. Improves aerodynamics.
-Remove front bumper mounted parking lights. Reduces car weight and reduces battery load.
-Remove passenger visor. Reduces car weight. Boohoo... If the passenger wants to shield their eyes they can use their hands.

MODS THAT COST:
-Add fuel consumption gauge of some kind. SuperMID or MPGuino.
-Add anti-fog solution to the windows. Keeps the windows from fogging up, which reduces the need to run the defroster. (Researching for some kind of permanent form of Fog-X)
-Add anti-rain solution to the outside of windows. Sheds rain easier and reduces the need to run the windshield wipers. (Researching for some kind of permanent form of Rain-X)
-Replace rear windshield and rear side windows with plastic windows. Reduces weight.
-Add tint if the car doesn't have it. Keeps the occupants cooler, which reduces the need to run the air conditioner. I'm researching completely clear heat reflecting film for front windows and front windshield.
-Add beaded seat covers. Keeps the occupants cooler by allowing air to circulate under their bodies, which reduces the need to run the air conditioner.
-Replace rear view mirror with light-weight version.
-Replace driver visor with homemade light-weight version.
-Replace jack with smaller/lighter version.
-Replace dome light with LED on an adjustable arm, similar to a book light. Reduces weight and reduces load on battery.
-Replace instrument panel lights with red LED's. Retains the eyes' ability to see well in low light. Reduces load on battery.
-Replace all exterior lights with LEDs. Reduces load on battery.
-Replace front seats with lighter versions.
-Add Low rolling resistance tires
-Add aluminum rims. Reduces weight.

AERODYNAMIC MODS:
-Remove any manufacturer decals and seal the holes. Improves aerodynamics, reduces weight.
-Replace the passenger side mirror with interior side mirror. Improves aerodynamics and reduces car weight.
-Replace drivers side mirror with a smaller version. Improves aerodynamics. Reduces weight.
-Add headlight covers. Improves aerodynamics.
-Add flat hubcaps made of black plastic. Improves aerodynamics.
-Add rear wheel wind skirts. Improves aerodynamics.
-Close up holes in the grill. Improves aerodynamics.
-Add a smooth undertray. Improves aerodynamics. Segments. Side sleeves.

Be sure to double check traffic laws in your area on this one. I recall seeing something in Jersey's car equipment laws about needing a third brake light for cars built after a certain year.

If you're concerned about the weight of a 4 ounce visor, why not strip the whole interior?

*edit*
Today's post brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department
;)

j/k looks like a good list and should be interesting to see the progress and results.

Congratulations :thumbup:

Oh believe me... I'm thinking about it. muhahahahah