Mullet's Metro Project

[Johnny Mullet]

I wish I had a car lift at home! Of course, my ceiling is not high enough so a new garage would be in order

I saved this Metro from the dead and the car's official name is now Christine just like the movie car came from the dead with some help from Arnie, The Mullet revived this red beauty. Instead of killing people, this Christine kills high fuel costs!

I really don't think I will ever stop doing improvements to this car one way or another. My future mods still include installing an XFi camshaft, 10 degree advanced cam gear, a better air intake system, more non-radical aeromods, etc. If I find me another Metro project, I will have to make a new thread. This next time around will be more extreme though. I will probably radius the valves, thread the intake ports, cut Singh grooves in the head, and do radical aero mods. Christine is too pretty for radical aeromods and I am quite happy with what she gives me in return.

[Johnny Mullet]

Well, I have actually discovered the car is running warmer than usual and my test with the scanner was not effective enough for real results. I had some errands in town and when coming to the next light, I heard my fan come on and thought "That's strange" because usually it will take a minute of idling before the fan kicks on.

Looks like I will have to cut out a section of the grill block and open up the hole directly in front of the radiator and right above the driver's side turn signal lamp. I should of went with my other idea...............

Fill 'em all with lights!"

I may have to come up with something different because cutting my original design structure will hinder strength and rigidness of the material. Maybe I shall make a complete frontal external block from my special aeromodding material, cut 2 oval shaped holes to fit the grommets of the original lamps I had installed and a slot opening for the radiator? The light would then be flush with the block and the entire front of the car minus the freakin' Ohio plate will be smooth. This should net some results, but in effect also become a permanent part of the car since I will have to screw the material directly to the existing bumper.

I did not want to stray from keeping the original look of the car while aeromodding, but with a bumper like this, I have no other choice at the moment.

[dentprone]

Mullet,

Thanks for the post, I think you have me turned on to the Singh groove deal, as I will be putting together a Metro engine in the next month or so. I'll have to try it and post my results.

[Tango Charlie]

Singh grooves? That's a new one on me. As another member says;

"Google
Google
Google
Ah, yes. Here we go:"

SOMENDER-SINGH.com - Home

[Area51]

Since I'm new to these forums, I have been trying to catch up. I came across this thread of a Metro rebuild and had to comment on one subject.
I am referring to the headlight situation.
I work for a headlight factory, the coating that is on them is what we call "Hardcoat". I don't know what it's made of exactly but it's really tough stuff.
It has to be because plastic scratches so easily. We use Acetone to check them to make sure they have been sprayed.
If they haven't, they turn white like in your photos. As far as I know there's nothing that will take that hardcoat off other than age.
Sometimes we get an imperfection in one, if it's not too big we can buff it out with a special polish we use.
We used to make them for I think the earlier Metro's but don't remember the years.
We make the lights for 10 years after the OEM model ends for replacements such as for autodealerships, automotive stores, etc.

I have a question on your replacements that you have now. You are losing a few MPG's with them because of bad aerodynamics, have you thought about putting aftermarket covers over them to gain some of it back? Just a thought.

Keep up the good work.

[Johnny Mullet]

Welcome to Ecomodder Area51
It's good to meet someone who knows about these composite lamps.

I plan on using the same method bbjsw10 posted on this thread................
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-how-4360.html

Yes, the new style headlights are aerodynamic and cool, but for $100.00 a pop to replace them just for them to look like crap again in 3-5 years and then every year after that was not worth the trouble to save my already ruined composites which were tossed out and picked up by the trash man. The headlight units I replaced them with provided by RacerX are the kind I wanted because I prefer them over composites. Visibility is way more important than 1 or 2 MPG.

I haven't got to the lexan covers yet since I am still trying to get my bumper block (grill block) finished. I totally redid the bumper and pics are uploading now..................

[Johnny Mullet]

Christine has gotten a face lift and will be more aerodynamic than ever! I totally scrapped the "internal" block and figured if I was going to block off the gaping frontal holes on this "Schick Quattro" bumper, I am going to do it right. I learned a few things about aerodynamics and how important an even flow is.

I took my famous Truck Mudflap material and cut 2 pieces. I then used my original lamps I installed as a template and cut out the oval shaped holes. The turn signal/marker lamps are now flush with the bumper. I do not have the build pics (forgot camera) but you will all get the general idea...............

[bbjsw10]

Did you block the whole thing off? Or is it open in the middle below plate?

From what I see of your truck looks good for a 95.

[Johnny Mullet]

I could not get low enough with the camera and my aching body, but there is actually a 1/2" gap the entire length across the bottom. this should allow more airflow than the previous block and also be more aerodynamic. There is no gap besides the bottom and of course, under the hood. I screwed it right to the bumper

My 1995 Chevy truck is still in great shape for the age and low miles

Sorry about the crappy pics, but I think my crappy camera has something to do with that. I am not a photographer, just an ecomodder

[Clev]

Great work; I'll have to grab a mudflap next time I'm at Flying J. :-) I think I can block off the entire lower bumper and just leave the nose snout open.