Thread: This Girl found a Real Gem :)

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 26
  1. #1 This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    SE Level Member CSteen85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    95
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Hi Everyone!

    I just purchased a 1997 Grand Prix from a family who seemed to take really good care of it. I got a pretty good deal and I haven't even brought it home yet, but I already love it.

    A little background: My first car ever was a 1996 Grand Am, which I gave to my brother when he got his license (and he totaled shortly thereafter ).

    My '97 Grand Prix is BEAUTIFUL. It's a 3.8, V6 SE version and has an after-market JVC stereo and alloy wheels. It's the dark teal color, that I can't wait to buff and shine when I get some nice weather.

    I am here because I am a FEMALE, but I desperately want to take care of this car. I will be driving it about 2 miles a day (yes, really) and then some casual weekend driving, so I'm hoping to get a good amount of time out of it.

    I know the basics... oil changes, etc and even some vocabulary words, but I figure knowing a little about cars could never hurt a girl. I will be turning to you guys for as much help as I can get.

    Anyway, I'm really glad to have found this site and to be a Pontiac owner (again!).

    Thanks!
    Christine
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTX Level Member bronzemist02's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    548
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Welcome. 2 of the three cars in our driveway are Pontiacs now.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    Ridin' the Blue IrishNation24's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    623
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    welcome to the forums. u got a question, someone on here's got an answer, especialy
    Quote Originally Posted by CSteen85 View Post
    because I am a FEMALE
    haha just messin with ya. No need to bring extra attention to it here, everyone will notice anyway. LOL
    http://www.grandprixforums.net/membe...lbums-car.html
    2001 GTP special edition. lots of mods.
    1994 Greenwood C4 LT1-traded in for 6700 with 160K miles for....
    a 2004 LE MANS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION Z06 23K MILES.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    SE Level Member CSteen85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    95
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    LOL, I just wanted to be upfront! I have been reading up on the DIC/HUD "How To," because I can't recall exactly, but I'm almost positive the DIC wasn't lit up when I test-drove it.

    I'm wondering if that's because he installed an after-market stereo and maybe something got disconnected back there. I'm not really afraid to get in there and check things out, but I'd like a little support from these forums if at all possible

    Anyway, I'm really glad to have found this site! I'm bringing my baby home tomorrow night (trip to the DMV for plates in the morning, ugh!) and I'll get to really play around with everything.

    Yay! (Cause, I'm a girl, lol).
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    Ridin' the Blue IrishNation24's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    623
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by CSteen85 View Post
    LOL, I just wanted to be upfront!
    yes, of course.

    as far as that problem, it could be cuz they effed somethin up puttin it in, but its probably more serious. keep readin up on any posts about it here, cuz ive seen a few people havin problems with those, sometimes with they tried to put one in aftermarket.
    http://www.grandprixforums.net/membe...lbums-car.html
    2001 GTP special edition. lots of mods.
    1994 Greenwood C4 LT1-traded in for 6700 with 160K miles for....
    a 2004 LE MANS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION Z06 23K MILES.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTX Level Member cerick08GP's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    782
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by CSteen85 View Post
    LOL, I just wanted to be upfront! I have been reading up on the DIC/HUD "How To," because I can't recall exactly, but I'm almost positive the DIC wasn't lit up when I test-drove it.

    I'm wondering if that's because he installed an after-market stereo and maybe something got disconnected back there. I'm not really afraid to get in there and check things out, but I'd like a little support from these forums if at all possible

    Anyway, I'm really glad to have found this site! I'm bringing my baby home tomorrow night (trip to the DMV for plates in the morning, ugh!) and I'll get to really play around with everything.

    Yay! (Cause, I'm a girl, lol).
    Welcome

    Ya GPs fight any HU replacement every step of the way, it very well could be the reason your DIC isn’t working.

    Ten years of continuous driving excitement and counting!
    2008GP
    ||HV3 insert||PowerSlot rotors w/Hawks||LED interior||MSD 8.5mm
    2002GP||sold
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    its AWDsome JarenSTi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Hawaii
    Posts
    4,021
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    welcome!
    2002 WS.6- exhaust, 42k miles
    2005 Subaru WRX
    STi - coilovers, exhaust, starspec z2's and it's for sale
    2002 GT - sold

    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTP Level Member Ice Blue La Crosse's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    memphis
    Posts
    742
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    welcome
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTX Level Member imdaman3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    780
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    welcome , but if i recall correctly grand prix se didnt come with the hud????
    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTP Level Member windycitygtp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    chicago,illinois
    Posts
    1,126
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Welcome to the forums


    going low on 20"
    Reply With Quote  
     

  11. #11 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    SE Level Member CSteen85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    95
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by imdaman3 View Post
    welcome , but if i recall correctly grand prix se didnt come with the hud????
    You might be right and that's totally fine. I was just curious

    I'd like to get whatever is supposed to be working... working.

    I do believe though, that my DIC is dark, when it shouldn't be.


    1997 Grand Prix SE, 3.8L V6 SFI, 140k, purchased on 3/6/10.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  12. #12 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTX Level Member imdaman3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    780
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    ^^ well let us kno and we'll gladly help
    Reply With Quote  
     

  13. #13 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTP Level Member 03GPScottyd's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Louisville, KY
    Posts
    1,260
    Thanks (Received)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    debadged, clear corners, 20% tint, tinted tails, vibrant performance tips, red painted calipers, Fig. grills, autometer guages, PFYC 3 pod A pillar, SLP CAI, 2.5" DP, SD Hood, SD front air damn, Gen I spoiler, 17X8 Borbet Type M rims, engine upgrades soon!
    My Cardomain
    Reply With Quote  
     

  14. #14 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTX Level Member imdaman3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    780
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Reply With Quote  
     

  15. #15 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    SE Level Member CSteen85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    95
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I promise, pics tonight!!! Done with DMV and everything. I got plates, it's ALL MINE!


    1997 Grand Prix SE, 3.8L V6 SFI, 140k, purchased on 3/6/10.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  16. #16 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) **Now w/ Pics!** 
    SE Level Member CSteen85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    95
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Here are those pics I promised you!







    Obviously, there is a lot to do here.

    I haven't even gotten the chance to clean it up. First thing I'm going to do this Saturday is take it for an oil change and to top off all the fluids.

    As far as visual modifications, I have a few ideas in mind... BUT... I only spent $1500 on this car. If there is something I want to do to it to improve aesthetics, I will either learn how to do it myself or it simply won't get done. I don't want to hire anyone to do it for me. That said, these are the projects I've thought of so far:

    1) Thorough interior/extrerior detailing. I will clean it all myself in my driveway. There are some minor surface scratches I'd like to get out, but I think I'll need a buffer for that. I'll try to google how to do it and I'll try to find someone who has one I can borrow.

    2) It's funny, everyone seems to complain about the front bumper on this car, but I actually kind of like it. It makes it look a little more muscle-like to me. I have a bigger problem with the rear bumper to be honest. There are some paint cracks back there on the driver's side. I plan to either replace the entire rear bumper (if I can figure out how to do it) or just repaint the one that's on there.

    3) Get the moisture out of the tail lights. THAT bugs me. I'm going to try to take them off and use a hairdryer, then seal them back up if I can find a tutorial on how to do that.

    Overall, I love this car. If I can figure out inexpensive ways to improve its appearance, I'll do it. All it'll cost me is time and I've got some of that on the weekends

    Thanks for looking! I'd love any input

    -Christine


    1997 Grand Prix SE, 3.8L V6 SFI, 140k, purchased on 3/6/10.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  17. #17 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    GTX Level Member imdaman3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    780
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    nice a girl that wants to get her handz dirty
    Reply With Quote  
     

  18. #18 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    Awaiting Confirmation
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    aowdnawi
    Posts
    23,292
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    2) Two 10 mm bolts in the rear wheel well through the small plastic opening in the plastic piece and the three small screws in there as well and two on the bottom. Then theres 3/4 push pins when you open the trunk on the top of the bumper.

    After all thats out, it should slide backwards.

    3)Might just have to get new tails, one of the few "guarenteed to work" solutions.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  19. #19 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    That Loud Guy 1LoudGrandPrix's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Posts
    1,114
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    i would ether live with the tails or buy new b/c the puddle it left when i tried to seal it basicly said not gonna work, and it didn't lol
    Reply With Quote  
     

  20. #20 Re: This Girl found a Real Gem :) 
    SE Level Member CSteen85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Long Island, NY
    Posts
    95
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by imdaman3 View Post
    nice a girl that wants to get her handz dirty
    I'm actually excited for it! I figure with these projects, I can't screw it up TOO bad and I'll be so proud of myself once it's all done. Of course, I'll be looking for tons of support from here

    Quote Originally Posted by matt5112 View Post
    2) Two 10 mm bolts in the rear wheel well through the small plastic opening in the plastic piece and the three small screws in there as well and two on the bottom. Then theres 3/4 push pins when you open the trunk on the top of the bumper.

    After all thats out, it should slide backwards.

    3)Might just have to get new tails, one of the few "guarenteed to work" solutions.
    Ah, thank you for the helpful information!

    As far as replacing the bumper, should I look for a replacement at a junkyard (I don't even know where one is)? Does it have to be off of a '97 GP? Or can it be a newer model that I like the rear of (Heyooo!)? Will the holes line up for where I'd be replacing the bumper?

    And the tails... you really think there's no way I can get that moisture out? It seems to only be in the passenger side tail, so it wouldn't be too much work to try to dry it out and reseal it, I hope.

    If you strongly suggest new tails, can you point me in the right direction?

    Thanks a lot!
    -Christine


    1997 Grand Prix SE, 3.8L V6 SFI, 140k, purchased on 3/6/10.
    Reply With Quote  
     

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. So I found the perfect girl ha
    By nicksilvergt99 in forum Off Topic Discussion
    Replies: 41
    Last Post: 03-08-2010, 06:41 AM
  2. The New Girl
    By OverMyHead in forum Introductions/Noob Questions
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 12-16-2009, 12:45 PM
  3. New Girl in AZ
    By GPpunk in forum Introductions/Noob Questions
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-04-2009, 05:57 PM
  4. Found This Joke. Also Found It Amusing.
    By Street Wolf in forum Off Topic Discussion
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 12-05-2008, 04:25 AM
  5. My little girl's first B-Day
    By TDCRacing in forum Off Topic Discussion
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 10-02-2008, 08:16 PM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •