New to Grand Prix Ownership

[AAclinard]

As of January 1st, 2013, I joined the Grand Prix ownership club. This is really the first respectable car I've owned. I've gone from older minivans and SUV's right up to this. She's got a few miles on her, but everything's still running solid.

Bought a 2004 GT2 from a guy who'd put in a few minor modifications (cold air intake by Weapon-R, a few extra speakers by Alpine, full HID light kits, remote start, painted engine cover and the strut bars under the hood). I'm a full time student, but I'd still like to make this car look sweet. No real problems with the stock paint, and it's a color I like (it's the stock dark stone gray) I'd been thinking about putting in some blue LED's for interior glow, maybe some ground effect lights and grill lights. I'd like to change the stock red dash color to blue, and maybe replace the stock radio (it works, but it's REALLY worn).

All in all, I was looking for cool looking visual or performance mods I can do myself that won't break the bank. As much as I love the Inferno hood I've seen on some of these, it's just out of the question to spend that much on a hood right now. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[jteske88]

welcome man, why dont you throw out some pics? lets see what you have.

 

[AAclinard]

Front driver profile to show off the color. Stone gray. Love it.

Interior. I'm fairly certain the vent blower covers and the pull handle cups have been painted silver. He said he wanted the theme to be a dark/light gray contrast when he had it. I put in the air freshener, because whatever "new car scent" wonder wafers he put in the car smelled terrible.

Close up of the worn radio, like I'd mentioned.

I asked about the calipers. He said they were just replaced stock calipers he'd spray painted red.

Front grill has also been spray painted, as well as the plastic right below the bumper. Not entirely sure what to call that piece.

HID's at night.

Under the hood. Those braces on the sides have been spray painted like the grill and interior trim pieces. He didn't like the cover on the car, although it's definitely been spray painted an eggshell black.

Close up of that CAI filter. Washable for life, says the guy I bought it from, but I bought it yesterday, so I guess I'll find out when I get to that.

She's basically stock with a few little bells and whistles, Overall, not too bad, I don't think.

 

[jteske88]

clean looking nice ride

 

[AAclinard]

If money was no object, I'd probably get some 18" rims, that Inferno hood, maybe consider lambo style suicide doors, after I went through and had a new engine and transmission put in. It runs well now, but still has over 100k miles. I figure I can get another five or so years out of it before I need a new car, but we'll see.

 

[txslow6]

Good looking car. You don't have to spend an arm and leg on the car to make it look good. Since you are new you may not know that mustang wheels will work. Typically you can find a nice set for under $300 on Craigslist. You could always do some overlays for the GP as well.

Performance wise its going to depend how fast you want to go. You can browse the classified ads here and typically find some decent deals. And you won't need to replace the engine for awhile as long as its maintained I'm at 201K on mine and it still running like a champ.

 

[AAclinard]

'Stang wheels work eh? Do they need to be from the same year?

 

[AAclinard]

I've done PLENTY of basic repairs on my old blazer and windstar, so I know basic repair work, but I've never tried modding anything in a car, so I'm sure I'll be asking plenty of questions. If I ask any dumb questions, please let me know, ha.

 

[txslow6]

'Stang wheels work eh? Do they need to be from the same year?

No 94 and up, pretty sweet huh? If its a 5 lug it will be a direct swap. Look through the wheel section and you will see everyone and their mother here is usually running some form of mustang wheels.

I've done PLENTY of basic repairs on my old blazer and windstar, so I know basic repair work, but I've never tried modding anything in a car, so I'm sure I'll be asking plenty of questions. If I ask any dumb questions, please let me know, ha.

we will let you know and if you have done basic repair work before you shouldn't have any issues with the car. 3800's/wbodies are probably one of the easiest cars to work on.

 

[AAclinard]

That's good to hear. How about this question. The guy before me and spray painted parts of this, as I outlined before. Is that generally something people do? I mean, if I find a good blue color in a spray can, is it really just as simple as sanding the old color, spraying the new, and clear coating it? The last guy's paint is peeling, but he didn't bother with the clearcoat. Is that where he went wrong, or is spray paint a no no in general?

 

[txslow6]

That's good to hear. How about this question. The guy before me and spray painted parts of this, as I outlined before. Is that generally something people do? I mean, if I find a good blue color in a spray can, is it really just as simple as sanding the old color, spraying the new, and clear coating it? The last guy's paint is peeling, but he didn't bother with the clearcoat. Is that where he went wrong, or is spray paint a no no in general?

It's peeling most likely cause he didn't prep the surface, prime it, and clear coat it correctly. I dislike spray paint mainly because it looks cheap, but few guys can pull it off if done right.