3 Things About Grand Am

[Cory Wolfe]

First, is the parking brake supposed to work? :P Seriously... My yard is on a hill if anyone noticed from some of my pics. The driveway is level. However, today I washed and waxed my GA. Since the driveway needs re-graveled, my GA gets filthy just sitting there when it rains. So I parked it in the yard.. and set the parking brake. Well, I like to sit in it and listen to music sometimes. I was doing that last night. I ended up messing around and pressed in the clutch... *surprise* it starts rolling back. It now sits 3ft from where it was originally. I wasn't expecting that... So, this is nice to know... Second, how do I remove the badges? Or, should I even do it with the paint being 10 y/o? Also, would the vent visors be removed the same way? I am considering removing all of that for a clean look (and an easier time waxing). Any help is appreciated. Third, for any Grand Am owners near or in PA, there is meet coming up. It's going to be in Allentown on the weekend of September 17-18. The date is not set in stone yet, though. Activities are still being tossed around... So if anyone is interesting, PM me. Edited August 22, 2005 by blackviper8891

[z28luvr01]

Most parking brakes utilize the rear brakes, though it's usually cable-activated instead of using brake fluid. On disc brakes, many times there is a second set of pads that are situated behind the rotor that push "out", similar to the way that drum brakes operate. You might need those pads. If you have drums out back, try adjusting the rear brakes using the adjustment star behind the backing plate. Also, you'll want to check your parking brake cable(s) and make sure they're not seized or anything. You can usually just remove badges with a blow dryer or heat gun and some paint-safe glue remover. Just heat the glue behind the emblem and pull it off, then remove the rest with the glue remover. Because your paint is ten years old, the paint that was covered by the emblem *might* be darker than the rest of the car.

[mute]

yes as he said with the emblems, heat softens the glue, but be sure to check and make sure they are not rivetted on on your vehicle, not likely but still be safe, a good wash, wax will make it look real nice most of the time, but i usually repainted cars after debadging and the ones that werent were usually within 4 years of being brand new

[Cory Wolfe]

Okay, The GA meet date has changed already. It is now the following weekend of September 24-25.

Thanks for info about the badges. Just in case the paint is darker... How easy is it to put the badges back on? :P

[z28luvr01]

some 3M double-sided tape should do it. You can probably get that at Autozone, or any autobody supply place.

[ocnblu]

What's wrong with ghost badges? I like the cleaner look of no badges on a lot of vehicles.

[Cory Wolfe]

You want to know what else isn't working? The fuel door. As you know there is a lever inside to open it. Just the other day, I put fuel in it and worked fine. Today... nothing. I'm going to have to check it out tomorrow, but something isn't right... Also, I'm in the process of getting more pics of it. I'm looking for some scenic places to take them. I found one, but it's at a cemetary and there's some weeds that may need cut. It's on top of a hill and you can see for atleast 5 miles.

[mute]

get a nice building and park at a 45 degree angle to the wall facing the apex of the angle. make sure the wall is a good complimentary colour, though, not white or black ever darker green- orange, red, brick, soft warm colors but not yellow for a green car good contrast in colors but not a harsh colour just my personal taste in contrast i do my van, which is the dodge red, at a nice blue wall, not so pale you think its almost orange but not a pure blue itss a little washed out