GMTruckGuy74

2008 Pontiac G6 V6 Sedan: - Basic maintenance (L-O-F is due, buy a new air filter, new tires were just installed), plus some additional service needs (getting up there in mileage = 43k) - Full interior & exterior detail, as soon as the weather warms up - Need to get the brakes checked out. I've had no luck with any of my previous Epsilon's ('04 Malibu LT, '07 AURA XE - all with the 3.5L V6) lasting past 36-38k with the original factory brake pads & warping rotor issues... G6 is starting to feel like the rotors may be warped, and I'm sure the pads will need replacing regardless. 2006 GMC Envoy SLT 4WD: Here's where it gets tricky... I don't know what's been done, outside of normal maintenance, before my ownership last March. The truck has around 49k on it now and just passed 5 years old (manufactured in March, 2006). So any advice here would be great (I don't want to ask the dealer or local shop, as they'll see $$$ in their eyes). Here's what I'm figuring will need to be done, so please feel free to give your input: - Tune-up: GM says 5 years or 100k mileage... so I'm at the 5 year mark, and figure new spark plugs would do it wonders! - Coolant Flush: the Dexcool lasts 5 years, right? Well I'm at that mark and don't know if it was ever changed... - 4WD Service: Again, don't know what was done to the transfercase ever, nothing on my end the past year - Brakes: had new tires installed recently, so I may as well find out the condition of the brakes pads and rotors - L-O-F Service and new air filter - Fuel Injector Service: is this recommended? If yes, what's the best way to have this done? - Battery: how do you tell how old a battery is? I'm not sure if it needs replacing, but if it's the original, a new one would be a good thing at some point this year Am I missing anything?

Unfortunately, we didn't get to that area of Lancaster (well, that is not directly Lancaster, but we didn't even go near that part anyway). However, if I happen to see something I like while I'm out, regardless of what it is, I may just take the chance and leave a note on it. Let's just hope it doesn't take 20 years to get a response!!

Happy belated Birthday, ocnblu!! This is what happens when family takes your time on the weekends! I'm glad you had an enjoyable day

Glad to learn you're finally feeling better... now go and enjoy the two additional days of "rest"

The 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne is now fully restored and is the main feature of the current issue of Collectible Automobile. And on that note, I have an extra copy of that magazine issue. Would anyone care to have it? First PM with address gets it, no strings attached

While I prefer the squared, double-headlighted '82-'87 design, I wouldn't pass up a great deal on a '78-'81 single-headlighted version. You know, I saw that really nice GMC Caballero in the Lancaster-area back in January that I posted in the "spot" thread... I'm headed back that way tomorrow... assuming it's still there, maybe I should pull a Camino and leave my name & contact info in a letter under the wiper blade?

Welcome! I've been coming here for nine years! Enjoy your time here at C&G

See, both of those vehicles has sentimental value to me - granpop's '55 GMC 100-2 and my mom's '83 GP LJ. So regardless, both are very much to my liking. I wouldn't necessarily be concerned about resale values, though I know a restored '56 GMC would get more than the stock '87 GP (however, I'm sure I wouldn't lose my investment money if I resold the GP down the road). I guess thankfully I don't have the money in hand now to have to make this kind of decision!

I really do like those ('82-'87) a lot. I'm mad I didn't at least go look at that '85 GMC Caballero I showed you from CL in Philly about 2-3 months ago. Of course the dealer no longer has it. Not too many around on CL that haven't been modified, or the owner doesn't want an arm & a leg for. Though I know the El Camino is 99% similar to the GMC Caballero, it would have to be the GMC version for me to make a move on it. Adding this to the 'potential' list: (I already drool over them at car shows and when I see them out in the 'wild')

That's the issue WMJ... and with the cash I raise soon, I will get that answer. Either I'm going to find something that is in very good condition to enjoy right away & work on as needed, or I'm going to buy a project vehicle and work on it as both time and money allow. Preferably, I'd like to find something I can just drive home and enjoy right away (like that '87 GP LE), but since I can only have one (wife's orders), I will think this through very carefully

As long as pricing is not sky-high, and V6 equipped models are offered too, I'd definitely be interested in the Commodore station wagon, or would be extremely tempted for the Ute version (El Camino). Bring it on GM!!

@ Camino... you definitely have plenty to share amongst many posters here Bob! FOG - I truly understand where you're coming from, though your on one end of the sprectrum (not utilizing your cars) and I'm on the other side (nothing to utilize!). Problems for both of us for sure!! Ironically, a LMC Truck catalog came in today's mail ('47-'59 Chevy & GMC trucks). Whoa... the prices for parts is astonishing! Looking at the pictures of the '56 GMC I posted above, and considering the prices in that catalog, I better work on making that '87 GP a reality One part of me really wants a classic GMC, but then I agree with FOG's statement that I'd be afraid to take it to many places for fear that something horrible will happen. Plus something like that would take many years and a lo of extra cash to enjoy. So if I'm going that route I have to find something in better shape, or a stalled project that someone wants to unload. Another part wants to find something that I can drive home and enjoy while doing small things (if even needed). I guess it will depend on how much money I have at the time I'm ready to make the purchase.

So far, here are the two considerations, if I had enough cash NOW: 1956 GMC 100 Stepside: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/2213390571.html 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix LE: The only problem I have with the '56 GMC is that it will take a lot of time and money to get it where I want it to be. But this is where I'm headed here...

Oh, I wish I could consider another FWB, but it won't fit in my garage Anything I buy, especially if it is a restorable/undrivable vehicle, needs to be contained inside of my garage (homeowners association rules for restorable/undrivable vehicles & recreational items <ATVs, jet skis, etc>). If I purchased a driveable vehicle, I would want to protect it from the elements and keep it in one of my two garage bays since it would be an occasional-use vehicle. But thanks for the lookout!

Thanks for the information, SAmadei. Most of that sounds familiar, since I did a little research of my own around this time in 2009 (when I went to see the '87 GP in person). Besides the "classic" registration (25+ years old), there was a catergory for limited production vehicles that worked in a similiar fashion to the classic plates. Since the '87 GP LE model production was around 1500 units, I wanted to see if that would work for it then, but now that the car is 24 years old (1987-2011), I think I would try to get the classic plates/registration if possible and get classic insurance to protect my financial investment (assuming I happen to end up with the GP this year). I did set a little plan into motion yesterday that will put my name back into the owner's mind, I'm curious if it will work as I hope it does (if a response is given, I should know in about two days the earliest). I look at so many posters here as inspiration... - Camino with his '72 Corvette and 2-door Tahoe - Knightfan with his multitude of classic Monte Carlos and Caprice - Oldsmoboi and his Olds Toronado - SAmadei and his collection of Pontiacs - Dodgefan and his Intrepid & Prizm - Balthazar and his '59 Buick - hyperV6 and his '85 Pontiac Fiero - Future of GM and his early Camaros - Blackviper and his Volkswagens - 2005 Equinox LS and his B-bodies - vonVeezelsnider and his desire/search for a late-model Cadillac Fleetwood ... and so on with many others I can't even remember off the top of my head right now. All of these people with their passion for a particular vehicle, find the way to make it happen. I am tired of making excuses that I can't afford this or I can't have that... it's time to make it happen or another year will go by. So a BIG thank-you to all of the posters here that have inspired me to finally get off my butt, quit making excuses, and make this happen. It may take me some while as I get finances in order, but I have the burning desire to no longer sulk in depression that I can't have something fun.

I did my part and put your name down. Let us know how this works out for you, and good luck!!

Sounds tempting, BigPontiac, but again the problem is a big enough car payment + full insurance coverage for a modern car. I'm looking for something I can pay cash for (assuming I can raise enough from selling off my toy & small train collection) that is old enough to classify as "classic" for both NJ DMV needs and insurance purposes. This way it won't be a drain on the finances, like the '07 Saturn SKY ended up being. But trust me, that G6 convertible sounds good... and I am one here that actually likes the G6 line-up!

Thanks, all!! And yes, z28luvr01, I smiled when I saw the white Honda Accord!! Yesterday on the way home I saw a red SSR and drooled... then I realized one of the stipulations is that the vehicle I end up with has to be at leat 20 or 25 years old to classify as a 'classic' by NJ DMV standards. This will help me financially since I won't be required to have regular, rape me in the a$$ NJ insurance premiums (I'm thinking Hagerty or other classic vehicle insurance carriers). So anything newer than 1991 (or 1986 if 25 y-o is the minimum requirement) will be off the list (one of the reasons I had to sell the SKY was the insurance costs for it pretty much just sitting in my garage). I need to find out what NJ's law is on classic-registered vehicles. If I go the old GMC truck route, being 'drivable' will not be a requirement as much as being 'all there' for restoration purposes. The only thing is that storage will be an issue for extra parts (thinking of the CL ad for the '56 GMC that comes with many extra parts, including a cab). I'm sure I can work something out if this route is taken. Of course that '87 Grand Prix is a big contender for this purchase. I know the GP of this era is not a 'hot car' to own, but that's not the reason I want one. Like knightfan grew up with Monte Carlos in his family, I grew up with a '83 Grand Prix LJ (from age 8 to 18, and was the car I learned to drive with). The particular '87 GP LE I found has a great story, has been garage kept and dealer maintenanced its whole life, and since the owner is the dealer-principle, the car has never actually been titled (still owned by the dealership), so technically I'd be the car's first owner. However, the owner is in no rush to sell and would likely not settle for chump change, so I would have to do my homework on this if I make the GP the focus of my goal. And of course as I gather my wares for sale and make the money, I'll see what else pops up in due time and give it my full consideration. Likely with input requested from posters here

Another forum posted this tidbit of info yesterday:

Happy Birthday Dodgefan!!

I can't read it at work, since I don't have an updated browser and would have to submit a ticket to get it done (iff allowable). I'll just wait until I get home tonight to read this.

I totally agree with what you are saying Oldsmoboi, and have already done that step. Unlike the '96 Caddy FWB, which was to be a daily driver, this purchase would solely be a fun vehicle that can be taken to car shows and cruise nights not for trophies but for my own personal enjoyment (and to find others out there too with the same passion). It would be the vehicle that I'd learn to work on, most likely with others with experience, but also for me to get some experience of my own. I want something complete and as original as possible (meaning no vehicles with a modified powertrain), but also something that is turnkey as possible so I could take it under it's own power to local shows while I improve on it in the meantime. I see many vehicles like these at local car shows, works in progress, that I figure I too can take part in. That '87 Grand Prix LE is something on my radar, because it fits this description, as well as a really good conditioned '91-'92 Trans Am GTA (of course computer systems on cars that don't have an OBD system will be fun to learn on ) But yes, I plan to roll up my sleaves and get my hands dirty on a vehicle like this, which might just get me interested in doing some of my own maintenance on my daily drivers. Oh, I know. The difference is that this purchase will not be a daily driver, as I have that covered already I just want something fun for me, regardless of what others may think. My own little boulevard cruiser

...that I finally buy something I can play around with and take to shows/cruise nights. I've been looking for years, and always wishing and wanting something to call my own. Whether it is a Pontiac Grand Prix ('80s vintage), a T/A GTA ('91/'92), a GMC (mid-'50s pickup, '91 Syclone, '80s Caballero, fullsize early '90s Jimmy), I am going to make it a personal goal to make this happen. I'm tired of going to car shows and admiring someone else's ride and when they ask what I have, tell them nothing. I have a small gold mine sitiing in my basement (boxes of toys collecting dust), and two online outlets to utilize (Craigs list and eBay), so I have to make this happen for me. Whatever I end up with doesn't have to be perfect, I just need it to be 'all there' and be able to enjoy it while I spend some time and money to make it what I want it to be. So many posters here (knightfan, Camino, Oldsmoboi, Dodgefan - to name a few) have inspired me through their own hunts for the vehicles they desire to finally make this an attainable goal - no excuses allowed - that I can no longer sit back and sulk about "why can't I have something like that?" I'm mentioning this here because in order to make a goal possible you have to let someone know (and I know the wife will just roll her eyes) and you all will be my support group. Thanks for letting me share this with you all!!

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/2260421276.html One of my top favorite Trans Ams. I was 15 years old when Pontiac introduced the MCE-for-'91 Firebird line in spring of '90. I would ride my bike to Cathcart Pontiac (about a 4-5 mile ride from my house) in Trenton (Ewing) often to see the latest Pontiacs, and wait for one of these new T/A GTAs to show up. I got lucky one day when a transporter full of new Firebirds and Camaros was in the lot and I got to watch a green and tan T/A GTA just like the one above get off-loaded. The salesman standing next to me went in to his desk and came out with a '91 Firebird brochure with a like-GTA on the inside spread (I still have that brochure in my collection). I swore one of these days I would own a T/A GTA of that vintage ('91/'92), and that one above is definitely calling my name.

You know, that picture on page 1 just shows a regular production SLT body with a different grille and a rocker panel with a bunch of holes ( )... nothing to get too excited about yet I wonder if this will be previewed at the upcoming NYIAS... less than one month away!!