My next project

[DaveO]

That thought's been running through my mind too, but I figured it was a labor of love. Elantramax is helping the person out by fabbing up the bracket to defray costs a bit.

[Elantramax1]

I know. The car is only worth Scrap value. Its a Long, Complicated story why she doesn't get a newer car. She cant afford one.

Still waiting on the car to be done. And Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Cold and wet the next couple of days.

It may end up costing about $20 in parts (Bottle, Bar) I have some scrap sheet metal, Paint laying around.

[Elantramax1]

They're "Test" driving it now. She may get it back tonight. I can work on the Bracket on the next "Plant Shutdown". Which will probably be Thanksgiving week.

[Rambozo]

One of those cars where you can double the resale value by filling the gas tank.

[Elantramax1]

Rambozo, I did something between what you suggested and what I wanted to do. What I did was, Cut the 1/8" bar to fit underneath the Support Bar. Welded a short piece underneath at a slight angle. Drilled holes. The picture is the underside of the unit. Haven't test fitted it yet. I drilled slots in the ends just in case. And where the Bottle is mounted, I gave myself an extra inch. If I need to slide the bottle forward more to fit over the wheel well hump.

[Elantramax1]

Well. Not good. She got the car back Friday night. Saturday night it starts Stalling and Not Starting. Thinking Maybe an Ignition Module. She's going to call the dealer this morning to see what they will do??

On a Hind thought, I Probably should have welded the plate to the rail. Left it loose to paint.

[Elantramax1]

It just keeps getting Better. The Dealer has the car. The Problem is not their work. But work that was done about 1 1/2 years ago. She had the Gas Tank replaced. The "Mechanic" used Rubber Hose instead of the Steel Lines that come out of the tank to the Filter, Return lines. They need to pull the Tank down and see how much damage. I May be able to get a replacement assembly. And try to Avoid their price.

Here comes the BAD news. She just informed me that, The Bank is Foreclosing on her house. And that it's being put up for sale on Dec 4 2014.

[Rambozo]

Sounds like that car needs a can of gas and a match. Or like they used to say at my old shop, jack up the radiator cap and install a new car under it.

[Elantramax1]

Went there today after work. The problem is the "Mechanic" cut the steel fuel lines. And used rubber hose and clamps.

[Rambozo]

Went there today after work. The problem is the "Mechanic" cut the steel fuel lines. And used rubber hose and clamps.

While not OEM, that will not cause any problems and is used on millions of cars. If the dealer is telling you that the hose is the only problem, unless it's not proper fuel hose, or is kinked, they are feeding you a line. Now it may be that hose was used to adapt the wrong fuel pump, and that conceivably can cause issues, but swapping steel line for rubber hose in and of itself is not a problem.

For a car like that, I don't think going to a dealer is a good plan anyway. It's not like you are doing a restoration, you just need it to run semi reliably. I'm sure a service writer would have no problem finding at least $5,000 - $10,000 or more, worth of work an old car like that could use to be brought up to scratch. What you need is an independent shop that understands that you just need to keep it going without spending more than the car is worth.

[Elantramax1]

I know the Manufacturer uses Fuel Injection Hose near the engine.

[DaveO]

For a car like that, I don't think going to a dealer is a good plan anyway. It's not like you are doing a restoration, you just need it to run semi reliably. I'm sure a service writer would have no problem finding at least $5,000 - $10,000 or more, worth of work an old car like that could use to be brought up to scratch. What you need is an independent shop that understands that you just need to keep it going without spending more than the car is worth.

Agreed, 100%. How could the dealer justify the expense for a car of that value- it's just morally *wrong*. But the deal is done, now, so I wonder how can the sister cut her losses, in the face of other pressing financial concerns.

[Elantramax1]

He tells me today the car Needs :

Sending Unit
Ignition Coil
Ignition Module

Some Fuel Lines

They recommend a Fuel Pump while they're in there. At Least $500 here

I can order the Sending unit from Advance Auto. $95 + Tax, Ship?

Ignition Module $100, Coil $40 Advance Auto.

[Elantramax1]

I was able to locate a Sending Unit on Amazon for $72. free Shipping. No Tax. Coil and Module will wait awhile. Amazon Sellers (2 different ones) $93. Ac Delco Coil and Standard Module

[everlastsupport]

I was able to locate a Sending Unit on Amazon for $72. free Shipping. No Tax. Coil and Module will wait awhile. Amazon Sellers (2 different ones) $93. Ac Delco Coil and Standard Module

Look at it this way...

$500 is a very high but one month car payment on something new (3+ year contract and tax and interest no less; dealer prep, tax tag title). She drive it a year, way ahead of a new car and no contract and $400 scrap value.

[Elantramax1]

I found this on Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161291144203...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The Bracket is different. The mounting location is in the old spot. In front of the engine. I would just reuse her existing bracket. The Module is the same Standard brand part number on the interchange.

What do you think? I may just buy this for her. As an early Christmas present.

Thanks

[Elantramax1]

Bought in Ebay. Just arrived today. looks new. But has some marks on the plastic housings. Maybe I can get it tested at a parts store?? Car is still in the shop. Waiting on the Fuel Sending unit. Thanks to the Storm in western PA, Hasn't arrived yet. Maybe tomorrow.

[Rambozo]

Look at it this way...

$500 is a very high but one month car payment on something new (3+ year contract and tax and interest no less; dealer prep, tax tag title). She drive it a year, way ahead of a new car and no contract and $400 scrap value.

It all depends on the specific car and what condition it is in. As old as it is, it could conceivably have a few hundred a month in repair bills just to keep it going. Sometimes you just need to draw a line in the sand and think about cutting your losses. Doesn't mean you need to buy new, but get something that still has life in it, rather than completely worn out. It all comes down to numbers. It's a little different if you do your own repairs, as you might not put as much value in your time. However, if you have to pay shop rates, it adds up fast.

[everlastsupport]

It all depends on the specific car and what condition it is in. As old as it is, it could conceivably have a few hundred a month in repair bills just to keep it going. Sometimes you just need to draw a line in the sand and think about cutting your losses. Doesn't mean you need to buy new, but get something that still has life in it, rather than completely worn out. It all comes down to numbers. It's a little different if you do your own repairs, as you might not put as much value in your time. However, if you have to pay shop rates, it adds up fast.

Even at $1500, to not have car payments for years is not a bad thing. We do our own work so that saves a lot and I get to work with my son, major plus to me. But I agree, maybe another car unless this one has some special attachment to it.

[Elantramax1]

She Finally got the car back tonight. Tomorrow I am going to run over there and put the bottle in. I may have to wait to replace the Module and Coils.