project: 2000 SSEi (black v.3)

[harofreak00]

I picked this car up on Friday. It was the one that I had originally bought that was stolen, read here: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =8&t=24165

The cluster says it has 160k miles on it, but I'm curious if that is correct, as the oil change sticker on the windshield reads 99,000 with a date of 09. I have no idea how long the car has been stolen, or if the cluster has been swapped. I'm going to run a carfax on it and see what the last recorded mileage is.

Known things wrong with it:
Driver window busted out
Driver front window regulator broken
Driver rear window regulator broken
Front bumper missing
Headlight wiring is cut
Ignition switch is broken & missing
Dash is broken up
Missing center caps
Heated seat switches are broken
Hood is scratched up
Catalytic converter is cut out












I did some work to it this weekend. I fixed both of the drivers windows, new regulators and glass, so everything is waterproof again. I put the front bumper back on. I put some center caps on it. I put in a used ignition switch and PassKey module, did the 30-minute relearn, and the car fired right up! It runs great, other than being super loud from not having a cat.

I'll post some new pictures tomorrow, ran out of light today.

[samples08]

so im confused did they let you buy the car back or something ???

[harofreak00]

State Farm took it to a CoPart auction, I bid and won. It's not hot anymore, clear title.

[2000GreySSEi]

Thats great, cant wait to hear updates. Now that we know it starts & runs good, this can be a good flip. Any test on the tranny yet?

[harofreak00]

Nah, I can't put it on the road... no plates or insurance on it yet. I have a few other projects to finish up first.

[samples08]

yup thats great to hear

[harofreak00]

Did some hardcore work on this one this week.

Replaced driver front window glass
Replaced driver front window regulator
Replaced driver rear window regulator
Reinstalled front bumper cover
Repaired headlight wiring (was cut)
Replaced entire dash assembly and installed new ignition switch
Replaced door lock assembly to match the new key
Removed seats and console for a good cleaning
Replaced shifter bezel and heated seat switches
Replaced exhaust system
Flushed out all the old coolant and refilled with green.

At this point, I thought I was done and went to drive it home. It was making a horrible whining noise at idle, and during acceleration it was growling at me. I determined it was a multitude of problems.

#1. AC compressor was shot, replaced it and recharged the system...whining gone
#2. Both front wheel bearings were shot, about 1/4" of play in the wheels, replaced both... growling gone
#3. While doing the wheel bearings, I noticed the outer tie rods were shot, TONS of movement. Also, the boots were all torn up, dirt/sand had gotten inside the rack, and it was leaking like a siv. I replaced the entire rack/tie rods with a used one. All play is gone.

I think the only thing left is a new oil pressure sender.

[00Beast]

Nice work! Definitely need to let the buyer know about the key tho, as they won't be able to have one cut based on the VIN anymore...

[harofreak00]

Call me shady, but I don't plan to tell the buyer that it is a theft recovery.

I did run a carfax, 160k is correct.

[00Beast]

I don't think you have to give the full story, just something about having to replace the key module and lock. I guess you'll have to judge the situation...

[RJolly87]

Don't ask, don't tell. This is all stuff that would throw flags before a purchase, but are of no consequence. Might be a technicality when they go to make copies of keys, but it won't be his problem then.

[Blown93SSEi]

You could buy a few extra keys. That way there's no need for him/her to make extras.... for a while.

[harofreak00]

Well I'll be selling this car tomorrow. Back when I had the last green one for sale, I had this one parked behind it, but not for sale (it wasn't completed). I had someone come and look at the green one, but fall in love with the black one. I told them I would tell them when its ready. I've finally finished tinkering on it, I didn't do much, I just polished the wheels up and cleaned it out a little better. It still has some issues with it, but I'm ready to wash my hands of it. It needs a SWPS and possibly some new brake rotors, and the body is pretty scratched up. I had told them $4k if I fix it all up, or $3500 as-is. They wanted it for $3500, so they are picking it up tomorrow. Here are some final pics.

[Bing]

No please don't park it on the street again!
Though that worked out for you pretty well last time.

[wake]

for that price!

glad to see you saved another one haro!

[Jrs3800]

Andrew.... You are Da Man....

[Gumball]

your slipping, you didnt clean the channels of the trunk.

J/K Bud, glad you sold another one.

[xrob]

did u sell the black onne for sure

[harofreak00]

Yes its gone.