2003 Bonneville SLE Re-birth (hopefully)

New to the forum? Introduce yourself here. Been around awhile? Tell us about yourself.
Post Reply
iceman99uc
LE Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 8:33 am
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Cincinnati, OH

2003 Bonneville SLE Re-birth (hopefully)

Post by iceman99uc »

I'm a proud 2nd generation owner of 2003 Bonneville SLE! It was my dad's before he moved on to a 2007 Cadillac CTS. Always loved this car from the moment he traded in his 1999 Bonneville for it. He gave it to me probably 5 years ago in my mid 20's and I loved it and took it to over 200k. Then a year ago, I moved on to a 2005 Accord (needed better mileage for all of my family driving). Well, now my Accord's engine is toast so I'm resurrecting the Bonneville. :bwoohoo:

Recently replaced the battery in the car, am planning to replace the passenger mirror that was broken in a garage related accident, and need to fix the HVAC (likely the blower motor or blower control module). Also have a few planned cosmetic fixes to take care of once I get a better mechanic to give the engine a clean bill of health after sitting for 6 months plus over a bad OH winter this year. Hoping an oil change tonight by me and the mechanic's blessing tomorrow will send me to my list of hopeful changes!

List of proposed changes:
-Headlight restore from hazing
-Headlight clearing
-New rotors/brakes (slotted/drilled rotors)
-Painted calipers (black/red, haven't decided yet)
-Fix trunk carpet (not seated) and address spare tire well rust
-Replace fog lamp
-Fix driver's side heated seat

I think that's my short list as I'm not a terribly accomplished mechanic. Know enough to change oil and brakes and do minor repairs and some minimal electric (stereos or easy solder/wire replacements). Would love to learn more repairs and for sure have placed it on list of things to accomplish in life lol. Any recommendations or suggestions are greatly encouraged and welcomed. Might start a car thread just to show progress I make for any of the less accomplished mechanics out there!
1oldman
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 3975
Joined: Tue May 04, 2010 11:21 pm
Year and Trim: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Location: Lone Star State

Re: 2003 Bonneville SLE Re-birth (hopefully)

Post by 1oldman »

Definitely not an expert here, but I guess a good place to start would be under TECHINFO: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... d-feeding/ and start reading from the top down. There is a wealth of information there.

Definitely a good idea in my book to bring the Bonneville "back to life". Keep us posted on how it goes along with pics, please. - BC
In Memory of Brad - 1/21/1977 .. 10/23/2013 ...... Aaron - 1977 .. 2017 .....
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321
iceman99uc
LE Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 8:33 am
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Cincinnati, OH

Re: 2003 Bonneville SLE Re-birth (hopefully)

Post by iceman99uc »

Changed the oil last night and took her to the shop to have her looked over. Engine ran like a dream yesterday even after 6 month layoff and 216k miles on her. These cars really do last! Coolant issue popped up last night again so that will get added to the list, other than that, no major issues. Will hopefully start a thread with some pictures when I get the car back!
Post Reply