A work in progress

[I/O]

OK, so I've started the restoration of my 01 SSEi. I have some pictures somewhere as to how it looked the first few years that I had it. I will try to find those and post here. I will also take some pix tomorrow of what it looks like now, and how it will look after the restoration. I am going to start my list here and mark them off as the work gets done. I'm hoping it won't take any longer than a couple of months to complete. So here is my list:

1) Fuel Sender Unit replacement - Done
2) Fuel filler neck replacement (won't pass smog) - Done
3) Head light replacement (purchased new aftermarket - Arrived, Installing during painting)
4) Driving light replacement (purchased new aftermarket - Arrived, Installing during painting)
5) Tail light replacement (major delamination) (Purchased used - ebay - on their way)
6) Rear applique (reflector) replacement - not found yet
7) Sun roof shade liner cover replacement
8) Paint, major clear-coat peel (original black complete with color sanding) - Next month
9) Replace valve covers (aluminum zzp) - Done -They Look Great even though you can't see the rear one to well!
10) Replace sunroof deflector (broken)
11) A/C actuator door replacement
12) Instrument cluster replacement (burnt out lights)
13) Leather seat repair
14) Rust in floorboard under battery (Big Hole)
15) Replace sunroof motor (works intermittently)
16) Complete interior detail
17) Outside window rail recover (front Driver and Passenger sides done)
18) New Alternator (output only 11 volts - not enough to run at night) - Purchased from Amazon 2 week delay
19) Need new rear speakers (bad distortion)
20) replace light on one of the steering wheel thumb controls
21) Replace Wheel Center Cap (no color left in them and broken prongs)

This is just off the top of my head and if I remember anything else I will add it. I will be adding the mods on this post later.

[I/O]

Here's what what my tail lights and bumper looks like now after 15 years

This is the drivers side seat


Top of the car - clear coat

Drivers side window rail

This is just one headlight shows how bad they are

Front bumper cover with headlight and driving light


This is 15 years in the making. When I first got the car I had it detailed 2 times a week, I had a plush assigned indoor parking space out of the sun all day. Then in 2007 the company I worked for went out of business, and ended up having to park out in the So Cal Sun ever since. As soon as I find my original pix I will post here.

[nos4blood70]

Not bad. It's always good to have a list for yourself to stay on track. Just keep at it!

[I/O]

Quick question. Is the actuator (air mix) door on the A/C the same part for both sides? Without testing I'm just going to buy both and replace on the drivers side. This is where it is always hot. A/C works on the Passenger side but always blows hot on the Drivers side.

[I/O]

Before and After (Valve Covers)

Before:


After:


If you look just be low the black bar between the ignition wires you can see a little bit of Aluminum!




3.5 down out of 21! What's that? 17.5 left.

[harofreak00]

Buys fancy valve covers and then covers them with a stock piece of plastic?!?!?!

[I/O]

Buys fancy valve covers and then covers them with a stock piece of plastic?!?!?!

I really like the stock plastic look, but I also like the valve cover look but I hate all of the wires and the tubes that go all over the place on the top of the SC. Had to make a call. The valve in the back really can be seen at all. So I figured why does it matter. Any way the only reason for the Valve Covers was mine had cracks and I was losing about a quart of oil every 4 months.

Anyway it is what it is. It's like you can't even see them with the hood closed anyway. Right?

[I/O]

Maybe someone will design some chrome or braided stainless tubes to replace the crappy looking ones on top of the SC. But I won't hold my breath.