First time Bonneville owner

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Lowpala
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Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:01 pm
Year and Trim: 1997 Bonneville SSE

First time Bonneville owner

Post by Lowpala »

Got my first Bonneville, it's a 1997 SSE with about 225k miles. Payed $1,500 for it, seemed like an OK deal. First day I had it I filled the tank and just drove around until it was on E. This car is really solid, rides smooth, nice low end torque and exhaust note.

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Not too bad I guess, I live in the NW so this is pretty clean as far as rust is concerned. Passenger side quarter is pretty bad though.

After driving through a couple storms I found there was a serious water leak from somewhere. Rear floor boards, seat, spare tire well all full of water.. alot. I took it in to work and started at her to figure out where it was coming from.

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After knocking around what began as a pin hole, this is what was left.

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This was a real pain in the ass, and my first time welding on to old sheet metal. [-(

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After getting that all taken care of I took notice to the surface rust that had began on the trunk floor. While im there I guess. Wire wheeled the floor, rust converter and then I started the undercoat/sound deadener. I am going to get the rear seats and carpet pulled out and clean up the floorboards and inner rockers the same. Just from the little bit of deadener sprayed in the trunk it has cut quite a bit of road/exhaust noise, I am anxious to see how it turns out.

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I was just playing around with photoshop and came up with this. I know most of you wont like the wheel size lol, its somewhat an exaggeration. Does anyone have pics of a two tone Bonneville? But that's it for now, just working on cleaning up her guts and then I will get started with the body and a fresh paint job. Look forward to digging around the forums.

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nos4blood70
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Re: First time Bonneville owner

Post by nos4blood70 »

Welcome!

Looks like you're doing some good work to it.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
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1oldman
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Re: First time Bonneville owner

Post by 1oldman »

Glad you joined the FORUM! Nice looking Bonneville. Looks like you have a good start already. - 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
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dadofone2011
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Year and Trim: 2002 Galaxy Silver SSEi
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Re: First time Bonneville owner

Post by dadofone2011 »

I won't speak for everyone but I love the look that your going for including the wheels. Welcome to the club.
Tyler

2002 Galaxy Silver SSEi "Silver Shadow" 181, xxx miles- DD, tinted taillights, 10000k HID low beams, GXP strut brace, carbon fiber overlays, GXP door bezels and vents and Aeroforce Interceptor Gauge, cleared corners, drilled and slotted rotors, painted calipers, Intense Stage 1 Performance package, smoked door reflectors.
2001 Galaxy Silver SE 119, xxx miles- RIP
2007 White G6 Economy 96, xxx miles- Wife's car, carbon fiber inserts, tinted windows.
Lowpala
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Year and Trim: 1997 Bonneville SSE

Re: First time Bonneville owner

Post by Lowpala »

dadofone2011 wrote:I won't speak for everyone but I love the look that your going for including the wheels. Welcome to the club.
I like big wheels, not so much that the car has to be lifted though. I'm thinking 22s with a small drop and stiffer springs. Just not sure if they will tuck under the fender wells. If it's doable I think it would look sweet.
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dadofone2011
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Re: First time Bonneville owner

Post by dadofone2011 »

I would really like to see this done
Tyler

2002 Galaxy Silver SSEi "Silver Shadow" 181, xxx miles- DD, tinted taillights, 10000k HID low beams, GXP strut brace, carbon fiber overlays, GXP door bezels and vents and Aeroforce Interceptor Gauge, cleared corners, drilled and slotted rotors, painted calipers, Intense Stage 1 Performance package, smoked door reflectors.
2001 Galaxy Silver SE 119, xxx miles- RIP
2007 White G6 Economy 96, xxx miles- Wife's car, carbon fiber inserts, tinted windows.
lunchboxx
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Re: First time Bonneville owner

Post by lunchboxx »

I know you found a big rust hole, but in that vintage bonneville, leaks are super common through the tail lights. They will fill the trunk with water just like you described. Might want to have a peak when you get a chance.
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Lowpala
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Year and Trim: 1997 Bonneville SSE

Re: First time Bonneville owner

Post by Lowpala »

lunchboxx wrote:I know you found a big rust hole, but in that vintage bonneville, leaks are super common through the tail lights. They will fill the trunk with water just like you described. Might want to have a peak when you get a chance.
Thanks I will give her a once over. I think the sunroof drain is leaking in the rear too. I've gotta get the interior taken out so I can get it all taken care of. Yay..
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