Some changes in the fleet...

[SSEiMan01]

Hey all, been a while. If you haven't seen on Facebook by now, last year at the end of summer, I made an adult decision and sold the GXP. I paid off all my debt, and refreshed the Tahoe a lot, gave my tan 96 SSEi a new home with another member and close friend of mine, to replace the GXP, I traveled to Da Land of Ten Towzand Lakes Eh and picked up an 02 LS1/T56 T-Top Trans-Am WS6. About a month after I bought the new Bird I sold the SSEi, and to replace it, drove to Iowa to get a fully rebuilt 92 Lumina Z34. It's as old as I am but in better shape. Without further adieu, pics.

Farewell beautiful Sheila



And Farewell midnight cruiser



Hello to the mechanically refreshed party wagon

In progress









And the new Bird, she's also a rust free AZ car, it was only in MN for a few months. Did I mention it already has a Borla catback? :D







El es Juan



And the mini-racekar daily









Sub from the GXP

[00Beast]

Adult decisions suck....

[Hotwheels]

Congrats on the new vehicles and the financial freedom of paying off debt!

I've been living the same way for the last few years, and it's very freeing to be debt free, even at the "expense" of not as expensive vehicles. It's just not worth it to be "car poor" and enslaved to big payments every month to keep up with the Joneses. There's plenty of ways to have fun with cars and not be stressed out about big payments.

Nice looking stable of vehicles there!

[nos4blood70]

That TA = droooooooool

[00Beast]

It's a good thing I didn't break the clutch when I drove it, loll.

[SSEiMan01]

Good thing? Next winter the cradle is coming out anyway, if I have my way.

But yes, it is nice not having debt. Basically because the GXP didn't have a lien on it, I had to liquidate an asset to make my life situation better. I hated to have to, but I'm glad I did. I love driving the TA.

[Saturn Simon]

That Lumina Z34 does it for me! Looks in lovely shape.

[SSEiMan01]

Thanks Simon! It is in nice shape overall, it has its little issues, but for a 24 year old GM DOHC car it's actually held up very well.

[ga93sle]

Very cool rides, can't wait until you decide to get rid of the Lumina

[CMNTMXR57]

'Bout freakin time you spilled the beans. It's been hard to keep my trap shut that you got rid of Sheila these past few months, even in casual conversation around these parts.

BTW, what have you done to the 'Hoe? I had to replace brakes again, but not only that, but both calipers. Back when I did them a year and half ago, the passenger one was nearly locked up. I was lucky to be able to get it loose and operable again. This time the drivers side was seized and the passenger one wasn't far behind, so I said "F" it and replaced them.

[SSEiMan01]

Chris, not likely. I've been passively chasing another LQ1 car since high school when I used to drive my dad's 91 Cutty International. Plus I picked it up cheap. So cheap I couldn't lose, so I'm keeping it.

Lane, Clayton and I spent three weekends working on it. All new shocks, all new steering, ball joints, all new front brakes, radiator, trans service, with a lot I'm probably forgetting, and definitely more to come this year. The truck has treated me well, it probably didn't need a lot of what I did, but at least now it's peace of mind.

It took me a while to post because I've been busy with work, and car stuff. Plus to be honest I needed time to grieve after I sold Sheila, it's still somewhat of a soft spot, but I don't think I'd change my mind if I were to be able to do it again.

[CMNTMXR57]

I am still wearing black...

I have a bit more to do this spring myself. I told Susie it needed suspension last year, it DEFINITELY needs it now. It needs at least one wheel bearing, both ABS sensors, tie rod ends, etc... Oh, also exhaust.

With all that in mind, I may throw out the idea of selling it and letting me loose to buy a GMT800 2500 Suburban with the 496.

[1oldman]

Adult decisions suck....

I second that!

Love your Z34! and the G8 too. Like the rest of the fleet too! - BC

[SSEiMan01]

Thanks Bill!

Not a bad idea Lane. If I ever get rid of mine (not likely with more spent in parts for this one than I paid for the truck) it'd get replaced by a 3/4 Burb.

[98SSE]

Even though you got rid of the G8 though the TA is definitely nice. Also, I've always like the lumina's of the era since I was younger.

[Wes]

Love the line up, Will. Especially the T/A!

[SSEiMan01]

Thanks!

I doubt we can cram five of us in the Lumina like in the SSEi, but we can try! XD The TA is basically a two seater. The rear seat folded down is my only storage when the lids are off. Which is about any time it isn't precipitating, but it doesn't get driven in rain anyway.

[MattStrike]

You should see how much crap (including a winch for my truck) I managed to Tetris into my Camaro - the F-body is surprisingly utilitarian.

[CMNTMXR57]

It is once that seat is folded down.

[SSEiMan01]

^This. I learned that in HS with my 85. So many times I'd have my one friend riding shotgun and someone would flag me down and ask for a ride, I then had to explain not only the lack of seatbelts in back, but the folded state of the back seat, and uselessness of it in the upright position.