Hola! Newb here...

[Lifted79CJ7]

Exactly! There is a record. Get it.

Awesome! I will have to check into this!

[drftard]

F*ck YEAH!!! oh MAN! so then what has been recalled for 92' Qs then! im REALLL good @ actin stupid! have the broken english mixed w/ chinese ruse ready! MAN IM SET ! HAHA!

h opefully you guys can load us up with some freebieZ !

[jamesmost]

congratsdrop me an e-mail i have an xtra sun roof gasket i bought used for $[email protected]

[oldmako]

Go Vols.

[Lifted79CJ7]

Go Vols.

AMEN MY BROTHA'!!!

Well, I picked up some parts from another NICO member and am pretty excited to be getting this thing on the road this weekend! Here's a pic of all the parts I got:It is the front speaker pods (my amps are blown), the seat control module, A/C control unit, a starter, front caliper and a sunroof gasket. I am working out a deal with another NICO member for a power antenae. This should fix everything but the split front seat!

I plugged in the A/C unit control and it works like a champ!

And here you can see a split in the gasket in the sunroof:

I had the day off today and really wanted to get to work on it, but I had to run around town all day and play grown up. The good news is that by this weekend, hopefully I will have all the kinks worked out.

The only thing that still has me stumped is that the display keeps saying that the tail lights are inoperable, although they seem to be working fine. Anyone have any suggestions????
Modified by Lifted79CJ7 at 9:01 PM 1/23/2008

[maxnix]

The only thing that still has me stumped is that the display keeps saying that the tail lights are inoperable, although they seem to be working fine. Anyone have any suggestions????

Non-OEM bulbs? Sylvania LL are only known reliable substitute. Don not use any other. Start by examining all sockets and wiring.

Several threads on this, most in IOM.

Congratulations on your progress.

[Infinitiguy19]

does you car have Traction control because I don't see any disable button just want to know because I'm stuck cause i have traction control but now disable button?

[AlabamaDan]

Nice score man!! I can't believe someone would just "give" it away. Looks like you're really enjoying it. Wait until it's running right. Have you downloaded a Full Service Manual yet? It's awesome.

I used to live in Suwanee, just up the road from Duluth. I've got a power antenea from a 91 I think. I'll check and see if you're interested. What kind of Jeep stuff ya go? I'm fixing up a 88 XJ. I could use a winch.

[GseaQ]

No TCS according to the underhood pictures.

[Lifted79CJ7]

OK, so I am making some progress on this car, but still have a ways to go. I am replacing the starter today:zerothread/308805Hopefully I will be able to finish that up today without getting too frustrated! I sure hope that is what the problem is with it not starting!

To answer some questions, yes, I used the Sylvania bulbs, but just realized that I have my glove box light out. Dang it, I just replaced almost every interior bulb, I don't know how I missed that one! I have the battery unhooked right now, so maybe clearing the computer might fix it.

Unfortunately, this car does not have the TCS - wish I could be of more help.

As for the Jeep stuff, I just finished unloading the last of it all in a large lot last weekend. All I have left is my AMC 401 block to be picked up by someone who already bought it.

The stereo looks like it is shot for I replaced the entire speaker housing/amp/speaker in the right front door and it still does not emit any sound. I am not going to mess with the left front for now until I figure out what to do. The good thing is that I have the extra speaker pods incase I screw up one set trying to do aftermarket speakers.

My goal is to jsut get this be-ach running again today!! Wish me luck!Jack

[goody90q45]

Godspeed Jack. May exhaust be coming out your tailpipe by midnight.

[TBrack]

Go Vols! I went to UTK for 2 years studying Mech Engineering, dropped out to join the AF reserves. Probably going back to school this fall!

[Lifted79CJ7]

SHE'S ALIVE!!! BWAAA HA HA HA HA!!!! Well, after all of that work, it looks like it is a starter relay. Sheesh! Well, I am glad I replaced the starter anyway for this car needs a lot of TLC and it is one less thing I have to worry about. If you like to read posts with pictures, you should check out the starter replacement thread....

zerothread/308805

Now to figure out the stereo, install the alarm, fix the sunroof gasket, and replace the caliper. Man, she just might be road worthy (besides the flat spot tires) tomorrow!

Jack

[Lifted79CJ7]

Well, I replaced the starter relay today, and that seemed to do the trick! She starts like a top everytime, and it only cost me $12!

I did get side tracked and started cleaning under the hood today - can you guess which half of the engine I have cleaned, and which I haven't?

I also treated the leather again today, hoping that I can reverse some of the damage from neglect. I can already tell that it feels a little better from after the first time I treated it. I know diddly about leather, so we will just have to wait and see. At least she is garaged now, and not sitting out in the sun, unattended to. I also Armor All'd the interior while it is till apart and man what a difference it is making! I guess I maybe have $800 into this car so far, and I am quite pleased with what I have accomplished. Next I am going to go out there and work on the sunroof gasket and replace the brake caliper that's frozen. Oh joy - bleeding brakes, how fun!

Oh, and here is a randon shot I took last night that I thought was cool (was turning off the lights and closing up shop)..

Jack

[qship96]

Where did you buy the relay for only $12.00 ? I just got one from local dealer for 35!

[Haitian_King]

Where did you buy the relay for only $12.00 ? I just got one from local dealer for 35!

In his other thread he said he got it from Pep Boys.

[Lifted79CJ7]

Ouch! I got it from Pep Boys on Pleasant Hill Road in Atlanta, GA.

Well, here's another update. Let's just say I'm about to throw in the towel. I fixed the sunroof gasket and decided to take her out for the second time around the block. I cut out a section from another gasket, cut out the bad split ends from my gasket and joined them with black RTV. I have no idea if it will work or not, but it is worth a shot.

I took her through the neighborhood, all the way to the entrance. I turned around in the church parking lot at the entrance, and as I went to pull out to head home, as I hit the gas, it hesitated. Idle was OK, but anything past 25% throttle and she sputtered. GRRRRR!!!

I drove her all the way home (about 1/2 mile) and as I am pulling in the garage, she dies on me. I try to restart, and it's like the battery is low or something, for the relay clicks in rapid fire but she won't start. If so, I am thinking bad alternator maybe? Anywho, I will figure it out before I spend any more money on this thing. Man, what a dissappointment!!

Here's a video of me trying to start her back up:

Has anyone had a similar issue? I'll also search over in the IOM section as well. Man this is frustrating: three steps forward, one leap back!!

I did find this thread and it sounds similar to the problems I am having (tail lights inoperable, lights dim, etc, etc):zerothread/296502

I just need to find a way of testing the alternator without having to take it out or drive it somewhere...

Jack
Modified by Lifted79CJ7 at 8:31 PM 1/29/2008

[Kiven422]

Whats the hesitation like? Anything past 25% throttle... and its just not worth it? you would be going slower than if you were just light on the gas pedal? I think you should look into the fuel pump/ FPCU (fuel pump control unit) area. The fuel pump is common to go out on Q45s. I drove around for 2 years with that hesitating problem until it finally wouldn't start. Then I found out the fuel pump and FPCU needed to be replaced and finally got to unleash the fury once again.

Don't take my word for it though... do your own research and find out if thats the problem.

[Lifted79CJ7]

It was driving fine, and then all of a sudden, If I tried to get it above 25% throttle, or above 2000rpm, it would sputter out, as soon as I let off, it would idle fine. I just let it idle home (about 20mph). It got progressively worse as I drove it the short distance home. As I pulled in the driveway and tried to give it gas to pull in the garage, it died. I have been getting some wierd things that others complained of with bad alternators, (tail light inoperable, battery drained, etc).

It could very well be a clogged fuel system. This car sat for about a year, and I have not replaced the fuel filter yet (it's on the list). I do hear the pump turn on when I put the key in, but I guess I need to a few checks.

Anyone else have any other thoughts of what it could be?

Jack

[Lifted79CJ7]

Time for an update on my Q! Well, I took a 1600 mile road trip in my trusty old Civic with 200,000+ miles on it and believe it or not, it finally died on me travelling from West Virginia to DC. RIP little buddy - I'll never forget ya! Oh well, that's another story for another day.

Anywho, I flew home, got a rental - all that they had was a Dodge Caravan. Let me tell you how this does not turn girs cranks! It's so funny, but surprising, it actually has a lot of low end grunt - I'm lighting up the tires at every stop just cause. Yup - I'm that dork. You're welcome.

Well, back to the topic at hand - it's time to get the Q on the road for it's my only other mode of transportation. Well, I have been sick for the last week, so I haven't gotten much done. I finally started feeling better tonight, so I jumped into the ole' Q around 9pm. I have the old alternator out, and am installing a new one. Want me to start a flame war? I got the cheapest one on the auto parts store. $120 with a lifetime warranty. Trust me, nothing can be as difficult as the F'in starter replacement! I don't mind replacing it in a month when it dies again, so hold your comments - I have read the warnings and am betting against all odds. If it dies, I will get the real deal. Just thought I would see what happens.

The crappy thing is that I had to remove the compressor COMPLETELY. I couldn't drop it far enough to squeeze the alternator by it. I didn't mind because the A/C system is out. Well, I discovered it wasn't a leak. Sorry environment. I might try and test the compressor while it is out and see what's up b/c that last bolt on the top back is a PITA to get out (still not as bad as that starter though - was like a walk in the park compared to that POS!).

Well, I'm headed back in the garage to test the compressor, reinstall it and then see if I have enough energy to replace the passenger side caliper...

Wish me luck!! Jack

[maxnix]

Good luck geting the lubricant and R134a in the right proportions.

Hope you get a Nissan remanufactured alternator instead of a 3rd party partially remanufactured one when the time comes.
Modified by maxnix at 1:33 PM 2/24/2008

[Lifted79CJ7]

Maxnix,

A) I will most likely switch over to R12 (yes, I know I will have to buy new stuff). I know it's not as efficient as R134, but that is the new standard and all my A/C lines are corroded and need to be replaced anyways.

B) I will purchase a custom built unit with all new parts and with higher amperage than stock when the day comes. (Which I know could be sooner than later).

Anywho, Here are some pics from tonight...

The alternator was a little difficult to replace, but next to the starter replacement, it was a walk in the park. I was able to replace the alternator, the fuel filter and a brake caliper in 40% less time than that bloody starter.

I ended up having to pull the A/C compressor to get to it. Most people have been able to drop their compressors, but mine wouldn't drop more than a couple inches so it had to come out completely. Here is the pic of the new alternator installed:

Getting some wires removed while these heavy components where dangling was also a pain.

The only real PITA part of this was the removal of this last bolt from the back of the compressor (my skinny hand could barely fit back there:

I also replaced the passenger side brake caliper. Glad I did for the brake fluid was nasty. I will need to replace all of the fluid soon. Here is a pic of the caliper loosely installed....

Here is a pic of me bleeding the brakes (notice how dark the fluid is)...

I also put in a new fuel filter. Once I get this thing running tomorrow, I will need to have the transmission fluid and differential fluid changed as well.

I also got really bored in my drunken stupor and decided to check the quality of the paint, so I cleaned a corner of the hood, a fender, and part of a corroded wheel. I put a light coat of wax on the corner of the hood and the fender on the newly cleaned sections, and polished that section of the one wheel to see what they could potentially look like. All in all, it's not bad, but then again, not the best paint either. Plus the wheels are all correded and the anodizing is faded. Wonder how well paint sticks to these?

Anywho, I'm off to bed.... Later,Jack

PS - I almost forgot, I also ordered a new power anntena mast as well. Making progress!!
Modified by Lifted79CJ7 at 12:53 PM 2/24/2008

[RAP]

I will most likely switch over to R12 (yes, I know I will have to buy new stuff). I know it's not as efficient as R134, but that is the new standard and all my A/C lines are corroded and needs replacement anyways.

I think he means the opposite ? ? ?

Jack

[Lifted79CJ7]

My bad! Sorry about that - I had a few cocktails in me last night when I was typing that.

Good news though, I recharged the battery this morning and took her out around the neighborhood for around half an hour and all seems to be running well. I also drove up and down the main street in front of my neightborhood and it seems like the tires are coming back into round. Whew! I thought I was going to half to buy tires also there for a little bit.

After that, I went and returned the old alternator to get my core charge back and swung by Best Buy's and picked up a new CD player and some speakers.

I wish I had the dough for a double din monitor/car PC, but that just isn't in the budget due to everything else that has been going on. I picked up 2 pair of 6X9's to see if I can get a pair to fit in the front door (I know depth might be a problem). I'll post more pics tonight after I get it all installed (or get as far as I can).

Tomorrow I am going to go get tags put on her, and some point this week change the oil again and the transmission & diff fluids as well. I looked at the oil on the dipstick and it is already yucky from the engine sitting for so long. I might end up needed to change it a few times to really clean it out.

More to come soon!

[Haitian_King]

6x9's in the door?

Will they fit? I've heard of 8 inchers going in, but they're round. If you can get the oval shaped speaker to fit, maybe a 4x6 in the door? I'm going to throw 6.5's in my doors.

[maxnix]

I think he means the opposite ? ? ?

Jack

Hopefully, as R134a is indeed less efficient in heat transfer. Hopefully he will read the posts about what it takes to convert an R12 system to R134a since he will be replacing everything anyway.

Seems to like a lot of third party parts, so I hope he enjoys repeat labor also.

[Lifted79CJ7]

Hopefully, as R134a is indeed less efficient in heat transfer. Hopefully he will read the posts about what it takes to convert an R12 system to R134a since he will be replacing everything anyway.

Seems to like a lot of third party parts, so I hope he enjoys repeat labor also.

You know, I am here - you can talk directly to me if you don't like how I do things. We are all different. I honestly do appreciate the warnings, but as the old saying goes, "sometimes it's not what you say, it's how you say it".

As stated previously, YES, I have read the posts about other peoples luck with these cheap-o alternators. Heck, you get what you pay for. Wow, I will be out, what, two hours of my day to replace it again? Oh no - big loss, I still have 22 other hours in the day to do as I please. Remember, this is a car I got for free, and I have, what, $1000 into it so far? Excuse me for being financially sensible. If I wanted super reliability, I will go buy a newer car under warranty. This is a rusty 17 year old car, and it's not necessarily a collectors item by any means.

And for your edification, I would have bought an alternator from the dealer, but they were out of stock and I needed it immediately. And for only $120 with a lifetime warranty and two hours worth of work, I don't really care if I have to do it 3 more times - If it dies in a month, I'll change it out again. Depending on finances and what I feel like doing, I might replace it under warranty, or I might have a new custom one built as I already stated. When this one craps out on me, I will make sure to let ya know so you can do the "I told ya so" thing.

As for the A/C system, I haven't read up on changing over the A/C system for this particular model car, but I know the basics involved with it and have an idea of costs involved after looking at all the parts. This thing has a lot of corrosion from years of being in salty road covered Chicago, so I will continue to replace parts as necessary. Plus it's only February and I'm not worried about staying cool yet. Plus, I am used to driving a Jeep with no A/C so I really don't care. Heck, this is HotLanta, down here we're always hot!

It's all good though, I am just trying to be sensible with my money. It's a rusty old car that has been neglected, so I don't want to dump a lot of money in it is the bottom line. I will replace as parts become necessary.

Jack

[Lifted79CJ7]

Well, I had to do some chores tonight, so I did not get as far as I wanted, but I did make some progress. I got the back seat pulled out and the rear speakers installed:

And I also got the wring for the head unit all soldered up and the head unit installed. A good thing is the guy at Best Buy told me that none of the Alpine head units they carried would support a CD changer, but good news is that it does work with my old Ai Net changer! Score!

I started working on the front speakers, and this looks like it will take some time. I got the door panel off on the passenger side and have the speaker pod out and have started hacking it apart. Good thing is that I have a spare set if I booger this set up too much! I read another post where a guy installed a pair on is 94Q by just using a piece of wood, but these are pretty deep speakers, so I am trying to move them out as much as possible to clear the window. This may take a week.

One thing I did notice about the back speakers is that the factory baffles/enclsures are way too small, so they don't produce good deep base like 6X9's could. Oh well, I will just need to get my 12" sub and my amp out of my civic (although the car is in DC right now) and that will fix that. The head unit is pretty cool in that it can control the subwoofer seperately.

Off to bed...Jack

PS - Anyone know how much the belt tensioners go for? Mine are looking pretty shot....
Modified by Lifted79CJ7 at 10:19 PM 2/24/2008

[Haitian_King]

ZING!

[GseaQ]

I got the door panel off on the passenger side and have the speaker pod out and have started hacking it apart. Good thing is that I have a spare set if I booger this set up too much! I read another post where a guy installed a pair on is 94Q by just using a piece of wood, but these are pretty deep speakers, so I am trying to move them out as much as possible to clear the window. This may take a week.

Modified by Lifted79CJ7 at 10:19 PM 2/24/2008

Hi Jack,

You're like a breath of fresh air here. I enjoy reading your exploits!

I put 6.5" Alpines in the doors of our '92. I didn't bother trying to use the original Bose enclosures, though. I bought some 1/4" MDF at Home Depot and used the Bose enclosures as a template to mark and cut the MDF. I mounted the Alpines in the MDF using the spacers that came with the speakers to be sure to have minimum depth. There's lots of room behind the original grills for the speakers.

I didn't use any of the Bose stuff in the rear deck either. The speakers are completely open to the trunk.

Sounds great, but would be way better with front and rear amps.

Don't even waste your time with the AC compressor. They were a known weakness and break internally. I bought one on eBay last year from a seller down your way for about $85 - rebuilt with a 1 year warranty. That one replaced one I paid $600 to the AC shop that did the conversion for me 5 years previous. The year's about up and it still works. Even if I buy one from this guy every other year it's a good deal (less than $100 to have the R134a done after I install).

Have fun!

Glenn