93 Tercel DX

Hey guys! I recently bought a '93 Tercel DX with 114,000 miles on it and
was hoping you guys could answer some questions for me. First, I have to
say I am NOT mechanically inclined, and so I won't be touching the engine
myself at all. I know that these models are known for smoking/blowing oil,
which mine is doing - mostly on cold starts, but I've also noticed it quite
a bit while idling. I know these aren't the greatest cars, but I really
like it and decided I'm going to try to keep it for at least the next 2-3
years. So, I'm guessing these are my options: either having the
valves/seals re-done if I can do that for under a grand, or getting a
new/rebuild engine, preferably a better one, for under two grand, but I have
no idea what would fit.

Also, I'm thinking about painting it black. I don't need it to be showroom
perfect, so this seems like something I can do myself. I'm guessing I just
need to sand the current paint off, prime it, tape off anything i don't want
painted, paint a few coats of black, and then a few coats of clearcoat. I'm
not sure about how to actually do the painting, and where to get the paint.

And finally, this is actually something I've already done, but just felt
like sharing. The car came with the stock stereo and speaker, which just
baffled me for a 13 year old car. So obviously, I had to replace those.
The head unit went in beautifully, but not so for the front speakers. I
wanted something bigger then the stock 4" speakers and crutchfield.com said
the 6.5" speakers would fit, but I'd have to drill new holes in the mount.
This was not the case... :P I had to take off the stock grills, get some
1/4" wood squares to cover the old holes in the back of the panels, cut
holes in those wood pieces the size of the speaker cones, and then mount the
speakers to the newly reinforced area. While I'm happy with the result,
what a pain in the ass! Although I'm sure those of you who mod your cars
are used to this.

Anyway, any help with the engine or paint would be appreciated. If you want
you can check out some pics from they ebay page where I got it from. Yeah,
I'm sure I overpaid and the wheels are awful, but I needed something quick.

[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4630744291[/url]

James

"James" <jdownes79@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:FyBug.19919$f76.3890@dukeread06...[color=blue]
> Hey guys! I recently bought a '93 Tercel DX with 114,000 miles on it and
> was hoping you guys could answer some questions for me. First, I have to
> say I am NOT mechanically inclined, and so I won't be touching the engine
> myself at all. I know that these models are known for smoking/blowing
> oil, which mine is doing - mostly on cold starts, but I've also noticed it
> quite a bit while idling. I know these aren't the greatest cars, but I
> really like it and decided I'm going to try to keep it for at least the
> next 2-3 years. So, I'm guessing these are my options: either having the
> valves/seals re-done if I can do that for under a grand, or getting a
> new/rebuild engine, preferably a better one, for under two grand, but I
> have no idea what would fit.[/color]

You should be able to have the valve guide seals replaced for under $1,000,
if that is the cause of the smoking. If you are going to have it done, do
it sooner rather than later so that the catalyst is not contaminated.
[color=blue]
>
> Also, I'm thinking about painting it black. I don't need it to be
> showroom perfect, so this seems like something I can do myself. I'm
> guessing I just need to sand the current paint off, prime it, tape off
> anything i don't want painted, paint a few coats of black, and then a few
> coats of clearcoat. I'm not sure about how to actually do the painting,
> and where to get the paint.
>[/color]

You will not get acceptable results with cans of spray paint.

You will need a decent air compressor with a capacity of at least 90 cubic
feet per minute (CFM) at 90 pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure. This
capacity should be sufficient to operate pneumatic sanders. Invest in a
dual action (DA) sander. Figure somewhere between $200 and $800 for a
compressor, hose, and fittings.

You will also need at least a water separator/filter, preferably an air
drier to condition the air coming out of the compressor. The water
separator/filter can be had for around $50, a drier is going to be over
$400.

You will also need a pneumatic paint gun.

When buying paint, go to an auto body supply shop and let them know that the
paint will be air-dried (as opposed to baked)

When prepping the bodywork, keep in mind that every imperfection in the
surface will show up after painting. The DA sander comes in handy for body
prep.

After sanding the paint, you will need to wipe the metal with solvents made
for this purpose to prepare for priming. You have to prime within hours of
applying the solvent or rust may begin to form on the bare metal.

Apply primer with strokes that are parralel with the body surface so that
the paint is evenly applied. If you paint with a sweeping motion, the paint
will be thicker in the middle of the sweep and thinner at the ends of the
sweep. Apply thin coats that barely cover to prevent drips.

After each coat dries, wet-sand with find sandpaper to get a smooth finish.
You will get a surface that looks like an orange peel if you skip this step.

Or, if you are not mechaniclly inclined and will never use the compressor
and tools again, you can probably rent this stuff.

Keep in mind that the cost to rent or buy the materials you need will be
well under the cost of a quality paint job but more than a cheap paint job
from a place like Earl Scheib or Maaco. If you are not too concerned about
the quality or durability of the paint job, go with the cheapo place.
[color=blue]
> And finally, this is actually something I've already done, but just felt
> like sharing. The car came with the stock stereo and speaker, which just
> baffled me for a 13 year old car. So obviously, I had to replace those.
> The head unit went in beautifully, but not so for the front speakers. I
> wanted something bigger then the stock 4" speakers and crutchfield.com
> said the 6.5" speakers would fit, but I'd have to drill new holes in the
> mount. This was not the case... :P I had to take off the stock grills,
> get some 1/4" wood squares to cover the old holes in the back of the
> panels, cut holes in those wood pieces the size of the speaker cones, and
> then mount the speakers to the newly reinforced area. While I'm happy
> with the result, what a pain in the ass! Although I'm sure those of you
> who mod your cars are used to this.
>
> Anyway, any help with the engine or paint would be appreciated. If you
> want you can check out some pics from they ebay page where I got it from.
> Yeah, I'm sure I overpaid and the wheels are awful, but I needed something
> quick.
>
> [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4630744291[/url]
>
> James
>
>[/color]
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 21:17:26 -0400, James wrote:
[color=blue]
> Hey guys! I recently bought a '93 Tercel DX with 114,000 miles on it and
> was hoping you guys could answer some questions for me. First, I have to
> say I am NOT mechanically inclined, and so I won't be touching the engine
> myself at all. I know that these models are known for smoking/blowing oil,
> which mine is doing - mostly on cold starts, but I've also noticed it quite
> a bit while idling. I know these aren't the greatest cars, but I really
> like it and decided I'm going to try to keep it for at least the next 2-3
> years. So, I'm guessing these are my options: either having the
> valves/seals re-done if I can do that for under a grand, or getting a
> new/rebuild engine, preferably a better one, for under two grand, but I have
> no idea what would fit.[/color]

These engines were notorious for Soft rings. Chances are the rings have
worn and need replacing. The good part is that you and a buddy can remove
the engine from the car; it weighs <100 lbs minus the tranny! Chances are
this is the source of your smoking problem.


[color=blue]
>
> Also, I'm thinking about painting it black. I don't need it to be showroom
> perfect, so this seems like something I can do myself. I'm guessing I just
> need to sand the current paint off, prime it, tape off anything i don't want
> painted, paint a few coats of black, and then a few coats of clearcoat. I'm
> not sure about how to actually do the painting, and where to get the paint.[/color]

What color is it now? Bear in mind that black will be HOT!!!, and also
bear in mind black and dark blues are the WORST color to paint a car,
because no matter how good a job you do, any dents, dings, ripples or
other blemishes will stand out like a Sore Thumb. The best colors are Red,
but it's expensive, light blues, 'pastel' colors and white is the best.
It's cool in the summer and hides blemishes very well.

Spray cans suck. You can get a DeVilbis type cup sprayer for $29.99
everywhere, and Gravity feed guns for <$50. You'll need a 65 or higher CFM
compressor that can maintain 45PSI for a while.

You'll also need ventilation; spraying a car in your backyard will
probably send the EPA into anfalactic shock. Find someone with a big
garage you can use for a day or two.

Sand the car with 600 grit paper, and sand the WHOLE car, or the paint
won't stick. You might not have to prime it if you don't do any grinding
or bondo; if you do, prime the reworked areas.

I used to sell BASF paints, and BASF has a line called LIMCO. You can get
an off the rack color for <$90 for a whole gallon, in your choice of
Acrylic, Urethane or Base-coat Clear-coat. Bear in mind the BC-CC will be
more, because you have to Clear Coat it! I am a Urethane fan; it sprays
gooey, so PAY ATTENTION, but it is also forgiving and any
orange-peel/overspray can be wet-sanded with 1500 grit and look GREAT.

If you are REALLY good with spray cans you may pull it off, but it's tough!

[color=blue]
>
> And finally, this is actually something I've already done, but just felt
> like sharing. The car came with the stock stereo and speaker, which just
> baffled me for a 13 year old car. So obviously, I had to replace those.
> The head unit went in beautifully, but not so for the front speakers. I
> wanted something bigger then the stock 4" speakers and crutchfield.com said
> the 6.5" speakers would fit, but I'd have to drill new holes in the mount.
> This was not the case... :P I had to take off the stock grills, get some
> 1/4" wood squares to cover the old holes in the back of the panels, cut
> holes in those wood pieces the size of the speaker cones, and then mount the
> speakers to the newly reinforced area. While I'm happy with the result,
> what a pain in the ass! Although I'm sure those of you who mod your cars
> are used to this.[/color]

I had to do this with my '95, but I used plastic spacers from the local
BLING! store. $3.00 each...

I also hung some from the rear deck, UNDER the rear deck, and cut the
chipboard in a way that left the felt intact, so you didn't even know
there WERE rear speakers...until I cranked the 400W amp... ;)

[color=blue]
>
> Anyway, any help with the engine or paint would be appreciated. If you want
> you can check out some pics from they ebay page where I got it from. Yeah,
> I'm sure I overpaid and the wheels are awful, but I needed something quick.[/color]

Alloy wheels (the 5 or 6 spoke ones) from a '92-94 Escort MIGHT fit this,
they will fit the bolt pattern, but might not clear the calipers. They
cleared on an '88, but not on my '95...

These wheels can be had NEW from Ford for $75 each, or from a YunkJard for
around $25. Try one first!!!!


[color=blue]
>
> [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4630744291[/url]
>
> James[/color]