First, let me say thank you for allowing me to join your group and access to all of this wonderful information about these cars!I would not be as far along with the servicing of my Seville if it wasn't for your kindness.
Thank you!
For the past 11 years I've been driving a 1998 Dodge Durango. It's been a great vehicle and still purrs like a kitten even after330,000 miles. A testament to timely fluid changes and periodic maintenance. But now the Ohio winter have started to get the best of her and it was time to look for something *NEW*. I searched AutoTrader, Craigslist and the like to find something I might want to drive. As a fan of the Mercedes 560 SEC, I was looking toward something I can afford, namely the Pontiac Bonneville. Nice lines, good ergos, reliable and has a hi WAF. I tried to find a decent Bonnie in my community but they were mostly abused garbage. March was half over when I stumbled upon a 1995 Cadillac Seville SLS that was in decent shape and the owner was motivated to sell. I did a bit of research on Northstar, it's issues and thought for the price of admission I'd give it a whirl. A test drive and a trip to my mechanic for a look under her skirt and his official okey-dokey and she is mine....well $1500 later that is.
First of I became aware of something you guys/and gals already know is the level of construction and refinement that is Cadillac. Damn, there really is a difference. This thing is built like a tank! Even at 197k all of the doors are solid, the underneath is spotless (except for the IRS carrier) no rust on the doors and body except for a spot on the driver side rear fender and the gas filler door? Odd that. The PO ran it into something futzing up the front bumper a little but other than that pretty damn nice considering age and mileage. It's so much cleaner than the Durango.
I like to avoid problems because I cover so many miles some I wanted to do some PM before I really put some miles on her.
First thing we did was change the oil to a high-mileage synthetic, change brake fluid, installed new front wheel bearings, front/rear calipers new rotors and brake pads. Next was a fluid and filter change for the transmission and a complete chassis lube. I'll need new tires soon and the obligatory 'service suspension soon' message is lit. Yes, the rear sags so I ordered front and rear replacements from Rock Auto. Those will be installed Friday after work.
A while back I owned a detail shop and did some paint repair in the Toledo area. Two weekends ago I pulled out the Milwaukee and went to work on the paint. I use the Meguires' 4 step system, H7 over that and 2 coats of Liquid Glass to really bring out the luster of the paint. I cleaned the leather interior with a Meguires leather cleaner and treated it all with Connoisseurs Choice leather and vinyl protectant. One session with my carpet extractor and a little Scotchgard and I got me a car.
Whoofreekinhoo!
This Saturday I look at a beautiful '97 Red Eldo. 65k on the clock but the head gaskets are toast. I hope to come to terms with the owner. Been a while since I went thru a motor. I'm hooked.
ray
Thank you!
For the past 11 years I've been driving a 1998 Dodge Durango. It's been a great vehicle and still purrs like a kitten even after330,000 miles. A testament to timely fluid changes and periodic maintenance. But now the Ohio winter have started to get the best of her and it was time to look for something *NEW*. I searched AutoTrader, Craigslist and the like to find something I might want to drive. As a fan of the Mercedes 560 SEC, I was looking toward something I can afford, namely the Pontiac Bonneville. Nice lines, good ergos, reliable and has a hi WAF. I tried to find a decent Bonnie in my community but they were mostly abused garbage. March was half over when I stumbled upon a 1995 Cadillac Seville SLS that was in decent shape and the owner was motivated to sell. I did a bit of research on Northstar, it's issues and thought for the price of admission I'd give it a whirl. A test drive and a trip to my mechanic for a look under her skirt and his official okey-dokey and she is mine....well $1500 later that is.
First of I became aware of something you guys/and gals already know is the level of construction and refinement that is Cadillac. Damn, there really is a difference. This thing is built like a tank! Even at 197k all of the doors are solid, the underneath is spotless (except for the IRS carrier) no rust on the doors and body except for a spot on the driver side rear fender and the gas filler door? Odd that. The PO ran it into something futzing up the front bumper a little but other than that pretty damn nice considering age and mileage. It's so much cleaner than the Durango.
I like to avoid problems because I cover so many miles some I wanted to do some PM before I really put some miles on her.
First thing we did was change the oil to a high-mileage synthetic, change brake fluid, installed new front wheel bearings, front/rear calipers new rotors and brake pads. Next was a fluid and filter change for the transmission and a complete chassis lube. I'll need new tires soon and the obligatory 'service suspension soon' message is lit. Yes, the rear sags so I ordered front and rear replacements from Rock Auto. Those will be installed Friday after work.
A while back I owned a detail shop and did some paint repair in the Toledo area. Two weekends ago I pulled out the Milwaukee and went to work on the paint. I use the Meguires' 4 step system, H7 over that and 2 coats of Liquid Glass to really bring out the luster of the paint. I cleaned the leather interior with a Meguires leather cleaner and treated it all with Connoisseurs Choice leather and vinyl protectant. One session with my carpet extractor and a little Scotchgard and I got me a car.
Whoofreekinhoo!
This Saturday I look at a beautiful '97 Red Eldo. 65k on the clock but the head gaskets are toast. I hope to come to terms with the owner. Been a while since I went thru a motor. I'm hooked.
ray
