Actually, he had an ad that postdated the one I linked to, he must have pulled it after we had the transaction. he had dropped the price further. That'* when I couldn't hold myself back. It'* hard to say what the final $ will be. I got "obo" below the $5500, and that included a set of American Racing Casino wheels. I don't know what they are worth.

Then I have a known issue with the steering pump leaking. I haven't had time to jack it up and see if it'* the pump or one of the hoses. Then there is the unknown issues. I went at this with my scantool, what I have learned here, and experience with my other Bonnes. I'll be keeping score on myself as time goes on. Right now I think it'* a very tight car. High confidence on the engine from the heads down. Tranny is quick and creamy smooth. No funny noises out of the accessories on the drive side. The LIM was replaced at 55K, but I'm watching the coolant on that. The plugs and exhaust showed no signs of coolant burn. Modest KR at stress, but it'* original plugs, wires, O2 sensor etc.

I'm convinced that leaks were driving him nuts. He kept it garaged, but he had the ubiquitous rust stains in the trunk, and by the B columns. When I look at a car I carry a commercial carpet rust neutralizer and acetic acid.. The neutralizer tells me if it is rust, or the acetic tells me if they are just a sloppy coffee drinker. He doesn't drink coffee.

I just used half a tube of RTV to fill the usual suspects for leaks. the surface of the rain gutter flushed to the roof had pulled away etc. Although garaged, I bet he took on water just from driving the rain. We're about to get 2+ inches of hard rain, so I lined the perimeter of the interior with paper, and I'll be able to see where any leaks are sourced.

Sorry, I didn't mean to make this a diary.

I'm really taking crap about the torque stars and the tint. My neighbors are razzing me about having post-middle age bling-bling. I have always thought they look very sharp on you guys cars. So they can bite me.

Thats the spirit!!!

Screw the neighbors

Ya need a personalized plate like mine

I wish mine had torque stars and tint. Think your neighbors are getting on your case? Try being a 16 year old driving a Bonneville. But I still love her.

The neighbors...bah... they are only jealous of you, my dear friend.

I think I have a feel for what you're saying. I'm sure a Bonneville doesn't have the peer group "snap" that a ricer with a fart cannon has.

It isn't easy taking the road less traveled, but be proud of it. When 5 of ya want to go somewhere, a Corolla (sp?) or Acura ain't going to cut it. And who has a spacey, comfy back seat to while away some hours of the teen experience with a ladyfriend? (talking that is )

Keep this in mind, too. Two of the guys in the neighborhood are suddenly interested in the future of my '95 SE. You know why? their son and daughter are coming of driving age, and they want something that will get them from point A to Point B safely, and every time.

Drive that Bonneville. People will come. They most certainly will.

Charlie.. the torque stars will grow on them. Plus.. they are original equipment, not added afterwards. The car came with style (with the exception of being white..lol).

Get the biggest razzer and end up in the car with them or near them... reach down, push the "bout to spin the tires button" and give the tires a good warm up. That usually proves how nutty you are and they stop the razzing. (None of my neigbors question me after having 20+ cars in the yard last year)

They are falling apart like cheap suits.

One guy walks by while I'm working on the '95 in the driveway. Comes up to me to make idle chat, and starts asking questions about the SSEI. I finally said "why don't you take it for a quick spin". He came back an hour later after his "quick spin"...

Jumps out.... "Holy ****!"

Without looking up.. I just said... "Nice slice of Americana, isn't it?"

Also have a phone mesage from a guy who speaks to me twice a year. He "has a question about my car". he was kind enough to pause from walking his dog the other day, to mention that I "must like old cars" (snotnose.. he always has new cars that are probably worth more than my house, like I give a chit) but became suddenly interested in a show-and-tell when I told him the latest one was SC'ed.

The way I see it, I'm dealing with petty jealousy and ignorance.

That right there says it all my friend!

nice car.