Drinking the Kool Aide

Well, it was that time, oil change interval. When I went to the local aps I was annoyed to see they did not have the Motorcraft synthetic blend (which has a great used oil index) NOR did they have a power steering pump, which needs to get replaced very soon. However, they did have Pennzoil Platinum. I've been debating on switching to synthetic and I finally made the switch after calculating costs. I plan on doing an analysis of the conventional I drained out and the synthetic when that oci comes up. Ill probably change the filter at 7k miles. Next project will be ordering the power steering pump from rockauto. By the way if you need parts I highly recommend them. Inexpenaive even if youre one of those oem sticklers. 

Plans.

Well as life goes sometimes we have to grow up and make decisions. I finally found a place closer to school back in October. The realization finally occurred to me that I'm not in the position to restore or modify a project car. However, seeing that it is my passion this blog will be a host for the needs of my current daily driver. (The 2000 Mercury Cougar I mentioned last time) Now, seeing that I'm a bit of a hot rodder at heart I'm always interested in squeezing something extra out of the car, but as of right now that would be fiscally irresponsible. That's why I will be posting the "restoration" of this car...mechanically anyway. Now the plans so far include:

Comfort, Convenience, and Safety. 

1. Power Steering Pump
2. Trans cooler {extends the life of the transmission}
3. A/C clutch 
4. Motor mount 
5. Replacement Headlight bulbs
6. LCA’s
7. Pads 
8. Tires
9. Seats (From an RSX, Cougar (01/02,) or eclipse (g3)
10. Battery cable rerouted  (Extends the life of the alternator)
11. Stereo system upgrades 

Now that's not necessarily in the order that dictates the priority or in which thinks might get changed. First is definitely the power steering pump. I have been limping it along and constantly checking the fluid levels. The smell of burning hydraulic fluid just gets old you know? Wel hopefully that will be in the next installment.

Introduction

A long time ago, this blogger hosted some strange rants by me. Over time I saw how ridiculous they were and decided to remove them. A very interesting note someone happened to google about depersonalization while taking showers and it showed my blog. Enough about the blogs history though. The reason I am reopening it is because I need to keep track of progress, or lack of, on a project of mine. Some history on that, back in 2012 I totaled a 1993 Mercury Grand Marquis it was a shame but the vehicle had been giving me some issues anyway. Sentiments were set aside and I junked it. Over the winter break I came across an ad for a 1984 Mercedes Benz 300D. Some history on that, that was my first car, loved tinkering on it and kinda missed the clackity clack of a diesel. Needless to say when I saw the ad I was overcome with nostalgia. Plus, I had convinced myself I would be able to set-up an appleseed processor but, for some reason taken 18 credits a semester interfered with that. I looked at the heap and talked the guy down to 900 from 1400. He was happy I was happy and from what I know that means he still made off like a bandit. Fast forward a year and I've slowly been making things better. Turning a blind eye to the horrible rust of the floor pans I keep thinking, one day it will be a nice car ...one day. Well, my older brother decided he was going to get a new/used vehicle and possibly trade-in one of his wore out ones. However, when he reviewed the offer the dealership gave to him he felt a little more charitable and decided to give it to his little brother. Now in possession of a 2000 Mercury Cougar with no holes in the floor and fairly waterproof I figured I can set the 300D aside as a project. (The Cougar might end up here on occasion as well.) I have went to many different forums looking at build threads but, I just didn't feel like I fit. Which is why I am now reopening my blogger. Pictures to come this weekend...maybe.