Brand New Repro Parts, Part III: Yet More Adventures in Head-Scratching

I've been chasing a passenger rear brake light that's out and just replaced the turn signal switch thinking that might be the issue.

Surprisingly, the new expensive OEM unit I bought was defective. Neither rear light worked after I installed the switch. So I removed it and installed a cheap repro unit I had on hand. So now the switch worked (but the light problem persisted - darn.) In the end it was a complete waste of time.

On eBay I did find a NOS turn signal switch that I bought for $57 (vs. $80 for the OEM one...) I'll install it later when needed. It's been in the box for decades, so I feel funny using it unless I really need it now! (In the photos, the defective OEM unit is on top, and the NOS unit is next to the box.)

[Update: Ok, since I have the patience of a mouse, I already installed the NOS switch—and I feel good about it! Since the turn signal switch is such an integral part of the electrical system on these cars, there's no use running with a cheap one when I can use the best.)

Shiny Happy Trim: Part II

I received my refinished OE windshield trim from Stainless Trim Works a few weeks ago and it is installed on the car.

I think it really looks great and I'm glad I used the thicker, better quality OE pieces. Of course, the cost to refinish is high since there's so much time involved in the refinishing process. STW did a great job though (and my pix don't come close to doing justice to these pieces.)

Grill 57 Car Show

I went to the Grill 57 Car Show today in Garner, North Carolina. It's held the third Saturday of each month during the summer at the local Grill 57 burger joint. The show starts at 4, but by 3:30 when I arrived the lots were almost full. I have more than 100 photos available of all different types of cars.

>> Check out my photo album (105 pix!)

 I brought my car and put it out there for all to see, which was pretty cool. I hope to go back later this summer.

Wandering Eye

The deal for the 2006 Mustang GT is in the final stages, but that didn't stop me from checking out what they had at the local Ford dealer. :-)











Here's the 2010 Mustang GT, which is actually pretty amazing. The interior really looks stylish and comfortable. The leather and aluminum accents are great.











Then again the sticker was about $35k, which is pretty expensive these days.











The car had an upgraded leather interior and a back-up camera in the rear spoiler that sent an image to the rear view mirror.

Good Bye, Old Friend

The other day I put my Honda Accord on Craigslist and Auto Trader figuring I should try to sell the car, since I'm serious about buying a late-model Mustang. Of course Craigslist is free, and I did a 10-day deal with Auto Trader for only $5. Amazingly, the car is already sold to a nice couple from Raleigh, who saw it on Craigslist. It was only up for sale five days or so, and we did the sale today at their bank. I have to say that those Honda Accords sure sell quick. (I sold another one quickly three years ago too.) Nature abhors a vacuum, and so does my garage. I need a Mustang!

It's a Stampede!

I went to the "American Stampede" this weekend here in Raleigh, North Carolina. It's a three-day national Mustang event held at the state fairgrounds to celebrate the Mustang's 45th anniversary and Independence Day. There were hundreds of Mustangs there, and hopefully I will make it back there tomorrow, with my car this time. I have dozens of photos in the album right now, and might have dozens more tomorrow!

>> Check out my photo album (75 pix!)

[Update: I went to the show today after it rained, and took 22 more pix. But I didn't bring my car!]

Time Keeps on Passing

For the past few years, since I've owned the car, I've taken a photo of my oldest daughter each summer sitting in my car.

Here's the pic from 2007:



And the one from 2008:



And the newest from a couple days ago in 2009 (and the first with the car basically complete):

Phoenix Rising?

Since one of anything is never enough, I'm seriously contemplating purchasing a second Mustang in Arizona. This is a silver 2006 Mustang GT. One of the more unusual options are the factory 18" fan-blade wheels. I really like the silver on charcoal leather.











It has an automatic transmission, but it's a five speed so that's good. Unlike many of these cars, this one has side airbags, which I like. The NHTSA rates this car five stars in frontal impacts and four stars in side impacts. And it has traction control and ABS.











It's bone-stock and never modified or wrecked with 13k miles. Keeping this car stock will require every ounce of willpower I can muster.











I'm trying to iron out a deal and then will decide on transportation over here to Raleigh, NC. I've never even driven one of these. Hopefully I like it!


>> Check out my photo album (24 pix!)