Misc. Responses

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

First comment:

> >   WANTED: '86-'88 ECU (ENGINE COMPUTER) FOR 5KCSTQ.
> >   
> >   I washed my car...sun roof leaked...computer took a bath...washed 
> > all memory out of brain or worse?
> >   Does anyone have a spare?  know where to get it repaired at reasonable
> > cost?
> > 
> >   PHIL DUPIN
> >   dupina@rosnet.strose.edu

Phil - my favorite parts source is Fitz Auto Wrecking in Woodinville, 
WA.  Call 800-331-3202.  They're big enuf to have separate yards for 
Ford-GM-Chryelse-Yurrupeen-Japanese.  I once got the main computer 
for an Audi 5K ($1000 retail) from them for $250.  Make sure it's the 
computer first, tho.

Second comment:

> .......my trusty 5000S.
> 
>     Firstly, it needs a fresh coat of paint, since
> the clearcoat has all but come off. I'm going to do it 
> myself (no MAACO for me boys!).
> 
>     I was advised to simply clean the surface, and 
> use spray-on clearcoat lacquer. Would it be a better idea to 
> sand the surface down, apply primer, (black) paint, and then
> clearcoat in that order to get a good black finish ? 
> 
>     What would all this cost me (roughly) ?
>     
>     What method would you suggest ? 
>         1. spray directly from spray-on-can ?
>         2. spray using a gun ?
> 
>     How would I even out the paint finish once it's done ?

IF YOU EVEN ASK THIS QUESTION, YOU CAN'T DO THIS JOB!!
> 
> thanks muchos in advance..
> Murari.

Murari, unless you're a professional auto painter or KNOW one who 
does shade-tree work, you would be (nothing personal) crazier than a 
rabid skunk (sounds familiar in this group...) to paint it yourself. 
You'd probably do as well getting a brush and a can of diamond-coat 
Flecto Varathane!!  Compared to what you (or any of us) can do at 
home, Maaco would look great.  No, you CAN'T "even out" paint once 
it's on - unless you use a grinder!!

Do yourself a favor and do some pricing - figure out what you CAN do 
and do well - like pulling off all the chrome and trim, and sanding, 
etc. as needed.  Buy a book or two on body prep and you can reduce 
your bill by keeping to the parts you CAN do well.

I'm not criticizing you personally - but the thought of what your car 
will look like makes me shudder.  (Hey - it would look the same if I 
tried it - and I know enough to admit that!!!) 

Good luck!!





aTm************A Washington State Cougar in Aggieland**********aTm
Al Powell                           Voice:  409/845-2807
Ag Communications                   Fax:    409/862-1202
Texas A&M University                Email:  a-powell1@tamu.edu 
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