What have you done to your car this past week Oppo?

"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
09/25/2017 at 17:45 • Filed to: DIY

Me? Well, I got tired of the rear liftgate struts on my Accent working barely well enough to hold the door open (and essentially not working at all in the winter...), so I ordered some replacements online and set about installing them yesterday! :)

Penton - clearly I made the right choice if they are OE Quality, Innovative, AND durable! I was worried as the picture implied I could only install them on poorly photoshopped tuned Audis...or something.

The old, factory ones were incredibly shot...oddly, the completely rusted /bursting strut was the one that worked best!

Unwrapped - This was as I was starting to remove the left strut - the rusted old clips are at the bottom left - they were a biznitch to get off!

Installed on the left side! I had to actually remove it again and readjust it as it was a bit loose the first time...

The second strut was the worst part...the kits came with replacement ball sockets that screwed in where the OEM balls went to mount the lift struts to. The left side ball came out like child’s play, the right one seemed like it was semi-cros-threaded from the factory as it DID screw out, but was INCREDIBLY tight. I had to use what was left of an ancient solar lawn light as extra leverage...my metric wrench set didn’t have the size of the bolt for the balls, so I had to use an adjustable wrench (boo!). I was annoyed as I managed to scratch the paint around the ball screw in the process....I hope it doesn’t rust, but it’s inside the trunk when it’s closed, so it should be OK!

My aforementioned shiny balls and rusty old black balls! :P

Right side replaced!

Success! Penton - clearly the hallmark of quality! :D

All and all, very glad I did it....I have to barely pull open the trunk at all for the struts to take it quickly all the way to the top now! That being said, they almost feel like they are TOO strong, haha! It takes a LOT more effort to push the hatch closed now, but it will just take some getting used to!

What have you been up to Oppo? :)

DISCUSSION (76)

interstate366, now In The Industry > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 17:50

I bought a short shifter for my TSX.

Kinja'd!!!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 17:55

I took my Silverado on its first road trip in my possession (400 miles across Missouri, nothing too crazy), proceeded to get the front end completely covered in bugs, then hastily washed it before it got dark last night. It took half a bottle of bug and tar remover to get the whole thing acceptable.

Sovande > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:07

Installed a new intercooler in my C30. A downpipe is on order and I have talked to the tuner. By this time next week I hope to have it at Stage 3, which means it should be at about 315hp and 375 torques. Should make for a fun commute.

I also got some new seats for the El Camino. They are from a Volvo and should up the comfort factor, but I will need to fabricate some seat brackets to make them work.

Nauraushaun > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:07

If I’m not mistaken, the car on the box is the Holden Torana concept!

Kinja'd!!!

I haven’t done much to my car. I replaced a headlight bulb which isn’t easy on an MR2. I got a lot of water spots on the inside of the rear window since I keep getting caught in the rain with the roof off and trying to drive through it. I secretly love it.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > interstate366, now In The Industry
09/25/2017 at 18:09

Coolness! I’ve actually thought about getting one for my Accent at some point....why get one for an econobox you ask? Why not! Also, the limited edition Accent SR here in Canada actually came with suspension mods and an exhaust from the factory. Hyundai sold performance parts for the car including a short-shifter. It would just be a relatively easy, neat mod to do and think of all the milliseconds I would save per shift! :P

http://www.driver-seat.ca/article/2007hyundaiaccent-sr/

dogisbadob > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:11

I installed a quick strut. Yes just one (the other I installed in April)

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:12

Did an oil change on the Disco yesterday. Exciting stuff.

arl > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:12

Left it all alone and flew to Florida where we rented a giant Black Tahoe. I felt like the CIA driving around in that monster. The electric steering in it was weird. If you over-corrected, it lightened the steering effort so much it felt like you hit a patch of black ice. Only for a split second, but it was weird and disconcerting.

interstate366, now In The Industry > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:18

It just feels better. My Prelude has one and I really like it. The TSX is my daily, so I totally get it.

BritishLeyland™ > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:25

Changed the oil cooler on the ‘B. Bought the new one from Moss, but sadly it doesn’t look identical to the orginal one (which was leaking).

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/25/2017 at 18:25

Yeah...the Accent could use a wash. My big things with it are to get it in the shop to have the suspension (shocks/struts) replaced as they are all the factory original ones and the car is at 130,000km so they are pretty worn at this point. Also have to get my pre-winter undercoating done in the next few months and also get an oil change sorted as it is currently 1000km over...

I got my new headlight in to replace my cracked one a week or so ago, but I haven’t aligned it yet as I don’t drive much at night. I had to drive a bit in the dark the other day and really noticed it as it’s aimed way too far down the right at the moment...need to get the aiming done too....too much to do, too little time :(

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
09/25/2017 at 18:27

I need to get one sorted on my Accent soon, it’s about 1000km over right now! :(

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > arl
09/25/2017 at 18:28

Electric steering can be OK when done right, but that sounds terrible :S

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > interstate366, now In The Industry
09/25/2017 at 18:29

Yeah, I think it would be a nice and easy mod. I have an aftermarket shift knob on my Accent that I really love the feel of, and a short throw shifter would just help with the driving enjoyment even if I drive a mundane Korean appliance :)

I do love my mundane Korean appliance though! :D

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > BritishLeyland™
09/25/2017 at 18:30

Damn, but at least you have a non-leaking one now...?

lone_liberal > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:30

Not a damn thing because I was helping my dad with his lemon of a truck.

TractorPillow > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:32

Swapped out the awful stock exhuast on my Evora for a great sounding Plack Edition Exhaust. Sounds glorious now!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Sovande
09/25/2017 at 18:32

Lolololol...your C30 has about 3 of my Accents in it’s single engine :P

110hp and 106 ft-lbs over here! :D

haveacarortwoorthree2 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:33

Washed one. Put gas in the other one. It was an extremely taxing weekend.

E90M3 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:33

I washed my M3 and then drove the hell out of it.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Nauraushaun
09/25/2017 at 18:33

Aha! Well-spotted friend! I had to replace an entire headlight assembly twice not that long ago! :P

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > dogisbadob
09/25/2017 at 18:34

Yay, doubles! :D

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:34

We gave up on trying to start the mini and took it to someone who actually knows what they are doing

BritishLeyland™ > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:42

We’ll see...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:46

I caught the front brakes on fire from FiSTing too hard, and I also removed my lower grill.

Sovande > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:49

My 1985 Nissan 720 has 107hp and something like 150 lbft. Driving the two back to back is quite the experience. The El Camino, with a lightly built 350 has less hp and torque than the Volvo too.

McMike > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:50

I replaced my speedo cable on the van, which consisted of:

Removing grill

Removing headlight bucket

Drill out broken headlight retaining screw

Search for new fastener to fit now-larger hole

Removing spare tire

Removing instrument cluster

Removing LF wheel

Fish new cable down from dash

Search driveway for 30 minutes looking for the microscopic retaining c-clip (below)

Put it all back together.

Put tools away.

Removing the instrument cluster again because you forgot to reconnect the multi-pin connector.

Kinja'd!!!

ttyymmnn > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:51

Put air in a tire that has a slow leak. I bought the tire in June. Gotta get it patched.

Echo51 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 18:56

Kinja'd!!!

Haven’t done much actual work to my car. Got winter tyres mounted on rims and balanced, and put the subwoofer into a sealed box instead of the massive Bandpass. As for actual car work, these plugs were pulled from my mom’s. No wonder it had a wicked misfire at random!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > lone_liberal
09/25/2017 at 18:58

Damn, what you need, my friend, is a Toyota Hilux! :(

Klaus Schmoll > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:02

Kinja'd!!!

Just a wash and vacuum. I didt’n even use one of the old socks I keep in the spare wheel well to floss the double spokes. I feel dirty confessing that.

lone_liberal > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:06

Tell that to my dad! Though, I don’t think the Hilux would pull his camp trailer. My wife barely saw me last weekend because of the unholy mess that is the 6.0l Navistar diesel.

wafflesnfalafel > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:07

nice - all I did was install red reflective license plate frames and finally mounted my fisheye mirrors (which I love)...

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > TractorPillow
09/25/2017 at 19:11

Evora? You, my friend....just MAY have beat my base-trim 2009 Accent in the ‘interesting car’ department :P

I bet it sounds epic!

DutchieDC2R > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:11

I actually drove it for the first time in 1.5 week, which felt, as always, great. Im looking into buying some parts, but I have to wait it out till next week...:(

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > haveacarortwoorthree2
09/25/2017 at 19:12

My mind is boggled as to how you are still hanging in there after such stressful times!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > E90M3
09/25/2017 at 19:12

As it should be!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner
09/25/2017 at 19:13

Damn, good luck!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > BritishLeyland™
09/25/2017 at 19:13

Good luck!

XJDano > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:17

Swapped catalytic converter and dropped off today to do the emissions & safety test tomorrow.

CaptDale - is secretly British > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:20

I just left it at my Mother’s and took her Jeep

promoted by the color red > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:24

I took the MX-5 down to the dealership and had them fix the seat they damaged. They dragged their feet but I kept at it until they “found” the part and swapped it in.

No real effort from me other than a few well-placed emails and phone calls.

I also washed it down and noted some spots where I’ll be doing some careful detailing in the future.

PowderHound > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:24

It was a high of 43 (only slightly made that up) so I sat inside and thought about things that needed to be done. No chance in hell I was going to the freezing garage to touch metal things

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:43

The last week hasn’t been all that productive but In he last month,

Replaced the speedometer cable, replaced the hoses for the windshield wiper sprayers, upgraded a some shifter linkage bushings to delrin, upgraded to polyurethane front LCA bushings, MOOG lower ball joints, and sway are endlink, all of which were complete junk. I also completely rebuilt my turbo, and replaced my crack dealer manifold with a 2g manifold.

Oh and I fixed my column tilt, it was stuck in one position because I dropped a screw down there, but it came out while I was getting the cluster out.

Now I just need to do an oil change, top off the coolant, and drive it again!

arl > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 19:49

Yea, I really like the GTI’s electric steering. One of the best. But the Tahoe was a no-go for me.

Congrats on installing the struts!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
09/25/2017 at 20:05

Well then! No grill means better airflowz!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Sovande
09/25/2017 at 20:06

I always liked those old Nissan trucks! :)

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 20:06

Still wondering how to remove the gauge cluster dimmer from the gauge cluster without gouging holes all over the dashboard or removing the entire windshield.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > McMike
09/25/2017 at 20:07

Wow, how did you ever find that clip? 0_o

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 20:12

I think it looks a bit better too!

Kinja'd!!!

vs.

Kinja'd!!!

McMike > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 20:15

I was lucky. I was *this close* to pulling the cable and drill a hole for some safety wire.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > ttyymmnn
09/25/2017 at 20:15

I never had one flat on my Subaru when I owned it from 2008-2013, but weirdly I’ve had 3 flats with my Accent...all right in my driveway when I was about to leave, and all patched/plugged! :)

I had a slow leak on one of the tires of my last summer set...very slow though. Only topped it off once every 2-3 weeks or so!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Klaus Schmoll
09/25/2017 at 20:19

Nothing wrong with that! Re-using something for a purpose it works well for beyond it’s intended lifespan! I have a pair of ancient worn out sneakers I ripped the tongues out of that I use as ‘outdoor slippers’ for when I have to pop outside for something quick, like running something to the compost, etc! I approve of your genius! :D

awmaster10 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 20:20

Deleted my mid muffler and deleted my stock resonator and replaced it with an aero ar25. Sounds incredible and I wish I had time to upload a sound clip sooner

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Echo51
09/25/2017 at 20:22

Wow, those are worn out! I don’t have a misfire, but I’ve felt my Accent isn’t quite as sprightly as I remember it being...have to check the plugs and air filter in the next little while...

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > lone_liberal
09/25/2017 at 21:03

I remember reading an earlier comment or post by you on that topic...you guys did not have an easy time :(

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > wafflesnfalafel
09/25/2017 at 21:04

Oh? What were these being installed on? You mean those little round stick-on fisheye mirrors?

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > DutchieDC2R
09/25/2017 at 21:05

It’s always nice when you get to enjoy a drive...my drive to and from work are the best part of my day :)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > XJDano
09/25/2017 at 21:05

Good luck! Hope it passes no problem! :)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > promoted by the color red
09/25/2017 at 21:07

Glad it’s sorted for you! I would be pissed if the dealership messed my car up...

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/25/2017 at 21:08

Busy busy! You’ve been hard at work! :)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > arl
09/25/2017 at 21:10

Haha, thanks! I have some LED lights I want to get installed in the grill, as well as do a horn swap somewhere down the road....the factory horn is a bit unmenacing...

Need to find some interior trim for around the rear hatch as well as mine is damaged...

BayAreaMiataBoi > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 21:11

Had my 2001 Miata Special Edition prepped and safety-checked for upcoming MRLS Track Days ( https://www.miatasatmazdaraceway.com/run_groups.php ).

Now it has the tire-eating track alignment, Hankook RS-3 track tires, G-LOC track pads, and Motul 600 DOT 4 brake fluid installed in the brake and clutch lines.

And the oil filter sandwich plate I installed with a lot of black RTV did not leak, so I passed the safety inspection.

(And I finally have broken in my new Exedy Stage 1 clutch so it does not chatter when backing up. It was installed because the PO did not replace the clutch input bushing. Sigh.)

I was busy this weekend, so I did not get to drive it much. But my morning commute today was a hoot! Except for the LOUD shrieking from the race pads. . . 8^/

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
09/25/2017 at 21:11

Ouch...sounds like it is not going to be a fun time...

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
09/25/2017 at 21:12

I agree!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > awmaster10
09/25/2017 at 21:12

Awesome! Post one when you get a chance...my Accent just sounds like an Accent :P

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > BayAreaMiataBoi
09/25/2017 at 21:14

You are going to have a blast methinks :P

BayAreaMiataBoi > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 21:23

I hope so!
When I went last year, I could only pay attention to avoiding off-track excursions, slower cornerers, and faster cars in the straights. Not enough brainpower to deal with all the inputs!
So I am trying to get a GoPro installed on the rollbar so I can see what +I+ am doing inside the car this year.

awmaster10 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 21:30

This is my first good sounding car since 4 cars ago and I forgot how much I love it! Luckily it’s not overly loud either

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > BayAreaMiataBoi
09/25/2017 at 21:48

Good call! Make sure to post the footage to Oppo! :D

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 22:10

Yup. It my annual “old car on jackstands” month here. Gotta get ready for some winter hooning.

Oh I also took car of some rust that was starting on the rockerpanels. A flap wheel and POR15 does wonders for surface rust.

Nauraushaun > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 22:40

Some cars make it easy. Some don’t.

In the MR2's defence it’s in a pop-up housing that moves around so it’s gotta be a little tricky.

lone_liberal > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/25/2017 at 22:48

No, we didn’t but I talked to him today and he finished up and got it running and it’s much better than it was so at least there’s that. Of course there’s an oil leak of major proportions but hopefully that’s just a gasket on the high pressure oil line.

Echo51 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/26/2017 at 06:28

Most odd part is there was no fault code, the “misfiring on cylinder #x” flag was never thrown, but the “total number of misfires” counted up. It was a pig to drive, sometimes you could floor it and it’d just stumble over itself for a while untill it started firing proper...

TractorPillow > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/26/2017 at 10:07

Thanks! I just got it a month ago or so. It sounded so weak with the stock exhaust. I usually do very little to mod my cars because I can’t seem to keep them long enough, but it needed it badly! Sounds amazing now.

interstate366, now In The Industry > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
09/26/2017 at 12:54

And i love my fancy beaked Accord.