It lives! And ch-ch-ch-changes?

"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful) 08/10/2020 at 15:05 • Filed to: None

6

19

This past weekend, the Mustang was made mobile. Well, better yet, it was made stoppable. The main concern with driving it had been the brakes, as they weren’t functional. Thus, the concern. I installed an inexpensive OEM style disc brake conversion kit, which gave me front disc and rear drums. The drums were completely replaced (hardware, shoes, drums). I also replaced all of the hard lines, two along the rear axle, the long front to rear line, and three front lines.

Since it still isn’t legal, I took a short drive around the block when it was finished and have declared success. It runs, stops, turns, and doesn’t leak. Next step is to get plates. Since I still don’t know what wheels I want to ultimately go with, the current plan is to install some tires on the current wheels and just drive around for a bit. I still have quite a bit to do to make it “mine”, but making it drivable is a great first step!

Changes? Me? No way! My in laws are moving in. They’ve been here for a couple of weeks, and we’ve been driving the 4Runner everywhere, as the driver’s side seat belt on the Jeep has decided it no longer wants to retract (getting fixed under warranty tomorrow). The 4Runner is a tight fit for 4 adults, a growing boy, and sets of hockey gear. I’m thinking of moving up to a full size, which would probably take me out of a Toyota.

Yes, it’s a case that more often than not, there are five people in the vehicle. Given what most SUVs have behind the third row, the options appear to be Suburban/Expedition. A minivan could work, but it would be a tight fit, as two sets of goalie gear now is a bit of a Tetris puzzle inside the 4Runner. I guess a full-size pickup with a cap could work, too.

HammerheadFistpunch > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:12

3

folks moving in eh?  That definitely sounds like a treat!

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:13

1

That’s a very pretty car.

Just Jeepin' > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:13

2

That generation of Mustangs just exudes class, easily one of my favorite car designs (admittedly, I’m pretty ignorant of cars mostly) . Glad you’re taking good care of it.

Mark - Sixpots None The Richer > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:19

1

Congrats. That’s awesome!

Future next gen S2000 owner > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:19

1

You are overlooking the Sienna and all of its angry face glory.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:25

2

I’ve been pleased with the cargo capacity of the 2011 Sienna I have in my life. Seats 5+ adults with cargo easily, without folding down the third row. Its not bad to drive either, and I’m a die hard manual, low COG, stiff suspension guy

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:32

0

About the wheels, are you looking for classic retro ones or are you willing to try something different? Coz F40 style wheels look good on everything imo.

Like these ones:

Nothing > Mark - Sixpots None The Richer 08/10/2020 at 15:34

0

Thanks! Of course from my brief drive, yup, it still needs suspension work, and yup it still needs a steering rebuild. But it’s still fun stuff to do!

Nothing > Just Jeepin' 08/10/2020 at 15:35

2

Thanks. I plan on keeping it pretty stock in appearance. No crazy restomod for me.

Nothing > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) 08/10/2020 at 15:36

0

I’ll have to check one out, I’ve been an SUV/pickup person, but admittedly have only ever rented a minivan once.

Nothing > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/10/2020 at 15:37

1

Thanks! I’m happy with it, and hopefully I can have it solid enough to drive around for the fall.

Nothing > Future next gen S2000 owner 08/10/2020 at 15:40

0

I am. I don’t mind minivans, actually, but my wife has threatened to never be seen in a minivan.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 15:47

0

Unless vans are a automatic hard no for you I would say check them out, especially if you don’t mind an automatic. Not just the Sienna but any minivan really, you could always surprise yourself and like it! Imo they are a lot more focused on cargo and occupant capacity than the large SUVs I’ve been in/seen

Dead_Elvis, Inc. > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 16:09

0

Maybe that’s her way of saying she’d be OK with one sporting some heavy  window tint?

Mark - Sixpots None The Richer > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 16:43

0

Enjoy the work on it - and enjoy the result even more.

Nice car!

HoustonRunner > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 16:58

0

Woohoo, I get to give somewhat warranted opinions on Suburbans / Expeditions!

I lo ve my Suburban. This summer has given us our first real road trips, and it has been a star - my wife and I, four kids (10, 10, 12, 13), and stuff to Missouri and back, and now in Colorado. I’m biased a bit as a Suburban was my first vehicle, so there is a strong sentimental attachment. But I think the second row captains / third row bench works great for families that need to move more than two kids and stuff around regularly.

I think the current generation Expedition looks great (and I severe ly dislike the previous generations). Since they are so new though it seems like they have been holding value a bit more than I would expect. The interior is maybe a bit nicer, and the sliding second row would be a nice addition to my Suburban.

Now you have the new Suburbans as well, but those are just coming out and will be pricey. I want a 4WD diesel one so badly, but will wait for at least some depreciation (and for the economic impact of the pandemic to subside).

Happy to answer any questions on Suburbans. My very dirty 2015 below.

Nothing > HoustonRunner 08/10/2020 at 17:17

0

Our road trip in the 4Runner, coupled with the in-laws, the 4Runner is more of a compromise than I’d like to admit. I still like it, but it appears that when one of us goes somewhere, all of us are going to go somewhere.

Despite my recent Toyota bias, my first vehicle that I really loved was my ‘96 Yukon. I know the current Suburbans are light years ahead of it, so I do think I’m going to drive one. Downside, it won’t fit in the garage. Stupid small suburban (ha) garage. Edit: I just measured...it WILL fit!

I had a new Expedition as a rental a year or so ago. It was nice, but as you mentioned, holding their value well so far.

My bird IS the word > Nothing 08/10/2020 at 19:38

0

That kit include a proportioning valve?

Nothing > My bird IS the word 08/10/2020 at 19:41

0

Yes it did. Very thorough kit, everything down to the grease, red and blue loctite.