pwtr02ss
Full Access Member
Pops to the rescue! I like it. Enjoy the time with the family, after the ac is repaired, of course. Hopefully son-in-law will pitch in and learn a thing or 6.
My From Start to Finish 6.0L Build
- Thread starter RAMurphy
- Start date
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OP
OP
Absolutely, that is the plan. He's pretty handy around the carpentry side of the house, so he has the talent and ability - just needs the confidence. He will be doing most of the work with my guidance. We are going to change the transmission fluid and coolant during this visit. Oil was changed, i've been told, 1500 miles ago.
Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
OP
OP
Yes I did, it's part of this build thread and in the performance section. I actually was not planning on putting it on this current engine, it was going to be part of this build engine. But I had all the parts and decided to put it on my current engine. Of course, I already had an upgraded exhaust, cam and intake so I did notice a difference. Black Bear updated my tune to take advantage of the changes I made. The challenges he ran into are well documented and luckily I was aware of these prior to starting this upgrade. I love this upgraded intake.
OP
OP
A long day but my daughter has A/C again after almost 3 years - which I found out yesterday that is how long she was without. A bit longer job, that bumper cover was a bit stubborn plus we got a later start. So happy they all stayed over for the night so I was able to spend time with all the grand daughters and of course my daughter and son in law. Not a lot of pictures because it was mostly a training event for my son in law. After getting the bumper cover off, we started by adding some freon and dye. However, there was no pressure so we needed to jumper the ac relay to get the compressor to kick on. As we were adding freon, it didn't take long to find the leak in the condenser. It was leaking so badly that we found it in less than 2 minutes. Continued to run it while adding freon to check out the rest of the system. No other leaks detected and the compressor appears to be sound. Then we dismantled the system - first starting with the removal of the old condenser. then we replaced the expansion valve. Then the accumulator/dryer and finally installing the new condenser.
The old condenser - this thing was in bad shape, especially near the bottom.
The new expansion valve in place.
The new condenser, sorry no picture of the new accumulator/dryer.
After sealing everything up with new gaskets and o-rings we pulled a hard vacuum. Let it run for 45 minutes while we ate lunch. During lunch we talked about the theory of the a/c system and what we were doing from a step by step process. Prior to lunch:
After lunch we closed off the valves and shutoff/disconnected the vacuum pump. After 60 minutes there was no change to the vacuum pressure:
Prior to adding freon we disconnected the negative battery terminal for about 3 minutes (I wanted to ensure that everything was reset and the compressor would kick on as required). Then we hooked up a can of freon. Purged the lines and then added the can to the system, the engine was not running at this point. The vacuum pulled the freon in, once that stabilized we started the engine (max cool, max fan), the compressor kicked on and we added the required 1.56 lbs of freon while watching our low/high pressures. My son in law was so pleased to be part of this effort and I could tell he learned a lot through this process. My daughter was so happy and my grand daughters gave me big hugs and kisses. Today was 89 with a real feel of 98. It would have been miserable driving home. Not anymore.
You’re an awesome dad. Good work, especially the teaching part.
That's some good stuff fo sho. Thanks for sharing! 
OP
OP
Shaping up to be a long summer, with little work being done on my build. Two days after I finished my oldest daughter's AC, I received a phone call from my youngest daughter that her 2008 Pontiac Vibe (225K miles) was hit in the driver's side front fender. She was ok and the car was drivable. Not her fault.
However, two days later the insurance company was going to total the vehicle. This thing runs like a top (I take care of it for her), looks great and she really could not afford another vehicle - the used car market is crazy. So, I told her I would repair it. So, it sits in my garage, right where my oldest daughter's car last sat.
However, two days later the insurance company was going to total the vehicle. This thing runs like a top (I take care of it for her), looks great and she really could not afford another vehicle - the used car market is crazy. So, I told her I would repair it. So, it sits in my garage, right where my oldest daughter's car last sat.
OP
OP
During the long Holiday weekend (happy belated 4th everyone), I removed the bumper cover, fender, splash shield, headlights and a variety of other components.
Spent the entire day on Monday straightening the radiator support and various other components so I could get the new fender aligned and mounted correctly. Then yesterday evening I finally got the fender installed. Is it perfect - no, but oh so close. It will work.
This weekend I will get the bumper cover back on. Painting will happen once the paint gets delivered.
Spent the entire day on Monday straightening the radiator support and various other components so I could get the new fender aligned and mounted correctly. Then yesterday evening I finally got the fender installed. Is it perfect - no, but oh so close. It will work.
This weekend I will get the bumper cover back on. Painting will happen once the paint gets delivered.
Hell yeah. I swapped in a complete driver door on my daughters Cruze when it was almost new- some college kid caved it at student parking and didn’t leave a note. Amazing what the ins companies will total a vehicle over isn’t it?
OP
OP
Mark, you are so right. So basically total repairs would need to be less than 50% of the current value of the car. The estimate for repair was just under $4.5K. That was of course before they tore into it. Labor/paint was a good chunk of that cost. I have spent just about $500 in parts - maybe a tad more. Another $100 or so in paint. Of course she get's the family discount for labor - no charge.
iamdub
Full Access Member
$4.5K?! Looks like nothing structural or even suspension was affected. No bags were deployed.
Those are great cars, being Toyotas. Good save!
OP
OP
I was shocked at the estimate, but even if it was lower it would had to of been a lot lower. The year and mileage drive down the value of this car drastically. But, she is a great car and my daughter loves it, it's worth the effort to get her back on the road.
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Stonefort
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I am an insurance guy so I am just curious. Not trying to pry! I am a Texas agent - 12 years in.
Did you buy it back from the ins company? Or maybe you just cancelled the claim.
Even though the used car market is nuts - the ins company is obligated to give you enough to buy the same model, trim, miles and condition. Maybe it was a "stated value" policy and not "actual cash value"?
Did you buy it back from the ins company? Or maybe you just cancelled the claim.
Even though the used car market is nuts - the ins company is obligated to give you enough to buy the same model, trim, miles and condition. Maybe it was a "stated value" policy and not "actual cash value"?
OP
OP
@Stonefort We Cancelled the claim.
Stonefort
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I got ya. I would have likely done the same. Depending on the state and how they deal with salvage titles....it can easily make it not worth it.
Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
On NJ if you have full coverage and they total the vehicle, you could usually buy it back at a reduced price. 9 out of 10 times it'll have a salvage title tho. If it was me I would've let them total it, buy it back and fix it with the extra $$. Leave it insured for only liability, then drive it til it dies.
OP
OP
A bit more complicated and a pain in the ass in Maryland and my Insurance company. Easier doing it this way.
OP
OP
Bumper cover installed, a few little adjustments yet. Looks pretty good.
