You don't need or want the dealer for this.

Go get two six packs of beer, offer them to a shade tree mechanic in the family, and hand him a printout of our tutorial. Problem solved.

 

That $700 will get you exactly the same part you have in your car now less the two little parts that are removed during the fix described on this forum.

 

True enough. And, in the meantime, it turns out I can simply leave a key in the ignition and lock the car with the spare one.

 

Had an issue with the HVAC controls, the blower would turn on when it wanted to or would stay on in the off position. Found a fix on here, but I fixed it without having to go through the trouble of sanding and epoxy.

 

True enough, but anyone can break the window, open the door and drive the car away. You may get it back stripped and bent.

 

I did a little work on the project Crossfire today. First I changed the oil/filter and the wiper blades. Next, I had a broken bolt on the intake plenum to contend with. No complaints here though, as it only took 20 minutes to knock out from start the finish. Oblivious it's much easier when the bolt isn't sheared off flush with the head. Good times!

 

Lucky you got that out and the cover back on!

.

 

Spent about an hour going over some paint chips on the front end this afternoon (and there aren't many on my 2007 Coupe). Worked on the PS front about halfway over to the middle. Using a modified version of the Dr Colorchip process where I'm using a paint pen I bought from Automotive Touchup. I first clean the area with acrylic solvent (e.g., Prep-Sol) to remove any wax and road grime. Then I apply the paint with the paint pen and "smear" the paint before it can dry, wiping off as much of the excess as I can with my finger. I then wipe the area with the acrylic solvent again, but don't rub very hard as I only want to remove the excess paint on the surface. I then use red rubbing compound, applying it by hand, to remove any paint that has hardened on the surface. Then an application of Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and a final coat of Meguiar's M26 Mirror Glaze Hi-Tech Yellow Wax. Final results are very good. Can't really tell a paint chip is or was there. Paint fills in the chip, but doesn't necessarily bring the chip flush with the surrounding surface. A whole lot more cost effective than having the front clip re-painted.

Later,

 

Ok whats your secret ? how did you fix it ?

 

I cleaned up the wheels, painted the calipers and rotors, changed the SC fluid, and installed the drag setup (Nissan 300zx 16" wheels with MT ET Streets - 255/50-16's. I still don't have the car running yet, but hopefully I will tonight.

 

changed the center bearing and flex discs on the driveshaft...friend did it for 100.00..good price...Carl

 

If that $100 included the center bearing and guibo's, then it was a STEAL !!!!!!!

 

Wow, those wheels cleaned up nice! Were you able to get rid of the corrosion between the spokes or just get them to shine again?

 

I would second that request on getting the wheels cleaned up. AFTER picture doesn't look to have any signs of corrosion. Fantastic effort & results!

 

Thanks. Corrosion was just at the surface and seems to have disappeared with the wheel cleaner and lots of scrubbing.

 

Well today is my Crossfire Coupe's birthday. Car is 10 years old today, having been assembled at Karmann plant between 10 & 11 AM. Bought the car in OCT of 2008 with only 1500 miles on it. Original owner traded it in because it "rode like a sports car". Imagine that!!!!!!

 

You can put a drop of clear on them after painting them, then a judicious bit of sanding and polishing and they will disappear.

 

I like those paint chip tips...We changed out the lower control arms on the black SRT and put new plug wires on it from NeedsWings. One control arm had rubber about to fall out and deformed greatly. Total time ..about 3.5 hours in 95 degree Florida heat, total cost...about 400 bucks in all including labor.. I no longer hear the noise I was hearing upon turning into my driveway. 152,000 miles and running smooth and strong.

 

When did you get another XF?

 

Drove the roadster maybe for the last time. She may have a new owner soon.