Drove the car a few times this weekend and got it up to temperature. Had no problems re-starting it, so for now my issue is resolved. Gave the car its first bath since I have owned it.


My new floor mats.


Now its time to enjoy it!

 

First time out yesterday for public viewing. Went to a big car show called "Cruise on in and Dance Party" in Massillon Ohio yesterday. Got a good spot , with the handpainted mural in the background. My hubby took our 84 Westfalia van, so we had a pretty good set up: shade, chairs, etc. My Formy was the only 3rd gen bird there AFAIK, took tons of pictures. I will post a link to photobucket when I get them all downloaded.

 

That's a cool picture. Car looks great!

 

...

 

I had to modify the mounting area on my vet starter.

The definition of performance parts is, "it doesn't fit".

 

What the heck is up with the plastic electrical connector on top of our compressors? Were they designed to melt over time? I see yours like mine is gooey! But she's a beauty anyways, can't stop admiring the lines!

 

The car looks really nice!! Where did you get your floor mats? I would like to grab a set for my Formula too.

 

GM put black tape on the top to cover a exposed diode or something. Some cars have a nice rubber cover that goes over all that.

 

Thanks!
Ordered them from ebay. These are a little more expensive because you can pick the embroidery color and logo.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271371700676?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D271371700676%26_rdc%3D1

 

Since I plan on taking this car to a few events that are some distance to drive, I needed to get a front plate on it. Law enforcement in my area has been on "safety violation" patrols and have been ticketing for this.
Mounted the Altec show n go. It lined right up with the bolts on the air dam, so pretty simple installation. Cheaper than the ticket.

 

A nice solution, where front plates are required.

 

Took the Formula for its first journey-to the Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk. it was just under a 2 hr drive, the car ran great and actually got pretty good gas mileage.

The previous owner was at the event and was happy to see the car was in good hands.

Had a great time despite the rainy Saturday, the drive there and back was completely dry. I stayed at the track, so all my underside detailing stayed clean.

 

Seeing so many beautiful birds at the TA Nats motivated me to try and improve my engine bay appearance some. Heard about this product from some participants at the show. Its for motorcycle engines but works well on cars also. Lanolin based, so safe for rubber and plastic. The engine should be fairly clean to begin with. You just spray on and let dry.


Results.

 

It looks really coo! Just like several months ago from the factory!

 

Thoroughly enjoyed this car since ownership. Took it to one last show in late October. Also have some upgrades planned for the interior. Got a OEM leather steering wheel off ebay. Planning on changing it out and also changing the shift **** and e-brake lever to leather. Should make for a nice improvement on the interior appearance.

 

Kim
Read the whole post! Very nice and clean Formula! I'm sure it goes along well with the "other" white one!

 

Thanks Bob for reading the thread and the compliments! And yes, it does go well with the "other" white one, as you well know! lol

 

love the car.
nice steering wheel too. I was going to comment that "you know you're gonna get a steering wheel like mine - what are you waiting for?" but I like your solution too.

super clean car. isn't it nice to start with a solid foundation and really only need to do little things?

 

Thanks Linson!

I think the leather wheel will dress up the interior but keep the stock type look. I know the Formy is all about performance and no frills, so trying to keep that theme.

Yes , it was great to start with a solid foundation, but as with any car 25 yrs old, even though it was well cared for, some components were tired.

 

are you planning to keep it stock/stockish or extra performance?

 

detailing tip: you can remove the screen-thingy from around the wiper arms, clean it off and spray the entire assembly (plastic and everything) with flat or satin black spray paint. will look good as new (probably better than new). I also did the little plate from the hood bulge (mine was all kinda like sun stained) in flat black - looks better than new. and its something you look at every time you drive the car.

 

Keeping it stock.

Thanks for the tips!

 

On your floormats, which look nice, how do they contour to the passenger floor?

I need to replace my 88's and been looking at Lloyds for some time

 

Fit is pretty good IMO. Picture of passenger side.

 

I like! That's a nice fit.

Thank you!

 

Have some updates that I have done to the car. In addition to an oil change, lube, fluid check etc today, did some interior upgrades. Hubby installed my leather steering wheel, shifter and E brake handle. The wheel is new, the others are good used components I got off ebay. I think it dresses up the interior of the Formula somewhat.

 

That Formula is looking really sweet. However the door edge guards are killing me. They just break up the lines of the car. Lose those and it would be perfect 👌.

 

The new leather looks nice!

 

Thank you DynoDave!
I kind of like them. Maybe because I bought the car that way. Also kind of goes with the whole blk/white theme.

 

Love that white bird!

 

Thank you Chris! I love it too.

Did a few other things yesterday, steam cleaned my coolant overflow tank and refilled with some fresh coolant. Also replaced the burnt out reverse tail light. I think the car is ready for summer fun!!

 

Steam cleaned, eh? I'll have to remember that. Looks like new.

 

Time for an update. Scored some NOS Ronal R15's for the Formula. I am running BFG Sport Comp 2's. Got them mounted and took a short drive today to make sure everything was good. Used the spacers that came with the original kit. No rubbing or scraping anywhere! Good to go!

 

Looks slick Kymmee!
Wish BFG still made a tread pattern I liked. (Like the old comp T/As)

 

VERY NICE - been waiting for these pics!

 

I love your car so much, but I really prefer the stock wheels. Those look like they fit a Camaro better imo

(before anyone says anything, I never liked them on the Firehawk myself)

Still wish my car looked half as nice as yours.

 

These were the ones that shipped from California, right? I was eyeing this very set, but I'm too indecisive on wheels at the moment and by the time I said throw an offer in, the listing was gone. Glad they went to a member here, they look great on your car.

Do you have any experience with the replicas and how they compare to the NOS ones? I think the coolest part about your NOS Ronals is that they say made in West Germany on the back of them.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Yes, the ones that were on ebay from Cali. I made and offer and we went back and forth for a few days. Worked out for both parties.

No experience with the repops. I just always wanted a set, but did not want the repops. I was on the fence too, but decided that these were going to run about the same $$ as the repops, by the time I got spacers and proper lugs. And I dont think I had ever seen a NOS set still in the boxes, so it was go big or go home.

 

Makes sense! I was on the fence too - these weren't the wheels or style I was looking for, but the fact that they were real NOS Ronals drew me in.

They look great on your Formula!

 

Great looking Forumula. Nice score on those NOS Ronal's!

 

Wow! didn't know you started a thread, read the whole thing and your car is absolutely amazing.

 

Thank you!

Thanks mantaguy for reading the thread, glad you like the car. Only thing that has changed since my last post is Ohio no longer requires front plates for historical vehicles. SOO took off the plate and mount. Cleaner front end look now!

 

Your welcome kymmee,that's Great! NJ has a similar front plate law also.The front ends look so much cleaner without it.

 

Wow that car is amazing, true time capsule. The Ronals really make it.