Wrapping up the season

It's getting cold here in Moorland, MI and I'm thinking about the end of Reatta season. That said, I've got some end of the season questions. I didn't plan on getting my 90 coupe out of the garage this year, but my fiancee watched me work on it and insisted we drive it this year. I'm glad I did, I fell back in love with this thing and drive it more than my daily driver right now.

First, I need some help sourcing some parts. I thought my dimmer slider was broken, but now I notice there's a clip for the slider button there, and I put a toothpick in the clip inside the dimmer (below the parking lamp switch) and moved it and it works fine. 2 years of getting my retinas burned out by the dash, and now I can work the dimmer with a toothpick. If anyone has the slider button available without buying the whole switch assembly, I'll buy it or trade some spare parts.

I also feel with the age of the car, I would do well to replace the cradle bolts and bushings. Looking at the prices from providers I've checked so far, I can't afford to spend $400 just for NOS stuff. Can someone point me right on this?

I'm also looking for photos of the original trans filter mount. Mine is sitting behind the radiator near where the lines for the trans hook into the radiator on a shop rag to not rub and it looks tacky.

I'm planning on getting a key copy, fuel tank replacement, passenger window regulator, and wheels&tires done by October when I plan to start upgrades on my Jeep for the coming winter. I can't get the regulator done on my own. Tried, just can't do it. The wheels should ship out any day. I wanted to source a tank from the Reatta rear clip, but chronic pain and vertigo have been preventing long trips (I'm 22, I think my body is trying to kill me).

I need advice on rear end skitter. It feels like the rear end chatters or bounces forever after a harsh bump. Shocks are old. I just replaced the brakes, did hardware kits, and replaced a caliper and a wheel bearing so the noise and brake issues are gone from the rear. I just wonder if this is 15 year old tires or shocks causing the skitter.

I also had one incident of power cut to the interior. Of course on date night with the girlfriend, it had to act up. I've had the dash lights flicker with both doors open, and then when I close the doors the lights are fine. If I hit the brakes or dimmed my lights, clicking on the fog, I lost radio and dash for a split second. I got home, opened and worked the door switches a few times, and it hasn't done it since.

If there are any more safety problems inherent to this car, let me know. I have some pics I want to share later. Thanks guys!

<a href="http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/pontiacdude210/media/90%20Reatta%20Coupe/20140908_081824_zpsiephauyj.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah128/pontiacdude210/90%20Reatta%20Coupe/20140908_081824_zpsiephauyj.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140908_081824_zpsiephauyj.jpg"/></a>

This is a pic from polishing up the car for a night out.

<a href="http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/pontiacdude210/media/90%20Reatta%20Coupe/20140912_071537_zps38h240xn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah128/pontiacdude210/90%20Reatta%20Coupe/20140912_071537_zps38h240xn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140912_071537_zps38h240xn.jpg"/></a>

This is right after I got out of work one morning.

<a href="http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/pontiacdude210/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140913_193444_zpstveb7uf6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah128/pontiacdude210/Mobile%20Uploads/20140913_193444_zpstveb7uf6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140913_193444_zpstveb7uf6.jpg"/></a>

This one is me and the Reatta on one of our last nice days this year

<a href="http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/pontiacdude210/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140906_111129_zpsvaolx3au.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah128/pontiacdude210/Mobile%20Uploads/20140906_111129_zpsvaolx3au.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140906_111129_zpsvaolx3au.jpg"/></a>

And this is a beautiful 90 coupe I looked at recently.

I had to make multiple comments because switching back over to my photo bucket on mobile was erasing my unfinished post every time. Thanks for the help, I hope you all enjoy the pictures from this summer, I have more if you want to check out my photo bucket link in my sig. Thanks for all the help guys, keeping this amazing machine alive the last 3 years has kept me sane.

Thanks for posting. We like photos.

I don't think you will find a better source for used Reatta parts than Jim Finn, Jfinn@cpinternet.com

Date night. Yr killin' me...

Was USAF in the Oscoda area of MI in '78-79, and had to put my Triumph Trident up for the winter about this date. Didnt ride it until June; it was the winter all the Great Lakes froze...

Someone posted that Ebay has those cradle bolts now.

use some "Sta-Bil" in the fuel tank before "nite-nite" - unless you are sure you're going to replace the fuel tank, then drain the tank and use the fuel in another car. if the gas tank doesn't have "cancer" (holes) it can probably be repaired. i used this on my 63 Avanti: http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Fuel-Tank-Repair-Kit_p_62.html i purchased mine on ebay cheaper than that price.

re: the tires - 15 year old tires are unsafe, period! i shared this link somewhere yesterday: http://www.edmunds.com/car-care/how-old-and-dangerous-are-your-tires.html

when the fuel tank is dropped, that will give you a good look at the rear suspension.

good luck, and have fun!!! that's what it's all about...

Is Moorland, Michigan near Muskegon?

I did a lot of land surveying there while I was a college student, a decent summer job.

Tom

I also feel with the age of the car, I would do well to replace the cradle bolts and bushings. Looking at the prices from providers I've checked so far, I can't afford to spend $400 just for NOS stuff. Can someone point me right on this?

Just posted this link on another thread regarding engine cradle bolt/bushings (insulators/isolators)

I'm also looking for photos of the original trans filter mount. Mine is sitting behind the radiator near where the lines for the trans hook into the radiator on a shop rag to not rub and it looks tacky.

Need to post a pick of this. I believe this is a first.

I need advice on rear end skitter. It feels like the rear end chatters or bounces forever after a harsh bump. Shocks are old

Just answered yourself. The rear shocks on your car are shot. It's not really safe to drive that way. A really good bump and you could loose it.

Thanks for the pics. We like pics. Pics and shiny stuff.

... keeping this amazing machine alive the last 3 years has kept me sane.

Funny that. It usually has the opposite effect on most of us.

Yes, Moorland is just outside Muskegon. It is a "used to be" town, I live on what would have been main street 50-80 years ago. I've been fixing up a place I bought out of foreclosure. It's really too bad Muskegon is falling in on itself lately, but we Moorlanders are resilient

I'm aware the tires are a problem, I've got new ones on the way. The suspension is on my priority list now as well. The front suspension feels ok, but the rear is a little bouncy.

The bushings and bolts had me freaking out for a good hour yesterday, but after reviewing it, the bolts look fine but the bushings need done. There's not terrible play in the bushings under load, but they look nasty. The bolts are just a little surface rusted, I've driven on much worse. I broke subframes in both my old J body car.

If someone could please list the necessary components to do the 4 similar frame mounts, that would be great. I'm aware the Dorman 925-005? Is the bushing and spacer, but can't find my way back to the bolt thread, size and grade. I scoured eBay and didn't find the bolts. I'd rather take a higher grade bolt to it any way if possible.

I would like to get the following done over the winter:

-4 main sub frame bolts and bushings

-rear struts

-fuel tank replacement

-key copy

-install long overdue wheels and tires

-slider for dimmer

-Mustang or gtp spoiler

-maybe source new accumulator

Thanks again for the help guys. And thanks for the positive response to my pics

Geez M55, I read through that link a few times and it scared the hell outta me. Tech talk that completely eludes my understanding does that lol. I'd like to go with the Dorman kit, 924-005 on the 4 major bushings but I can't seem to grasp whether the included bolts are correct, or what to do with the little bolts nearby. I'm trying to stay away from "noob nerves" because I know it's statistically improbable that the bolts fail in the next few weeks. Thanks for the info btw. I've read hours worth of threads on this bolt spacer assembly in the last 2 days and I'm ashamed to say even lost sleep over it.

... but I can't seem to grasp whether the included bolts are correct, or what to do with the little bolts nearby.

I personally know nothing about the Dorman replacements. I believe that a guy named D-a-n-i-e-l has used them. You can search his posts on this Forum.

I used the OEM replacements on my '89 and will do the same on my '90 this winter (I hope).

They are still available from different sources. Google the part number and you will find them.

The part numbers for the items required are as follows:

PN - 1627359 Insulator $24.08 (6 required).

PN - 11517635 Bolt $3.58 (6 required).

PN - 1626368 Cover Spacer (washer) $7.77 (6 required) Unavailable. (Certainly won't hurt to ask for them though)

PN - MFN7132 Metric Flange Nuts (M6x1 thread) $0.11 (18 required) These can be purchase locally or let me know. I can get them.

From what I saw last night, while performing a search, the average lowest price for new was a bit over 30 bux. Some were listed at over $50.00. My local Buick/GM dealer just informed me that Insulators are available @ $52.16 each bolts are also available @ $3.79 each.

Last time I bought them (about three years ago) I paid just under $25 each (plus tax & ship.)

There was a listing on Ebay a few months back (that I missed) that was selling them for $14.99 + 5 shipping ...each!

You can check with your local Buick/GM dealership and see what they have to say, should you decide to stay with the original insulators.

Keep in mind that the originals were on your car for a quarter of a century. If you go with the originals, they will last you another 25 years.

The part, PN - 1626368 Cover Spacer (washer) is not available anywhere that I'm aware of. Reusing the ones from your car are possible but not likely. They rust/weld themselves and are usually destroyed during disassembley.

But, as I mentioned earlier, if you need info on the Dormans

D-a-n-i-e-l

Is the guy to talk to.

Also, here's a link to my Album that shows what's involved. It's not a weekend project.

The rear struts can be accomplished over a weekend and will enhance the safety of your car.

John F.

Then I will continue the search for originals. Actually, the fiero kit might suit my purposes better seeing how it is stiffer. All the posts on this are fairly cryptic to someone like me who just wants to buy a part and install it. Lots of part numbers and diagrams and disagreements on the proper method. Thanks for the info on originals though, I'm confident that if I return it to originals it will last longer, as long as I hold on to my Reatta it won't see winter again.