johnemac

All of the tutorials on removing the oil pan do not mention the bolt under the oil filter housing. I took my time with an open end wrench turning the bolt in 2 degree increments. Do others actually pull the filter mount? Tutorials also talk about removing the starter motor which I did not have to. I also took Ronnies advise and got the premium Felpro rigid gasket vs the silicone one.

The LEDs for the license plate (t10's which are so much cheaper than the stock bulbs) and ones to replace the fog lamps really compliment the Reatta and give it a clean modern look.

I replaced the carpet with the Atlanta brand but found it was too "fuzzy" with no definition to the weave. I installed it without a rubber backing and felt the fit around the edges was slightly compromised.

Varkmotors.com has Reatta carpet available for a fair price of $134.99 and the highly recommended mass rubber backing for an additional $64.26 .Their website shows only black as the factory color but there is a additional color section that shows many that would probably be a good match. I am not affiliated with them I am just helping the resource compromised Reatta (no five hundred page Mustang accessory catalogs)

The pressure switch looks like it is in a daunting location and some suggest one goes to remove it from below. I had already removed the wheel and had it jacked up when I realized there had to be an easier way. I used the jack to lower the car so the front brake rotor was about 5 inches above the ground and found it was a very simple job from the top reaching down along the transmission level tube. Plenty of room to use a wrench and see what needs to be done. Even easier would have been not removing the wheel but just standing on something like a 4x4.

eBay item number: 301214468143 1988 Buick Reatta Base Coupe 2-Door 3.8L RARE Factory Striping and gold rims. It really is a nice car for the money and I know this color combo with the gold wheels has to be rare. Scour the data base:p

Two products that seem the most popular are Ragg Top and 303 Aerospace protectant. There are a lot of You Tube videos on their use. I may be getting old bottles or something but I personally have had zero luck with the 303 products. The one thing that really cleaned my top to a brilliant white was a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. I just cannot get water to bead good.

While I cannot comment on Leathertiques dyeing services I can relate my experience with their leather revitalizing products. You really have to ascertain the condition of the leather on your seats before paying for the Leathertique products. They won't bring dead leather back to life. I slathered it into my seats and they sat inside a black plastic trash bag in the middle of the summer sun to no avail. I later had a rip repaired by Dr Vinyl and the guy said he would have to revitalize the leather first.....to no avail. Maybe stop by an auto upholsterer to see if the leather is shot.

I am trying to enlist David T. for a simple "what would you do" concerning the 881 fog lamp bulbs. I have the Phillips Crystal Vision headlamp bulbs which are a brilliant white - the Silverstars are yellowish in comparison. Now the fog lamps need help. I was looking at cree leds but am befuddled by all the wattage's available. I applaud you for your detailed responses on other posts but I do not need a justification ( I trust your response ) just a recommendation. Thank You

Fox news homepage has a feature on 5 forgotten classics and the Reatta is included. Small but positive article.

I have not put a car on jacks for an extended time but would think of doing it just because of mice and what they have done in a short period of time as a vehicle sat.

I have a "top down" blue convertible cover listed on ebay for your consideration. http://www.ebay.com/itm/151101948850

I have the bushings, bolts, and unobtainium spacers to service the engine cradle. Since I have absolutely no idea how to price this I have listed it on ebay and let the market run it's course. Buick Reatta Engine Cradle Bushing Set | eBay

Buick Reatta Mary Kay special.

Do a search on "crystal vision" and you will see my thread where there is a picture of the Phillips Crystal Vision bulb in the left headlamp and a Silverstar in the right. I did my time with Silverstars until I saw the light..of Phillips bulbs

I'm sure these are original because the adhesive was so uniform.

A long time ago I bought a set of Monroe strutmate strut bushings part number 902965 which were listed for a 90 model. I finally got around to pull my struts and found the rubber bushings from the car to be three quarters of an inch thinner than the replacement bushings. I was into the job and knew there was no refund since I had them so long that I just put them on. The front is higher and I will replace them so this is just a warning. The only thing I can think of is that the wrong bushings were packed in the right box. The other warning is the taillight B U I C K letters. I was walking out to the car with my GM engine cradle bushing kit with the set of unobtainioum spacers for pictures so I can sell said kit when I found the B missing. I replaced the B but just for giggles I took my fingernail and pulled at the other letters and the U just fell out. I looked at the back of the letter and saw the adhesive was not flexible but dry and brittle. Checking the letters should be part a maintenance schedule. Fair warning....

Peak rebate expired. I see the charger at Advance for $89 and either code HUGE30, $30 off $90 purchase or TRT41 for $40 off $100 purchase. Nick Walker has saved me alot of money when he posted the online discounts offered by Advance.

"Dealnews.com" My daily read had the Peak 950 peak amp charger for $79 thru Advance auto. Spent $1.01 extra and put it over $80 and used Advance online discount for $25 discount plus a $20 Peak rebate listed and paid $35 plus tax. Had a glitch filling out Peak rebate so Advance just handed me a 20 dollar bill.

This thread awoke me to the fact that when looking for another Reatta is to not forget to ask if the craftsman's log is still with the car and how complete it is.

You might look at "Dr Tranny" friction modifier products. They list a torque converter lockup anti-shudder additive, and the reviews listed on Amazon were positive and the product inexpensive. I do not endorse the product as I have never used it, I am just passing along options.

I'm guessing a worn strut mount bushing

One thing on an older car is figuring out how much the paint has faded. I ordered touch up paint for my maui car and it is quite different being "correct" and not faded. A white or black car you might not have that issue. I intend to Dr Colorchip my wifes black PT Cruiser.

Thank You Gary

I am replacing my front struts with Monroe Sensa-tracs but my boots are gone. What are people using as a replacement boot/bellow? I see the Kyb and Monroe boots but they show an application date for 1988 Reattas while mine is a 90. Thank You