Bertimus

Disclaimer: this is the same outcome repsonse as ROJ forum topic of the same name Checked out the engine struts and mounts. They were okay. The car was lifted and revealed that the transmission was worked on/upgraded by a previous owner. Thicker/stiffer springs are most likely the culprit of the slight jerk. Totally normal and harmless as far as one can tell.

A little halarious that they want $3500 and are displaying it on a floor mat 🤣🤣🤣

I know now that I should just be more patient, I am learning that responses sometimes take a few days. And it is my pleasure to share any and all knowledge I find, so that new Reatta lovers like myself have all the information they need to restore these beautiful automobiles to their former glory! Can't imagine restoring this car without the resources you guys have built! 🙏🏽

Update: I was able to track down a "General Motors Red" engine paint by Seymour. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Seymour-EN-59-Hi-Tech-Paint-General/dp/B0088LVBUQ

Won't happen again. Didn't mean any disrespect to the community!

For anyone in the future looking into this red lettering as well, apparently there's a "universal bright red" engine paint color that pretty much every company offers. I am going with VHT, but I saw the same color offered by Duplicolor, eastwood, rust-oleum, etc. Just make sure it's engine paint so it withstands the high temperatures.

Thank you for the tips I will definitely take my time!

@DAVES89 Apologies, I didn't mean to agitate anyone. I actually posted to the other site yesterday and didn't get any responses (until just now, a few minutes ago) so I tried this forum earliertoday. I didn't think reaching out for help on different platforms would be problematic for some members of the community, but I am new and I guess I shouldn't have overreached. Won't happen again! Sorry 😐

Yes my engine is the same 1988 variation pictured above

Suede seats! Rare

The paint has faded a little on my engine cover lettering. I looked through the archives but couldn't find the specific red paint code. Anyone know the code? Also, what products/techniques have you found best for cleaning the engine superficially? (Not my engine pictured, it's an example found on google)

Caliper arrived 2 days ahead of schedule, brake pads arrived on schedule, both as intended with no damage. I will say there was quite a gap in the tracking, where nothing was updated for several days. But that's on FedEx. Overall good experience, and although I have read about many frustrations with Rockauto, I will probably give them my business again. Just remember to double check and be sure of the part you are ordering!

If you want to stick with AC Delco, here are the links for the rear calipers/ brake pads: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=889758&cc=1019898 https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=9853308&cc=1019898

I ended up taking my chances on rockauto. The caliper arrived safely and ahead of schedule, and the brake pads are scheduled to arrive tomorrow (fingers crossed, will post update). Yes, shipping is definitely something to be accounted for with rockauto, as they do not refund it and will also have you pay shipping if you have to return an item. Be sure to be 100% positive on the part you need!

Did anyone ever end up buying this engine?

@Jimalright sent an email, this time for sure! 😎

Thanks mate!

Apologies if I'm missing something, as I am fairly new to the forum, but I'm not seeing any signature lines with an email. Again sorry for the learning curve! @Jim

@Jimsent you a message!

Yeah it seems like the only viable solution is to have them professionally remachined, which I plan to do, but will have to wait because it costs an arm and a leg here in southern California. I ended up ordering 2 in "very good" condition from a gentleman in Arizona. I will definitely contact you if they aren't in desirable enough condition, what is the best way to do that? @Jim

Very useful information. Is there a specific AC Delco model or specific part number?

So a over a month ago I was experiencing the fabled battery drainage that is commonly associated with Reattas. Many attribute the drainage to a variety of parasitic draw issues usually from something electrical because of the car's numerous futuristic features (for it's time) My 88 had an aftermarket Interstate battery. For the most part Interstate batteries are considered very reliable batteries. When I presented the drainage issue to my mechanic he suggested that all it needed was the EXACT battery that was designed for the car. I was skeptical. He contacted AC Delco and gave them my vin and ordered their suggestion. It's been over a month (I wanted to wait to test it out) and so far it seems to have resolved my issue (knock on wood! 🌲). I really only drive the car once every one or two weeks, so it sits quite a bit. I'm relieved to report it's been starting like a charm. With the interstate battery I had to jump it at least once a week, before I decided to put it on a tender. I'll report back on here in a month or two with another update. Just thought I'd share this learning experience and hopefully save a future newbie (like myself) a headache or two The battery is an AC Delco Gold 78VGP / G011R (comes with 42 month warranty) and is pictured below (double click image to enable zoom):

So I am at my wit's end with the center caps on the 88 brushed style rims. It seems even the second I first applied just plain old water the center caps began reacting badly (oxidation/foggin). Seems like most rim specific cleaners remove the finish. Even more perplexing is that when the finish is removed, so is the brushed/machined styling!! So apparently the machining/brush was applied to the finish and not the aluminum itself? Does anyone know anything about this or why this happens? Once the finished is removed it begins to luster into a chrome, which I have seen done quite a bit and looks awesome, but is personally not my cup of tea, as I'd like to preserve the original look. Ps. none of this applies to the rims, they are not hyper-sensitive like the center caps. So what maintenance methods have worked for you guys as far as persevering the original brush style? Eventually (when I have the extra cash, which means not any time soon lol) I want to get the caps and the rims completely remachined. I saw on a post by gentleman who had it done by Hubcap Heaven in Tennessee, and they look gorgeous, but I am having a hard time even finding that service here in southern california (if any of you know of a place post it here!) Also, if any of you have successfully restored the brushed styling yourselves, your DIY knowledge would be greatly appreciated Thank you 🙏🏽 Pictured below: 1. Condition when I bought the car (standard wear and oxidation) 2. The unfortunate state it's in now 3. An example of the usual approach (stripped + chromed) 4. Example of a remachined rim+cap by Hubcap Heaven in Tennessee

This is a pretty common topic. How does one clean the chrome on the bumper? After doing research I found out it's not chrome, but anodized aluminum, which is aluminum treated with an extremely hard finish. Found out quickly that the even the best detailing products will make it shinier, and clean it decently, but will not get rid of water staining and fogginess. After multiple attempts with every cleaner in my arsenal, I did some more research and came across Flitz Polish. Amazing, made in USA family owned company with 30ish? (Maybe more) years of experience. Plus this polish is environmentally friendly. I'm a believer now. This is not an ad, just thought I'd share this find with you guys and save you the headache I went through. I was getting ready to dismantle the bumper for a complete strip and refinish, but I figured I'd give this stuff a try first. Extremely glad I did. It definitely takes some substantial elbow grease, but it's well worth it. Takes about 15 mins of hard rubbing per 6 inches of bumper if you do it by hand w/cloth. Obviously will be faster with a buffer. I recommend the paste over liquid, as it has more concentrated cleaning power and leaves a highly protective finish coat. You can also use this stuff to restore your paint. I posted pictures below, sorry about their quality but you can still see the clear difference in luster and the elimation of water staining/fog. Cheers Reatta community!

I will have to do that on my next round of tires, I just bought 15" Cooper Cobra Radials yesterday! Thanks for the tip though!