Rattaboy

regalgal, you have too much time on your hands.

The operation is still "clunky" sounding. The mechanism is of O.K. design, just needs better roller and bellcrank materials, then would be virtually maintenance free.

I just finished putting new rollers and bellcranks on my '91's headlamps. The old ones were the mess Barney describes in his fix instructions. The headlights really snap to attention now. I made "anti-jigglers" using the plastic license nuts someone suggested here recently--not pretty but they work and they will probably outlast the originals. I don't claim to be adept with handtools, following Barney's instructions it took about 3 1/2 hours on the first one and less than 2 hours on the second. Thanks Barney!

Why lower the passenger seat?

I just retired from 30 years as an insurance agent. Having had your Reatta such a short period, you should be able to prove it's worth as the price you paid plus the money you spent on it. They also should pay sales tax and the amount remaining on your license plates. Hang tight. The adjuster should be able to recognize a cherry from run of the mill.<P>As to replacement, a '91 Reatta should make a great replacement. (I traded my '90 for a '91 to get rid of the brakes) My wife had a '95 Lexus SC400 (8cyl) and my son has a '95<BR>Lexus SC300 (6cyl). Superior cars no doubt but , of course, more money. You won't believe the the service from a Lexus dealer.

Found the invoice. Cranks were $33.90 each making them $67.80 plus $12.20 shipping--$80.<BR>Order datewas 9/17. GM Parts Direct.

Owner's manual.

Received two early this week, threw away the invoice, but with shipping and handling came out to $80 even.

The silver Reatta on E-Bay also appears to have two tail pipes. I personally would have chosen a different spoiler than that one.

Couple of high dollar ones at Hemmings.

I rented a 2002 Grand Am in Louisville last month (Street Rod Nationals) and was very impressed with the acceleration and the fact it isn't as ugly as some of the other Pontiacs. It certainly is not in the class with a Reatta.

Is the windshield the same as Rivieras of the same years?

Plain Jane. No disk player to quit working, no 16 way seat to break off the switches getting in and out, no sun roof to help open and close,if it works, and to take up headroom so you can't sit up straight. Sounds pretty good.

There are detail guys that circulate around the dealers' used car operations. They have the correct colors of leather dyes and know how to apply them. These fellows can also remove stains and can hide paint blemishes and scratches. Might be worth getting in touch with one through a dealer.

Barney Eaton has a '91 Select 60 conv. according to Data Pages--reader's cars.

I had a Bose system in a '91 Seville. If you didn't have one you didn't miss anything.

Run by a glass shop that installs windshields, they have the materials needed, the expertise, and the last one I used didn't even charge me.

How do you get gmpartsdirect.com to respond to a vehicle older than 1994?

Meanwhile, back to the car.

Speedway has an ad in the Phoenix paper for 4 1990 convertibles. Can look at them at <A HREF="http://www.reattaparts.com." TARGET=_blank>www.reattaparts.com.</A>

The late automobiles have a base/clear paint on them. The base coat is the color and the clear goes over the base to protect the color and to add the shine. Your Reatta has a base/clear paint on it. The clears are much better than they were then, harder,glossier.

There is lots of discussion on this forum about tail light lenses and problems keeping them bright and shiny. The first Reatta I bought three years ago had been in the Phoenix sun for no telling how long. The lens was difficult to keep looking good. I took it to a local body shop/restorer and had it clear coated. No more problems. To clear coat a plastic lens is acceptable practice when new ones are are hard to find or are too expensive. The new clearcoats are very durable and remain nice looking with little or no care. I love my Reatta but don't feel the need to keep hugging it with a polish rag.

According to Cadillac the snakes are in Arizona and you need Onstar to be safe.

Try Faxon, auto related publications, Riverside, CA 800/458-2734.<P>Also, P.J.s Auto Literature, Box 233, Reinbeck, IA, 319/345-6760.

How about some of clear plastic that is being used on the noses of vehicles to protect from stones, bugs, etc. I believe GM used some along the door and fender bottoms a few years ago. Modern tech is good stuff. Mud flaps on a Reatta?