Yeah, so here comes a newbie...

[Andy Frueh]

Several months ago I found - and bought - a red 1989 TC 2.2 8v with just under 35k miles.

Of course, this was a "dream", so I just bought after taking it to the mechanic. He found very little wrong (as did I when I bought it).

I have several first-blush questions. And wishing to be a good citizen, if there's a FAQ I'm just not finding, steer me to it and feel free to tell me to hush up.

That being said, I appreciate any offer and advice. I'm mechanically inclined but very inexperienced. I'm interested in some minor tweaks (computer, exhaust, intake) but no major mods, and want to keep the exterior and interior as original as possible.

1. Anyone know of a place near Elizabethtown, KY (including Ft. Knox and Louisville) that will touch this car? Other than the initial look-over the best mechanic in town says they don't work on turbos, and the Chrysler dealer says "we can't get parts so don't bother." I have what's described as a very "minor" turbo oil leak. I don't know if I'd consider any turbo leak "truly" minor. It's not enough to notice, it just frightens me.

2. Where's a good place to get "little" parts like shift levers, various interior plastic knobs, etc?

3. The port windows look like they're becoming partially "unglued" How best to fix?

4. I've heard that the ABS system can be replaced with that of a Lebaron. True?

5. Any particularly suggested replacement tires (I believe these are original...no joke)

6. The seats and armrests have extremely cracked leather. Short of outright replacements (er...from? It's a sort of orangey leather; is that "ginger?") can anything be done?

7. The driver's side rear quarter panel window motor stopped working. I have the 1990 service manual (alas, I need the 89 for the 8v t2) but I can't figure out how to get at the motor. Funny thing...same motor burned out in my 95 lebaron.

[Guest mtworkshop]

Response to 7: The pannel around the left side of the spare tire well will need to come out. Take off the hard top and feel around inside under the Tonneau cover for the nuts that hold the trim in place. They are along the top edge. You don't need to take them all off. Just the ones to that panel. Also take out the door latch post and the stainless trim on the back edge of the door well and the cover where the seat belt pulls in. Un-do what seems to need un-doing on the window at the top end. Find a long (about three feet) extension and un-do the single nut at the base of the window. Disconnect the wires to the motor through the speaker hole and you should be able to pull the window as a unit. I was able to salvage one of my window motors by cleaning the commutator and brushes and lubricating the shaft of the motor. The brushes on that motor are really short so I'm expecting to do the job again soon. Be sure to check the adjustment of the window position when you put things back together. Use the soft top to make sure that the window will go in the groove of the whether strip, as well as align with the door window. Have fun!

Good luck.

Mike

[Guest LouZ]

Hi Andy,

Good to meet you.

1 - Join the TC America club, Cost about $40.00 year, you get 4 newsletters a year, a repair hint subject in every one, Classified for parts & cars, Info on meets, back issues are available. eMail tcclubceo@chryslertcbymaseraticlub.com ..

There is a process that will make your leather seats look pretty good. hint - You need real hot weather for this process to work at it's best. www.leatherique.com ..

Parts from: info@tcparts.com , www.arizonaparts.com and many other places including here and eBay. I search under "Chrysler TC" & "Maserati TC"

One of our mambers here boasts of the "Fastest TC in the World", Alan can give you all you need to know about about "how to wind the rubber band". Probably an updated SMEC, an oversized exhaust, and a sway bar is all you would want. As far as tires are concerned if you keep the original wheels ( they are very light) I prefer BF Goodrich TA Radials. They are an old design, but they give a good solid and quiet ride and they stick real good too.

If you are on the West Coast, Hemi Anderson has a shop in Ventura. (He is our TC Doctor).. Good Luck, Lou

[wild bill]

Welcome aboard,

If your tires are original they will be Michilens and say made in Germany on the side. Many people like the original tires so they can be all original but they do age and blow outs are no fun. This forum is a plethora of wonderful info as are the newsletters Lou mentioned. There are many TC get togethers around the country.

Would like to hear more about the history of your car and why you picked the TC, vin number last digits?

Happy trails!!!

[Andy Frueh]

Wow...looks like I came to the right place. Thanks to all for the great suggestions. Being in western/central KY, I have lots of cold and rainy weather, so I'm hardy in hardcore TC country out here.

Looks like the tires are original. They are pretty worn, so even if I keep them, I need/want them replaced if only because they scare me being so old. I'd have no major aversion to getting stronger wheels if they resembled the originals. I'd definitely keep the originals, as I'm somewhat of a purist.

How many rightmost digits would you guys need to be able to tell anything about this car? 4? 6? 8?

[Andy Frueh]

Oh...and as to the whole "Why I Bought a TC" thing...

Well, I've always been a mopar guy, although I was far moreso as a teenager (thanks, Grandpa). The funny thing is I was mopar when mopar wasn't cool.

First car? 86 Charger with the low-output 2.2

Second? 88 Turbo Lebaron K Car

Both of these were Crysler Metallica Ice Blue.

Third car? 95 Lebaron convertible, and that's probably the genesis of the TC lust. I hadn't even HEARD of the TC (I would have been 15 when they came out) until I started thinking about things to do to the Lebaron. For example, I never liked those "aero" headlight lenses, and thought maybe I could find a way to manufacture a replacement.

Sure enough, a search for "Lebaron styling modification" led me to this "mysterious" car that (whoa is us fans) resembled a Lebaron.

I just never thought I'd FIND one after I "discovered" the cars. In fact, I ended up donating the Lebaron after buying a 2001 Eclipse.

A Ft. Knox soldier did a trade at a car lot near Elizabethtown and I just happened to pass by the lot one day. 3 months later, the former Californian TC was mine.

[Hemi Dude]

Like so many of us Andy, we have a similar background with MOPARS. I since my first car, a '48 Dodge.

There is information about the TC and all other MOPARS at ALLPAR.

The TC page is http://www.allpar.com/model/tc.html

You will also see my 2 cars there and some modifications (basic) that I have done.

Welcome to the group. Feel free to contact me.

[TwinCamFan]

ANdy, I'll bet you didn't know that all manner of turbo-mopars, LeBaron's, Dyatona's, Omni's Chargers-you name it are cominig to your neck of the woods the weekend after Father's day It's called the Shelby Dodge Automobile Club annual convention #19 and I'll be there It'sin Cincy this year, worth the drive over if you want to have some good ole turbo mopar fun

Alan

[Andy Frueh]

Ha, yeah I'm familiar with Allpar's site...one of the best on the 'net if you ask me.

I may have to check out the Turbo Dodge meet. I don't think my TC is quite ready for that far of a drive, but the Eclipse can make it and it sounds fun!

I've long lusted after Shelby Chargers. Even if I never have one of those, at least I can keep the Turbo Mopar flame alive with my TC

Really appreciate all the greets on the forum.