Putting the GA to rest!

[Hoags]

Well the time has come. My 96 Grand Am GT is going into retirement. I have had the car since new (1995 when the 86 modles came out. It has 150,000 on it, my son was driving it when he turned 16. The thing that bothers me is the fact that I had put close to $3,000.00 into it to have a running car for the kid. I put a clutch in at 137,000 miles, new front struts and rear shocks, brakes and rotors and drums, plus others. But unfortunately the power steering went out and the starter and fly wheel are giving me troubles. It would also need new brake lines on it as they are pretty rusty. Oh Yea, we also replaced the fuel tank due to a leak and now the fuel gage does not work properly.

I can honestly say that it was one of the best cars I have ever owned. The 5 speed transmission made it a fun car to drive. My wife learned how to drive a manual on the car and the clutch made it to 137,000 miles. It will be missed I have a lot of great memories associated to that car.

I also want to thank all tbe guys here on the forum that have offered their help and opinions when the car was not quite right. You guys know who you are So A BIG thank you to all of the Grans Am members.

Dan

[grfnkl]

Originally Posted by Hoags

Well the time has come. My 96 Grand Am GT is going into retirement. I have had the car since new (1995 when the 86 modles came out. It has 150,000 on it, my son was driving it when he turned 16. The thing that bothers me is the fact that I had put close to $3,000.00 into it to have a running car for the kid. I put a clutch in at 137,000 miles, new front struts and rear shocks, brakes and rotors and drums, plus others. But unfortunately the power steering went out and the starter and fly wheel are giving me troubles. It would also need new brake lines on it as they are pretty rusty. Oh Yea, we also replaced the fuel tank due to a leak and now the fuel gage does not work properly.

I can honestly say that it was one of the best cars I have ever owned. The 5 speed transmission made it a fun car to drive. My wife learned how to drive a manual on the car and the clutch made it to 137,000 miles. It will be missed I have a lot of great memories associated to that car.

I also want to thank all tbe guys here on the forum that have offered their help and opinions when the car was not quite right. You guys know who you are So A BIG thank you to all of the Grans Am members.

Dan

I honestly didn't think you were ever going to give up on your G/A...especially with your son now driving it! I understand though... too many issues arising for a young new driver to be handling. Is the G/a going to a new home... or to the graveyard?

[Hoags]

grfnkl,

Great to hear from you my friend! Unfortunately, it is going to end up in the grave yard. I would love to keep it but I just do not see anythin good happening to it by putting it away for a later rebuild. I just doesn't have that "Classic" thing about it. But as for "Cars" that I have owned, it has to be the best. I had a 89 GA SE when we only had our daughter and I thought that was a good car which it was, but when I got the 96 with the manual tranny my opinion changed completely. I can say that I will miss the car but at the same time it just is not safe enough for me to put my kid in so rather than "hold it" together I feel that I am making the best move by retiring it.

I am just really bothered by all the recent new parts put on, but I just do not have the ability to part it out so it just has to go away.

Again, it is great to hear from you, Take care and I will try to make sure I stop in once in a while.

Dan