Help replacing a part on a '93 Metro

[DerMann]

Hi, I just received a 1993 Geo Metro with with 1.0L engine in manual. I literally got it for free, so I wouldn't dare turn it down. This is the first car that is technically mine. When I turn 16 (November), it will be mine.

Anyway. I'm not very familiar driving in standard (I've now driven standard a total of about ten times in my life, but I can do "Okay" when driving below 30MPH). So today I was out with my mom driving down our street, and we stopped. I thought that I had killed the motor, so I reach to the key and twist it, and in the process I hit the wiper lever, and they turn on. I don't notice they're on until a few seconds later. So at this time I'm frustrated and just flip the lever down (which makes them go faster), so then I move my entire hand and thrust it upward *snap*. I was the only one to notice it.

Anyway, my question is if it is possible to reattach the wiper lever to it's former glory.

I'm not a car whiz, but I am mechanically inclined. I know how to use tools pretty well, so all I need is instructions and what to use.

[DerMann]

Never mind, now that I look at it in light, I see that it was actually taped on (it was probably on the verge of breaking), so the previous owners probably had problems with it as well.

I'll just Gorilla Glue it into place and maybe a strip or two of duct tape.

A few other problems I have are the hydraulic lifts on the hatchback don't work at all, so I'll need to replace them in the future. Anyone ever done it before, or know how much it would cost? Also, the air conditioning doesn't blow cold. It blows really loud, but only at about 80 degrees. Having an AC in Texas is just as necessary as tires, so it's kind of important.

[idmetro]

DerMann;
Welcome to AF! Replacing the lift struts on your hatchback isn't ahrd jsut remember to do them one side at a time. Pricing will vary but you could call around to your local part stores, shop ebay or order online. Your A/C sounds like the freon level is low and could use a charge (make sure any leaks are repaired first) I don't know if your car came with R12 or R134 refrigerant; R134 is the more current and is much less expensive. A/C repairs are best left to the pros with the necesary tools.

[DerMann]

Many thanks for the reply.

The people that gave me the car actually rigged up a system that I just discovered. There's a pin attached to a string, and one merely inserts it into a small hole in the lift, thus keeping the hatch open.

I spoke to one of our family friends the other day, and he's in the air conditioning business. He said that it is R12, which is exspensive. He said that it would just be a better idea to convert it to R134, as R12 is much more exspensive.

[nonewcars]

Don't convert it to R134. I have a great AC mechanic who swears by this in these little cars. He converts as many back to R12 as to R134. First of all, your geo only holds 1 pound of freon. Secondly, the older ac compressors won't work with R134 very well so you wind up replacing the compressor as well. So were not talking about a lot of money here. I recharged mine for about $60 with R12.

[idmetro]

I agree with sticking with the R12; it is more expensive but I have previously converted 2 other vehicles from R12 to R134 (they aren't long term compatible so you must go one way or the other, no mixing) and my experience has been that in a formerly R12 system the R134 gives you about 75% of the cooling effectiveness of the original system. So if it was cold before the conversion it will only be cool afterwards definitely not good enough in a hot climate! Make sure your system is in good condition get it charged with R12 and enjoy it.