VXAddict's Addiction Therapy Log

[vxaddict]

Although I just purchased the truck a little over 2 weeks ago, I haven't had a chance to drive it much as it's been @ the garage getting some work done. After reading other people's work/mod log threads, I figured I'd create my own to catalog the progress.

Unfortunately I'm not the most mechanically inclined person (unless you consider being able to slap together a computer from its separate components, or wiring up a home entertainment system and X10 home automation setup), so nearly all of the work will be done by my mechanic or other installers. I will try and post pics as it goes by.

Thanks to everyone's contributions on this site for most of the product recommendations.

As of December 28th, 2010 -

172,000 miles
- Replaced engine oil (Mobil 1)
- Replaced PCV Valve
- Replaced all spark plugs (Platinum 4)
- Replaced serpentine belt
- Replaced transmission fluid
- Replaced transfer case fluid
- Replaced front/rear differential fluid
- Replaced driving/fog lights
- Replaced headlights (Silvania Silverstar)
- Replaced front driver and passenger floor mats (Goodyear)
- Replaced windshield wipers (Rain-X)
- Replaced all shocks (Gabriel Ultra)

Ordered for installation after New Years
- Replace Front L/R Calipers (R1 Concepts)
- Replace brake pads (Posi Quiet Ceramics)
- Replace Front Rotors (R1 Concepts Cross-drilled/Slotted)
- Replace brake lines (Goodwrench Stainless-Steel Braided)
- Replace brake fluid
- Full alignment

Next on wish list
- Replace head unit and remove factory CD changer
- Replace front and rear speakers
- Install rear camera
- Replace rear view mirror with video monitor

[RallyDude]

Good to see all the pampering going on to a higher mileage VX. These trucks deserve to be a collector's vehicle and I am always glad to see new owners putting new life into these older vehicles.

I took a Christmas break from the site and don't recall this exact vehicle, but have you changed the timing belt?

[vxaddict]

Thanks - I just got the truck back while I wait for the brake parts. Frustrated that many shops are completely shutdown before the New Years!

The previous owner told me that he had the timing belt changed around 140,000 miles along w/ the water pump. I figure I'm good until I hit at least 200k.

I don't drive much given my work travel schedule (I'm usually on a plane). I figure I have a few good years until I hit 200k.

[RallyDude]

Just make sure to keep checking that oil level. This is my second car that has issues with sudden oil loss, and on both this and the other site, some owners have thought that Mobil 1 was to blame. They all liked the oil, but it seemed that there was a high percentage of vehicles that had sudden oil loss, that also ran Mobil 1. But whatever you run, keep an eye on the dipstick at every fill up.

[vxaddict]

Thanks for the heads-up. Yeah, I've definitely read the horror stories here. I've learned to check the oil and purchase a few extra PCV valves to replace every oil change.

I did have a bit of a scare this morning. The check engine light came on about a minute after I started her and waited to warm up. I grabbed my phone and checked this site. Someone had mentioned having the CEL go on due to a untightened gas tank. I went ahead, tightened it up, and drove to breakfast. 1 hour later the CEL turned itself off and it's been fine since...

I did notice my gas tank door is a bit loose. Not the gas cap, but the metal door itself - locking the door w/ the key prevents you from pulling it open, but there is certainly some play if I try to push the door inwards. Is that normal?

[vxaddict]

I nearly forgot - I did two mods today. I was trying to figure out what to do w/ the Fuzzy Hole. Spitfire5454 had a great idea in this thread: http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=11735&highlight=garmin+fuzzy+hole

I ended up mounting an old Garmin Nuvi 205 using some velcro onto the hole. It looks great and works fine.

I also picked up one of these USB chargers for your cigarette lighter: http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=489767

I can now plug in a USB cable to charge up either my cell phone or the Nuvi. I recommend these things to anyone who carries around USB-powered gadgets.

[Cris]

Yo guy I bought my VX end of 99 brand spankin new still have it , has 196,458 miles I'll die with mine!!

[Mile High VX]

Yo guy I bought my VX end of 99 brand spankin new still have it , has 196,458 miles I'll die with mine!!

You should post up in the 10 year section. Love to hear these great stories by the original owners..:bwgy::bgwo:

[VXjunky]

anyone raised the rear view mirror from its stock position to improve rear visibility?....and surprise surprise..who'd a thunk there'd be interior lights in the rear view mirror...man i love this thing....didnt think anything would come near winning my affections as much as my Boxster

[vxaddict]

Well - it looks like all of my new front brake hardware (calipers/rotors/etc) has finally arrived at the garage. I'm dropping her off at the garage in the morning and I hope to get her back in a day or two. Of course my timing is perfect (NOT) - it looks like we might be getting some snow while she's in the shop...argh!

[vxaddict]

So I got the truck back on Friday and have been driving her all weekend.

Front Brake Impressions: The thing stops on a dime. No squeeking, and the pedal travel seems much better. I think there's some break-in period for the pads and cross-drilled rotors, but I'm happy. My mechanic said the originals were rusted onto the hub pretty badly. Happy w/ the new hardware.

Alignment: The truck pulled to the right pretty hard before, particularly when I stomped on the brakes. That's what led to the brakes overhaul. Now that that is taken care of, the only thing I still have is a slight drift to the right when the steering wheel is at dead center. What's odd is when I let go of the wheel, the car tracks straight - so I'm thinking the steering wheel itself needs to be checked? Also, noticed there is still a bit of 'play' when i turn the wheel an inch or two to the right or left and nothing happens...

I'm currently at Best Buy getting the head unit and speakers done. I'll post pics when it's all finished!

[vxaddict]

So the Best Buy guy installed the front speakers and the new Alpine head unit. The system sounds fantastic, and the radio adds a nice bit of 'modern' look to the outdated dash. The IPOD interface is nice too.

There's only one problem (well, lots of small ones)... (sigh)

My turn signals, the hazard light switch, the rear defroster button, (basically any dash button to the right of the gauge cluster) doesn't work. I'm hoping he just accidentally disconnected something as he took off the dash to install the radio, or maybe a fuse blew?

Most everything else electrical works, headlights, gauge cluster lights, windshield wiper, etc.

Going to give him a call tomorrow and tell him to fix this ASAP.

[vt_maverick]

Another problem you're having... NO PICS!!! :p Too many words, not enough photos!

[tom4bren]

Alignment: The truck pulled to the right pretty hard before, particularly when I stomped on the brakes. That's what led to the brakes overhaul. Now that that is taken care of, the only thing I still have is a slight drift to the right when the steering wheel is at dead center. What's odd is when I let go of the wheel, the car tracks straight - so I'm thinking the steering wheel itself needs to be checked? Also, noticed there is still a bit of 'play' when i turn the wheel an inch or two to the right or left and nothing happens...

The alignment shop should have taken care of centering your steering wheel when they did the alignment.

The play in the steering should be able to be adjusted out. There is a set screw on the top of your steering box that adjusts the backlash on the gears in your box. It's an easy process & there should be a thread or 2 on the process.

Edit:

Here's one: http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=17743&highlight=steering+play

[vxaddict]

Another problem you're having... NO PICS!!! :p Too many words, not enough photos!

LOL - message received. The car's been in and out of garages/install bays lately, I haven't had time to take pics. I will do so by my next update, I promise.

:yesb::yesgray::yesy:

[vxaddict]

As promised, some pics of the new stereo install:

The Alpine CDA-9886 head unit

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG00011.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19623)

Here's the seriously useful USB power adapter for your cigarette lighter:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG00021.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19624)

Here's the IPOD link to the Alpine Headunit

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG0003.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19625)

I didn't take pictures of the speakers yet. They haven't installed the 4" Polk Coaxials yet, so I will take a snapshot of those. I do have the original 6.5" woofer that was completely ripped from the rubber/foam surround. Apparently one of the previous owners loved to listen to their music LOUD...

[Mile High VX]

Very nice...I have the 9835.

The ipod adapter in mine is finished off in the center console with a cradle in there to hold it tight.

[vxaddict]

Very nice...I have the 9835.

The ipod adapter in mine is finished off in the center console with a cradle in there to hold it tight.

I'd love to see a picture of the cradle. My installer said there wasn't that much slack in the cable, but he said he might be able to pull out about another 3-4 inches. I was just thinking of putting in some velcro tape and call it a day. :bwgy:

[Mile High VX]

The arms on the sides expand and contract to hold the iPod in place...I really like it.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCN03301.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCN03341.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCN0337.JPG

[vxaddict]

Awesome - so you have that mounted inside the armrest? I've got a similar cradle that attaches to the heating vents for my phone. I wonder if I can just mount it inside there.

Do you have a problem w/ your Ipod adapter staying powered on after the car and radio are turned offer? I'm concerned that if I keep the ipod plugged in after i turn off the car, that eventually it drains the battery...

[Mile High VX]

Awesome - so you have that mounted inside the armrest? I've got a similar cradle that attaches to the heating vents for my phone. I wonder if I can just mount it inside there.

Do you have a problem w/ your Ipod adapter staying powered on after the car and radio are turned offer? I'm concerned that if I keep the ipod plugged in after i turn off the car, that eventually it drains the battery...

Yes, if I don't shut it off it will stay on and drain the battery.

[vxaddict]

Yes, if I don't shut it off it will stay on and drain the battery.

Yup - it's annoying, but I just keep the old Ipod plugged in. I know it's bad for the rechargeable battery to keep draining it like that, but it's easier than constantly unplugging it in and out when I get in the truck.

As long as the VX battery doesn't die out - its all good...

[vxaddict]

The poor UPS delivery guy had to drive through Snowpocalypse 2011 Chicago today to bring me this... I hope it's worth it!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG0005.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19877)

I hope to get it installed at my local shop when all this white stuff stops falling.

[vxaddict]

I stopped by Autozone today and picked up a few things to add to the VX:

1. LED Dome Light - I followed MSHardeman's suggestion and picked up one of the superwhite 12 LED wafers for $14.99.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=16728&highlight=dome+light

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Type-S-White-LED-interior-replacement-lights/_/N-25pt?counter=3&itemIdentifier=205000_0_0_

The install was just as easy as mentioned. Pop off the dome light w/ a flathead and use the smallest bulb-attachment in the kit. Pop back in and it's good to go.

2. Replacement rubber antenna rubber mast - $5.99

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Metra-Electronics-Rubber-replacement-antenna-mast/_/N-2623?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=aw-rm1r&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=545537_0_0_

My original was starting to crack at the end, and I didn't like the really long antenna. I saw JDM Monkey's shorter version and found this one for cheap. It's about 2-3 inches shorter. The universal adapter for the 6mm screw fits, but there's a bit of a gap. I'll take pictures tomorrow. Reception seems better than OEM, but that could be the placebo effect.

3. Hopkins SEJ Euro Junior Cupholder.

This I didn't buy at Autozone, but at a Napa Auto Parts store. Here's a link to what it looks like:

http://www.race-mart.com/Hopkins-HOP-SEJ.html

I mounted it on the center console square piece. It's the perfect width and is adjustable to hold regular cans and larger drive-thru cups. I used the velcro strips instead of drilling a hole into the console. The velcro mount allows some side-to-side play which was scary at first since I thought my drinks would fly off. Nothing has happened so far. I didn't want a permanent mount since the adjuster is so fragile, I figured I'd be replacing the whole thing at least once.

[Cobrajet]

3. Hopkins SEJ Euro Junior Cupholder.

This I didn't buy at Autozone, but at a Napa Auto Parts store. Here's a link to what it looks like:

http://www.race-mart.com/Hopkins-HOP-SEJ.html

I mounted it on the center console square piece. It's the perfect width and is adjustable to hold regular cans and larger drive-thru cups. I used the velcro strips instead of drilling a hole into the console. The velcro mount allows some side-to-side play which was scary at first since I thought my drinks would fly off. Nothing has happened so far. I didn't want a permanent mount since the adjuster is so fragile, I figured I'd be replacing the whole thing at least once.A few of us have the Euro Jr. Mine is mounted with double-sided tape only, after trimming the bottom and right edge to get a snug fit in the square hole. Trimming also allowed me to shift it over a bit to get it away from the hand brake. It's been there for 8~9 years, so I know it's not going anywhere!

http://home.comcast.net/~gregg.north/cupholder2.jpg

[vxaddict]

As promised:

Euro Jr. Cupholder mounted in center console:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG0007.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19905)

LED Dome light from Autozone:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG0008.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19906)

Replacement rubber antenna from Autozone:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG00111.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19909)

New mod: Stick 'n' Click Rear Cargo LED light

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/IMAG00091.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19907)

I forgot that I picked up some of these at Bed Bath & Beyond awhile back. It's not the brightest light, but definitely helps when you're putting things in the back at night. It's powered by 3 AAA batteries, but since it's a single LED, it will last awhile. It's just double taped to the headliner. Very simple.

[H3_VX]

Yo guy I bought my VX end of 99 brand spankin new still have it , has 196,458 miles I'll die with mine!!

Thats how I feel about my H3, eventually I'll pick up my VX also.

[VX KAT]

Here's a thread with some additional cargo lights options that several have done:
I put in the Sylvania 3 LED unit.

http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=16142&highlight=rear+cargo+light

[vxaddict]

Thanks Kat - I was going to go to Walmart to see if I could find the same one Ldub used. The stick 'n' click single LED just didn't put out as much light as I was hoping for.