Proud new owner with noob questions!

[nfpgasmask]

Hi everyone, I am an excited and proud new VX owner and a new VehiCROSS.info member. I have a few questions/concerns, and I would like to ask everyone for some answers/feedback. Thanks to anyone who has the time to answer:

1) I just bought the truck, it is a 2001, Ebony Black VX with only 25,000 miles. Aside from general maintenance (oil change, break check, etc.), are there any other things you would recommend I do right away?

2) The truck has the stock radio/tape deck and the 6 CD changer. I have an awesome JVC KD-DV5100 MP3 DVD head unit that I pulled from my old car. Is there anything I should know about installing it as a replacement for the radio/tape deck? I really have no use for a CD changer since I listen to MP3 DVDs usually, but it would be sweet if my JVC head unit could control the CD changer. I doubt this will work, so I guess I am wondering about DIN installation pockets and if there are any options for the CD changer (like a storage slot or something if I remove it) Any feedback here would be appreciated.

3) One of the few noticeable problems with the truck when I bought it, was the dome light. It does not work. My guess is it’s just a bulb. Anything I should know before I attempt to change it out? Another thread talked about an electrical problem and another about a fuse problem. Should I be concerned that this might be a more significant problem?

4) Also, the left fog lamp is out, I would imagine this is an easy bulb swap too. Anything I should know?

5) I am going to buy new tires and rims very soon. I want all black rims and AT tires as big as I can go without rubbing. Any suggestions here would be great.

6) What type of gas is best for the VX? Premium or just regular?

Sorry for all these noob questions. I would appreciate any answers at all. I really want to baby my new VX!

Thanks in advance!

Bart

[transio]

Does you rMP3 unit have a separate hard drive to install? You could always put that in place of the CD changer.

Rims and tires... biggest I suggest is 18x9 with positive offset and 285/60 tires. Anything bigger will rub. If you want black, and don't mind a little extra $$$, go look for a set of wheels that appeals to you and have them powdercoated.

Use 87 octane. Higher octane won't give you any better performance or mileage. It won't hurt, but it will cost you more $$$

[tomdietrying]

Welcome and congratulations. I'll talk about your #4 question.

Go to Home DePot and buy the Malibu 18 watt bulbs. They cost 3 or 4 bucks for two. Open your hood, slide your hand down where the fog light is, quick twist, and it's out. Replace BOTH bulbs because the new ones are brighter than the stock ones.

Peace.
Tom

[nfpgasmask]

Welcome and congratulations. I'll talk about your #4 question.

Go to Home DePot and buy the Malibu 18 watt bulbs. They cost 3 or 4 bucks for two. Open your hood, slide your hand down where the fog light is, quick twist, and it's out. Replace BOTH bulbs because the new ones are brighter than the stock ones.

Peace.
Tom

Sweet, done. Thanks for the quick answer!

Bart

[Ldub]

Congrats on the new ride & welcome.
There is a storage pocket available out there somewhere that replaces the stock cd player, they are hard to find though. IIRC, it's a trooper part & may require some luck at the salvage yard.(use the search function to find out more)
As far as larger wheels/tires, I run both 265/70 r 16" on stock wheels in winter & 265/50 r 20" for my summer skins. Both are large enough to require minor trimming of the front cladding, but it's really not noticable to anyone but another VX owner & takes about two min. Again, try the search function.

Enjoy the new hot rod, Ldub

[Heraclid]

Take apart the fog lamp first and check to see if the bulb is really out. I noticed that my left one went out (twice) and just found that the connection was very loose. Bulb was fine though. Seems lke it would take very little jarring to screw it up, but it has been good for a long time now.

[ISCE]

...
There is a storage pocket available out there somewhere that replaces the stock cd player, they are hard to find though. ...

Just a quick reply on the storage pocket. When my stock CD changer went up I replaced the head unit at Best Buy and they had a very nice standard pocket that fit in there. I think it cost $13 installed is all. They even had a couple different options, so that might be another place to look for a pocket to replace the CD changer.

Welcome aboard!

[nfpgasmask]

Does you rMP3 unit have a separate hard drive to install? You could always put that in place of the CD changer.

Nope, its just a nice head unit with removable face that plays MP3s of DVDrs and CDrs. But, you just have me an idea I can always use the JVC Device I have now, and later when I find a suitable hard drive based MP3 player I can use the CD changer space for it! Thanks for the inspiration and answers to my other ?s!

Thanks!!!! Bart

PS - I am headed out to the garage in 5 minutes