What makes new cars new

388cube_edxr8 · 20-08-2009, 04:55 PM

Lo all

Not sure where to put this, I have had a look around and can't find a good spot for it, so its going in the Pub.

Anyone who has stepped out of an older Falcon (say an ED) and into a relatively new one (say a BAII) can testify that the new car just feels, well newer. Apart from the ride, and the visual input of the older vs newer dash and interior, it just feels classier and more refined.

My question is, how can i make my car feel new again? What is it that makes the difference? Obviously the monster under the hood will detract from the refined feel, but I cant think of anything else aside from maybe installing some sound deadening material.

Also, how can I make the steering less numb and more communicative without making it heavier? The low profile tyres have helped but it still feels kinda lifeless.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Daniel · 20-08-2009, 05:05 PM

Yep,
Sound deadening and new materials on seats/carperts.. Even dashboards/roof lining and doors are made from very different material nowadays.

Other than the fact is might be cleaner and smell newer, it would be coming down to how it drives I rekon, how tight and sensitive it is while being fairly comfortable.

I used to drive my dads EBII Fairmont around; it felt and smelt new just as it was in 'like new' condition inside...

Iggypoppin' · 20-08-2009, 05:08 PM

Replace all steering, suspension and braking expendebles; that is, bushes, CV's, pads, rotors, etc etc, shocks, you get the idea. Pull your dash and console apart and give it a good clean, then reassemble and tighten everything up nice and tight. Adjust handbrake, pedals, clean dash cluster and regas your A/C and clean vents. Get car detailed. Probably as much as you can do without fitting a much much newer interior, ie: BF GTP or something.

500SEC · 20-08-2009, 05:11 PM

New cars smell newer

Iggypoppin' · 20-08-2009, 05:28 PM

might also try either re-upholstering your seats or swapping for newer items. Unfortunatly it can be nearly impossible to make an old car drive like new again, due to ever advancing technology and investment in R+D but with simple maintenence you can certainly make it feel "newer"

fordOwner · 20-08-2009, 10:18 PM

Go to your local ford dealer and whack on some number plate surrounds & maybe stick on an AHG sticker on your boot?

dom_105 · 20-08-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Replace all steering, suspension and braking expendebles; that is, bushes, CV's, pads, rotors, etc etc, shocks, you get the idea.

This makes all the difference, it was like night and day the last time my car had that type of service.

Oh, and this.

big-e · 20-08-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJXR6

Replace all steering, suspension and braking expendebles; that is, bushes, CV's, pads, rotors, etc etc, shocks, you get the idea. Pull your dash and console apart and give it a good clean, then reassemble and tighten everything up nice and tight. Adjust handbrake, pedals, clean dash cluster and regas your A/C and clean vents. Get car detailed. Probably as much as you can do without fitting a much much newer interior, ie: BF GTP or something.

Or just buy a newer car.

DayTE · 20-08-2009, 11:04 PM

As mentioned, do all the bushes in the suspension and steering etc. To me a "new car" feel is one that is "tight". Firm feeling, tight feeling, no squeaks.

But go the the nearest saddlery/leather place and ask for a few small off cuts from their leather products.

Why? Throw the off cuts under the front seats and other hidden place around the interior.

Voila. New car smell!!!

Iggypoppin' · 20-08-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big-e

Or just buy a newer car.

Sometimes, you just don't want a new car. You'd just like yours a bit different or better. Not all of us can afford a new toy, but can afford to fix our current car up a bit. If I had a 555rwkw ED I wouldnt sell it for something newer...

Wally · 21-08-2009, 08:00 AM

Brush some Landau Top and Trim on a newspaper, let dry and place in boot.

388cube_edxr8 · 21-08-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJXR6

Sometimes, you just don't want a new car. You'd just like yours a bit different or better. Not all of us can afford a new toy, but can afford to fix our current car up a bit. If I had a 555rwkw ED I wouldn't sell it for something newer...

This person understands. Thank you, sir.

Iggypoppin' · 21-08-2009, 11:13 AM

No problem. Out of interest, what are you going to do to make your car newer?

388cube_edxr8 · 21-08-2009, 12:43 PM

I'm thinking about pulling the whole interior out (dash, seats, carpet, the works), and then find out what the hell it is thats causing that creaking in the back. Then I'm doing a 2 door mod, and finally some sound deadening material and a new interior out of a late model Falcon (BA GT maybe).

All the suspension and bushes have already been replaced with Pedders performance gear.

If anyone has any other ideas that might help, please let me know.

Also, how can I make the steering less numb and more communicative without making it heavier? The low profile tyres have helped but it still feels kinda lifeless.

Iggypoppin' · 21-08-2009, 12:59 PM

All I can suggest is maybe recon power steering pump, new fluid, and that's pretty much it. Without going loco on it, that's a cheap option that will help improve your steering.

tickford2001 · 21-08-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 388cube_edxr8

Also, how can I make the steering less numb and more communicative without making it heavier? The low profile tyres have helped but it still feels kinda lifeless.

im guessing a change to a stiffer sway bar may give you more of the feel youre after

are they just standard at the moment?

Fireblade · 21-08-2009, 01:02 PM

Have you replaced your steering rack and maybe pump?

tickford2001 · 21-08-2009, 01:03 PM

by the way, i like the sound of 555rwkw :hihi:

have you got a thread on your car anywhere?

388cube_edxr8 · 21-08-2009, 08:03 PM

Yeah its just the stock sway bar, thinking about going with performance front and rear ones tho, should tighten it up a bit.

Will a new OEM spec steering rack and pump really help, or is it just a shot in the dark?

Don't have a thread on the car, but once I finish it ill post up some pics.

Iggypoppin' · 21-08-2009, 08:47 PM

You could always consider airbagging the car, costly I know but apparently it dramatically removes alot of NVH and bumps..?

388cube_edxr8 · 21-08-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJXR6

You could always consider airbagging the car, costly I know but apparently it dramatically removes alot of NVH and bumps..?

I suspect I may have to. Speed bumps and driveways are an issue as it is, and its still not as low as I want it to be. Being able to jack it up a little with the touch of a button would sure come in handy.

XR6WGN · 21-08-2009, 11:17 PM

Thanks for this thread, as I am feeling a little dejected with the wagon at the moment - it might just be that it's the End of Winter and it is absolutely filthy underside, inside and out. Whilst I really have no intention of updating, I am thinking of what I can do to bring it back up to the standard it has been in the past.

I have really got to "pull my finger out" and do my head gasket and at the same time fit a new cam. I'm happy with the rest of the running gear as it has all be rebuilt a few years ago. For a 15 yr old car, it still looks after it's tyres really well so there's no real problem with the suspension, it might just need some new bushes and the Bilsteins I have been promising for some time now.

Paint wise at the moment is not too bad but it is getting a bit thin in some places - Door handles, mirrors and spoilers all need to be redone.

Interior - well this is where I'd really like to do something, starting with a Fairmont dash and wireing for the rear power windows. (I already have the door trims) I would also like to retrim my seats. Hoodlining has sagged but that will be fixed up at some time.

That's really about all I would do - yes I could trade up to a newy but I feel that with only 198 manual XR6 wagons out there is just that little bit more exclusive.