The front bumper "rub strip", a new exterior door handle and the passenger side view mirror all need a coat of paint. My paint code is 419, and the parts store says I have a choice of an enamel that doesn't need a clear coat and one that does. These all appear to be plastic parts, do I need to use a primer? I'm just wondering what your experiences have been?

I have had good luck painting plastic parts without using primer and using paint that does not need a clear top coat.

From your past posts, I know you bought the car with only 105K on it. I contacted the people about the car after I saw it on craigslist and it was already sold. I think you got a good car.

One thing you might want to make sure is that the timing belt, timing belt bearings and the water pump have been replaced. If not that should be a toppriority.

Jimo

Oh yeah, the timing belt, radiator and hoses were changed recently, not sure about the water pump, I'll have to go through the maintenance records again. I started to do a brake job, but the pads and rotors look almost new. I'm waiting for the ambient air temp sensor, and I'm planning to replace the premium cd unit (815?, possibly with a Blaupunkt double DIN unit. The fm radio section is fantastic, but the cd portion doesn't work well, and I need bluetooth and usb capability.

Thanks, Jimo. I think I'll try a polyurethane paint, since that stuff is pretty flexible. I jumped on that wagon immediately, I'm happy I didn't have to swap the transmission. I've been "testing" the transmission by going up the local steep bridges in "E" in forth gear at 45 mph with the cruise on, the torque converter stays locked and she goes right up it. The car cleaned up really good, looks even better than it did on Craigslist. I'm about 20 miles from the previous owners, on the Crystal Coast. What part of the world are you in?

I am in Cary just off I40.

Jimo

I'm in Morehead City, Fisherman's Paradise. I fix boats for a living.