Hey guys. This may be one of the sadder posts you read today, but here goes.

I got my 04 G Sedan a few years ago, and while I've been lurking on these boards over the years, I don't have the skills or conviction to do many of the amazing things you guys do with your cars, with the exception of a few basic mods, some done out of necessity: z-tube, coupe mid, HR Y, aftermarket rims.

Fast forward a few years, add many kms, and some surface rust, and a baby, and my wife is now complaining that the car is too small for all the baby's crap (I'd agree with her here), and it's "getting old and shitty".

We'll probably get an SUV or something, but what I'm hoping for here is some advice on how I can spruce up the old ride and keep her going for a while, while appeasing the wife. I'm looking for "bang for buck" here, with a focus on function and aesthetics. No point in dropping a load of money into a 10 year old car approaching 200,000 kms.

Anything you guys can throw my way is appreciated. No idea is too small. Thinking things like:

• B-pillar covers to hide the rust
• New A/V (still stock...really need some advice here...add backup camera? basic iphone integration? carplay?)
• A thorough internal clean (obvious)
• Window tints?

Or do I just give the damn thing to my dad? LOL

 

Nothing will make a car look as new as paint and headlights.

 

Headlights are an interesting option, but a paint job runs at least a few k (or am I wrong?) - definitely doesn't fit the criteria here...

 

Depends. You plan on getting rid of the car anyhow, so an earl scheib respray could tide you over for around $500 or so. The headlights tho can make a beautiful car look like a$$ if they're old n nasty, or they can make a decent car look great if they're clean. They transform the car for sure.

How much rust are we talkin? Also, how are your wheels? A little elbow grease and a clear coat could restore them nicely.

 

Are you talking about a headline restoration or all out replacement?

 

Depends on how far gone they are. They can most likely be restored tho. Post some pics and let's see what we're working with.

 

Take it to a good detail shop and get the headlights buffed and polished. Got mine done for $50 and it was a huge improvement. Thoroughly clean the car inside and out. If the paint is dull get it polished, (depending on your rust issue).Forget the A/V crap.

 

Well he wants it updated a bit to keep his wife off his back, so he needs some kind of A/V upgrades. You know women. Haha (jk, OP)

There is a way to get an iPod interface or whatever for around $100 or something. You'll have to research it tho. I couldn't stand the stock crap, so I replaced the whole system rather than just putting in the interface.

 

Check out soniceletronix.com for your A/V needs. Their products and prices are great. A respray may not cost as much as you think and before putting money into your car I'd make sure it running top notch. Nothing will get your wife more upset than a beautiful car that doesn't run. As far as all the kid stuff, I'd only put what's needed in the car that's also a way to save space. Unnecessary things causes unnecessary clutter. Here's the biggest tip you'll probably get. As much as women pretend they don't care about cars, every woman likes being seen in a good looking automobile. Let operation restore begin and good luck.

 

Pay for a good detail, and replace a frew of the worn out parts and learn to fall in love with it again.



G35 is pretty baby-friendly is you only have 1. Unsure how much crap you are totting around, but I can get a stroller, toys and other stuff in my trunk and still have plenty of room.

 

If the B-pillar issue is just surface rust on the upper black trim by the windows, I would scuff-sand it off, and then mask it off and respray with semi-gloss black trim paint.

Agreed. The G is fine in the trunk-space area, as long as you empty any extra stuff and only carry essentials to maximize space for the stroller, baby bag, and toys. I'm a music teacher and am constantly hauling gear around (guitars, amp, horns, etc.). I have enough space for that crap, so you should be good LOL.

 

get a GROM USB/IPOD/BT adaptor.. gave life to my car and my broken CD changer..

definitely get tints.. and if you headlight is hazed.. polish and seal it..

of course get a detail job for the exterior and interior. Wash/Clay/Polish/Wax... That's pretty much all you can do before you get a new car.. haha

 

Depends on his paint. If its really dingey, a high grit sand and multi-stage compound could make it look new again.

 

Here's a great instructional vid. Its part one of two, so you gotta watch both, but I'm only inserting part one.

Paint Tech - Bring Old Paint Back To Life (Part 1) [S6 Ep.6-3]:

 

Sadly there was a TSB for the B pillar rust, they would give you a brand new door. Warranty was extended to 10 years/ unlimited miles.

I had mines done on my 05 like 3 months ago. I barely made the 10 year mark. Nothing you can do now. Remove what rust you can, POR15 or similiar and maybe vinyl wrap or something. I would leave it be tho.

Tints make the car look nice, also keeps the sun away from the baby. Good selling point to the wife.

Any average double din radio can get you all those things. But it might cost you $800-1000 after all said and done, metra kit is like $100, those steering wheel controlers is $50 and the harnesses. Plus the Radio should be $300-800, pending GPS, rear camera and etc.

THey do have simple plug in one that will give you AUX-IN for $50-100.