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| Considering a Metro; Considering a metro + rebuild + mods | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 15 2016, 04:47 PM (700 Views) | |
| delay101 | Apr 15 2016, 04:47 PM Post #1 |
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Fresh Fish
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Hello Geo Metro Forum! Lately i've been considering buying a metro! I've had a '93 Toyota pickup 4x4, a '94 Saturn SC1, and I currently own a '96 Honda Accord, but after getting an extremely generous offer for the accord, I have decided to sell it and finally get a metro after years of curiosity and some light research. Living here in southern California, you'll find a fair share of metro's on Craigslist and even more in the Los Angeles area. Some are in great condition, some a bit rough, and some that need an entire rebuild and replacement of many parts. However, I've narrowed my search down to three choices: Metro XFI Metro four-door wagon Metro first generation Out of all of them, I'd really prefer the wagon due to the space capacity, but they're a bit hard to come across. Especially with a 5-speed manual. Going from an accord that has power everything and a functioning AC system to a bare-bones metro will be a night and day difference, but I can live without those things. However, there's a few mods I have heard about or would like to know if they're possible. 1.) A DIY (or aftermarket) cruise control module and full assembly 2.) Considering that the XFI and some other trims do not have AC or if it does, it drastically degrades the performance, would installing two small desk fans (4-5 inch) on both sides and have it wired to the battery work? The Saturn I used to own had a problem with the radiator fan and stereo never turning on or activating, so the prior owner installed two manual switches and had them hardwired to the battery. Surprisingly, it was pretty effective and not only kept the car from overheating, but kept the tunes playing during long drives. Only downside was that if you accidentally left them both on while the car was off, it WILL drain the battery within thirty minutes. Being that this is a very dry and hot climate here in the Mojave desert, AC is definitely needed at least during stop and go traffic. 3.) Someone on another Geo forum (maybe it was this one?) had mounted a portable GPS system on top of the dash, but under some matching color material so that it blends in with the dash. They did not include how they were able to power the GPS or how it was powered since in the photos, the accessory outlet was clearly unused. 4.) Like most other of manual transmission drivers, I too find the tachometer very much necessary. On eBay and google images too, I'v seen some instrument clusters that not only include a tachometer, but a tripometer too. I was never able to confirm if those were pulled from another metro or if they are pulled from a Suzuki swift considering nearly all the metros I have seen come with the standard Fuel Gauge / Speedometer / Temp Gauge cluster. Is switching them out for the better cluster possible? Does it vary on year or generation? 5.) A co-worker told me once that he knows a guy who had a metro with two fuel tanks - a mere 20.6 gallons. I'd imagine that would be the greatest thing ever when it comes to long drives considering the miles per tank(s) it can achieve. I was not able to verify if that was true or even possible though. 6.) A guy on youtube replaced the 55amp alternator with a larger amperage one that came from a Mazda 626 and it worked, but I wasn't able to get a response as to how long it worked or if it did any damage to the vehicle. Having an aftermarket stereo, those two fans, and a GPS system would definitely require a better alternator as well as a good battery, i'm sure. Also, since OEM parts are practically out of the picture, what brands would you recommend for aftermarket parts? I try to stick with the Japanese-made brands, but I know they can get a bit pricey. What parts are a must when it comes to replacing? Every make/model/generation has that one flaw that affects all of them. I heard on the metros it's the thermostat, and buying one that reaches a certain degree is a must, but I haven't read up too much on that one. This metro would be my primary commuter and the one I'd use for long trips too. I plan on keeping it at least 20 years. Your input, tips, advice, and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, - delay101 Edited by delay101, Apr 15 2016, 04:52 PM.
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| idmetro | Apr 15 2016, 06:03 PM Post #2 |
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Welcome to the madness! If you haven't found it already you'll want to start your Metro education here: http://geometroforum.com/topic/1666576/1/ |
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| Old Man | Apr 15 2016, 06:18 PM Post #3 |
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1-read abut cruise control here: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=geometroforum+cruise+control 2-you said, "Being that this is a very dry and hot climate here in the Mojave desert, AC is definitely needed at least during stop and go traffic"----I say install A/C. You will learn how and when to use it 3-go here to learn about installing a gps system on your Metro: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=geometroforum+install+gps 4-go here to learn about which oem tach cluster to get at the junkyard and how to intall it: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=geometroforum+install+oem+tach+cluster 5-forget about installing an 'extra' fuel tank. You will be ready for a break in driving long before your 11 gallon tank is ready for a refill. 6-go here to learn how to install a larger alternator: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=geometroforum+install+larger+alternator If yu have other questions the best search engine for this site is: go to google.com type in geometroforum then type in your question. for instance in #6 above in typed in geometroforum install larger alternator. Edited by Old Man, Apr 15 2016, 06:38 PM.
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| Car Nut | Apr 16 2016, 08:08 AM Post #4 |
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Excellent info
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| nwgeo | Apr 16 2016, 08:34 PM Post #5 |
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Nice post Old Wise one....
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| Metro-man | Apr 16 2016, 08:46 PM Post #6 |
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New Member
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wish i could find swift bumpers for my 90 metro |
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| Metromightymouse | Apr 16 2016, 10:11 PM Post #7 |
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Powdercoat Wizard
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If you change the front upper piece you will also have to change the headlights and the hood. |
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