I don't think the PS pump is new, but the belt tensioner, idler and belt are new. I swapped them out while I was trying to figure out (confirm) the racket I had going on under the hood. The tensioner was certainly making at least 50% of noise I heard initially but, alas, my motor had more problems in store.

Looking forward to updates!!! Huzzah for saving another long top.

I second that. I was talking with @blackerphotos and brought up the notion of a "saved a 1st gen." badge or something akin to recognition for keeping one of these old disappearing dogs on the road. I have no idea if this is even reasonable or if the community would tolerate it but maybe it is something I could run by @Byakuya

That is a really cool idea


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@hurddawg, That looks great - and it doesn't appear you've been met with much in the way of crazy frustration...so far, and like @waughoo, I'll be watching as your swap progresses. I've owned my 2004 wagon since early September and (touches wood, taps head, etc...) I've 'only' had to replace both exhaust manifolds, the two main cats, the flex pipe and all four O2 sensors. In truth I only had codes for the firewall precat and one O2 sensor but on excellent advise from the great membership here, I replaced all of it at once.

As @DrFeelGood says, we chatted about some sort of badge of recognition for fighting the good fight and putting extended life into these increasingly rare cars; I've only seen two since I bought mine; one was an hour and a half away and the other hasn't moved out of a nearby driveway in a couple of months.

If this badge idea goes forward, you should definitely qualify!

I'd love that idea too. Thanks for the props everyone, its a nice motivation booster
I've only seen 1 wagon and that was around the time I bought my car...since then only a handful of sedans and hatches. I sure do see a lot of new 3rd gens though. It's unfortunate to think how many 6's have possibly headed to the crusher due to failed PCVs and pre-cats

I agree @burddawg would definitely qualify. It could be a nomination style badge where the community puts forward possible recipients. IDK.


Speaking of @burddawg , nice garage to work in there...

That’s what I forgot to add; that’s an outstanding space!

@DrFeelGood, @blackerphotos, @hurddawg, @bluedevil6, @waughoo

- Loud and Clear!

@RobertD Has been PMing me about reviving the 6Club stickers as he owns a vinyl business. Perhaps he can chime in if he'd like to take on the task of making these vinyls.

If I ever get any free time I could always mock up some ideas for designs as well.

i definitely will be doing these. "if i ever get any free time" is my issue as well. my goal is to start a thread and start producing these first week of the new year. if anyone wants something they design instead i can cut .ai .eps. .svg .cdr files. inkscape is free to play with. i still want to tweak the design a little. i just used a font i noticed Byakuya mentioned in an old thread, and i don't like the 'B' in club, the holes look too small or something

right now i have the midas touch at work. i have 34 letters to make by hand which is making templates, cutting them out by hand with a 1940's craftsman scroll saw, painting the edges with gold, covering the faces with gold size, waiting 12 hours, and covering them with real 23kt gold. once that is complete i'll be making a a pattern and installing them above a church stage. i have until noon on new years eve to finish. jugggling that with a few other projects. (and burning my free time with my new mazda addiction.)