SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

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SSizler
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by SSizler »

Welcome to my garage!
Purchased my well optioned 2 owner Frosty Vibe Base in January 2020 with 183,700 miles on it.
It is my first Vibe, but may not be my last Vibe!

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Much more to follow, just wanted to get the garage door opened!

Jim
2003 Vibe Base / Frosty Mono / Moon & Tunes / Auto / 206k mi / Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD / Lava Mono / Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg / 150k mi
Many other 2 & 4 wheel toys :mrgreen:
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
tpollauf
Posts: 4025
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:37 am
Location: Toledo/Oregon, Port Clinton Ohio
Contact:

Re: SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by tpollauf »

Nice photo! Looks practically brand new still!
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2009 Vibe GT (manual), 2009 G8Gt, 2009 Vibe GT (auto)
2014 Silverado, 2004 Vibe GT

"everything is modifiable"
zbyers
Posts: 1767
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by zbyers »

Honestly, the white vibe is underrated lol. I usually hate white cars, but they got it correct on the Vibe haha.
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

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SSizler
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Re: SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by SSizler »

Well, I want to document the work / repairs done to the Vibe since I purchased it.
I should have started this from the beginning, but better late than never.
To date (1/12/20 thru 3/14/20) I have:

Cleaned / scrubbed / vacuumed the interior - what a mess that was.
Had to remove all seats, carpet, spare tire and back area plastic to get to the pop and oil that had been spilled.
Still need to clean the upholstery when the weather gets warmer.
Used a fabric shaver to clean up the headliner fuzz. That worked great!
Replaced the blend door actuator.
Installed a new cabin filter. Old one had crap growing in it. :lol:
Replaced the HVAC control bulbs.
Replaced the gear selector bulb.
Fixed the crappy wiring job when previous owner installed / hacked in a JVC head unit.
Still need to remove the door panels to get the tweeters working. He ran new wires to the speakers and removed the under seat amp. :(
Repaired the shift handle O/D wire ripped out by previous owners attempt to get to the gear selector bulb. :roll:
Repaired the cigarette lighter socket that had beeen pulled out of the dash.
Replaced the leaking rear shocks with Monroe uni-strut units. (will be using KYB strut-plus for front struts)
Cleaned and painted the rusty rear brake drums.
Installed a new air filter and cleaned the throttle body.
Repaired battery hold down.
Replaced belt tensioner and installed new old stock gatorback belt.
Tightened right front caliper that was almost falling off. Previous owner had done a brake job...... :evil:
Cleaned the oily mess from control arm to oil pan to valve cover so I can find out what is leaking.
Thought it was the timing chain tensioner, but looking more like the valve cover gasket after laying under it for 4 hours. :shock:
Next up is a coolant flush and replacing the front wheel bearings, struts and sway bar links. I have the parts. Hopefully next weekend.
My mechanic buddy will be pressing the beaings off / on for me. :)

I'll keep my garage updated with new posts as I do the work going forward.
Thanks for the read!

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2003 Vibe Base / Frosty Mono / Moon & Tunes / Auto / 206k mi / Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD / Lava Mono / Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg / 150k mi
Many other 2 & 4 wheel toys :mrgreen:
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
SSizler
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Re: SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by SSizler »

I have the engine cover, just not on right now.
I am in the process of draining / refilling the power steering fluid to get it clean and red again.
Can't say enough about the cleaning power of these GoJo scrubbing towels.

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Been using them for years!

Upcoming projects:
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Will be using the Toyota red on the left, have another gallon now.

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The struts arrived from Rock Auto with the staples popped and taped shut.
The photo shows how they were packed, a single layer of bubble wrap.
Not sure how a sealed box is packed?
Kind of pissed me off but they don't look damaged.
I thought about calling them and asking for a discount for selling open box stock.......

That's it for now.

Jim
2003 Vibe Base / Frosty Mono / Moon & Tunes / Auto / 206k mi / Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD / Lava Mono / Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg / 150k mi
Many other 2 & 4 wheel toys :mrgreen:
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
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joatmon
Posts: 10018
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2003 5:19 am
Location: SMC MD

Re: SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by joatmon »

That Vibe is lucky to have been found by you Image
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SSizler
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Re: SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by SSizler »

Three additional repairs I have already completed but forgot in the earlier list:
Replaced the PCV Valve.
Installed a missing hood support rod grommet.
Repaired the upper and lower console lid hinges with JB Superweld.
2003 Vibe Base / Frosty Mono / Moon & Tunes / Auto / 206k mi / Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD / Lava Mono / Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg / 150k mi
Many other 2 & 4 wheel toys :mrgreen:
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
SSizler
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Re: SSizler - 2003 Vibe Base

Post by SSizler »

joatmon wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 11:27 am That Vibe is lucky to have been found by you Image
Thanks!
I feel lucky to have found this Vibe.
2003 Vibe Base / Frosty Mono / Moon & Tunes / Auto / 206k mi / Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD / Lava Mono / Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg / 150k mi
Many other 2 & 4 wheel toys :mrgreen:
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
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