First Contact- New Owner

[Teeter]

Forgive me if I say stupid things, like, "How do you get the spare out?" or "Gee Whiz, how many tie downs does this thing have?", but I've only had this PT for about 2 weeks.

I had forgotten driving can be fun.

It's 2008 cool vanilla touring, with automatic trans. (by necessity, not choice) I'm dreaming of tweaks and mods already, even though I love it just the way it is. Southern Rockies is where you'll see this critter. - oh, 37k miles, second owner. First owner was a rental company, so it was fleet maintained.

I've lurked here for about 10 days and like what I see. I hope to learn a lot here.

T.

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum. Do you have an owners manual? Loads of great information for someone who's not familiar with the PT, or any car for that matter.

[Teeter]

You mean that 500 page book I found in the glove box? Wow, never had a car with a manual that large before.

Yes, I've read parts, so far, but I still don't understand the mechanics of the spare and I'm afraid to try it, in case I can't get it put back right. I have a disability so tire changing hasn't been on my personal reliability menu for about 15 years.

I've even asked the Chrysler people about it, in person, and they keep showing me the release bolt- I get that part, it's what happens after you release it that I would like to know about. Does the basket swing out or do you have to reach under the bumper to swing it out manually? When you want to put it back, does it automatically reseat just by turning the bolt?

I've never owned a truck, either, so this type of stowage is new to me.

Thanks for the welcome

T.

[Hooligan]

Welcome Teeter to the Forum!!! We are on our third PT and I have never had to change a tire B 4, anyway I have AAA to do that. Hopefully I won't have to find out in the dark, have a big 3 cell flashlight anyway.

[Chromenut]

Welcome Teeter!! I'll PM you some additional info, and I hope you have as good luck with your PT as I'm having with mine. Like you, I'd forgotten how much fun driving could be until I bought my PT.



Oh, and once you start modding, the bug will bite down, how hard depends on how much will power you have to repel the Mod Monkey...

[Teeter]

Thanks for the welcomes.

Thanks, Hooligan for the inadvertent but very helpful redirect to Fuelly.

I got your message, Chromenut, and have replied, Thank you.

[twress]

Also welcome from up here in Michigan...Been here since July met lots of great people and got lots of good information.. Remember theres never a dumb question only dumb people. Good luck with the new PT

[Teeter]

Thanks, Twress

Hey, OT, but are the geese flying yet? I miss the geese...and the snow

[twress]

Originally Posted by Teeter

Thanks, Twress

Hey, OT, but are the geese flying yet? I miss the geese...and the snow

They have been swarming for awhile...there were some outside the hospital where in work by the pond this week. My favorite time to see them is spring cause you know its getting warmer not ready to snow.

[Teeter]

Anytime I see those "V"s and hear that sound is fine by me.

Ok, on to a few more newbish questions. In the "an ounce of prevention" category:

Which belts run what systems? (timing, water pump, A/C, power steering, alternator)

Any way to get brakes that are more heavy duty? (longer lasting)
What about reinforcing the suspension? (I've seen a kit, but I haven't seen good or bad reviews about it)

Anyone tried the locking gas cap?
Does anyone make hood locks for the PT? (subtle would be better, but functional is a must)

EDIT: also, symptoms for battery needing replacement in key


Would also be nice to find some dual bladed wipers, but I'm not having much luck.