2003 PT Cruiser "Woody" My Daily Driver Neverending Story Project

[JimBippy]

Ok, So I bought the car for $1000 (knew it needed TLC) with 112,000 on the clock and timing belt/water pump done 20Kish ago. I'm one of those guys who would rather replace a worn part before it breaks, with that said here's my list so far and what's left to do. It keeps me busy and I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish something. So far I think this is a very easy car to work on. Any completed items on my list I can answer questions if you're doing the same work. The remaining items on my list will be completed within the next month as weather and time permit. It's getting cold up here in the North East and Im not as weather proof as I was in my youth.

2003 PT Cruiser Limited Edition "Woody" 112000 miles 11/2016
*TBD* = To Be Done

Purchased Parts List:
*Windshield *Installed* 113000 - Tinted Visor
*Drivers side CV half shaft *Installed*
*Tie rod end-*Installed* (Drivers Side)
*Drivers Front Hub *Installed* (Drivers Side)
*Sunroof switch *Installed*
*Headlight/Fog light multifunction switch - *Installed* 113000
*Main Cabin Window Switch- *Installed*
*Reverse Light housing - - *Installed*
*Upper and lower motor mounts- *Installed* (Aligned Mounts)
*Transmission Mount *Installed* 12-10-16 113,400
*Cabin Filter - N/A (Does not have one for a 2003)
*Air Filter - *Installed* - (Wix)
*NGK Copper Plus Plugs *Installed* Changed to Champion 443 on 12-03-16
*Denso Wires - *Installed*
*Cleaned throttle Body and IAC valve, (IAC O rings, TB gasket) *done*
*2 Rear wheel Hubs *Installed* - 12-10-16 113,400
*PCV valve and hose, *Installed*12-10-16 113,400
*Front and rear rotors and ceramic pads - *Installed* - 12-10-16 113,400
*Champion 443 Copper Plus plugs - *Installed* 12-03-2016 113,000
*Four OEM Flow Matched Rebuilt fuel injectors - *Installed* - 12-10-16 113,400
Front Lower Control Arm w/Ball Joint Passenger Side *TBD*
Front Lower Control Arm w/Ball Joint Driver Side *TBD*
Front Sway Bar End Links Kit *TBD*
Fel Pro Plug wire seals - *TBD*
Fel Pro Valve Cover gasket *TBD*
Rear Sway Bar Stabilizer Links- *TBD*
Rear Suspension Bell Crank *TBD*
Rear Suspension Upper and Lower Lateral Links for Watts link *TBD*

Equipment Purchased:
Jack stands
Jack Stand Pads
½” 30mm Socket (Rear Wheel Hubs)

Interior:
New Matts *Installed*
Blue LED interior lights *Installed*

[pasadenahotrod03Dreamer]

Your car can use a cabin filter like the 01-02 cars. Look behind the windshield washer tank under the panel in front of the windshield and see what is there.
There may be a plastic housing with a removable front grate, or just the housing with no grate. No matter, you can install the filter with or without the grate, the tank does a good job of keeping it in place.
Interesting that your Limited has a rear sway bar, must be very early production as even my 03 Dream and my sons 03 GT did not have rear sway bars when built. My 02 Dream had a rear sway bar though.
I did a nice dark graphite grey 02 Limited Woodie for a friend last year which needed a bit of work. I used the six spoke chromed 16" wheels on it. I removed that pointed piece of fake wood on the front fenders, as one side was damaged as in missing, and gave it an old style real Woodie flavor. I love the Woodies and and hope someday to have one for myself. Ha, I have an 07 Pacific Coast Highway as well that needs a timing belt, etc.

[JimBippy]

I was looking to find an empty plastic box back there but there's nothing at all, just a hole! LOL! I have to find a housing and put it in. Gonna be a spring project, I wanna go scapyard shopping and see if I can't find a drawer to throw under the drivers seat as well.

[JimBippy]

Just outta courisity what's holding those hard plastic wood pieces on?

[chuzz]

Pretty sure all of the "wood" and trim is just held on by adhesive, Jim. Not positive, but pretty sure. Last time I was at the salvage yard, several PT's had the under seat bins. If you really want one, the next time I go, I'll see about getting one for you. I'd just charge you cost plus shipping. I'll even look for a cabin filter box.

[JimBippy]

Originally Posted by chuzz

Pretty sure all of the "wood" and trim is just held on by adhesive, Jim. Not positive, but pretty sure. Last time I was at the salvage yard, several PT's had the under seat bins. If you really want one, the next time I go, I'll see about getting one for you. I'd just charge you cost plus shipping. I'll even look for a cabin filter box.

Wow, that is really awesome of you! The under seat bin has become my toolbox Let me know what kind of prices they have by you, I'd like to get both pieces. This is a very generous offer, thank you.

[chuzz]

As long as you're not in a hurry right now, Jim. It may be a week or so before I get a chance to go. I made the mistake of helping a few folks around the neighborhood with some stuff and now more people are wanting help. I'll earn some quick cash, so I gotta grab it while I can. I made $120 today!

[JimBippy]

I appreciate it, no hurry, I'm too old to be in a rush anymore. When things happen they happen. I got enough happening daily to keep me busy and everyone has gotta make money when they can! Lemme know when your next trip is an I'll send you some $ through Paypal and again Thank You your offer is quite generous.

[pasadenahotrod03Dreamer]

The wood grain flat panels are DiNoc vinyl put on over the factory paint.
The beam wood is a multilayer vinyl molded product held on by adhesive.
I found it was fairly easy to remove the piece on the front fender by pushing on the edge with fingers, tools are too likely to slip and scar the paint. When you get an edge pulled up just slowly peel the piece up and off. Some adhesive may remain but is easily rolled off by hand.
The paint below the should be perfect, maybe better than the paint around it.
Some or perhaps all of the DiNoc woodgrained sheets should be available from Chrysler. I bought the decklid panel which is precut with all holes etc for about $135.
The surround beams may be available as well.
Somewhere on this forum is a list of part numbers illustrated for the Woodie option.

[JimBippy]

Originally Posted by pasadenahotrod03Dreamer

The wood grain flat panels are DiNoc vinyl put on over the factory paint.
The beam wood is a multilayer vinyl molded product held on by adhesive.
I found it was fairly easy to remove the piece on the front fender by pushing on the edge with fingers, tools are too likely to slip and scar the paint. When you get an edge pulled up just slowly peel the piece up and off. Some adhesive may remain but is easily rolled off by hand.
The paint below the should be perfect, maybe better than the paint around it.
Some or perhaps all of the DiNoc woodgrained sheets should be available from Chrysler. I bought the decklid panel which is precut with all holes etc for about $135.
The surround beams may be available as well.
Somewhere on this forum is a list of part numbers illustrated for the Woodie option.

Ahh thats what I was curious about, I didn't know if there were some sort of molding rivets or if it was just glued on. My rear hatch just looks like a piece of leather. No woodgrain left at all. I was going to order a sheet of wood grain vinyl off eBay in the spring and see what I can do. $135 is a lot of cash to me, I've got deep pockets and short arms